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Doyle AA, Liu SM, Tyson NA. Adolescent reproductive health in a post-Dobbs landscape: a review. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024:00001703-990000000-00145. [PMID: 39145493 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize notable recent research in adolescent reproductive health, particularly with respect to a rapidly changing legal landscape surrounding health services that significantly impact adolescent health. RECENT FINDINGS Approval of the first over-the-counter contraceptive pill represented a major advance in adolescent reproductive health, which relied on research regarding its safety, efficacy, and potential to increase access for vulnerable groups. Despite this approval, disparities persist in equitable contraceptive access for adolescents of color and those from sexual and gender identity minorities. Legal changes in access to abortion care and parental involvement in reproductive health decision-making have presented significant challenges for young people across the U.S. Recent research points to the promise of telehealth abortion care and parental acceptance of confidentiality in adolescent reproductive healthcare. Misinformation remains a barrier to advancing adolescent reproductive health and points to continued opportunities for providers to create evidence-based online content. SUMMARY In this review, we discuss recent research regarding adolescent reproductive health and laws impacting the reproductive health of adolescents. As the legal landscape evolves, further research surrounding the effect of policy changes that both expand and restrict access to adolescent reproductive health services will be critical to advancing adolescent health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis A Doyle
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Serena M Liu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Nichole A Tyson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Ertl MM, Maroney MR, Becker A, Paschen-Wolff MM, Blankenau A, Hoffman S, Tross S. Sexual and Reproductive Justice and Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Women. JOURNAL OF LESBIAN STUDIES 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38946155 DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2024.2369434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
LGBTQ+ women have long been overlooked in sexual and reproductive health research. However, recent research has established that LGBTQ+ women have unique and specific needs that need to be addressed in order to improve effectiveness of sexual health education and practice with this historically and presently underserved population. Informed by a reproductive justice framework coupled with liberation psychology theory, this review discusses the current state of sexual and reproductive health and technologies among LGBTQ+ women. In particular, we focus on a range of HIV prevention and reproductive technologies and their use and promotion, including the internal condom, abortion, oral contraceptives, dapivirine ring, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, intrauterine device, and other less studied options, such as the contraceptive sponge. Grounded in an intersectional framing, this review acknowledges the intersecting systems of oppression that affect multiply marginalized women inequitably and disproportionately. A sociohistorical, critical lens is applied to acknowledge the well-documented racist origins of reproductive health technologies and ongoing coercive practices that have led to medical mistrust among marginalized and stigmatized communities, particularly racialized LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and women who are poor or incarcerated. Moreover, we discuss the urgent need to center LGBTQ+ women in research and clinical care, community-engaged health promotion efforts, affirming non-heteronormative sexual health education, and health policies that prioritize autonomy and dismantle structural barriers for this population. We conclude with recommendations and future directions in this area to remedy entrenched disparities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Ertl
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Meredith R Maroney
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andréa Becker
- Department of Sociology, Hunter College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret M Paschen-Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry, Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amelia Blankenau
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Susie Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan Tross
- Department of Psychiatry, Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Wesche R, Toman M, Grafsky EL, Gupta S, Tarantino MR. Developing an Inclusive Model of Young Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Women's Sexual Decision-Making. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38687300 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2320260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Efforts to improve sexual health outcomes among young cisgender women require in-depth understanding of how women with diverse sexual identities make decisions about their sexual health. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 young cisgender women with diverse sexual identities and histories (age range 18-29 (M = 23.32); 81% White; 29% bisexual, 26% heterosexual, 16% lesbian, 13% queer, 10% pansexual, 3% gay, 3% demisexual) about their decision-making surrounding sexual risk reduction. By conducting thematic analysis, we found that, regardless of partner sex or gender, women adapted sexual health strategies based on how much commitment, trust, and communication existed in their relationships. Because heteronormative structural influences limited access to information and safer sex options, women had to rely on trust and communication more with other women and partners with vaginas, compared to men and partners with penises. Women did not consider safer sex strategies with partners with vaginas (e.g. hand washing) risk-reduction techniques; instead, they considered them general hygiene or a way to take care of a partner. We propose that an inclusive model of young women's sexual decision-making should: (a) highlight the influence of relationships; (b) frame prevention in terms of overall health instead of pregnancy and STIs; and (c) acknowledge that structural factors, such as heteronormativity and sex-negativity, constrain women's decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Wesche
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
| | - Madelyn Toman
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
| | - Erika L Grafsky
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
| | - Shivangi Gupta
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
| | - Mari R Tarantino
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
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Unger ES, McConnell M, Austin SB, Rosenthal MB, Agénor M. Examining the Association Between Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Among U.S. Women. Womens Health Issues 2024; 34:14-25. [PMID: 37945444 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are rising among women in the United States, increasing the importance of routine STI testing. Beginning in 2014, some states expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, providing health coverage to most individuals in and near poverty. Here, we investigate whether Medicaid expansion changed rates of STI testing among U.S. women. METHODS We analyzed nationally representative 2011-2017 National Survey of Family Growth data from U.S. women ages 15-44. Using difference-in-differences analysis, we assessed whether Medicaid expansion was associated with within-state changes in the prevalence of STI testing in the past 12 months, among women overall and by race/ethnicity and sexual orientation, during each year following Medicaid expansion. Models were adjusted for individual- and state-level demographic and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS Our sample included 14,196 U.S. women. Medicaid expansion was associated with higher STI testing rates, which increased over time. By 3 years post-expansion, expansion states had increased STI testing by 12.7 percentage points more than nonexpansion states (95% confidence interval [CI] [2.5, 23.0], p = .016). This association was imprecisely estimated within racial/ethnic and sexual orientation subgroups, but trended strongest among white, Latina, and heterosexual women, followed by Black and bisexual women (who tested more often at baseline). CONCLUSIONS Medicaid expansion is associated with increased STI testing among U.S. women; these benefits grew over time but varied by both race/ethnicity and sexual orientation. State governments that fail to expand Medicaid may harm their residents' health by allowing more spread of STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Unger
- Cambridge Health Alliance Family Medicine Residency, Malden, Massachusetts.
| | - Margaret McConnell
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health/Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meredith B Rosenthal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Madina Agénor
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
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Nogueira NF, Luisi N, Salazar AS, Cherenack EM, Raccamarich P, Klatt NR, Jones DL, Alcaide ML. PrEP awareness and use among reproductive age women in Miami, Florida. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286071. [PMID: 37285343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miami, Florida is an epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the US, with 20% of new HIV infections occurring in women. Despite effectiveness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV, only 10% of eligible women benefit from its use. SETTING This study evaluates PrEP awareness and use, and factors associated with PrEP awareness among sexually active women in Miami, Florida. METHODS Results reported in this study included cross-sectional data that were collected as part of a baseline visit from a parent study. Cis-gender, HIV-negative, 18-45-year-old, sexually active women were recruited as part of a study evaluating recurrent bacterial vaginosis and HIV risk. Participants completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, HIV risk factors, prior history of HIV testing and reproductive tract infections, PrEP awareness and use. Relationships between variables and PrEP awareness were analyzed and multivariable logistic regression identified variables strongly associated with PrEP awareness. RESULTS Among the 295 women enrolled, median age was 31 (24-38) years, 49% Black, 39% White, and 34% Hispanic. Of 63% who knew about PrEP, only 5% were on PrEP. Women with income below poverty line (OR = 2.00[1.04,3.87];p = 0.04), more male sexual partners in past month (OR = 1.30[1.01,1.68];p = 0.04), lifetime HIV testing (OR = 6.42[2.83,14.52];p<0.01), and current bacterial vaginosis (OR = 2.28[1.18,4.40];p = 0.01) were more likely to be aware of PrEP. Lower odds of PrEP awareness were associated with being Black (OR = 0.38[0.15,0.96];p = 0.04), Hispanic (OR = 0.18[0.08,0.39];p<0.01), heterosexual (OR = 0.29[0.11,0.77];p<0.01), and reporting inconsistent condom use during vaginal sex (OR = 0.21[0.08,0.56];p<0.01). CONCLUSION PrEP awareness is low among reproductive age women in a high-risk setting. Culturally tailored interventions are needed to increase PrEP awareness and uptake, especially among Black and Hispanic women with inconsistent condom use during vaginal sex with male partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Fonseca Nogueira
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Ana S Salazar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Emily M Cherenack
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Patricia Raccamarich
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Nichole R Klatt
- Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Deborah L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Maria L Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
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Parekh T, Gimm G, Kitsantas P. Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women of Reproductive Age by Disability Type. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:393-404. [PMID: 36528453 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in women of reproductive age by disability type and examine the association between disability types, participant characteristics, and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). METHODS Pooled data from 2015 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were analyzed in 2022. The analytic sample included 90,233 women of reproductive age (18-49 years). Disability was defined as having any sensory, cognitive, physical, or ≥2 disabilities.. A total of 15% of women reported having a disability. Descriptive analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of STI, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of disability type and other participant characteristics with the odds of having STIs. RESULTS The prevalence of STIs was more than twice as high for women of reproductive age with cognitive disabilities (6.8%) or ≥2 disabilities (6.7%) as for those without disabilities (2.7%). Women with sensory disabilities (AOR=1.47; 95% CI=1.17, 1.85), cognitive disabilities (AOR=1.89; 95% CI=1.65, 2.17), or ≥2 disabilities (AOR=1.78; 95% CI=1.49, 2.14) had greater odds of STIs than those without disabilities. Bisexual women had higher odds (AOR=1.31; 95% CI=1.14, 1.50) of STIs than straight women, whereas lesbian/gay women had lower odds (AOR=0.41; 95% CI=0.27, 0.63). The odds of STIs were higher among non-Hispanic Blacks (AOR=1.42; 95% CI=1.24, 1.63) and lower among Asian women (AOR=0.62; 95% CI=0.43, 0.90) than among non-Hispanic Whites. The odds of STIs were also greater among participants having any alcohol, cannabis, or illicit drug use. CONCLUSIONS Women of reproductive age with disabilities have a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. In addition to disability type, the odds of sexually transmitted infections varied by race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarang Parekh
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.
