The Relationship Between Provider Gender Preferences and Perceptions of Providers Among Veterans Who Experienced Military Sexual Trauma

Previous research has demonstrated that most veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) have provider gender preferences. Although provider gender mismatch, defined as not receiving a provider of the gender of one’s preference, may deter veterans from disclosing MST or seeking MST-related care, there is little research that has examined this issue. The current study aimed to explore how provider gender mismatch is related to veterans’ comfort with providers, perception of their providers’ competency, and their endorsement of perceived provider barriers when communicating about MST. The current study was conducted as part of a larger national survey of veterans’ barriers to accessing MST-related care. Participants in the study were identified using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administrative data. Criteria for inclusion in the overall study were being enrolled in VHA health care, having screened positive for MST, and having received at least one VHA outpatient service. A subset of eligible veterans who had endorsed MST, reported a provider gender preference, and endorsed discussing MST with a VHA provider (N = 1,591) were included in the current study. Results demonstrated that provider gender preference mismatch was associated with greater endorsement of perceived provider barriers, less comfort with providers, and lower perceived provider competency in women; and greater perceived provider barriers and less comfort with providers among men. The study demonstrates that provider gender preferences may affect care for veterans who have experienced MST, and that the impact may differ for men and women. These findings may be used to improve patient-centered care and inform future research regarding veterans’ provider gender preferences.