Heterogeneity of health disparities among African American, Hispanic, and Asian American women: unrecognized influences of sexual orientation.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared health indicators among self-identified lesbians/bisexual women and heterosexual women residing in Los Angeles County.


METHODS
Respondents were English-speaking Hispanic, African American, and Asian American women. Health status, behavioral risks, access barriers, and indicators of health care were assessed.


RESULTS
Prevalence rates of chronic health conditions were similar among women in the 3 racial/ethnic groups. However, lesbians and bisexual women evidenced higher behavioral risks and lower rates of preventive care than heterosexual women.


CONCLUSIONS
Among racial/ethnic minority women, minority sexual orientation is associated with increased health risks. The effects of sexual minority status need to be considered in addressing health disparities affecting this population.
Mays
Vickie M
VM
Department of Psychology, University of California-Los Angeles, 1285 Franz Hall, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA. mays@ucla.edu
Yancey
Antronette K
AK
Cochran
Susan D
SD
Weber
Mark
M
Fielding
Jonathan E
JE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001213:Asian / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000208:ethnology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000145:classification / Q000208:ethnology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016387:Women's Health