Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals are often stigmatised and discriminated against. This population is expected to experience poorer mental health outcomes compared with heterosexual and cis-gendered people*, a phenomenon healthcare providers need to take note of and act upon.
This was a finding of a study done by Prof Miriam Moagi from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Health Sciences.
Prof Moagi’s study explored and described the mental health challenges of LGBT people.
She says the results showed that, although LGBT has been legalised in many countries, these individuals still experience significant mental health challenges.
“Healthcare providers are in a position to address challenges related to social and healthcare structures, and act as advocates to promote the mental health of LGBT individuals,” she adds.
“Healthcare providers need to treat LGBT people with sensitivity and respect. This will encourage them to access healthcare services and raise their mental health concerns without fear of discrimination, victimisation and stigmatisation.”
She adds that LGBT people with signs and symptoms of emotional distress ought to be referred to mental healthcare providers for psychosocial interventions to prevent the development of psychiatric disorders.
“Psychological interventions are essential to facilitate the development of effective coping strategies and resilience.
“Social interventions should focus on two levels. Firstly, family interventions to facilitate acceptance and support, and secondly, advocacy for and participation in right-based and empowering policy initiatives related to the LGBT community,” says Prof Moagi.
She says while the evidence from this study indicates both provider-based mental healthcare disparities and perceived disparities based on LGBT individuals’ expectations, further research is recommended to explore the inter-relationship between the different types of disparities to provide possible interventions.
“The mental healthcare needs of minority populations and subsequent treatment implications should be included in the curricula of healthcare providers. In-service training using reflective techniques may help to facilitate mental healthcare providers’ awareness of their own beliefs and stereotypes that may stand in their way of assisting LGBT individuals effectively.
“The achievement of health equity requires empowering LGBT people to take action and to address the environmental and structural barriers that influence their mental health,” says Prof Moagi.
* Cisgender describes a person whose gender identity is the same as their sex assigned at birth.
Prof Miriam Moagi
