This study reviewed quantitative research on the health of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) in Korea and aimed to propose a role for healthcare professionals in improving their health and access to medical care. We searched PubMed through February 29, 2024 for articles published since 2000, using terms related to SGMs and the keyword “Korea.” This process yielded 33 quantitative studies on Korean SGMs. Of these, 17 focused on sexual minorities and 16 on gender minorities. The findings indicate that Korean SGMs experience many symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as high rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts. They also report diminished health-related quality of life. SGM individuals who have faced discrimination or pressure to change their sexual or gender identity face an elevated risk of mental health issues. To improve the health of Korean SGMs and improve their access to healthcare, we recommend several approaches. First, more research on the health of Korean SGMs is necessary. Second, education and training programs for health professionals are essential to promote their understanding of SGM health issues and their advocacy for SGM health. Third, strategies are required to develop and implement program interventions that improve SGM health, such as increasing the availability of gender-affirming care, which is known to benefit the health of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Finally, healthcare professionals should actively advocate for SGM health and call for shifts in public perception and institutional change, grounded in a broad understanding of SGMs and their health needs.

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• Gender equity in medicine, artificial intelligence, and other articles in this issue
  Sun Huh
  The Ewha Medical Journal.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Among the hematologic complications of solid tumors, leukoerythroblastosis, DIO and MAHA have been known to be clinically significant According to the recent increasing incidence of cancer, these hematologic complications have been reported frequently. However, the simutaneous developement of such manifestations is rare. Recently, we have experienced a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma in which case severe bleeding tendency were observed and laboratory studies including bone marrow examination demonstrated the findings of leukoerythroblastosis, DIC and MAHA. She died of upper gastrointestinal bleeding despite the supportive care such as vlood transfusions. We should give attention to the findings of peripheral golld smear for the patient with malignancy and it is mandatory for therapeutic plan to perform bone marrow examination if the above mentioned hemorrhagic complications are suspected.