Citation

Lee A, Kanji Z. Can. J. Dent. Hyg. 2017; 51(2): 80-89.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Canadian Dental Hygienists Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community represents a population of people diverse in gender, sex, and sexual orientation. This literature review explores the current research on the health care experiences of LGBT individuals in North America in an attempt to identify the barriers to care that they face and develop strategies to increase their overall health. The health care experiences of LGBT individuals were explored across 7 dimensions: existence, bodily integrity, emotional integrity, worth, uniqueness, expression, and power. The LGBT community has unique health concerns and is at higher risk for mental health conditions, substance use, and suicide. These health disparities have been associated with social discrimination, ignorance, and assumptions made about gender, sex, and sexuality. Such barriers encountered by this population have also led to delayed or discontinued care, non-disclosure of sexuality or gender identity, increased negative health behaviours, and internalized stigma. The experiences that were identified reveal a strong need to reassess and strengthen the cultural sensitivity training and LGBT education provided to health care professionals. © 2017 Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.

Language: en

Keywords

Barriers; Bisexual; Discrimination; Gay; Health care experience; Health care providers; Lesbian; Queer; Transgender