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Spencer JC, Charlton BM, Pretsch PK, Schnarrs PW, Spees LP, Hudgens MG, Barclay L, Wheeler SB, Brewer NT, Smith JS. Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening by Sexual Orientation Among Low-Income Women in North Carolina. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1645-1652. [PMID: 38627295 PMCID: PMC11106100 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02844-2] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
We sought to examine cervical cancer screening barriers by sexual orientation among low-income women in North Carolina. The MyBodyMyTest-3 Trial recruited low-income women (< 250% of federal poverty level) aged 25-64 years who were 1+ year overdue for cervical cancer screening. We compared perceptions of cervical cancer screening among those who self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (LGBQ; n = 70) to straight/heterosexual women (n = 683). For both LGBQ and straight respondents, the greatest barriers to screening were lack of health insurance (63% and 66%) and cost (49% and 50%). LGBQ respondents were more likely than straight respondents to report forgetting to screen (16% vs. 8%, p = .05), transportation barriers (10% vs. 2%, p = .001), and competing mental or physical health problems (39% vs. 27%, p = .10). Addressing access remains important for improving cervical cancer screening among those under-screened. For LGBQ women, additional attention may be needed for reminders, co-occurring health needs, and transportation barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Spencer
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St., Bldg. A, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Brittany M Charlton
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peyton K Pretsch
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Phillip W Schnarrs
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St., Bldg. A, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Lisa P Spees
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael G Hudgens
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lynn Barclay
- American Sexual Health Association, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Noel T Brewer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer S Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Soled KRS, Hoatson T, Monseur B, Everett B, Chakraborty P, Reynolds CA, Huang AK, McKetta S, Haneuse S, Charlton BM. Differences in medically assisted reproduction use by sexual identity and partnership: a prospective cohort of cisgender women. Hum Reprod 2024:deae077. [PMID: 38689464 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae077] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does medically assisted reproduction (MAR) use among cisgender women differ among those with same-sex partners or lesbian/bisexual identities compared to peers with different-sex partners or heterosexual identities? SUMMARY ANSWER Women with same-sex partners or lesbian/bisexual identities are more likely to utilize any MAR but are no more likely to use ART (i.e. IVF, reciprocal IVF, embryo transfer, unspecified ART, ICSI, and gamete or zygote intrafallopian transfer) compared to non-ART MAR (i.e. IUI, ovulation induction, and intravaginal or intracervical insemination) than their different-sex partnered and completely heterosexual peers. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sexual minority women (SMW) form families in myriad ways, including through fostering, adoption, genetic, and/or biological routes. Emerging evidence suggests this population increasingly wants to form genetic and/or biological families, yet little is known about their family formation processes and conception needs. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The Growing Up Today Study is a US-based prospective cohort (n = 27 805). Participants were 9-17 years of age at enrollment (1996 and 2004). Biennial follow-up is ongoing, with data collected through 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Cisgender women who met the following criteria were included in this sample: endorsed ever being pregnant; attempted a pregnancy in 2019 or 2021; and endorsed either a male- or female-sex partner OR responded to questions regarding their sexual identity during their conception window. The main outcome was any MAR use including ART (i.e. procedures involving micromanipulation of gametes) and non-ART MAR (i.e. nonmanipulation of gametes). Secondary outcomes included specific MAR procedures, time to conception, and trends across time. We assessed differences in any MAR use using weighted modified Poisson generalized estimating equations. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among 3519 participants, there were 6935 pregnancies/pregnancy attempts and 19.4% involved MAR. A total of 47 pregnancies or pregnancy attempts were among the same-sex partnered participants, while 91 were among bisexual participants and 37 among lesbian participants. Participants with same-sex, compared to different-sex partners were almost five times as likely to use MAR (risk ratio [95% CI]: 4.78 [4.06, 5.61]). Compared to completely heterosexual participants, there was greater MAR use among lesbian (4.00 [3.10, 5.16]) and bisexual (2.22 [1.60, 3.07]) participants compared to no MAR use; mostly heterosexual participants were also more likely to use ART (1.42 [1.11, 1.82]) compared to non-ART MAR. Among first pregnancies conceived using MAR, conception pathways differed by partnership and sexual identity groups; differences were largest for IUI, intravaginal insemination, and timed intercourse with ovulation induction. From 2002 to 2021, MAR use increased proportionally to total pregnancies/pregnancy attempts; ART use was increasingly common in later years among same-sex partnered and lesbian participants. