The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57834

Jeanne M. Marrazzo, MD, MPH¹, Allison Bingham, PhD², Patricia S. Coffey, PhD, MPH², Anne Meegan¹, and Kathleen Ringwood¹. (1) Harborview Medical Center, Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Ave. Mailstop 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, (2) Independent Consultant, 306 West Third Street, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis among both heterosexual and lesbian women, and is associated with adverse outcomes of pregnancy and increased risk of acquiring STD and HIV. For unknown reasons, women who report having sex with women (WSW) apparently have a higher prevalence of BV than heterosexual women. Although the mechanism of acquisition of BV is not fully known, recent data suggest that sexual exchange of vaginal secretions may be one mode of transmission. Effective interventions to prevent and treat BV among WSW require a better understanding of the behaviors associated with potential sexual transmission. In order to inform development of an intervention to prevent sexual transfer of vaginal fluid between women, four focus group discussions were conducted with lesbian or bisexual women aged 18-29 years living in the Seattle area who reported having sex with another woman in the past year. Results will be grouped according to common penetrative and non-penetrative sexual activities practiced in the community, use of lubricants during penetrative sex, and knowledge of BV and perception of risk during penetrative and non-penetrative sex. In addition, preventive practices including the acceptability of specific actions such as the washing of sex toys and/or body parts, the use of gloves or finger cots, the use of condoms on dildos and/or vibrators, abstinence, and not sharing items used for penetrative sex will be discussed. Key information needs of the community and the most efficacious ways to provide that information to WSW will be highlighted.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• Describe sexual practices among a select group of Women who have Sex with Women and their knowledge of BV and perception of risk; and
• Discuss the acceptability of specific preventive practices related to the acquisition of BV.

Keywords: Lesbian Health, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.