| | - Gilbert Gimm
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Panagiota Kitsantas
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
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Wei TH, Jiang Y. Mapping the Scientific Literature on Health Needs of Women with Same-Sex Attraction in Mainland China: A Scoping Review. LGBT Health 2023; 10:263-277. [PMID: 36595507 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This review study aimed to investigate how much and how well the unique health needs of women with same-sex attraction (WSSA) in mainland China have been studied. Methods: This review included published studies and gray reports between January 1, 1990, and March 31, 2022, regarding the health needs of Chinese WSSA. Chinese peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, theses, and dissertations were retrieved through the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Studies with WSSA of mainland China as research participants were retrieved through PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, LGBT Life, CINAHL, Web of Science, and International Bibliography of the Social Sciences. Gray reports were provided by two informaticists and eight Chinese WSSA who consented to be our stakeholders for consultation. Results: Of the 38 reviewed articles, unmet health needs of Chinese WSSA fell into three domains: mental health and substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health, and domestic, intimate partner, and dating violence, which were significantly associated with minority stress. Minority stigma was discovered to oppress Chinese WSSA by a covert and subtle pathway that makes Chinese WSSA culturally unintelligible and health care providers unprepared to provide them with respectful care. The barriers to the health care of Chinese WSSA were identified as health care providers' presumption of heterosexuality and Chinese WSSA's concealment of minority sexuality when discussing medical history. Conclusion: This scoping review is the first research effort to explore studies about the health needs of WSSA in mainland China. More research is needed with the guidance of minority stress theory to address the unique health needs of Chinese WSSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao H Wei
- University of Oklahoma Health Science Center Hudson College of Public Health, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yun Jiang
- Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Engel JL, Fairley CK, Greaves KE, Vodstrcil LA, Ong JJ, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Phillips TR, Chow EPF. Patterns of Sexual Practices, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Other Genital Infections in Women Who Have Sex with Women Only (WSWO), Women Who Have Sex with Men Only (WSMO) and Women Who Have Sex with Men and Women (WSMW): Findings from a Sexual Health Clinic in Melbourne, Australia, 2011-2019. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2651-2665. [PMID: 35776396 PMCID: PMC9293838 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02311-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite rises in sexually transmitted infection (STI) notifications among Australian women in the last decade, limited STI surveillance data exist specifically for women who have sex with women. This study aimed to compare differences in sexual practices and positivity for STIs and other genital infections among women who have sex with men only (WSMO), women who have sex with women only (WSWO), and women who have sex with men and women (WSMW), and whether these changed over time. In this retrospective repeated cross-sectional study, women attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for the first time between 2011 and 2019 were categorized as "WSMW," "WSWO," or "WSMO" according to self-reported sexual practices in the previous 12 months. Demographic information, sexual practices, and positivity for STIs and other genital infections were compared between the three groups and over time. A total of 36,147 women (2618 WSMW, 534 WSWO, and 32,995 WSMO) were included. WSMW reported more sexual partners (median = 6; IQR = 4-10) than WSMO (median = 3; IQR = 2-5) and WSWO (median = 2; IQR = 1-4) (p < .001). A higher proportion of WSMW always used condoms with casual male partners compared to WSMO (20.4% vs 15.9%; p < .001). The proportion of women who always used condoms with casual male partners decreased over time in WSMO, (19.9% in 2011 to 15.2% in 2019, ptrend < .001) but not in WSMW. Bacterial vaginosis was more common in WSWO (14.8%) than in WSMW (11.8%) and WSMO (7.7%) (p < .001). Chlamydia was more common in WSMO (9.3%) than in WSMW (6.6%) and WSWO (1.2%) (p < .001). Syphilis was more common in WSMO (1.0%) than in WSMW (0.3%) and WSWO (0.0%) (p = .004). Over time, chlamydia positivity in WSWO increased (from 0.0% to 2.7%, ptrend = .014), and syphilis positivity in WSMW increased (from 0.0% to 0.7%, ptrend = .028); however, positivity of these STIs did not change in other groups. Sexual practices and positivity for STIs and other genital infections differed according to the sex of women's partners in the previous 12 months. Knowledge of these differences is important to account for future changes in STI trends that may occur in these subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie L Engel
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate E Greaves
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lenka A Vodstrcil
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia.
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Thorpe S, Hargons CN, Tanner AE, Stevens-Watkins D. Perceived HIV Invulnerability and PrEP Knowledge and Attitudes among Black Sexual Minority Women. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SEXUALITY EDUCATION 2022; 17:400-413. [PMID: 37346321 PMCID: PMC10284562 DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2022.2035291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Black women have disproportionate rates of HIV compared to women of all other racial groups. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate perceived HIV risk, HIV and STI testing behaviors, and PrEP knowledge and attitudes among Black sexual minority women (SMW) and examine differences based on their history of male sex partners. Secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the Generations Study. This analysis used a sample of N=149 participants who identified as Black cisgender women. Results showed Black SMW with a history of male sex partners reported a higher perceived risk of contracting HIV and significantly more frequent HIV and STI testing than those without a history of male sex partners. Overall, most of the sample was not familiar with PrEP, but one-third had favorable attitudes towards it, and half felt like they did not know enough about PrEP to form an opinion. Implications for culturally relevant public health campaigns and comprehensive sexuality education that integrate PrEP are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shemeka Thorpe
- University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology
| | - Candice N. Hargons
- University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology
| | - Amanda E. Tanner
- University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Department of Public Health Education
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Folayan MO, El Tantawi M, Yassin R, Arowolo O, Sam-Agudu NA. Sexual health risk indicators and their associations with caries status and gingival health of adolescents resident in sub-urban South-West Nigeria. AAS Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13301.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Adolescents are at high risk of poor sexual and oral health. We investigated for sexual risk factors associated with caries experience and gingival health among adolescents in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 10-19-year-old adolescents in Ile-Ife, South-West Nigeria through a household survey conducted between December 2018 and January 2019. Information collected included age; sex; socioeconomic status; sexual practices (vaginal, oral, anal sex); sexual (transactional sex, multiple sex partners, condom use at last sexual intercourse) and oral health (frequency of tooth brushing, use of fluoridated toothpaste, dental service utilization in the last 12 months, consumption of refined carbohydrates in-between meals) risk behaviors; caries experience; and gingival health. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between explanatory variables (sexual and oral health risk behaviors) and outcome variables (caries experience and gingivitis). Results: There were no significant associations between caries experience and history of sexual intercourse (OR:1.00); condom use at last sex act (OR:0.68); and having one (OR:2.27) or more sexual partners. Also, there was no significant association between moderate/severe gingivitis and a history of anal (OR:2.96), oral (OR:2.69), or vaginal (OR:1.40) sex; and a report of having one (OR:1.71) or more (OR:2.57) sex partners. Conclusions: Some sexual health risk indicators insignificantly increase the risk for caries and moderate/severe gingivitis. Screening for sexual risk behaviors during dental care may be a suitable wellness programs approach for adolescents.
