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Medical student homophobia.
D L Klamen1, L S Grossman, D R Kopacz
1University of Illinois, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago 60612, USA.
Journal of Homosexuality
|April 15, 1999
Summary
Homophobia is present in medical students, with many viewing homosexuality as immoral or a mental disorder. This prejudice can negatively impact patient care and doctor-patient relationships.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Homophobia among healthcare professionals can impede effective patient care.
- Understanding the prevalence of prejudice in medical students is crucial for addressing potential biases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of homophobia within a second-year medical school class prior to Human Sexuality education.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to second-year medical students at the start of a Human Sexuality course.
- The survey included twelve questions on attitudes toward homosexuality, drawing from established survey instruments.
Main Results:
- Significant levels of homophobia were detected in the student sample.
- 25% of students considered homosexuality immoral and detrimental to families, expressing social aversion.
- 9% viewed homosexuality as a mental disorder, and 14% reported increased homophobia post-AIDS.
- 14% reported increased homophobia since the emergence of AIDS.
Conclusions:
- Unaddressed medical student homophobia can compromise care for homosexual patients.
- Physician prejudice may damage the doctor-patient relationship and hinder patient disclosure of sensitive health information.