peer post:
The LGBTQIA community often faces a range of challenges that can have a significant impact on their mental and physical well-being. When compared to heterosexual populations, members of the LGBTQIA community tend to experience poorer health outcomes, contributing to health inequities. These inequities manifest in higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and instances of suicide and self-harm. These disparities are commonly attributed to minority stress, with the effects being felt differently by individual populations within the LGBTQIA community based on their unique gender identities and sexual orientations. (Medina-Martinez et al., 2021)
Nurses are essential in addressing disparities within the LGBTQIA community by providing inclusive and affirming care that is sensitive to diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. They also play a critical role in offering education and support tailored to the specific needs of LGBTQIA individuals. Additionally, nurses are instrumental in implementing suicide prevention measures and providing mental health support within the LGBTQIA community. Embracing inclusive practices, nurses can greatly contribute to improving the overall health and well-being of LGBTQIA individuals through personalized care, advocacy, and support (Medina-Martinez et al., 2021).
To address and rectify the disparities in care for sexual and gender minorities (SGM), it is crucial to recognize that nursing schools have been relatively sluggish in integrating SGM health issues into their curricula. Consequently, both nursing students and practicing nurses are inadequately equipped to deliver inclusive care to this population. Additionally, the overall contributions of nurse researchers and healthcare providers in addressing SGM health concerns have been limited. It is imperative to adopt a national nursing strategy to mitigate these challenges and ensure that SGM individuals receive the care they deserve (Hughes et al., 2022).
References
Hughes, T. L., Jackman, K., Dorsen, C., Arslanian-Engoren, C., Ghazal, L., Christenberry-Deceased, T., & Walker, R. (2022). How can the nursing profession help reduce sexual and gender minority related health disparities: Recommendations from the national nursing LGBTQ health summit. Nursing outlook, 70(3), 513-524.ttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002…
Medina-Martínez, J., Saus-Ortega, C., Sánchez-Lorente, M. M., Sosa-Palanca, E. M., García-Martínez, P., & Mármol-López, M. I. (2021). Health inequities in LGBT people and nursing interventions to reduce them: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), 11801. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/22/11801
