Health Disparities and Risk Behaviors
An important area of my research examines disparities in mental and physical health among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) populations, with particular emphasis on substance use, sexual health, HIV-related risk, and the social and structural factors that contribute to adverse health outcomes.
Much of my earlier research in this area utilized longitudinal data from Project 18 (P18), a cohort study of young gay and bisexual men conducted by the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies. Findings from this research demonstrated that substance use and sexual behaviors associated with HIV transmission changed over time during emerging adulthood, highlighting the importance of understanding health-related behaviors within a developmental context.
Guided by syndemic theory, my research has also examined the co-occurrence of substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and mental health problems among young sexual minority men. Longitudinal measurement models identified a persistent underlying pattern of interconnected health concerns, providing support for a syndemic framework for understanding health disparities in this population. These findings underscore the importance of examining multiple, overlapping health challenges rather than considering individual risk behaviors or mental health concerns in isolation.
Another area of my research has explored the role of patient-provider relationships in sexual health care, including how trust and communication with primary care providers may influence disclosure of sexual behaviors among gay and bisexual men. This work reflects a broader interest in understanding how interpersonal and health care contexts can facilitate or hinder access to affirming and effective health services.
Together, these lines of research contribute to a broader understanding of LGBTQ+ health disparities and highlight the importance of approaches that address the interconnected behavioral, psychological, interpersonal, and structural factors influencing health and well-being.
Findings from this research have been published in journals including AIDS and Behavior, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, and Substance Use & Misuse.