Nondisclosure of Sexual Orientation to a Physician Among a Sample of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth

Meckler, Garth; Elliott, Marc N.; Kanouse, David E.; Beals, Kristin P.; Schuster, Mark A.

doi:10.1001/archpedi.160.12.1248

Cited by 127 publications

(92 citation statements)

References 56 publications

(66 reference statements)

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“…), clinicians can create a space where the adolescent feels safer to disclose the many facets of their sexuality. A recent study found that most sexual minority adolescents have not disclosed their sexual orientation to their healthcare provider [32]. Of those who had spoken to their physicians about their sexual minority status, only 21% discussed it because their physician broached the issue.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Concordance and Discrepancy in Sexual Identity, Attraction, and Behavior Among Adolescents

Igartua

Thombs

Burgos

et al. 2009

Journal of Adolescent Health

127

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Concordance and Discrepancy in Sexual Identity, Attraction, and Behavior Among Adolescents

Igartua

Thombs

Burgos

et al. 2009

Journal of Adolescent Health

127

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“…In a study in 131 sexual minority youth attending an empowerment conference, only 35% reported that their physician knew that they were lesbian, gay, or bisexual. 99 LGBTQ adolescents who are hiding their sexuality become quite adept at using gender-neutral terms to describe their relationships and sexual behaviors. Pediatricians' use of gender-neutral terms can encourage teenagers to discuss any questions they have about their sexual behaviors or sexual orientation.…”

Section: Making the Office Teen-friendly For Sexual Minority Youthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Office-Based Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth

Levine¹

2013

Pediatrics

135

111

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The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its last statement on homosexuality and adolescents in 2004.This technical report reflects the rapidly expanding medical and psychosocial literature about sexual minority youth. Pediatricians should be aware that some youth in their care may have concerns or questions about their sexual orientation or that of siblings, friends, parents, relatives, or others and should provide factual, current, nonjudgmental information in a confidential manner. Although most lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are quite resilient and emerge from adolescence as healthy adults, the effects of homophobia and heterosexism can contribute to increased mental health issues for sexual minority youth.LGBTQ and MSM/WSW (men having sex with men and women having sex with women) adolescents, in comparison with heterosexual adolescents, have higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation, higher rates of substance abuse, and more risky sexual behaviors. Obtaining a comprehensive, confidential, developmentally appropriate adolescent psychosocial history allows for the discovery of strengths and assets as well as risks. Pediatricians should have offices that are teen-friendly and welcoming to sexual minority youth. This includes having supportive, engaging office staff members who ensure that there are no barriers to care. For transgender youth, pediatricians should provide the opportunity to acknowledge and affirm their feelings of gender dysphoria and desires to transition to the opposite gender. Referral of transgender youth to a qualified mental health professional is critical to assist with the dysphoria, to educate them, and to assess their readiness for transition. With appropriate assistance and care, sexual minority youth should live healthy, productive lives while transitioning through adolescence and young adulthood. The comprehensive IOM publication includes a section on childhood and adolescence. This updated clinical report provides definitions and the best information available about the demographics of this group of adolescents. Being a member of this group of teens is not, in itself, a risk behavior; nor should sexual minority youth be considered abnormal. However, the presence of stigma reflected in the terms "homophobia" and "heterosexism" often leads to psychological distress, which may be accompanied by an increase in risk behaviors. "Homophobia" refers to an irrational fear and resulting hatred of homosexual individuals. "Heterosexism" is the societal expectation that heterosexuality is the expected norm and that, somehow, LGBTQ individuals are abnormal. Although limited, studies on the resilience of sexual minority youth will be discussed. Studies specifically focused on the disparities in the health of these teens in mental health, substance abuse, and sexuality will be presented, along with new research about emerging effective individual and community health strategies for reducing risks. Finally, issues in providing clinical care and mo...

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“…Among lesbian and bisexual women, predictors of satisfaction with their physician include interpersonal behaviors and medical expertise but not the physician's gender [46] or sexual orientation [68]. Providers can facilitate the comfort of sexual minority women by simply asking about sexual orientation and using gender-neutral language [26,28,29,69]. Providers can also attend sensitivity training regarding lesbian lifestyles, advertise themselves as lesbian-friendly, and acknowledge patients' partners [29].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lesbians and cancer: an overlooked health disparity

Brown

Tracy

2008

Cancer Causes Control

153

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This review revealed a lack of research for specific cancers and for specific aspects of the cancer continuum. The limited number of studies identified focused on issues related to screening/prevention in cervical and breast cancers, with almost no attention to incidence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, survival, morbidity, or mortality. We present implications for social and public health policy, research, and prevention.

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Nondisclosure of Sexual Orientation to a Physician Among a Sample of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth

Cited by 127 publications

References 56 publications

Concordance and Discrepancy in Sexual Identity, Attraction, and Behavior Among Adolescents

Concordance and Discrepancy in Sexual Identity, Attraction, and Behavior Among Adolescents

Office-Based Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth

Lesbians and cancer: an overlooked health disparity

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