Sexual identity and utilisation of primary healthcare services: findings from the New Zealand Health Survey

Using data extracted from the New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS), the purpose of this study was to compare lesbian, gay and bisexual people and heterosexual people on engagement with general practitioner (GP) and nursing services and patient experiences of GP services. Quantitative data spanning four waves of NZHS from the years 2017/2018 to 2020/2021 were used to undertake a comparative analysis of lesbian females, bisexual females, gay males, bisexual males and heterosexual males and females. Statistically significant differences were observed in the percentage of GP and nurse utilisation across sexual identity groups. Our analysis showed that both bisexual females and gay/bisexual males were significantly more likely to report poorer levels of trust in GPs and experience poorer explanation of doctors and health conditions. The findings of this study indicate that lesbian, gay and bisexual people have a poorer experience of GP services than do their heterosexual counterparts. These findings indicate the need for GPs and nurses to better understand the ways in which the health needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people differ from those of heterosexuals to facilitate the provision of culturally appropriate care.