Nurses' perception towards homosexual patients

Abstract

Literature regarding homosexuality and homophobia is abundant but recent studies on exploring the nurses' views towards homosexual patients are lacking. The studies available were carried out in the late 80's and beginning of the 90's when the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome . epidemic was still recent. Somehow this epidemic may have contributed to the negative attitudes that existed in those times. The aim of this study was to explore the nurses' views towards homosexual patients. A descriptive survey approach was used with a convenience sample in two medical and one surgical ward. The sample consisted of fifteen nurses working full-time on these wards. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Findings suggest that strong negative attitudes towards homosexual patients are not evident in the participants. However there may still be some problems when establishing a therapeutic relationship with these clients. Several recommendations were made including organisation of a support group for nurses. It was recommended that the concept of sexuality is incorporated in nursing education and also in nursing to provide a holistic approach to clients. Recommendation for a further study involving a larger sample with an observational approach was also made.