Determining Homophobic Attitudes of Turkish Nursing Students and The Factors

Abstract

Objective: The investigation of homophobic attitudes of nursing students is an important issue as it may result in homosexual individuals’ refraining from health services. The study was carried out to determine the homophobic approaches of nursing students and factors affecting them. Methods: In this descriptive study (n:295), the data were collected using a personal information form developed by the researchers and a homophobic scale developed by Hudson and Rickett, which is called as Hudson and Rickett Homophobic Scale (HRHS). Frequency and percentage calculations, sample T-test, one-way Anova analysis and Tukey HSD test were also used for the statistical analysis. Results: In the light of the findings of the research, it was revealed that 87.8 % of the students had no homosexual friends, and 71.9 % said their family would not approve a homosexual friend. 98.6% of the students has had no experience of caring a homosexual patient yet. 74.6% of them reported that their attitudes towards a patient would not change when the patient was homosexual; however, the mean HRHS score (91.83±23.83) indicates the opposite. In addition, mothers’ having a higher education level, taking sexual health courses, having a homosexual friend, and the approval of the family were the effective parameters in reducing homophobic attitudes (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the study, nursing students have a negative attitude towards homosexuality. Homophobic attitudes are one of the factors affecting the health care of homosexual individuals. It is therefore important to plan initiatives to reduce negative attitudes.