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Perceptions of general practice among homosexual men
R Fitzpatrick1, J Dawson, M Boulton
1Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, London.
Summary
Many homosexual men do not disclose their sexual orientation or HIV status to their general practitioner, impacting care. Improving primary care
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- General Practice
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Primary care is crucial for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and management.
- Homosexual men may face unique challenges accessing and utilizing primary care services.
- Understanding these challenges is key to improving HIV/AIDS care within general practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate difficulties experienced by homosexually active men in general practice.
- To determine if these men consulted their general practitioner for HIV/AIDS-related issues.
- To assess the extent of disclosure of sexual orientation and HIV status to general practitioners.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of homosexual men through genitourinary clinics and homosexual organizations.
- Interviews conducted between 1991-1992 to gather data on primary care experiences.
- Analysis of disclosure rates regarding sexual orientation and HIV status.
Main Results:
- 44% of men with a general practitioner had not disclosed their sexual orientation.
- 44% of HIV-positive men had not informed their general practitioner of their status.
- Perceived unsympathetic practice environments correlated with lower disclosure rates.
Conclusions:
- Significant improvements are needed to enhance the acceptability of general practice for homosexual men.
- Disclosure of sexual orientation and HIV status is a key area for intervention.
- Primary care remains a valued source for HIV/AIDS advice, despite existing barriers.