Homophobia among physicians and nurses: an empirical study.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Homophobia among physicians and nurses: an empirical study.

Hosp Community Psychiatry. 1985 Dec;36(12):1309-11. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/86110007
Douglas CJ; Kalman CM; Kalman TP

Abstract: In a large urban teaching hospital treating many patients with AIDS, 37 medical house officers and 91 registered nurses completed a questionnaire designed to measure attitudes about homosexuality. Mean scores for both physicians and nurses fell in the low-grade homophobic range. No significant differences were found between scores for doctors and nurses, but women respondents were significantly more homophobic than men. Respondents who had a friend or relative who was homosexual were less homophobic than those who did not. Nearly 10 percent of respondents agreed with the statement that homosexuals who contract AIDS are getting what they deserve. The authors consider this to be an alarming statistic and conclude from the findings that homophobia is higher than desirable in this group of health professionals.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY Adult Attitude of Health Personnel Female *Homosexuality Human Male *Nurse-Patient Relations Phobic Disorders/*PSYCHOLOGY *Physician-Patient Relations Psychological Tests JOURNAL ARTICLE

860530
M8650210

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1986. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1986. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .