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Methodological Issues in Identifying Sexuality for Research

School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Kentucky, lee.ridner{at}louisville.edu

Robert Topp, PhD, RN

School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Kentucky

Karen L. Frost, PhD, MBA

iRAP Biomechanical Consulting, Louisville, Kentucky

Sexuality is a complex concept that can be measured based on various aspects. Depending on the variable of interest, investigators may wish to focus on sexual behavior (activity), sexual orientation (attraction to a particular gender), or sexual identity (self-identification with a particular group of people). Further complicating the process is the fact that these aspects of sexuality are not always congruent with one another. Lesbian, gay, and bisexuals (LGB) are sexual minorities that have been identified as one of several groups that experience health disparities. For researchers working with the LGB population, properly identifying and defining which aspect of sexuality is of interest to the investigator is paramount in obtaining accurate outcomes.

Key Words: sexuality • methods • homosexuality • minority groups

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