The factors affecting the attitudes of nursing students towards homosexual individuals

Abstract

Objective: The research was conducted analytic cross-sectionally with the aim of determining the factors affecting the attitudes of nursing students towards homosexual individuals. Methods: The population of the research was composed of the students studying in the Department of Nursing in 2017-2018 academic year at a university in one of the western provinces of the country. Precision sampling method was used and The sample size was calculated as 337 by adding 20% reserve, considering the possible losses and the analysis were conducted with 335 persons. The data of the research was collected by the questionnaire form prepared by the researchers in line with the literature and Attitudes Towards Homosexuality Scale. Results: 64.5% of the students was female, and their mean age was 20.62±1.82. 46.6% stated they did not have education about homosexuality during their education. When student characteristics and their Attitudes Towards Homosexuality Scale scores were compared, it was found that being a female (t=-4.659, p=0.000), higher educational levels of the parents, having a homosexual ac-quaintance positively affected the students’ attitudes towards homosexual individuals (p < 0.05). The belief that sexual orientation is congenital and cannot be changed later did not effect their attitudes towards homosexual individuals (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In accordance with these results, adding courses into bachelor’s degree curriculum about homosexuality, the health rights of homosexual individuals, their requirements and care, preventing stigma towards homosexual individuals are suggested to ensure decreasing negative attitudes and support positive attitudes of the students towards homosexual individuals.