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Background: Stigma regarding accessing STD prevention and treatment for the LGBT community has been shown to be a significant barrier towards accessing services. Recent studies show one in five LGBT individuals reported withholding information regarding their sexual history from a healthcare provider. One in six men who have sex with men will contract HIV in their lifetime. Additionally, MSM account for 72% of new Syphilis cases and 15-25% of new Hepatitis B infections, and a majority of transgender women do not know their STD status, further enforcing a need to address stigma within the entire LGBT care spectrum. Delay in seeking care for STDs can result in transmission to others, increase the risk of acquiring further infections.
Methods: A recent survey of members from the National Coalition for LGBT Health cited stigma that LGBT individuals face in healthcare settings as a top concern. Over half of participants reported stigma and cultural competency as issues to address. The national survey was distributed to Coalition members online. Members repeatedly noted the impact of stigma and discrimination on the health outcomes of LGBT individuals, and the need for cultural competency training to improve engagement with LGBT persons.
Results: This oral presentation will explore findings from the survey and propose strategies to reduce the impact of stigma and promote service accessibility for LGBT individuals. Audience may include: health departments, STD prevention and care providers, allied healthcare professionals, and ASOs/CBOs. At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will: 1. Describe how stigma serves as a barrier to care for LGBT individuals. 2. Increase overall awareness of culturally appropriate models and practices to reduce stigma.
Conclusions: This presentation will discuss the role of stigma in accessing and remaining in care. Topics to be addressed included: the impact of STDs within the LGBT community and cultural competence.