Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Promoting Health in LGBTQ Youth:

Abstract #141
Measuring And Understanding LGBTQ Health In Nova Scotia: Pathways To Health And Resilience
Presenter: Emily Colpitts Co - Presenter: Jacqueline Gahagan
Abstract:
Existing research indicates that the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) populations is worse than those of their heterosexual, age-matched peers. This is particularly relevant in the context of Nova Scotia given that available health data indicate that the health of those living in the Atlantic region tends to be worse than other locations in Canada. Research on LGBTQ health has traditionally taken a deficit-focused approach, which obscures the ways in which LGBTQ populations are able to respond to these health deficits and the ways in which they promote and protect their health and wellbeing. Drawing on the findings of a scoping review and consultations with members of LGBTQ communities and health service providers, this study explored innovative ways of understanding and measuring LGBTQ health in Nova Scotia in moving away from health deficits. The aim of this study is to advance the dialogue on health equity and contribute to the provision of culturally competent primary health care policies that provide resources to bolster LGBTQ resilience and wellbeing in meaningful ways.

Abstract #142
Pathways To Resiliency Through The Landscape Of HIV/HCV Prevention: Ensuring Culturally Appropriate HIV/HCV Prevention Policies For LGBTQ Youth In Atlantic Canada
Presenter: Brian Condran 
Abstract:
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) youth experience different sociopolitical environments than their age-matched heterosexual peers. Therefore, ensuring that healthcare policies enable LGBTQ youth to navigate pathways to resiliency requires an understanding of their unique social context, how it is shaped by healthcare policy, and how these policies can be reoriented to facilitate resiliency. 
The 3-year, NSHRF-funded study Our Youth, Our Response examined youth-oriented HIV/HCV prevention policies and programs across the Atlantic Provinces. This qualitative study consisted of a scoping review of extant HIV/HCV prevention policy documents, and a thematic analysis of one-on-one and focus group interviews.  Our analysis focused on identifying key recommendations to support the development of youth-oriented policies that will enable youth to access HIV/HCV prevention information and services, and increase navigability of the HIV/HCV prevention landscape. 
Systems-level strategies for advancing resiliency-based HIV/HCV prevention for LGBTQ youth will be discussed. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of educational material and harm reduction services is critical, as is building resiliency-promoting environments by reducing stigma and addressing misconceptions among parents, teachers, and healthcare providers. Finally, ensuring that these services are truly accessible, and activities are culturally appropriate requires the direct and meaningful involvement of LGBTQ youth themselves.