Examining the social determinants of LGBT+ health and wellbeing

This publication is a scoping review of the findings of almost 200 UK studies, primarily published over the past five years. The fundamental drivers of health inequalities among LGBT+ groups were examined within the UK, where possible, with some limited reference to studies out with the UK in order to illustrate specific issues or gaps in UK evidence. Consideration was given to individual groups within the LGBT+ community and the ways in which unmet public health needs are manifest at different life stages.

The scoping review groups and presents the evidence relating to LGBT+ health inequalities under seven interwoven themes. These are: 

1. Data inadequacies
2. Life course discrimination, intolerance and microaggressions
3. Mental health and wellbeing
4. Adolescence and mental health
5. Physical health and risk factors
6. Healthcare access and experiences
7. Health in older age

The review also presents key policy recommendations based on the evidenced social determinants of LGBT+ health and the identified unmet health needs within the population. These evidence-based policy recommendations recognise the social determinants of LGBT+ health and wellbeing and aim to redress the priority health inequalities evident. Recommendations for future research are also made based upon the scope, nature, and gaps within the evidence reviewed.

Read more about this project.