Dimensions of Cisheteronormativity that Influence Healthcare Utilization Practices in LGBTQ+ Populations: A Systematic Review

Mik Bartels; Caroline Ng Tseung-Wong; Dimity Crisp; P. M. Brown

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117818

Dimensions of Cisheteronormativity that Influence Healthcare Utilization Practices in LGBTQ+ Populations: A Systematic Review

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Introduction
Cisheteronormativity in healthcare settings may further exacerbate existing health disparities between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ populations. The aim of the current review is to identify dimensions of cisheteronormativity that manifest in healthcare settings to influence the healthcare utilization of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Method
8146 articles were screened, with 53 remaining for inclusion.

Results
Thematic synthesis identified five themes linked to negative healthcare use: 1) Lack of Provider LGBTQ+ Knowledge, 2) Endorsements of Cisheteronormativity, 3) Assumptions of LGBTQ+ experiences and assumptions of non-LGBTQ+ identity, 4) Negation, and 5) Abuse of Power.

Conclusion
Findings emphasize the need for provider education regarding LGBTQ+ identities and the dismantling of cisheteronormative structures in healthcare.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1-72
Number of pages	72
Journal	Social Science and Medicine
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117818
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - Feb 2025

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title = "Dimensions of Cisheteronormativity that Influence Healthcare Utilization Practices in LGBTQ+ Populations: A Systematic Review",

abstract = "Introduction Cisheteronormativity in healthcare settings may further exacerbate existing health disparities between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ populations. The aim of the current review is to identify dimensions of cisheteronormativity that manifest in healthcare settings to influence the healthcare utilization of LGBTQ+ individuals. Method 8146 articles were screened, with 53 remaining for inclusion. Results Thematic synthesis identified five themes linked to negative healthcare use: 1) Lack of Provider LGBTQ+ Knowledge, 2) Endorsements of Cisheteronormativity, 3) Assumptions of LGBTQ+ experiences and assumptions of non-LGBTQ+ identity, 4) Negation, and 5) Abuse of Power. Conclusion Findings emphasize the need for provider education regarding LGBTQ+ identities and the dismantling of cisheteronormative structures in healthcare.",

keywords = "cisheteronormativity, LGBTQ+ individuals, health care settings, healthcare utilisation, systematic review",

author = "Mik Bartels and \{Ng Tseung-Wong\}, Caroline and Dimity Crisp and Brown, \{P. M.\}",

year = "2025",

month = feb,

doi = "10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117818",

language = "English",

pages = "1--72",

journal = "Social Science and Medicine",

issn = "1873-5347",

publisher = "Elsevier Limited",

}

TY - JOUR

T1 - Dimensions of Cisheteronormativity that Influence Healthcare Utilization Practices in LGBTQ+ Populations

T2 - A Systematic Review

AU - Bartels, Mik

AU - Ng Tseung-Wong, Caroline

AU - Crisp, Dimity

AU - Brown, P. M.

PY - 2025/2

Y1 - 2025/2

N2 - Introduction Cisheteronormativity in healthcare settings may further exacerbate existing health disparities between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ populations. The aim of the current review is to identify dimensions of cisheteronormativity that manifest in healthcare settings to influence the healthcare utilization of LGBTQ+ individuals. Method 8146 articles were screened, with 53 remaining for inclusion. Results Thematic synthesis identified five themes linked to negative healthcare use: 1) Lack of Provider LGBTQ+ Knowledge, 2) Endorsements of Cisheteronormativity, 3) Assumptions of LGBTQ+ experiences and assumptions of non-LGBTQ+ identity, 4) Negation, and 5) Abuse of Power. Conclusion Findings emphasize the need for provider education regarding LGBTQ+ identities and the dismantling of cisheteronormative structures in healthcare.

AB - Introduction Cisheteronormativity in healthcare settings may further exacerbate existing health disparities between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ populations. The aim of the current review is to identify dimensions of cisheteronormativity that manifest in healthcare settings to influence the healthcare utilization of LGBTQ+ individuals. Method 8146 articles were screened, with 53 remaining for inclusion. Results Thematic synthesis identified five themes linked to negative healthcare use: 1) Lack of Provider LGBTQ+ Knowledge, 2) Endorsements of Cisheteronormativity, 3) Assumptions of LGBTQ+ experiences and assumptions of non-LGBTQ+ identity, 4) Negation, and 5) Abuse of Power. Conclusion Findings emphasize the need for provider education regarding LGBTQ+ identities and the dismantling of cisheteronormative structures in healthcare.

KW - cisheteronormativity, LGBTQ+ individuals, health care settings, healthcare utilisation, systematic review

U2 - 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117818

DO - 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117818

M3 - Article

SN - 1873-5347

SP - 1

EP - 72

JO - Social Science and Medicine

JF - Social Science and Medicine

ER -

Dimensions of Cisheteronormativity that Influence Healthcare Utilization Practices in LGBTQ+ Populations: A Systematic Review

Abstract

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