The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56164

Lisa L. Lindley, DrPH¹, Molly B. Kerby, MS², Ning Lu, PhD, MPH³, and Thomas Nicholson, PhD². (1) Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270-745-5870, lisa.lindley@wku.edu, (2) Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, One Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576, (3) Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576

The National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) College Student Survey was an Internet survey designed to examine the health risk behaviors and past experiences of self-identified LGBT college students in the United States. It was one of the first online surveys designed to examine the health risk behaviors of these students on a national level. Informational packets containing a letter of invitation to participate in the survey, flyers and postcards containing the survey's website address were mailed to 135 LGBT college student organizations and resource centers across the country. Faculty advisors and officers were asked to post flyers, distribute postcards, create a link to the survey from their organization's website, and encourage student participation in the online survey. Survey data were obtained from 927 LGBT college students during the 2001-2002 academic year. This session will provide an overview of LGBT college students' self-reported experiences in high school, including: safety issues; treatment by teachers, counselors, and other students; involvement in extra-curricular activities; and classroom instruction about homosexuality/sexual orientation. The extent students reported being "out" in high school and their involvement in the LGBT community, as well as their opinions regarding the establishment of LGBT groups/organizations in the schools and perceived health issues and concerns of LGBT high school students will be provided. Results may be used to educate teachers, counselors, nurses, administrators and other school personnel about the experiences of LGBT high school students and assist in promoting the development of a safe and healthy school environment for all students.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
• Describe the self-reported high school experiences of LGBT college students;
• Discuss primary health issues and concerns of LGBT high school students, as reported by LGBT college students; and
• Discuss implications of results in regard to the development and/or maintenance of a safe and healthy school environment for LGBT high school students.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.