Experiences of homosexual patients' access to primary health care services in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Nokulunga H Cele,Dudu G Sokhela,Maureen N Sibiya

doi:10.4102/curationis.v38i2.1522

Nokulunga H Cele, Dudu G Sokhela + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v38i2.1522

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Abstract

BackgroundHomosexual patients are affected by social factors in their environment, and as a result may not have easy access to existing health care services. Prejudice against homosexuality and homosexual patients remains a barrier to them seeking appropriate health care. The concern is that lesbians and gays might delay or avoid seeking health care when they need it because of past discrimination or perceived homophobia within the health care thereby putting their health at risk.Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of homosexual patients utilising primary health care (PHC) services in Umlazi in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).MethodA qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was conducted which was contextual in nature. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants. The findings of this study were analysed using content analysis.ResultsTwo major themes emerged from the data analysis, namely, prejudice against homosexual patients by health care providers and other patients at the primary health care facilities, and, homophobic behaviour from primary health care personnel.ConclusionParticipants experienced prejudice and homophobic behaviour in the course of utilising PHC clinics in Umlazi, which created a barrier to their utilisation of health services located there. Nursing education institutions, in collaboration with the National Department of Health, should introduce homosexuality and anti-homophobia education programmes during the pre-service and in-service education period. Such programmes will help to familiarise health care providers with the health care needs of homosexual patients and may decrease homophobic attitudes.

Highlights

Access to health care is a fundamental principle of health care systems around the world and is a fundamental human right of all citizens irrespective of race, class, religion, gender or sexual orientation
A 2009 survey conducted amongst South African students in the Western Cape regarding their attitudes and beliefs towards homosexuality, found that 44% of them disapproved of the idea of homosexuality being acceptable in South Africa, and 41% believed that granting equal rights to homosexual individuals by the constitution was correct and acceptable (Mwaba 2009:803)
Campaigns to educate the public about homosexuality could create a more conducive environment for homosexual patients so that they can access health facilities without fear of prejudice and discrimination by members of the public who are patients at the PHCs. Such education sessions could be provided in PHC clinic waiting areas and during HIV and/or AIDS health education sessions

Summary

Introduction

Access to health care is a fundamental principle of health care systems around the world and is a fundamental human right of all citizens irrespective of race, class, religion, gender or sexual orientation. A 2009 survey conducted amongst South African students in the Western Cape regarding their attitudes and beliefs towards homosexuality, found that 44% of them disapproved of the idea of homosexuality being acceptable in South Africa, and 41% believed that granting equal rights to homosexual individuals by the constitution was correct and acceptable (Mwaba 2009:803) The results of this survey indicate the general attitude some members of the community have towards homosexual patients and homosexuality. Many South African lesbians are living in fear of being ‘found out’ and becoming victims of discrimination and possible physical harm, including ‘corrective rape’ (Ochse 2011:3–4) Such sexual violence, driven by homophobia, places lesbians at high risk of HIV infection (Müller 2013:2). The concern is that lesbians and gays might delay or avoid seeking health care when they need it because of past discrimination or perceived homophobia within the health care thereby putting their health at risk

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