Introduction
Experiences of discrimination and bias in healthcare contribute to health disparities
for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer populations. To avoid discrimination,
many go to great lengths to find healthcare providers who they trust and who are knowledgeable
about their health needs. This study examines whether access to an affirming provider
improves health outcomes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer populations
across a range of preventive health and chronic disease management outcomes.
Methods
This cross-sectional study uses Poisson regression models to examine original survey
data (n=1,120) from Wave 1 of the Vanderbilt University Social Networks, Aging, and Policy
Study, a panel study examining older (aged 50–76 years) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
and queer adults’ health and aging, collected between April 2020 and September 2021.
Results
Overall, access to an affirming provider is associated with greater uptake of preventive
health screenings and improved management of mental health conditions. Participants
with an affirming provider are more likely to have ever and recently received several
types of preventive care than participants reporting a usual source of care that is
not affirming, including past year provider visit, influenza vaccination, colorectal
cancer screening, and HIV test. Access to an affirming provider is also associated
with better management of mental health conditions.
Conclusions
Inclusive care is essential for reducing health disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and queer populations. Health systems can reduce disparities by expanding
continuing education opportunities; adopting nondiscrimination policies for patients
and employees; and ensuring that necessary care is covered by health insurance.
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Published online: November 29, 2022
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