Prevalence of Substance Use Among Asian Sexual Minority Individuals in the United States, 2015-2020

Asian sexual minorities (SMs) are an under-researched population. SMs are at higher risk for substance use problems than heterosexuals, but little research exists specifically on Asians who are SM. This study compared the prevalence of substance use among Asian SMs and among adults by race/ethnicity and sexual identity in the US. Data were analyzed from participants in the 2015-2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalized adults. Controlling for demographic characteristics, logistic regression models were used to estimate odds of substance use 1) among Asian adults by sexual identity (N = 11,079) and 2) all adults by race/ethnicity and sexual minority status (N = 223,971). Among Asians, compared to heterosexuals, identifying as gay/lesbian was associated with higher odds of past-month use of marijuana. Bisexual Asians were at higher odds of engaging in past-year prescription opioid misuse and having past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD). Compared to White heterosexuals, Asian SMs were at lower odds for past-month binge drinking and cocaine use, but not for past-month marijuana use and past-year AUD, marijuana use disorder, and prescription opioid misuse. More research is needed to understand these disparities and address sexual identity's role in substance use among Asians.

Automated summary

Asian sexual minorities (SMs) are a neglected research group, with limited studies on the prevalence of substance use among Asian SMs. This study compared substance use rates among Asian SMs and adults of different races and sexual identities in the US. The findings showed that compared to heterosexual Asians, gay/lesbian Asians had higher odds of marijuana use, while bisexual Asians had higher odds of prescription opioid misuse and alcohol use disorder. Asian SMs had lower odds of binge drinking and cocaine use compared to White heterosexuals. However, further research is needed to understand these disparities and the role of sexual identity in substance use among Asians.