Factors that impact assigned female at birth sexual minority individuals' health care experiences : a qualitative descriptive study

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to identify factors that impact the health seeking behaviors of young, assigned female at birth (AFAB) sexual minority individuals. This understudied population is less likely to engage in health care services and health screenings as compared to their cisgender counterparts. Purposive sampling was used to recruit ten AFAB sexual minority individuals between 18-30 years of age who lived, attended school, and sought health care services in the Chicago metropolitan area. One overarching theme and two main themes emerged from data acquired through individual interviews: overarching theme "the right questions"; main themes (1) lack of trust in health professionals; (2) the need for better sexual health education. An important finding was that assigned female at birth sexual minority individuals want to be asked about their sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and gender identity. Participants wanted to be able to share their sexual orientation and gender identity with health professionals so they could receive appropriate care, accurate information, and feel comfortable sharing aspects about their life. Participants also desired the ability to have a relationship with health professionals that did not include awkward conversations or feeling judged. Additionally, the results suggested that general and health sciences curricula should include content about diverse sexual and gender minority populations. The addition of this type of education might increase the awareness of the person seeking care and the health care professional to the health needs of assigned female at birth sexual minority individuals. Such instruction might also normalize individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Findings have important implications for education and clinical practice. Novel strategies are needed to enhance health-seeking behaviors, and thereby the health outcomes, of the AFAB sexual minority population

Factors that Impact Assigned Female Sexual Minority Individuals Health Care Experiences: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

This qualitative descriptive study identified factors that impact assigned female at birth (AFAB) cisgender and non-binary sexual minority individuals’ decision to engage, or not engage, in health-seeking behaviors and receive preventative health care services. AFAB sexual minority individuals were asked to describe their health care experiences to determine modifiable factors that could improve their intention to seek care and improve their health care experiences. Purposive sampling was used to recruit AFAB sexual minority individuals between 18 and 30 years of age in the Chicago metropolitan area. Three main themes emerged from data acquired through individual interviews: (1) “ask the right questions”; main themes (2) lack of trust in health professionals; (3) the need for better sexual health education. An important finding was participants wanted to be asked about their sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and gender identity. Participants wanted to be able to share their sexual orientation and gender identity with health care professionals so they could receive appropriate care, accurate information, and feel comfortable sharing aspects about their life. Additionally, the results suggested that general and health sciences curricula should include content about diverse sexual and gender minority populations. Findings have important implications for health education and clinical practice