Abstract
In healthcare settings, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations often experience discrimination, leading to decreased healthcare services utilization. In this study we have tried to identify oral healthcare providers (OHP)'s perceptions toward LGBTQ+ patients, perceived barriers for LGBTQ+ patients in accessing oral health services, and whether they were open to inclusive oral healthcare practices. In addition, the experiences of LGBTQ+ patients in oral healthcare settings including their oral healthcare seeking behaviors and beliefs were also explored. Descriptive, quantitative surveys were administered to OHPs and LGBTQ+ patients within Indiana and Michigan. Surveys contained questions about participant demographics, including gender and sexual minority status, and the presence of inclusive healthcare practices within the oral healthcare settings. Descriptive analyses and regression modeling were used to explore the distribution of participant responses and to identify predictors associated with patient comfort and OHP's attitudes toward LGBTQ+ patients. Overall, 71% of LGBTQ+ patients reported regularly attending dental appointments; however, 43% reported feeling uncomfortable going to appointments and 34% reported being treated unfairly during appointments because of sexual orientation. Among OHPs, 84% reported that the healthcare settings where they practiced were welcoming for LGBTQ+ populations and 84% reported willingness to improve LGBTQ+ care. The presence of inclusive healthcare practices predicted comfort for LGBTQ+ patients (P < 0.10). Additionally, OHPs who either identified as an ally or as having a family member or close friend in the LGBTQ+ community had higher odds of feeling responsible to treat LGBTQ+ patients. Many LGBTQ+ patients often experience discomfort in oral healthcare settings. While OHPs were largely unaware of this, evidence suggests the need for cultural competency training for OHPs.
Highlights
In healthcare settings, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations often experience discriminatory environments resulting from explicit or implicit biases held by healthcare providers [1,2,3]
71% of LGBTQ+ patients reported regularly attending dental appointments; 43% reported feeling uncomfortable going to appointments and 34% reported being treated unfairly during appointments because of sexual orientation
Among oral healthcare providers (OHP), 84% reported that the healthcare settings where they practiced were welcoming for LGBTQ+ populations and 84% reported willingness to improve LGBTQ+ care
Summary
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations often experience discriminatory environments resulting from explicit or implicit biases held by healthcare providers [1,2,3]. Current literature has identified a positive association between transgender patients’ experience of discrimination in oral healthcare settings and their level of dental fear [4]. Dental anxiety resulting from explicit or implicit biases in oral healthcare settings can prevent LGBTQ+ patients from seeking or following through with regular dental care appointments may lead to adverse oral health outcomes. Due to the associated stigma, many transitioning transgender patients refrain from discussing this with their oral health providers and may develop concerns as possible effects of HRT on oral health [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
