The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has published an article by Assistant Professor Omar Martinez describing health disparities among sexual minority Hispanics.

“Sexual and Behavioral Health Disparities Among Sexual Minority Hispanics/Latinos: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2014” offers significant evidence, derived from data from national representative samples, of health disparities among gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) Hispanics. Notably, the study found elevated odds for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, smoking, and illicit substance use.

Martinez recommends further research to identify intervention opportunities in the GLB Hispanic population. “Our findings highlight alarming health disparities and suggest that greater public health efforts are needed to enhance health, close research gaps, and eliminate disparities that disproportionately affect sexual minority Hispanics,” says Martinez, whose research interests focus on health interventions for LGBTQ and transgender Hispanics. He joined the faculty of the School of Social Work in 2015.