scholarly journals Characteristics of Sexual and Gender Minority Caregivers of People With Dementia

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110147
Author(s):  
Joel G. Anderson ◽  
Jason D. Flatt ◽  
Jennifer M. Jabson Tree ◽  
Alden L. Gross ◽  
Karen M. Rose

Objectives: Given what little is known about the experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), the aim of the current study was to describe psychosocial measures among these caregivers. Methods: We used an online survey and social media recruitment strategies. Results: Of 286 caregivers, the majority were gay men. Most respondents were white, with a third identifying as Latino American. The plurality of caregivers identified as a spouse/partner and were providing care for someone who identified as a sexual minority; one-fifth cared for someone transgender. Sexual orientation, perceived stress, caregiver stigma, and microaggressions were psychosocial factors associated with family quality of life and depressive symptoms in the caregivers. Discussion: This study is the first to provide a focused description of the characteristics and psychosocial needs of SGM caregivers of someone with ADRD, supporting development of targeted interventions for this population.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 697-697
Author(s):  
Joel Anderson ◽  
Jason Flatt ◽  
Jennifer Jabson Tree ◽  
Alden Gross ◽  
Karen Rose

Abstract Little is known about the unique experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) caregivers of people with dementia or their care recipients. We used an electronic survey to assess psychosocial measures within this caregiving population, including measures related to the care recipient. The majority of caregivers (N=285) were gay men (62%). Most respondents were white (80%), with a quarter identifying as Latinx. The majority of caregivers were a spouse/partner (59.3%) and were providing care for someone who identified as LGB (70%), with 20% caring for someone transgender. Half of care recipients did not have an advance directive. The majority of care recipients needed assistance with ≥5 instrumental activities of daily living (83%) and ≥1basic activities of daily living (74%). This study is the first to provide data regarding the unique needs of SGM caregivers of someone with dementia and will support the development of targeted interventions for this population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 768-768
Author(s):  
Joel Anderson ◽  
Jason Flatt ◽  
Jennifer Jabson Tree ◽  
Alden Gross ◽  
Karen Rose

Abstract Digital methods are a way to engage marginalized populations, such as sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults. No study to date has leveraged these methods to engage SGM caregivers of people with dementia. We used digital methods to access SGM caregivers of people with dementia in our study of psychosocial measures of caregiving for recruitment and data collection. Posts on social media and online registries targeted SGM caregivers. The study landing page received 2201 views; 285 caregivers completed the survey. Participants learned of the study most frequently from Facebook (45%). The sample was 84% white, with gay (52%), lesbian (32%), bisexual (11%), and other sexual orientations (5%) and transgender (17%) caregivers represented. While we exceeded goals for inclusion of Latinx (26%) and Native American (4%) caregivers, the number of African American SGM caregivers was lower than projected (7%). Digital methods are effective for engaging SGM caregivers of people with dementia.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaimee L Heffner ◽  
Noreen L Watson ◽  
Edit Serfozo ◽  
Megan M Kelly ◽  
Erin D Reilly ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Sexual and gender minority young adults have a high prevalence of smoking and unique barriers to accessing tobacco treatment. OBJECTIVE To address these challenges as well as their preferences for sexual and gender minority–targeted interventions and digital programs, we developed and evaluated the acceptability, preliminary efficacy, and impact on theory-based change processes of an acceptance and commitment therapy–based digital program called Empowered, Queer, Quitting, and Living (EQQUAL). METHODS Participants (n=22) of a single-arm trial conducted to evaluate the program were young adults, age 18 to 30 years, who self-identified as sexual and gender minority individuals and smoked at least one cigarette per day. All participants received access to the EQQUAL program. Participants completed web-based surveys at baseline and at a follow-up 2 months after enrollment. We verified self-reported smoking abstinence with biochemical testing; missing data were counted as smoking or using tobacco. RESULTS For young adults who logged in at least once (n=18), the mean number of log-ins was 5.5 (SD 3.6), mean number of sessions completed was 3.1 (SD 2.6), and 39% (7/18) completed all 6 sessions. Overall, 93% of participants (14/15) were satisfied with the EQQUAL program, 100% (15/15) found it easy to use, and 100% (15/15) said it helped them be clearer about how to quit. Abstinence from smoking or using tobacco was confirmed with biochemical testing for 23% of participants (5/22). Both quantitative and qualitative results suggested a positive overall response to the avatar guide, with areas for future improvement largely centered on the avatar’s appearance and movements. CONCLUSIONS Treatment acceptability of EQQUAL was very promising. The rate of abstinence, which was biochemically confirmed, was 3 times higher than that of the only other digital program to date that has targeted sexual and gender minority young adults and 6 to 13 times higher than those of nontargeted digital smoking interventions among sexual and gender minority young adults. Planned improvements for the next iteration of the program include making the avatar’s movements more natural; offering multiple avatar guides with different on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, and gender identity from which to choose; and providing a support forum for users to connect anonymously with peers.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Simons ◽  
Ales Kudrnáč ◽  
Marcela Kepic ◽  
Irena Smetáčková ◽  
Tim McCajor Hall