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our results are limited by the small number of SMW, the homogenous sample of mostly White, educated participants, the potential misclassification of MAR use when creating conception pathways unique to SMW, and the questionnaire's skip logic, which excluded certain participants from receiving MAR questions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Previous studies on SMW family formation have primarily focused on clinical outcomes from ART procedures and perinatal outcomes by conception method, and have been almost exclusively limited to European, clinical samples that relied on partnership data only. Despite the small sample of SMW within a nonrepresentative study, this is the first study to our knowledge to use a nonclinical sample of cisgender women from across the USA to elucidate family formation pathways by partnership as well as sexual identity, including pathways that may be unique to SMW. This was made possible by our innovative approach to MAR categorization within a large, prospective dataset that collected detailed sexual orientation data. Specifically, lesbian, bisexual, and same-sex partnered participants used both ART and non-ART MAR at similar frequencies compared to heterosexual and different-sex partnered participants. This may signal differential access to conception pathways owing to structural barriers, emerging conception trends as family formation among SMW has increased, and a need for conception support beyond specialized providers and fertility clinics. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under award number R01MD015256. Additionally, KRSS is supported by NCI grant T32CA009001, AKH by the NCI T32CA057711, PC by the NHLBI T32HL098048, BM by the Stanford Maternal Child Health Research Institute Clinical Trainee Support Grant and the Diversity Fellowship from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Research Institute, BGE by NICHD R01HD091405, and SM by the Thomas O. Pyle Fellowship through the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Harvard University, NHLBI T32HL098048, NIMH R01MH112384, and the William T. Grant Foundation grant number 187958. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. The first author recently had a leadership role in the not-for-profit program, The Lesbian Health Fund, a research fund focused on improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ women and girls. The fund did not have any role in this study and the author's relationship with the fund did not bias the findings of this manuscript. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodiak R S Soled
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tabor Hoatson
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brent Monseur
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Bethany Everett
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Payal Chakraborty
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Colleen A Reynolds
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aimee K Huang
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah McKetta
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittany M Charlton
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Hsieh N. Unpacking Intersectional Inequities in Flu Vaccination by Sexuality, Gender, and Race-Ethnicity in the United States. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 65:38-59. [PMID: 37776198 PMCID: PMC10922600 DOI: 10.1177/00221465231199276] [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] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Health care research has long overlooked the intersection of multiple social inequalities. This study examines influenza vaccination inequities at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and race-ethnicity. Using data from the 2013 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey (N = 166,908), the study shows that sexual, gender, and racial-ethnic identities jointly shaped flu vaccination. Specifically, White gay men had the highest vaccination rate (56%), while Black bisexual women had the lowest rate (23%). Across Black, Hispanic, and White individuals, sexual minority women had lower vaccination rates than heterosexual women, but sexual minority men had higher or similar vaccination rates than heterosexual men. Economic enabling, noneconomic enabling, and need-based factors together explained a substantial portion of these gaps. However, they cannot explain all the disadvantages faced by Black lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women and Black heterosexual men. Findings offer new evidence of hidden health care inequities and inform health policies from an intersectional perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Hsieh