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Newman PA, Chakrapani V, Williams C, Massaquoi N, Tepjan S, Roungprakhon S, Akkakanjanasupar P, Logie C, Rawat S. An eHealth Intervention for Promoting COVID-19 Knowledge and Protective Behaviors and Reducing Pandemic Distress Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (#SafeHandsSafeHearts). JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e34381. [PMID: 34726610 PMCID: PMC8668022 DOI: 10.2196/34381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing data on COVID-19 disparities among vulnerable populations portend excess risk for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and other persons outside of heteronormative and cisgender identities (ie, LGBT+). Owing to adverse social determinants of health, including pervasive HIV and sexual stigma, harassment, violence, barriers in access to health care, and existing health and mental health disparities, sexual and gender minorities in India and Thailand are at disproportionate risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease. Despite global health disparities among LGBT+ populations, there is a lack of coordinated, community-engaged interventions to address the expected excess burden of COVID-19 and public health-recommended protective measures. OBJECTIVE We will implement a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief, peer-delivered eHealth intervention to increase COVID-19 knowledge and public health-recommended protective behaviors, and reduce psychological distress among LGBT+ people residing in Bangkok, Thailand, and Mumbai, India. Subsequent to the RCT, we will conduct exit interviews with purposively sampled subgroups, including those with no intervention effect. METHODS SafeHandsSafeHearts is a 2-site, parallel waitlist-controlled RCT to test the efficacy of a 3-session, peer counselor-delivered eHealth intervention based on motivational interviewing and psychoeducation. The study methods, online infrastructure, and content were pilot-tested with LGBT+ individuals in Toronto, Canada, before adaptation and rollout in the other contexts. The primary outcomes are COVID-19 knowledge (index based on US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] items), protective behaviors (index based on World Health Organization and US CDC guidelines), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2). Secondary outcomes include loneliness, COVID-19 stress, and intended care-seeking. We will enroll 310 participants in each city aged 18 years and older. One-third of the participants will be cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; one-third will be cisgender lesbian, bisexual, and other women who have sex with women; and one-third will be transfeminine, transmasculine, and gender nonbinary people. Participants will be equally stratified in the immediate intervention and waitlist control groups. Participants are mainly recruited from online social media accounts of community-based partner organizations. They can access the intervention on a computer, tablet, or mobile phone. SafeHandsSafeHearts involves 3 sessions delivered weekly over 3 successive weeks. Exit interviews will be conducted online with 3 subgroups (n=12 per group, n=36 in each city) of purposively selected participants to be informed by RCT outcomes and focal populations of concern. RESULTS The RCT was funded in 2020. The trials started recruitment as of August 1, 2021, and all RCT data collection will likely be completed by January 31, 2022. CONCLUSIONS The SafeHandsSafeHearts RCT will provide evidence about the effectiveness of a brief, peer-delivered eHealth intervention developed for LGBT+ populations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If the intervention proves effective, it will provide a basis for future scale-up in India and Thailand, and other low- and middle-income countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04870723; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04870723. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/34381.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Charmaine Williams
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Notisha Massaquoi
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON, Canada
| | | | - Surachet Roungprakhon
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Carmen Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Ito H, Yamamoto T, Morita S. The effect of men who have sex with men (MSM) on the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Theor Biol Med Model 2021; 18:18. [PMID: 34635123 PMCID: PMC8504019 DOI: 10.1186/s12976-021-00148-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have remained a worldwide public health threat. It is difficult to control the spread of STIs, not only because of heterogeneous sexual transmission between men and women but also because of the complicated effects of sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) and mother-to-child transmission. Many studies point to the existence of a ‘bisexual bridge’, where STIs spread from the MSM network via bisexual connections. However, it is unclear how the MSM network affects heterosexual networks as well as mother-to-child transmission. To analyse the effect of MSM on the spread of STIs, we divided the population into four subpopulations: (i) women, (ii) men who have sex with women only (MSW), (iii) men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW), (iv) men who have sex with men exclusively (MSME). We calculated the type-reproduction numbers of these four subpopulations, and our analysis determined what preventive measures may be effective. Our analysis shows the impact of bisexual bridge on the spread of STIs does not outweigh their population size. Since MSM and mother-to-child transmission rates do not have a strong synergistic effect when combined, complementary prevention measures are needed. The methodologies and findings we have provided here will contribute greatly to the future development of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromu Ito
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Taro Yamamoto
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Satoru Morita
- Department of Mathematical and Systems Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 432-8561, Japan. .,Department of Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 432-8561, Japan.
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13
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Wongsomboon V, Cox DJ. Sexual Arousal Discounting: Devaluing Condom-Protected Sex as a Function of Reduced Arousal. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2717-2728. [PMID: 33483850 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01907-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual discounting is a growing area of research aimed at identifying factors that reduce people's reported willingness to have safe sex. One commonly reported reason for condom non-use is that a condom reduces sexual arousal. However, researchers have yet to isolate the specific role of sexual arousal using a sexual discounting framework. We extended past research by measuring how sexual arousal reduced people's willingness to have condom-protected sex ("sexual arousal discounting": SAD). College students (n = 379; 67.5% females) selected partners they most wanted and least wanted to have sex with and were randomized to one of two groups. In one group, participants rated their willingness to have sex with a condom if their own arousal decreased (from 100 to 10%) from condom use. The other group completed the same task except their partner's arousal decreased from condom use instead of their own. We observed a three-way interaction between arousal levels, most versus least desirable partners, and self versus partner groups. Participants' willingness to have condom-protected sex systematically reduced as a function of sexual arousal. This was observed more with the most (vs. least) desirable partner and in the self-arousal (vs. partner-arousal) group but only when the partner was their least desirable. Men (vs. women) displayed more arousal discounting but only with the most desirable partner. Finally, higher arousal discounting was associated with lower safe-sex self-efficacy and higher reported frequency of unprotected sex in the past 3 months. This study demonstrates how reduced sexual arousal from condom use can be measured as a factor influencing sexual risk-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Val Wongsomboon
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32603, USA.
| | - David J Cox
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Adjei Boakye E, Osazuwa-Peters N, López J, Pham VT, Tobo BB, Wan L, Schootman M, McElroy JA. Disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine initiation and completion based on sexual orientation among women in the United States. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:428-433. [PMID: 32701386 PMCID: PMC7899676 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1778407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We compared HPV vaccine initiation and completion of heterosexual with lesbian and bisexual (LB) women. METHODS We aggregated National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2009 to 2016 for 3,017 women aged 18 to 34 y in the United States. HPV vaccine initiation was defined as reported receipt of ≥1 dose of the vaccine and completion as receipt of the three recommended doses. Weighted percentages and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine differences in HPV vaccine initiation and completion between heterosexual and LB women. RESULTS Approximately 12% of respondents self-identified as LB women. Overall, a higher percentage of respondents (26%) had initiated the HPV vaccine than completed the three vaccine doses (17%). In the bivariate analysis, LB women had higher initiation ([35% of LB women versus 25% heterosexual]; p = .0012) and completion rates ([24% of LB women versus 17% heterosexual]; p = .0052) than heterosexual women. After adjusting for covariates, compared to heterosexual women, LB women were 60% (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16-2.19) more likely to initiate and 63% (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.12-2.37) more likely to complete the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSIONS Although LB women had higher likelihood of HPV vaccine initiation and completion compared with heterosexual women, their HPV vaccine uptake was well below the Healthy People 2020 target (80%). Understanding differences in the drivers of vaccine uptake in the LB population may inform strategies that would further increase HPV vaccine uptake toward achieving the 80% completion target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Adjei Boakye
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
- Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Saint Louis University Cancer Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julia López
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vy T. Pham
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Leping Wan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mario Schootman
- Center for Clinical Excellence, SSM Health, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jane A. McElroy
- Family and Community Medicine Department, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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15
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Klein V, Brunner F, Grabowski M, Turner D. Stigma Surrounding Sexually Transmitted Infections among Medical Students in Germany. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:129-136. [PMID: 32500718 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1763238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Stigmatization by health care professionals leads to decreased help-seeking behaviors in those being stigmatized. Prejudicial attitudes are especially pronounced concerning sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which is crucial in light of rising prevalence rates of STIs in recent years. We aimed to examine stigmatization against patients with sexually versus non-sexually transmitted infections among medical students in Germany. We also assessed how a person's sexual orientation or gender might contribute to stigma. Medical students (N = 332) read about a fictious patient with symptoms of pharyngitis after having had a casual sex encounter. Gender (female/male) and sexual orientation (hetero-/bi-/homosexual) of the patient as well as the pathogen causing the infection (gonococcus/H1N1-virus) were randomly varied. Afterwards, stigma against the patient was assessed. Patients with a gonococcal pharyngitis were perceived as more prone to engage in risky behavior, dumber, and less responsible than patients with a H1N1-virus pharyngitis. Bisexual patients were perceived as more prone to engage in risky behavior than hetero- and homosexual individuals. The predictability of the consequences of the patient's actions was rated higher in bisexual patients. Stigmatizing attitudes toward patients with a STI were frequent, especially against bisexual patients. More education should be dedicated to sexual/LGB health during medical school to reduce existing stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Klein
