Reviewing challenges in access to oral health services among the LGBTQ+ community in Indiana and Michigan: A cross-sectional, exploratory study.

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  • Author(s): Tharp G;Tharp G; Wohlford M; Wohlford M; Shukla A; Shukla A
  • Source:
    PloS one [PLoS One] 2022 Feb 25; Vol. 17 (2), pp. e0264271. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Feb 25 (Print Publication: 2022).
  • Publication Type:
    Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Public Library of Science Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101285081 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1932-6203 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 19326203 NLM ISO Abbreviation: PLoS One Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Original Publication: San Francisco, CA : Public Library of Science
    • Subject Terms:
      Delivery of Health Care* ; Dental Care* ; Health Services Accessibility* ; Healthcare Disparities* ; Sexual and Gender Minorities*; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Indiana ; Male ; Michigan ; Middle Aged
    • Abstract:
      Objective: In healthcare settings, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations often experience discrimination, leading to decreased healthcare services utilization. In this study we have tried to identify oral healthcare providers (OHP)'s perceptions toward LGBTQ+ patients, perceived barriers for LGBTQ+ patients in accessing oral health services, and whether they were open to inclusive oral healthcare practices. In addition, the experiences of LGBTQ+ patients in oral healthcare settings including their oral healthcare seeking behaviors and beliefs were also explored.
      Methods: Descriptive, quantitative surveys were administered to OHPs and LGBTQ+ patients within Indiana and Michigan. Surveys contained questions about participant demographics, including gender and sexual minority status, and the presence of inclusive healthcare practices within the oral healthcare settings. Descriptive analyses and regression modeling were used to explore the distribution of participant responses and to identify predictors associated with patient comfort and OHP's attitudes toward LGBTQ+ patients.
      Results: Overall, 71% of LGBTQ+ patients reported regularly attending dental appointments; however, 43% reported feeling uncomfortable going to appointments and 34% reported being treated unfairly during appointments because of sexual orientation. Among OHPs, 84% reported that the healthcare settings where they practiced were welcoming for LGBTQ+ populations and 84% reported willingness to improve LGBTQ+ care. The presence of inclusive healthcare practices predicted comfort for LGBTQ+ patients (P < 0.10). Additionally, OHPs who either identified as an ally or as having a family member or close friend in the LGBTQ+ community had higher odds of feeling responsible to treat LGBTQ+ patients.
      Conclusion: Many LGBTQ+ patients often experience discomfort in oral healthcare settings. While OHPs were largely unaware of this, evidence suggests the need for cultural competency training for OHPs.
      Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20220225 Date Completed: 20220309 Latest Revision: 20220309
    • Publication Date:
      20221213
    • Accession Number:
      PMC8880834
    • Accession Number:
      10.1371/journal.pone.0264271
    • Accession Number:
      35213637