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22-07-2020

Sexual and Reproductive Health Information: Disparities Across Sexual Orientation Groups in Two Cohorts of US Women

Authors: Ariella R. Tabaac, Sebastien Haneuse, Michelle Johns, Andy S.L. Tan, S. Bryn Austin, Jennifer Potter, Laura Lindberg, Brittany M. Charlton

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 3/2021

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Abstract

Introduction

Limited research exists about how receiving/seeking sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information differs by sexual orientation. Our goal was to identify how sources and topics of SRH information differed by sexual orientation during adolescence in a sample of US women.

Methods

A sample of 8541 US women ages 22–35 years from two cohorts of the Growing Up Today Study completed a 2016 questionnaire measure about receiving/seeking SRH information before age 18 years. Adjusted log-linear models assessed differences in SRH information topics and sources by reported sexual orientation (completely heterosexual with no same-sex partners [reference], completely heterosexual with same-sex partners, mostly heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian).

Results

Compared with the referent, most sexual minority subgroups were more likely to receive/seek information from peers, media, and other sources (e.g., community centers). With the exception of lesbians, sexual minority subgroups were more likely to receive/seek information about contraception, and mostly heterosexual and bisexual women were more likely to receive information about sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that women of diverse sexual orientations need access to SRH information from sources like schools, peers, and media. Sexual minority women receive/seek information about many SRH topics, which indicates that opportunities to tailor educational resources within and outside of schools are needed so SRH benefits to these populations are maximized.

Policy Implications

Specifying sexual minority–sensitive educational materials in sex education policy can meet information needs and aid sexual minority women in making informed sexual health decisions.

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Title: Sexual and Reproductive Health Information: Disparities Across Sexual Orientation Groups in Two Cohorts of US Women
Authors: Ariella R. Tabaac
Sebastien Haneuse
Michelle Johns
Andy S.L. Tan
S. Bryn Austin
Jennifer Potter
Laura Lindberg
Brittany M. Charlton
Publication date: 22-07-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-020-00485-3

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Policy Implications

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