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Tordoff DM, Moseson H, Ragosta S, Hastings J, Flentje A, Capriotti MR, Lubensky ME, Lunn MR, Obedin-Maliver J. Family building and pregnancy experiences of cisgender sexual minority women. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100298. [PMID: 38269079 PMCID: PMC10806344 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although 10% to 20% of cisgender women aged 18 to 40 years have a sexual minority identity (eg, bisexual, lesbian, and queer), there is limited research on the family building and pregnancy experiences of sexual minority cisgender women. Improving our understanding of the family building and pregnancy experiences of cisgender sexual minority women is critical for improving the perinatal health of this population. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the mode of family building, past pregnancy experiences, and future pregnancy intentions among cisgender sexual minority women by sexual orientation. STUDY DESIGN This is an observational study which was conducted using cross-sectional data collected in 2019 from a national sample of 1369 cisgender sexual minority women aged 18 to 45 years. RESULTS Most participants (n=794, 58%) endorsed multiple sexual orientations, most commonly queer (n=641, 47%), lesbian (n=640, 47%), and/or bisexual (n=583, 43%). There were 243 (18%) cisgender sexual minority women who were parents. Pregnancy was used by 74% (181/243) of women to build their families. Among participants who used pregnancy, 60% (108/181) became pregnant through sexual activity with another parent of the child, whereas 27% (64/243) of women used donor sperm. An additional 10% (n=24) became parents through second-parent adoption, 10% (n=25) through adoption, and 14% (n=35) through step-parenting. Bisexual women more often used sexual activity to become parents (61/100, 61%) compared with queer (40/89, 45%) and lesbian women (40/130, 31%). In contrast, lesbian (50/130, 39%) and queer (25/89, 27%) women more often used donor sperm to become parents compared with bisexual women (11/100, 11%). Among the 266 (19%) cisgender sexual minority women who had ever been pregnant, there were 545 pregnancies (mean, 2.05 pregnancies per woman). Among those pregnancies, 59% (n=327) resulted in live birth, 23% (n=126) resulted in miscarriage, 15% (n=83) resulted in abortion, and 2% (n=9) resulted in ectopic pregnancy. A quarter of women had future pregnancy intentions, with no differences by sexual orientation. Overall, few participants (16%) reported that all of their healthcare providers were aware of their sexual orientation. CONCLUSION Cisgender sexual minority women primarily built their families through pregnancy and a quarter have future pregnancy desires. In addition, there were important differences in family building methods used by sexual orientation. Providers should be aware of the pregnancy and family-building patterns, plans, and needs of cisgender sexual minority women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Tordoff
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA (Drs Tordoff, Lunn, and Obedin-Maliver)
| | - Heidi Moseson
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Oakland, CA (Dr Moseson and Mx. Ragosta)
| | - Sachiko Ragosta
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Oakland, CA (Dr Moseson and Mx. Ragosta)
| | - Jen Hastings
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Drs Hastings, Flentje, and Lubensky)
| | - Annesa Flentje
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Drs Hastings, Flentje, and Lubensky)
| | - Matthew R. Capriotti
- Department of Psychology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA (Dr Capriotti)
| | - Micah E. Lubensky
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Drs Hastings, Flentje, and Lubensky)
| | - Mitchell R. Lunn
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA (Drs Tordoff, Lunn, and Obedin-Maliver)
| | - Juno Obedin-Maliver
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA (Drs Tordoff, Lunn, and Obedin-Maliver)
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5
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Walser SA, Costigan H, Stuckey HL, Berg A, Stephens MB. The Opaque Language of Sexuality: Medical Students' and Providers' Beliefs About Virginity. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2619-2638. [PMID: 37039944 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02578-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Although virginity is not a medical term and is instead socially constructed, it remains unknown what medical providers believe about the biological basis of virginity. This study explored providers' and medical students' beliefs about virginity and the potential impact of such beliefs on healthcare. This was a concurrent mixed-method survey study of 124 medical students and 216 healthcare providers (Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Medicine) at Penn State Health and The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. Participants rated their level of agreement with common misconceptions about virginity on a six-point Likert scale. Open-ended questions gave respondents the opportunity to define virginity and to describe terms like virgin and virginal in the context of sexual experience and the medical lexicon. We identified common themes in the qualitative data using thematic analysis. Frequencies of misconceptions and statistically significant demographic associations were identified in the quantitative data. Definitions of virginity were varied and vague, most with negative connotations. A majority of respondents said that virginity has no biological basis. Many participants identified downsides to use of terms like virgin, virginity, and virginal in medicine. The most prevalent misconceptions about virginity were related to the hymen. Seventeen percent of students and 26% of providers at least somewhat agreed that it was possible to determine whether a person has engaged in vaginal intercourse through a gynecological exam. Misconceptions about virginity persist in medicine and bias, even if unintended, may impact the quality-of-care people with vaginas receive. Language around sexual health should be specific, inclusive, clinically relevant, and free from judgment. Medical education must continue to work to eliminate the concept of a biological basis to virginity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Walser
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, University Park Regional Campus, 1850 East Park Ave., State College, PA, 16801, USA.
