LGBT Population Research Articles

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE AND WORK WITH NEGLECTED POPULATIONS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN CARING FOR THE INVISIBLE

Considered specialists in people, Family and Community Medicine has in its constitution of values ​​and principles comprehensive, humanistic and person-centered care, seeking to develop ideas and people with a view to equity and transformation of patients into protagonists. In this context, the specialty works directly with neglected populations, both at the level of primary care in family health units and in street clinics, prisons, assistance to refugee populations, migrants and a comprehensive approach to the LGBT population. This work within the scope of social medicine, beyond a strictly biological view of illness and human beings, dialogues with the pillars of training of the specialty, based on primary care, medical education, humanism, and mainly on the training of leaders. This work seeks to discuss in a reflective way, through a narrative review of the literature, the challenges, opportunities and fields of action of Family and Community Medicine with neglected populations.

Validation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support among LGBT population in Serbia

Abstract Background Social support represents the belief that one is valued, cared for, and loved by others in a social network and a lack of it may lead to adverse outcomes such as a relapse into depression or emotional distress in physically ill patients. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is an instrument aimed to measure an individual’s perception of how much he or she receives outside social support. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Serbian version of MSPSS in a sample of LGBT population in Serbia. Methods The cross-sectional study included 504 respondents, members of the LGBT population living in Serbia. The instrument used was the MSPSS as a self-report measure, containing twelve items rated on a 7-point Likert scale. MSPSS consists of three sub-scales: Family, Friends, and Significant Others. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed with two independent random samples. Results The average score on the scale of social support was 5.58±0.84 (scale of social support by family 4.62±1.41, scale of social support by friends 5.93± 1.99, and scale of social support by the significant others 6.20±0.96, respectively). The Cronbach’s alpha for the entire social support scale was α = 0.772. The three-factor structure of the MSPSS was proved with EFA and CFA. The factor loadings varied between 0.630-0.817. The three factors explained a total of 52.68% of the variance (factor 1- 28.62%, factor 2. 13.16%, factor 3- 10,90%). The three-factor model was adopted during the CFA when the three-factor model CFI (comparative fit index) was 0.969. Conclusions The MSPSS has shown good reliability, internal validity and construct validity and can be used as a convenient measure of social support among the LGBT population. Both EFA and CFA yield a three-factor structure consistent with the theory underlying the measure’s development. Key messages • The results of the study suggest that the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support has acceptable psychometric properties for use with the LGBT population. • This study supports the use of the MSPSS for assessing community-based collaboration using the three-factor model among the LGBT population.

11.O. Scientific session: Mental Health Among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations in Diverse Structural Stigma Environments

Abstract Research conducted across numerous countries finds that sexual minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual [LGB]) and gender minority (e.g., transgender [T]) individuals represent high-risk populations for poor mental health and suicidality. These disparities are believed to be a consequence of a stigmatizing environment and sexual and gender minority individuals’ disproportionate exposure to stigma-based stress compared to cisgender (i.e., non-transgender) heterosexuals. Stigma occurs at multiple levels to compromise LGBT individuals’ health. At the structural level, stigma manifests as unjust laws, policies, and cultural norms that deny, or fail to protect, the equal rights of LGBT individuals. At the interpersonal level, stigma manifests as discrimination in social interactions, social exclusion, and outright victimization. At the individual level, stigma can tax LGBT individuals’ coping resources by requiring costly behavioral strategies such as concealment of one’s LGBT identity. In this workshop, four studies from different regional environment with varying degree of structural stigma will be presented, i.e., the USA, Switzerland, Rwanda, and Kenya. They resent novel findings on the processes and mechanism underlying LGBT populations increased risk of mental health and links between stigma experiences at different levels. Dr. Clark will present a study of how negative news media coverage influence suicidality among LGBT young adults in the USA using intensive longitudinal assessments. Dr. Pfister will present findings from in-depth interviews concerning suicidality with individuals representing a wide variety of sexual and gender minority identities in Switzerland. Dr. van der Star will present a study exploring how structural stigma environments are linked to interpersonal and individuals level stigma experiences in sexual minorities representing different generations of LGBT populations. Dr. Stojanovski will present data from surveys and interviews of LGBT populations in Kenya and Rwanda focusing on experiences of discrimination and mental health. Key messages • Negative media reporting, discrimination, and barriers to health care can influence mental health and suicidality among LGBT individuals. • Identity concealment may represent a mechanism through which sexual minorities navigate structurally stigmatizing climates.

