Examining facilitators and barriers to sexual orientation and gender identity disclosure to healthcare providers among US college students

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals generally experience health disparities. Frequent nondisclosure of SGM status to healthcare providers contributes to these disparities. We collaborated with an LGBTQIA+ student organization to conduct a virtual focus group exploring facilitators and barriers to SGM disclosure to healthcare providers. Five thematic clusters emerged from our group concept mapping procedure: (1) provider approach to SGM-specific care; (2) indicators of inclusive clinic culture; (3) interpersonal disclosure concerns; (4) harmful provider communication; and (5) persistent behavioral factors in patient-provider relationships. More broadly, participants indicated healthcare providers’ inclusive/exclusive behaviors and communication were generally important to SGM disclosure.