What biological, psychological, environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and health system factors might be contributing to the failure of LGBTQ+ to use healthcare services? What population health nursing interventions might promote more effective use of services?
What biological, psychological, environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and health system factors might be contributing to the failure of LGBTQ+ to use healthcare services? What population health nursing interventions might promote more effective use of services?
What biological, psychological, environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and health system factors might be contributing to the failure of LGBTQ+ to use healthcare services? What population health nursing interventions might promote more effective use of services?
Module 3: LGBTQ+
Access to healthcare services is a fundamental human right. However, members of sexual and minority groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, face many barriers that prevent them from seeking and receiving adequate healthcare. This problem has various reasons, including biological, psychological, environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and health system factors. Understanding these factors is essential in developing effective population health nursing interventions that promote more effective use of healthcare services. This paper examines various factors contributing to the failure of members of the LGBTQ+ to use healthcare services and suggests possible nursing interventions that can improve their access to healthcare.
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Biological factors include the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as the increased risk for specific health issues like HIV/AIDS, mental health disorders, and substance abuse. According to Medina et al. (2021), LGBTQ+ people exhibit poorer mental and physical health outcomes than cisgender and heterosexual populations. These health issues make it difficult for LGBTQ+ people to access healthcare services for fear of stigma, discrimination, or lack of cultural competency from healthcare providers. Environmental factors such as proximity to healthcare facilities and availability of auxiliary services like transportation for those living in rural areas or places without proper healthcare services can also contribute to the failure of LGBTQ+ individuals to use health services.
Sociocultural factors such as stigma and discrimination from healthcare providers and society can lead to a lack of trust in healthcare systems. Additionally, cultural norms and values can impact how LGBTQ+ individuals perceive healthcare services and their willingness to seek care. Furthermore, behavioral factors such as lifestyle choices and health behaviors can also contribute to the failure of LGBTQ+ to use healthcare services. For instance, many LGBTQ+ people engage in high-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and unprotected sex, which can increase their need for healthcare services. However, fear of judgment or discrimination can make it difficult for them to seek care (Medina et al., 2021). Finally, health system factors such as high healthcare costs, lack of insurance coverage, and long wait times can also contribute to this failure. LGBTQ+ community may also face barriers related to legal protections, such as lack of access to family planning services or discriminatory policies related to gender identity or sexual orientation, contributing to barriers in utilizing healthcare services.
Several population health nursing interventions can be employed to promote more effective use of healthcare services in this community. Nurses can provide education and information about the importance of preventative care and regular health screenings to encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community to access healthcare services before they become sick (Bass & Nagy, 2022). This can also help to reduce stigma and improve access to care for these marginalized populations.
Nurses can also collaborate with the rest of the healthcare team and community organizations to ensure that LGBTQ+ people receive comprehensive and coordinated care. This may involve identifying and addressing barriers to healthcare access, such as transportation or language barriers, and connecting individuals with resources and services to help them navigate the healthcare system (Lucas et al., 2023). Additionally, nurses can advocate for policies and practices that support the health and well-being of this population. This includes advocating for expanded insurance coverage, increased funding for healthcare services, and policies protecting marginalized populations’ rights. Nurses can also work with community organizations and leaders to engage the LGBTQ+ population in efforts to improve the utilization of healthcare services.
Numerous biological, psychological, environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and health system factors contribute to the failure of LGBTQ+ to use healthcare services. Population health nurses can be essential in promoting more effective use of healthcare services in this community by providing education and information, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and advocating for policies and practices that support their health and well-being.
References
Bass, B., & Nagy, H. (2022, October 3). Cultural competence in the care of LGBTQ patients. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563176/
Lucas, J. J., Afrouz, R., Brown, A. D., Epstein, S., Ryan, J., Hayward, J., & Brennan-Olsen, S. L. (2023). When primary healthcare meets queerstory: Community-based system dynamics influencing regional/rural lgbtq + people’s access to quality primary healthcare in Australia. BMC Public Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15289-4
Medina, J., Saus-Ortega, C., Sánchez-Lorente, M. M., Sosa-Palanca, E. M., García-Martínez, P., & Mármol-López, M. I. (2021). Health Inequities in LGBT People and Nursing Interventions to Reduce Them: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), 11801. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211801
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Discussion Question:
What biological, psychological, environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and health system factors might be contributing to the failure of LGBTQ+ to use healthcare services? What population health nursing interventions might promote more effective use of services?
