Changes in General Health and Mental Health Outcomes in an Urban Population Over a Decade: A Population-Representative Analysis Stratified by Sexual Orientation.

We explored population-level changes in general and mental health outcomes among sexual minority and heterosexual New York City (NYC) adults. Using the NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, we analyzed data from 2931 adults surveyed between 2004 and 2014. Sexual minority (LGB+) participants included those who identified as , , , , or . Prevalence estimates of general health, mental health services use, prescription use for a mental/emotional condition, and mental/emotional disability were calculated. Changes in these estimates were compared across survey iterations with two-sided -tests. Multivariate log binomial regression modeling was also employed. Across the study period, LGB+ adults reported a decrease in fair/poor general health (24%-18%). Compared to 2004, LGB+ adults in 2014 were more likely to use mental health services (15%-27%), take prescription medication for a mental/emotional condition (11%-20%), and have a mental/emotional disability limiting work (5%-10%). Point estimates showed similar changes over time among both LGB+ and heterosexual adults, but some changes were not statistically significant. We also found that bisexual adults utilized mental health services (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-3.44) and medications (PR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.72-4.96) more than heterosexual adults. Although reporting fair/poor general health decreased, the prevalence of using mental health services, using prescription medication, and having a mental/emotional disability increased for both LGB+ and heterosexual adults in NYC. These findings may be related to greater mental health literacy and awareness or to other population-wide trends.