The association between users and health services is an essential aspect in enhancing the quality of care. However, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community suffer from discrimination and prejudice in their access and utilization of healthcare services. The LGBT population suffers from biological, psychological, socio-cultural, and environmental as well as systematic factors that increase their inability to get essential services (Hafeez et al., 2017). Biological factors that hinder their access to health care include their lack of conformity to the heterosexual gender identity construct in society (Healthy People 2020, 2019). Psychological, the LGBT suffer from societal stigma, discrimination and denial of rights as human beings.
According to Healthy People 2020, discrimination is a psychological and socio-cultural factor that LGBT individuals face leading to increased cases of psychiatric conditions, commission of suicide, and substance abuse. Further, environmental factors like violence and victimization of the LGBT individuals have long-term effects on the persons and the community in general. In addition, personal, family and social acceptance of their sexual identities and orientation as well as gender identity hinder their access to mental health services (Hafeez et al., 2017). Again, the personal safety of the LGBT within the wider community affects their access to health care because they live in fear that revealing their identity may result in increased discrimination, and prejudice; not just among the larger population but even within their families. In addition, low rates or health insurance, high levels of stress as a result of systematic harassment, and discrimination as well as lack of cultural competency in the health care system are factors that hinder LGBT’s access to health care services.
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As a result of these factors, relevant population health nursing interventions are essential in promotion more effective use of health care services. Cultural competency, increased awareness and education as well as acceptance of the LGBT by healthcare professionals are essential nursing interventions that can promote effective use of health care services.
References
Hafeez, H., Zeshan, M., Tahir, M. A., Jahan, N., & Naveed, S. (2017). Health Care Disparities
Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: A Literature Review. Cureus, vol.9, No.4, pp.e1184.
Healthy People 2020 (2019). Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health. Retrieved from
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-health
