HPA 438 Lesson 11 Reflection

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School

Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg *

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MISC

Subject

Health Science

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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4

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Erin Merced Penn State University HPA 438 Professor Wafula November 10th, 2023 Immigrants/Refugees & LGBTQ+ Reflection The video provides a heart-wrenching perspective on the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face while seeking healthcare. It highlights the urgent need for changes in the healthcare system to address the barriers and disparities faced by them. By doing so, we can create a healthcare system that is inclusive, equitable, and compassionate while providing high- quality care to all, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is crucial to move towards a future where LGBTQ+ patients not only feel accepted for who they are but also receive the healthcare they need to lead happy and fulfilling lives. Healthcare providers often fail to create inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals. This can lead to LGBTQ+ patients feeling marginalized and less likely to disclose important health information. Heteronormative or cisnormative perspectives can influence questions and assumptions made by healthcare providers, which can negatively impact the quality of care received by LGBTQ+ patients. In some cases, healthcare providers may even exhibit discrimination or discomfort when dealing with LGBTQ+ patients, leading to stigmatization and suboptimal care. This can have adverse effects on health outcomes and deter individuals from seeking healthcare altogether. Due to past negative experiences or the anticipation of discrimination, many LGBTQ+ individuals may be hesitant to share their sexual orientation or
gender identity with healthcare providers. This can hinder accurate assessments and appropriate care. LGBTQ+ individuals face a higher risk of mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. These challenges often arise from societal discrimination, family rejection, and internalized stigma. Members of the LGBTQ+ community may engage in sexual behaviors that require specialized healthcare, such as regular HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Missed screenings can occur due to a lack of open communication with healthcare providers. LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk of certain cancers, such as anal and breast cancer. Therefore, regular screenings and early detection are crucial for positive outcomes. Transgender individuals often require gender-affirming care, which includes hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, to alleviate gender dysphoria. However, barriers to accessing these treatments can lead to severe psychological distress. It's unfortunate that healthcare professionals may not receive sufficient training to cater to the specific healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ patients. As a result, they might feel uncomfortable and lack knowledge when dealing with such patients. Furthermore, most healthcare forms and processes are based on heterosexual and cisgender norms, which can make LGBTQ+ patients feel invisible and unheard. This, in turn, leads to discrimination, such as refusal of care or derogatory remarks, which aggravates disparities and creates a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ patients. Comprehensive training on LGBTQ+ healthcare needs, cultural competence, and sensitivity is imperative for healthcare providers. They should understand the unique health risks and challenges that LGBTQ+ patients face. Healthcare institutions must adopt inclusive practices that respect diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. This includes using gender-neutral
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