Marybec Griffin1,2, Kristen D Krause1,2, Farzana Kapadia1,2,3, Perry N Halkitis2,4,5. 1. 1 College of Global Public Health, New York University , New York, New York. 2. 2 Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey. 3. 3 Department of Population Health, Langone Medical Center, New York University , New York, New York. 4. 4 Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey. 5. 5 Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We used in-depth interviews with a cohort of young adult gay men (YAGM) to provide a more detailed understanding of their current healthcare engagement, including experiences with the healthcare system, provider knowledge of healthcare needs, and desired provider characteristics. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 40 YAGM in New York City. The interview guide examined healthcare engagement across key developmental stages: childhood (birth-12), adolescence (13-18), young adulthood (19-22), and the present (23-26). All transcripts were coded using a consensual qualitative research approach to identify crosscutting topics. The interviews were conducted between September and October 2015. RESULTS: The following topics were identified: experiences with the healthcare system, provider knowledge of healthcare needs, and desired provider characteristics. Common barriers to healthcare access were financial concerns, lack of insurance, and dissatisfaction with the care provided. Reasons for dissatisfaction with care were based on perceptions of providers' anti-gay attitudes, judgment of same-sex sexual behavior, and lack of provider knowledge about YAGM's health needs. This often led men in this study to seek sexual healthcare from providers other than their primary care provider. When asked about desired provider characteristics, participants noted that basic demographics were of less importance than skills-based characteristics such as rapport, comfort discussing sexual health issues, and knowledge of YAGM's health. CONCLUSION: YAGM have unique challenges to engaging in healthcare, including provider stigma and lack of provider knowledge of YAGM's health needs, which are not faced by other young adult populations. The results from this study highlight the need for more extensive and standardized training in medical school and as part of continuing medical education for healthcare providers.
PURPOSE: We used in-depth interviews with a cohort of young adult gay men (YAGM) to provide a more detailed understanding of their current healthcare engagement, including experiences with the healthcare system, provider knowledge of healthcare needs, and desired provider characteristics. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 40 YAGM in New York City. The interview guide examined healthcare engagement across key developmental stages: childhood (birth-12), adolescence (13-18), young adulthood (19-22), and the present (23-26). All transcripts were coded using a consensual qualitative research approach to identify crosscutting topics. The interviews were conducted between September and October 2015. RESULTS: The following topics were identified: experiences with the healthcare system, provider knowledge of healthcare needs, and desired provider characteristics. Common barriers to healthcare access were financial concerns, lack of insurance, and dissatisfaction with the care provided. Reasons for dissatisfaction with care were based on perceptions of providers' anti-gay attitudes, judgment of same-sex sexual behavior, and lack of provider knowledge about YAGM's health needs. This often led men in this study to seek sexual healthcare from providers other than their primary care provider. When asked about desired provider characteristics, participants noted that basic demographics were of less importance than skills-based characteristics such as rapport, comfort discussing sexual health issues, and knowledge of YAGM's health. CONCLUSION: YAGM have unique challenges to engaging in healthcare, including provider stigma and lack of provider knowledge of YAGM's health needs, which are not faced by other young adult populations. The results from this study highlight the need for more extensive and standardized training in medical school and as part of continuing medical education for healthcare providers.
Authors: Kevin Hascher; Jessica Jaiswal; Julianna Lorenzo; Caleb LoSchiavo; Wanda Burton; Amanda Cox; Kandyce Dunlap; Benjamin Grin; Marybec Griffin; Perry N Halkitis Journal: Cult Health Sex Date: 2021-12-30
Authors: Richard J Martino; Kristen D Krause; Marybec Griffin; Caleb LoSchiavo; Camilla Comer-Carruthers; Anita G Karr; Allie F Bullock; Perry N Halkitis Journal: Public Health Rep Date: 2021-05-25 Impact factor: 3.117
Authors: Richard J Martino; Kristen D Krause; Marybec Griffin; Caleb LoSchiavo; Camilla Comer-Carruthers; Perry N Halkitis Journal: Sex Res Social Policy Date: 2021-11-13