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Franziska Brunner
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Max Grabowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz
| | - Daniel Turner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz
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16
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Jann JT, Cunningham NJ, Assaf RD, Bolan RK. Evidence supporting the standardisation of extragenital gonorrhoea and chlamydia screenings for women. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 97:601-606. [PMID: 33361465 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current guidelines for women do not include extragenital screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and do not mention anal sex behaviour. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the number of potentially missed CT and NG cases by relying on urogenital screening and self-reported anal sex behaviour among women. METHODS Demographic and clinical data of 4658 women attending a community health centre in Los Angeles, California, USA from 2015 to 2018 were examined. CT and NG were detected using nucleic acid amplification test (APTIMA Combo 2, Hologic Gen-Probe, San Diego, California). Demographic and behavioural factors were also examined to assess potentially missed NG/CT cases. Multivariable regression analyses were used to determine whether reported anal sex behaviour predicts NG/CT rectal infection. RESULTS A total of 193 NG cases and 552 CT cases were identified; however, 53.9% of NG cases and 25.5% of CT cases were identified exclusively through extragenital screening. Of all positive cases of rectal CT, 87.0% did not report anal sex without a condom and 91.3% did not report any anal sex with their last sexual partner. Of all positive cases of rectal NG, 78.9% did not report anal sex without a condom and 76.3% did not report any anal sex with their last sexual partner. Anal sex with last partner was not predictive of NG/CT rectal infection. CONCLUSIONS Relying solely on urogenital screening and reported behaviour misses NG/CT cases. Extragenital NG/CT screening should be conducted in all women regardless of reported anal sex behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan D Assaf
- Health Services, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert K Bolan
- Health Services, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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17
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Bourchier L, Malta S, Temple-Smith M, Hocking J. Do we need to worry about sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in older women in Australia? An investigation of STI trends between 2000 and 2018. Sex Health 2020; 17:517-524. [PMID: 33334416 DOI: 10.1071/sh20130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background This study examined trends in chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnosis, and chlamydia testing and positivity, among older women in Australia between 2000 and 2018. METHODS Using national notifiable disease data and Medicare data, diagnosis rates were calculated for each sexually transmissible infection (STI), as well as testing and positivity rates for chlamydia. Data were compared between two older groups (55-64 and 65-74 years) and two younger groups (15-24 and 25-34 years). Poisson regression examined trends for 2000-18 and 2014-18 separately. RESULTS Rates for all STIs increased across all age groups and were highest in the two youngest age groups. From 2014 to 2018, chlamydia rates increased the most among those aged 55-64 years [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02-1.10] and declined in those aged 15-24 years (IRR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.99-0.99). Gonorrhoea rates increased the most among those aged 65-74 years (IRR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.23-1.77) and least in those aged 15-24 years (IRR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.10-1.13). Syphilis rates increased the most among those aged 55-64 years (IRR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.25-1.99) and least in those aged 15-24 years (IRR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.23-1.35). Chlamydia test positivity declined among younger women but remained stable in older women. CONCLUSIONS In general, STIs are increasing among older women in Australia at a faster rate than among younger women. Although the greatest burden is among younger women, STIs need to be considered and monitored among older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bourchier
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Sue Malta
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and National Ageing Research Institute, Poplar Road, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| | - Meredith Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, 780 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Jane Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
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18
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Paschen-Wolff MM, Greene MZ, Hughes TL. Sexual Minority Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2020; 47:728-739. [PMID: 32506954 PMCID: PMC7568910 DOI: 10.1177/1090198120925747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although sexual minority women (SMW) are at risk for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they may not seek preventative sexual and reproductive health care at the same rates as their heterosexual peers. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of 22 adult SMW, a subsample of participants enrolled in the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. The aim was to describe the sexual and reproductive health literacy of this community sample based on qualitative themes, using an integrated model of health literacy. This model considers not only access to information but also understanding, appraisal, and application of information. We found that family of origin, health care providers, and school-based sexual education were the most important sources of sexual and reproductive health information. Participants described their understanding, appraisal, and application of sexual and reproductive health information as interdependent concepts. Pap test literacy and decision making were strongly independent, with SMW seeking various sources of information, or were driven by health care providers, with SMW following instructions and trusting provider advice. STI-related literacy hinged on whether the participant perceived SMW as at risk for STIs. Our findings reinforce that simply having access to information is insufficient to enact health behaviors that reflect full literacy. Findings have implications for health care providers, who should provide evidence-based recommendations for their SMW clients, and for public health practitioners and educators, who could make sexual health education more inclusive of and specific to the needs of SMW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M. Paschen-Wolff
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center at New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madelyne Z. Greene
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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19
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Wikramanayake RM, Paschen-Wolff MM, Matebeni Z, Reddy V, Southey-Swartz I, Sandfort TGM. Southern African Lesbian and Bisexual Women Responses to Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1887-1902. [PMID: 31950379 PMCID: PMC7321908 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01581-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) in lesbian and bisexual women is a relatively unexplored topic, particularly for women from low- and middle-income countries. Despite perceptions that women who have sex with women (WSW) are at negligible risk of contracting STI, existing research demonstrates that WSW do become infected with STI. Given the opposition between assumptions of invulnerability and the observed risks, we explored how WSW would respond to symptoms of STI (i.e., wait until symptoms passed, see a medical doctor, and inform sexual partners). We used data collected as part of a collaboration between academic researchers and community-based LGBTQ organizations in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Chi-squared tests were used to test whether participants' responses to hypothetical STI symptoms varied in relation to several intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural factors. Multivariable logistic regression (backward) was used to assess whether these variables were independently associated with women's responses. Most women would be proactive in response to potential STI symptoms and would see a medical doctor. However, most women would not inform their sexual partner of symptoms of STI. Findings demonstrate several intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural factors that influence WSW's health agency, and show a clustering of high-risk factors among women who would not be proactive about their health. Our findings suggest the need for improved health and health care of WSW in Southern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika M Wikramanayake
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Margaret M Paschen-Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry, Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Zethu Matebeni
- Department of Sociology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vasu Reddy
- Faculty of the Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Theo G M Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Huckabay L, Fisher DG, Reynolds GL, Rannalli D, Erlyana E. Gender differences in risk taking behaviors for Chlamydia trachomatis. Health Care Women Int 2020; 41:1147-1165. [PMID: 32701401 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1797037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a global problem. We compared the risk taking behaviors for CT infection between men and women. Adults (2299 females, 5559 males) were administered the Risk Behavior Assessment. In women, CT was associated with candidiasis, in men with gonorrhea, genital warts, and syphilis. Risk factors for both genders were trading sex for money, use of marijuana for women, and use of Ecstasy and Viagra for men. Those with CT had higher risk perception for HIV infection and were more likely to obtain HIV testing. Patient teaching and concurrent testing for HIV and CT are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loucine Huckabay
- School of Nursing, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Dennis G Fisher
- Department of Psychology and Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Grace L Reynolds
- Department of Health Care Administration and Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Debby Rannalli
- School of Nursing, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Erlyana Erlyana
- Department of Health Care Administration and Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
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21
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Paschen-Wolff MM, Reddy V, Matebeni Z, Southey-Swartz I, Sandfort T. HIV and sexually transmitted infection knowledge among women who have sex with women in four Southern African countries. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 22:705-721. [PMID: 31345116 PMCID: PMC6982583 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1629627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Women who have sex with women in Southern Africa, where HIV prevalence is high, are often presumed to have minimal risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV despite research documenting female-to-female transmission. This study examined the demographic and social factors contributing to female-to-female STI/HIV transmission knowledge among Southern African women who have sex with women using an integrated model of health literacy. In collaboration with community-based organisations in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, data were collected through anonymous surveys (N = 591). Multivariable stepwise forward logistic regression assessed independent associations between participant characteristics and high vs. low knowledge using five items. Overall, 64.4% (n = 362) of women had high knowledge; 35.6% (n = 200) had low knowledge. Higher education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48, 3.40), regular income (aOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.43, 3.21), residence in Botswana (aOR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.15, 8.48) and having ever received tailored STI/HIV information (aOR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.41, 3.32) predicted significantly higher odds of high knowledge in the final multivariable model. Results suggest opportunities for peer-led sexual health programming and expanded HIV prevention campaigns addressing women who have sex with women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M. Paschen-Wolff
