Abstract
Objective: Little is known about the health status of the diverse population of student service members and veterans (SSM/V) enrolling in higher education in great numbers. The objective of this study was to explore the differences in physical health characteristics by sexual orientation among a national sample of SSM/V. Methods: Using secondary data, a series of maximum likelihood (ML) logistic regression models were estimated to explore physical health characteristics by sexual orientation in a sample of SSM/V. Results: SSM/V that identify as lesbian or gay reported higher rates of treatment and diagnosis for some physical health matters (respiratory illness and HIV) when compared with their heterosexual counterparts. Conclusions: Our findings support the need for campus health officials and policymakers to develop services to address the physical health needs of this population that differ from their peers.
Conflict of interest disclosure
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.