Background: To examine health risk among lesbian/bisexual female youth, prior to participating in a risk-reduction intervention. Methods: 52 lesbian/bisexual females (mean age of 18 years) were recruited from nine gay-identified and traditional social/recreational agencies in the New York metropolitan area. Sixty-nine percent self-identified as lesbian, 23% bisexual, 8% not sure/other. Participants were 27% Latino, 33% Black, 18% White, 2% Asian, 22% Biracial/other. Youth participated in structured interviews. Results: Of the 52 females, 65% had female partners during the previous six-month period (median=1; range=1-5), and 25% had male partners (median=1; range=1-7). Among those with male partners, 22% had engaged in unprotected vaginal sex, and 7% in unprotected anal sex. Four had been pregnant at least once in their life. Among all girls, 35% had sex with females who had had sex with males during the prior 6 months; 35% had sex with at least one male or female partner with a risk characteristic. Fifty-three per cent of all girls (N=27) have tested for HIV, 24% (N=12) 3 or more times. Substance use: 98% had used alcohol (73% prior 3 mo.), 88% cigarettes (59% prior 3 mo.), 65% other recreational drugs (45% prior 3 months): 24% hallucinogens (12% prior 3 mo.), 20% cocaine (10% prior 3 mo.), 8% tranquilizers, 8% stimulants (4% prior 3 mo.), 6% inhalants (4% prior 3 mo). Conclusion: Lesbian/bisexual female youth are at high risk for health problems and drug abuse via risky behaviors.
Learning Objectives: Participants will become aware of drug and other health behaviors of young lesbian/bisexual females, and will understand the need for intervention programs to address their health needs
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Lesbian Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Research data from study carried out at the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies/NYSPI, New York City
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.