TY - JOUR
T1 - Results from an LGBTQ+ Community Health Needs Assessment in Nassau and Suffolk Counties of New York State
AU - Eliscu, Allison H.
AU - Jamilkowski, Jennifer
AU - Gonzalez, Adam
AU - Higham, Jennifer Mesiano
AU - Kenny, Lucy
AU - McGovern, Margaret M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023, The Author(s).
PY - 2023/7
Y1 - 2023/7
N2 - LGBTQ+ individuals experience health care disparities and difficulty accessing affirming care. Little is known regarding the health and experiences among subpopulations of specific sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI). We implemented the first LGBTQ + health needs assessment survey in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, to assess individuals’ health care experiences, behaviors, access to care, and health care needs. The sample (N = 1150) consisted of many SOGI subgroups. Greater than 60% of respondents reported symptoms of chronic depression; over one third reported disrespectful health care experiences; and two thirds experienced verbal harassment. Bisexual/bicurious, pansexual, queer, gender nonconforming and transgender individuals experienced highest rates of mental health concerns and difficulty accessing care. Behavioral health concerns were also high among Black, multiracial, Hispanic, Asian, young adult, and lower-income respondents. Gaining an understanding of unique differences among LGBTQ+ subgroups can guide implementation of services targeting specific subpopulations to improve access to care and reduce disparities.
AB - LGBTQ+ individuals experience health care disparities and difficulty accessing affirming care. Little is known regarding the health and experiences among subpopulations of specific sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI). We implemented the first LGBTQ + health needs assessment survey in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, to assess individuals’ health care experiences, behaviors, access to care, and health care needs. The sample (N = 1150) consisted of many SOGI subgroups. Greater than 60% of respondents reported symptoms of chronic depression; over one third reported disrespectful health care experiences; and two thirds experienced verbal harassment. Bisexual/bicurious, pansexual, queer, gender nonconforming and transgender individuals experienced highest rates of mental health concerns and difficulty accessing care. Behavioral health concerns were also high among Black, multiracial, Hispanic, Asian, young adult, and lower-income respondents. Gaining an understanding of unique differences among LGBTQ+ subgroups can guide implementation of services targeting specific subpopulations to improve access to care and reduce disparities.
KW - Access to Care
KW - Community Needs Assessment
KW - Health Disparities
KW - Health-Related Behaviors
KW - LGBTQ+
KW - Sexual and Gender Minority
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85147953306&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10597-022-01069-8
DO - 10.1007/s10597-022-01069-8
M3 - Article
C2 - 36780090
AN - SCOPUS:85147953306
SN - 0010-3853
VL - 59
SP - 855
EP - 868
JO - Community Mental Health Journal
JF - Community Mental Health Journal
IS - 5
ER -