(O-02) Diversity in focus: attitudes of healthcare professionals in welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals in a university hospital setting

Abstract Introduction The lack of familiarity with evidence-based terminologies and practices in LGBTQIA+ healthcare generates discomfort and conflicts in the doctor–patient relationship. This study aimed to describe attitudes, familiarity with LGBTQIA+ rights, and the ability to provide welcoming care among professionals trained in a university hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study among medical residents, preceptors, and faculty members of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School at the University of São Paulo. Duplicate responses were excluded. Results A total of 123 responses were elegible. The median age was 29 years (IQR: 27–44); 93.5% were physicians, with a median of four years since graduation (IQR: 2–19). Most respondents were residents (62.6%), female (52.0%), White (82.9%), Christian (56.1%), and single (57.7%). Almost all reported feeling comfortable with LGBTQIA+ students (n = 122). Regarding terminology use, 81.3% felt confident using it; 89.4% stated they use the social name; and 78.1% reported no difficulties with pronouns. Additionally, 87.8% supported the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ topics in formal education. On the other hand, 44.7% reported discomfort with the use of gender-neutral language; 9.8% with admitting patients to wards according to their lived gender; and 12.2% with the use of restrooms according to gender identity. Nine participants (7.3%) believed that the presence of trans women or travestis in women’s restrooms increases the risk of violence against cisgender women. Furthermore, 22.8% believed that the media can influence the development of sexual orientation or gender identity. A minority believed that the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) should not provide gender-affirming treatments (4.9%) or reproductive technologies for same-sex couples (1.6%). Conclusion Despite predominantly positive attitudes, specific resistances highlight the importance of continuous training and institutional policies. Financing No conflict.