Date of Publication
2023
Abstract
Background: Patients that identify as lesbian, gay and/or transgender (LGBTQ+) experience poorer healthcare outcomes due to discrimination, stigma, and marginalization. Interaction with a new healthcare environment is through intake forms which often use hetero-centric language around sexual history gathering. We address this by the assessment of these forms through the lens of members of the LGBTQ+ community. We aim to decrease the harm associated with current wording and improve the experience and trust of patients who identify as sexual or gender diverse.
Methods: We used focus groups as our primary means of data collection. First, we recruited a group of participants based on our research objectives. Second, we conducted 2 focus group sessions totaling 6 participants in a private setting and took detailed notes. Third, we analyzed the data using thematic analysis and 5 people coded the data into categories. Then, we visualized the findings using quotes and summarized the main themes. Finally, we presented the survey of updated questions to guests at the LGBTQ+ Health Summit to gain feedback.
Results: Thematic analysis of the focus group data demonstrated multiple prominent themes. These themes reflected gender and sexually exclusive word choices, phrasing that was exclusive to patients for which English is not a primary language, and lack of question clarity.
Conclusion: Despite major advancements in the quality of care LGBT+ patients receive in the primary care setting, there are still considerable adjustments that need to be made to ensure all individuals feel respected and included while giving a sexual history.
Advisor(s)
Katherine Mariani, MD, MPH
Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont
Kell Arbor
Community Agency Mentor
Subjects
Access to Health Services, Health Communication, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health, LGBT, Preventive Care, Social Determinants of Health
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Ramos-Barrera, Krystal; Jones, Kimberly Michelle; Karakashian, Elizabeth; Minearo, Ian; and Lucero, Ashley, "Inclusive Sexual History for Sexually and Gender Diverse Individuals in Vermont" (2023). Public Health Projects, 2008-present. 345.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/345
