Exploring the Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Patients in a Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community constitutes a diverse group of individuals with varying sexual orientations and gender identities within the broader gay culture. Unfortunately, this group encounters a disproportionate level of anxiety, fear, stigma, and discrimination in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of nurses toward LGBT patients at Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital in Banke. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a quantitative approach among 56 participants, who were chosen through non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The results showed that the majority of participants (92.9%) had a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding LGBT patients, while only a small proportion (1.8%) had poor knowledge. With regard to attitudes, over half of the respondents (58.9%) demonstrated a positive attitude toward LGBT patients, whereas less than half (43.1%) exhibited a negative attitude. These findings highlight the significance of improving nurses' knowledge and competencies to deliver high-quality care to LGBT patients devoid of discrimination, decrease fear and uncertainty, and encourage positive behaviors among healthcare staff. Furthermore, addressing gaps in professional knowledge can assist in narrowing the disparities in healthcare that the LGBT community experiences.