CDPHP Collaborative News - Spotlight on: Improving cultural sensitivity and health care for the LGBTQ community - February 2018

Alaska Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

CDPHP Collaborative News

Safe and Healthy Me - Eat Well, Move More, Stay Safe, Tobacco Free.

State Links

> State of Alaska Cancer Plan

> Alaska Tobacco Quit Line

> Tobacco Use among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Alaska Adults – 2017

LGBT Links

> LGBT HealthLink

> LGBT Best and Promising Practices for Cancer

> National LGBT Cancer Network

> Identity, Inc.


Alaska's Tobacco Quit Line 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Safe and Healthy Me

February 2018


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Spotlight on:

Improving cultural sensitivity and health care for the LGBTQ community

Two silhouetted people holding up a LGBTQ Pride Flag

“I don’t feel comfortable sharing my sexual identity during a visit to the doctor, so I just don’t go.”

“Every time I go in, I have to explain to a new person who I am.”

These types of issues are shared when the LGBTQ community is asked about barriers to health care. Many feel their health care providers don’t understand how to address their sexual identity. The provider’s office only offers “male,” “female” or “other” as selections on intake forms, and there is a lack of trust for the provider’s confidentiality.[1] The Transgender Law Center cited a study showing that half of transgender adults had to teach their medical providers about transgender care. About 15% were denied gender-specific care, such as Pap smears for transgender men and prostate exams for transgender women.[2]

Starting with cultural sensitivity

The Alaska Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDPHP) worked with community partners to improve cultural sensitivity and health care for LGBTQ people. CDPHP staff received cultural awareness training by an Anchorage-based nonprofit organization called Identity, Inc. Identity, Inc. repeated the training with Alaska Comprehensive Cancer Partnership members. The “Culturally Proficient Care for LGBTQ People” training included discussions about gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation, as well as health disparities experienced by the LGBTQ community.

Improving health care related to cancer

Identity, Inc. offered a second training to members of the Alaska Comprehensive Cancer Partnership on how to become a welcoming oncology practice. LGBTQ people face a higher risk of cancer, resulting in a greater cancer incidence rate and later stage of diagnosis. These disparities are caused by a combination of social and economic factors and behaviors, many of which can be traced to the stress of living as a sexual and gender minority.[3]

During the training, Identity, Inc. reviewed forms to include options for gender identity and sexual orientation. They discussed barriers for LGBTQ patients, such as gender-neutral bathrooms, insurance forms and cancer screenings. Staff at two oncology offices in Alaska said they were interested in adopting best practices for working with LGBTQ patients. These oncology offices in Alaska have completed training of their nursing staff in cultural awareness and reviewed their practices for other opportunities to be welcoming. In addition, Identity, Inc. offered their expertise during Grand Rounds at two local hospitals.

Addressing tobacco use among LGB adults

Decades of research and reports in a few states have shown that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults are more likely to smoke and use tobacco products compared to heterosexual adults. Alaska’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) did not begin collecting data on sexual orientation until 2012; a question on transgender status was only recently added to the survey so data are not yet available. Data compiled from 2012–2015 found that lesbian and bisexual women are more likely than heterosexual women to smoke and use e-cigarettes. In addition, LGB adult nonsmokers are less likely than heterosexual nonsmokers to have a smokefree policy in their home.[4]

Finding more assistance to improve care  

A national program called LGBT Healthlink, which is a part of Centerlink, provides more assistance to improve patient care for LGBTQ patients. LGBTQ Healthlink is a community-driven network of experts and professionals improving LGBTQ health by reducing tobacco use, cancer, and other health disparities within the LGBTQ community. The program is one of eight cancer and tobacco disparity networks funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

LGBT Healthlink connects individuals and programs with information to promote adopting best practices in health departments and community organizations to reduce LGBTQ cancer and tobacco disparities. The program maintains a virtual forum of LGBTQ tobacco and wellness professionals, encouraging them to share lessons learned and monitor areas that need improvement.


References:

  1. Identity, Inc. 2015 Training Presentation. 
  2. Transgender Law Center. 2008 The State of Transgender California Report. Accessed January 23, 2018. Page 12.
  3. National LGBT Cancer Network. Cancer Burden Report. Accessed January 2, 2018.
  4. State of Alaska Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. Tobacco Use Among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Alaska Adults – 2017.

Section
Announcements



Key Section Publications



Alaska CDPHP Public Health Webinars

AtoZ Library - Alaska Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

A-Z Library for help finding specific CDPHP program resources

Save the Date - February 2018


Taking Control of Your Diabetes: Type 1 & Type 2

  • When: February 3, 2018
  • Where: Egan Center, Anchorage
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......

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

  • When: February 9, 2018
  • Where: Goldbelt Building, Juneau
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......

52nd Annual Alaska Pharmacists Association Convention & Tradeshow

  • When: February 9-11, 2018
  • Where: Sheraton, Anchorage
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......

50th Annual Alaska School Nutrition Association Conference

  • When: February 13-15, 2018
  • Where: BP Energy Center, Anchorage
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......

Southeast Alaska Garden Conference

  • When: February 16-18
  • Where: Harriet Hall at Fairgrounds, Haines
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......

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

  • When: February 20, 2018
  • Where: BP Energy Center, Anchorage
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......

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

  • When: February 23, 2018
  • Where: BP Energy Center, Anchorage
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......

Positive Leadership for Active Alaska Youth (PLAAY) Summit

  • When: February 23-24, 2018
  • Where: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage
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PLAAY Day is February 22: Register>

Save the Date - March 2018


Symptom Based Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Conference

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20th Annual Alaska Academy of Family Physicians Winter Update

  • When: March 9-11, 2018
  • Where: Hotel Alyeska
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......

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

  • When: March 16, 2018
  • Where: BP Energy Center, Anchorage
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......

Trauma 101

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25th Annual CME Meeting: "Suicide, Substance Use and Psychotherapy"

  • When: March 22-25, 2018
  • Where: Hotel Alyeska
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......

Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) Forum

  • When: March 26-30, 2018
  • Where: ANTHC, Anchorage
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......

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

  • When: March 31, 2018
  • Where: Cultural Center Library, Bethel, AK
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    Save the Date -
    April 2018


    Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

    • When: April 20, 2018
    • Where: BP Energy Center, Anchorage
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    ......

    40th Annual Alaska Heart Run

    • When: April 21, 2018
    • Where: Alaska Airlines Center, Anchorage
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    ......

    Trauma 101

    • When: April 25, 2018
    • Where: UAF Kuskokwim Campus, Bethel, AK
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    ......

    Traditional Health Based Practices (THBP)

    • When: April 27, 2018
    • Where: UA Video Conference
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