Background: Recent scientific studies have directed increased attention to the health care needs of women who have sex with women. If, as postulated, lesbian and bisexual women are at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers, it is important that at-risk women perceive this to be a relevant concern and engage in preventive behaviors, such as early screening and routine checkups. The present study explores health issues that lesbian and bisexual women believe are important to them and examines routine and preventive care engaged in by the respondents. Methods: Lesbian (n=457) and bisexual women (n=90) attending an urban pride festival completed self-report, anonymous surveys examining important health issues and conventional health care utilization. The sample was predominately white (87.9%), early middle-aged (M=35.39), and well-educated (M=15.2). Results: Breast cancer was ranked as the most important personal health issue by respondents. The next highest ranked issues, in descending order of importance, were: weight, exercise, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer. Most respondents reported routine medical checkups; however, a substantial proportion (about one-fourth) do not have regular physicals or ongoing health care. Conclusions: Health care issues most significant to women who have sex with women are those that are most likely to affect them and for which a substantial proportion receive routine checkups. However, a significant number of respondents do not engage in preventive health care. Additional information is needed about the routine utilization of the health care system among lesbian and bisexual women with a view to alleviating barriers to care.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to identify health issues significant to women who have sex with women and to discuss health promotion actions taken by study respondents to deal with these issues
Keywords: Urban Women's Health Issues, 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.