Background: Lesbian and bisexual women use complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) more often than their heterosexual counterparts. The present study examined CAM use in lesbian and bisexual women and the relationship that these treatments have with attitudes towards conventional healthcare. Methods: 547 lesbian (n=457) and bisexual women attending an urban pride festival completed self-report, anonymous surveys examining important health issues and factors influencing both conventional and CAM care utilization. In general, the sample was white (87.9%), middle-aged (M=35.39), and well educated (M=15.2). Results: 257 women reported using CAM. Consumers were older (p<.001) and more educated (p<.001) with higher incomes (p < .05). The most commonly reported CAM were massage, herbal/vitamin therapy, and chiropractic, respectively. CAM consumers reported more previous psychotherapy contacts (p<.001) and more chronic disease diagnoses than nonconsumers (p<.01). Reasons for using CAM included: distrust (p<.001) and dissatisfaction (p<.001) with conventional care; greater treatment efficacy (p<.001); congruence with holistic attitudes (p<.001); and increased perceptions of control over health (p<.001). Conclusions: Use of CAM in this population was associated with adaptive perceptions of control over health and holistic attitudes. However, the reported distrust and disillusionment with the conventional medical establishment may lead to potentially life-threatening complications resulting from neglect of routine exams. Further information is needed about utilization of both conventional and CAM, as well as health and wellness behavior in lesbian and bisexual women. Research is also needed to examine the issues contributing to the alienation felt by these women so that sensitivity programs can be designed and implemented.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the high prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use in lesbian and bisexual women 2. Understand those healthcare issues that contribute to complementary and alternative medicine use in lesbian and bisexual women. 3. Understand the negative attitudes that many lesbian and bisexual women feel towards the conventional medical establishment, and the possible ramifications that such ideologies propose for personal health
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, 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.