Effects of a Brief Educational Intervention on LGBT Health at a University Health Center

A growing body of research identifies health disparities that negatively impact lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations. It is particularly important for health care providers to recognize that LGBT patients encounter unique barriers to accessing and using appropriate health services but LGBT-focused health issues have been neglected in medical and nursing education. The purpose of this study is to pilot test a workshop on LGBT health at University Health Service (UHS). Specific aims of this study are to: 1) examine the attitudes of university students toward utilizing student health services and the cultural competency of those services with regard to gender and sexuality and 2) evaluate attitudes and knowledge of LGBT health and healthcare-related issues among UHS faculty and staff, and address the disparities through education. Approximately March 2013 and in March 2014, a convenience sample of students from the University of Kentucky will be sent a link to an online survey. Analysis will consist of description and correlation among responses, as well as measures of internal validity of the instrument. For UHS staff, knowledge and attitude surveys will be administered online pre- and post-workshop and analyzed for changes. There is a paucity of research on LGBT issues in the nursing literature. This study would add to the body of knowledge with the potential for additional studies. Successful intervention may enhance health care-seeking behaviors among LGBT college students at a time when they are transitioning from pediatric or adolescent to adult health care and could have lifelong benefits