Knowledge, Homophobic Attitudes and Behaviors of Medical Students Towards LGBTI+ Individuals: Descriptive Study; [Tıp Fakültesi Öğrencilerinin LGBTİ+ Bireyler ile İlgili Bilgi, Homofobik Tutum ve Davranışları: Tanımlayıcı Çalışma]

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, behavior, and homophobic attitudes of students in the fourth, fifth and sixth years of the Faculty of Medicine towards LGBTI+ individuals. Material and Methods: The population of the research consists of 607 people who are fourth, fifth and sixth year students at Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine. No sample was selected in the research, and it was aimed to reach the entire population. The participation rate was 46.8% (n=284). The data for the study were collected through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards LGBTI+ individuals, and the Hudson Rickkets Homophobia scale. Results: The research group had an average age of 23.4±1.1 years, with 54.9% women and 45.1% men. Concerning sexual orientation, 90.1% of the group identified as heterosexual, 4.6% as, lesbian/gay and 4.2% as bisexual. The average score of the students on the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale was 65.14±27.87. There was no significant difference in the mean scores between classes (p>0.05). Students who live in extended families, identify as male, lack LGBTI+ individuals in their close circle, are uninformed about LGBTI+ individuals and their rights, and believe that sexual orientation is a choice and being LGBTI+ is a condition requiring treatment exhibit higher levels of homophobia. Seventy-one point one percent (71.1%) of the students think that the level of knowledge of healthcare professionals about LGBTI+ individuals is insufficient, while 70.1% think that lessons for LGBTI+ individuals are necessary. Additionally, 35.6% of the students believe that being an LGBTI+ individual will affect the healthcare they receive, and 70.1% think that LGBTI+ individuals cannot access comprehensive health services. Conclusion: Only 4.3% of the students think that healthcare professionals' knowledge about LGBTI+ individuals is sufficient, and 70.1% think that lessons for LGBTI+ individuals are necessary. The level of homophobia assessed by the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale was found to be lower than the results of similar studies across the country. It may be beneficial to integrate awareness-raising trainings in clinical branches into the faculty of Medical school education curriculum. © 2024 by Türkiye Klinikleri.