Health-Related Quality of Life in Sexual Minority College Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The objective was to examine differences in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in sexual minority (SM) college undergraduate students compared to their heterosexual peers. Methods A cross sectional convenience sample of college undergraduate students completed an online survey that assessed HRQOL, demographics, and height/weight. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported height and weight. A one-way MANCOVA was used to determine differences in HRQOL variables between SM and heterosexual participants while controlling for BMI and gender. Results Participants (N = 690) were 19.9 ± 1.8 years old, mostly female (63%), and white (83%). Twenty-four % (n = 165) of students identified as SM. There were statistically significant differences in HRQOL between SM and heterosexual students, (F (6, 584) = 8.89, P < 0.001