Health Care Needs and Care Utilization Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations in New Jersey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore prevalent health issues, perceived barriers to seeking health care, and utilization of health care among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations in New Jersey. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 438 self-identified LGBT people. Results identified health needs, which included management of chronic diseases, preventive care for risky behaviors, mental health issues, and issues related to interpersonal violence. Barriers to seeking health care included scarceness of health professionals competent in LGBT health, inadequate health insurance coverage and lack of personal finances, and widely dispersed LGBT inclusive practices making transportation difficult. There is a need for better preparation of health care professionals who care for LGBT patients, to strengthen social services to improve access and for better integration of medical and social services.

Health status, health behaviours and healthcare access of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations in Turkey

“…Therefore, they were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours (9). Additionally, gay, transsexual and bisexual individuals were found as having the greatest need for preventive care of risky sexual behaviours (10). The present study found that the proportion of unprotected sex in gay and bisexual individuals was significantly higher than in lesbian and transsexual individuals.…”

“…The literature has reported that the discrimination transsexual individuals' face by healthcare providers affects their needs and access to appropriate healthcare services (42,43). Disclosure of LGBT status, societal stigma, lack of health insurance, negative attitude of healthcare provider, dissatisfaction with healthcare and lack of financial resources were determined barriers to healthcare access for LGBT individuals (10,16,44). In this study, lack of health insurance, negative attitude of healthcare provider, dissatisfaction with healthcare and lack of financial resources were determined to healthcare access for LGBT individuals; however, they were not found to be statistically significant.…”

“…Previous studies have revealed that LGBT individuals have higher rates of mental health issues (2)(3)(4), alcohol and tobacco use (5)(6)(7)(8), and risky sexual behaviour (9,10). In terms of healthcare access, LGBT individuals face many barriers including having no health insurance (11,12), discrimination and homophobia by healthcare providers (12,13), societal stigma (14), healthcare provider's lack of knowledge (15,16), and reluctance to disclose sexual orientation or gender identity (17,18).…”

Nursing students' perspectives on the inclusion of course content on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health in the nursing curriculum: A descriptive qualitative study

“…LGBT+ individuals tend to do not access healthcare services because of the many barriers (e.g., disclosure of LGBT status, societal stigma, lack of health insurance, negative attitude of healthcare provider, and lack of financial resources) they face (Ercan-Sahin et al, 2020;Qureshi et al, 2018;Safer et al, 2016;Roberts & Fantz, 2014 (Johnson & Montgomery, 2017).…”

Co-occurring psychosocial problems predict HIV status and increased health care costs and utilization among sexual minority men

“…In addition the passing of the Affordable Care Act, and subsequent legislation has changed access to health insurance and health care for many Americans, which may limit the current applicability of our findings. Although a recent report suggests that there sexual minority relevant barriers to healthcare access continue (Qureshi et al 2018). …”