Publication Date
12-2024
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Department
Public Health, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Christian Williams
SPARK Session
Poster: Public Health Scientific Inquiry, 10:15-11:45 in Beaman, with Dr. Christian Williams
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Introduction
LGBTQ+ college students face inequitable health outcomes in both mental health and physical health versus non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (The Trevor Project, 2023), (Brittain et Dinger, 2015). LGBTQ+ students experience higher unwillingness and disparities in care access due to negative perceptions of and experiences with UHS providers (Hood et al, 2019). Research indicates that better provider LGBTQ+ cultural awareness contributes to a more affirming space which in turn benefits LGBTQ+ healthcare (Parmenter et al, 2020), (Prasad et al, 2023).
Methods
A 2024 cross-sectional study assessed the comfort levels of LGBTQ+ college students in accessing student health services, explore how affirming healthcare providers might encourage care, and examine perceptions of campus and home environments. Questions were derived from Hood et al (2019) and consisted of three sections examining: (1) experiences with campus resources, (2) experiences with student health services, and (3) perceptions of campus and home climate. Participants responded using a 5-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using Excel to identify trends and overall perceptions.
Results
A total of 34 responses met the inclusion criteria. Respondents perceived Counseling Services as more effective in raising awareness than the Clinic or Pharmacy. Most felt that campus nondiscrimination policies and healthcare resources encouraged them to seek care.
Those who disclosed their LGBTQ+ identity to providers felt more comfortable than those who did not, though most who shared their identity remained neutral on whether their provider was affirming. More respondents disagreed than agreed that their provider was affirming.
Most believed affirming providers at Belmont would encourage care, while non-affirming providers would discourage it. Regarding Belmont’s healthcare providers, 41% were neutral on whether they created an affirming space, 34% agreed, and 24% disagreed. No instances of discrimination from Belmont providers were reported.
Overall, most respondents viewed Belmont as an affirming environment where they felt more comfortable than at home. While 45% felt more comfortable seeking care at Belmont than at home, 19% somewhat disagreed. Additionally, 18% reported experiencing discrimination when seeking healthcare at home, which discouraged further care-seeking.
Discussion
This study illustrated that LGBTQ+ Belmont students feel comfortable accessing care though there is room for improvement. While most respondents agree that Belmont is an affirming environment, the same sentiment is not translated to campus health providers. Further research is needed to identify strategies to increase a positive perception of health services and providers to encourage care. Findings align with previous literature indicating that LGBTQ+ students face barriers in care and that affirming environments, providers, and resources encourage and improve outcomes.
References
Brittain, D.R. et Dinger, M.K. (2015). An examination of health inequities among college students by sexual orientation and sex. Journal of Public Health, 4(414). doi:https://doi.org/10.4081/jphr.2015.414
Hood, L. et al. (2019). LGBTQ College Students’ Experiences With University Health Services: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Homosexuality, 66(6), 797-814. doi:10.1080/00918369.2018.1484234
Parmenter, J.G. et al. (2020). An Exploration of LGBTQ+ Community Members' Perceived Positive Perceptions of LGBTQ+ Culture. The Counseling Psychologist, 48(7), 1016-1047. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000020933188
Prasad, S. et al. (2023). Inclusive LGBTQIA+ healthcare: An interprofessional case-based experience for cultural competency awareness. Frontiers in Public Health. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.993461
The Trevor Project. (2023). 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People. The Trevor Project. Retrieved September 2024, from https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2023/
Recommended Citation
Piatt, S.J. (2024). LGBTQ+ College Students’ Willingness to Access Campus Health Services at a Midsized, Urban Christian University: A Study on Disparities.
