Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this project is to explore the current experiences and needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population, including health care and mental health utilization, patterns, locations, adequacy of LGBT-friendly health and mental health care providers. There are an estimated 90,000 LGBT individuals over the age of 14 in Orange County. LGBT populations are unique and are known to have significant health disparities, particularly if they are from racial or ethnic groups or have a disability. LGBT individuals are known to experience adverse situations when accessing health care and mental health services, including issues with fear, stigma, discrimination, homophobia. or abuse by healthcare providers. This study will be the first of its kind in Orange County.
METHODS: Seventy-five participants were recruited for this quantitative cross-sectional study utilizing a convenience sample from two organizations serving the LGBT community, including an AIDS Service Organization and another providing mental health services. In both groups, the clients are known to access health care and mental health services on a regular basis. An online survey was created using Qualtrics and sent to all active adult patients (age ≥ 18 years). Statistical testing was done to examine descriptive data and to look for differences and similarities within and between racial and ethnic groups, as well as between each of the four LGBT sub-populations – lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
RESULTS: Body weight was most frequently ranked as a top physical health concern and depression/thoughts of suicide was most frequently identified as a priority mental health issue. Findings also include trouble finding an LGBT competent provider, delays or being unable to access care, worried about losing insurance. Most participants needed to visit multiple different locations to receive care and preferred a one-stop shop.
CONCLUSIONS: No known research until now has characterized priority health issues and explored LGBT access to healthcare in Orange County, California. Understanding the healthcare experiences of LGBT individuals and the barriers faced when accessing healthcare informs effective solutions that improve access and quality of care for members of the LGBT community in Orange County, California and beyond.
Sigma Membership
Upsilon Beta
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, lncivility
Recommended Citation
Nation, Austin; Raynor, Phyllis; Outlaw, Frieda H.; and Hojilla, Carlo, "Exploring Health Care Access Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Populations" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 6.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/6
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Exploring Health Care Access Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Populations
Seattle, Washington, USA
PURPOSE: The purpose of this project is to explore the current experiences and needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population, including health care and mental health utilization, patterns, locations, adequacy of LGBT-friendly health and mental health care providers. There are an estimated 90,000 LGBT individuals over the age of 14 in Orange County. LGBT populations are unique and are known to have significant health disparities, particularly if they are from racial or ethnic groups or have a disability. LGBT individuals are known to experience adverse situations when accessing health care and mental health services, including issues with fear, stigma, discrimination, homophobia. or abuse by healthcare providers. This study will be the first of its kind in Orange County.
METHODS: Seventy-five participants were recruited for this quantitative cross-sectional study utilizing a convenience sample from two organizations serving the LGBT community, including an AIDS Service Organization and another providing mental health services. In both groups, the clients are known to access health care and mental health services on a regular basis. An online survey was created using Qualtrics and sent to all active adult patients (age ≥ 18 years). Statistical testing was done to examine descriptive data and to look for differences and similarities within and between racial and ethnic groups, as well as between each of the four LGBT sub-populations – lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
RESULTS: Body weight was most frequently ranked as a top physical health concern and depression/thoughts of suicide was most frequently identified as a priority mental health issue. Findings also include trouble finding an LGBT competent provider, delays or being unable to access care, worried about losing insurance. Most participants needed to visit multiple different locations to receive care and preferred a one-stop shop.
CONCLUSIONS: No known research until now has characterized priority health issues and explored LGBT access to healthcare in Orange County, California. Understanding the healthcare experiences of LGBT individuals and the barriers faced when accessing healthcare informs effective solutions that improve access and quality of care for members of the LGBT community in Orange County, California and beyond.
Description
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
Describe the health disparities experienced by LGBT individuals.
Understand the experiences of LGBT community when accessing healthcare.
Discuss strategies to health mitigate adverse experience to improve health outcomes.