GENDER, SEXUALITY AND RACE IN THE ANALYSIS OF PRISONERS' RIGHT TO INTIMATE VISITS

This article analyzes the prison sentence in Brazil, focusing on its implications for the rights of prisoners, especially the right to intimate visits. Although the sentence is intended to deprive the freedom of movement, it continues to impact other aspects of the individual's life, including their family relationships and sexuality. Brazilian law guarantees the right to visits, but does not explicitly provide for the right to intimate visits, creating a gap that undermines the full social reintegration of prisoners. Based on existing regulations, such as the Penal Execution Law and resolutions of the National Council for Criminal and Penitentiary Policy, the text discusses the importance of intimate visits for the emotional and social well-being of prisoners. Despite the advances promoted by Resolution No. 04/2011, which includes the LGBT population in intimate visits, the lack of a clear legal provision continues to generate uncertainty. The article argues that the sexual rights of prisoners should be recognized as fundamental, arguing that deprivation of liberty should not extend to sexuality. The analysis concludes that, in order to ensure the full exercise of prisoners' sexual rights, it is imperative that the State not only recognizes, but also facilitates and effectively regulates the right to intimate visits, guaranteeing dignity and respect for the individuality of those in custody.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of HIV transmission risk behaviors, genetic variations, and antiretroviral (ARV) resistance in LGBT populations.

Currently, human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has become one of the major health problems worldwide, including Indonesia. East Java is one of the provinces in Indonesia with the highest prevalence of HIV infection. One of the causes of HIV infection transmission is lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) practice. Furthermore, the treatment using antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in HIV-1 patients can fail due to the presence of HIV drug resistance. The aim of this study is to identify the behavior at risk of HIV transmission among LGBT, patterns of genetic variation and antiretroviral (ARV) resistance. A systematic review and meta-analysis based on the PRISMA guidelines was conducted. We searched three databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google scholar for studies investigating the non-heterosexual behavior as risk factor of HIV infection and antiretroviral resistance. Only studies published in English are considered. The adjusted estimates of the risk were carried out using best-adjusted OR with 95% confidence interval (CI) and significant p value < 0.05. In the quantitative analysis of HIV infection risk factors, a total of 13 studies were included, which investigated non-heterosexual behavior as a potential factor. The studies involved a total of 37,129 participants, comprising 10,449 individuals in the non-heterosexual behavior group (LGBTQ+) and 26,680 individuals in the heterosexual group. The majority of the participants in this study were from the USA, Japan, China, and Brazil, and the main HIV subgenotypes were B and CRF. Additionally, the antiretroviral resistance of HIV patients was examined, involving a total of 3062 individuals, with 1296 individuals in the non-heterosexual behavior group and 1766 individuals in the heterosexual group. Our calculation showed that non-heterosexual behavior was significant as risk factor of HIV infection (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.94-2.43, p < 0.001) and antiretroviral resistance (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.00-1.71, p = 0.05). This study concludes that non heterosexual behavior is significant risk factor of HIV infection. A quite prevalent of antiretroviral resistance were found among non heterosexual behavior. The main subgenotype of HIV are B and CRF.

Attitude of Bosnian and Herzegovinian Citizens towards LGBT Population

The paper analyses the attitude of Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens towards LGBT population. The aim of this paper is to determine how the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina perceive members of LGBT population, in order to explain the degree of understanding, acceptance, integration, as well as stigmatisation, discrimination and neglect of the members of this population. The core of the paper is the research, carried out on the sample of 314 respondents in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research has shown that there are two groups of citizens, both in the range of 35-40% – one that does not support (somewhat or strongly) LGBT people and their struggle for free and dignified status in the society and the other group that supports (somewhat or strongly) the activities of LGBT population. Between these two groups, there is a part of citizens (15-20%) who do not have an attitude towards this issue, are not interested or ignore the presence and activity of LGBT people in their environment.

