Development of a multidimensional measure of health care access among LGBTQ midlife and older adults in the United States

Abstract

Purpose

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) midlife and older adults are a health disparity population whose health and health care needs are distinguished by the intersection of gender, sexuality, and age. Research and measurement considering multidimensional factors influencing health care access among this population, however, remain limited. Theoretically cohesive indicators of health care access were combined to develop a comprehensive and reliable, yet parsimonious scale that assesses the unique health care access needs and experiences of LGBTQ midlife and older adults.

Methods

Data from the U.S.-based Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS) were used, including 2322 LGBTQ participants from the 2015 wave of data collection. Twenty-four items were initially included in an assessment of scale reliability. The underlying factor structure of health care access was tested. Differences in mean health care access scores were examined across sexual identity, current gender, gender identity, and age cohort.

Results

Nineteen items remained in the final scale (α=0.90). Data supported health care access as multidimensional among NHAS participants. Heterogeneity in health care access scores was identified across participants. Bisexual, straight, and sexually diverse participants, women and gender diverse participants, and transgender participants faced more difficulties accessing care. Participants aged 66–80 and 81+ reported significantly higher health care access scores.

Conclusion

Final indicators represented the complex health care experiences of LGBTQ midlife and older adults. This scale can be utilized in future health equity research. Using NHAS longitudinal data, future research could assess changes in access over the life-course and as a predictor of health outcomes.