Predictors of LGBT Recognition by Health Sciences University Students in Japan

摘要

Background: This study aimed to identify the predictors of LGBT recognition by health sciences university students in Japan. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that used quantitative data collected from 481 returned self-report questionnaires distributed to 866 health sciences undergraduate and graduate students. The following survey item and scales were used for measuring the main outcomes: Thoughts about sexual identity, Empathy scale, Objectivity scale, and LGBT recognition scale . Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple regression analyses. SPSS ver. 23.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis at a 5% significance level. Results: The number of returned questionnaires was 481 (55.5%). There was no significant difference in the LGBT recognition and the participant’s characteristics (e.g., age and medical history). The 5 significant predictors of LGBT recognition were: 1) Empathy ( β = 0.19, p < 0.001); 2) LGBT learning experience ( β = 0.18, p < 0.001); 3) Objectivity ( β = 0.15, p < 0.01); 4) Sexual problem with a close person ( β = 0.13, p < 0.01); and 5) Suffering from gender identity ( β = 0.09, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The predictive factors of LGBT recognition were Empathy , LGBT learning experience , Objectivity , Sexual problem with a close person , and Suffering from gender identity . Careful development and implementation of LGBT educational programs are needed to better understand the situations and ideas of LGBT parties to enhance their recognition.