Knowledge and attitudes toward genderism, transphobia, and persons of the LGBT+ community of urologists and andrologists.

Abstract

Background: Despite social transitions in attitude toward the LGBT+ community, homonegativity, genderism, or transphobia persist, even found in healthcare providers (HCPs), which can hamper the goal of equality and equity in general health and that of gender minorities. The lack of knowledge about the community is also a problem, especially in developing countries.

Aim: To investigate the influences of attitudes toward and knowledge about the LGBT+ community of HCPs who are not LGBT+ on how they practice in clinical settings.

Methods: A survey was conducted on HCPs, mainly working in urology, nephrology, and andrology, who attended the annual congress on Urology and Nephrology in August 2023. The survey evaluated homophobia, genderism/transphobia, and knowledge about LGBT+ using the Attitude Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale-Short Version (ATLG-S), Genderism and Transphobia Scale-Revised-Short Form (GTS-R-SF), and Knowledge About Homosexuality Questionnaire (KAHQ). The behaviors of HCPs toward LGBT+ were also investigated.

Outcome: HCPs' attitudes toward and knowledge about LGBT+ were affected by individual-related factors and modulated behaviors toward LGBT+ patients in clinical settings.

Results: Among 362 qualified respondents, levels of negative attitudes toward lesbians, gay men, and transgender people are mild at 5.5%, 13.0%, and 11.1%, respectively. Most respondents (93.4%) have a low to moderate level of knowledge, as measured by the KAHQ, about the LGBT+ community. Respondents having LGBT+ friends have more positive attitudes toward LGBT+ people and higher levels of knowledge about the community than others. Findings from the structural equation model indicate that improving knowledge is the key factor to change the attitudes and practices of Vietnamese HCPs while in contact with LGBT+ clients.

Clinical implications: Developing official and thoughtful curricula on the diversities of gender identities and sexual orientations for medical staff is crucial to reducing gender and sexual orientation discrimination.

Strengths and limitations: This study used validated questionnaires with the ability to exclude unintended respondents, improving the analyses' accuracy. Since the sample did not represent all HCPs and other specialties, further studies are required.

Conclusion: This study indicates the existence of mild levels of homophobia, genderism, and transphobia among HCPs. Improving the knowledge of HCPs about LGBT+ people plays a critical role in improving attitudes toward the community and ensuring equality and equity in providing health services for all patients regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.