LGBTQIA+ and health disparities

We all rely on healthcare services at some point and often take them for granted. However, not everybody has the same access to health advice or treatment. This means that certain populations will have poorer health outcomes or health disparities. The LGBTQIA+ community is one population that finds it difficult to receive accessible, unprejudiced health care.

The CAP national survey of LGBTQ individuals in 2020 showed disturbing results of many LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing discrimination or not seeking healthcare because of past discrimination. The survey also showed that these individuals are at higher risk for poor health in many areas, especially mental health. A total of 15% reported postponing or not seeking medical care when needed because of disrespect or discrimination from healthcare providers. Of those individuals who reported the discrimination or disrespect, 25% had experienced it the year prior.

When asked the question "Have you experienced some form of negative and/or discriminatory treatment from a doctor or healthcare provider in the last year as a transgender person"? an unbelievable 47% responded yes. To demonstrate where healthcare needs to improve even more 16% of transgender people had healthcare providers refuse to see them because of religious beliefs. Another 20% of gay, lesbian, queer, or bisexual respondents had a healthcare provider refuse to see them based on their religious beliefs.

The CAP study demonstrated that 10% of respondents stated it affected their physical well-being a lot and 22% had physical well-being affected some. When it comes to psychological well-being those numbers were higher. The number of respondents with psychological well-being affected a lot is 20% and 32% report psychological well-being is affected to some degree.

There are six main health disparities faced by the LGBTQIA+ community because of the bias of some healthcare providers. These health disparities are:

1. Higher rates of sexually transmitted infections

2. More substance use and abuse

3. Higher rates of mental health conditions

4. Higher odds of obesity and eating disorders

5. Higher rates of breast and cervical cancers

6. Greater risk of heart disease

Haworth Health and Wellness, LLC wants the LGBTQIA+ community to know we are their allies and partners in health care.

References:

CAP (April, 21, 2021). Discrimination and experiences among LGBTQ people in the US: 2020 survey results. retrieved from: americanprogress.org/article/discrimination-experiences-among-lgbtq-people-us-2020-survey-results/