Study explores how sexual minority status and mental health relate to experiences of primary care in England
City St George's researchers have found that sexual minority individuals with long-term mental health conditions report poorer experiences in some areas of primary care, while also revealing patterns that suggest potential buffering effects that could help inform efforts to reduce health care inequalities
New research from City, University of London reveals how sexual minority status and long-term mental health conditions intersect to influence experiences of primary care in England. Published in eClinicalMedicine, the study analyzed responses from 1.27 million GP patients who participated in the 2022-23 General Practice Patient Survey.
The findings suggest that people from sexual minority groups with mental health conditions report poorer experiences in certain aspects of primary care, such as involvement in care decisions and interpersonal skills of healthcare professionals. However, they also showed better-than-expected recognition of their mental health needs, trust in healthcare professionals, and overall satisfaction with care.
The researchers propose that these intersecting stigmatized characteristics can result in both disadvantages and protective effects, with implications for improving healthcare inequalities.
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