Health of Bi+ Dementia Caregivers: Moderation Effects of Minority and Caregiving Stress

Abstract

Despite comprising the largest segment of the sexual minority population and experiencing unique stressors and health disparities, bi+ dementia caregivers remain underrepresented in health and caregiving research. This secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from LGBTQ+ dementia caregivers (bi+, n = 125; gay[g]/lesbian[l], n = 161) examined whether associations between minority and caregiving stressors and global health differed by caregiver group. Bi+ caregivers reported significantly higher minority stress and lower family quality of life but better health than g/l caregivers. Moderation analyses revealed: higher perceived stress predicted worse health for bi+ but better health for g/l; higher family quality of life predicted better health for both groups, with a stronger effect among bi+ caregivers; and more lifetime discrimination predicted worse health for both groups, with a stronger effect among bi+ caregivers. Results underscore the need for inclusive, affirming research and interventions addressing bi+ caregiver stress experiences.