Introduction: Sexually diverse individuals have been given little consideration in the health system, which does not address their particular needs and demands. Objective: To describe the perceptions of homosexual users with regard to the care provided by primary health services in the city of Valdivia, in southern Chile, and their approach to sexual diversity. Methods: qualitative, descriptive study. The information collected was through a semi-structured interview, and processed using content analysis. Results: The specific issues that affect and concern this population are the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and mental health. In turn, there is concern for the health of lesbian women, in terms of the late detection of cervical and breast cancer, due to their irregular attendance to gynecological appointments, and the difficulties they face in exercising their reproductive rights. Finally, the concern for the quality of life of older adults belonging to sexual diversity emerges. Discussion and conclusions: There is expressed concern for specific health issues that coincide with the literature. There is a clear need to generate changes in our public health system, which must address its cultural and institutional complexity through actions that go beyond the mere training of health personnel.
These changes must be spearheaded by governmental authorities, who should transversally adapt these to the family health model and implement specific health programs that address sexual diversity.
Keywords:
Primary health care, Perception of health care, Homosexuality, Sexual diversity, Heteronormativity
Author Biographies
María José Montecinos, Universidad Austral de Chile. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto Salud Sexual y Reproductiva
Matrona, Magíster en Salud Pública
Ana María Silva, Universidad de Valparaíso. Facultad de Medicina. Escuela de Obstetricia y Puericultura
Montecinos, M. J., & Silva, A. M. (2019). Homosexual individuals’ perception of primary health care services’ approach to sexual diversity in Valdivia, Chile. Revista Chilena De Salud Pública, 23(1), p. 60–67. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-5281.2019.55050