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the NY State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vasu Reddy
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Zethu Matebeni
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | - Theodorus Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the NY State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
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Rodríguez-Otero LM. [Literature review on studies of women who have sex with women]. Medwave 2020; 20:e7884. [PMID: 32343685 DOI: 10.5867/medwave.2020.03.7884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Women who have sex with other women are a group that has been mostly invisible from public health policies. This category includes the group of lesbians, bisexual women, heterosexual behaviour, and homosexual practices, who have sexual relations with transsexual and transgender (trans) women and trans men who have sex with women. In the absence of a Spanish literature review of a study that addresses women who have sex with other women, a narrative bibliographic review was done using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Dialnet, and Taylor and Francis databases. From a universe of 679 articles and after applying the inclusion criteria, 40 documents were analysed, from 1998 to 2019. Three meta-categories were identified (sexual education, the incidence of certain sexually transmitted infections, and aspects related to sexual practices), concerning prevention and risky behaviours. Women who have sex with other women are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to sexually transmitted infections. These may include bacterial vaginitis, human papillomavirus and acquired immunodeficiency virus. Likewise, there is a lack of specific training and information in health and education professionals, as well as in women who have sex with other women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Manuel Rodríguez-Otero
- Facultad de Trabajo Social y Desarrollo Humano, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México. . ORCID: 0000-0002-1748-9303
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Agénor M, Murchison GR, Chen JT, Bowen DJ, Rosenthal MB, Haneuse S, Austin SB. Impact of the Affordable Care Act on human papillomavirus vaccination initiation among lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual U.S. women. Health Serv Res 2019; 55:18-25. [PMID: 31709542 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended dependent coverage and no cost-sharing provisions on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in relation to sexual orientation identity among U.S. women. DATA SOURCES 2006-2010 and 2011-2015 National Survey of Family Growth. STUDY DESIGN We used an interrupted time series design and multivariable Poisson regression to assess differences in HPV vaccination initiation before (2007-2010) and after (2011-2015) the 2010 ACA provisions among heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian U.S. women aged 15-25 years (N = 7033), adjusting for temporal trends and demographic factors. DATA COLLECTION Computer-assisted personal interview and audio computer-assisted self-interview questionnaires. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The adjusted prevalence of HPV vaccination initiation was significantly higher among lesbian and bisexual women after compared to before the 2010 ACA-at 19.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.4, 32.9) and 15.7 (95% CI: 4.4, 27.1) percentage points in 2015 compared to 2007-2010, respectively. We observed no association between the 2010 ACA provisions and HPV vaccination initiation among heterosexual women after adjusting for temporal trends and demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS The 2010 ACA provisions may have improved HPV vaccination initiation among lesbian and bisexual women. Policies and programs that increase access to health insurance and provide HPV vaccines at no cost to patients may facilitate HPV vaccine uptake in these marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madina Agénor
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gabriel R Murchison
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jarvis T Chen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah J Bowen
- Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
| | - Meredith B Rosenthal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sydney Bryn Austin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Yeung H, Luk KM, Chen SC, Ginsberg BA, Katz KA. Dermatologic care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons: Epidemiology, screening, and disease prevention. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019; 80:591-602. [PMID: 30744875 PMCID: PMC6375301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons face important health issues relevant to dermatologists. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at higher risk of certain infectious diseases, including HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, and invasive meningococcal disease, and might be at higher risk of non-infectious conditions, including skin cancer. Recommendations for preventive health care, including screening for HIV and other STDs, sexual health-related vaccinations, and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, differ for MSM compared with non-MSM. Women who have sex with women experience disparities in STDs, including chlamydia and HPV. Transgender patients have unique, and often unmet, dermatologic needs during gender transition (also called gender affirmation), related to hormonal therapy and gender-affirming surgery. Familiarity with LGBT health issues and disease-prevention guidelines can enable dermatologists to provide medically appropriate and culturally competent care to LGBT persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howa Yeung
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Kevin M Luk
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suephy C Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Division of Dermatology, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Brian A Ginsberg
- Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Kenneth A Katz
- Department of Dermatology, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, California
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25
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Daniel H, Erickson SM, Bornstein SS, Kane GC, Gantzer HE, Henry TL, Lenchus JD, Li JM, McCandless BM, Nalitt BR, Viswanathan L, Murphy CJ, Azah AM, Marks L. Women's Health Policy in the United States: An American College of Physicians Position Paper. Ann Intern Med 2018; 168:874-875. [PMID: 29809243 DOI: 10.7326/m17-3344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this position paper, the American College of Physicians (ACP) examines the challenges women face in the U.S. health care system across their lifespans, including access to care; sex- and gender-specific health issues; variation in health outcomes compared with men; underrepresentation in research studies; and public policies that affect women, their families, and society. ACP puts forward several recommendations focused on policies that will improve the health outcomes of women and ensure a health care system that supports the needs of women and their families over the course of their lifespans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Daniel
- American College of Physicians, Washington, DC (H.D., S.M.E.)
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26
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Muzny CA, Pérez AE, Eaton EF, Agénor M. Psychosocial Stressors and Sexual Health Among Southern African American Women Who Have Sex with Women. LGBT Health 2018; 5:234-241. [PMID: 29688816 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined the association of psychosocial stressors (depressive symptoms, incarceration, and intimate partner violence [IPV]) with sexual behaviors, sexually transmitted infection (STI) history, and STI diagnoses among African American women who have sex with women (AAWSW). METHODS This was a secondary analysis from a study of AAWSW ≥16 years. Multivariable Poisson regression estimated risk ratios (RRs) for the association between depressive symptoms, incarceration, and IPV and sexual behaviors, STI history, and STI diagnosis at enrollment, adjusting for age and sexual orientation identity. RESULTS Of 165 AAWSW, the mean depressive symptom score was 1.0 (SD ±0.8); 22.4% reported incarceration and 62.4% reported IPV. Depressive symptoms were associated with alcohol/drug use at last sexual encounter (RR = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-1.95) and STI diagnosis (RR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05-1.34). Incarceration was associated with STI history (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07-1.53). IPV was associated with alcohol/drug use during sex with women (RR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.05-1.92) and STI history (RR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13-1.78), particularly trichomoniasis (RR 2.50; 95% CI: 1.52-4.12). Among AAWSW reporting sex with men (n = 144), depressive symptoms were associated with sex in exchange for money/drugs (RR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.17-3.34) and alcohol/drug use during sex with men (RR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.05-1.46). Incarceration was associated with sex in exchange for money/drugs with men (RR = 5.21; 95% CI: 1.86-14.57); IPV was associated with sex in exchange for money/drugs (RR = 5.04; 95% CI: 1.18-21.50) and alcohol/drug use during sex with men (RR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.14-2.41). CONCLUSION Providers and public health programs should address both psychosocial stressors and STI risk among AAWSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Muzny
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ashley E Pérez
- 2 Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health , Providence, Rhode Island.,3 Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ellen F Eaton
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Madina Agénor
- 4 Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
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Why Girls Choose Not to Use Barriers to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infection During Female-to-Female Sex. J Adolesc Health 2018; 62:411-416. [PMID: 29290373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Using data from a national qualitative study of lesbian, bisexual, and other sexual minority adolescent girls in the U.S., this study examined their awareness of the risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and opportunities for barrier use. METHODS Online asynchronous focus groups were conducted with lesbian and bisexual (LB) girls ages 14-18 years. Girls were assigned to online groups based on their self-identified sexual identity and whether they were sexually experienced or not. Two moderators posed questions and facilitated online discussions. Interpretive description analysis conducted by multiple members of the research team was used to categorize the results. RESULTS Key factors in girls' decisions not to use barriers with female partners concerned pleasure, sex of sexual partner, lack of knowledge of sexual risk or of barrier use for female-to-female sexual activities, and use of STI testing as a prevention tool. CONCLUSIONS Addressing knowledge and access gaps is an important first step for improving sexual health. Prevention priorities should focus on helping LB girls understand their risk of STI transmission in both opposite and same-sex relationships. Tailoring messaging to move beyond heteronormative scripts is critical to engaging LB girls and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to have safer sex regardless of the sex of their partner.
