Comparing Stroke Risk Factors Among Sexual Minority Groups in Texas

Knowledge gaps remain on stroke risk and disparities between sexual minority (SM) subgroups. In this study, stroke risk between SM subgroups, specifically gay/bisexual men and lesbian/bisexual women (G/BM and L/BW), was assessed. Data were collected in June 2022 using a bilingual (English and Spanish) cross-sectional paper-and-pen survey distributed among 183 SM individuals attending the 2022 Houston Pride Parade and Festival, as well as across Texas via phone call or online format. Relevant sociodemographic and stroke risk factors were compared between G/BM and L/BW using chi-square (or Fisher's exact, when appropriate) and two-sample t-tests. Sexual orientation was used to predict stroke risk using multiple binomial logistic regression, adjusting for other sociodemographic determinants. While comparing the stroke risk factors between G/BW and L/BW, statistically significant differences were found in hypertension (p = 0.047), age (p