Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #107335

Blase E. Masini, PhD, Department of Research, Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60613, 773-388-8907, blasem@howardbrown.org

Ample literature exists to document healthcare disparities across segments of the general public, most notably racial and ethnic minorities (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2003). These disparities exist even after adjusting for insurance status and income (Groman and Ginsburg, 2004). Literature documenting disparities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations (LGBT) is less abundant. In a recent study, minority women differed in their access to healthcare, with heterosexual women reporting higher assess than lesbians (Mays et al, 2002). More empirical evidence is necessary to ensure quality health care for LGBT.

This research looks at health care disparities across six samples of LGBT, including males, females, transgender, and youth. Sample sizes range from N=150 to N=800. For each sample, participants were asked questions about access to healthcare. These data will be compared to national statistics drawn from the National Health Interview Survey to draw conclusions about disparities.

A second set of analyses will investigate correlates between healthcare access for LGBT while adjusting for insurance coverage and income. Potential correlates include depression, domestic violence, alcohol and drug use, anxiety, attitudes toward health care, and disclosure of sexual orientation to providers.

This research will add to the body of literature on healthcare disparities by providing much needed empirical data for LGBT populations. It will also help identify correlates of healthcare for LGBT, which can in turn lead to innovations in programs. Presentations on effective programs for overcoming disparities in LGBT healthcare access are linked to this proposal.

Learning Objectives:

• Compare and contrast healthcare access for LGBT and the general public.
• Identify correlates of healthcare acess for LGBT.

Keywords: Health Care Access, Gay

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation