Comparison of government and non-government alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment service delivery for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community
Article
Article Title | Comparison of government and non-government alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment service delivery for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community |
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ERA Journal ID | 6684 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Mullens, Amy B. (Author), Fischer, Jane (Author), Stewart, Mary (Author), Kenny, Kathryn (Author), Garvey, Shane (Author) and Debattista, Joseph (Author) |
Journal Title | Substance Use and Misuse |
Journal Citation | 52 (8), pp. 1027-1038 |
Number of Pages | 12 |
Year | 2017 |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
Place of Publication | United States |
ISSN | 1082-6084 |
1532-2491 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2016.1271430 |
Web Address (URL) | http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10826084.2016.1271430 |
Abstract | Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations are more likely to misuse alcohol and other drugs (AOD), compared to the general population. However, LGBT engagement with AOD treatment is often precluded by insensitivity and misunderstanding of LGBT issues. These treatment barriers may be a consequence of either worker attitudes, organizational factors or a combination of both. Few studies have compared service context as an impediment to AOD treatment. Objectives: This pilot study sought to examine and compare staff attitudes, knowledge and awareness of LGBT issues in two state-wide AOD services within Australia. One organization was a government service, whilst the other was faith based. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample (N = 130) of workers employed in a state-wide government AOD service (n = 65), and a state-wide non-government service (n = 65) was conducted. Participants self-completed a questionnaire comprising tools previously used to assess staff attitudes, knowledge and awareness of LGBT issues. Results: Few significant differences in attitudes and awareness of LGBT issues between government and non-government respondents were found. Nearly all respondents were supportive of LGBT persons irrespective of organizational context, with a small number of negative views. Although most respondents demonstrated awareness of organizational policies and practices relating to LGBT clients, many were “unsure” or “neutral” of what these might be. Conclusion: It is confirming that the majority of staff report supportive attitudes towards LGBT clients. Findings suggest that organizations need to continue to take leadership to strengthen organizational training and capacity to deliver LGBT friendly AOD treatment practices. |
Keywords | Alcohol and other drug services, attitudes, knowledge, policy, health workers, non-government organizations, LGBT, faith-based organizations |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420603. Health promotion |
520399. Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified | |
Byline Affiliations | School of Psychology and Counselling |
Department of Health, Queensland | |
DRUG ARM Australasia, Australia | |
Queensland University of Technology | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q4676/comparison-of-government-and-non-government-alcohol-and-other-drug-aod-treatment-service-delivery-for-the-lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-lgbt-community
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