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28
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Olson KM, Boohaker LJ, Schwebke JR, Aslibekyan S, Muzny CA. Comparisons of vaginal flora patterns among sexual behaviour groups of women: implications for the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis. Sex Health 2018; 15:61-67. [PMID: 29212588 PMCID: PMC6890514 DOI: 10.1071/sh17087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge. The objective was to compare the prevalence of BV by Nugent score among African-American women who have sex with women (WSW) and women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) compared with an age-matched group of women who have sex with men (WSM). Secondary objectives were to correlate low versus high Nugent scores with vaginal symptoms among women with BV and to correlate BV diagnosis with sexual practices. METHODS A secondary analysis of clinical and laboratory data from African-American WSW (n=73) and WSWM (n=68) participating in the Women's Sexual Health Project (August 2011-October 2013) and a 3:1 age-matched group of African-American WSM participating in the Longitudinal Study of Vaginal Flora (August 1999-February 2002) at a sexually transmissible infection clinic (n=423) was performed. RESULTS Compared with WSM, WSW and WSWM were significantly more likely to have BV based on the Nugent score (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.55-4.48; P<0.01 and OR 3.67; 95% CI 2.17-6.21; P<0.01 respectively). WSW and WSWM with BV were not significantly more likely to have higher Nugent scores than WSM with BV. Among women with BV reporting symptoms, there was no significant difference in the proportion of women with low-positive versus high-positive Nugent scores. Women who participated in receptive vaginal sex (penile or digital) within the 30 days preceding study enrolment were significantly more likely to have BV (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.57-3.63; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS WSW and WSWM were significantly more likely to have BV than WSM. Further analysis of sexual practices among sexual behaviour groups of women is needed to determine their potential impact on BV rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Olson
- NIH Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health (USA), 703 19th Street South, Zeigler Research Building Room 242, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA
| | - Louis J. Boohaker
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health (USA), 1600 7th Avenue South, Lowder 516, Birmingham, AL 35233-1711, USA
| | - Jane R. Schwebke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham (USA), 703 19th Street South, Zeigler Research Building Room 242, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA
| | - Stella Aslibekyan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health (USA), 1720 2nd Ave S, RPHB 230J, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA
| | - Christina A. Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham (USA), 703 19th Street South, Zeigler Research Building Room 242, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA
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Cancer and the LGBTQ Population: Quantitative and Qualitative Results from an Oncology Providers' Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Behaviors. J Clin Med 2017; 6:jcm6100093. [PMID: 28991160 PMCID: PMC5664008 DOI: 10.3390/jcm6100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite growing social acceptance, the LGBTQ population continues to face barriers to healthcare including fear of stigmatization by healthcare providers, and providers’ lack of knowledge about LGBTQ-specific health issues. This analysis focuses on the assessment of quantitative and qualitative responses from a subset of providers who identified as specialists that treat one or more of the seven cancers that may be disproportionate in LGBTQ patients. Methods: A 32-item web-based survey was emailed to 388 oncology providers at a single institution. The survey assessed: demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors. Results: Oncology providers specializing in seven cancer types had poor knowledge of LGBTQ-specific health needs, with fewer than half of the surveyed providers (49.5%) correctly answering knowledge questions. Most providers had overall positive attitudes toward LGBTQ patients, with 91.7% agreeing they would be comfortable treating this population, and would support education and/or training on LGBTQ-related cancer health issues. Conclusion: Results suggest that despite generally positive attitudes toward the LGBTQ population, oncology providers who treat cancer types most prevalent among the population, lack knowledge of their unique health issues. Knowledge and practice behaviors may improve with enhanced education and training on this population’s specific needs.
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Agénor M, Muzny CA, Schick V, Austin EL, Potter J. Sexual orientation and sexual health services utilization among women in the United States. Prev Med 2017; 95:74-81. [PMID: 27932056 PMCID: PMC5555111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although sexual minority women are at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer, few nationally representative studies have assessed sexual orientation disparities in sexual health care among women. Using data from the 2011-2013 and 2013-2015 waves of the National Survey of Family Growth, which provide a national probability sample of U.S. women aged 15-44years (N=11,300), we used multivariable logistic regression to examine the associations between sexual behavior and sexual identity (modeled separately) and STI testing in the past year, Pap test use in the last 3years, lifetime HIV testing, and lifetime human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Women with male and female lifetime sexual partners had higher adjusted odds of being tested for STIs ([odds ratio:] 1.61; [95% confidence interval:] 1.37-1.89), HIV (1.66; 1.29-2.14), and HPV (1.79; 1.41-2.25) and similar adjusted odds of obtaining a Pap test (0.98; 0.76-1.27) than women with only male lifetime sexual partners. Self-identified bisexual women had higher adjusted odds of obtaining an STI (1.43; 1.10-1.86) and HIV (1.69; 1.24-2.30) test but lower adjusted odds of obtaining a Pap test in the last 3years (0.66; 0.47-0.93) than heterosexual-identified women. Women with only female lifetime sexual partners had lower adjusted odds of receiving an STI (0.14; 0.07-0.28) and Pap (0.10; 0.03-0.27) test than women with only male lifetime sexual partners. Results comparing self-identified lesbian and heterosexual women were similar. Health care facilities should monitor and address sexual orientation disparities in women's sexual health care and ensure the provision of high-quality sexual health services to all women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madina Agénor
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Vanessa Schick
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Erika L Austin
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jennifer Potter
- Division of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Division of General Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Agénor M, Peitzmeier SM, Gordon AR, Charlton BM, Haneuse S, Potter J, Austin SB. Sexual orientation identity disparities in human papillomavirus vaccination initiation and completion among young adult US women and men. Cancer Causes Control 2016; 27:1187-96. [PMID: 27507284 PMCID: PMC5025383 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-016-0796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the association between sexual orientation identity and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiation and completion among both women and men. METHODS Using data from the 2013 and 2014 National Health Interview Survey, we estimated logistic regression models for the association between sexual orientation identity and HPV vaccination initiation (≥1 dose) and completion (≥3 doses) among US women and men in relation to sociodemographic and healthcare factors. Analyses were restricted to individuals for whom the HPV vaccine was recommended at some point in their lives, namely women aged 18-34 years (n = 9,734) and men aged 18-31 years (n = 6,812). RESULTS Among all women, bisexual women had higher adjusted odds of HPV vaccination initiation [(odds ratio) 1.71; (95 % confidence interval) 1.20-2.45] and completion (1.59; 1.05-2.42) than heterosexual women. No difference was observed in the odds of HPV vaccination initiation or completion between lesbian and heterosexual women. Among women who had initiated HPV vaccination, lesbians had lower adjusted odds of completion than heterosexual women (0.41; 0.19-0.90). Among all men, gay men had higher adjusted odds of initiating (2.07; 1.17-3.52) and completing (3.90; 1.68-9.06) HPV vaccination than heterosexual men. No difference was observed in the odds of HPV vaccination initiation or completion between bisexual and heterosexual men. Among men who had initiated HPV vaccination, gay (4.36; 1.28-14.83) and bisexual (20.92; 2.34-186.73) men had higher adjusted odds of completion than heterosexual men, although these results are unreliable and should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS Interventions are needed to promote HPV vaccination among all US women and men, regardless of sexual orientation identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madina Agénor
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Kresge Building, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Sarah M Peitzmeier
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Allegra R Gordon
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittany M Charlton
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Potter
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Kresge Building, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Agénor M, McCauley HL, Peitzmeier SM, Haneuse S, Gordon AR, Potter J, Austin SB. Sex of Sexual Partners and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among U.S. Girls and Women. Am J Prev Med 2016; 50:318-327. [PMID: 26585049 PMCID: PMC4762746 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Girls and women are at risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer from male and female sexual partners throughout the life course. However, no study has assessed how sex of sexual partners, a dimension of sexual orientation, may relate to HPV vaccination among girls and women. METHODS In 2014, data from the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth were used to conduct logistic regression analyses estimating the relationship between sex of lifetime and past-year sexual partners and HPV vaccine awareness and initiation among U.S. girls and women aged 15-25 years (N=3,253). RESULTS Among U.S. girls and women aged 15-25 years, the prevalence of HPV vaccine awareness and HPV vaccine initiation was 84.4% and 28.5%, respectively. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors, participants with only female past-year sexual partners had significantly lower odds of initiating HPV vaccination relative to those with only male past-year sexual partners (OR=0.16, 95% CI=0.05, 0.55). Similarly, respondents with no lifetime (OR=0.65, 95% CI=0.46, 0.92) or past-year (OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.50, 0.94) sexual partners had significantly lower adjusted odds of HPV vaccine initiation compared with those with only male sexual partners. No difference was apparent in the odds of initiating HPV vaccination between participants with male and female sexual partners and those with only male sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS Medical and public health professionals should ensure that girls and women with only female or no sexual partners are included in HPV vaccine education and promotion efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madina Agénor
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Community-Based Research, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Heather L McCauley
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah M Peitzmeier
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allegra R Gordon
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Potter
