Attitudes Towards and Awareness of Gay and Lesbian
Patients; A Survey of Physician Assistants
M. Takaishi PA-S; P. Bunton MS, PA-C; R. Muma PhD, PA-C
Department of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions
Introduction
Results
The
survey
response
rate
was
57%
(n=168).
The
average
number
The homosexual subculture provides a unique challenge for all
of
years
in
family
practice
was
10.73
years
and
the
average
age
of
health care professionals. The human nature of the healthcare
the
provider
was
41.81
years.
Regarding
physician
assistant
provider gives rise to a multitude of emotions that may be
awareness
of
gay
and
lesbian
patients,
82.3%
and
84.4%
of
the
evoked when providing healthcare to homosexual patients. The
sample,
respectively,
were
aware
of
gay
and
lesbian
patients
in
attitudes of healthcare providers may prevent homosexual
their
practice.
The
survey
respondents
indicated
that
they
saw
an
persons from seeking and receiving healthcare. As noted by
average
of
317
patients
a
month.
The
average
number
of
gay
McNair, “Discrimination influences patterns of health seeking,
patients
seen
a
year
was
1.34
and
lesbian
patients
1.27.
If
the
either preventing access to healthcare or reducing openness and
provider
had
gay
patients
in
their
practice,
they
were
as
trust within the healthcare setting [1].” It is of concern when any
comfortable
obtaining
a
sexual
history
from
gay
men
as
they
were
persons avoid basic preventative health care such as prostate
with
heterosexual
men
(p<0.000)
and
indicated
that
they
would
be
exams, blood pressure checks and pap smears. A study
comfortable
treating
a
gay
patient
(p<0.000).
If
the
provider
had
conducted in February 1982 found that 37% of the physicians
lesbian
patients
in
their
practice,
they
strongly
disagreed
with
surveyed were not comfortable with homosexual patients [2].
classifying
homosexuality
as
a
mental
disorder
(p<0.001)
and
they
Research has been conducted on physicians and medical
felt
comfortable
treating
lesbian
patients
(p<0.041).
The
majority
students regarding their attitudes about homosexuality, but a
of
respondents
appeared
to
have
a
positive
attitude
towards
gay
similar study has not been done on physician assistants. It is
and
lesbian
patients
in
obtaining
a
sexual
history,
in
providing
important to gauge the attitudes of physician assistants as they
health
care
and
in
attending
continuing
medical
education
are a growing profession, providing a significant amount of
concerning
gay
and
lesbian
health
issues.
primary health care each year.
“I am/would be comfortable treating gay/lesbian patients.”
Methods
Gay Pt's in the
Practice
75
70
# Of Respondents
The purpose of this study was to survey family practice physician
assistants in the states of Kansas, Oregon and New Jersey.
These states were chosen both for their geographical diversity
and their similar numbers of family practice physician assistants
within in each state. A 25 question survey, which contained 14
attitude questions and 11 demographical questions, was sent to
all family practice physician assistants in the target states as
identified by the AAPA. The results were analyzed using ChiSquare analysis. Statistically significant results were determined
using p<0.05.
80
65
No Gay Pt's in the
Practice
60
55
50
Unsure if have Gay
Pt's in the Practice
45
40
35
Lesbian Pt's in the
Practice
30
25
20
No Lesbian Pt's in
the Practice
15
10
5
0
Agree
Neither Agree/Disagree
Level of Agreement
Disagree
Unsure if have
Lesbian Pt's in the
Practice
Discussion
This survey showed that, overall,
physician assistants are both aware of
gay and lesbian patients and also
appear to have positive attitudes
towards them. There were many
respondents who showed interest in
this research topic. Overall, there is a
positive attitude towards treating gay
and lesbian patients.
Conclusions
This preliminary study represents the
first study of awareness and attitudes
of physician assistants towards gay and
lesbian patients. The findings were
overall positive. Due to the small
sample size, however, the results
should be viewed with caution. A
nationwide study is recommended
before the results can be generalized
for all physician assistants. Continued
research and education regarding gay
and lesbian patients is encouraged.
References
[1] McNair R. Lesbian health inequalities: A
cultural minority issue for health
professionals. The Medical Journal of
Australia. Available from URL:
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/178_1
2_160603/mcn10852_fm.html.
[2] Bovincini KA, Perlin MJ. The same but
different: Clinician-patient communication
with gay and lesbian patients. Patient
Education and Counseling. 2003; 51:115122.