Association between the Expression of Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity and Mental Health Perceptions in the Peruvian LGBTI Population

INTRODUCTION

The non-expression of sexual orientation and gender identity can affect mental health in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex population in Peru.

METHOD

Secondary, observational, analytical, and cross-sectional analyses of data from the "First Virtual Survey on the LGBTI population" were conducted with a population (n = 11,345) of LGBTI adults aged 18 years old or more. The variables of mental health and expression of sexual orientation and/or gender identity were measured using a self-reported questionnaire that did not include a validated scale; questions with multiple alternatives that included "yes" and "no" options were used. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained by glm log Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

The median age of the participants was 25 years (IQR: 21-30), and the majority of the population identified as gay, followed by lesbian and bisexual. Individuals who expressed their sexual orientation and/or gender identity were 17% less likely to have had perceived mental health problems in the last 12 months (PR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76-0.90, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The non-expression of sexual orientation and/or gender identity has a significant negative effect on the mental health problems of the LGBTI population. These results highlight the importance of promoting the expression of sexual orientation and gender identity in our community.

NURSING STUDENTS' CARE OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANS, AND INTERSEX PEOPLE IN TIMES OF COVID-19 IN SPAIN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective

To measure the knowledge and attitudes of Catalan nursing students regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) patients, as well as their perception of specific training in this area, according to their internship modalities, sociodemographic circumstances and academic background during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Spanish Government created the “Health‐Aid” internship: a paid alternative to curricular internships. There is extensive evidence that paid work environments perpetuate negative attitudes towards LGBTI patients.

Method

Cross‐sectional survey aimed at Catalan nursing students. The "Attitudes Towards and Knowledge About Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Patients" questionnaire was adapted. Descriptive study and backward regression models were constructed.

Results

337 students, mean age 23.80 years (SD: 5.17) participated. 85% women and 54 (16%) completing the Health Aid internship modality. More than 50% did not attend specific training on the care of the LGBTI population. Differences between internship modalities showed higher values in the curricular internship group: attitudes (U = 6526.50, p = 0.031) and training perception (U = 5926.50, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Nursing students’ attitudes towards LGBTI patients and their perception of specific training on care for this population were negatively influenced by the paid Health Aid internship during the pandemic.

Implications for Nursing Management

Even under dire circumstances, clinical training must be properly managed to address the specific health needs of vulnerable populations, such as LGTBI patients. Paid internships in emergency scenarios may impede these objectives.