Perceptions of susceptibility to pregnancy among U.S. women obtaining abortions

More than half (52%) of unintended pregnancies in the United States (U.S.) occur among the 10.7% of women using no contraceptive method. We interviewed a sample of women obtaining abortions in the U.S. in 2008 (n = 49) and explored their attitudes toward and beliefs about their risk of pregnancy. We found that most respondents perceived themselves to have a low likelihood of becoming pregnant at the time that the index pregnancy occurred. Respondents' reasons for this perceived low likelihood fell into four categories: perceived invulnerability to pregnancy without contraceptive use, perceptions of subfecundity, self-described inattention to the possibility of conception and perceived protection from their current use of contraception (although the majority in this subgroup were using contraception inconsistently or incorrectly). About half of the women discussed more than one reason when explaining why they perceived themselves to have a low risk of pregnancy at that time. We propose a modified Health Belief Model to account for women's low perceived susceptibility to pregnancy based on our results. Further research is needed to quantify the proportion of women who are at risk of pregnancy who do not believe they are at risk and their reasons why, so as to be able to better address women's misconceptions about fecundity and conception with the goal of preventing unintended pregnancy.     

Perceived likelihood of becoming pregnant and contraceptive use: Findings from population-based surveys in Côte d'Ivoire,Nigeria, and Rajasthan,India

ObjectiveAdvancing reproductive autonomy requires targeted strategies and interventions that address barriers to contraceptive use. The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether perceptions of low pregnancy likelihood are associated with lower likelihood of using contraception among presumably fecund, sexually active women.Study designWe used population-based survey data of reproductive age women at risk of pregnancy collected in 2018 from Côte d'Ivoire (N = 1447), Nigeria (N = 4110), and Rajasthan, India (N = 1994). To assess one's perceived biological likelihood of pregnancy, we used 2 measures: likelihood following a single act of sex without contraception and likelihood following 1 year of regular sex without contraception. Response options included: definitely yes, maybe yes, maybe no, definitely no, and do not know. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between each perception measure with odds of contraceptive use separately by country.ResultsPerceived chance of definitely or maybe becoming pregnant after one act of sex without contraception ranged from 54.0% to 55.0% in Nigeria and Rajasthan to 80.0% in Côte d'Ivoire, while it was higher for regular sex without contraception (76.0%–85.1%). Multivariable results indicate that perceptions of pregnancy likelihood were associated with contraceptive use among presumably fecund women, with a stronger relationship observed in relation to cumulative likelihood (odds ratio 0.1–0.6) than likelihood after one act (odds ratio 0.4–0.8) and a dose-response pattern by strength of perceived chance.ConclusionsResults indicate that women's use of contraception in low-resource settings is associated with their perceived likelihood of becoming pregnant after unprotected sex.ImplicationsFindings suggest that understanding women's perceived likelihood of pregnancy may aid in the development of interventions to help women achieve their reproductive goals.     

Religious Variations in Perceived Infertility and Inconsistent Contraceptive Use Among Unmarried Young Adults in the United States

PurposeIn this paper, we examine associations among personal religiosity, perceived infertility, and inconsistent contraceptive use among unmarried young adults (ages 18–29).MethodsThe data for this investigation came from the National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge (n = 1,695). We used multinomial logistic regression to model perceived infertility, adjusted probabilities to model rationales for perceived infertility, and binary logistic regression to model inconsistent contraceptive use.ResultsEvangelical Protestants were more likely than non-affiliates to believe that they were infertile. Among the young women who indicated some likelihood of infertility, evangelical Protestants were also more likely than their other Protestant or non–Christian faith counterparts to believe that they were infertile because they had unprotected sex without becoming pregnant. Although evangelical Protestants were more likely to exhibit inconsistent contraception use than non-affiliates, we were unable to attribute any portion of this difference to infertility perceptions.ConclusionsWhereas most studies of religion and health emphasize the salubrious role of personal religiosity, our results suggest that evangelical Protestants may be especially likely to hold misconceptions about their fertility. Because these misconceptions fail to explain higher rates of inconsistent contraception use among evangelical Protestants, additional research is needed to understand the principles and motives of this unique religious community.     

