Background: In addition to the social stigma that often accompanies openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, this population also experiences significant barriers to optimal health care services. To understand better the health service needs of LGBTQ adolescents and provide better services, the purpose of this study was to examine the perceived impact of sexual identity on the patient-provider relationship. Methods: Using a convenience sample of attendees to Manhattan Pride 2000 and Northern Manhattan Pride 2000, data was collected using a self-administered instrument. One hundred twenty-one surveys were completed. This analysis was limited to those respondents who self-identified as LGBTQ (N=80). Results: Half of respondents (50%) reported that their medical provider was aware of their sexual identity. However, only about one-quarter (23%) indicated that their providers specifically asked about sexual identity. Over 80% of respondents were not afraid of informing physician about their identities and more than half did not believe this knowledge would affect care. More than a third (36%) of respondents reported that they would prefer an LGBQT provider. Discussion: It has been hypothesized that those in disenfranchised groups would be better engaged by the health care system if their provider shared a similar identity. These data confirm this hypothesis in a sample of LGBTQ adolescents. While most respondents indicated that they were not afraid of discussing their sexuality with their health care providers, a significant proportion of respondents still would prefer an LGBTQ provider, indicating that LGBTQ adolescents may perceive barriers that limit their comfort with non-LGBTQ providers.
Learning Objectives: 1. To become familiar with the perceptions that LGBTQ youth have in relation to healthcare providers. 2. To become sensitive to the issues of this population in relation to their health care needs.
Keywords: Gay, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.