Applying Qualitative Research Methods to Provide Quality Social Services for Supporting Older LGBTQIA+ Adults’ Health Needs
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21456441 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Breana Bietsch (0000-0002-9285-5529, Bridgewater State University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-20 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-08 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Social Service Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0148-8376 • E-ISSN: 1540-7314 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/01488376.2026.2684544 |
| OpenAlex | W7163871439 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 35 |
A more innovative methodological qualitative research approach was sought that would honor the lived experiences of older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) people as the experts on their own health narratives to improve health outcomes of this population. This research is pertinent, as older LGBTQIA+ populations often experience many health care services access issues such as discrimination, stigma, need to conceal their identities when seeking services, rejection from service care providers, limited aging care supports, social isolation, financial stability issues, and societal oppression. To uplift the voices of this population and understand these solutions to better health, a phenomenological lens and an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) plan were adapted for the seven focus groups (n = 33) in the study. Results of this qualitative approach helped to understand the lived experiences of older LGBTQIA+ participants, create context for these experiences, and derive shared themes for better understanding of what social services this populations needs to support better health outcomes. Implications suggest utilizing this research technique to improve practice and policy, with the aim of working toward bringing awareness to health disparities and improve social service usage for older LGBTQIA+ adults
Context (archaeology) · Focus group · Health care · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Narrative · Narrative inquiry · Population · Qualitative research · Social Welfare · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Social Work
Qualitative methods in research on healthcare quality
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Profound health-care discrimination experienced by transgender people
Exploring the intersections of LGBTQ experience and social work education
Queering gerontological social work education
The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)
The Graying Minority”
Interactions Between Health Professionals and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Patients in Healthcare Settings
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual human rights as a global health issue
LGBT aging and hetorical silence
Developing an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach to Focus Group Data
I don’t want to go back into the closet just because I need care’
Is Age Just a Number? Ageism and Quality of Life Among Filipino LGBT Older Adults
Exploring and promoting advance care planning among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults living in non-metropolitan British Columbia
Identity, Stress, and Resilience in Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals of Color
An Exploration of LGBTQ+ Community Members’ Positive Perceptions of LGBTQ+ Culture
Needs, Experiences, and Hopes for Aging Futures among Older Adults in the LGBTQ Communities
Policy Recommendations to Improve the Quality of Life for LGBT Older Adults
Aging Out
Perspectives of LGBTQ Older Adults on Aging in Place
Should Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) be Used With Focus Groups? Navigating the Bumpy Road of 'Iterative Loops,' Idiographic Journeys, and 'Phenomenological Bridges
How Many Focus Groups Are Enough? Building an Evidence Base for Nonprobability Sample Sizes
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |