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Knowledge of Homosexuality and Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay Parenting Among Israeli Nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics

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  • Eitan Gur

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel)

  • Oren Wacht

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel)

  • Dorit Segal-Engelchin

    (Department of Social Work, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel)

  • Orli Grinstein-Cohen

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel)

Abstract

The growing number of lesbian and gay (LG) parent families in Israel, along with the increasing involvement of nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics (MCHCs) in supporting them, served as the impetus for this study. The study aimed to examine (1) MCHC nurses’ knowledge of homosexuality and attitudes toward LG parenting; (2) the association between their knowledge and attitudes; and (3) their association with socio-demographic, professional, and LG-related characteristics. Findings from 65 MCHC nurses revealed moderate levels of knowledge about homosexuality, low levels of negative attitudes, and moderate levels of positive attitudes toward LG parenting. Nurses who were Jewish, secular, or living in a city had greater knowledge about homosexuality and fewer negative beliefs about LG parenting. Acquaintance with LG individuals was associated with fewer negative beliefs about LG parenting. Greater knowledge about homosexuality correlated with fewer negative beliefs and more positive perceptions of LG parenting, suggesting that enhanced knowledge fosters more positive attitudes toward LG parenting. The findings emphasize the need for tailored, knowledge-based training in nursing education for MCHC settings, considering nurses’ diverse cultural backgrounds, level of religiosity, and familiarity with LG individuals. Incorporating content on homosexuality and LG parenting may promote more inclusive and supportive care practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Eitan Gur & Oren Wacht & Dorit Segal-Engelchin & Orli Grinstein-Cohen, 2025. "Knowledge of Homosexuality and Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay Parenting Among Israeli Nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:7:p:189-:d:1695770
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geva Shenkman & Dorit Segal-Engelchin & Orit Taubman–Ben-Ari, 2022. "What We Know and What Remains to Be Explored about LGBTQ Parent Families in Israel: A Sociocultural Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Deni Mazrekaj & Mirjam M. Fischer & Henny M. W. Bos, 2022. "Behavioral Outcomes of Children with Same-Sex Parents in The Netherlands," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-12, May.
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