ABSTRACT
Abstract Objectives: To compare variables of access to healthcare between the LGBT+ population aged 50 and over and those non-LGBT+. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Brazil through a confidential online questionnaire. The use of the health system was characterized by the number of preventive tests performed and measured by the PCATool-Brasil scale (a 10-point scale in which higher scores were associated with better assistance in healthcare). The association between being LGBT+ and access to health was analyzed in Poisson regression models. Results: 6693 participants (1332 LGBT+ and 5361 non-LGBT+) with a median age of 60 years were included. In the univariate analysis, it was observed not only lower scores on the PCATool scale (5.13 against 5.82, p < 0.001), but a greater proportion of individuals among those classified with the worst quintile of access to healthcare (< 4 points), 31% against 18% (p < 0.001). Being LGBT+ was an independent factor associated with worse access to health (PR = 2.5, 95% CI 2.04‒3.06). The rate of screening cancer, for breast, colon, and cervical cancer was also found to be lower in the LGBT+ population. Conclusion: Healthcare access and health service experiences were worse in the LGBT+ group than in their non-LGBT peers. Inclusive and effective healthcare public policies are essential to promote healthy aging for all.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Reports show that LGBT+ people may face several struggles during their endof-life (EOF) preparations, reporting higher rates, for example, of harassment and fear of feeling pain during these moments. We thus aimed to investigate variables related to EOF preparations among LGBT+ people and compare them with heterosexual cisgender individuals. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which Brazilians aged 50 or older were invited to answer an anonymous online survey between August 2019 and January 2020. The survey was widely distributed in neighbourhood associations, nongovernmental organizations, and social media. Those who identified as homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, non-heterosexual, transgender, travesti, or non-binary were grouped as LGBT+; cisgender and heterosexual participants were grouped as non-LGBT+. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 6693 participants with a median age of 60 years. Out of all respondents, 1332 were LGBT+ (19.90%) and 5361 were non-LGBT+ (80.10%). Compared to their non-LGBT+ peers, LGBT+ people reported higher rates of loneliness (25.30% vs 16.32%, p < 0.001), fear of dying alone (15.69% vs 9.79%, p < 0.001) or in pain (35.21% vs 25.74%, p < 0.001), and less social support (19.44% vs 13.48%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Being LGBT+ was associated with challenges and inequalities regarding EOF preparations and discussions. Sexuality and diversity should be addressed in palliative training programs to address the needs of the LGBT+ population and to provide them with a dignified death
Objetivos: Estudos observacionais mostram que pessoas LGBT+ enfrentam diversas barreiras e desafios em suas preparações de fim de vida, como, por exemplo, taxas maiores de discriminação e medo de sentir dor nesses momentos. Dessa forma, nosso objetivo foi investigar variáveis relacionadas às preparações de fim de vida entre pessoas LGBT+ e compará-las com as de indivíduos não LGBT+. Metodologia: Este foi um estudo de corte transversal, no qual brasileiros com 50 anos ou mais foram convidados a responder a um questionário online anônimo entre agosto de 2019 e janeiro de 2020. O link para respostas foi distribuído amplamente em associações, organizações não governamentais e mídias sociais. Aqueles que se identificassem como homossexuais, bissexuais, pansexuais, não heterossexuais, transgênero, travestis ou com gênero não binário foram agrupados no grupo LGBT+; pessoas cisgênero e heterossexuais constituíram o grupo não LGBT+. Resultados: O questionário foi respondido por 6693 participantes, com mediana de idade de 60 anos. Entre eles, 1332 eram LGBT+ (19,90%) e 5361 não LGBT+ (80,10%). Comparadas com seus contemporâneos não LGBT+, as pessoas LGBT+ referiram maiores taxas de solidão (25,30% vs. 16,32%, p < 0,001), medo de morrer sozinhas (15,69% vs. 9,79%, p < 0,001) ou com dor (35,21% vs. 25,74%, p < 0,001) e menor suporte social (19,44% vs. 13,48%, p < 0,001). Conclusões: Ser LGBT+ esteve associado com iniquidades e desafios relacionados às preparações e discussões de fim de vida. Sexualidade e diversidade devem ser abordadas em programas de formação em cuidados paliativos para se acessarem as necessidades e particularidades da população LGBT+ e, dessa forma, ser proporcionada uma morte com dignidade a todos.