Would medicine be so biomedical? Biopolitical displacements, LGBT population and health care

Resumo Nesse artigo, nós interrogamos o mito da homogeneidade ontológica da medicina ocidental, calcada na biologia, quando se trata de cuidados em saúde com uma população inventada como LGBT. Por outra via, nós sinalizamos para uma heterogeneidade discursiva constitutiva do próprio campo da medicina a partir de um exercício de conectar entrevistas realizadas com médicos/as na cidade de Aracaju, Sergipe, e linhas de força do trabalho de Michel Foucault. O argumento aponta para como deslocamentos biopolíticos em curso implicam fraturas, contingências e ambivalências do aparato médico. Dois modos suplementares de “fazer” a “população LGBT” são, assim, explorados: a vigilância moral diante dos preconceitos e a naturalização das condutas sexuais via genética, algo que não se faz sem ter que acertar as contas com as normas de gênero. De tal modo, evidenciamos o quanto a medicina se configura em um campo de multiplicidades heterogêneas, e, portanto, não é tão biomédica assim, como ela faz questão de anunciar.

Mapeamento de ações governamentais sobre a inserção e a permanência da população LGBT no trabalho

Abstract Introduction It is important to discuss the relationship between the LGBT population, work and government responsibilities regarding insertions and permanence in this activity, since in capitalist society work is the fundamental link between people, their life projects and their participation Social. Objective To map actions and/or practices on electronic addresses controlled by the Brazilian State that had as their main objective the insertion/permanence of LGBT people at work. Methods This is an exploratory, qualitative and documentary study. Results 90 actions returned, the majority concentrated in the year 2022 and in the Northeast region of Brazil. The actions were related to informal work, and it was not possible to state that they guarantee insertion/permanence in work. It is considered that governments must form partnerships with public and private companies and the third sector, holding them accountable, standardizing and guaranteeing insertion/permanence. Conclusion Historical reparation is needed, reducing exclusion, prejudice and violence against the LGBT community. In this way, it is pointed out that there are still many complex challenges for the social participation of this population, considering inclusion through work.

Legislative Laws Forcing Outing in Public Schools: Attacks on LGBTQ Rights

The subject of this paper highlights the alarming direction taken by legislative laws in the US public schools forcing LGBTQ students to out their identities. Through reviewing the constitutional rights of these students despite such legislation, especially the freedom of expression and privacy that the students are guaranteed in the First Amendment, the paper easily underlines such infringements. These reforms also confront the major risks that the young LGBT population faces due to the laws being introduced. Based on recent trials and statistics, the goal of this work is to shine a light on the critical implications of such legislation on the social and educational lives of LGBTQ learners. In this evaluation, it forwards the policies that harmonize inclusivity, equality, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The coming out of the LGBTQ students in public school exposes them to risks that ensure their privacy is a major challenge, as well as the shouldering of different forms of discrimination. This is a hostile and damaging setting that wrecks the feelings of safety and belonging as a part of the mental health degradation that leads to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. At the same time, these laws jeopardize LGBTQ students’ educational progress by hampering them from reaching the desired educational level and developing their sense of social well-being. These challenges can be redressed only by bringing together policymakers, teachers, and advocates to do away with such laws and replace them with policies that grant rights and dignity to LGBTQ youth. A society that is handling stigma and discrimination this way will be more equal and supportive to all students enabling them to achieve and be what they are meant to be.

Mapping of government actions on the insertion and permanence of the LGBT population at work

Resumo Introdução É importante discutir sobre a relação entre a população LGBT, o trabalho e as responsabilidades governamentais acerca das inserções e permanências nesta atividade, uma vez que na sociedade capitalista o trabalho é o elo fundamental entre as pessoas, seus projetos de vida e sua participação social. Objetivo Mapear ações e/ou práticas em endereços eletrônicos controlados pelo Estado brasileiro que tinham como objetivo principal a inserção/permanência de pessoas LGBT no trabalho. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, qualitativo e documental. Resultados Retornaram 90 ações, a maioria concentrada no ano de 2022 e na região Nordeste do Brasil. As ações estavam relacionadas ao trabalho informal e não foi possível afirmar que estas garantem a inserção/permanência no trabalho. Considera-se que os governos devem realizar parcerias com empresas públicas, privadas e com o terceiro setor, responsabilizando-os, normatizando e garantindo a inserção/permanência. Conclusão É preciso uma reparação histórica, diminuição da exclusão, do preconceito e das violências contra a comunidade LGBT. Desta forma, aponta-se que ainda estão colocados muitos e complexos desafios para a participação social desta população, considerando a inclusão por meio do trabalho.

