Perception of HIV and safer sexual behaviors among lesbians.
There is little data on female-to-female transmission of HIV. Some women who have sex with women (WSW) have other high-risk behaviors that could lead to HIV infection. The belief that WSW are at no risk may lead to unsafe sexual practices. In this study, a convenience sample of 78 women was surveyed in order to explore the perception of HIV risk among lesbians, their sexual behaviors, and their sources of information about safer sex. Fifty-three percent reported they were at low risk for contracting HIV. Women reported knowledge of barrier methods (89% to 99%) and no sex during menstruation (92%). However, 35% to 40% reported no knowledge of less common safer sex practices. Women reported their source of knowledge as media (36%), workshops (22%), and friends (12%). Eighty-five percent stated that their health care provider knew they were lesbian, but only 15% reported receiving safer sex education. Nurses and nurse practitioners are aptly poised to provide critical HIV education and health care for this population.
Fishman
Seja Joyce
SJ
AIDS Program, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA.
Anderson
Elizabeth H
EH
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D019111:Single-Use Internal Condom; D003237:Connecticut; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012736:Sex Education; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012945:Social Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires