Introduction:

Sexual orientation is the emotional, affective, romantic or sexual attraction that one feels towards others. Its disclosure and concealment are variables that have been widely related to mental health status.

Methodology:

This was a descriptive, cross-sectional and temporally prospective observational study, with a non-probabilistic sample, which included 277 medical students (Sajonia, San Lorenzo, and Santa Rosa del Aguaray campuses) from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the National University of Asunción. The disclosure/concealment of sexual orientation was determined through Spanish adaptations of the “Outness Inventory” and the “Sexual Orientation Concealment Scale”.

Results:

The scales used showed good internal consistencies (Cronbach's α=0.90). 17.3% of those surveyed defined themselves as part of sexual minorities. Statistically significant differences were found in the levels of disclosure of sexual orientation in heterosexual people and in LGB+ people [t(275)= 8.2, p<0.01]. In the population of LGB+ medical students, lower levels of disclosure were observed, first towards religion, and then towards family, Faculty, and friends (p<0.01). 75% of LGB+ medical students concealed their sexual orientation in some way in the past two weeks.

Conclusion:

The Faculty of Medical Sciences of the National University of Asunción should consider closely examining its environment and organizational culture, as well as its curriculum, in order to guarantee that there is a positive and inclusive environment for all students. The adoption of diversity in medical education enables the training of physicians who can practice medicine competently, compassionately, and with a human rights approach.