Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Corresponding author: David Mangwegape, siddavman gmail. A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological design was employed to examine the research question.
In data collection, 15 unstructured in-depth telephonic interviews were conducted until data saturation. Data were analysed with a co-coder using the data analysis method by Colaizzi. Three themes emerged following data analysis and were reasons for experiencing mental health challenges, experiences of challenges in accessing healthcare services and the social challenges of everyday life.
Evidence is abounding that individuals classified under sexual minorities experience health disparities when compared to heterosexual and cisgender populations Wittgens et al. However, efforts have been made to deal with stigma and discrimination. As an example, several countries have had same-sex marriages legalised, notably some states in United States US , Ireland and South Africa Luvuno et al. Additionally, some countries have passed anti-discrimination laws that help to stop stigma and discrimination Mendos et al.
A review by Zeeman et al. However, the study did not explore the underlying factors that predispose them to psychiatric problems and also focused only on three sexual minority groupings. Suen et al. Furthermore, the distinctive challenges and the needs of this sexual minority group are misunderstood by many people Klein This article is part of a broader study that employed a qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological design. Phenomenology is a research design that explores a phenomenon from the perspective of those that experience it Teherani et al.
According to Statistics Botswana :5 , Gaborone has an approximate population of people. Gaborone, which is the capital city of Botswana, was the ideal research setting because there were diverse individuals from which study participants could be identified from.
