Survey Reveals LGBT Adults Face Double the Disrespect at US Doctor's Offices
A recent survey by KFF highlights the alarming rate of disrespect and unfair treatment faced by LGBT adults during medical visits in the US. The findings suggest that these discriminatory experiences are influencing their healthcare decisions and behaviors significantly.
Many LGBT adults face discrimination in their daily lives, including when they visit the doctor. A recent survey by KFF revealed that these negative experiences have caused many to alter their healthcare choices and behaviors.
Protestors are adorned in flags during the London Trans+ Pride Protest. The march comes against a backdrop of growing anti-trans hostility. (Photo by Loredana Sangiuliano / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)
Protestors at the London Trans+ Pride Protest are seen proudly wearing flags as they march. This demonstration is taking place amidst a rise in anti-trans attitudes. The photo was taken by Loredana Sangiuliano from SOPA Images/Sipa USA.
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A survey found that a third of LGBT adults have experienced unfair or disrespectful treatment from a doctor or other health care provider, while only about 15% of non-LGBT adults reported the same.
In addition, LGBT adults were more than twice as likely to have negative experiences during recent health care visits. This includes providers making assumptions about them (40%), suggesting personal blame for a health problem (32%), and ignoring a request or question (32%). In contrast, less than 20% of non-LGBT adults have encountered these types of interactions.
Consequences resulting from negative health care experiences are more than twice as common among LGBT adults. A quarter of LGBT adults report a recent health care experience that worsened their health, compared to less than 10% of other adults. Additionally, over a third of LGBT adults stated they are now less likely to seek health care or have changed providers, in contrast to about 15% of other adults.
LGBT adults are consistently more prone to facing discrimination in their daily lives at least a few times a year compared to non-LGBT adults. Among LGBT adults, negative experiences are more prevalent among the younger population, women, and those with lower income.
closeup of a transgender pride flag waving on the blue sky, moved by the wind, with the sun in the background
closeup of a transgender pride flag waving on the blue sky, moved by the wind, with the sun in the background
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Gender-affirming care is extremely important for many young people in America. According to a statement by Drew Altman, CEO and president of KFF, it is concerning that twice as many LGBT adults report being treated poorly by the health system compared to non-LGBT adults. Altman emphasizes the need for health professionals and institutions to examine these data and reflect on their own practices.
While negative experiences at the doctor's office are more common for LGBT adults, they are not the norm. In fact, most LGBT adults have reported positive and respectful interactions in recent years. According to a survey, at least 7 out of 10 LGBT adults say that health care providers involved them in decisions about their care, spent enough time with them during their visit, and understood and respected their cultural values and beliefs.
However, the survey also found that more than half of LGBT adults feel the need to be "very careful about their appearance to be treated fairly" during health care visits, compared to about a third of non-LGBT adults. Additionally, over a third (38%) of LGBT adults say they "try to prepare for possible insults from a doctor or health care provider or their staff." The survey also revealed that LGBT adults are less comfortable asking questions during these visits.
LGBT adults are more likely to face mental health challenges, often due to discrimination and negative experiences, according to a report by KFF. In fact, they are over twice as likely as non-LGBT adults to report not receiving necessary mental health services in the past year.
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The latest report from KFF highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBT adults in the U.S., including experiences with stigma, discrimination, and poorer mental health outcomes compared to non-LGBT peers. The researchers point out that these findings are interconnected, as stigma and discrimination can impact mental health, especially during a time when LGBTQ rights and access to social institutions, such as healthcare, are being questioned and politicized.
The survey included over 6,000 adults in the US, with around 500 identifying as LGBT. It took place from June to August 2023 and focused on participants' interactions with healthcare providers in the last three years.
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The survey
