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Lesbian, gay and bisexual college student perspectives on disparities in weight‐related behaviours and body image: a qualitative analysis

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  • Nicole A VanKim
  • Carolyn M Porta
  • Marla E Eisenberg
  • Dianne Neumark‐Sztainer
  • Melissa N Laska

Abstract

Aims and objectives To (1) explore college students' perceived sexual orientation‐related barriers to engaging in physical activity, eating healthfully and maintaining healthy body images and (2) identify types of campus resources on physical activity, healthy eating and body image available to lesbian, gay and bisexual college students. Background Previous research has highlighted sexual orientation disparities in weight status, physical activity, healthy eating and body image. Despite this, little is known about the context surrounding these disparities. Design Cross‐sectional study using individual interviews. Methods Thirty (15 males, 15 females) lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and pansexual‐identified college students, aged 18–30 years participated in the study. Quasi‐inductive coding was used to analyse transcribed interview data and an iterative coding process was used to organise data into themes. Results Many felt their sexual orientation helped them be physically active, engage in healthful eating habits and have a positive body image. However, sexual orientation was also identified as a stressor that adversely impacted physical activity and eating habits. Conclusions Lesbian, gay and bisexual students may have to negotiate their sexuality in ways that could adversely influence their physical activity, eating habits and body image. Both clinical and institutional interventions should be inclusive of all people, including lesbian, gay and bisexual, queer, and pansexual students. Further, tailored interventions to meet the specific health needs of sexual minority populations are needed. Relevance to clinical practice Clinicians need to understand the context in which sexual minority young adults experience health promotion messaging and programming. Clinic‐based tailored interventions are critical as part of a multi‐faceted approach in promoting physical activity and healthier eating habits for all young people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and pansexual, to more effectively address the prevention of chronic diseases.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole A VanKim & Carolyn M Porta & Marla E Eisenberg & Dianne Neumark‐Sztainer & Melissa N Laska, 2016. "Lesbian, gay and bisexual college student perspectives on disparities in weight‐related behaviours and body image: a qualitative analysis," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(23-24), pages 3676-3686, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:25:y:2016:i:23-24:p:3676-3686
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Boehmer, U. & Bowen, D.J. & Bauer, G.R., 2007. "Overweight and obesity in sexual-minority women: Evidence from population-based data," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(6), pages 1134-1140.
    2. Laska, M.N. & Van Kim, N.A. & Erickson, D.J. & Lust, K. & Eisenberg, M.E. & Rosser, B.R.S., 2015. "Disparities in weight and weight behaviors by sexual orientation in college students," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(1), pages 111-121.
    3. Rosario, M. & Corliss, H.L. & Everett, B.G. & Reisner, S.L. & Austin, S.B. & Buchting, F.O. & Birkett, M., 2014. "Sexual orientation disparities in cancer-related risk behaviors of tobacco, alcohol, sexual behaviors, and diet and physical activity: Pooled youth risk behavior surveys," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(2), pages 245-254.
    4. Conron, K.J. & Mimiaga, M.J. & Landers, S.J., 2010. "A population-based study of sexual orientation identity and gender differences in adult health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(10), pages 1953-1960.
    5. Deputy, N.P. & Boehmer, U., 2014. "Weight status and sexual orientation: Differences by age and within racial and ethnic subgroups," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(1), pages 103-109.
    6. Eisenberg, Marla E. & Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne & Story, Mary & Perry, Cheryl, 2005. "The role of social norms and friends' influences on unhealthy weight-control behaviors among adolescent girls," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(6), pages 1165-1173, March.
    7. Fredriksen-Goldsen, K.I. & Kim, H.-J. & Barkan, S.E., 2012. "Disability among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults: Disparities in prevalence and risk," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(1), pages 16-21.
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