INTRODUCTION: ENDOW (Ethnicity, Needs, and Decisions of Women) is a study targeting attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of minority women about hysterectomy, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and interaction with physicians. The minority women included African-American, White-Hispanic, low income White-Non-Hispanic, and Lesbian women from Harris county, Texas.
OBJECTIVES: 1) To assess the attitudes and beliefs of lesbian women about hysterectomy and HRT; 2) To assess the opinions of lesbian women about the quality of their health care; 3) To compare heterosexual and lesbian women on the items mentioned above.
METHODS: A survey based on qualitative research (focus groups and interviews) was designed to assess demographic characteristics, hysterectomy and HRT outcome expectations, satisfaction with medical care and preference for involvement in medical decisions of minority women in Harris county. A convenience sample of 100 lesbians was selected. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS. Self-identified lesbians were matched to two self-identified heterosexual women on age (5 years difference), ethnicity, and menopausal status. Scales for the outcome variables were created.
RESULTS: Lesbian's knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about hysterectomy and HRT were not statistically significantly different from those of heterosexual women after controlling for demographic factors. Lesbian women have more concerns about their health care and are less satisfied with their medical care.
CONCLUSIONS: Sexual orientation does not affect lesbian's attitudes toward these common health care issues. Health care providers should be aware of these facts when treating lesbian women in their practices.
Learning Objectives: To understand lesbian's attitudes and beliefs about hysterectomy and HRT. To enumerate the main concerns that lesbian women have about their health care. To list the main differences between heterosexual and lesbian women related to knowledge and beliefs about hysterectomy and HRT
Keywords: Access and Services, Lesbian Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.