Abstract (300 words maximum)
Key Words: LGBTQ+, Discrimination, Attitudes, Beliefs, Perceived Access to Care
Background
The LGBTQ+ community has historically faced marginalization and discrimination when attempting to receive medical care. Delayed medical care can lead to poor health outcomes and can increase prevalence of risk factors of behaviors such as drug use, higher STI and obesity rates, and other mental health issues such as depression (Quinn et al., 2015). The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts that discrimination, attitudes, and beliefs have on members of the LGBTQ+ community when seeking medical care.
Methodology
The study uses primary data obtained through descriptive surveys. The GroupMe link will be emailed to professors at Kennesaw State University with the goal of gaining 45 participants. The survey will consist of three parts: perceived access to care, discrimination, attitudes and beliefs to access to care. Data is going to be collected using a questionnaire and will be analyzed through SPSS.
Results
Our expected results would be 90% response rate out of our goal of 45 participants. We expect 65% of the participants to report facing barriers when accessing healthcare. We also expect 65% to report facing discrimination when accessing healthcare. These are theorized percentages for what we expect the results to be.
Conclusion
This study aims to look at Kennesaw State University students ages 18 - 30 in the LGBTQ+ communities’ experiences in discrimination from medical professionals. This study also aims to assess the attitudes and beliefs of the community members towards medical professionals and how this may impact the community’s access to medical care.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Health Promotion and Physical Education
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Afekwo Ukuku
Investigating the Discrimination That Members of the LGBTQ+ Community Face When Attempting to Receive Health Care
Key Words: LGBTQ+, Discrimination, Attitudes, Beliefs, Perceived Access to Care
Background
The LGBTQ+ community has historically faced marginalization and discrimination when attempting to receive medical care. Delayed medical care can lead to poor health outcomes and can increase prevalence of risk factors of behaviors such as drug use, higher STI and obesity rates, and other mental health issues such as depression (Quinn et al., 2015). The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts that discrimination, attitudes, and beliefs have on members of the LGBTQ+ community when seeking medical care.
Methodology
The study uses primary data obtained through descriptive surveys. The GroupMe link will be emailed to professors at Kennesaw State University with the goal of gaining 45 participants. The survey will consist of three parts: perceived access to care, discrimination, attitudes and beliefs to access to care. Data is going to be collected using a questionnaire and will be analyzed through SPSS.
Results
Our expected results would be 90% response rate out of our goal of 45 participants. We expect 65% of the participants to report facing barriers when accessing healthcare. We also expect 65% to report facing discrimination when accessing healthcare. These are theorized percentages for what we expect the results to be.
Conclusion
This study aims to look at Kennesaw State University students ages 18 - 30 in the LGBTQ+ communities’ experiences in discrimination from medical professionals. This study also aims to assess the attitudes and beliefs of the community members towards medical professionals and how this may impact the community’s access to medical care.