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 15-44 years
(N = ... read more11,300), 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 3 years, 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 3 years (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.read less
Agénor, M., Muzny, C. A., Schick, V., Austin, E. L., & Potter, J. (2017). Sexual orientation and sexual health services utilization among women in the United States. Preventive Medicine, 95, 74-81. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.11.023.