Increased adverse health outcomes in sexual minority populations exposed to stressful childhood experiences: a meta-analysis

Within sexual- and gender-minority (SGM) populations, stressful childhood experiences (SCEs) impact health outcomes in adulthood. We conducted a meta-analysis of the impact of SCEs on health outcomes among SGM populations. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 64 independent studies from 2013-2022 was conducted. Seven health outcomes were identified: psychological health (k = 26), suicide and related behaviors (k=23), substance use (k=14), sexual health (k=13), physical health (k=5), housing instability (k=3), and adulthood abuse/victimization (k=2) with meta-analyses for each health outcome finding increased odds (31-132%) for developing an adverse health outcome in adulthood following SCEs among SGM individuals. These increased odds highlight the need to assess for SCEs in research and clinical practice. Beyond research and clinical practice, these findings yield critical policy implications for creating environments to mitigate the impact of SCEs on health outcomes for SGM individuals.