Mapping LGBTQ + affirmative competencies of undergraduate medical and nursing trainees in an Indian tertiary care centre
Abstract Background Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) individuals face distinct healthcare needs and are vulnerable to health disparities. Inadequate knowledge and exclusionary attitudes among future nursing and medical professionals can limit care quality. Aims This study aimed...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00896-w |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) individuals face distinct healthcare needs and are vulnerable to health disparities. Inadequate knowledge and exclusionary attitudes among future nursing and medical professionals can limit care quality. Aims This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes toward LGBTQ healthcare among nursing and medical students at a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern Himalayan India. Methods In this exploratory survey, we recruited 275 nursing and medical students (nursing = 123, medical = 152) using a stratified proportionate random sampling technique. We used a structured and validated knowledge questionnaire and the Attitudes toward LGBTQ Patients Scale (ATPLS) and relevant socio-demographic details to collect information. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results The mean age of the participants was 21.0 years (SD = 1.08). More than half of the medical students (61.4%) were aware of LGBTQ healthcare concerns, compared to only 38.6% of nursing students (p = 0.031). Significant associations with knowledge of LGBTQ healthcare concerns were observed for academic stream (p = 0.031), year of study (p = 0.007), exposure to the LGBTQ community (p < 0.001), and personal contact with LGBTQ individuals (p = 0.024). Binary logistic regression analysis identified being in the fourth year of study (OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.235–5.374, p = 0.012) and personally knowing LGBTQ individuals (OR = 0.511, 95% CI: 0.276–0.946, p = 0.033) as significant predictors of knowledge regarding LGBTQ healthcare concerns. Conclusion Overall, students have fairly adequate knowledge and feel comfortable providing care for LGBTQ persons. The findings highlight the need to add more structured and comprehensive curriculum content on LGBTQ + care and ensure wide clinical exposure for more LGBTQ + affirmative medical care. |
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| ISSN: | 3005-0774 |