Perceptions of Care as a Determinant of Health Outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the issues the lesbian population identify as barriers to primary care. The database utilized for this review was CINHAL and the search parameters included: lesbian, health, health care, preventative, cervical cancer screening, barrier and primary care. Based on the search criteria, three qualitative articles were selected. The study designs included in-depth interviews, open ended narrative inquiries, historical accounts of screening habits and focus groups. After analysis of the collected data, there were three major themes identified in the literature. Decreased awareness, perceived or demonstrated negative attitude and lack of health knowledge were identified as major determinants for the success of lesbian health care experiences. Based on the evidence gathered in this literature review, health care providers have a valuable opportunity to help dismantle this disparity through increased cultural competency of lesbian health care needs.

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