title: Toward global comparability of sexual orientation data in official statistics: a conceptual framework of sexual orientation for health data collection in New Zealand's official statistics system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Effectively addressing health disparities experienced by sexual minority populations requires high-quality official data on sexual orientation. We developed a conceptual framework of sexual orientation to improve the quality of sexual orientation data in New Zealand's Official Statistics System.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed conceptual and methodological literature, culminating in a draft framework. To improve the framework, we held focus groups and key-informant interviews with sexual minority stakeholders and producers and consumers of official statistics. An advisory board of experts provided additional guidance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The framework proposes working definitions of the sexual orientation topic and measurement concepts, describes dimensions of the measurement concepts, discusses variables framing the measurement concepts, and outlines conceptual grey areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The framework proposes standard definitions and concepts for the collection of official sexual orientation data in New Zealand. It presents a model for producers of official statistics in other countries, who wish to improve the quality of health data on their citizens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, P.O. Box 7343, Wellington, New Zealand. frank.pega@otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pega
authors.forename: Alistair
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Jaimie F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Veale
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Binson
authors.forename: Randell L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Sell
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005104:Expert Testimony; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data