Experiences of Latinx Sexual and Gender Minorities with Access to Healthcare During COVID-19 Stay-at-home Orders

Overview

Journal Am J Health Syst Pharm

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialties Health Services
Pharmacology
Pharmacy

Date 2023 Dec 26

PMID 38146952

Authors

Carlos E Rodriguez-Diaz

Loxley Seager

Cassandra Navalta

Lauren Lapointe

Alanna Laino

Daniel Wilhite

Kyle Melin

Leah Varga

Maria Cecilia Zea

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected all social systems, but healthcare services were particularly disrupted. The pandemic also had a disproportionate impact on populations made socially vulnerable. In this study, we documented the experiences of Latinx sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals with access to care during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

Methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews assessing experiences during the stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and patients' experiences accessing healthcare during this period were conducted with 21 Latinx SGM individuals from the Washington, DC, area. Data were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis (RQA), and salient themes were identified.

Results: The RQA revealed 3 themes reflecting participants' experiences with pharmaceutical care during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders: (1) challenges in accessing HIV services; (2) community engagement; and (3) providers supporting access to care. Participants experienced problems with adherence to medication, transportation, and technology, as well as delays in care and miscommunication with providers. Latinx SGM individuals demonstrated engagement in response to this emergency as a community and valued their providers and their efforts to facilitate access to care.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic strained healthcare services. Findings from this study show that the impact of the pandemic on the provision of care increased the vulnerability of Latinx SGM people. Future research should explore the impact of public health emergencies on the health of populations historically made socially vulnerable, and innovative solutions should be identified to eliminate these barriers to health equity.

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