Profile and Training on Gender Identity Among Health Professionals in the Caeté Region in the Eastern Amazon

Abstract

Introduction: The National Policy on Integral Health of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transvestites, and Transsexuals (PNSILGBT+) aims to eliminate discrimination and institutional prejudice in public health services, with emphasis on training and enabling professionals to assist in the care of this population. However, for transsexuals and transvestites, this access continues to be neglected. Aim: To determine the profile of health professionals, their academic-professional training in health, and their knowledge about the specificities of gender identity. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, quantitative survey conducted with health professionals working in the Caetés Region. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, which was applied online via Google Forms in the period from March 2021 to August 2021. Results: The sample consisted of 73 participants: 82.19% female, 100% cisgender, with a mean age of 32.37±7.80 years, and the majority self-declared as Catholic (65.75%). The largest number of health professionals were in Nursing (34.24%), practicing in Tertiary Care (50.68%), with an average time of service of 6.24±6.30 years. The volunteers reported that they did not understand the difference between cisgender and transgender people (57.53%), admitting that they had not received any training on gender identity or the healthcare of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transvestites, and Transsexuals (LGBT)+ people (79.45%). However, 87.67% understood the importance of training on this subject for the healthcare of this population. Conclusion: The academic training and professional development of health professionals are still lacking when it comes to the theme studied; a fundamental point needed to comply with the National Curricular Guidelines (NCDs) for courses in health, National Policy for Professional Development, and in particular, the PNSILGBT+. Clinical Implications: This study demonstrates the need for continued trainings on gender identity, health and care of the LGBT+ population, with a focus on transgender people, to eliminate institutional bias. Strengths and limitations: The research was based on the search for professionals' knowledge about gender identity, even in healthcare in a region in the interior of the Amazon, however it did not reach the preterit sample n, but it was important for the debate between the professionals reached and the institutions and their managers. Keywords: Gender Identity; Transgender; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Vocational training; Professional development.