Assessing Medical Students&rsquo; Attitudes Toward Homosexuality in Iraq: Insights from the ATLG Short Scale

Faraj, Saman Anwar; Abubakir, Lawand Rebwar; Maaroof, Sema Abu Baker; Aziz, Aland Yousif

doi:10.64554/njphn.2026.192021

	Assessing Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward Homosexuality in Iraq: Insights from the ATLG Short Scale
Ninevah Journal of Public Health & Nursing
Volume 1, Issue 1, August 2026
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.64554/njphn.2026.192021
Authors
saman Anwar Faraj^* ¹; Lawand Rebwar Abubakir²; Sema Abu Baker Maaroof³; Aland Yousif Aziz³
¹College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, KRI, Iraq
²2 Anwar Sheikha Medical City -Sulaimani – Iraq
³Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, KRI, Iraq,46001
Abstract
Background: Healthcare providers’ attitudes toward sexual minority groups can influence the quality of care delivered to these populations. Negative perceptions may reinforce stigma, reduce patient trust, and contribute to healthcare disparities. Due to limited evidence from Iraq regarding attitudes toward homosexuality among future healthcare professionals, this study aimed to assess attitudes toward lesbians and gay men among medical and health sciences students in Sulaymaniyah and identify associated demographic factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and May 2024 among undergraduate students from the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. A total of 463 students voluntarily completed the short version of the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men (ATLG) scale. Responses were measured using a five-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating more negative attitudes. Data were analyzed using R software through descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, and correlation analyses. Results: The mean age of participants was 20.69 ± 1.76 years, and 67% were female. The ATLG scale demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.94). Overall, students showed predominantly negative attitudes toward homosexuality. Higher ATLG scores were observed among male students, medical students, urban residents, and practicing Muslims. Practicing Muslim status showed the strongest correlation with negative attitudes (r = 0.510, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Medical and health sciences students in Sulaymaniyah generally demonstrated negative attitudes toward homosexuality, highlighting the need for educational interventions promoting cultural competence and stigma reduction.
Keywords
Sexual minorities; Health disparities; Attitudes toward homosexuality; ATLG scale

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