| | - Heather Costigan
- Department of Humanities and Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Heather L Stuckey
- Department of Humanities and Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Arthur Berg
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mark B Stephens
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, University Park Regional Campus, State College, PA, USA
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Magana K, Strand L, Love M, Moore T, Peña A, Ito Ford A, Vassar M. Health inequities in human papillomavirus prevention, diagnostics and clinical care in the USA: a scoping review. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:128-136. [PMID: 36396174 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055587] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents the most common STI in the USA. HPV inequities in prevention, diagnostics and clinical care persist. We define inequities as systematic, avoidable and unfair differences in health outcomes. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this scoping review are to chart existing data on HPV-related inequities, identify gaps in existing literature and guide future research to reduce these inequities. METHODS We completed a scoping review following guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses scoping reviews extension. We performed a literature search on PubMed and Ovid Embase in July 2022 for articles pertaining to HPV and evaluating populations within the USA. We included English language publications from 2018 to 2022 evaluating at least one health inequity outlined by the National Institutes of Health. General publication characteristics and health inequity data were charted in a masked, duplicate fashion using a pilot-tested Google Form. We analysed frequencies of health inequities and summarised main findings from included studies. RESULTS Our final sample included 170 publications. The most common inequities examined were race/ethnicity (140 studies), sex or gender (97 studies), and income (69 studies). Many historically marginalised racial/ethnic groups had lower rates of HPV-related knowledge, vaccination and worse overall outcomes related to HPV. Compared with women, men had lower rates of HPV vaccination and provider recommendation, and higher rates of HPV-infection. Results regarding income were largely conflicting. CONCLUSION Findings from our review demonstrate clear gaps in HPV-related inequity research. Vaccine completion, provider recommendation and intersectionality should continue to be evaluated to implement targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Magana
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura Strand
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Mitchell Love
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Ty Moore
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Andriana Peña
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Alicia Ito Ford
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Matt Vassar
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
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7
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Supporting Reproductive Care for Patients Requiring Solid Organ Transplant. Nurs Womens Health 2023; 27:53-64. [PMID: 36567068 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
After a solid organ transplant, individuals have the capability to maintain a successful pregnancy. However, many posttransplant pregnancies are unintended, thereby posing risks to health. There is a critical need to strengthen patient education regarding safe approaches to conception, general reproductive health, and childbearing capabilities. The complex needs of patients after transplant, including management of graft health and medication regimens, may distract from the usual reproductive care offered to other individuals of childbearing potential. Thorough education about immunosuppressant medications, contraceptive methods, and expected waiting periods before conceiving are essential. Nurses can work with each individual and direct the interprofessional health care team to provide effective, safe, comprehensive, and inclusive reproductive care to patients posttransplant.
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8
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Scott SB, Knopp K, Yang JP, Do QA, Gaska KA. Sexual Minority Women, Health Care Discrimination, and Poor Health Outcomes: A Mediation Model Through Delayed Care. LGBT Health 2022; 10:202-210. [PMID: 36521166 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Sexual minority (SM) women are a heterogeneous group who commonly report negative health care experiences at the intersection of their diverse sexual orientations and racial/ethnic identities. However, scarce research has evaluated how negative health care experiences may affect health outcomes among this population. Informed by the Health Equity Promotion Model for SM health, this study evaluated mediation models in which delayed care mediated the association between provider discrimination and poor health outcomes in SM women. Sexual orientation (plurisexual or monosexual) and race/ethnicity (women of color or White) were evaluated as moderators of the direct and indirect pathways. Methods: The sample included SM women (N = 1530) from the nationally representative Association of American Medical Colleges biannual Consumer Survey of Healthcare Access (2010-2020). Mediation models were conducted with lavaan structural equation modeling software. Results: Reported discrimination from a health care provider was associated with higher physical and emotional impairment, and these associations were partially mediated through delayed care. Sexual orientation and race/ethnicity also moderated several indirect and direct pathways. Conclusion: Results provide evidence of delayed care as a possible mediation pathway between provider discrimination and worse health in SM women and that the strength of these associations may vary by sexual orientation and race/ethnicity. Results indicate a need for policy change and clinical trainings to reduce the harm of provider discrimination on SM women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby B. Scott
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kayla Knopp
- Advanced Fellowship for Women's Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joyce P. Yang