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Women's Health Program, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Blondeel K, Say L, Chou D, Toskin I, Khosla R, Scolaro E, Temmerman M. Evidence and knowledge gaps on the disease burden in sexual and gender minorities: a review of systematic reviews. Int J Equity Health 2016; 15:16. [PMID: 26800682 PMCID: PMC4724086 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-016-0304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) include individuals with a wide range of sexual orientations, physical characteristics, and gender identities and expressions. Data suggest that people in this group face a significant and poorly understood set of additional health risks and bear a higher burden of some diseases compared to the general population. A large amount of data is available on HIV/AIDS, but far less on other health problems. In this review we aimed to synthesize the knowledge on the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health conditions and violence experienced by SGM, based on available systematic reviews. We conducted a global review of systematic reviews, including searching the Cochrane and the Campbell Collaboration libraries, as well as PubMed, using a range of search terms describing the populations of interest, without time or language restrictions. Google Scholar was also scanned for unpublished literature, and references of all selected reviews were checked to identify further relevant articles. We found 30 systematic reviews, all originally written in English. Nine reviews provided data on HIV, 12 on other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), 4 on cancer, 4 on violence and 3 on mental health and substance use. A quantitative meta-analysis was not possible. The findings are presented in a narrative format. Our review primarily showed that there is a high burden of disease for certain subpopulations of SGM in HIV, STIs, STI-related cancers and mental health conditions, and that they also face high rates of violence. Secondly, our review revealed many knowledge gaps. Those gaps partly stem from a lack of original research, but there is an equally urgent need to conduct systematic and literature reviews to assess what we already know on the disease burden in SGM. Additional reviews are needed on the non-biological factors that could contribute to the higher disease burden. In addition, to provide universal access to health-care for all, more information is needed on the barriers that SGM face in accessing health services, including the attitudes of health-care providers. Understanding these barriers and the additional health risks they impose is crucial to improving the health status of SGM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lale Say
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Doris Chou
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Igor Toskin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Rajat Khosla
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Elisa Scolaro
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common clinical condition that affects millions of women annually. Serious sequelae exist from untreated infection. Recurrent BV (RBV) is also common with few approved clinical treatment modalities. Review of the current recommendations yields practical tips to aid busy professionals. AIM To review the current treatment recommendations for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. METHODS A literature review was conducted using the keywords: bacterial vaginosis, recurrent bacterial vaginosis, vaginal probiotics, vaginal reacidifiers, and trichomoniasis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Patients with RBV should be treated with the approved suppressive antimicrobial regimen, but new modalities and adjuncts are currently under review and appear safe; however, rates of efficacy still need to be established. RESULTS There is no defined etiology of RBV, and thus, a curative treatment remains elusive. Sexual practices, hygiene practices, and the type of sexual partner all affect the rate of BV recurrence. Vaginal reacidifiers and probiotics may offer effective alternatives to the current antimicrobial regimens. Clinicians should obtain an in-depth history to have an accurate picture of the patient's pattern of infection, ensure they are using all clinical tools available to make the correct diagnosis, and educate the patient regarding simple behavioral changes they can make to prevent RBV. CONCLUSION More research is needed to explain and treat RBV. In the meantime, if clinicians maximize all current modalities, they will reduce the recurrence rate in certain patients. Marshall AO. Managing recurrent bacterial vaginosis: Insights for busy providers. Sex Med Rev 2015;3:88-92.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison O Marshall
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Simmons College, Boston, MA, USA.
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Quinn GP, Sanchez JA, Sutton SK, Vadaparampil ST, Nguyen GT, Green BL, Kanetsky PA, Schabath MB. Cancer and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) populations. CA Cancer J Clin 2015; 65:384-400. [PMID: 26186412 PMCID: PMC4609168 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the current literature on seven cancer sites that may disproportionately affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) populations. For each cancer site, the authors present and discuss the descriptive statistics, primary prevention, secondary prevention and preclinical disease, tertiary prevention and late-stage disease, and clinical implications. Finally, an overview of psychosocial factors related to cancer survivorship is offered as well as strategies for improving access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida
- Corresponding Author: Gwendolyn P. Quinn, Ph.D, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive MRC-CANCONT, Tampa, FL 33612, | Fax: 1-813-449-8019
| | - Julian A. Sanchez
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Steven K. Sutton
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Susan T. Vadaparampil
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida
| | - Giang T. Nguyen
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - B. Lee Green
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida
- Diversity and Communication Relations, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Peter A. Kanetsky
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Matthew B. Schabath
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
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Agénor M, Peitzmeier S, Gordon AR, Haneuse S, Potter JE, Austin SB. Sexual Orientation Identity Disparities in Awareness and Initiation of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among U.S. Women and Girls: A National Survey. Ann Intern Med 2015; 163:99-106. [PMID: 25961737 PMCID: PMC4509853 DOI: 10.7326/m14-2108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbians and bisexual women are at risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection from female and male sexual partners. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between sexual orientation identity and HPV vaccination among U.S. women and girls. DESIGN Cross-sectional, using 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth data. SETTING U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. PARTICIPANTS The 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth used stratified cluster sampling to establish a national probability sample of 12,279 U.S. women and girls aged 15 to 44 years. Analyses were restricted to 3253 women and girls aged 15 to 25 years who were asked about HPV vaccination. MEASUREMENTS Multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain prevalence estimates of HPV vaccine awareness and initiation adjusted for sociodemographic and health care factors for each sexual orientation identity group. RESULTS Among U.S. women and girls aged 15 to 25 years, 84.4% reported having heard of the HPV vaccine; of these, 28.5% had initiated HPV vaccination. The adjusted prevalence of vaccine awareness was similar among heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian respondents. After adjustment for covariates, 8.5% (P = 0.007) of lesbians and 33.2% (P = 0.33) of bisexual women and girls who had heard of the vaccine had initiated vaccination compared with 28.4% of their heterosexual counterparts. LIMITATION Self-reported, cross-sectional data, and findings may not be generalizable to periods after 2006 to 2010 or all U.S. lesbians aged 15 to 25 years (because of the small sample size for this group). CONCLUSION Adolescent and young adult lesbians may be less likely to initiate HPV vaccination than their heterosexual counterparts. Programs should facilitate access to HPV vaccination services among young lesbians. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Cancer Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madina Agénor
- From Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Fenway Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah Peitzmeier
- From Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Fenway Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Allegra R. Gordon
- From Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Fenway Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- From Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Fenway Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennifer E. Potter
- From Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Fenway Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - S. Bryn Austin
- From Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Fenway Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Nield J, Magnusson B, Brooks C, Chapman D, Lapane KL. Sexual discordance and sexual partnering among heterosexual women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:885-94. [PMID: 24718674 PMCID: PMC4193947 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0287-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This study examined characteristics of self-identified heterosexual women who were concordant or discordant in their sexual behavior and the association of discordance and sexual partnering among those aged 15-44 years from the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth (n = 7,353). Sexual concordance was defined as reporting a heterosexual identity and no female partners in the past year; discordance was reporting a heterosexual identity and having at least one female partner in the past year. Sexual partnering was defined as being concurrent, serially monogamous or monogamous with a male partner in the previous year. Polytomous logistic regression models evaluated the association between sexual discordance and sexual partnering. Among self-identified heterosexual, sexually active women, 11.2 % reported ever having had a same sex partner. Heterosexually discordant women who had both male and female partners in the previous year were 5.5 times as likely to report having a concurrent relationship (95 % CI 2.77-11.09) and 2.4 times as likely to report engaging in serially monogamous relationships (95 % CI 1.19-4.97) with male partners. Discordance between heterosexual identity and same sex behavior is a factor in risky behaviors. Women who have sex with women and men may act as bridges for the transmission of STDs, particularly to their female partners. Sexual education should include information inclusive of non-heteronormative behaviors and identities to provide sexual minorities with the tools and information they need. Clinical guidelines should ensure that all women are offered counseling and screening for reproductive and sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nield
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Brianna Magnusson
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Christopher Brooks
- School of World Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Derek Chapman
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kate L. Lapane
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA;
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Mor Z, Eick U, Wagner Kolasko G, Zviely-Efrat I, Makadon H, Davidovitch N. Health Status, Behavior, and Care of Lesbian and Bisexual Women in Israel. J Sex Med 2015; 12:1249-56. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Coulter RWS, Kinsky SM, Herrick AL, Stall RD, Bauermeister JA. Evidence of Syndemics and Sexuality-Related Discrimination Among Young Sexual-Minority Women. LGBT Health 2015; 2:250-7. [PMID: 26788674 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2014.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Syndemics, or the co-occurrence and interaction of health problems, have been examined extensively among young men who have sex with men, but their existence remain unexamined, to our knowledge, among sexual-minority (i.e., lesbian, gay, and bisexual) women. Thus, we investigated if syndemics were present among young sexual-minority women, and if sexual-orientation discrimination was an independent variable of syndemic production. METHODS A total of 467 sexual-minority women between the ages of 18 and 24 completed a cross-sectional online survey regarding their substance use, mental health, sexual behaviors, height, weight, and experiences of discrimination. We used structural equation modeling to investigate the presence of syndemics and their relationship to sexual-orientation discrimination. RESULTS Heavy episodic drinking, marijuana use, ecstasy use, hallucinogen use, depressive symptoms, multiple sexual partners, and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) comprised syndemics in this population (chi-square=24.989, P=.201; comparative fit index [CFI]=0.946; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.023). Sexual-orientation discrimination is significantly and positively associated with the latent syndemic variable (unstandardized coefficient=0.095, P<.05), and this model fit the data well (chi-square=33.558, P=.059; CFI=0.914; RMSEA=0.029). The reverse causal model showed syndemics is not an independent variable of sexual-orientation discrimination (unstandardized coefficient=0.602, P>.05). CONCLUSIONS Syndemics appear to be present and associated with sexual-orientation discrimination among young sexual-minority women. Interventions aimed at reducing discrimination or increasing healthy coping may help reduce substance use, depressive symptoms, and sexual risk behaviors in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W S Coulter
