A first of its kind report has been published by NHS Digital on the health outcomes and health behaviours of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adults.
The data is based on a representative sample of adults aged 16 and over who participated in the Health Survey for England (HSE) between 2011–2018. Breakdowns by age, ethnicity and sex are also covered in the report.
The National Centre for Social Research’s (NatCen) analysis found that 2% (1,132) of adults surveyed over the eight years identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
LGB adults had lower average mental well-being scores on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) (48.9) compared with heterosexual adults (51.4), with LGB women reporting the lowest well-being scores (47.3).
16% of LGB adults said they had a mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorder as a longstanding condition. The proportion of heterosexual adults reporting the same was lower at 6%.
NHS Digital’s Chief Statistician Chris Roebuck said: “One of the biggest benefits to collecting and publishing health data is the ability to highlight health inequalities.
“We’re pleased to be able to publish these LGB statistics for the first time, which show important differences in health status and behaviours.”