Homosexual health care worker in the opinion of patients

Introduction. In Poland, it is estimated that the number of homosexuals varies between 5% and 8% of the total population. As shown by various studies, Poland is a little tolerant of gay people. Still a large number of people perpetuates stereotypes about gay people.

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ views on gay health care worker.

Material and methods. The study was conducted with the method of diagnostic survey questionnaire technique. The research tool was a questionnaire designed by the author. The study included 56 patients of the Uzdrowiskowy Szpital Kardiologiczny in Rabka-Zdrój. The survey was conducted in april 2013.

Results. Patients in the majority declared themselves as tolerant attitude towards gay people. They expressed the opinion that the homosexual person does not exercise poorer health than heterosexual person. Nevertheless, patients believe that gay people should not work with children and in the operating room. Some patients wouldn’t agree on the execution of the toilet body and blood draw by homosexual healthcare employee.

Conclusion. Among the studied group of patients, most comments about gay health care workers was positive. Patients were more positive about the female homosexual nurse than male homosexual nurse.

Nursing Topics 2014; 22 (2): 172–177