How accurately are household surveys measuring the LGBT population in Colombia? Evidence from a list experiment

This paper studies whether household surveys precisely identify the LGBT population and are suitable to measure labor market discrimination in Colombia. We first quantify the size of the LGBT population and estimate labor market inequalities from these data, highlighting potential pitfalls from using this approach. We then present findings from a list experiment in the capital city of Bogotá. Results show that household surveys underestimate the size of the LGBT population and may yield biased estimates of labor market inequalities. While survey estimates range between 1 and 4 %, we find that LGBT individuals represent around 12–22 % of the total population. We find heterogeneous reporting by sex at birth, age groups, educational attainment, and marital status. Our findings suggest that while current measurement practices are a step forward for LGBTQ+ visibility, further steps are required before household surveys may be used to consistently estimate discrimination and guide policy responses to protect their welfare.

Exploring Health Care Access Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations in Orange County, California: A Pilot Cross-sectional Study.

There are approximately 90 000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in Orange County, California. LGBT individuals have significant health disparities, particularly if they are from racial or ethnic minority groups and/or have a disability. There are structural and access barriers in the health care system that increase these health disparities. These individuals experience discriminatory situations when accessing health care and mental health services, which may affect their health-seeking behaviors. The purpose of this pilot quantitative cross-sectional study was to gather information about the current health care experiences and needs of this LGBT population including priority health issues, physical and mental health care utilization, and perceived adequacy of LGBT-friendly physical and mental health care providers. These findings will inform organizational strategies for nursing administrators and other health care leaders when tailoring, planning, and redesigning structures that meaningfully address the service needs of this at-risk group. Seventy-five participants were recruited from 2 organizations serving the LGBT community to complete an online survey. Findings include trouble finding an LGBT competent provider, delays or being unable to access care, and worried about losing insurance. Most participants needed to visit multiple different locations to receive care and preferred a 1-stop shop.

The COVID-19 Impact on Employment for LGBT Individuals With Disabilities: An Examination of the 2021 Household Pulse Survey

The 2021 Household Pulse Survey (HPS) was examined as it relates to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the impact on employment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and members with disabilities. The purpose of the study was to understand the effect of COVID-19 on both groups as it relates to employment, specifically focusing on work loss. In analyzing the HPS, the population of the LGBT community was estimated as 7.6%, while members with disabilities accounted for 13.2% of the total U.S. population; 5.5% more LGBT than non-LGBT, 9.8% more members with disabilities than without disabilities, and 18.3% more LGBT with disabilities than non-LGBT and not disabled members reported work loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. I found that the LGBT community and members with disabilities were more likely to have work loss and face employment challenges during the pandemic. I attributed these findings to LGBT and members with disabilities having been more likely to work in a service sector position. In addition to work loss, data on the LGBT and disabled population and the prevalence of disability in the LGBT community were presented.

Power and politics of health system data: how data shape responses and equity during pandemics

Abstract Background Pandemics disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. There are documented socioeconomic, gendered, and racialized differences in the burden of disease during COVID-19 and previous pandemics due to factors such as lack of access to social safety nets, poor quality of housing, and precarious working conditions. Therefore, equity should be a key principle for health system preparedness. However, the monitoring and detection of inequities largely depend on the availability of disaggregated data. Often, such data are not available nor are they utilized to promote equity-based approaches during major public health crises. Methods The article builds on social epidemiology and is conducted as a theoretical review. It uses health monitoring data collected in the Finnish health system and the Finnish response to COVID-19 as case studies to investigate how data shape equity and responses during rapidly unfolding crises. Finland provides an interesting context for the case studies due to its extensive and high-quality health registers and health monitoring data. Results In the article, we present a summary of the Finnish health system monitoring data infrastructure and a review of factors affecting data collection and utilization processes in Finland. We then describe how register data was utilized as a part of the Finnish response to COVID-19. Finally, we present an example of how the utilization of disaggregated vaccination coverage data helped create an equity-based community health promotion response during COVID-19 in Finland. Conclusions The article points out several understudied populations in the Finnish health system monitoring infrastructure, including those with lower incomes, undocumented immigrants, racialized minorities, and LGBT populations. While waiting for national health monitoring systems to “catch up”, smaller-scale community-based responses can be used to tackle inequities during health system crises. Key messages • Critical research approaches to health system data and data gaps are crucial since these data are the product of decisions, prioritization and value judgments made by health system actors themselves. • Revision work of pandemic preparedness plans across Europe needs to acknowledge how health system monitoring shape both responses and equity during crises.

