Sexual and reproductive health information: Disparities across sexual orientation groups in two cohorts of U.S. women

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

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 U.S. women.

Methods: A sample of 8,541 U.S. 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 to 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 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.

Keywords: Adolescents; Contraception; STI; Sex education; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Women’s Health.

Conflict of interest statement

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The corresponding author confirms that all authors have contributed significantly to this work. This study has not previously been presented at any local, national, or international meetings.

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