Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Providers in Addressing the Care Needs of Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ : A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

This mixed-methodological study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare providers (HCPs) and also gathers and analyzes their narrative experiences addressing the care needs of individuals who self-identify as LGBTQIA+. A s ociodemographic form, Knowledge and Practices to Address the Care Needs of LGBTQIA+ Individual Survey, and the Implicit Association T est ( Sexuality IAT and Transpictures IAT) were used as to collect quantitative data from 278 nurses and physicians. S emi-structured in-depth interviews were then held with 15 of these study participants.Quantitative findings revealed slight implicit attitudes favoring heterosexual and cisgender individuals, with education level and personal connections to LGBTQIA+ individuals positively associated with knowledge and with inclusive practices. Qualitative data analysis yielded three themes: (i) Lack of cultural competence in services, (ii) Structural and systemic heterosexism, and (iii) Awareness of Barriers to formal healthcare-seeking: Stigma and Exclusion. The outcomes of this study underscore the need for enhanced training, inclusive curricula, and culturally humble healthcare provision to address HCPs\u27 knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding LGBTQAI+ healthcare