A national sample of 114 educators working in secondary schools in the Czech Republic participated in a mixed research online survey study. The study was conducted to assess educators’ responses to situations concerning actual and perceived sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Educators’ responses included intervening when witnessing homo/trans-negativity as well as facilitating discussions with students in the classroom when these incidences occurred. Regression models indicated that these SGM advocacy responses (intervention and discussion) were significantly related to educators’ levels of self-efficacy. Having classroom discussions with students about incidences of SGM bullying were also found to relate to having training regarding SGM topics and feeling negative about students using homo/trans-negative slurs. Our findings suggest that training on SGM topics should be offered to educators in the Czech Republic to increase the likelihood that they follow up homo-/trans-negative language and behavior with discussions. Training regarding the latter should include reflection over the impact of one’s attitudes on their SGM advocacy behaviors. Lastly, future studies should include other educators besides teachers such as school counselors and school psychologists who are also uniquely positioned to advocate for SGM youth in Czech schools.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph G. L. Lee ◽  
Bonnie E. Shook-Sa ◽  
Jeffrey Gilbert ◽  
Leah M. Ranney ◽  
Adam O. Goldstein ◽  
...  

Background. There are well-documented inequities in smoking between sexual and gender minority (SGM; e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT]) and straight and cisgender people. However, there is less information about risk for and resilience against smoking among SGM people. Such information is critical for understanding etiology and developing interventions. Aims. To conduct a within-group assessment of risks and resiliencies relating to smoking status. Method. In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey with a national, probability-based sample of SGM adults ( N = 453). We assessed theory-informed risks (adverse childhood events, substance use–oriented social environment, mental distress, stigma, discrimination, social isolation, and identity concealment) and resiliencies (advertising skepticism, identity centrality, social support, and SGM community participation). We applied survey weights, standardized predictor variables, and fit logistic regression models predicting smoking status. We stratified by age and SGM identity. Results. Patterns of risk and resilience differ by age and identity. Effects were consistently in the same direction for all groups for participating in substance use–oriented social environments, pointing to a potential risk factor for all groups. Advertising skepticism and having people you can talk to about being LGBTQ were potential protective factors. Discussion. Intervention development should address risk and resilience that differs by SGM identity. Additionally, our findings suggest interventionists should consider theoretical frameworks beyond minority stress. Conclusion. While much of the literature has focused on the role of stress from stigma and discrimination in tobacco use, addressing social norms and bolstering protective factors may also be important in SGM-targeted interventions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (05) ◽  
pp. 397-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Gunter ◽  
Fanny Lopez ◽  
Scott Cook

AbstractSexual and gender minority patients have historically experienced high rates of inappropriate and low-quality care, disrespect, and discrimination in health care settings, as well as significant health disparities. Obstetricians and gynecologists can take action on multiple fronts if they wish to improve the quality of care for their sexual and gender minority patients. Examples include improving their relationships with sexual and gender minority patients and family members by purposefully reflecting upon individual and team biases, engendering empathy for sexual and gender minority patients, and creating effective working health care partnerships with them. They can also take steps to improve their cultural competency by improving their knowledge base about sexual orientation and gender identity, using welcoming language and creating health care environments that signal to sexual and gender minority patients that they are welcomed and understood. This article documents multiple suggestions and resources that health care teams can use to improve the health and health care of their sexual and gender minority patients.


