Experiences of Latinx sexual and gender minorities with access to healthcare during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
4-3-2024
Journal
American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Volume
81
Issue
8
DOI
10.1093/ajhp/zxad330
Keywords
COVID-19; Latino; access to care; sexual and gender minorities
Abstract
PURPOSE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected all social systems, but healthcare services were particularly disrupted. The pandemic also had a disproportionate impact on populations made socially vulnerable. In this study, we documented the experiences of Latinx sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals with access to care during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. METHODS: Semistructured qualitative interviews assessing experiences during the stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and patients' experiences accessing healthcare during this period were conducted with 21 Latinx SGM individuals from the Washington, DC, area. Data were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis (RQA), and salient themes were identified. RESULTS: The RQA revealed 3 themes reflecting participants' experiences with pharmaceutical care during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders: (1) challenges in accessing HIV services; (2) community engagement; and (3) providers supporting access to care. Participants experienced problems with adherence to medication, transportation, and technology, as well as delays in care and miscommunication with providers. Latinx SGM individuals demonstrated engagement in response to this emergency as a community and valued their providers and their efforts to facilitate access to care. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic strained healthcare services. Findings from this study show that the impact of the pandemic on the provision of care increased the vulnerability of Latinx SGM people. Future research should explore the impact of public health emergencies on the health of populations historically made socially vulnerable, and innovative solutions should be identified to eliminate these barriers to health equity.
APA Citation
Rodriguez-Diaz, Carlos E.; Seager, Loxley; Navalta, Cassandra; Lapointe, Lauren; Laino, Alanna; Wilhite, Daniel; Melin, Kyle; Varga, Leah; and Zea, Maria Cecilia, "Experiences of Latinx sexual and gender minorities with access to healthcare during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 4775.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/4775
Department
Public Health Student Works