The Impact of Neighborhood Environment,Social Support,and Avoidance Coping on Depressive Symptoms of Pregnant African-American Women

BackgroundAlthough depressive symptoms during pregnancy have been related to negative maternal and child health outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight infants, postpartum depression, and maladaptive mother–infant interactions, studies on the impact of neighborhood environment on depressive symptoms in pregnant women are limited. Pregnant women residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of social support. No researchers have examined the relationship between neighborhood environment and avoidance coping in pregnant women. Guided by the Ecological model and Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping, we examined whether social support and avoidance coping mediated associations between the neighborhood environment and depressive symptoms in pregnant African-American women.MethodsPregnant African-American women (n = 95) from a medical center in Chicago completed the instruments twice during pregnancy between 15 and 25 weeks and between 25 and 37 weeks. The self-administered instruments measured perceived neighborhood environment, social support, avoidance coping, and depressive symptoms using items from existing scales. Objective measures of the neighborhood environment were derived using geographic information systems.FindingsPerceived neighborhood environment, social support, avoidance coping, and depressive symptoms were correlated significantly in the expected directions. Objective physical disorder and crime were negatively related to social support. Social support at time 1 (20 ± 2.6 weeks) mediated associations between the perceived neighborhood environment at time 1 and depressive symptoms at time 2 (29 ± 2.7 weeks). An increase in avoidance coping between times 1 and 2 also mediated the effects of perceived neighborhood environment at time 1 on depressive symptoms at time 2.ConclusionPregnant African-American women's negative perceptions of their neighborhoods in the second trimester were related to higher levels of depressive symptoms in the third trimester. If these results are replicable in prospective studies with larger sample sizes, intervention strategies could be implemented at the individual level to support pregnant women in their ability to cope with adverse neighborhood conditions and ultimately improve their mental health.     

U.S. Women's Knowledge of Reproductive Biology

BackgroundHaving accurate knowledge of reproductive biology can help women to improve their general, sexual, and reproductive health and assert their sexual and reproductive rights.MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined knowledge of three topics (age-related fertility decline, egg supply, fertile period) among a national probability sample of 1,779 nonsterilized, English-speaking women (aged 18–29 years) in the U.S. general population. Using bivariate and multivariable regressions, we assessed associations between knowledge of these topics and individual characteristics.ResultsMost respondents were unmarried (63%), childless (78%), and intended to have children (65%); 51% did not know whether they would have difficulty conceiving, and 44% had discussed fertility-related topics with a health care provider. More respondents knew the age of marked fertility decline (62%) than the fertile period (59%) or that ovaries do not continuously produce new eggs (45%); 22% knew all three topics, and 13% knew none. In multivariable analysis, knowledge was positively associated (p < .001) with education, income, and having regular periods. Black and Asian respondents and those for whom religion was very important were less likely (all p values < .01) than White and nonreligious respondents to know all three topics. Knowledge was unrelated to relationship status, parity, childbearing intentions, receipt of fertility-related counseling or services, self-perceived infertility risk, or health status; the relationship with Hispanic ethnicity approached but did not reach significance (p = .08).ConclusionsYoung U.S. women have incomplete knowledge of aspects of their reproductive biology; these knowledge gaps could increase their risk of adverse health and reproductive outcomes. Policy-, provider-, and client-level interventions are warranted to address these knowledge gaps.     

Perceived Racial Discrimination and Depressed Mood in Perinatal Women: An Extension of the Domain Specific Stress Index

PurposeThe negative impact of stress on the mental health of perinatal women is well-established. Prior research using data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) confirms three distinct stress domains: financial, relationship, and trauma. In 2013, an item assessing perceived racial discrimination was added to the Iowa PRAMS. Using the first phase of available data, we examine whether perceived racial discrimination represents an independent stress domain and assess its association with postpartum depressed mood.MethodsA principal component analysis of the Iowa PRAMS data (2013–2015: N = 2,805) evaluated stress and perceived racial discrimination. Logistic regression examined the effect of racial discrimination on postpartum depressed mood.ResultsIn Iowa, 4.4% of respondents perceived racial discrimination, with higher rates among non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women. The principal component analysis identified five stress domains: financial, relational, traumatic, emotional, and displacement. Perceived racial discrimination did not load onto any of these domains, suggesting that it represents an independent stress component. Logistic regression indicated that those who experienced perceived racial discrimination were twice as likely to have experienced depressed mood.ConclusionsRacism, in the form of perceived racial discrimination among pregnant women, is a unique domain of stress that is significantly associated with an increased risk for depressed postpartum mood. Decreasing discrimination's effects on perinatal mental health could begin with ensuring respectful and compassionate health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.     

