Pediatric residents' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards homosexually oriented youth.
BACKGROUND
Pediatric residents must have clinical exposure and specific training to meet the health-care needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents. Homosexually oriented youths have medical and psychosocial needs that these future pediatricians must fulfil.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the knowledge and attitudes of pediatric residents in the management of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth and related health-care issues.


METHODS
Twenty-nine pediatric residents at the University of Ottawa were sent a survey questionnaire.


RESULTS
Many respondents indicated that they experience difficulties in discussing issues of sexual orientation, and feel inadequately prepared to address the health-care needs of homosexual youth. Furthermore, respondents showed a lack of awareness regarding resources available to gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth in the community.


CONCLUSIONS
While knowledge is limited, residents' attitudes towards homosexual youth are generally positive. Also, most respondents indicate an interest in continuing education, and in gaining more information to better serve their homosexually oriented adolescent patients.
Lena
Suji M
SM
University of Ottawa division of community pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 314-1929 Russell Rd., Ottawa ON K1G 4G3, Canada. slena@on.aibn.com
Wiebe
Tannis
T
Ingram
Sara
S
Jabbour
Mona
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009864:Ontario; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology