The Brazilian LGBT+ Health Survey: methodology and descriptive results

Abstract

The understanding of health care demands and possible access barriers may support policymaking and best practices targeting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and related identities (LGBT+) population. The aims of the Brazilian LGBT+ Health Survey were to characterize the LGBT+ population during the COVID-19 pandemic and to specify the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic in this population. This is a cross-sectional online study, with a convenience sample of 976 individuals identified as LGBT+, aged 18 years or older from Brazil. It allows investigations of sexuality, discrimination, internal homophobia, health-related behaviors, and health care access. The study adopts a conceptual framework (i.e., validated tools and measures) common to other epidemiological studies, allowing comparisons. We describe the study methodology, some descriptive results, and health-selected indicators compared with the Brazilian National Health Survey. Most of the respondents were from Southeast Region (80.2%), mean aged 31.3 (± 11.5 years). Regarding COVID-19, 4.8% tested positive. Both weekly episodes of discrimination (36%) and depression prevalence (24.8%) were high among the LGBT+ population in Brazil, highlighting mental health and homophobia as major concerns in the LGBT+ context during the pandemic. Although a decade has passed since the institution of the Brazilian National Policy for Comprehensive LGBT Health, appropriate training of health professionals to offer adequate services is still needed. Knowledge of the specific health demands of this group might guide person-centered best practices, promote sexual minority high-acceptance settings, and contribute to higher equity during the pandemic.

Tobacco use by sexual and gender minorities: findings from a Brazilian national survey

“…This study presents nationally representative data on Brazilian SGM and points to a higher prevalence of tobacco use in this population, when compared with non-SGM, corroborating findings from studies with similar characteristics in other countries. [9][10][11] According to the current study's findings, SGM tobacco users are mostly younger, more educated and with a lower proportion of persons with steady/stable partners, which distinguishes them from non-SGM tobacco users or tobacco users in general in Brazil, but similar to the profile of users of electronic smoking devices and water pipes with regard to age and schooling. 28 In addition, the majority of SGM tobacco users were male, similar to the general population of tobacco users, but they showed higher prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug consumption.…”

“…5 Especially in the case of specific populations such as sexual and gender minorities-SGM (eg, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals, transvestites, transgenders, queers, intersex, asexuals and others (LGBTQIA+)), the issue appears to be more serious, since published studies with data from other countries [6][7][8] and the rare existing Brazilian studies point to higher consumption of tobacco products in this group. [9][10][11] This scenario is aggravated by other variables associated with SGM, such as higher prevalence of health problems when compared with the general population. [11][12][13][14] The population of SGM also encounters…”

“…[9][10][11] This scenario is aggravated by other variables associated with SGM, such as higher prevalence of health problems when compared with the general population. [11][12][13][14] The population of SGM also encounters…”

“…Especially in the case of specific populations such as sexual and gender minorities—SGM (eg, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals, transvestites, transgenders, queers, intersex, asexuals and others (LGBTQIA+)), the issue appears to be more serious, since published studies with data from other countries6–8 and the rare existing Brazilian studies point to higher consumption of tobacco products in this group 9–11…”

“…This scenario is aggravated by other variables associated with SGM, such as higher prevalence of health problems when compared with the general population 11–14. The population of SGM also encounters greater difficulty in accessing health services, due to a series of factors, including prejudice, discrimination and disinformation 15–17…”