Research Article
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Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey

Year 2023, Volume: 12 Issue: 3, 902 - 909, 26.09.2023
https://doi.org/10.37989/gumussagbil.1320977

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the attitudes, homophobia, and empathy levels of healthcare professionals toward Lesbian and Gay individuals. This descriptive and cross-sectional study’s population consisted of healthcare workers working in hospitals in Turkey between April 2022 and August 2022. Using snowball method, 678 healthcare professionals who consented to participate in the study were recruited for the study. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers, the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gays Scale (ATLGS), the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale (HRHS), and the Toronto Empathy Scale (TES).79.4% of the participants reported that caring for Lesbian and Gay (LG) individuals is no different from caring for heterosexual individuals. Low homophobia levels, work experience, and the existence of gay friends were identified as factors significantly influencing healthcare professionals’ positive attitudes toward LG. Healthcare professionals have partially positive attitudes about LG individuals and partially homophobic attitudes, and their empathetic abilities influence their attitudes toward them.

Project Number

yok

References

  • 1. Ekitli, G.B. ve Çam, O. (2017). "Bakım Sürecinde Zorlandığımız Alan LGBTİ’ye Yönelik Bir Gözden Geçirme". Psikiyatri Hemşireliği Dergisi, 8(3), 179-87.
  • 2. Küçükkaya, B. (2018). "Hemşirelik Bölümü Öğrencilerinin Lezbiyen, Gey, Biseksüel, Transgender ve İnterseks (LGBTİ) Bireylere İlişkin Tutumları". Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi, 27(6), 373-83.
  • 3. Ince, Y.M. (2021). "LGBTQIs in Turkey: The Challenges and Resilience of this Marginalized Group". Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 18(2), 440-9.
  • 4. Aslan, F. Şahin, N.E and Emiroğlu, O.N. (2019). "Turkish Nurse Educators Knowledge Regarding LGBT Health and Their Level of Homophobia: A Descriptive–Cross Sectional Study". Nurse Education Today, 76, 216-21.
  • 5. Burke, K. Kazyak, E. Oliver, M. and Valkr, P. (2023). "LG but not T: Opposition to Transgender Rights Amidst Gay and Lesbian Acceptance". The Sociological Quarterly, 64(3), 471-92.
  • 6. Bilgic, D. Daglar, G. Sabanciogullari, S. and Ozkan, S.A. "Attitudes of Midwifery and Nursing Students in a Turkish University Toward Lesbians and Gay Men and Opinions About Healthcare Approaches". Nurse Education in Practice, 29, 179-84.
  • 7. Radix, A. and Maingi, S. (2018). "LGBT Cultural Competence and Interventions to Help Oncology Nurses and Other Health Care Providers". In Seminars in Oncology Nursing 34 (1), 80-89.
  • 8. Matos, M. Carvalho, S.A. Cunha, M. Galhardo, A. and Sepodes, C. (2017). "Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion in Gay and Heterosexual Men: How They Relate to Childhood Memories, Shame, and Depressive Symptoms. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 11(2), 88-105.
  • 9. Acker, G.M. (2017). "Transphobia Among Students Majoring in the Helping Professions". Journal of Homosexuality, 64(14), 2011-29.
  • 10. Cornelius, J.B. and Carrick J.A (2015). "Survey of Nursing Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward LGBT Health Care Concerns". Nursing Education Perspectives, 36(3), 176-8.
  • 11. Klotzbaugh, R. and Spencer, G. (2014). "Magnet Nurse Administrator Attitudes and Opportunities". The Journal of Nursing Administration, 44(9), 481-6.
  • 12. Carabez, R. Pellegrini, M. Mankovitz, A. Eliason, M. Ciano, M. and Scott, M. (2015) “Never in All My Years…”: Nurses' Education About LGBT Health". Journal of Professional Nursing, 31(4), 323-9.
  • 13. Duyan, V. Gelbal, S. ve Duyan, V. (2004). "Lezbiyen ve Geylere Yönelik Tutum (LGYT) Ölçeği: Güvenirlik ve Geçerlik Çalışması". HIV/AIDS Dergisi, 7(3), 106-12.
  • 14. Sakallı, N. and Ugurlu, O. (2002). "Effects of Social Contact with Homosexuals on Heterosexual Turkish University Students' Attitudes Towards Homosexuality". Journal of Homosexuality, 42(1), 53-62.
