Health Needs and Experiences of a LGBT Population in Georgia and South Carolina

Lara M Stepleman, Jiby Yohannan, Samantha M. Scott, Lauren L. Titus, Joan Walker, Eliot J. Lopez, Lauren Wooten Smith, Alexis L. Rossi, Thomas M. Toomey, Elizabeth Devon Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The 2016 Municipal Equality Index rated Augusta, the largest city in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), as one of the least lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) friendly cities in America. To understand the context of our region in relation to LGBT wellness, we conducted the first LGBT health needs assessment of the CSRA, assessing physical and mental health status and health care needs and experiences in the community. Participants (N = 436) were recruited using venue and snowball sampling and completed an anonymous online survey. Overall, the health problems experienced (i.e., obesity, depression) were not uniformly experienced across sexual orientation and gender identity; some groups experienced significantly higher rates of these conditions than others. Similarly, transgender individuals in particular reported higher rates of negative experiences with health care providers. Regional and national dissemination of these findings is critical to reducing health disparities and improving wellness of our local LGBT community.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)989-1013
Number of pages25
JournalJournal of Homosexuality
Volume66
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 7 2019

Keywords

  • LGBT
  • health disparities
  • mental health
  • needs assessment
  • physical health
  • southeast

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Social Psychology
  • Education
  • General Psychology

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