Topic 9: LGBTQ + health disparities

Question 1

Define health disparities

Answer 1

• Health differences linked with cultural + social + economic + environmental backgrounds
• Negatively influence some groups more than others

Question 2

Define LGBTQ+

Answer 2

• Umbrella term for all sexualities/gender identities/romantic relationships = not heterosexual

Question 3

Give the stats for LGBTQ+ identity

Answer 3

• UK = 6.5% population
• USA = 5.5% population
• Germany = 7.4%

Question 4

Define gender identity

Answer 4

• How the individual feels in their head
• Based off your chemisty/hormones
• Man>genderqueer>woman

Question 5

Define gender expression

Answer 5

• How individual demonstrates gender
• How you act/dress/interact
• Feminine>androgynous>masculine

Question 6

Define biological sex

Answer 6

• Measurable organs/hormones/chromosomes
• Female = vagina + ovaries + XX
• Male = penis + testes + XY
• Intersex = combination

Question 7

Define sexual orientation

Answer 7

• Who individual is attracted to based on someones sex compared to yours
• Hetro>bi>homosexual

Question 8

What are terminologies used in clinical practice

Answer 8

• MSM/WSM
• Cis/trans
• Non-binary/genderfluid/genderneutral

Question 9

List issues LGBTQ+ people face

Answer 9

• Disclosure
• Discrimination
• Misconceptions/stereotypes
• Increased risk of certain diseases
• Lack of tailored healthcare
  > MAINLY IN TRANS + LGBT PEOPLE OF COLOR

Question 10

Give the stats on LGBTQ+ healthcare disparities

Answer 10

• 1/8 people = form of discrimination
• 1/4 people = inappropriate curiosity from staff
• 1/3 trans people = unequal treatment
• Almost 1/2 trans people = inappropriate curiosity

Question 11

What are LGBTQ+ people at an increased risk for?

Answer 11

• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Substance abuse
• Cancer

Question 12

Describe mental health in LGBTQ+

Answer 12

• About 1/2 = depression
• 1/8 aged 18-24 have attempted suicide
• Due to fear of discrimination
• Struggle coming out = fear of rejection + stigmatization = trouble integrating into LGBTQ+ community

Question 13

Describe sexual health in LGBTQ+

Answer 13

• Younger age of 1st sexual experience
• Lack of safe sex education
• Avoid help from healthcare
• Poor understanding of STI testing

Question 14

Describe substance abuse in LGBTQ+

Answer 14

• More prone to alcohol + tobacco + cannabis + ecstasy + cocaine + heroin
• LGBTQ+ culture more prominent in bars/clubs = access to substances
• Result of mental health

Question 15

Describe cancer in LGBTQ+

Answer 15

• Higher than rest of population
• Lesbians = increased breast cancer
• Gay = increased anal cancer
• Increased risk factors = smoking + substances + HPV + HIV
• Poor screening

Question 16

Describe healthcare professional’s attitudes

Answer 16

• Don’t think sexuality + gender identity relevant to patients health
• Some think LGBTQ+ can be cured
• Believe they don’t have gay patients

Question 17

Describe healthcare professional’s lack of education

Answer 17

• Issues due to lack of education poorly integrated into healthcare
• Majority report no training on LGTQ+ issues in the UK

Question 18

Describe healthcare professional’s behavior

Answer 18

• Professionals not comfortable discussing sexuality/gender identity
• Lack of training/understanding
• Fear of being isolated
• Professionals tend not to challenge discrimination against LGBTQ+
• LGBTQ+ professionals hide their identity

Question 19

What are the consequences of attitudes + lack of training against LGBTQ+?

Answer 19

• Poor doctor-patient relationships
• Insufficient screening
• Problematic intervention
• Poor health outcomes

Question 20

Explain how to improve healthcare for LGBTQ+

Answer 20

GENERAL:
- Appropriate education/training
- Inclusive environment
- National strategy
- Improve sex-ed
PATIENT-SPECIFIC:
- Sociological imagination + open-minded + non-judgmental
- Empathy
- Work with patient