Knowledge and Attitudes of School Nurses in Caring for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: A National Survey
Background: School nurses (SNs) can play important roles in the health of sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth, yet little is known about their knowledge and attitudes toward this population.
Purpose: To understand SNs' knowledge and attitudes in caring for SGM youth across the United States.
Methods: We designed and disseminated the School Nurses and LGBTQ Youth online survey in May 2023 to U.S. SNs. Eight items addressed knowledge of SGM youth health needs and disparities; 11 addressed attitudes toward SGM youth.
Discussion: Overall, 1,189 SNs completed the survey (response rate 59.5%). Regression models revealed that liberal political affiliation and more past-year professional development were most strongly associated with higher knowledge and attitudes scores.
Conclusion: This national sample of SNs reported moderate levels of knowledge and positive attitudes toward caring for SGM youth. The findings have important implications for developing SN-tailored interventions to improve care and health outcomes for SGM students.