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Perone AK. Navigating Religious Refusal to Nursing Home Care for LGBTQ+ Residents: Comparisons Between Floor Staff and Managers. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae122. [PMID: 39023035 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Religious exemptions (exceptions to nondiscrimination laws for individual religious/moral beliefs) in health care have surged, negatively affecting LGBTQ+ older adults in nursing homes with some of the highest caregiving needs. Given job differences between floor staff and managers, this study asks: How does meaning-making differ between nursing home floor staff and managers when staff refuse to care for LGBTQ+ residents? To answer this question, this study uses social coherence as a conceptual framework to understand the process of reflection that staff employ when a colleague invokes a religious exemption to care. METHODS This qualitative comparative study uses in-depth semistructured interviews to compare responses from nursing home floor staff and managers (n = 80). Qualitative content analysis incorporated inductive and deductive coding approaches. RESULTS Staff invoked 5 frames to reach social coherence: fairness, resident safety and comfort, individual religious beliefs, job obligations, and laws/policies. Floor staff and managers invoked the same 2 reasons (fairness, resident safety and comfort) to reach social coherence. However, floor staff differed from managers by also invoking individual religious beliefs and job obligations; whereas managers turned to laws and policies to reconcile tensions between religious rights and LGBTQ+ resident rights to care. DISCUSSION In an increasingly polarized world, findings from this study illuminate nuances (and potential new areas of allyship) in how floor staff and managers understand and use various frames when deciding whether or not to accommodate a colleague who refuses care to an LGBTQ+ resident because of religious or moral reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Perone
- School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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Everett BG, Bergman Z, Charlton BM, Barcelona V. Sexual Orientation-Specific Policies Are Associated With Prenatal Care Use in the First Trimester Among Sexual Minority Women: Results From a Prospective Cohort Study. Ann Behav Med 2024; 58:594-602. [PMID: 38990643 PMCID: PMC11305129 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaae037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown sexual minority women (SMW) are more likely to report multiple maternal and infant health outcomes compared to heterosexual women and that these outcomes are moderated by the policy environment. Little is known, however, about prenatal care use disparities or the social determinants of prenatal care use for SMW. PURPOSE To examine the relationship between sexual orientation-specific policies that confer legal protections (e.g., hate crime protections, housing discrimination, same-sex marriage) and prenatal care use among women using a prospective, population-based data set. METHODS Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and logistic regression, we link measures of state policies to the use of prenatal care in the first trimester among women who had live births. The use of prospective data allows us to adjust for covariates associated with preconception care use prior to pregnancy (n = 586 singleton births to SMW; n = 4,539 singleton births to heterosexual women). RESULTS Sexual orientation-specific policies that conferred protections were associated with increased use of prenatal care among pregnancies reported by SMW (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.16, 2.96). In fact, in states with zero protections, we found no differences in prenatal care use by sexual minority status; however, in states with two or more protective policies, SMW were more likely to access prenatal care in the first trimester than heterosexual women. There was no relationship between sexual orientation-specific policy environments and prenatal care use among pregnancies reported by heterosexual women. CONCLUSIONS Recent research has documented that SMW are more likely to have adverse perinatal and obstetrical outcomes than their heterosexual peers. These findings suggest that Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual-specific policy protections may facilitate the use of prenatal care among SMW, a potentially important pathway to improve reproductive health among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany G Everett
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zoë Bergman
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brittany M Charlton
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Rahman E, Rao P, Webb WR, Philipp-Dormston WG, Sayed K, Almeida ART, Mosahebi A, Carruthers JDA, Carruthers A. Embracing Spectrum: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Journeys in Aesthetic Medicine: A Kaleidoscope of Identity. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2024; 48:2902-2914. [PMID: 38499877 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-024-03923-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This synaptic systemised review critically examines the provision of aesthetic medical care to LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) individuals, assessing both the clinical practices and the educational frameworks that guide interactions with LGBTQIA+ patients in aesthetic settings. METHODS Following PRISMA-S guidelines, a comprehensive review was conducted, initially identifying 159 potentially relevant articles. Upon stringent full-text review, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subject to an in-depth thematic analysis. The scope encompassed qualitative studies, quantitative analyses, and a cross section of interdisciplinary research, predominantly from Western settings. RESULTS The analysis distilled four principal themes: the imperative of identity affirmation in aesthetic interventions, substantial barriers to inclusive and empathetic care, the critical need for patient empowerment, and the existing deficiencies within medical education regarding LGBTQIA+ care. These themes highlight a complex interplay between the clinical aspirations of LGBTQIA+ individuals and the current capacity of aesthetic medicine to cater to this diversity. CONCLUSIONS There is a pressing need for a paradigmatic shift towards more inclusive, competent, and sensitive aesthetic medical care for LGBTQIA+ patients. It underscores the necessity of reform in medical education and advocates for policy changes that promote a more equitable healthcare environment. This research serves as a call to action, emphasizing the ethical imperative to integrate comprehensive LGBTQIA+ care competencies into aesthetic medicine curricula and practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eqram Rahman
- Research and Innovation Hub, Innovation Aesthetics, London, WC2H 9JQ, UK.
