Quality of Life among LGBTQ Older Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review

A Systematic Review Looking at Anodyspareunia Among Cisgender Men and Women

This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date evaluation of the available literature on anodyspareunia and treatment interventions. It aims to identify research gaps and to evaluate treatment methods in psychosexual healthcare services. Electronic searches including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and registered clinical trials yielded 8 studies. Research centered on men who have sex with men (MSM) and cisgender women with a 3:1 ratio. In terms of causes of anodyspareunia, correlates among both MSM and cisgender women included generalized anxiety, performance anxiety, compromised well-being, lack of stimulation, lack of lubrication, and lack of sexual arousal. While research has focused on anodyspareunia among cisgender gay men, limited research has targeted other genders or sexualities including heterosexual men and lesbian and bisexual women. No research was found on intersex, transgender, and gender nonconforming people. Similarly, there were no articles that discussed or evaluated treatment strategies. The findings of this review demonstrate the paucity of research on both the condition of anodyspareunia and its treatment across genders and sexually diverse groups. Both quantitative and qualitative research would not only develop our understanding of anodyspareunia but also contribute to public health through the development of suitable treatment interventions.

Graduate Medical Education Curriculum Regarding the Health and Healthcare of Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Adults

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) adults experience a wide variety of unique challenges accessing healthcare. These barriers may be exacerbated among older LGBTQ+ people due to intersecting, marginalized identities. To prepare physicians to address the healthcare needs of older LGBTQ+ adults, graduate medical education (GME) must include training about the specific needs of this population. Prior studies demonstrate a lack of LGBTQ+ training in GME curricula. Here, we investigated the presence of LGBTQ+ curricula in internal medicine residencies and geriatrics fellowships through a national survey. Over 62.0% of internal medicine (n = 49) and 65.6% (n = 21) of geriatric medicine fellowship program directors, responding to the survey, reported content relevant to the health of older LGBTQ+ adults. Education about LGBTQ+ health in internal medicine residencies and geriatrics fellowships is vital for the provision of culturally-competent healthcare and to create an inclusive environment for older LGBTQ+ patients.