Predicting Trans-Inclusive Attitudes of Undergraduate Nursing Students.

BACKGROUND

Research informs that transgender individuals experience harsh and negative experiences when accessing medical care. As a person of contact, nurses serve a key role in providing a sense of emotional safety for transgender patients.

METHOD

Undergraduate nursing students (N = 265) completed an online survey assessing transprejudice attitudes and other individual-difference variables (e.g., openness to experience, attribution of cause for being transgender, and empathic concern).

RESULTS

Confidence in providing culturally competent and affirming health care to diverse populations was associated with having received educational information on transgender issues and personally knowing a transgender individual. A significant positive correlation was found between beliefs that being transgender is due to genetics and holding more accepting attitudes toward transgender individuals.

CONCLUSION

Nursing education that addresses gender identity and provides an opportunity for student health professionals to interact with transgender individuals may help promote affirming heath care practices and reduce prejudice toward transgender people. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(11):660-669.].