- Department of Psychology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Quyen A. Do
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Karie A. Gaska
- Department of Clinical Foundations, Ross University School of Medicine, St. Michael, Barbados
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9
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Kahn J, Washington C, Ding L, Wyllie T, Rosen B, Gorbach P. Partner-Level and Sexual Networking Factors Are Associated With Vaccine-Type and Nonvaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus Infection After Vaccine Introduction in Young Women. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:429-436. [PMID: 35093984 PMCID: PMC9133057 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine individual-level, partner-level, and sexual networking factors associated with vaccine- and non-vaccine-type human papillomavirus (HPV) in young women, by vaccination status. METHODS Sexually experienced women 13 to 26 years old (n = 784) completed a survey and were tested for 36 HPV genotypes. We determined factors associated with 4-valent vaccine-type HPV (HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, HPV-18) and non-vaccine-type HPV among vaccinated and unvaccinated women, using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS Participants' mean age was 19.2 years, 77.7% had received ≥1 vaccine dose, and 7.7% were positive for vaccine-type HPV (HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and/or HPV-18). Factors associated with vaccine-type HPV in vaccinated women included gonorrhea history (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.71), new female sex partner(s) (AOR, 4.79), age at vaccination (≥15 vs. <15 years; AOR, 2.47), and age discordance with most recent partner (don't know vs. discordant; AOR, 9.17). Factors associated with non-vaccine-type HPV in vaccinated women included history of sexually transmitted infection (AOR, 2.69), male most recent partner (AOR, 2.85), age of first sex (AOR, 1.15), and partner concurrency (don't know vs. 1 other partner; AOR, 2.03). Factors associated with vaccine-type HPV in unvaccinated women included new female sex partner(s) (AOR, 7.45) and partner concurrency (don't know vs. no; AOR, 2.95). Factors associated with non-vaccine-type HPV in unvaccinated women included race (White vs. multiracial; AOR, 4.10) and partner concurrency (don't know vs. 0; AOR, 4.65). CONCLUSIONS Novel findings of this study, including associations between female sex partners and HPV, and between not knowing about partner concurrency and HPV, have implications for sexual education, clinical counseling, and public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S
| | | | - Lili Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S
| | - Tornia Wyllie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S
| | - Brittany Rosen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S
| | - Pamina Gorbach
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health & Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, U.S
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10
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Zubizarreta D, Beccia AL, Trinh MH, Reynolds CA, Reisner SL, Charlton BM. Human papillomavirus vaccination disparities among U.S. college students: An intersectional Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA). Soc Sci Med 2022; 301:114871. [PMID: 35344774 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated how gender identity, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity intersect to shape the social epidemiology of HPV vaccination initiation among U.S. college students. Cross-sectional survey data were from the National College Health Assessment (Fall, 2019-Spring, 2020; N = 65,047). We conducted an intersectional Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy by nesting participants within 36 social strata defined using gender identity, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity. Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models with random intercepts for social strata were fit for HPV vaccination initiation. Intersectional models adjusted for the additive main effects to isolate intersectional interactions, controlling for age and geographic region. Social strata that included cisgender men, transgender women, and non-binary assigned-male-at-birth individuals and strata that included racial/ethnic minorities had a significantly lower likelihood of HPV vaccination initiation relative to strata including cisgender women and non-Hispanic White individuals, respectively, while strata including lesbian/gay and bisexual/pansexual/queer individuals had a significantly higher likelihood of HPV vaccination initiation relative to strata including heterosexual individuals. We also observed substantial between-stratum inequities in the predicted prevalence of HPV vaccination initiation, with estimates ranging from 59.2% for heterosexual, racial/ethnic minority, cisgender men to 87.1% for bisexual/pansexual/queer, racial/ethnic minority, non-binary assigned-female-at-birth individuals. That being said, the majority of the observed between-stratum variance was driven by additive rather than intersectional interaction effects and the discriminatory accuracy of intersectional stratification with respect to predicting HPV vaccination initiation was low. Collectively, our findings point to a need for more universal guidelines and clinician recommendations that promote HPV vaccine uptake for all adolescents, regardless of race/ethnicity, gender identity, sex-assigned-at-birth, or sexual orientation; however, utilizing an intersectional lens will ensure that resulting public health interventions address inequities and center the needs and experiences of multiply marginalized adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dougie Zubizarreta
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ariel L Beccia
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Mai-Han Trinh
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Colleen A Reynolds
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittany M Charlton
