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  • Title: Sexuality and safer sex: the issues for lesbians and bisexual women.
    Author: Stevens PE, Hall JM.
    Journal: J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs; 2001; 30(4):439-47. PubMed ID: 11461028.
    Abstract:
    UNLABELLED: Nursing interventions to help women reduce their risk of contracting HIV must be designed from an in-depth understanding of the complex sociocultural patterns of sexuality in particular communities and among specific subgroups. OBJECTIVE: In this data collection phase of a community-based HIV prevention project, the objective was to understand HIV risk-taking and HIV risk-reduction activities of lesbians and bisexual women. DESIGN: Qualitative field study. SETTING: Data were collected in women's bars and dance clubs and at selected lesbian/bisexual community events in San Francisco. PARTICIPANTS: Interviews were conducted with 1,189 racially diverse, socially and sexually active lesbians and bisexual women. RESULTS: Inductive content analysis produced two themes: realities of sexual behavior and sexual expressions and their meanings. Realities of sexual behavior included an assumption that women who have sex with other women cannot get HIV, a lack of familiarity with HIV prevention strategies, inconsistent practice of safer sex with men and/or women, and the negative effect of alcohol or drug use on safer sex efforts. Sexual expressions and their meaning included trust in monogamy, a sense that safer sex practices detracted from intimacy and eroticism, the difficulty of negotiating sexual behaviors with men or women, and dealing with partner resistance to safer sex practices. CONCLUSIONS: Specific recommendations for practice are the need for nurses to understand the range and diversity of women's sexual behaviors, to develop skills in conducting inclusive sexual histories, and to develop a comprehensive approach to sexual health.
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