Health and well-being of LGBT+ people

About the study

In summer 2024, the Health and Well-being of LGBT+ People research project received a grant from the Student Innovation Fund. The project was a collaboration between Reykjavík City and Samtökin '78 - The National Queer Organization of Iceland.

The project's main focus was to examine the health and well-being of LGBT+ people in Iceland, a subject that has been little researched until now. The study used data from the Health and Well-being Survey conducted by the Directorate of Health every five years. The study examined key factors such as experiences of violence, alcohol and substance use, and mental health, highlighting unique challenges faced by the LGBT+ community in these areas.

LGBT+ individuals scored worse in almost all key health and well-being factors examined in the study. They reported worse physical and mental health than non-LGBT+ individuals and were more likely to have experienced or been diagnosed with chronic fatigue, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder and/or depression. LGBT+ individuals were also more likely to have experienced violence, whether emotional, physical, or sexual.

The results will be used to develop more targeted actions and policies to support the public health of the LGBT+ community. Prevention is a key factor, as well as education about LGBT+ issues within the healthcare system and increased support for the LGBT+ community. More information about the results and proposed actions can be found in the research report below.