| | - Parinitha Rao
- Aesthetic Dermatology Practice, The Skin Address, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | - Karim Sayed
- Nomi Clinic, Oslo, Norway
- University of South East Norway, Notodden, Norway
| | - Ada R T Almeida
- Dermatologic Clinic, Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jean D A Carruthers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alastair Carruthers
- Department of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Conte WL, Cascione M, Sullivan AB. Podcast on the Challenges and Recommendations to Address Unmet Needs in MS for LGBTQ+ Populations in the United States. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1399-1407. [PMID: 37353720 PMCID: PMC10444714 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In general, individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, plus other identities (LGBTQ+) living with multiple sclerosis (MS) have less favorable healthcare experiences and poorer overall health than cisgendered heterosexual individuals. They may experience further challenges in addition to managing their MS, including psychological or emotional problems, and an increased risk of comorbid diseases and substance abuse. Transgender individuals specifically face additional unique challenges, including high rates of mental health distress and effects from long-term exogenous hormone use and gender affirmation surgery. These findings highlight disparities in both quality of care and health outcomes of LGBTQ+ individuals. Unmet needs and drivers of these disparities relate to a lack of inclusivity in healthcare environments, poor communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and LGBTQ+ patients, inadequate HCP knowledge of LGBTQ+ health issues, and gaps in research into the impact of sexual orientation and gender identity in MS. Although data are limited, recommendations to improve the experience and care of LGBTQ+ individuals with MS include increasing HCP awareness of the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face and provision of inclusive care, with the overarching goal for HCPs to be allies to the LGBTQ+ community. Improvements may be achieved through diversity and cultural awareness training of HCPs on sexual orientation and gender identity, and ensuring a friendly, open, and supportive healthcare environment. Use of sensitive and gender-neutral language by HCPs, representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in patient materials, and access to LGBTQ+ MS support groups are also recommended. HCPs should aim to integrate discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity and sexual and mental health into routine assessments and collaborate with other HCPs as needed. By addressing the challenges and unmet needs of LGBTQ+ individuals with MS, this should help resolve disparities in their quality of care and improve their overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L. Conte
- Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, Methodist Hospitals, 200 E 89Th Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410 USA
| | - Mark Cascione
- First Choice Neurology/South Tampa Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2919 Swann Avenue, Suite 401, Tampa, FL 33609 USA
| | - Amy B. Sullivan
- Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue/U10, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
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Primary Healthcare Nurse’s Barriers and Facilitators to Providing Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Services of LGBTQI Individuals: A Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112208. [DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In most cases, we only hear Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) patients complaining about nurses being the reason for not accessing and utilizing healthcare services; for example, studies reports on the different attitudes of healthcare providers including nurses against LGBTQI patients. However, factors influencing the behavior of South African Primary Healthcare (PHC) Nurses toward LGBTQI patients are rarely reported. The study aimed to explore how PHC nurses experienced and perceived sexual and reproductive health services for LGBTQI individuals in Tshwane, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The study followed qualitative research using an exploratory design approach. The sample included 27 PHC nurses from Tshwane, Gauteng Province, South Africa. In-depth face-to-face interviews were coded and analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) which included five interrelated steps. The results revealed three main themes: barriers to the provision of LGBTQI-related SRHS, facilitators for the provision of SRHS to LGBTQI individuals, and strategies to improve LGBTQI individuals’ SRHS accessibility and availability. Common barriers were related to the institutions, PHC nurses, the general public, and LGBTQI patients themselves. Regardless of the challenges faced by PHC nurses, there were some enabling factors that pushed them to continue rendering SHRS to LGBTQI patients who came to their clinics. Almost all PHC nurses suggested the importance of awareness, transparency, collaboration, and the need for training related to LGBTQI healthcare issues.