2021 ◽  
pp. 627-634
Author(s):  
Charles Kamen ◽  
Jennifer M. Jabson Tree

Undergoing cancer treatment and transitioning to survivorship presents challenges for all individuals, and sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals may face additional challenges based on the multiple identities they bring into cancer care (sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, as well as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other identities). Psychosocial oncology providers are in a unique position to address these challenges and improve the experience of cancer care for SGM patients. This chapter discusses psycho-oncology care issues specific to SGM cancer patients, including general health disparities affecting SGM communities; specific disparities in cancer risk factors, incidence, and outcomes; psychosocial needs among SGM cancer patients; and recommendations for developing psycho-oncology services to address the needs of SGM patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 309-316
Author(s):  
Gwendolyn P. Quinn ◽  
Ash B. Alpert ◽  
Megan Sutter ◽  
Matthew B. Schabath

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals encompass a broad spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Although SGM is a research term, this population is often known as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ). Typically, LGB refers to sexual orientation, T refers to gender identity, and Q may refer to either. Although each group is distinct, they share the common bond of experiencing health disparities that may be caused, in part, by stigma and discrimination, as well as by the oncology provider’s lack of knowledge and, therefore, lack of comfort in treating this population. One challenge in improving the quality of care for SGM patients with cancer is the lack of collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in the medical record. Furthermore, national studies suggest that many oncologists are unsure of what to do with this information, even when it is collected, and some are uncertain as to why they would need to know the SOGI of their patients. This clinical review offers insight into the health disparities experienced by SGM individuals and strategies for improving the clinical encounter and creating a welcoming environment.


10.2196/30241 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. e30241
Author(s):  
Jaimee L Heffner ◽  
Noreen L Watson ◽  
Edit Serfozo ◽  
Megan M Kelly ◽  
Erin D Reilly ◽  
...  

Background Sexual and gender minority young adults have a high prevalence of smoking and unique barriers to accessing tobacco treatment. Objective To address these challenges as well as their preferences for sexual and gender minority–targeted interventions and digital programs, we developed and evaluated the acceptability, preliminary efficacy, and impact on theory-based change processes of an acceptance and commitment therapy–based digital program called Empowered, Queer, Quitting, and Living (EQQUAL). Methods Participants (n=22) of a single-arm trial conducted to evaluate the program were young adults, age 18 to 30 years, who self-identified as sexual and gender minority individuals and smoked at least one cigarette per day. All participants received access to the EQQUAL program. Participants completed web-based surveys at baseline and at a follow-up 2 months after enrollment. We verified self-reported smoking abstinence with biochemical testing; missing data were counted as smoking or using tobacco. Results For young adults who logged in at least once (n=18), the mean number of log-ins was 5.5 (SD 3.6), mean number of sessions completed was 3.1 (SD 2.6), and 39% (7/18) completed all 6 sessions. Overall, 93% of participants (14/15) were satisfied with the EQQUAL program, 100% (15/15) found it easy to use, and 100% (15/15) said it helped them be clearer about how to quit. Abstinence from smoking or using tobacco was confirmed with biochemical testing for 23% of participants (5/22). Both quantitative and qualitative results suggested a positive overall response to the avatar guide, with areas for future improvement largely centered on the avatar’s appearance and movements. Conclusions Treatment acceptability of EQQUAL was very promising. The rate of abstinence, which was biochemically confirmed, was 3 times higher than that of the only other digital program to date that has targeted sexual and gender minority young adults and 6 to 13 times higher than those of nontargeted digital smoking interventions among sexual and gender minority young adults. Planned improvements for the next iteration of the program include making the avatar’s movements more natural; offering multiple avatar guides with different on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, and gender identity from which to choose; and providing a support forum for users to connect anonymously with peers.


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