title: Survey of new Mexico school health professionals regarding preparedness to support sexual minority students.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For schools to be safe and supportive for students, school health professionals should be aware of the particular challenges lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) students face, especially the risk for discrimination, violent victimization, and depression in the school setting. We assessed school health professionals' preparedness to address needs of LGBTQ students.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected during a New Mexico school health conference. This analysis focused on the preparedness of 183 school nurses, counselors, and social workers to address needs of LGBTQ students. Data were analyzed by using chi-square tests, other non-parametric tests, and logistic regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Social workers (84.6%) and counselors (81.5%) were more likely than school nurses (55.8%) to report moderate or high knowledge of LGBTQ youth health risks, including suicide and depression (p < .001). Approximately half of school counselors and social workers reported no or low knowledge of LGBTQ community-based organizations or knowledge of counselors experienced with LGBTQ concerns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  School health professionals in New Mexico do not appear prepared to address needs of LGBTQ students. Schools should consider integrating specific content about LGBTQ health risks and health disparities in trainings regarding bullying, violence, cultural competency, and suicide prevention.
authors: CDC Public Health Advisor, (Inas.Mahdi@LA.GOV), Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Immunization Program, 1450 L & A Road, Metairie, LA 70001.
authors: Inas
authors: I
authors: Mahdi
authors: Jenn
authors: J
authors: Jevertson
authors: Ronald
authors: R
authors: Schrader
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Nelson
authors: Mary M
authors: MM
authors: Ramos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009516:New Mexico; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012572:School Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012736:Sex Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019529:Sexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D063106:Transgender Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: bullying; cultural competency; health status disparities; school health; suicide