“We've Been Together. We Don't Have It. We're Fine.” How Relationship Status Impacts Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Behavior among Young Adult Women

BackgroundVaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) has the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with genital warts and HPV-related cancers. However, HPV vaccination rates continue to be suboptimal among the “catch-up” population of 18- to 26-year-old women. One consistent risk factor for nonvaccination is being in a relationship. This study aimed to understand how relationship status and vaccination status impact risk perceptions and perceived need for the HPV vaccine among young adult women.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with a sample (n = 50) of recently HPV vaccinated and unvaccinated college women, and stratified by four relationship categories. Comparative thematic analysis was used to assess relationship status and HPV risk perceptions.ResultsWomen in relationships perceived their risk of HPV to be low, which they attributed to monogamy and few sexual partners. Women in dating relationships reported higher HPV risk, which was linked to unprotected sex and sexual activity. In contrast, single women stated that their low risk for HPV was due to sexual inactivity.ConclusionsThis study builds on the epidemiological literature, by understanding how relationship status impacts HPV vaccination among young adult women. Relationship status contributed to HPV risk perceptions and vaccination decisions among these women. Perceptions were framed based on sexual behavior, such as monogamy or number of sexual partners. Future efforts should tailor health messages to young adult women's specific risk misperceptions about HPV.     

A community-based survey on influenza and vaccination knowledge,perceptions and practices in Peru

BackgroundAlthough Peru provides safe and effective influenza vaccines free-of-charge, coverage among vaccine target groups like pregnant women and older adults remains low. To improve risk communication messages and vaccine uptake, we explored knowledge, perceptions and practices about influenza illness and vaccination.MethodsA cross-sectional, community-based survey with a three-stage cluster sampling design was conducted in three cities in Peru. We included mothers of young children, pregnant women and persons ≥65 years. Participants completed a questionnaire about knowledge, perceptions and practices about influenza illness and vaccination against influenza during the past year. Generalized linear models were used to explore factors associated with vaccination in the past year.Results624/645 (97%) mothers, 54/55 (98%) pregnant women and 622/673 (92%) older adults approached provided informed consent and were surveyed. While most mothers, pregnant women and older adults (94%, 96% and 91%, respectively) perceived influenza as a potentially serious illness, few pregnant women (13%) and older adults (34%) self-identified themselves as a target group for influenza vaccination. Only 28% of mothers, 19% pregnant women, and 27% older adults were vaccinated against influenza during the previous year. Among the participants that did not get vaccinated against influenza in the previous year, “being afraid of vaccination and its effects” was the most commonly cited barrier. Knowledge of the recommendation for annual vaccination was significantly associated with vaccination status among pregnant women (p = 0.048) and older adults (p = 0.004).ConclusionDespite a government subsidized vaccine program, vaccine utilization remained low among pregnant women and older adults, who seemed typically unaware of their status as high-risk groups targeted for vaccination. Those aware of the recommendations for annual vaccination were more likely to be vaccinated. Information campaigns addressing fears and highlighting populations at risk for severe influenza illness that are targeted for vaccination might increase vaccine coverage in Peru.     

The Characteristics of Women Who Use Complementary Medicine While Attempting to Conceive: Results from a Nationally Representative Sample of 13,224 Australian Women

