Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are more likely to face barriers when trying to access healthcare resources than those who identify as straight, according to a number of new studies recently summarized by Reuters Health.
The CDC lists some of the obstacles LGB people face in the American Journal of Public Health, including lack of insurance coverage and few culturally competent providers.
Other data suggests LGB people are far more likely than straight people to delay or not receive care because of costs. Additionally, gay and bisexual men report having a harder time finding healthcare providers than their straight peers.
Research from Sweden cited by Reuters Health suggests health disparities between LGB people and straight people may be the result of unequally distributed health-protective resources like knowledge, prestige, power and supportive social connections.
"I think that information will help us develop some targeted public health interventions to help change access," Mitchell Lunn, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco, told Reuters Health. "A lot of people focus on disease for public health approaches, but hopefully we can improve access to healthcare."
More articles on LGBT health:
The new look of diversity in healthcare: Where we are and where we're headed
CHOP recognized for LGBT healthcare equality: 3 things to know
11 healthcare organizations designated 'Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality'