Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on sexual and gender minorities patients: a survey on Italian Neurologists

BackgroundSexual and gender minorities (SGM) encompass individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ). SGM patients experience difficulties in accessing healthcare and may face discrimination, impacting their overall health outcomes. Enhancing healthcare professionals' knowledge is the initial step in dismantling these barriers.Materials and methodsThe study has been conducted on the neurologists of the Italian Society of Neurology (SIN). We utilized a survey instrument comprising 24 Likert-type questions to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning sexual orientation and gender identity minorities. Likert scales were assessed with scores 1 and 2 as negative response, 3 as neutral, and 4 and 5 as positive responses.ResultsA total of 177 neurologists (103 women; 58.2%) participated, with a mean age of 44.3 +/- 14.6 years answered the survey. Over half recognized sexual and gender orientation as social determinants of health, yet only a minority acknowledged the elevated prevalence of physical and mental health issues in SGM populations. Nearly, all respondents felt confident in examining a sexual minority patient, while only half felt the same regarding transgender patients. The majority of neurologists expressed a need for more comprehensive training and supervision in treating SGM patients.ConclusionTo enhance healthcare quality for SGM populations, healthcare professionals must receive appropriate training in how to approach, assess, and treat patients within this demographic.

Automated summary

This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of neurologists in Italy regarding sexual orientation and gender identity minorities. It found that while most neurologists recognized the impact of sexual and gender orientation on health, only a minority acknowledged the higher prevalence of health issues in SGM populations. The majority of neurologists expressed a need for more comprehensive training and supervision in treating SGM patients.