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A needs-assessment survey of the high school LGBTQ+ environment by a health science center interprofessional team

Authors :
Rafael Velasquez
Mary E. Moore
Gabrielle Sheets
Christian Nieves-Rivera
Sonya Van Nuland
Martha Cuccia
Fern Tsien
Andrew D. Hollenbach
Source :
Frontiers in Sociology, Vol 9 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

Despite improvements in the awareness and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals, the LGBTQ+ community continues to experience discrimination, which can result in adverse health outcomes. In particular, LGBTQ+ youth have an increased risk of experiencing depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Societal stigma and rejection, bullying, and familial disapproval all contribute to these health disparities. In recognition of these inequities, an interprofessional team of biomedical faculty members, staff, and trainees from the Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC) in New Orleans developed the needs-assessment evaluation, the Gender and Sexual Minority Youth Outreach Survey (GSMYO) for high school students. Health science centers have access to resources and experienced personnel who can provide support and education to high school students, teachers, and administrative staff. However, it is important to first determine the high schools’ specific needs, attitudes towards LGBTQ+ acceptance, and their current resources. Faculty, staff, and trainees from the LSUHSC Science Youth Initiative (SYI) and the LSUHSC LGBTQ+ Organization, Tiger Pride, administered the short, anonymous survey to adolescents attending Southeast Louisiana high schools. English Language Learner (ELL) students received the survey in Spanish. Results from the GSMYO needs-assessment survey are presented. Other health science centers may adapt the presented survey to develop needs-based LGBTQ+ high school programs to address the educational and health inequities in their own communities, regardless of location or demographic region.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22977775
Volume :
9
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Sociology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.3a207b0d2584e94bd83ef3f8ac387fe
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1356007