PRISM: Pathways, Rights, Information, Services, and Movement for LGBTQ+ Health in Malaysia

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the PRISM Study.

Before you begin, please read the following information carefully. It explains the purpose of this research, what your participation involves, how your data will be protected, and your rights as a participant. Take your time. If you have any questions before deciding whether to participate, please contact the research team using the details provided at the end of this page.

About PRISM
PRISM is a community-led research initiative focused on improving LGBTQ+ health outcomes in Malaysia initiated by Pride In Research (PiR).

This study aims to understand how LGBTQ+ university students experience healthcare — including how they access health information, navigate healthcare systems, and whether they encounter stigma, discrimination, or barriers when seeking care.

Through community-informed research, PRISM generates evidence that can:

-Improve healthcare accessibility for LGBTQ+ individuals
-Support the development of inclusive and affirming health services
-Inform advocacy and policy efforts grounded in lived experiences

This study was developed in consultation with DIEM, an LGBTQ+ community organisation in Malaysia, and is fully funded by JEJAKA under the Healthy Cities With Pride project.


Who Can Participate
You are eligible to participate if you:

-Identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another sexual orientation or gender identity)
-Are currently enrolled at any university or institution of higher learning in Malaysia
-Are aged 18 years or above
-Are able to read and understand English

What Participation Involves

Phase 1: Online Survey
Participation involves completing an anonymous online survey, which takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

The survey includes questions about:
-Your background - age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, institution type, state
-Health literacy - how easy or difficult it is for you to find and understand health information
-Barriers to care - whether you have faced difficulties accessing healthcare, including cost, availability, or lack of LGBTQ+-friendly services
-Patient-provider experiences - how healthcare providers have treated you, including respect, communication, and comfort discussing your identity
-Healthcare discrimination - whether you have been denied care or treated poorly because of your sexual orientation or gender identity

Phase 2: Follow-Up Interview (Optional)
At the end of the survey, you may express interest in participating in a follow-up interview.

The interview is entirely optional and separate from the survey. It will be conducted online and will take approximately 45–60 minutes. Topics may include your personal experiences navigating healthcare, the role of community support, and how you access sexual health information.

Participants who complete the interview will receive RM100 as a token of appreciation.