The number of openly LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S. is at an all-time high, yet there is a lack of understanding about the specific health challenges they might encounter. This has led some researchers to advocate for the inclusion of SOGIE (an acronym for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) in health data collection.
A group of cardiologists, in a paper published in JAMA Cardiology, emphasized the urgent need for a more systematic collection of SOGIE data across various platforms such as electronic health records, public databases, registries, and clinical trials.
It is recognized that marginalized populations, due to factors like race and sex, face various health disparities. Preliminary analyses suggest that certain LGBTQ+ populations, particularly bisexual women, may have lower overall cardiovascular health scores and higher rates of behaviours like smoking that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Information about disparities for other diseases, like cancer, is also limited. Without comprehensive SOGIE data, it becomes challenging for clinicians and researchers to address the diverse health disparities that may affect individuals with different LGBTQ+ identities. Therefore, the collection of SOGIE data is crucial for a more inclusive and effective healthcare approach.
The increasing visibility of the LGBTQ+ community necessitates a more inclusive healthcare approach. Researchers advocate for systematic SOGIE data collection across health records, databases, and trials to understand and address health disparities within this community. Preliminary studies indicate potential disparities, particularly in cardiovascular health. However, without comprehensive SOGIE data, it’s challenging to effectively address these disparities. Hence, integrating SOGIE into health data collection is crucial for a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.