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Kaniuka AR, Job SA, Brooks BD, Guo Y, Bowling J. Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Initiation and Completion Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority U.S. Adults. LGBT Health 2022; 9:177-185. [PMID: 35180364 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The current study examined the relationship between sexual orientation and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status (no vaccination vs. vaccination initiation [one to two doses] or completion [three or more doses]) among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods: Pooled Integrated Public Use Microdata Series-National Health Interview Survey data from 2013 to 2017 were used. The analysis sample (N = 35,266) reported on HPV vaccination status, sexual orientation, and demographic covariates. Multinomial logistic regression, stratified by sex, was conducted to assess the relationship between sexual orientation and HPV vaccination status. Results: Most of the sample (80.37%) had not received any HPV vaccination dose, and only ∼10% reported vaccine completion (three or more doses). After adjusting for demographic covariates, gay and bisexual males were more likely than heterosexual males to initiate (gay: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.67-3.62; bisexual: AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.28-4.12) and complete (gay: AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.45-4.65; bisexual: AOR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.56-6.55) HPV vaccination. Bisexual females were more likely than heterosexual females to initiate (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.55-2.54) and complete (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.23-1.86) HPV vaccination. Females of another sexual orientation were less likely than heterosexual females to complete HPV vaccination (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.26-0.92). Conclusions: HPV vaccination remains low across sexual orientation groups. Sexual minority status may be a promotive factor in HPV vaccination for specific subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R Kaniuka
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah A Job
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Byron D Brooks
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yuqi Guo
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.,School of Data Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessamyn Bowling
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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12
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Tabaac AR, Sutter ME, Haneuse S, Agénor M, Bryn Austin S, Guss CE, Charlton BM. The interaction of sexual orientation and provider-patient communication on sexual and reproductive health in a sample of U.S. women of diverse sexual orientations. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:466-473. [PMID: 34023174 PMCID: PMC8594287 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our goal was to examine associations among provider-patient communication, past-year contraceptive use and lifetime sexually transmitted infection. METHODS Data were analyzed cross-sectionally from 22,554 women in the Growing Up Today Study and Nurses' Health Study 3 between the follow-up period of 1996-2020. We used multivariable Poisson regression models adjusted for race/ethnicity, age in years, study cohort, and region of residence to obtain risk ratio (RR) associations and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Provider-patient communication was associated with higher likelihood of using all methods of past-year contraceptive use (RRs ranging from 1.11 to 1.63) and lifetime STI diagnosis (RRs ranging from 1.18 to 1.96). Completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners (referent) were 13% more likely than lesbians and 4% less likely than other groups to report a provider ever discussed their SRH. Significant interactions emerged between sexual minority status and provider-patient communication. Sexual minority women whose providers discussed their SRH were less likely to report contraceptive non-use in the past year (p < .0001). CONCLUSION Provider-patient communication may benefit sexual minority women's contraceptive practices and engagement with STI testing. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Differences in provider-patient SRH discussion by sexual orientation indicate lesbian women are not receiving the same attention in clinical encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella R Tabaac
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Megan E Sutter
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Madina Agénor
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA; Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Carly E Guss
- Division of Adolescent/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/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Baker AM, Jahn JL, Tan AS, Katz-Wise SL, Viswanath K, Bishop RA, Agénor M. Sexual Health Information Sources, Needs, and Preferences of Young Adult Sexual Minority Cisgender Women and Non-Binary Individuals Assigned Female at Birth. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2021; 18:775-787. [PMID: 34484461 PMCID: PMC8414874 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-020-00501-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adult sexual minority women (SMW) have unique sexual health needs and higher rates of some poor sexual health outcomes compared to their heterosexual peers. Unequal access to relevant sexual health information may contribute to sexual orientation disparities in sexual health among women, but research on sexual health communication among SMW is sparse. METHODS In-depth interviews conducted in 2016-2017 investigated sexual health communication in a sample of 29 racially/ethnically diverse cisgender women and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth who were between 19 and 36 years of age and identified as a sexual minority. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach that involved inductive and deductive coding to identify themes. RESULTS Three broad themes were identified: 1) sources of sexual health information; 2) sexual health information needs; and 3) preferences for sexual health information delivery. Participants discussed and critiqued the Internet, other mass media, health care providers, school-based sex education, family, and peers/partners as sources of sexual health information. Participants expressed a need for customized, non-heteronormative information pertaining to sexually transmitted infection risk and prevention. They preferred receiving information from health care providers, the Internet, and other mass media, and some also suggested school-based sex education and peer education as methods for delivering information. CONCLUSIONS Participants expressed clear desires for relevant, high-quality sexual health information delivered through a variety of channels, especially the Internet, other mass media, and health care providers. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Findings call for policies that improve provision of sexual health information through health care providers, online resources, and school-based sex education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M. Baker
