Meeting the Sexual Health Needs of LGBT Youth: Perceptions and Experiences of University Students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Limited research on access and utilization of sexual health services by sexual minorities has disadvantaged improvements of health systems in terms of providing appropriate treatment and care. Studies demonstrate that LGBTQ persons are more likely to experience health inequities, and are seldom recognized in health research and interventions. Using qualitative methods, this study aimed to shed insights into the utilization of health care services among university LGBT students. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 LGBT university students aged 18–24 years in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The interviews reveal that LGBT youth are victims of stigmatization, prejudice, and marginalization within the health system. Health providers have limited training in addressing the concerns of the LGBT community. The Internet is an important source of health information for LGBT youth. Students preferred private health services, because they felt health providers are more informed about their health needs and concerns. The findings suggest the importance of incorporating the needs of LGBT youth within youth-friendly initiatives. Future research should investigate the incidence and prevalence of diseases among LGBTQ persons, and take into account the perceptions and attitudes of health providers to understand their views on the provision of sexual health care for LGBTQ youth.

Keywords:

• LGBT youth
• university students
• sexual health
• health needs
• access
• utilization

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the participants for their generous contributions to this study.

Additional information

Funding

This work is based on the research supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation and National Research Foundation of South Africa [grant number 64816].