Disordered eating in sexual minority post-9/11 United States veterans.
Int J Eat Disord
; 55(4): 470-480, 2022 04.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35092637
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
It is well documented that sexual minority individuals are more likely to report disordered eating (DE) than those identifying as heterosexual. Although DE is prevalent in veterans, investigation of potential disparities in DE among sexual minority veterans is limited. This study examined rates of DE in post-9/11 United States (U.S.) veterans identifying as sexual minorities and explored their association with discrimination because of marginalized identities.METHODS:
A national sample of recently separated post-9/11 U.S. veterans were recruited. Women (N = 805; heterosexual [n = 656]; lesbian [n = 51]; bisexual [n = 98]) and men (N = 558; heterosexual [n = 540]; gay [n = 11]; bisexual [n = 7]) completed a survey assessing eating behaviors, mental health, and military experiences. Weighted correlational and regression analyses were conducted. Analyses in men were exploratory.RESULTS:
DE was prevalent across gender and sexual orientation identity groups. Women identifying as bisexual and men identifying as gay reported higher rates of DE and consequent impairment compared to veterans who identified as heterosexual. There were no differences in DE between heterosexual and lesbian female veterans, but lesbian women reported lower DE-related impairment. Experiencing any discrimination in the military was positively related to DE.DISCUSSION:
This study found evidence of disparities in DE among sexual minority U.S. military veterans. While the factors contributing to these differences, such as the role of discrimination, are not completely understood, DE is a health concern for sexual minority veterans and requires continued investigation. PUBLICSIGNIFICANCE:
Sexual minority individuals experience disparities in disordered eating; yet, this has not been explored in military veterans. This study found that disordered eating is a significant health concerns for veteran women and men, especially among those identifying as sexual minorities. More research is needed to explore why these disparities exist, such as the role of minority stress, in order to address the unique healthcare needs of these veterans.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Veteranos
/
Trastornos de Alimentación y de la Ingestión de Alimentos
/
Homosexualidad Femenina
/
Minorías Sexuales y de Género
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Eat Disord
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos