City Research Online

Abstract

AIM: To explore the barriers to accessing mental health services in the Republic of Ireland from the perspectives of young LGBT + people aged 14-25.

BACKGROUND: Significant mental health disparities exist between LGBT + young people and their cisgender and heterosexual peers, yet they do not have equitable access to mental health services. Limited research has explored barriers, which exist for LGBTI + young people in accessing services, particularly from their perspectives.

METHOD: An anonymous online survey design, consisting of closed and open questions, was used. The study was advertised through local and national organisations and media. 1,064 LGBT + participants aged 14-25 opted to complete the survey.

RESULTS: Most participants reported several barriers to them accessing mental health services that were interlinked across three levels: individual; sociocultural; and mental health system.

CONCLUSION: Cultural competency training for practitioners, which address issues and concerns pertinent to LGBT + young people, is key to addressing many of the barriers identified.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers can use the findings to advocate for practice and organisational change within their services to ensure that care and support is responsive and sensitive to the particular needs of LGBT + young people.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Higgins, A., Downes, C., Murphy, R. , Sharek, D., Begley, T., McCann, E. , Sheerin, F., Smyth, S., De Vries, J. & Doyle, L. (2020). LGBT + young people's perceptions of barriers to accessing mental health services in Ireland. Journal of Nursing Management, 29(1), pp. 58-67., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13186. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Publisher Keywords:	accessibility, adolescent, mental health services, sexual and gender minorities, young adult
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RT Nursing
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing

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