A Study of Health Professionals and Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health Care for their Children | ACCYPN

A Study of Health Professionals and Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents Seeking Health Care for their Children

Member price :$0.00
Non-Member Price: $25.00

Presenters:

PROFESSOR LINDA SHIELDS1,5, MRS KAREN BERRY2, DR ELAINE BENNETT3, PROFESSOR JEANINE YOUNG4, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OLIVER BURMEISTER1, DR THEOPHILIS EMETO6, 1Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia 2Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia 3Ngala Early Childhood Service, Perth, Australia 4 University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia 5 University of Queensland, Australia 6 James Cook University

Date Presented 28th October 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.