International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Attitude towards LGBTIQ+ community and its associated factors among undergraduate students in Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city, Nepal

Author(s) Sarita Singh, Bal Krishna Bhatta, Ayusha Shrestha, Rupesh Tiwari
Country Nepal
Abstract Introduction: Every person has different attitudes toward other people and their lifestyles, with different levels of acceptance, understanding, and behavior. The LGBTIQ+ community faces a variety of obstacles due to other people's attitudes towards them and the increased incidence of drug misuse, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents. By finding out the associated factors that influence the attitudes of people, we can change people’s views towards LGBTIQ individuals. Everyone should be treated equally, regardless of gender, preference, or sexual orientation.
Objectives: To assess the attitude and associated factors towards the LBGTQI+ community among undergraduate college students in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, Nepal.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was undertaken, with a sample size of 392 undergraduate students. The probability proportionate to size strategy was used to build strata, followed by a simple random sampling procedure to choose the study's sample. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The acquired data was entered into EPI 3.1 and analyzed with SPSS 25. A p-value <0.05 was judged as statistically significant.
Findings: The study found more than half of respondents (54.6%) expressed negative attitudes toward LGBTIQ+ people, and more than half (55.6%) had insufficient understanding of LGBTIQ+ community members. In contrast, less than half of respondents (44.9%) reported enough interaction with LGBTIQ+ community members. Furthermore, nearly one tenth (9.2%) reported having appropriate social support, and less than two-fifths (39.3%) indicated favorable peer impact. Less than half of the respondents (46.9%) held a positive stereotype about the LGBTIQ+ community. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age (p = 0.001), ethnicity (p = 0.0018), and educational level (p = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with attitudes towards LGBTIQ+ community members. Socio-demographic characteristics such as religion (p = 0.001) and ethnicity (p = 0.0013) were found to be significantly associated with level of knowledge towards the LGBTIQ+ community. Knowledge about LGBTIQ+ issues (p = 0.001) and interaction with LGBTIQ+ individuals (p = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with attitudes. Peer influence, social support, and stereotypes did not reveal any kind of association.
Conclusion: The survey revealed that over half of respondents held negative attitudes towards the LGBTIQ+ community, with many lacking knowledge and interaction. Socio-demographic characteristics influenced these attitudes, suggesting that enhancing awareness and engagement could promote greater acceptance among undergraduate students in Nepal.
Keywords LGBTIQ+ community, Attitude, undergraduate students, Discrimination
Field Sociology > Health
Published In Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2025
Published On 2025-01-12
Cite This Attitude towards LGBTIQ+ community and its associated factors among undergraduate students in Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city, Nepal - Sarita Singh, Bal Krishna Bhatta, Ayusha Shrestha, Rupesh Tiwari - IJFMR Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2025. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i01.34839
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i01.34839
Short DOI https://doi.org/g82gwr

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