“Treat Me Like a Human:” A Qualitative Study of Holistic Health and Healthcare in Marginalized Adolescents Experiencing Inequities

INTRODUCTION: Nursing is a discipline heavily revolving around the implementation of holistic care. However, evidence to support the understanding of holistic health and healthcare needs of sexual and gender marginalized youth (SGM) from advanced practitioners is poorly understood. We present the results of a national qualitative study centered on the exploration of whole-person health and health needs for SGM adolescents. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive approach grounded in naturalistic inquiry and Kolcaba's holistic comfort theory, we conducted semi-structured interviews and analyzed transcripts from 12 SGM youth (n = 12) in middle and late adolescence. RESULTS: Four overarching themes with 10 corresponding categories were interpreted. Findings support the presence of holistic health and healthcare needs in the physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural, and environmental context. DISCUSSION: This paper adds new inductive evidence and beginning theoretical foundations centered on the exploration and provision of "whole-person" care with a focus on strength-building opportunities for practitioners.