Determining Varying Levels of Cultural Competence in Athletic Trainers Compared to Other Healthcare Providers When Treating Lesbian or Gay Patients

Abstract

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and ally or asexual cultural competence has become a point of emphasis in patient care in the profession of athletic training. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of cultural competence (CC) in athletic trainers (ATs) compared with other health care providers when treating lesbian/gay (L/G) patients as well as at which sexual orientation and gender demonstrated greater CC in L/G patients by using the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale. Health care providers include physicians, nurses, and mental health counselors (MHC). Statistical analysis comparing the occupations, sexual orientations, and gender, each in one-way analysis of variances, (including nonparametric modifications) demonstrated significant results for occupation, χ2(8) = 69.888, p < .05 and sexual orientation χ2(3) = 22.250, p < .05, indicating post hoc analyses. Post hoc demonstrated significance in occupation (AT and MHC, AT and nursing, and MHC and nursing) and sexual orientation (heterosexual and L/G). The result of these analyses provides evidence that ATs have less CC when caring for L/G patients compared with MHC and nursing. Finally, L/G providers demonstrate a greater CC than their counterparts, when caring for L/G patients.