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Research Scope

Across the Lifespan

The health of SGM people of all ages impacts their families, friends, and communities. This is why research focusing on SGM health must begin at childhood and continue through the end of life. Members of the Consortium are working across all of these human developmental time periods. The following describes areas of research and focus at each of these important life stages.

 

  • Childhood (<10)
    • Creating safe and healthy childhoods for SGM kids
    • Guarding against unnecessary surgeries for intersex children and against “reparative therapies” for SGM kids 
    • Studies of health care provider authority, informed consent, and ethical practices with SGM children and their families
    • Health and wellbeing outcomes of SGM kids, kids raised by SGM parents, and SGM families
    • Inclusion of SGM kids and families and their relationship to health and wellbeing
  • Adolescence (10-19)
    • SGM sexual and reproductive health (including access to comprehensive, holistic, SGM-inclusive sexual and reproductive education)
    • SGM adolescent access to culturally-competent physical and mental health care (including gender-affirming treatment services)
    • SGM inclusion, health, and wellbeing in social context (e.g., in schools, families, religious/spiritual centers, health care)
    • Specific health outcomes of interest: family support, health, and homelessness; bullying, violence, and health; acute and chronic health issues (e.g., ADHD, Type I diabetes)
  • Early Adulthood (20s and 30s)
    • SGM sexual and reproductive health
    • SGM culturally-competent and inclusive health care provision (including college/university and community/public health services)
    • Substance use, experiences of violence, and their relationship to health
    • Specific health outcomes of interest: acute and chronic health issues (e.g., depression and anxiety; fertility, fertility preservation, and infertility (e.g., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome); HIV/AIDS)
  • Middle Adulthood (40s, 50s, early 60s)
    • SGM aging experiences and their relationship to health and wellbeing (including sexual health)
    • SGM middle-age relationships, caregiver stress, and wellbeing
    • Preventive health care and screenings (e.g., colorectal, oral, breast, cervical, and prostate cancers)
    • Specific health outcomes of interest: cognitive function; cardiovascular and metabolic health (e.g., heart attack, stroke, Type II diabetes); acute and chronic health conditions
  • Older Adulthood (65+)
    • SGM elder mental and physical health and wellbeing (including sexual health)
    • SGM advance care planning, residential care, and support resources (including for grief, bereavement, and loss)
    • Specific health outcomes of interest: cognitive function; disability; cardiovascular and metabolic health; acute and chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, dementia); independent, community, and residential living options)

 

 

Research Areas

Sexual and Gender Minority Health research relies on holistic and intersectional views of each individual and their experiences within and outside of the fields of physical and mental health care. From health disparities to barriers to care, provider education to community engagement, MSU is seeking ways to ensure SGM health and wellbeing becomes the norm.

Our research looks into the cross-sections of:

Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health