Technical-scientific (un)prepare for transvestites care: nurses’ perceptions

Abstract

Aim: to know the perceptions of nurses about transvestites and the technicalscientific preparation to assist them. Method: a descriptive and qualitative field study, carried out in Family Health Strategies, in western Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil, during the second semester of 2014. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with nurses and analyzed based on the thematic analysis. Results: it was identified that the nurses do not know the meaning of being a transvestite, which limits their view to the figure of a man dressed as a woman. Significant gaps in the academic training of these professionals regarding the specificities of transvestite care was perceived. In relation to the professional performance, it was evidenced the lack of knowledge about the public policies and legislation directed to the transvestite population. Conclusion: this research revealed that there is no knowledge of the gender identity of transvestites and that there are limitations regarding the assistential care directed to this public