Grant: Catalyst Grant: Analysis of CLSA Data - IGH Research Priority Areas

LGBTQIA+ is a diverse subgroups of individuals who have minoritized sexual and gender identities. LGBTQIA+ adults may be at risk for alcohol use and cigarette smoking, which are leading preventable contributors to death in Canada. The proposed research will examine patterns of alcohol and cigarette use and related social and psychological factors that impact these health behaviours. Specifically, little is known about the use of these substances in LGBTQIA+ communities in Canada as they age. LGBTQIA+ adults are minoritized, which puts them at risk of minority stressors (e.g., victimization, discrimination). These stressors can produce psychological distress and mental health symptoms, contributing to alcohol and tobacco inequities. Therefore, we will examine patterns of use of these substance and compare them between individuals with varying sexual and gender identities. We will also consider how certain vulnerabilities interact with minority status to produce risk, and can help explain links between LGBTQIA+ identities, victimization, mental health, and substance use. We will accomplish this using longitudinal models and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Specifically, we will address three research aims: (1) describe and compare patterns of alcohol and cigarette use across adulthood amongst different sexual and gender identities, (2) examine how mental health can impact substance use patterns in these groups, and (3) evaluate if childhood victimization worsens disparities in substance use during adulthood. The research will improve our understanding of how psychological and social aspects of people's lives impact health via substance use. the anticipated impact of this work is improving our understanding of health disparities experienced by LGBTQIA+ adults in Canada, which can inform future intervention work.