Sexual prejudice and associated factors among clinical nurses in Türkiye: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess the level of homophobia and to identify its independent predictors among practicing clinical nurses working in a tertiary university hospital in Türkiye.

Homophobia among healthcare professionals undermines equitable care for sexual minorities and remains underexplored in Türkiye, particularly among practicing nurses. In settings with limited institutional support for sexual minority health, identifying determinants of sexual prejudice among healthcare professionals can inform training needs.

A cross-sectional survey design was used.

One hundred registered nurses providing direct patient care completed the Turkish version of the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale and a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, etiological beliefs, interpersonal contact, and comfort working with LGB patients and colleagues. Homophobia scores were dichotomized using a median split, and binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors.

The mean homophobia score was 102.14 (SD = 24.73). In multivariate analysis, endorsing biological explanations for homosexuality (OR = 0.22), having a homosexual acquaintance (OR = 0.19) and greater comfort working with LGB colleagues (OR = 0.41) were independently associated with lower odds of homophobia, whereas holding a bachelor's degree was associated with higher odds (OR = 4.24).

Homophobia scores among nurses were shaped by educational, interpersonal, cognitive, and affective factors. These findings underscore the need for structured, evidence-based, and inclusive nursing education and institutional reform to promote equitable and ethical care for sexual minority patients.