BackgroundPreconception is acknowledged globally as an important part of ensuring health for the next generation and is underpinned by principles of health promotion and preventive medicine. There is a demand for more holistic, preventive health care within preconception health services. Many women are also using complementary medicine during their reproductive years.Materials and MethodsThis paper presents a longitudinal analysis of women's consultations with a complementary medicine practitioner while attempting to become pregnant, and the characteristics of women who choose to consult a complementary medicine practitioner during the preconception period. The cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses conducted in this study utilise data from the 1973 through 1978 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (n = 13,224). Multivariate logistic regression models and generalized estimating equation models, with and without time lag, were used.ResultsWomen who identified as attempting to conceive were more likely to consult with an acupuncturist (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46) or a naturopath/herbalist (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30). Women who consulted with an acupuncturist were likely to be consulting with a specialist doctor (odds ratio, 3.73) and/or have previous fertility issues (odds ratio, 2.30). Women who consulted with a naturopath were more likely to report experiencing premenstrual tension (odds ratio, 2.30) but less likely to have had a previous miscarriage (odds ratio, 0.18).ConclusionsPolicymakers and other health professionals need to be aware that health professionals who are largely unregulated and structurally isolated from conventional health care may be actively contributing to women's reproductive and physical health during the preconception period.     

A Survey of Health Behaviors in Minority Women in Pregnancy: The Influence of Body Mass Index

BackgroundAn effective behavioral intervention for gestational weight gain in minority obese women needs to incorporate their baseline health behaviors and nutrition patterns. The objective of this study was to compare racial/ethnic differences in health behaviors and nutrition in pregnant obese and non-obese minorities.MethodsA face-to-face, 75-item survey was administered to 94 women (46% non-obese, 54% obese; 71% Black, 29% Hispanic) at a prenatal visit to an inner-city clinic. Television watching, exercise, and nutrition were compared between obese and non-obese women and racial/ethnic differences were compared within each body mass index (BMI) category using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Interactions between BMI category and race/ethnicity for each health behavior were examined.FindingsMore obese women described their nutrition as “fair” or “poor” (36% vs. 15%; p = .02) and missed more meals per day (21% vs. 6%; p = .03) compared with non-obese women. Obese Blacks were less likely to improve their nutrition during pregnancy compared with obese Hispanics (28% vs. 58%; p = .08). Non-obese Blacks watched more television (p = .03) and exercised less during pregnancy (p = .04) than non-obese Hispanics. Except for dairy products, there were no differences in daily nutrition (fruit, soda, vegetables, chips) among the BMI categories and racial/ethnic groups; however, fewer than 50% of all participants consumed fruits and vegetables every day. There was an interaction between BMI category and race/ethnicity: Obese Hispanics exercised less before pregnancy (p = .02), but exercised more during pregnancy (p = .01) compared with non-obese Hispanics.ConclusionsInterventions for gestational weight gain in obese women may have greater success if they considered racial/ethnic differences in health behaviors, especially related to exercise.     

General health,health conditions,and current pregnancy among U.S. women with and without chronic physical disabilities

BackgroundAlthough increasing numbers of reproductive-age U.S. women with chronic physical disabilities (CPD) are becoming pregnant, little is known about their general health or comorbid health conditions.ObjectivesTo explore general health and comorbid health conditions among women with and without CPD by current pregnancy status.MethodsWe analyzed responses of 47,629 civilian, noninstitutionalized women ages 18–49 from the 2006–2011 National Health Interview Surveys. The survey asks about: various movement difficulties; selected adult health conditions; self-reported general health; and current pregnancy. We identified women with CPD using responses from 8 movement difficulty questions.Results6043 (12.7%) women report CPD. Among nondisabled women, 3.8% report current pregnancy, as do 2.0% of women with CPD. Among currently pregnant women with CPD, 29.1% report fair or poor health, compared with only 3.2% of nondisabled pregnant women. Currently pregnant women both with and without CPD are significantly less likely to report coexisting health conditions than nonpregnant women. Nonetheless, among currently pregnant women with CPD, only 24.5% report no coexisting conditions, while 28.7% report 1, 22.8% report 2, 13.2% report 3, and 10.8% report 4–6 health conditions. In a multivariable regression controlling for age category, health status, and health conditions, CPD is not statistically significantly associated with current pregnancy.ConclusionsAccording to national survey data, it appears that pregnant women with CPD may have a complex mix of health problems and often experience fair or poor health. Better understanding the obstetrical and subspecialty needs of these women with multimorbidities requires additional investigation.     

