"Coming Out” Against Cancer: Increasing Rural Nurse Practitioner Students’ Awareness Regarding Clinical Cancer Screening in LGBTQ+

Authors

  • Tracy P. George, DNP, APRN-BC, CNE Frances Marion University
  • Sarah H. Kershner, PhD Francis Marion University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4421-9453
  • Claire DeCristofaro, MD Medical University of South Carolina

Keywords:

rural , nurse practitioner students, sexual and gender minorities, early detection of cancer, , marginalized groups, health equity , nurse leader, cultural competency

Abstract

Introduction:  Clinical cancer screening rates are low among patients who identify as LGBTQ+, especially in rural areas. It is important for rural nurse practitioner (NP) students to be aware of health disparities in cancer screenings among LGBTQ+ and be able to effectively promote cancer screenings in this population.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine rural NP students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of barriers to cancer screenings among LGBTQ+ and to educate NP students on inclusivity related to cancer screenings in this marginalized group.

Sample: Nurse practitioner students at a public, rural, liberal arts university

Method: Rural NP students participated in an interactive, in-person workshop to which the community was also invited.  Didactic information was provided regarding barriers to/awareness of the need for cancer screenings among LGBTQ+ individuals. Students also created educational materials for use in community prevention programming. An anonymized online post-survey assessed NP students’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and awareness of cancer screenings among LGBTQ+.

Findings: Over 90% of participants (n=62) reported increased knowledge about the healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ populations. The largest mean level of agreement was observed with the statements, “how knowledgeable are you about the healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ populations?” and “how knowledgeable are you about current terms that should be used to increase inclusivity of LGBTQ+ populations in a healthcare setting?”, both resulting in a mean score of 3.52 corresponding with “very knowledgeable”. Three qualitative themes included recognizing the significance of culturally appropriate communication, having increased awareness of recommendations for cancer screening in the LGBTQ+ population, and the importance of reflecting on internal personal biases.

Conclusion: Curricular strategies that promote awareness and increase knowledge of LGBTQ+ patient needs are essential to develop a rural NP workforce that can promote health equity and competently care for all patients.

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v25i1.780

Keywords: Rural, nurse practitioner students, sexual and gender minorities, early detection of cancer, marginalized groups, health equity, nurse leader, cultural competency

Author Biographies

  • Tracy P. George, DNP, APRN-BC, CNE, Frances Marion University

    Associate Professor
    School of Health Sciences

  • Sarah H. Kershner, PhD, Francis Marion University

    Associate Professor of Public Health and Chair of Department of Healthcare Administration,
    School of Health Sciences

  • Claire DeCristofaro, MD, Medical University of South Carolina

    Clinical Assistant Professor 

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Published

2025-05-12

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2025): Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 25(1)

Section

Articles

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