Factors associated with the non-use of health services in LGBTI people from Peru

To determine the factors associated with the non-use of health services in a sample of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex population of Peru.

Analytical cross-sectional study, analysis of secondary data from the First LGBTI Survey of Peru. Those who suffered from a medical condition during the last twelve months and had to receive medical attention were considered a variable of interest. Crude prevalence ratios (PRc) and adjusted (PRa), with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using Poisson regressions with robust variance. Three models were developed, adjusted to variables grouped according to sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersexuality.

55.4% were male at birth, the median age was 25 years (IR: 21-30). 16% stated that they had not sought medical attention. The three models presented a negative association in having suffered a chronic disease, infectious, contagious diseases, and mental illness and those who expressed their orientation openly. Not being respected for the gender they identified with was related to not using the services in model 3. Models 1 and 3 included a positive association with not being respected with the gender identified.

Suffering from a mental illness, an infectious contagious disease, a chronic disease, and not being treated with respect according to their gender identity are factors associated with the non-use of health services.