Exploring the uptake of sexual and reproductive health services for lesbians and bisexual women in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A quantitative enquiry.

Autor:	Khozah MY; Faculty of Environmental Science, Department of Environmental Health, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe., Nunu WN; Faculty of Environmental Science, Department of Environmental Health, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.; Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.; Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	SAGE open medicine [SAGE Open Med] 2024 Jul 30; Vol. 12, pp. 20503121241261170. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 30 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.1177/20503121241261170
Abstrakt:	Background: Sexual and reproductive healthcare is essential for all individuals, including LGBTQ+ individuals. However, lesbians and bisexual women often lack tailored services, leading to underutilization. This study aimed to assess the availability and uptake of sexual and reproductive health services for lesbian and bisexual Bulawayo women. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 67 lesbian and bisexual women recruited through the Voice of the Voiceless Organization. The participants completed a structured questionnaire on available services, factors influencing their uptake, and access challenges. Cross-tabulation was used to examine the associations between variables. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and STATA Version 15 S.E. Results: Most respondents were bisexual women aged 35 years. Cross-tabulations revealed significant associations between delayed or avoided services and the absence of specific services for lesbians and bisexual women as well as the presence of gender identity nondiscrimination policies. Conclusion: Sexual and reproductive health programs play a vital role in meeting lesbian and bisexual women's needs. Improving service uptake requires strengthening the linkages between clinics and sexual health education programs, providing lesbian and bisexual women-friendly clinical services, and ensuring access to comprehensive information. Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. (© The Author(s) 2024.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
Externí odkaz:	Zobrazit plný text záznamu