  • 15. Karakaya, S. and Kutlu, F.Y. (2021). "LGBT Individuals' Opinions About Their Health Care Experiences: A Qualitative Research Study". Journal of Nursing Management, 29(1), 24-31.
  • 16. Yılmaz, B. Irmak, A. and Oskay, Ü. (2022). "Changes in Sexual Intentions of LGBT People and Their Adaptation to Social Life. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 58(4), 1248-57.
  • 17. Wahlen, R. Bize, R. Wang, J. Merglen, A. and Ambresin, A.E. (2020). "Medical Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards LGBT People and Their Health Care Needs: Impact of a Lecture on LGBT Health". PloS one, 15(7), e0234743.
  • 18. Soled, K.R.S. Clark, K.D. Altman, M.R. Bosse, J.D. Thompson, R.A. Squires, A. and Sherman, A.D.F. (2022). "Changing Language, Changes Lives: Learning the Lexicon of LGBTQ+ Health Equity. Research in Nursing &Health. 45, 621–632.
  • 19. Soled, KRS. Dimant, O.E. Tanguay, J. Mukerjee, R. and Poteat, T. (2022). "Interdisciplinary Clinicians’ Attitudes, Challenges, and Success Strategies in Providing Care to Transgender People: a Qualitative Descriptive Study". BMC Health Services Research, 22(1), 1134.
  • 20. Hughes, T.L. Jackman, K. Dorsen, C. Arslanian-Engoren, C. Ghazal, L. Christenberry-Deceased, T. Mackin, M. Moore, S.E. Mukerjee, R. Sherman, A. Smith, S. and Walker, R. (2022). "How Can the Nursing Profession Help Reduce Sexual and Gender Minority Related Health Disparities: Recommendations from the National Nursing LGBTQ Health Summit". Nursing Outlook, 70(3), 513-24.
  • 21. Dorsen, C. and Van Devanter, N. (2016). "Open Arms, Conflicted Hearts: Nurse‐Practitioner's Attitudes Towards Working with Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Patients. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(23-24), 3716-27.
  • 22. Cicero, E.C. and Black, B.P.(2016). “I Was a Spectacle… a Freak Show at the Circus”: A Transgender Person’s ED Experience and Implications for Nursing Practice". Journal of Emergency Nursing, 42(1):25-30.
  • 23. Hunt, J. Bristowe, K. Chidyamatare, S. and Harding, R. (2017). "They Will Be Afraid to Touch You: LGBT People and Sex Workers' Experiences of Accessing Healthcare in Zimbabwe An in-Depth Qualitative Study. BMJ Global Health, 2(2), 1-8.
  • 24. Vijay, A. Earnshaw, V.A. Tee, Y.C. Pillai, V. White, J.M. Clark, K. Kamarulzaman, A. Altice, F.L. and Wickersham, J.A. (2018). "Factors Associated with Medical Doctors' Intentions to Discriminate Against Transgender Patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia". LGBT Health, 5(1), 61–68.
  • 25. Yildirim, T. (2018). "Kamu Görevlilerinin Özel Hayatı: Cinsel Tercih". Marmara Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Hukuk Araştırmaları Dergisi, 24(2), 453-81.
  • 26. Chapman, R. Watkins, R. Zappia, T. Combs, S. and Shields, L. (2012). "Second‐level Hospital Health Professionals’ Attitudes to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health for Their Children". Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(5‐6), 880-7.
  • 27. Nicol, P. Chapman, R. Watkins, R. Young, J. and Shields, L. (2013). "Tertiary Pediatric Hospital Health Professionals’ Attitudes to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health Care for Their Children". Journal of Clinical Nursing, 22(23-24), 3396-405.
  • 28. Keleş, Ş. Kavas, M.V. and Yalım, N.Y. (2018). "LGBT+ Individuals’ Perceptions of Healthcare Services in Turkey: A cross-sectional Qualitative Study". Journal of Bioethical Inquiry,15(4), 497-509.
  • 29. Chaux, E. and León, M. (2016). "Homophobic Attitudes and Associated Factors Among Adolescents: A Comparison of Six Latin American Countries". Journal of Homosexuality, 63(9), 1253-76.
  • 30. António, R. Guerra, R. and Moleiro, C. (2017). "Having Friends with Gay Friends? The Role of Extended Contact, Empathy and Threat on Assertive bystanders Behavioral Intentions. Revista Psicologia, 31(2), 15-24
  • 31. Chapman, R. Watkins, R. Zappia, T. Nicol, P. and Shields L. (2012). "Nursing and Medical Students’ Attitude, Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health Care for Their Children". Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(7‐8), 938-45.

