Same-Sex Contact and Lifetime Sexually Transmitted Disease Diagnoses Among Older Adults.

Objective

This study examines difference in sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence between sexual minority and heterosexual older adults using lifetime experience of same-sex contact (SSC) as a measure of sexual orientation. Method: Data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 2,519) are analyzed using negative binomial regression and propensity matching models to test for differences in average STD counts by sexual orientation.

Results

Older adults who report any SSC have higher lifetime counts of STDs. This difference persists even when controlling for sex, race, education, age, military status, and incarceration. Propensity matching models show that this difference persists when respondents are matched on several factors that may influence SSC prior to STD contraction. Discussion: The present results call for greater attention from policy makers and researchers because the sexual orientation differences in STDs may exacerbate disparities in overall health status and quality of life.