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Tamargo CL, Mitchell EP, Wagner L, Simon MA, Carlos RC, Giantonio BJ, Schabath MB, Quinn GP. “I need more knowledge”: Qualitative analysis of oncology providers’ experiences with sexual and gender minority patients. Front Psychol 2022; 13:763348. [PMID: 36046410 PMCID: PMC9421156 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.763348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While societal acceptance for sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals is increasing, this group continues to face barriers to quality healthcare. Little is known about clinicians’ experiences with SGM patients in the oncology setting. To address this, a mixed method survey was administered to members of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group. Materials and methods We report results from the open-ended portion of the survey. Four questions asked clinicians to describe experiences with SGM patients, reservations in caring for them, suggestions for improvement in SGM cancer care, and additional comments. Data were analyzed using content analysis and the constant comparison method. Results The majority of respondents noted they had no or little familiarity with SGM patients. A minority of respondents noted experience with gay and lesbian patients, but not transgender patients; many who reported experience with transgender patients also noted difficulty navigating the correct use of pronouns. Many respondents also highlighted positive experiences with SGM patients. Suggestions for improvement in SGM cancer care included providing widespread training, attending to unique end-of-life care issues among SGM patients, and engaging in efforts to build trust. Conclusion Clinicians have minimal experiences with SGM patients with cancer but desire training. Training the entire workforce may improve trust with, outreach efforts to, and cancer care delivery to the SGM community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L. Tamargo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Edith P. Mitchell
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lynne Wagner
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Melissa A. Simon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ruth C. Carlos
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bruce J. Giantonio
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew B. Schabath
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew B. Schabath,
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Holmberg MH, Martin SG, Lunn MR. Supporting sexual and gender minority health-care workers. Nat Rev Nephrol 2022; 18:339-340. [PMID: 35418696 PMCID: PMC9007258 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00573-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie H Holmberg
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Suzanne G Martin
- Reliant Medical Group, Division of Nephrology, Worcester, MA, USA.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Mitchell R Lunn
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Brener L, Broady T, Cama E, Treloar C. The impact of sources of stigma on health care avoidance among gay and bisexual men in Australia. AIDS Care 2022; 35:663-671. [PMID: 35361023 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2057410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Stigma has a negative impact on health and wellbeing for gay and bisexual men (GBM). There is little research which assesses whether stigma from various sources affects access to different health care services. Further, those people who pay more attention to their stigmatised condition may be more likely to avoid health services. This study aimed to assess the association between sources of stigma and health care avoidance amongst a sample of GBM, as well as the role of heightened stigma sensitivity. The sample consisted of 1116 GBM in Australia who completed an online survey. Findings illustrate that those reporting any stigma were more likely to avoid health care services, while avoiding different types of health care was related to the source of the stigma. Greater stigma sensitivity was associated with avoidance of all health care services. GBM may come to health services with complex and potentially recurrent experiences of stigma. Working on the assumption that clients have a history of negative experiences in health care will increase the ability of services to work sensitively with GBM clients and ensure that access to health care amongst this group is increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Brener
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - T Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - E Cama
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - C Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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