Sağlık Profesyonellerinin Lezbiyen ve Gey Bireylere Yönelik Tutumları, Homofobi ve Empati Düzeyleri: Türkiye Örneği

Year 2023, Volume: 12 Issue: 3, 902 - 909, 26.09.2023
https://doi.org/10.37989/gumussagbil.1320977

Abstract

Bu çalışma sağlık profesyonellerinin lezbiyen ve gey bireylere yönelik tutumları, homofobi ve empati düzeylerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapıldı. Tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel tipteki araştırmanın evrenini Nisan-Ağustos 2022 tarihleri arasında Türkiye’de hastanelerde görev yapan sağlık çalışanları oluşturdu. Rastgele örnekleme yöntemi ile çalışmaya katılmaya gönüllü olan 678 sağlık çalışanı araştırma kapsamına alındı. Araştırmada veriler, veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen soru formu, Lezbiyen ve Geylere Yönelik Tutum (LGYT) Ölçeği, Hudson ve Ricketts Homofobi Ölçeği (HRHÖ) ve Toronto Empati Ölçeği ile toplandı. Katılımcıların %79.4’ü eşcinsel bir bireye bakım verirken bu sürecin diğer bireylere bakım/tedavi vermekten farklı bir durum oluşturmadığını ifade etti. Sağlık profesyonellerinin LG bireylere yönelik olumlu tutumunu önemli ölçüde etkileyen faktörler; düşük homofobi düzeyi, artan çalışma yılı ve eşcinsel arkadaş varlığı olarak belirlendi. Sağlık profesyonellerinin LG bireylere karşı kısmen olumlu tutuma, kısmen düşük homofobik tutuma sahip oldukları ve empatik becerinin LG bireye karşı tutumu etkilediği sonucuna varılmıştır.

