In 2010-2012, researchers from Dalhousie University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta completed a CIHR-funded study of LGBTQ women’s health and health care experiences, as well as the experiences of nurses and physicians who provide care to LGBTQ women in Halifax and Vancouver, Canada.
[NOTE: We also post related study results on this site, such as those on queer spirituality.]
Click here to view study results
Why LGBTQ Women and Health Care?
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other LGBTQ women face social inequities based on gender and sexual orientation. These inequities can negatively influence their health and health care, though we don’t yet understand enough about how. In this study, we examined how gender and sexual orientation affected LGBTQ women’s health care experiences and the experiences of nurses and physicians providing care to LGBTQ patients.
The Study
In Halifax, 19 LGBTQ women, 12 nurses and 9 physicians participated. In Vancouver, 19 LGBTQ women, 11 nurses and 15 physicians participated.
The LGBTQ women participants self-identified their sexual orientation and gender identities in various ways, ranged in age from 22 to 73 years, and most described themselves as “pretty healthy.”
The 23 registered nurse participants practiced in various contexts, including community clinics and hospitals. One of the nurses identified as a man, and most identified as heterosexual.
The 24 family physician participants practiced in clinics and family practices. 18 of the physicians identified as women, and 6 as men; most identified as heterosexual.
Data collection included in-depth interviews with each participant about their experiences of health care or working with LGBTQ women as a health care provider.
The LGBTQ women participants self-identified their sexual orientation and gender identities in various ways, ranged in age from 22 to 73 years, and most described themselves as “pretty healthy.”
The 23 registered nurse participants practiced in various contexts, including community clinics and hospitals. One of the nurses identified as a man, and most identified as heterosexual.
The 24 family physician participants practiced in clinics and family practices. 18 of the physicians identified as women, and 6 as men; most identified as heterosexual.
Data collection included in-depth interviews with each participant about their experiences of health care or working with LGBTQ women as a health care provider.