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaquelyn L. Jahn
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andy S.L. Tan
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sabra L. Katz-Wise
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kasisomayajula Viswanath
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel A. Bishop
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Executive Office of Health & Human Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madina Agénor
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Tabaac AR, Haneuse S, Johns M, Tan AS, Austin SB, Potter J, Lindberg L, Charlton BM. Sexual and reproductive health information: Disparities across sexual orientation groups in two cohorts of U.S. women. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2021; 18:612-620. [PMID: 34484460 PMCID: PMC8414943 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-020-00485-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Limited research exists about how receiving/seeking sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information differs by sexual orientation. Our goal was to identify how sources and topics of SRH information differed by sexual orientation during adolescence in a sample of U.S. women. METHODS A sample of 8,541 U.S. women ages 22-35 years from two cohorts of the Growing Up Today Study completed a 2016 questionnaire measure about receiving/seeking SRH information before age 18 years. Adjusted log-linear models assessed differences in SRH information topics and sources by reported sexual orientation (completely heterosexual with no same-sex partners [reference]; completely heterosexual with same-sex partners; mostly heterosexual; bisexual; lesbian). RESULTS Compared to the referent, most sexual minority subgroups were more likely to receive/seek information from peers, media, and other sources (e.g., community centers). With the exception of lesbians, sexual minority subgroups were more likely to receive/seek information about contraception, and mostly heterosexual and bisexual women were more likely to receive information about sexually transmitted infections. Conclusions: Findings indicate women of diverse sexual orientations need access to SRH information from sources like schools, peers, and media. Sexual minority women receive/seek information about many SRH topics, which indicates that opportunities to tailor educational resources within and outside of schools are needed so SRH benefits to these populations are maximized. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Specifying sexual minority-sensitive educational materials in sex education policy can meet information needs and aid sexual minority women in making informed sexual health decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella R. Tabaac
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Center for Gender Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Michelle Johns
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Andy S.L. Tan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Population Sciences Division, Center for Community Based Research, Boston, MA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - S. Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer Potter
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Fenway Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Brittany M. Charlton
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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15
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Variation in diet quality across sexual orientation in a cohort of U.S. women. Cancer Causes Control 2021; 32:645-651. [PMID: 33846853 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-021-01418-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Extensive prior research has shown that sexual minority women are more likely to have a number of cancer risk factors, thereby putting them at higher risk for cancer than heterosexual women. However, there has been little research evaluating the association between sexual orientation and diet quality. METHOD Data come from participants (aged 24-54 years) enrolled in Nurses' Health Study 3, an ongoing, U.S.-based cohort study (N = 15,941). We measured diet using recommendations from the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and American Health Association (AHA) 2020 Strategic Impact Goals. RESULTS We found limited evidence of differences across diet quality by sexual orientation. When examining predicted DASH scores, mostly heterosexual [predicted mean score (95% confidence interval), 24.0 (23.8, 24.3)] and lesbian [24.3 (23.8, 24.9)] women had healthier predicted DASH scores than the reference group of completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners [23.6 (23.5, 23.7)]. Even though certain sexual minority women had overall healthier predict DASH scores, their consumption of certain food groups-low-fat dairy and fruit-was lower than completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners. When measuring AHA scores, most sexual minority groups (completely heterosexual women with same-sex partners, mostly heterosexual women, and lesbian women) had higher diet quality compared to the reference group of completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners. CONCLUSION Sexual minority women, particularly mostly heterosexual women and lesbian women, had healthier diet quality than completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners. These data suggest that cancer risk factors (e.g., smoking, drinking, and inactivity) other than diet would drive higher cancer rates among sexual minority compared to heterosexual women. Nonetheless, it is critical for all women to improve their diet quality since diet quality was poor among participants of all sexual orientations.
