Sexual issues in special populations: lesbian and gay individuals.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of health care needs and related sexuality issues of lesbian and gay patients.


METHODS
Research articles, books, clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Attitudes of health professionals as well as patients impact care in relation to sexuality and sexual issues. Oncology nurses using a framework of awareness, sensitivity, and knowledge can obtain and apply the essential information needed to provide culturally appropriate nursing care to this population.


CONCLUSIONS
Lesbian and gay patients need nurses as allies in their fight with cancer. This is particularly true in assessment and managing concerns about sexuality and sexual issues.
Dibble
Suzanne
S
Institute for Health&Aging, School of Nursing, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA. sue.dibble@ucsf.edu
Eliason
Michele J
MJ
Dejoseph
Jeanne F
JF
Chinn
Peggy
P
D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D019529:Sexuality; D035502:Trust