An intersectional analysis of behavioral financial hardship and healthcare utilization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another nonheterosexual or cisgender identity (LGBTQ+) cancer survivors experience high financial hardship. However, structural drivers of inequities do not impact all LGBTQ+ individuals equally. Using All of Us data, we conducted an intersectional analysis of behavioral financial hardship among LGBTQ+ cancer survivors.

Methods: LGBTQ+ inequities in behavioral financial hardship (ie, cost-related foregone care, delayed care, and medication alterations) and non-cost-related delayed care were estimated using All of Us data. Multivariable logit models were used to generate predicted probabilities, average marginal effects, and 95% confidence intervals. Models were then used to estimate inequities when disaggregating LGBTQ+ status and combing LGBTQ+ status with age, race, ethnicity, and treatment status.

Results: This analysis included N = 36 217 cancer survivors (6.6%, n = 2399 LGBTQ+). In multivariable models, LGBTQ+ identity was associated with higher probabilities of and significant average marginal effects for all types of behavioral financial hardship (foregone care 31.1% vs 19.4%; delayed care 22.6% vs 15.6%; medication alterations 19.2% vs 11.9%) and non-cost delayed care (14.3% vs 7.2%). Within the disaggregated analysis, cisgender bisexual and another/multiple orientation women and gender minority survivors had the highest predicted probabilities of all outcomes. In intersectional analyses, survivors who were aged 18-39 and LGBTQ+, Black and LGBTQ+, or Hispanic/Latine and LGBTQ+ had the highest predicted probabilities of all outcomes.

Conclusions: LGBTQ+ cancer survivors experience significantly more behavioral financial hardship and non-cost-related delayed care than non-LGBTQ+ cancer survivors. Interventions at the individual, system, and policy level are needed to address LGBTQ+ inequities in financial hardship.