European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

It has been over two decades since the World Health Organisation has removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. However, evidence has shown that discrimination and negative encounters with healthcare workers affect frequency and type of healthcare sought by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) members. Attitudes of medical professionals towards LGBT community can influence their willingness to provide these persons with medical help. Studies have shown that Indian medical students have a negative attitude toward LGBT people as they have little knowledge about these people.
Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students and residents towards LGBT individuals.
Materials and Methods: Convenient and non-probable sample of 680 medical students and residents was taken in 4 months via Google Forms, who anonymously completed the survey. The “Survey on California State University, Northridge (CSUN) attitude towards LGBT” was the survey tool. Data was analysed using SPSS for descriptive and analytic calculations.
Results: Study was conducted among 680 medical students and residents. The majority percentage of students and residents disagree with the traditional gender roles without any significant gender differences. It was also found that as compared to females, more percentage of males are uncomfortable in interacting with LGBT people. The results show that the participants have better knowledge about LGBT people; however, the change from “neutral” and “agreement” to “disagreement” is not much significant. The students have a positive attitude toward the LGBT people.
Conclusion: This study concludes that there is adequate knowledge and positive attitude among medical students and residents towards LGBT individuals.