Health inequalities of LGBT persons in Switzerland – Results from the first national LGBT health study

Abstract Background Internationally, there is evidence that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (LGBT persons) have poorer health outcomes than the heterosexual or cisgender population. In addition, LGBT populations face more frequent and unique healthcare access barriers. Barriers to healthcare among LGBT persons in Switzerland remained undocumented until recently, when the Swiss Federal Council mandated a report describing the health and healthcare access of LGBT persons, and related health inequalities. Methods Two data sets were included in analyses: (1) two waves of the representative Swiss Health Survey (SHS 2012, 2017) n = 29,793, ages 16 to 74, including 858 LGB persons, and (2) data from a non-representative national online survey (May to July 2021), including 1,542 LGB cisgender and 522 transgender persons, ages 15 to 81. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g. binary logistic regression), controlling for potential confounding factors (e.g. year of study, age), using the Health Equity Promotion Model as a conceptual framework. Results The most significant areas of health inequalities across the groups of interest were mental health, experienced discrimination and violence, healthcare access barriers, substance use, and sexual health. For example, LGB persons experienced significantly higher rates of depression (16.0% vs. 7.4%; p&amp;lt;.001) and suicide attempts (11.0% vs. 3.3%; p&amp;lt;.001) compared to the heterosexual population. Additionally, LGB persons abstained from seeking medical care significantly more often than heterosexual persons (16.2% vs. 6.9%, respectively) due to a lack of trust in the healthcare system. Conclusions Besides targeted action in the identified (health) areas, a Health in All Policies Approach is needed to improve the lives and health of LGBT people in Switzerland by diminishing stigmatization and discrimination, and by implementing LGBT inclusive and specific protocols in healthcare and other settings.

Proposed Mechanisms of Hypertension and Risk of Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in LGBT Communities.

Hypertension (HTN), a highly prevalent public issue affecting 1 in 2 US adults, has recently been shown to differentially burden individuals belonging to marginalized communities, such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. The Minority Stress Theory posits that a unique combination of marginalization-related psychosocial stressors and coping behaviors may underlie the increased burden of diseases like HTN in LGBT populations. Uncontrolled or poorly managed HTN often leads to the development of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart failure (HF). Despite our understanding of Minority Stress Theory and demonstrated associations between LGBT identities and HTN, the mechanisms whereby psychosocial stress drives HTN in LGBT populations remains unclear. This mini review discusses the physiological systems governing blood pressure and the epidemiology of HTN across different subgroups of LGBT people. Additionally, we propose mechanisms demonstrated in the general population whereby psychological stress has been implicated in elevating blood pressure, that may be occurring in LGBT populations. Lastly, we discuss the limitations to current studies and methodological frameworks to make suggestions for study designs to better delineate the mechanisms of psychosocial stress-related HTN in LGBT communities.

Pride Unveiled: Exploring the Rise, Struggles, and Future of LGBT Tourism in Turkey

Summary For over a decade, Istanbul has hosted the Pride festival, representing a significant milestone for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. The organization of Pride events in Istanbul marked a tremendous stride in attracting LGBT tourists to the city. Although Pride events have also been initiated in some other Muslim countries, such as Lebanon and Kosovo, Istanbul’s Pride was established 11 years prior to these nations. However, in 2014, the Pride festival was abruptly cancelled citing “security” reasons. Subsequently, Turkish municipalities not only prohibited Pride but also banned all LGBT events, encompassing movies, shows, panels, exhibitions, and plays. Consequently, this has resulted in a decline in the availability of gay-friendly hotels and travel agencies. This study aims to review academic literature, statistical reports, and media sources to address questions regarding why Turkey has not become a popular destination among LGBT tourists, the events that precipitated animosity toward this group, and how the conservative government has influenced perceptions regarding the LGBT population in Turkey Information © The Author 2023

