This project is supported through the 2026 Advancing 2S/LGBTQI+ Health Through Research Operating Grant, co-funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Gender and Health and Michael Smith Health Research BC.
Primary care refers to the first point of contact with the healthcare system. Primary care providers, such as family doctors, are responsible for helping to prevent and manage common and chronic health conditions, including those related to mental health and heart disease. In Canada, Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, queer, questioning, intersex, and other gender and sexual minority (2S/LGBTQI+) people have higher rates of chronic health conditions and poorer access to primary care. Therefore, the goal of this study is to understand how improved access to primary care can help reduce rates of mental and physical health conditions among 2S/LGBTQI+ people in Canada.
First, we will use the globally unique 2S/LGBTQI-inclusive federal health data to understand which 2S/LGBTQI+ people (e.g., based on province/territory, age, race, gender) have the greatest unmet primary care needs. Then, we will use the same data to determine the degree to which primary care can help prevent hospitalizations and deaths among 2S/LGBTQI+ people. Next, we will work with healthcare administrators, primary care providers, and 2S/LGBTQI+ community organizations to understand the best strategies for delivering primary care that works for 2S/LGBTQI+ patients. Finally, we will share what we learn with healthcare leaders across Canada so they can implement new strategies or adopt those from elsewhere in Canada.