Patterns of Communication Between Gay and Lesbian Patients and Their Health Care Providers

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3628126
AutoresRobert Klitzman (0000-0002-6827-8063, New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute), Robert L Klitzman, Jason D Greenberg (Jacobi Medical Center)
Ano2002
Volume42
Fascículo4
Páginas65-75
Data de publicação2002-07-31
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1300/j082v42n04_04
PMID12243485
OpenAlexW2044037639
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas32
Referências citadas11

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether gay men and lesbians disclose their sexual orientation, and other sensitive behaviors to their primary care physicians; whether they have a chance of finding a gay friendly physician; and what factors are involved. METHODS: A self-report questionnaire was administered to 66 gay men and 28 lesbians at a gay and lesbian community center. RESULTS: Less than half of participants felt their health insurance plan gave them a choice of finding a lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) doctor. Those who did were more likely to be older, male, and to feel more comfortable discussing sex. Men were more likely to disclose their sexual orientation to their health care provider (HCP), to feel very comfortable discussing sex, to have a male doctor, to have a choice of finding a LGB provider through their insurance plan, and to think their provider is LGB. Those who disclosed their sexual orientation to their providers were more likely to be white males with male doctors, who felt their doctor was very gay friendly, and to have also discussed substance use, sexual behavior, and HIV with their HCP, and to feel comfortable discussing sex. DISCUSSION: Lesbians in particular have difficulty disclosing their sexual orientation to providers, possibly due to continuing stigma, and to have less of a choice of finding a gay or lesbian provider. The data suggest that health insurance plans should provide patients with the opportunity to find gay friendly physicians, as it may facilitate communication about substance use, high risk sexual behavior and other health topics

Health care · Homosexuality · Lesbian · Sexual orientation · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Medicine · Patient Dignity and Privacy · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Psychology · Social Psychology