Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Theresa Gaffney
Published on 2024-01-26 09:30:57
The U.S. has seen an increase in openly LGBTQ+ individuals, yet their unique health challenges remain largely unknown. Health systems are being encouraged by researchers to incorporate patients’ sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) into their data collection. A paper published in JAMA Cardiology by a group of cardiologists highlights the urgent need to systematically collect SOGIE data across electronic health records, public databases, registries, and clinical trials.
Studies have shown that certain LGBTQ+ populations may have lower overall cardiovascular health scores, particularly bisexual women, and report higher rates of behaviors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there is limited information about disparities for other diseases. Without more comprehensive SOGIE data, it is challenging for clinicians and researchers to address the varying health disparities that may affect people within different queer identities.
In an interview with STAT, paper authors Brototo Deb and Stephen Cook discuss the impact of not collecting SOGIE data on cardiovascular health and the health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. They emphasize the importance of collecting such data in electronic health records and the need for diverse workforce and patient involvement in the process.
The political atmosphere in the country with more attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and health care is seen as a barrier to the widespread collection of SOGIE data. The hope is that medical bodies such as the American Medical Association and the American College of Cardiology will advocate for the collection of SOGIE data.
Challenges to collecting this data include the lack of training for healthcare providers, insufficient medical education on queer and transgender health, and the inaccuracies in existing data. The authors also express hope for the future, with Deb being an eternal optimist and Cook emphasizing the need for education and awareness in the medical community.
Despite these challenges, the authors remain hopeful for the future and believe that increased understanding and recognition of the importance of collecting SOGIE data will lead to better healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Read the original article on Africa Health News
