Mental health and social connection among older lesbian and bisexual women

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess differences in psychosocial and mental health outcomes between older lesbian and bisexual women compared to heterosexual women. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: The study was carried out in the California Teachers Study, a prospective cohort study. Participants: Self-identified heterosexual (n = 35,846), lesbian (n = 710), and bisexual (n = 253) women 50 years of age and older were enrolled. Measurements: Validated questionnaires were used to measure social connection, overall happiness, and depression. Logistic regression modeling was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing lesbian and bisexual women separately to heterosexual women in relation to psychosocial and mental health outcomes. Results: After controlling for age and marital status, older bisexual women were significantly more likely to report lack of companionship (OR = 2.00; 95% CI, 1.30–3.12) and feeling left out (OR = 2.33; 95% CI, 1.36–3.97) compared to older heterosexual women. The odds of reporting feeling isolated from others was significantly higher in lesbian (OR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.06–2.30) and bisexual women (OR = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.37–3.87) than in heterosexual women. The OR (95% CI) for reporting not being very happy overall was 1.96 (CI, 1.09–3.52) in bisexual women and 1.40 (0.92–2.14) in lesbian women compared to heterosexual women. The likelihood of reporting diagnosed depression was significantly higher in lesbian women (OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.38–1.97) and bisexual women (OR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.67–2.93) compared to heterosexual women. Conclusion: Inclusion of lesbian and bisexual women in aging research is essential to understand their unique mental and other health needs, including those specific to bisexual women.