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Cafferty R, Desai B, Alfath Z, Davey C, Schneider K. Adolescent Pride Festival Attendees-Assessing Their Interactions With Primary Care Physicians. J Adolesc Health 2020; 66:666-671. [PMID: 31983512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.11.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pride festivals celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community. This study aimed to describe adolescent Pride festival attendees, determine rates of accessing health care via their primary care physician (PCP), and assess if providers are discussing sex and offering screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to these adolescents. METHODS Adolescents, aged 13-17 years, attending the 2017 Minnesota Pride Festival were invited to complete an 18-question survey regarding gender identity, sexual orientation, access to a physician the preceding year, and whether sexual activity was discussed and/or STI screening provided at these encounters. RESULTS A total of 490 surveys were evaluated. Sixty-nine percent of respondents identified as having nonheterosexual orientation. Rural participants were significantly more likely to identify as LGBT than urban or suburban participants. The majority (90%) of adolescents had been seen in the past year by a physician. Of these, 68% had been asked a sexual history, and 29% were offered STI testing. Older adolescents were more likely to be asked about sex and offered STI testing by a physician. Identifying as LGBT was not associated with rate of sexual history taken or STI screening offered but was associated with perceived need for STI testing. CONCLUSIONS LGBT youth attending Minnesota Pride are accessing a PCP with the same regularity as cisgender, heterosexual peers but are infrequently offered STI testing, despite knowledge of increased STI rates in this population. Taking a sexual history and screening for STIs is something all physicians can do and represents an important first step in any STI reduction initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Cafferty
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
| | - Brinda Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Zineb Alfath
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Cynthia Davey
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kari Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Sexual Orientation Differences in Cervical Cancer Prevention among a Cohort of U.S. Women. Womens Health Issues 2020; 30:306-312. [PMID: 32249004 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although much has been published in recent years on differences in Papanicolaou (Pap) tests across sexual orientation, other aspects of cervical cancer prevention remain underexplored, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, HPV co-tests, or abnormal Pap tests. METHODS Data came from participants (aged 24-54 years) enrolled in an ongoing, longitudinal, U.S.-based cohort study, the Nurses' Health Study 3 (N = 12,175). Analyses were restricted to participants who met the current guidelines for care (e.g., ≥21 years of age for Pap tests). RESULTS Mostly heterosexual women were more likely to initiate HPV vaccination than completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners. All other comparisons across sexual orientation for HPV vaccination initiation and completion and the age of initiation were not statistically significant. Compared with completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners, mostly heterosexual and lesbian women had lower odds of having a Pap test within the past 2 years. Completely heterosexual women with same-sex partners, mostly heterosexual women, and bisexual women had their first Pap test at an earlier age, had higher odds of having an HPV co-test, and had higher odds of having a positive HPV or abnormal Pap test compared with completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners. In contrast, lesbian women had lower odds of having positive HPV or abnormal Pap results (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.86) than completely heterosexual women with no same-sex partners. CONCLUSIONS There are significant differences across sexual orientation groups in cervical cancer prevention for Pap test timing and positive HPV and abnormal Pap tests, but few differences in HPV vaccination initiation, completion, and age at initiation. Interventions should focus on increasing routine Pap testing among mostly heterosexual and lesbian women.
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18
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Bosse JD. Sexual and Gender Identity Development in Young Adults and Implications for Healthcare. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-019-00215-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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