- 1 Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Suzanne M Kinsky
- 1 Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amy L Herrick
- 1 Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ron D Stall
- 1 Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - José A Bauermeister
- 2 Center for Sexuality & Health Disparities, School of Public Health, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Cramer RJ, Colbourn SL, Gemberling TM, Graham J, Stroud CH. Substance-related coping, HIV-related factors, and mental health among an HIV-positive sexual minority community sample. AIDS Care 2015; 27:1063-8. [PMID: 25801497 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1024097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
HIV-positive status poses a unique set of social stressors, especially among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons. Among these difficulties are the internalization of HIV-related stigma and poor mental health. Unfortunately, substance use as a coping mechanism is also common, dependent on other demographic factors, among HIV-positive and LGB samples. The present study integrates these bodies of literature by examining main and interactive effects of HIV-related experiences (i.e., disclosure of HIV-positive status, fear of disclosure, HIV-related victimization, and internalized HIV-related stigma) and substance-related coping with discrimination as they impact mental health (i.e., stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and suicide and self-injury proneness). Participants were 216 HIV-positive LGB community members from an urban community medical clinic. Prominent results included: (1) robust negative effects of internalized HIV-related stigma on all mental health indicators when controlling for other HIV-related experiences and (2) a significant interaction in which substance-related coping significantly increases suicide proneness, only for those who have disclosed HIV-positive status to family or friends. Results are discussed with respect to theoretical perspectives of internalized stigma, implications for clinical work with LGB persons of HIV-positive status, and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Cramer
- a Department of Psychology , Sam Houston State University , Huntsville , TX , USA
| | - Scholar L Colbourn
- a Department of Psychology , Sam Houston State University , Huntsville , TX , USA
| | - Tess M Gemberling
- a Department of Psychology , Sam Houston State University , Huntsville , TX , USA
| | | | - Caroline H Stroud
- a Department of Psychology , Sam Houston State University , Huntsville , TX , USA
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Curmi C, Peters K, Salamonson Y. Lesbians' attitudes and practices of cervical cancer screening: a qualitative study. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2014; 14:153. [PMID: 25494906 PMCID: PMC4276097 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-014-0153-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in women, and since the introduction of the Papanicolaou test (Pap test or Pap smear), the incidence of cervical cancer and mortality rates worldwide have declined substantially. However significant disparities have been identified between the cervical screening rates of heterosexual and lesbian women. This study explores the attitudes and practices that lesbians have towards cervical cancer screening and aims to identify why such disparities occur. Methods A qualitative methodology based on feminist perspectives was used to collect narrative data from lesbians about their attitudes and practices of cervical screening through the use of semi structured interviews. Nine women who self-identified as lesbian that were living in New South Wales were recruited for the study. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Four main themes emerged from the data namely: Encountering cervical cancer: “my friends had some early cancer cells detected”, Misconceptions related to risk: “I am a lesbian I don’t need one”, Imposed screening: “It’s a requirement of IVF treatment” and, Promoting cervical screening: “I think it should be spoken about in schools”. Conclusions Consistent with the literature, the findings show that the majority of these women do not undertake cervical screening at the recommended rate. This study highlights the multiple and complex issues related to cervical cancer screening for lesbians, mainly through misconceptions and underestimation of risk. Specific and targeted educational and promotional strategies are required for both lesbians and health professionals to enhance cervical cancer screening rates for lesbians in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Curmi
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
| | - Kath Peters
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
| | - Yenna Salamonson
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
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Muzny CA, Kapil R, Austin EL, Hook EW, Geisler WM. Lower sexually transmissible infection prevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women compared with women who have sex with women and men. Sex Health 2014; 11:592-3. [PMID: 25435197 DOI: 10.1071/sh14181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Background Sexually transmissible infection (STI) history, prevalence and seroprevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women (WSW) and an age-matched group of women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) was evaluated. METHODS Participants completed a study questionnaire and had genital specimens and sera collected for STI testing. RESULTS Twenty-one lifetime exclusive WSW and 42 WSWM were included. WSWM were more likely to report a history of prior STIs and be seropositive for chlamydia and HSV-2. Prevalent STIs were less common among WSW. CONCLUSIONS While lifetime exclusive WSW are at risk of contracting STIs, WSWM are disproportionally affected. Healthcare providers should consider routine STI screening among WSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, ZRB 242, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Richa Kapil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, ZRB 242, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Erika L Austin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, ZRB 242, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Edward W Hook
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, ZRB 242, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - William M Geisler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, ZRB 242, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Poteat T, Logie C, Adams D, Lebona J, Letsie P, Beyrer C, Baral S. Sexual practices, identities and health among women who have sex with women in Lesotho - a mixed-methods study. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2013; 16:120-135. [PMID: 24237008 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2013.841291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of HIV and STIs among women in Africa and the growing literature on HIV and STIs among women who have sex with women, research on the sexual health of women who have sex with women in Africa is scant. This study used mixed methods to describe sexual identity, practices and health among women who have sex with women in Lesotho. Most respondents (48%) described themselves as lesbian, 29% as bisexual and 23% as heterosexual. Almost half (45%) had disclosed their same-sex attraction to family, but only 25% had done so with healthcare workers. A total of 8% reported having HIV. Self-reported HIV was associated with having three or more male partners, having male and female partners at the same time and having a history of STIs. Gender norms, the criminalisation of homosexuality, varied knowledge of, and access to, safer-sex strategies, and mixed experiences of HIV/STI testing and sexual healthcare provided social and structural contexts for HIV- and STI-related vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonia Poteat
- a Department of International Health , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , USA
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Herrick A, Kuhns L, Kinsky S, Johnson A, Garofalo R. Demographic, psychosocial, and contextual factors associated with sexual risk behaviors among young sexual minority women. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2013; 19:345-55. [PMID: 24217447 DOI: 10.1177/1078390313511328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Young sexual minority women are at risk for negative sexual health outcomes, including sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, yet little is known about these risks. We examined factors that may influence sexual risk from a psychosocial and contextual perspective. Analyses were conducted to examine within group relationships between sexual behaviors, negative outcomes, and related factors in a sample of young sexual minority women. Participants (N = 131) were young (mean = 19.8) and diverse in terms of race/ethnicity (57% non-White). Sex under the influence, having multiple partners, and having unprotected sex were common behaviors, and pregnancy (20%) and sexually transmitted infection (12%) were common outcomes. Risk behaviors were associated with age, alcohol abuse, and older partners. Results support the need for further research to understand how these factors contribute to risk in order to target risk reduction programs for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Herrick
- Amy Herrick, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Sandfort TGM, Baumann LRM, Matebeni Z, Reddy V, Southey-Swartz I. Forced sexual experiences as risk factor for self-reported HIV infection among southern African lesbian and bisexual women. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53552. [PMID: 23326452 PMCID: PMC3541146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though women who have sex with women are usually understood to be at no or very low risk for HIV infection, we explored whether lesbian and bisexual women in a geographical area with high HIV prevalence (Southern Africa) get tested for HIV and whether, among those women who get tested, there are women who live with HIV/AIDS. The study was conducted in collaboration with community-based organizations in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Data were collected via written surveys of women who in the preceding year had had sex with a woman (18 years and older; N = 591). Most participating women identified as lesbian and black. Almost half of the women (47.2%) reported ever having had consensual heterosexual sex. Engagement in transactional sex (lifetime) was reported by 18.6% of all women. Forced sex by men or women was reported by 31.1% of all women. A large proportion of the women reported to ever have been tested for HIV (78.3%); number of lifetime female and male partners was independently associated with having been tested; women who had engaged in transactional sex with women only or with women and men were less likely to have been tested. Self-reported HIV prevalence among tested women who knew their serostatus was 9.6%. Besides age, the sole independent predictor of a positive serostatus was having experienced forced sex by men, by women, or by both men and women. Study findings indicate that despite the image of invulnerability, HIV/AIDS is a reality for lesbian and bisexual women in Southern Africa. Surprisingly, it is not sex with men per se, but rather forced sex that is the important risk factor for self-reported HIV infection among the participating women. HIV/AIDS policy should also address the needs of lesbian, bisexual and other women who have sex with women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo G M Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America.
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