Living with psoriatic conditions like psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can present daily challenges, not only in managing physical symptoms but also in navigating health care systems. For LGBTQ+ individuals, these challenges can be compounded by the unique issues tied to their identities, such as discrimination, a lack of understanding from healthcare providers, and a sense of not being fully supported within medical spaces.
Understanding how these experiences differ for LGBTQ+ individuals is crucial to improving care and outcomes. A recent Global Healthy Living Foundation poll aimed to provide insight into this topic by learning from LGBTQ+ individuals who live with PsA, PsO, or both. This survey focused on understanding how these individuals feel about their treatment and support from healthcare providers and what could make them feel more empowered in managing their conditions.
Of the 112 respondents, 46 percent indicated that they identify as LGBTQ+, while were screened out of the survey. Of those, 65 percent reported being diagnosed with PsA and PsO, 19 percent with just PsA, and 14 percent with just PsO.
Key Findings
The results of this poll reveal a wide range of experiences, from feeling well-supported by healthcare providers to concerns about differential treatment based on LGBTQ+ identity. Additionally, the poll sheds light on what could be done to better support the LGBTQ+ community in managing psoriatic conditions.
Support from Healthcare Providers
When asked how supported they felt by their healthcare providers in managing their psoriatic conditions, a majority (45%) felt well supported, with an additional 25 percent feeling somewhat supported. However, 11 percent of participants reported feeling unsupported to varying degrees, indicating a gap in healthcare provider support for LGBTQ+ patients with psoriatic conditions.
Differential Treatment Based on LGBTQ+ Identity
When asked if their experiences with psoriatic condition treatments differed due to their LGBTQ+ identity, 54 percent of respondents did not feel their care was impacted. In comparison, 16 percent believed their experiences were indeed different. Another 29 percent were uncertain about whether their LGBTQ+ identity influenced their care.
What Would Help LGBTQ+ Patients Feel More Supported?
Participants were asked what could help them feel more supported in managing their psoriatic conditions. Half of the respondents (52%) indicated that resources on dedicated websites, as well as more research on LGBTQ+ populations with these conditions, would be most helpful. Additionally, open communication between LGBTQ+ patients and healthcare providers was seen as an important factor for 45 percent of respondents. Other key responses included the need for community events, educational resources, and advocacy for better insurance coverage and LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare providers.
Moving Toward Inclusive Healthcare
The poll results highlight the need for more significant support and inclusivity in healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals living with psoriatic conditions. The experiences shared by participants show that while many feel supported, there is still a significant portion of the community that struggles with healthcare access, communication barriers, and provider understanding.
To improve the care and treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals with PsA and PsO, healthcare systems must focus on increasing resources, conducting further research into the needs of these populations, and fostering better communication between healthcare providers and patients. By doing so, we can ensure that all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, receive the highest level of care and support for their psoriatic conditions.
About the Patient Support Program Quick Poll
Members of our program have underlying health issues – such as inflammatory arthritis and other autoimmune conditions, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and more — that may increase their risk for COVID-19 complications. They are interested in understanding the best ways to stay safe during the pandemic and in being part of a community of people with similar concerns, questions, and fears.
We regularly poll members, who live in the U.S. as well as around the globe, about a variety of topics, including how the pandemic is affecting their lifestyle, mental health, chronic disease management, medication adherence, and more.
We use this information to inform the educational resources we provide and other stakeholders — such as public health experts, policymakers, advocacy groups, health care professionals, and pharmaceutical companies — about chronic illness patients’ needs and concerns. You can participate in the ongoing poll by joining the support program here.
This article was made possible with support from Bristol Myers Squibb.
