HEALTHCARE NEEDS AND PERCEPTION OF HEALTH SYSTEM RESPONSIVENESS IN LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY IN INDIA: A SURVEY BASED CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) community faces health disparities because of social stigma, discrimination, denial of civil and human rights. On the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, they face barriers to healthcare access. Healthcare professionals who have little knowledge about the LGBT community can lead to poor health care of the community. The discrimination faced by them increases the risk of poor mental and physical health. Thus, a 'queer-friendly healthcare for all' is the need of the hour. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate distinct healthcare needs and barriers to healthcare among LGBTQIA+ community and analyse the perceived health system responsiveness in the LGBTQIA+ community. Materials and methods: Using social media, crosssectional survey was conducted. Respondents were directed to an online questionnaire-based Google form. Respondents 18 years of age or older who self-identied to belong to LGBTQIA+ community participated in this study. Results: A total of 253 participants were involved in the study. We found out barriers to come out, and unique healthcare problems affecting mental health, sexual health and physical health among LGBTQIA+ community. We also found that there were barriers to access healthcare and according to them, health system is unresponsive towards the LGBTQIA+ community and there face signicant health disparities. Conclusion: There is a need for sensitization of the healthcare providers towards the needs of LGBT community. The study also identies the rst step ( identication ) on the long path to acceptance of the diversity and variegated hues that nature has created. Progressive and inclusive realization of social rights and right to privacy embracing all and to start a dialogue is necessary for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for “less than equal” sections of the society