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Purpose: To examine suicide attempts and the influencing factors among Taiwanese lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults during the 2018 Taiwanese referendum on same‐sex issues. Research design and methods: The 2018 Taiwanese referendum was held on November 24. A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. A total of 1012 self‐identified LGBT adults were included in the final sample. Results: Among the 1012 Taiwanese LGBT adults, the rates of suicide attempts ranged from 9.1% to 24.4%. A younger age, being a student, having low income, having mental health issues, and having a high level of depressive symptoms were associated with a significantly higher risk of suicide attempts in the participants. Conversely, having a postgraduate degree, having high self‐esteem, and perceiving support from friends and family were associated with a lower risk of suicide attempts. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate suicide attempts among LGBT individuals and the influencing factors within the context of a same‐sex marriage referendum in an Asian country. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of suicide prevention measures for the LGBT community, particularly during times of increased social stress and conflict between social groups with diverse sexual and gender identities. Clinical relevance: The results of this study suggest that nurses' and health‐care providers' sensitivity toward LGBT patients and their knowledge and skills in providing culturally competent care are key factors in suicide prevention for LGBT adults. Therefore, nurses and health‐care providers must be provided with training courses on culturally competent care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the health status and quality of life of middle‐aged and older sexual and gender minority adults in Taiwan. Research Design and Methods: A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted between May and December 2019. A total of 535 self‐identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) men and women ≥40 years of age were included in the final sample. An online questionnaire, which included the following three sections, was used to collect data in this study: (a) demographics, (b) the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐Brief Taiwan version, and (c) physical and psychological health status. Results: Middle‐aged and older Taiwanese LGBT adults who were single, were unemployed, and earned monthly incomes of <20,000 New Taiwan Dollars reported poorer quality of life. Participants with one or more physical or psychological health problems also reported poorer quality of life than those who had no health problems. In addition, singlehood, unemployment, and poor quality of life and health were positively associated with mental health issues. Conclusions: It is important to attenuate health disparities and mitigate discrimination within Taiwanese society to enhance the quality of life and mental health of middle‐aged and older Taiwanese LGBT adults. Clinical Relevance: Healthcare providers should be attuned to and knowledgeable about the health issues and specific healthcare needs of middle‐aged and older LGBT adults, and they should also provide culturally competent care to reduce health disparities of the LGBT adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The views of butch‐ and femme‐identified lesbians toward their own breasts, breast cancer, breast cancer screenings, and their behavior and intentions toward breast health care were examined and compared in this study. Methods: A total of 208 Taiwanese lesbians (134 butch‐identified lesbians and 78 femme‐identified lesbians) completed an online survey. Results: Butch‐identified lesbians were more likely to hold negative views regarding their own breasts, which were found to be significantly and negatively associated with their actions in performing breast self‐examinations when compared with femme‐identified lesbians. Conclusions: Healthcare providers should be aware of and provide culturally competent care to lesbians with different identities. Clinical Relevance: The results can be employed as evidence for promoting lesbians' breast health, particularly butch‐identified lesbians. Healthcare providers should provide a supportive environment in order to promote a positive body image and improve breast health among lesbians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]