Identifying barriers associated with LGBT seniors’ housing: opportunities moving forward in the Canadian context

This research aims to determine barriers to seniors’ housing options among the LGBT population in Canada. Using a qualitative analysis of open-ended questions from a survey of 982 LGBT seniors and housing providers across Canada, this paper discusses housing options for LGBT seniors and provides an overview of the implications for planning and operating LGBT-inclusive housing. Barriers identified by the LGBT community include: fear of discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and violence from staff and residents, housing affordability and availability, health challenges, feeling unsafe, intersectional barriers, and building maintenance. Barriers identified by housing service providers include: no current inclusion practices at their workplaces, lack of information for staff and seniors, health challenges for seniors and housing affordability. The findings discuss the potential for LGBT-specific seniors’ housing in Canada, and the role of housing service providers, health care providers, and planners in creating inclusive housing accommodations and services which meet the needs of all seniors. Approaches such as providing better information on housing choices to seniors, implementing anti-discrimination policies and LGBT competency training for housing providers and staff, providing affordable and accessible units, and LGBT community engagement in the development of housing are critical.

Enhancing cultural competence in caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients: An online training program for Taiwanese student nurses and nurses

BackgroundHealth disparities exist among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations worldwide. However, student nurses and nurse staff have limited knowledge and skills in providing culturally competent nursing care for LGBT patients in Taiwan. ObjectivesThis paper describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an online training program for the cultural competence of student nurses and nurses in Taiwan. DesignA one-group pre-/post-test study design. SettingsThe study was conducted in five nursing schools, 10 nursing associations, and 37 long-term care facilities. Two prominent online bulletin boards (PTT Nurse and Dcard Nurse) and one Taiwanese nursing group on Facebook were used to recruit participants. ParticipantsIn total, 301 student nurses and nurses participated in the study and responded to pre- and post-test questionnaires. MethodsAn online training program for culturally competent nursing care was developed and implemented. The pre- and post-test questionnaires contained three sections: (1) demographics, (2) knowledge of LGBT health, and (3) the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale. Three open-ended questions were included in the post-test questionnaire to evaluate the online training program. ResultsThe online training program significantly improved the participants' knowledge and cultural competence skills. However, their attitudes towards cultural competence did not change after the program was implemented. Regarding qualitative feedback of the online training program, feedback on the strengths and limitations of the program was summarized under three themes: program content, website design, and online modules. ConclusionsThe results suggest the importance of an online training program which may contribute to reducing health disparities among the LGBT population.

Korean Version of the Nursing Student Attitudes and Knowledge toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients Scale.

This study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of a Korean version of the Nursing Student Attitudes and Knowledge Toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients (K-NAKL) Scale, which measures health and heterosexual attitudes toward LGBT individuals. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals often face discrimination and a lack of care experience on the part of healthcare professionals. In South Korea, the current knowledge and attitude measurement tools for medical staff regarding LGBT individuals are limited, as they only focus on homosexuality and do not account for different sexual orientations. The participants were 217 nursing college students aged 18-25. The item-total correlations method and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used to analyze internal consistency reliability. Face validity, content validity, construct validity, and criterion validity testing were conducted to establish scale validity. We made sure to follow STROBE guidelines when carrying out this research. The K-NAKL is a culturally appropriate instrument used to measure the attitudes and knowledge of Korean nursing students when it comes to LGBT health. As LGBT health is increasingly gaining social interest, the nursing education curriculum needs to produce culturally competent graduates to meet the health needs of this vulnerable and marginalized population. The current study contributes to that goal. The K-NAKL is a valid and reliable tool with which to measure attitudes and knowledge regarding LGBT health among Korean nursing students. The K-NAKL can enable Korean nursing students to increase their knowledge and improve their attitudes when caring for the LGBT population. The study highlights the importance of incorporating LGBT-related health education into nursing curricula and developing inclusive policies to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for LGBT individuals.