Results from an LGBTQ+ Community Health Needs Assessment in Nassau and Suffolk Counties of New York State

Overview

Journal Community Ment Health J

Specialty Health Services

Date 2023 Feb 13

PMID 36780090

Authors

Allison H Eliscu

Jennifer Jamilkowski

Adam Gonzalez

Jennifer Mesiano Higham

Lucy Kenny

Margaret M McGovern

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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.

Citing Articles

A needs-assessment survey of the high school LGBTQ+ environment by a health science center interprofessional team.

Velasquez R, Moore M, Sheets G, Nieves-Rivera C, Van Nuland S, Cuccia M Front Sociol. 2024; 9:1356007.

PMID: 39239119 PMC: 11374741. DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1356007.

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