From Stigma to Statistics: Identifying Data Collection Challenges on LGBT+ Health in Primary Health Care in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Samuel Araujo Gomes Da Silva, Demography Department, Cedeplar, UFMG
Antonio Thomaz Gonzaga da Matta Machado, UFMG
Juliana Lustosa Torres, UFMG

This study identifies and discusses challenges in collecting data on sexual orientation and gender identity within Primary Health Care (PHC) in two cities of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 42 semi-structured interviews were conducted with PHC professionals, followed by content analysis. Situated within the context of Brazil’s National Policy for Comprehensive LGBT Health, actions to register gender identity and sexual orientation face significant barriers. These challenges are especially evident in stigmatized settings, resulting in high rates of non-responses. The results indicate key obstacles: 1) professionals' insecurity in addressing these topics, fearing they may offend patients; 2) insufficient training, despite efforts, leaving gaps in correct terminology use; 3) unsatisfactory response categories in the system; and 4) a lack of discussion by municipal management, fostering distrust among the population. These issues hinder adequate care for the LGBT+ population. Furthermore, the PHC model based on family and community health encounters resistance from households, slower to embrace family-oriented gender equity. This study contributes to advancing LGBT+ health policies and improving PHC's role in addressing disparities by enhancing the identification and understanding of the composition, morbidity and mortality profile of this population, thereby promoting equity and reducing health disparities among the LGBT+ population.

Keywords: Data and Methods, Health and Morbidity, Families, Unions and Households, Qualitative data/methods/approaches

See extended abstract.