Presenter
Kelsey Gately
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
4-25-2023
Abstract
Background: Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) frequently report negative and discriminatory experiences when accessing healthcare. These accounts are echoed by the disability community. Both populations have historically endured trauma at the hands of the healthcare system, and there is limited, if any, literature examining the relationship between healthcare discrimination and disability status among SGMs. Methods: Data were collected from n=906 SGM adults residing in the US, reporting experiences of healthcare discrimination, and were recruited via Reddit from February-March 2022. SGM identity (sexual minorities assigned male at birth [AMAB], cisgender sexual minorities assigned female at birth [AFAB], gender minorities AMAB, gender minorities AFAB), demographics, and disability status were measured. Multivariable linear regression examined the relationship between log-transformed healthcare discrimination score and SGM identity, race/ethnicity, disability status, and income. Results: Over half of participants reported having at least one disability (61.7%). Disability status varied by sexual and gender identity (p=0.007) and mean healthcare discrimination score (P<0.001). Having a visible disability and having an invisible disability were independently associated with a significant increase in log-transformed healthcare discrimination score (β=0.25, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.32 and β=0.15, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.20, respectively). Conclusions: SGMs with a disability, particularly with a visible disability, are at significantly higher risk of healthcare discrimination compared to those without. Understanding these associations are vital for healthcare practitioners to promote health equity, prevent further harm, and effectively treat patients.
Faculty Mentor
Samantha Rosenthal, PhD, MPH
Academic Discipline
OTD - Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Repository Citation
Gately, Kelsey; Rosenthal, Samantha; and Swanberg, Jennifer, "Addressing the Knowledge Gap: Exploring the Relationship Between Healthcare Discrimination and Disability Status Among Sexual and Gender Minorities" (2023). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 21.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/21