ERIC Number: EJ1267721
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Oct
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1090-1981
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Sexual Minority Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Paschen-Wolff, Margaret M.; Greene, Madelyne Z.; Hughes, Tonda L.
Health Education & Behavior, v47 n5 p728-739 Oct 2020
Although sexual minority women (SMW) are at risk for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they may not seek preventative sexual and reproductive health care at the same rates as their heterosexual peers. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of 22 adult SMW, a subsample of participants enrolled in the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. The aim was to describe the sexual and reproductive health literacy of this community sample based on qualitative themes, using an integrated model of health literacy. This model considers not only access to information but also understanding, appraisal, and application of information. We found that family of origin, health care providers, and school-based sexual education were the most important sources of sexual and reproductive health information. Participants described their understanding, appraisal, and application of sexual and reproductive health information as interdependent concepts. Pap test literacy and decision making were strongly independent, with SMW seeking various sources of information, or were driven by health care providers, with SMW following instructions and trusting provider advice. STI-related literacy hinged on whether the participant perceived SMW as at risk for STIs. Our findings reinforce that simply having access to information is insufficient to enact health behaviors that reflect full literacy. Findings have implications for health care providers, who should provide evidence-based recommendations for their SMW clients, and for public health practitioners and educators, who could make sexual health education more inclusive of and specific to the needs of SMW.
Descriptors: Females, Minority Groups, At Risk Persons, Cancer, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Access to Health Care, LGBTQ People, Adults, Knowledge Level, Access to Information, Information Literacy, Information Sources, Family Influence, Allied Health Personnel, Sex Education, Birth, Decision Making, Screening Tests
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (NIH); National Institute of Mental Health (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: R01AA13328; T32MH019139; P30MH43520
Author Affiliations: N/A