According to health care researchers, lesbians avoid seeking health care. This may contribute to a greater risk for developing illnesses that are diagnosed later and may therefore, result in more severe illnesses for the individuals. Studies suggest that lesbians understand the importance of obtaining health care services but delay obtaining care because of structural, financial, personal or cultural barriers. The purpose of this project was to learn more about African-American lesbians' access to health care and their health care concerns.
Three focus groups were held with eleven African-American lesbians in each group. The group leader addressed questions about: (a) access to health care; (b) health issues of concern to the individuals, especially cancer; (c) the individuals' comfort discussing their sexual identity with health care providers; and (d) who participants believed to be credible sources of health care information.
All three groups were invited to return for a combined follow-up session to ensure that the group leader and project director understood the individuals' experiences as they reported them. In addition to participating in the focus group and follow-up session, participants completed a demographic questionnaire that was returned anonymously.
The goal of the project was to integrate the participants' thoughts and ideas into plans that would identify health concerns and improve African-American lesbians' access to health care. By gaining knowledge about African-American lesbians' experiences, the provision of accessible, comprehensive and empathetic care can be improved.
Learning Objectives: 1. List five barriers to obtaining health care that African-American lesbians describe. 2. Evaluate the health care system in which you work for barriers that lesbian clients would encounter. 3. Describe ways to facilitate lesbian-friendly health care for African-American lesbians
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.