Comparison of depressive symptoms and inflammation between sexual minorities and heterosexuals using NHANES study of 8538 participants

Abstract

The present study aims to compare the rate of depressive symptoms and inflammation levels between sexual minorities and heterosexuals. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2010. Depressive-related symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scoring system. C-reactive protein was analyzed with the Behring Nephelometer. Of 8538 participants, 95.8% self-reported as heterosexual and 4.2% as sexual minority. Depressive symptoms were reported in 7.1% of heterosexuals compared to 15.8% in sexual minorities (P = 0.001). In heterosexuals, C-reactive protein was higher in those with depressive symptoms compared to those without (P < 0.001). In sexual minorities, similar results were found, however, it was statistically insignificant. The intersection group of black sexual minority females reported the highest rate of depressive symptoms at 33.4%. We found that depressive symptoms were higher in sexual minorities compared to heterosexuals. Furthermore, systemic inflammation was highest in the intersection group of black sexual minority females.