Barriers to culturally competent caring practices for LGBTQI+ persons: experiences of primary healthcare nurses in Gauteng, South Africa

Background: Nursing is grounded in caring and supported by professional and legislative frameworks that mandate equitable services. Despite this, nurses often face challenges in delivering culturally competent care to marginalized individuals. In South Africa, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other (LGBTQI+) persons continue to experience healthcare disparities when accessing primary healthcare (PHC) services. Objective: This study aimed to explore and describe the barriers that PHC nurses experience in providing culturally competent care to LGBTQI+ persons in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was employed. Using snowball sampling, two focus group interviews were conducted with professional nurses. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and were analyzed thematically. Results: Nurses reported being inadequately prepared to provide culturally competent care to LGBTQI+ people. Personal and systemic factors constrained inclusive practice. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore a pressing need to empower nurses through training, support, and systemic change, thereby fostering inclusive and culturally congruent care for LGBTQI+ individuals in South African primary healthcare facilities.