Keywords

LGBTQ+, Healthcare, Stigma, College, Emerging Adults

Abstract

Seeking and receiving high-quality healthcare are key components of healthy living. Greater access to high-quality healthcare is associated with higher quality of life (Bunker, 2001). Despite the many benefits of quality healthcare, many people face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, resulting in poorer physical and mental health outcomes (Jatrana & Crampton, 2021). Individuals who identify as LGBQ+ face serious health disparities as a marginalized group. The current research was designed to examine and address these specific barriers to accessing high-quality healthcare among LGBQ+ traditionally-aged college students in order to inform ways to improve access to care. Specifically, this study investigated whether general LGBQ+-related stigma, LGBQ+-related stigma within healthcare settings, medical mistrust, authenticity, religiosity of providers, and rurality of care settings affected whether traditionally-aged LGBQ+ college students had received a physical within the past year. It was hypothesized that higher levels of LGBQ+-related stigma and medical mistrust would be negatively associated with healthcare engagement. Additionally, we hypothesized that authenticity would be positively associated with healthcare engagement, and that receiving care within rural locations and negative healthcare experiences from provider’s religious beliefs would be associated with lower healthcare engagement. LGBQ+ college students who were at least 18 years of age were recruited through both the Psychology Department SONA system and CloudResearch. Participants completed an online Qualtrics survey that assessed the possible barriers previously mentioned. Independent samples t-tests, Chi-square tests of independence, and a logistic regression were all conducted to examine differences based on whether the participant had a physical examination within the past year or not. Results indicated no significant differences between the two groups based on the variables tested. However, individuals who had a regular iii care provider and a provider with whom they could discuss their sexual health with were significantly more likely to engage in healthcare than those who did not. Implications of the study findings are discussed.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Newins, Amie

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Thesis Discipline

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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