National trends in health insurance coverage of pregnant and reproductive-age women, 2000 to 2009

PurposeHealth insurance facilitates financial access to health services, including prenatal and preconception care. This study characterized changes in health insurance coverage among reproductive-age women in the United States from 2000 to 2009.MethodsData from female respondents (ages 18–49) to the National Health Interview Surveys, 2000 to 2009 (n = 207,968), including those pregnant when surveyed (n = 3,204), were used in a repeated cross-sectional design. Changes over time were estimated using longitudinal regression models.Main FindingsOf the reproductive-age women in this study, 25% were uninsured at some point in the prior year. Ten percent of pregnant women reported currently being uninsured, and 27% and 58% reported Medicaid coverage or private health insurance, respectively. Among women who were not pregnant, 19% were currently uninsured, 8% had Medicaid, and 68% had private coverage. From 2000 to 2009, an increasing percentage of reproductive-age women reported having gone without health insurance in the past year. Controlling for sociodemographic and health variables, the chances that a reproductive-age woman had been uninsured increased by approximately 1.5% annually (p < .001), and did not differ between pregnant women and those who were not pregnant. The odds that an insured pregnant woman had Medicaid coverage increased 7% per year over the study period (p < .001), whereas the odds of private coverage decreased.ConclusionReproductive-age women are increasingly at risk of being uninsured, which raises concerns about access to prenatal and preconception care. Among pregnant women, access to private health insurance has decreased, and state Medicaid programs have covered a growing percentage of women. Health reform will likely impact future trends.     

Exploring the Impact of Racism on Black Youth: A Multidimensional Examination of Discriminatory Experiences Across Place and Time

PurposeCommunity violence disproportionally impacts Black youth. Experiences of racism and discrimination may create additional challenges for youth recovering from violence exposure. This study used ecological momentary assessment to elucidate how perceptions of racism and social support influence health and safety outcomes among Black youth following violence exposure.MethodsTwenty-five Black youth (14–19 years old, 60% female) who had witnessed violence within the past three months completed a baseline survey that assessed discrimination experiences, social support, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTS), and perceived safety. Youth completed ecological momentary assessments three times daily for two weeks about the place they were in, people they were with, their current emotional state, and in-the-moment racism perceptions. Multilevel models estimated the relationship between overall and time-varying perceptions of racism and social support, PTS symptoms, and perceived safety.ResultsOverall, 76% of youth reported at least one discrimination experience at baseline. Prior discrimination was associated with higher PTS (B = 1.86, p = .001) and depressive symptoms (B = 0.13, p = .013) at baseline. Youth who reported higher overall perceptions of racism in-the-moment reported higher PTS (B = 0.50, p = .002) and lower perceived safety (B = ?0.53, p = .001). In-the-moment perceptions of racism were associated with lower perceived safety in that place (B = ?0.09, p < .01). Emotional and instrumental support were associated with lower PTS and higher perceived safety (p < .05).DiscussionExperiences of racism and being in discriminatory places impacted youth’s depressive symptoms, PTS symptoms, and perceived safety. Interventions attuned to in-the-moment experiences of racism, and that leverage social support, are needed to support Black youth exposed to violence and discrimination.     

Adolescents' Perceived Socio-Emotional Impact of COVID-19 and Implications for Mental Health: Results From a U.S.-Based Mixed-Methods Study

PurposeCOVID-19 has disrupted many aspects of adolescents' lives, yet little data are available that document their subjective experiences of the pandemic. In a mixed-methods study of U.S. adolescents, we examined (1) adolescents' perceptions of how their social and emotional lives had changed during COVID-19; and (2) associations between these perceived changes and indices of their mental health, above and beyond their prepandemic mental health status.MethodsFour hundred seven U.S. adolescents (M_age = 15.24, standard deviation = 1.69; 50% female; 52%, 20% African American, 17% Hispanic/Latinx) completed surveys before (October 2019) and during (April 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. They provided qualitative and quantitative responses on their experiences with COVID-19 and reports of their mental health.ResultsAdolescents perceived various changes in their relationships with family and friends (e.g., less perceived friend support) during COVID-19. They also perceived increases in negative affect and decreases in positive affect. These perceived social and emotional changes were associated with elevated depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness in April 2020, controlling for mental health problems before the pandemic.ConclusionsOur findings sensitize clinicians and scholars to the vulnerabilities (changes in friendship dynamics), as well as resiliencies (supportive family contexts), presented to U.S. adolescents during the early months of COVID-19.     

