Stroke and Ischemic Heart Disease among LGBT Sexual and Gender Minorities in Japan

Aomi Katagiri; Yasuharu Tokuda; Kiyosu Taniguchi; Kenji Shibuya; Takahiro Tabuchi

doi:10.56741/jphs.v3i03.728

Authors

Aomi Katagiri Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Yasuharu Tokuda
yasuharu.tokuda@gmail.com
Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research
Kiyosu Taniguchi National Hospital Organization Mie Medical Center
Kenji Shibuya Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research
Takahiro Tabuchi Tohoku University

Keywords:

Cardiovascular Disease, Japan, LGBT, Obesity, Overweight

Abstract

Leading causes of death in Japan include stroke and ischemic heart disease (IHD). It has been unclear regarding risk for these diseases among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) in Japan. Using cross-sectional data from JACSIS (Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey) 2022, participants were categorized in cisgender/heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender based on sex at birth, gender identity and sexual orientation. Outcome was measured by past history of stroke or IHD. Multivariable logistic regression was constructed adjusting for risk factors. 24,298 participants were eligible for analysis. Overweight/obesity was prevalent among gay and bisexual participants, while lesbians and transgenders were implausible compared to cisgender/heterosexuals. After adjusting for potential covariates, all SGM groups experienced increased prevalence of stroke (transgender odds ratio [OR], 2.97; 95% CI, 1.74-5.06, gay OR, 2.69; 95%CI, 2.00-3.64, lesbian OR, 2.44; 95%CI, 1.0-3.40, bisexual OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.01-3.40) and IHD (transgender OR, 2.92; 95%CI, 1.75-4.86, gay OR, 2.18; 95%CI, 1.64-2.91, lesbian OR, 1.96; 95%CI, 1.32-2.93, bisexual OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.65-2.31) compared to cisgender/heterosexuals. SGMs in Japan have different prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared to Western countries. SGMs face higher prevalence of stroke or IHD, and transgenders were most vulnerable. There is much need in support for the health of SGMs in Japan.

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Author Biographies

Aomi Katagiri, Tokyo Medical and Dental University

is a researcher at the Department of Public Health, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. She specializes in public health research, contributing to studies focusing on health policy and societal health dynamics. Her work integrates epidemiological insights to address pressing public health challenges. (email: aomikatagiri@gmail.com).

Yasuharu Tokuda, Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research

is a generalist physician and Research Director at Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan, and previously affiliated with various academic and policy-focused institutions in Japan and internationally. He has extensive experience in health policy research, public health systems, and clinical medicine. As a corresponding author and senior scholar, Tokuda actively leads collaborative studies aimed at influencing health policy reforms and improving public health outcomes. (email: yasuharu.tokuda@gmail.com).

Kiyosu Taniguchi, National Hospital Organization Mie Medical Center

is a pediatrician and Director General, NHO Mie National Hospital, Mie, Japan. He is engaged in research at the intersection of public health and policy in infectious disease surveillance. Their work emphasizes evidence-based recommendations for effective healthcare delivery and policymaking. (email: tngk7g04@gmail.com).

Kenji Shibuya, Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research

is a physician and Research Director at Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, in Tokyo, Japan. His research explores global health trends, healthcare systems, and the socioeconomic determinants of health. His expertise contributes to developing actionable health policies at both domestic and international levels. (email: kenjishibuya1@gmail.com).

Takahiro Tabuchi, Tohoku University

is a physician and Associate Professor, at Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, and a previous researcher at Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan. His dual appointments underscore their expertise in cancer control and health policy research. His work often examines cancer prevention strategies, social determinants of health, and the implementation of effective cancer care frameworks. (email: tabuchitak@gmail.com).

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