Trying to Comprehend Physicians’ Feelings and Behaviors toward Sex and Gender Minorities in Terms of Improving Minorities’ Access to Healthcare Services

Abstract

The fundamental basis of human existence is the enjoyment of rights and freedoms. The capacity of sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals to enjoy equal access to their right to health is inextricably linked to the manner in which physicians interact with and treat SGM individuals. It is therefore evident that the perception of SGM individuals by physicians is a matter that requires further examination. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the attitudes of physicians toward SGM individuals by examining their feelings and behaviors. In this cross-sectional study of 193 physicians, a series of t-tests and chi-square tests were conducted to determine whether there were significant differences between the various sociodemographic categories of the participants. The findings indicate that physicians’ approach to SGM individuals is largely aligned with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). A comparison of the attitudes of male and female participants reveals a greater proclivity toward egalitarianism among the latter with regard to SGMs. Additionally, it was determined that medical professionals engaged in the field of internal medicine exhibited a comparatively less traditionalist perspective on gender roles and a more egalitarian stance toward individuals who identified as sexual and gender minorities. The stress, fear, and anxiety experienced by SGM individuals impose a responsibility on physicians to demonstrate greater awareness and consideration of their behavior while providing health services. In order for physicians to become more aware and responsible, it is necessary to provide them with a higher level of education in medical content based on an egalitarian legal framework for sexual orientation and gender identity. Furthermore, the study recommends the implementation of more inclusive social practices.

Keywords

• Sex and gender minority
• Right to health
• Physician
• Feelings toward SGM individuals
• Behaviors toward SGM individuals

Cinsel Azınlıklarin Sağlık Hizmetlerine Erişimini İyileştirme Açısından Doktorların Azınlıklara Yönelik Duygu Ve Davranışlarını Anlamaya Çalışmak

Abstract

Her insanın varlığının temeli, tüm hak ve özgürlüklerden yararlanmasına dayanmaktadır. Cinsel azınlık bireylerinin sağlık hakkından eşit şekilde yararlanabilmeleri, doktorların cinsel azınlık bireylerine nasıl davrandığı ile yakından ilişkilidir. Bu nedenle doktorların cinsel azınlık bireylerine ilişkin algısı incelenmesi gereken bir konu olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, doktorların cinsel azınlık bireylerini nasıl algıladıklarını anlamak için doktorların duygu ve davranışlarını ortaya koymaya yönelik kesitsel bir araştırma yapılmıştır. 193 hekimin katılımıyla gerçekleştirilen bu kesitsel çalışmada, katılımcıların çeşitli sosyodemografik kategorileri arasında anlamlı farklılıklar olup olmadığını belirlemek için bir dizi t-testi ve ki-kare testi yapılmıştır. Bulgular, doktorların cinsel azınlık bireylerine yaklaşımının Amerikan Psikiyatri Birliği'nin (APA) Ruhsal Bozuklukların Tanısal ve İstatistiksel El Kitabı (DSM-5) ile büyük ölçüde uyumlu olduğunu göstermektedir. Cinsiyete göre yapılan karşılaştırmalar, kadın katılımcıların cinsel azınlık bireylerine karşı erkek katılımcılardan daha eşitlikçi bir tutuma sahip olduğunu göstermektedir. Buna ek olarak, dahili bilimlerde çalışan doktorların toplumsal cinsiyet rollerine ilişkin daha az gelenekçi bir bakış açısına ve cinsel azınlık bireylere yönelik daha eşitlikçi bir tutuma sahip olduğu görülmüştür. Cinsel azınlık bireylerinin yaşadığı stres, korku ve kaygılar, hekimlere sağlık hizmeti sunarken davranışlarına daha fazla dikkat etme sorumluluğu yüklemektedir. Doktorların daha bilinçli ve sorumlu hale gelmesi için cinsel yönelim ve cinsiyet kimliği açısından gerekli olan eşitlikçi bir hukuki altyapı temeline oturtulmuş bir yükseköğretim tıp içeriği gereklidir. Ayrıca daha kapsayıcı sosyal pratikler de çalışmanın önerileri arasındadır.

Keywords

• Cinsel azınlık
• Sağlık hakkı
• Hekim
• Cinsel azınlık bireylerine yönelik duygular
• Cinsel azınlık bireylerine yönelik davranışlar

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