title: Perceived health concerns among sexual minority women in Mumbai, India: an exploratory qualitative study.
abstract: The experiences of sexual minority women (i.e., women who do not identify as 'heterosexual') in India have largely been absent in scientific literature. In partnership with India's oldest and largest sexual and gender minority-advocacy organisation, the Humsafar Trust, our study used community-based participatory research principles to explore the lived experiences and health concerns of sexual minority women in Mumbai. Study methodologies included interviews with key informants, a focus group comprised of six women, and an additional 12 in-person interviews with sexual minority women to identify important physical, mental, social and other health priorities from these women's perspectives. Thematic data are organised within the framework offered by the social ecological model, including individual, interpersonal, micro and macro levels. Findings from this study are important in providing the groundwork for future research and intervention involving sexual minority women in India, a dramatically underserved population.
authors.affiliation: a Center for Sexual Health Promotion , Indiana University , Bloomington, USA.
authors.forename: Jessamyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bowling
authors.affiliation: a Center for Sexual Health Promotion , Indiana University , Bloomington, USA.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dodge
authors.affiliation: b Public Health Program , Baldwin Wallace University , Berea, USA.
authors.forename: Swagata
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Banik
authors.affiliation: a Center for Sexual Health Promotion , Indiana University , Bloomington, USA.
authors.forename: Israel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.affiliation: c The Humsafar Trust , Mumbai , India.
authors.forename: Shruta Rawat
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Mengele
authors.affiliation: a Center for Sexual Health Promotion , Indiana University , Bloomington, USA.
authors.forename: Debby
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Herbenick
authors.affiliation: a Center for Sexual Health Promotion , Indiana University , Bloomington, USA.
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guerra-Reyes
authors.affiliation: d The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction , Indiana University , Indiana , USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.affiliation: c The Humsafar Trust , Mumbai , India.
authors.forename: Alpana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dange
authors.affiliation: c The Humsafar Trust , Mumbai , India.
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Anand
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support
keywords: India; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender; bisexuality; community health; women