Conference presentation
A Study of Health Professionals and Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health Care for their Children
ACCYPN Conference: Honouring the Past, Treasuring the Present, Shaping the Future, 2016 (Glenelg, Australia, 26-Oct-2016–28-Oct-2016)
2016
Abstract
Aim: At the ACCYPN conference in 2013, we presented a study examining the experiences of LGBT parents seeking health care for their children, and the perceptions about LGBT people held by staff at a tertiary paediatric hospital. We have continued this work and present results about staff’s perceptions in other settings – two second level hospitals, two parenting centres, and nursing and medical students.
Method: We used validated questionnaires with sections for open comments.
Results: In all settings, no significant relationships were found in knowledge, attitude and gay affirmative practice scores by sociodemographic variables or professional group. However, attitude to lesbians and to gay men scores were significantly negatively affected by conservative political affiliation, held religious beliefs, and frequency of praying, while having a friend who is openly LGBT had a positive influence. This is in line with our previous findings in a tertiary paediatric hospital. We present combined results in this paper.
Conclusions: We have not been able to determine quantitatively any measure of discrimination against LGBT parents that has led to them not bringing their children for health care, and this is an important field for further study as such occurrences may well remain hidden.
Education about how to talk with LGBT parents is needed, and should be a part of staff in-service at any facility that cares for children.
Details
- Title
- A Study of Health Professionals and Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health Care for their Children
- Authors
- Linda Shields (Author) - The University of QueenslandK Berry (Author) - Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health ServiceE Bennett (Author)Jeanine Young (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, QueenslandO Burmesiter (Author) - Charles Sturt UniversityT Emeto (Author) - James Cook University
- Conference details
- ACCYPN Conference: Honouring the Past, Treasuring the Present, Shaping the Future, 2016 (Glenelg, Australia, 26-Oct-2016–28-Oct-2016)
- Date published
- 2016
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99513881602621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
Metrics
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