Supporting Institution

yok

Project Number

yok

References

  • 1. Ekitli, G.B. ve Çam, O. (2017). "Bakım Sürecinde Zorlandığımız Alan LGBTİ’ye Yönelik Bir Gözden Geçirme". Psikiyatri Hemşireliği Dergisi, 8(3), 179-87.
  • 2. Küçükkaya, B. (2018). "Hemşirelik Bölümü Öğrencilerinin Lezbiyen, Gey, Biseksüel, Transgender ve İnterseks (LGBTİ) Bireylere İlişkin Tutumları". Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi, 27(6), 373-83.
  • 3. Ince, Y.M. (2021). "LGBTQIs in Turkey: The Challenges and Resilience of this Marginalized Group". Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 18(2), 440-9.
  • 4. Aslan, F. Şahin, N.E and Emiroğlu, O.N. (2019). "Turkish Nurse Educators Knowledge Regarding LGBT Health and Their Level of Homophobia: A Descriptive–Cross Sectional Study". Nurse Education Today, 76, 216-21.
  • 5. Burke, K. Kazyak, E. Oliver, M. and Valkr, P. (2023). "LG but not T: Opposition to Transgender Rights Amidst Gay and Lesbian Acceptance". The Sociological Quarterly, 64(3), 471-92.
  • 6. Bilgic, D. Daglar, G. Sabanciogullari, S. and Ozkan, S.A. "Attitudes of Midwifery and Nursing Students in a Turkish University Toward Lesbians and Gay Men and Opinions About Healthcare Approaches". Nurse Education in Practice, 29, 179-84.
  • 7. Radix, A. and Maingi, S. (2018). "LGBT Cultural Competence and Interventions to Help Oncology Nurses and Other Health Care Providers". In Seminars in Oncology Nursing 34 (1), 80-89.
  • 8. Matos, M. Carvalho, S.A. Cunha, M. Galhardo, A. and Sepodes, C. (2017). "Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion in Gay and Heterosexual Men: How They Relate to Childhood Memories, Shame, and Depressive Symptoms. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 11(2), 88-105.
  • 9. Acker, G.M. (2017). "Transphobia Among Students Majoring in the Helping Professions". Journal of Homosexuality, 64(14), 2011-29.
  • 10. Cornelius, J.B. and Carrick J.A (2015). "Survey of Nursing Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward LGBT Health Care Concerns". Nursing Education Perspectives, 36(3), 176-8.
  • 11. Klotzbaugh, R. and Spencer, G. (2014). "Magnet Nurse Administrator Attitudes and Opportunities". The Journal of Nursing Administration, 44(9), 481-6.
  • 12. Carabez, R. Pellegrini, M. Mankovitz, A. Eliason, M. Ciano, M. and Scott, M. (2015) “Never in All My Years…”: Nurses' Education About LGBT Health". Journal of Professional Nursing, 31(4), 323-9.
  • 13. Duyan, V. Gelbal, S. ve Duyan, V. (2004). "Lezbiyen ve Geylere Yönelik Tutum (LGYT) Ölçeği: Güvenirlik ve Geçerlik Çalışması". HIV/AIDS Dergisi, 7(3), 106-12.
  • 14. Sakallı, N. and Ugurlu, O. (2002). "Effects of Social Contact with Homosexuals on Heterosexual Turkish University Students' Attitudes Towards Homosexuality". Journal of Homosexuality, 42(1), 53-62.
  • 15. Karakaya, S. and Kutlu, F.Y. (2021). "LGBT Individuals' Opinions About Their Health Care Experiences: A Qualitative Research Study". Journal of Nursing Management, 29(1), 24-31.
  • 16. Yılmaz, B. Irmak, A. and Oskay, Ü. (2022). "Changes in Sexual Intentions of LGBT People and Their Adaptation to Social Life. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 58(4), 1248-57.
  • 17. Wahlen, R. Bize, R. Wang, J. Merglen, A. and Ambresin, A.E. (2020). "Medical Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards LGBT People and Their Health Care Needs: Impact of a Lecture on LGBT Health". PloS one, 15(7), e0234743.
  • 18. Soled, K.R.S. Clark, K.D. Altman, M.R. Bosse, J.D. Thompson, R.A. Squires, A. and Sherman, A.D.F. (2022). "Changing Language, Changes Lives: Learning the Lexicon of LGBTQ+ Health Equity. Research in Nursing &Health. 45, 621–632.
  • 19. Soled, KRS. Dimant, O.E. Tanguay, J. Mukerjee, R. and Poteat, T. (2022). "Interdisciplinary Clinicians’ Attitudes, Challenges, and Success Strategies in Providing Care to Transgender People: a Qualitative Descriptive Study". BMC Health Services Research, 22(1), 1134.
  • 20. Hughes, T.L. Jackman, K. Dorsen, C. Arslanian-Engoren, C. Ghazal, L. Christenberry-Deceased, T. Mackin, M. Moore, S.E. Mukerjee, R. Sherman, A. Smith, S. and Walker, R. (2022). "How Can the Nursing Profession Help Reduce Sexual and Gender Minority Related Health Disparities: Recommendations from the National Nursing LGBTQ Health Summit". Nursing Outlook, 70(3), 513-24.
  • 21. Dorsen, C. and Van Devanter, N. (2016). "Open Arms, Conflicted Hearts: Nurse‐Practitioner's Attitudes Towards Working with Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Patients. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(23-24), 3716-27.
  • 22. Cicero, E.C. and Black, B.P.(2016). “I Was a Spectacle… a Freak Show at the Circus”: A Transgender Person’s ED Experience and Implications for Nursing Practice". Journal of Emergency Nursing, 42(1):25-30.
  • 23. Hunt, J. Bristowe, K. Chidyamatare, S. and Harding, R. (2017). "They Will Be Afraid to Touch You: LGBT People and Sex Workers' Experiences of Accessing Healthcare in Zimbabwe An in-Depth Qualitative Study. BMJ Global Health, 2(2), 1-8.
  • 24. Vijay, A. Earnshaw, V.A. Tee, Y.C. Pillai, V. White, J.M. Clark, K. Kamarulzaman, A. Altice, F.L. and Wickersham, J.A. (2018). "Factors Associated with Medical Doctors' Intentions to Discriminate Against Transgender Patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia". LGBT Health, 5(1), 61–68.
  • 25. Yildirim, T. (2018). "Kamu Görevlilerinin Özel Hayatı: Cinsel Tercih". Marmara Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Hukuk Araştırmaları Dergisi, 24(2), 453-81.
  • 26. Chapman, R. Watkins, R. Zappia, T. Combs, S. and Shields, L. (2012). "Second‐level Hospital Health Professionals’ Attitudes to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health for Their Children". Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(5‐6), 880-7.
  • 27. Nicol, P. Chapman, R. Watkins, R. Young, J. and Shields, L. (2013). "Tertiary Pediatric Hospital Health Professionals’ Attitudes to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health Care for Their Children". Journal of Clinical Nursing, 22(23-24), 3396-405.
  • 28. Keleş, Ş. Kavas, M.V. and Yalım, N.Y. (2018). "LGBT+ Individuals’ Perceptions of Healthcare Services in Turkey: A cross-sectional Qualitative Study". Journal of Bioethical Inquiry,15(4), 497-509.
  • 29. Chaux, E. and León, M. (2016). "Homophobic Attitudes and Associated Factors Among Adolescents: A Comparison of Six Latin American Countries". Journal of Homosexuality, 63(9), 1253-76.
  • 30. António, R. Guerra, R. and Moleiro, C. (2017). "Having Friends with Gay Friends? The Role of Extended Contact, Empathy and Threat on Assertive bystanders Behavioral Intentions. Revista Psicologia, 31(2), 15-24
  • 31. Chapman, R. Watkins, R. Zappia, T. Nicol, P. and Shields L. (2012). "Nursing and Medical Students’ Attitude, Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health Care for Their Children". Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(7‐8), 938-45.
There are 31 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Mental Health Nursing
Journal Section Original Article
Authors

