Perceptions and willingness concerning the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data in Australian healthcare services

Demant, D; Byron, P; Debono, D; Jethani, S; Goldblatt, B; Thompson, M; River, J

Perceptions and willingness concerning the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data in Australian healthcare services

Demant, D

Byron, P Debono, D Jethani, S Goldblatt, B

Thompson, M River, J

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Publisher:: CSIRO Publishing
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Australian Journal of Primary Health, 2025, 31, (2), pp. PY24178-PY24178
Issue Date:: 2025-03-13

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Demant, D https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3330-2972
dc.contributor.author	Byron, P
dc.contributor.author	Debono, D
dc.contributor.author	Jethani, S
dc.contributor.author	Goldblatt, B https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4687-3176
dc.contributor.author	Thompson, M
dc.contributor.author	River, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5270-4013
dc.date.accessioned	2025-03-17T04:31:17Z
dc.date.available	2025-02-20
dc.date.available	2025-03-17T04:31:17Z
dc.date.issued	2025-03-13
dc.identifier.citation	Australian Journal of Primary Health, 2025, 31, (2), pp. PY24178-PY24178
dc.identifier.issn	1448-7527
dc.identifier.issn	1836-7399
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/185893
dc.description.abstract	Background Despite growing recognition of the importance of collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data to improve healthcare access and equity for LGBTQA+ populations, uncertainty remains around how these data are collected, their perceived importance and individuals' willingness to disclose such information in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to understand perceptions of the collection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare settings across Australia, and individuals' willingness to provide this data. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of 657 Australian residents was conducted to assess participants' attitudes towards SOGI data in healthcare settings, along with preferences for methods to collect these data. Statistical analyses included ANCOVA, Chi-squared tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Participants generally recognised the importance of the collection of basic demographic data to support the provision of health services. Willingness to share SOGI data varied, with significant differences noted across gender, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds. LGBTQA+ participants expressed greater willingness to provide SOGI data, but only in contextually appropriate situations, and preferred more inclusive data collection methods. Conclusions The study shows a context-dependent willingness to provide SOGI data in health care, underscoring the need for sensitive data collection methods. Insights into SOGI data collection attitudes are vital for developing inclusive and respectful healthcare practices. Improved SOGI data collection can enrich healthcare outcomes for diverse groups, informing public health policies and practices tailored to LGBTQA+ needs.
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	CSIRO Publishing
dc.relation	Northern Sydney Local Health District (Formerly Northern Sydney and Central Coast Area Health Service)
dc.relation.ispartof	Australian Journal of Primary Health
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1071/PY24178
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	11 Medical and Health Sciences, 16 Studies in Human Society, 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
dc.subject.classification	Public Health
dc.subject.classification	32 Biomedical and clinical sciences
dc.subject.classification	42 Health sciences
dc.subject.classification	52 Psychology
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Female
dc.subject.mesh	Australia
dc.subject.mesh	Male
dc.subject.mesh	Adult
dc.subject.mesh	Cross-Sectional Studies
dc.subject.mesh	Middle Aged
dc.subject.mesh	Sexual and Gender Minorities
dc.subject.mesh	Gender Identity
dc.subject.mesh	Sexual Behavior
dc.subject.mesh	Surveys and Questionnaires
dc.subject.mesh	Young Adult
dc.subject.mesh	Data Collection
dc.subject.mesh	Adolescent
dc.subject.mesh	Aged
dc.title	Perceptions and willingness concerning the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data in Australian healthcare services
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	31
utslib.location.activity	Australia
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences
utslib.for	16 Studies in Human Society
utslib.for	17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Law
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/School of Nursing and Midwifery
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/School of Public Health
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/INSIGHT: Institute for Innovative Solutions for Well-being and Health
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Law Health Justice
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/International Law
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	true
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2025-03-17T04:31:16Z
pubs.issue	2
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	31
utslib.citation.issue	2

Abstract:

Background Despite growing recognition of the importance of collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data to improve healthcare access and equity for LGBTQA+ populations, uncertainty remains around how these data are collected, their perceived importance and individuals' willingness to disclose such information in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to understand perceptions of the collection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare settings across Australia, and individuals' willingness to provide this data. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of 657 Australian residents was conducted to assess participants' attitudes towards SOGI data in healthcare settings, along with preferences for methods to collect these data. Statistical analyses included ANCOVA, Chi-squared tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Participants generally recognised the importance of the collection of basic demographic data to support the provision of health services. Willingness to share SOGI data varied, with significant differences noted across gender, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds. LGBTQA+ participants expressed greater willingness to provide SOGI data, but only in contextually appropriate situations, and preferred more inclusive data collection methods. Conclusions The study shows a context-dependent willingness to provide SOGI data in health care, underscoring the need for sensitive data collection methods. Insights into SOGI data collection attitudes are vital for developing inclusive and respectful healthcare practices. Improved SOGI data collection can enrich healthcare outcomes for diverse groups, informing public health policies and practices tailored to LGBTQA+ needs.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/185893