Veterans administration health care utilization among sexual minority veterans.

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy L. Simpson ◽  
Kimberly F. Balsam ◽  
Bryan N. Cochran ◽  
Keren Lehavot ◽  
Sari D. Gold
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Veterans Administration ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Minority Veterans

scholarly journals Assessing the Well-being of Sexual Minority Soldiers at a Military Academic Institution

2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 342-347
Author(s):  
Jennifer L McDonald ◽  
Michelle L Ganulin ◽  
Michael N Dretsch ◽  
Maura R Taylor ◽  
Oscar A Cabrera
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Behavioral Health Care ◽  
Perceived Support ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Care Providers

ABSTRACT Introduction The goal of the present study was to characterize behavioral health rates, behavioral health care utilization, loneliness, and perceived prejudice and support among sexual minority soldiers. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional survey data were obtained from 640 active-duty U.S. soldiers enrolled in an academic training institute who provided information on their sexual orientation. Survey topics included demographics, behavioral health, behavioral health care utilization, and mitigating factors (eg, perceived prejudice, perceived support, and loneliness). Chi-square analyses were utilized to determine any differences between groups for behavioral health rates and behavioral health care utilization. Robust regression was used for analysis of self-reported loneliness. Results A higher proportion of lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) soldiers than heterosexual soldiers screened positive for anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidality. No between-group differences in behavioral health care utilization were found; however, a higher proportion of LGB soldiers sought help from military family life counselors. No between-group differences for loneliness were found. Finally, perceived prejudice was higher for LGB soldiers and perceived support was lower. Conclusion Organizational barriers, such as perceived prejudice and lack of support, appear to still exist for sexual minority soldiers. Increasing organizational support and implementing training and education for health care providers in order to better support the LGB soldier community may mitigate these barriers.

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