Few studies outline interventions to reduce health inequities in LGBTQ youth

LGBTQ youth have a higher risk of substance use disorder and mental health conditions, and researchers behind a new review find a small number of scientific studies outline interventions to address these elevated risks. Out of nearly 8,000 studies, the scientists identified nine that specified interventions aimed at mental health problems, avoiding violence victimization, and alleviating substance use. The health disparities experienced by sexual and gender minority youth are likely to persist given the paucity of interventions in scientific literature, the authors write. Others writing in a related commentary also highlight the fact that LGBTQ youth may not always have access to traditional medical facilities and highlight the “need to develop interventions and policies that help us meet these youth where they are.”