Assessment of LGBTQIA+ access by health professionals at a Municipal Health Center of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The LGBTQIA+ population has different health demands, implying different actions. The National
Policy for Comprehensive Health of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transgender ((PNSI-LGBT) reaffirms SUS commitment to universality, integrality and equity. The objective of this research was to evaluate the access to reception for the LGBTQIA+ population, by health professionals from a Municipal Health Center.
A descriptive study with a qualitative method was carried out, in a participatory manner. To this end, 60 subjects participated in the research through face-to-face conversation circles and through online questionnaires. The majority (85%) of the participants consider the LGBTQIA+ population to be vulnerable. Although most do not report difficulties in welcoming this population, more than half consider that they do not have appropriate training. It was identified by the subjects that the greatest barriers to accessibility were not the geographic ones, but the professionals and users themselves, indicating the fragility of the bond. In order to improve access to
reception, training processes are necessary for workers. The discussion about the health and disease process of the LGBTQIA+ population also requires an understanding of the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity, in order to facilitate actions of acceptability and accessibility by health professionals.