Australian lesbian and bisexual women's health and social experiences of living with hepatitis C.
We recruited women in two Australian locations to complete a questionnaire on their health and social experiences of living with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Among 462 respondents 9% identified themselves as lesbian and 14% as bisexual. Bisexuals were more disadvantaged than lesbians or heterosexuals on income, work status, home ownership, and level of education. Lesbians and bisexuals were less likely to be referred for HCV treatment and were more likely to report being treated negatively by any health professional. Lesbians and bisexuals experience HCV differently from one another and from heterosexuals. Their needs are not being met by women's health and HCV-specific services.
Banwell
Cathy
C
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. cathy.banwell@anu.edu.au
Bammer
Gabriele
G
Gifford
Sandra M
SM
O'Brien
Mary L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology