The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41009

M. Somjen Frazer, Cornell University, 217 West Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850, 607-272-3851, msf23@cornell.edu, Shelly Campo, PhD, Communication Department, Cornell University, 309 Kennedy Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, and Penny Becker, PhD, Sociology Department, Cornell University, 380 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853.

The relationship between women who partner with women (WSW) and their clinicians is different from other clinician-patient interactions not only because of the specific health risks they face, but because of their additional fear of experiencing homophobia in the health care system. Despite the extensive numbers of studies on college health and the increased interest in epidemiological issues related to WSW, barriers to the health care of WSW on college campuses have been largely ignored. This qualitative study using participatory action research, based on interviews with students and with key informants among the health staff, examines the barriers and benefits to health care among WSW at a large, northeastern university. Using the Health Belief Model as a basis, results indicate that cultural, interpersonal and institutional barriers exist to providing access and quality care to WSW. These data suggest that these women often avoid the college health center as a result of institutional, cultural, and interpersonal barriers. These barriers lead to inadequate mental, physical and sexual health care. Perceived benefits of health care on college campuses included efficiency and access. Several issues were seen as both benefits and barriers, including clinician manner and knowledge. Results of this study suggest ways these barriers may be overcome in a college health care setting. Theoretical and practical implications grounded in theories of health communication will be offered.

Learning Objectives:

• Methods for studying the health needs of women who partner with women on college campuses will be presented. Barriers to health care will be identified and suggestions for lowering these barriers will be offered. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to conduct a health care needs-assessment for women who partner with women on college campuses and identify barriers to health care.

Keywords: Lesbian Health, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.