Work

Discrimination against gay and bisexual patients in prostate cancer treatment: Results from the Restore-2 study.

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: clinical trial that tested the effectiveness of an online rehabilitation program tailored for GBM prostate cancer survivors in the U.S. This analysis uses data from the 347 participants who completed all items of the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) at the 24-month follow-up. A log-binomial regression model estimated the risk of experiencing discrimination across treatment received and demographic characteristics. Multivariable linear regression models estimated mean differences in HRQOL measures with discrimination as a binary variable after adjustment for relevant covariates. Nearly half (49.3%) of participants endorsed at least one experience of discrimination during prostate cancer treatment. About half (52%) of these rated the discrimination as "rare" (total EDS = 1-3), while 48% reported it as more common (total EDS ≥ 4). Most attributed the discrimination to their sexual orientation (35.5%) or to their provider's attributes (29.6%). Those who underwent systemic/combined treatment (vs. either surgery or radiation only) and those with less than a bachelor's or graduate-level degree (vs. bachelor's degree) were more likely to report discrimination. Experiencing any discrimination was associated with significantly worse HRQOL outcomes. Discrimination during prostate cancer treatment appears to be a common experience for GBM patients and may result in poorer treatment outcomes.

Source: Stigma and Health

DOI: 10.1037/sah0000467