Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents and Consultants’ Knowledge of, Attitudes Toward, Practice Behaviors, and Self-confidence Levels in Caring for Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Patients in Turkey: A Descriptive-Cross-Sectional Study
Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13178-026-01324-7
- Dergi Adı: Sexuality Research and Social Policy
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Psycinfo, Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Political Science Database (ProQuest), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Attitude, Behavior, Healthcare providers, Knowledge, Self-confidence, LGBT
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: To apply online surveying to access Obstetrics and Gynecology residents and consultants’ knowledge of, attitudes toward, practice behaviors, and self-confidence levels of caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients in Turkey. Materials and Methods: In a prospective survey-based study conducted using an online survey platform, 867 eligible obstetrics and gynecology residents and consultants working at various hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey, identified from a hospital database, were emailed a link to the survey between January 15 and February 21, 2023. Results: 189 OB/GYNs (55 consultants and 134 residents) completed the survey with a response rate of 21.8%. Of the respondents, 180 (95.3%) did not get any medical education, including content related to LGBT health in their curriculum. 31.7% stated that they had witnessed discriminatory behavior against LGBT individuals by their colleagues. 82.1% reported that they do not see themselves as equipped to care for transgender patients, and 76.3% of participants for lesbians or bisexuals. Only 17% of the respondents acquire the sexual histories of the patients in their daily practice. 78.9% stated that they do not have enough knowledge and experience about the healthcare problems associated with LGBT individuals. Conclusions: Obstetrics and gynecology residents and consultants in Istanbul exhibit a significant knowledge gap regarding LGBT-related healthcare, yet support the integration of these topics into medical curricula and residency programs. However, as this study was localized to Istanbul, the findings may not be generalizable to other regions or cities in Turkey. Policy Implications: The findings highlight a significant gap in medical education regarding LGBT health among obstetrics and gynecology residents and consultants in Turkey. Integrating LGBT-inclusive content into medical education and residency training programs is essential to improving competency and reducing healthcare disparities.