The Hidden Health Divide: Who Discloses Their Identity to Whom?
A national study examines the contexts in which U.S. adults disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) information. The research, published in the American Journal of Public Health, investigates the patterns and settings of SOGI disclosure, highlighting the complex interplay between personal identity, social environment, and health data collection. This work is crucial for understanding the completeness and accuracy of demographic data, which directly impacts health equity research and the design of inclusive public health interventions.
Why it might matter to you:
Understanding the barriers to identity disclosure is fundamental for designing effective, equitable chronic disease prevention programs. This research provides a critical lens for assessing data quality in behavioral health studies, which can influence the targeting and perceived relevance of interventions for marginalized groups. For a practitioner focused on health behavior, these findings underscore the need to create clinical and research environments that foster trust to obtain accurate data for tailored prevention strategies.
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