Merve Aydın 0000-0001-7466-2136

Ceyda Uzun Şahin 0000-0002-1392-7409

Project Number yok
Publication Date September 26, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 12 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Aydın, M., & Uzun Şahin, C. (2023). Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 12(3), 902-909. https://doi.org/10.37989/gumussagbil.1320977
AMA Aydın M, Uzun Şahin C. Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. September 2023;12(3):902-909. doi:10.37989/gumussagbil.1320977
Chicago Aydın, Merve, and Ceyda Uzun Şahin. “Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey”. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 12, no. 3 (September 2023): 902-9. https://doi.org/10.37989/gumussagbil.1320977.
EndNote Aydın M, Uzun Şahin C (September 1, 2023) Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 12 3 902–909.
IEEE M. Aydın and C. Uzun Şahin, “Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey”, Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 902–909, 2023, doi: 10.37989/gumussagbil.1320977.
ISNAD Aydın, Merve - Uzun Şahin, Ceyda. “Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey”. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 12/3 (September 2023), 902-909. https://doi.org/10.37989/gumussagbil.1320977.
JAMA Aydın M, Uzun Şahin C. Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2023;12:902–909.
MLA Aydın, Merve and Ceyda Uzun Şahin. “Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey”. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 12, no. 3, 2023, pp. 902-9, doi:10.37989/gumussagbil.1320977.
Vancouver Aydın M, Uzun Şahin C. Health Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Individuals, and Levels of Homophobia and Empathy: A Case of Turkey. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2023;12(3):902-9.