General Health and Perceived/Feared Discrimination in the Lgbt+ Community

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the relationship of perceived and feared discrimination with general health in LGBT+ people according to schooling level, gender identity and socioeconomic level. Method: a cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 120 participants of legal age from the Maule region (Chile) who belonged to the LGBT+ community and answered an online survey due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The survey also included an open question for the participants to share discrimination experiences regarding the treatment received from the Nursing personnel. The quantitative data were examined by means of descriptive and inferential analyses (means difference and correlation tests). The results extracted were analyzed following the thematic and discursive analysis techniques. Results: although perceived discrimination had low prevalence in the sample, 44.17%, 38.33% and 32.51% manifested fear of not being loved, of not finding a job and of being rejected by their family for being part of the LGBT+ community, respectively. Likewise, discrimination was higher in the group of trans people and was mainly reflected in unjustified dismissals, difficulties finding a job or ill-treatment in the provision of health services. Finally, it was found that the participants exposed to more discrimination also reported worse general health. Conclusions: discrimination is a problem that affects the LGBT+ community, particularly the trans collective. The severe implications of discrimination for people's health evidence the need to design strategies, policies and regulations aimed at fostering tolerance and integration.