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Abstract #153239
Audio (mp3) recordingGuoyu Tao, PhD, CDC, DSTDP, 1600 Clifton RD, MS-E80, Atlanta, GA 30333, 4046398180, gat3@cdc.gov
Objectives. To estimate the proportion of homosexual and bisexual women classified by different combinations of self-reported sexual identity, behavior, and attraction in the US women aged 15-44 years; and to estimate self-reported STD rates for the classified homosexual and bisexual women. Methods. The 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) with newly added questions of sexual identity and sexual attraction was used for data analysis. Eight measures were used to classify women into homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual categories based on self-reported sexual behavior, sexual identity, and sexual attraction. Past viral STD rates were also based on self-reported events. Results. The estimated proportion of homosexual or bisexual women aged 15-44 years may vary depending on how women are classified: 0.7%-1.9% for homosexual and 2.1%-5.4% for bisexual based on eight measures. The past viral STD rates were estimated to range significantly (p<0.05) by sexual orientation: 2.3%-6.9% for homosexual women, 8.7%-10.0% for heterosexual women, and 11.2%-17.2% for bisexual women according to those eight measures. Conclusions. The proportion of homosexual and bisexual women varied widely according to the measures used. In terms of STD issues, it would be better if the homosexual and bisexual women were classified separately, because their past viral STD rates were significantly different. The public health establishment needs to consider the female homosexual and bisexual populations as separate entities for STD/HIV prevention interventions.
Learning Objectives:
- (
- To better understand how to define sexual orientation; (
- to recognize the significant difference in self-reported STD rates between homosexual and bisexual women; and (
- to consider homosexual and bisexual women as separate entities for STD/HIV prevention interventions.
Keywords: STD, Lesbian Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.
The 135th APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 3-7, 2007) of APHA