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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Alfred Norbert Romeo, BA, BSN, RN, MS, Medical Home Project, Utah Department of Health, PO Box 144610, 44 Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4610, 801-584-8535, alromeo@utah.gov

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals face discrimination on a daily basis. This discrimination, labeled homophobia and heterosexism, causes multiple health problems for LGBT individuals including higher rates of substance abuse, mental health problems, and suicide. A research project was developed to challenge homophobia and heterosexism through a behavior-change workshop based on transformative learning and action research principles and group behavior-change processes to help health-care professionals improve professional behaviors. The research consisted of eight two-hour dialogue sessions. The five research participants were interviewed three times, including three-months after the workshop, to assess behavior changes. Research participants were asked to submit journals and essays detailing their experiences. Qualitative analysis of the research transcripts and other data revealed that the research participants engaged in new behaviors and demonstrated that it is possible to retain beliefs and attitudes against homosexual relationships based on religious beliefs while improving professional behaviors to better serve LGBT clients. Session participants will learn techniques for providing cultural competency training, without making judgments about trainee religious beliefs or personal attitudes, for health care professionals to guide them in improving professional behaviors to better serve LGBT clients.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify group and individual processes used to enhance cultural competency.
• List suggested new professional behaviors to improve care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients.
• Develop a training session for improving other health professionals' behaviors related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender clients.

Keywords: Homophobia, Health Workers Training

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation