NASHVILLE, Tenn.-A four-year longitudinal study of older LGBTQ+ people in the South is being conducted to better identify the sources of stress and resilience for this infrequently studied population. Led by Tara McKay, assistant professor of medicine, health, and society, and her team, the Vanderbilt University Social Networks, Aging, and Policy Study (VUSNAPS) is providing the first data of its kind, which policy makers are already using to better reach the community and help them cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"At the time, the mayor's office was looking to make sure that lots of different groups weren't excluded from the (COVID-19) response," McKay said.
In addition to COVID impacts, wave one explored healthcare disparities within the community. A soon-to-be-published paper details how access to an LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare provider leads to improved management of mental health, greater participation in preventative health screenings, and lower levels of cognitive impairment among older LGBTQ+ adults.
"Having a healthcare provider that you view as LGBT-affirming actually shapes your healthcare experience," McKay said. "We know that this age group is hesitant to go to see a doctor. They have either personally experienced or have heard about other people's experiences of discrimination from providers. This, on average, keeps them home longer with an illness before they seek help-making the situation worse. We were really surprised at the health improvements achieved just by having a provider that you were out to and who was affirming."
