Experiences of family and community doctors in the health care of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5712/rbmfc17(44)2407Keywords:
Sexual and gender minorities, Family practice, Primary health care.Abstract
Introduction: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transvestite and transsexual community and its health-related particularities were ignored for many years. Although homosexuality and transsexuality are no longer considered diseases, the marginalization of many lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transvestites and transsexuals at the socioeconomic-cultural level and with regard to access to health services still prevails. As to access to health care, the first contact of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transvestite and transsexual patients within the health care system can be through the family doctor. Objective: To analyze the experiences of family and community doctors with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the primary care scenario of the public health network in a city in southern Brazil. Methods: In July 2019, two focus groups were arranged (13 professionals in total), one of which consisted of 6 self-declared heterosexual and cisgender family doctors and another group consisting of 7 self-declared lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender family doctors. Results: Participants considered the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health in primary care important, but added that it was very little studied in their undergraduate/graduate training. They reported that the main demands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients are mental health, violence and sexually transmitted infections. They pointed out that they have difficulties in addressing issues involving sexuality and gender identity during their office visits. Conclusions: The results reinforce the need for family and community doctors to understand better specifics of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population. It is suggested that the health issues of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population be more taught in undergraduate and graduate medical courses.
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