Latinx Immigrant Mothers’ Perceived Self-Efficacy and Intentions Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination of Their Daughters

ObjectiveRacial and ethnic disparities persist in cervical cancer cases, 90% of which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Suboptimal vaccine uptake is problematic, particularly among Latinx women, who have the highest cervical cancer incidence compared with other racial/ethnic groups. We examined the association of self-efficacy and HPV vaccination intention among Latinx immigrant mothers of unvaccinated 9- to 12-year-old girls.MethodsAn interviewer-administered survey assessed baseline sociodemographic information, knowledge and perceived risk of cervical cancer and HPV, self-efficacy, and intention to vaccinate among 313 Latinx immigrant mothers in Alabama from 2013 to 2017 before the implementation of an intervention to promote HPV vaccination.ResultsParticipants were, on average, 35 years old, with 9 years of education, and had lived in the United States for 12 years. Mothers who perceived their daughters were at risk of HPV infection were more likely to be vaccine intent than their hesitant counterparts (p < .001). Vaccine hesitancy was more common in those with lower education, low HPV and cervical cancer knowledge, and lower perceived self-efficacy scores (p < .001). Self-efficacy was associated with vaccine intention when controlling for other variables (p < .001). The only variable associated with self-efficacy was HPV awareness (p = .001).ConclusionsPrograms promoting HPV vaccination among Latinx immigrants should include educational components regarding risks of HPV infection and cervical cancers in addition to information regarding access to vaccination services. Knowledge of risks and access may heighten perceptions of self-efficacy and improve vaccine uptake among this population.     

Malaria and its burden among pregnant women in parts of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria

ObjectiveTo assess the epidemiology and burden of malaria among pregnant women in parts of the Niger Delta of Nigeria.MethodsAbout 140 pregnant women were selected from four communities for the study after consent was obtained from them and their husbands. Clinical malaria was confirmed using Giemsa staining technique, while social demographic data was obtained using structured pretested questionnaires.ResultsResults showed that 57.1% patients were positive for malaria infection. The peak age specific incidence was 15-20 years (35%) and there was a significant difference among age groups (P<0.05). The incidence of malaria varied significantly according to the trimesters of the pregnant women, locations, level of education and occupation (P<0.05). The burden of the disease among pregnant women in the study area were in forms of symptoms (χ²= 7.67, P<0.05), abnormalities (χ² = 21.38, P<0.05) and cost of treatment (χ² =6.62, P<0.005). Pregnant women were mostly predisposed to malaria infection by presence of stagnant water (25.0%) and with farming/fishing activities (22.5%). The most perceived preventive/control measure was intermittent preventive treatment (20.00%) and Antenatal Care/Health education (13.75%).ConclusionsMalaria still exerts heavy public health and socioeconomic burden on pregnant women in the study area. This calls for concerted effort to scale up and sustain control strategies especially intermittent preventive treatment and health education during antenatal visits.     

Sexual Identity,Identity Disclosure,and Health Care Experiences: Is There Evidence for Differential Homophobia in Primary Care Practice?

BackgroundGiven extant health disparities among women who belong to the sexual minority, we must understand the ways in which access to and satisfaction with health care contribute to such disparities. The purpose of this study was to explore how sexual minority women's (SMW) health care experiences compared with those of their heterosexually identified counterparts. We also sought to investigate whether there were differences within SMW in this regard. Finally, we explored whether participant satisfaction and comfort with health care providers (HCPs) differed depending upon HCP knowledge of participants' sexual orientation.MethodsWe administered surveys to 420 women including lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other “queer” identified women (n = 354) and heterosexually identified women (n = 66).FindingsContrary to our expectations, we found that SMW were as likely to have had a recent health care appointment, to have been recommended and to have received similar diagnostic and preventive care, and to feel comfortable discussing their sexual health with their HCPs. They were, however, less likely to report being satisfied with their HCPs. We found no differences between lesbian SMW and non-lesbian SMW with respect to these indicators. We found important differences with respect to sexual orientation disclosure and health care satisfaction, however. Those participants whose HCPs purportedly knew of their minority sexual orientation reported greater satisfaction with their HCPs and greater comfort discussing their sexual health than those whose providers were presumably unaware.ConclusionWe discuss important clinical and research implications of these findings.