Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Filipino Healthcare Professionals on LGBT Health: Implications for Inclusive Care

Abstract

Background. Despite reforms and initiatives to give access to quality healthcare, occupational injustice and unfair treatment toward the LGBT community persist in the Philippines.

Objective. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Filipino healthcare professionals concerning individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) through an explanatory sequential mixed-method research design.

Methods. The quantitative phase involved an online survey using the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward LGBT in Healthcare Questionnaire (KAP-LHQ) among 132 Filipino healthcare professionals recruited through social media. After analyzing the quantitative data using descriptive statistics, the qualitative phase proceeded, which involved key informant interviews of five purposively selected participants. Thematic analysis was utilized to understand the qualitative data.

Results. Findings indicated a significant knowledge gap, with over 70% of the professionals unfamiliar with basic LGBT terminology. While 66% had received gender sensitivity training, more than half had never provided care for an LGBT client, indicating a disconnect between knowledge and practice. Key themes arising from the qualitative findings highlighted the need for structured and formal training, the importance of personal exposure to the LGBT community, and the value of culturally sensitive care to enable reduction in stigma and improve service provision.

Conclusion. There have been a lot of improvements regarding how healthcare professionals interact with the LGBT community in Philippine healthcare, but there are still evident gaps in knowledge, competencies, and practice. Findings call for the urgent need for Filipinos to have comprehensive and well-informed LGBT health training and institutional policies that can enable culturally competent and fair care within healthcare for all individuals.