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Dr.Kellyann Garthe

 

Dr.Kellyann Garthe

University of Nevada Las Vegas, USA.

Abstract Title:Rejection Sensitivity, Intent to Seek Medical Help, and Gender Minority Individuals

Biography:

Kellyann Garthe, PhD, RN, CNE has been a nurse educator across the United States for over twenty years. Her nursing practice background is in acute care, oncology, and Hospice. Kellyann received her BSN from Western Michigan University, MSN from University of Central Florida, and PhD in Nursing from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Currently, Dr. Garthe teaches at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan where she is inspired by her amazing students every day.

Research Interest:

 

Background: As members of a marginalized group, gender minority (GM) individuals experience rejection in healthcare experiences. Consequently, anxious and avoidant attitudes may develop toward healthcare needs and inform intent to seek medical help (ISMH). When an individual has a hyper-sensitive reaction to perceived rejection, this is termed rejection sensitivity (RS).

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine if the independent variable, RS, produced an effect on the dependent variable, ISMH, in GM individuals.

Methods: This correlation, cross-sectional study conceptualized the sensitized attitudes and intentions that emerge from rejection. Participant (n = 100) inclusion criteria was a) age 18 and older, b) having a gender identity that is not traditionally or consistently associated with the male or female gender assigned to the individual at birth.

Results: The multivariate linear regression  was used to assess the confounding effects of chosen social determinants of health (SDOH) on the relationship of RS to ISMH.

Discussion: When compared with normative data, this study’s sample demonstrated higher levels of RS and lower ISMH, overall. Remarkable aspects emerged as being worthy of ongoing future research. Notably, non-binary GM individuals reported greater health concern than binary GM individuals, especially with regards to mental health. Several SDOH were linked to less ISMH including no regular healthcare provider (HCP), uninsured, chronic anxiety, low income, Caucasian race/ethnicity, less than 26 years old, non-binary gender identity, and non-monosexual orientation.