A content analysis on the perceptions of LGBTQ+ (centred) health care on Twitter

LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced many barriers to receiving quality health care, but the worldwide implementation of person-centred care should make a positive change. However, as forthright disclosures are difficult to find using traditional methods, novel approaches should be utilized to uncover opinions and experiences on LGBTQ+ health care. Twitter could be a place where people post on this topic.

This study aimed to explore tweets mentioning LGBTQ+ (centred) health care.

The methods consisted of an explorative qualitative content analysis of tweets. The tweets were collected between 26 February and 30 March 2021, resulting in 2524 tweets of which 659 were relevant for content analysis.

The results showed an excess of political tweets involving LGBTQ+ health care. Many tweets included general statements on the need for LGBTQ+ health care. The few tweets on personal experiences in LGBTQ+ health care showed the overwhelming need for quality care that has been made difficult by political developments.

Most tweets were made to inform others of the necessity of quality health care for LGBTQ+ individuals, but the utilization of person-centred care is hardly noticeable.

This study was conducted with the involvement of a public partner (second author) who contributed to the design, data analyses and writing of the paper. Moreover, this study involves the analysis of data provided by the public and published on social media.