2002 Delaware Lesbian Health Survey
(Click here to view a copy of the survey.)
In 2002, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc. (DBCC) and Screening for Life, a program of Delaware’s Division of Public Health, collaborated to survey the lesbian community in Delaware.
A total of 133 surveys were completed for a 38% response rate. Of the 133 completed surveys, 15 respondents were heterosexual females and 28 were lesbian/bisexual women residing outside of Delaware. Only those completed surveys from self-defined lesbians and bisexual women residing in Delaware were included in the analyses, for a total of 90 usable surveys. Surveys were distributed at lesbian and gay community events, such as Bingo A-Go-Go; Rainbow Support Group meetings; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Student Union of the University of Delaware; and the Second Annual Women’s Conference of the Women’s Project of CAMP Rehoboth. Announcements about the survey and invitations to participate were also sent to several local lesbian and gay e-mail lists.
Click here for the geographic distribution of survey respondents.
Age distribution of survey respondents.
Ethnic/cultural diversity of survey respondents.
Education level of survey respondents.
Health insurance coverage of survey respondents.
Self-identity of survey respondents.
Sexual orientation: 1.73
(Scale 1 to 7, 1 = lesbian, 4 = bisexual, 7 = heterosexual)
Gender identity: 3.18
(Scale 1 to 7, 1 = feminine, 4 = androgynous, 7 = masculine)
Current sexual partner(s):
Past sexual partner(s):
How long has it been since the last time a doctor or nurse checked your breasts for problems?
For those over age 40, how long has it been since your last mammogram?
Reasons for not having a mammogram:
Don't have health insurance.
It hurts.
I'm procrastinating.
I don't have time for it.
When was the last time you had a Pap test?
Reasons for not having a Pap test.
I don't have health insurance.
I've had a full hysterectomy.
My doctor didn't tell me to get one.
I don't know a "lesbian-friendly" doctor
I believe that lesbians don't need Pap tests.
I'm scared to get one.
I don't like it.
Have you told your health care provider (the one you see most often) about your sexual orientation?
Have you experienced discrimination in health care because of your sexual orientation?
How satisfied are you with your GYN's knowledge of lesbian health?
4.30 on a scale from 1 (very unsatisfied) to 7 (very satisfied)
How satisfied are you with your GYN's sensitivity to you as a lesbian?
4.67 on a scale from 1 (very unsatisfied) to 7 (very satisfied)
Knowledge of Breast and Cervical Health Screenings
(All answers are TRUE.)
1. Breast self-exams should be performed monthly by women aged 20 and older. 92% CORRECT
2. Women ages 20 to 40 should receive clinical breast exams by a health care provider every 3 years. 60% CORRECT
3. Women age 40 and older should receive clinical breast exams by a health care provider every year. 94% CORRECT
4. Women should receive annual mammograms starting at age 40. 89% CORRECT
5. Women who are or have been sexually active should receive a Pap test every year. 88% CORRECT
6. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) can cause cervical cancer. 67% CORRECT
7. HPV can be transmitted in female-female sexual activity. 67% CORRECT
What did lesbians in Delaware have to say about their health care experiences?
My previous GYN was a lesbian and I was very comfortable with her, but she moved out of the area. I was dissatisfied with her replacement in the practice, and am currently looking for a new GYN.
My GYN felt she didn’t need to screen me for STDs because I’m gay… I was shocked!
I don’t believe I have experienced direct and clear discrimination, but I have been in situations with health care providers who were clearly surprised and uncomfortable to learn I am a lesbian. This made an already…uncomfortable experience more so.
I…don’t expect a health care provider to be…aware of how health issues are more or less likely to affect lesbians.
It would be nice to have [a list] identifying lesbian-friendly GYNs and other practitioners.
I would welcome information on lesbian-friendly OB/GYNs and general practitioners in [Delaware].
My doctor asked me if I had a boyfriend or husband. I said “Girlfriend.”
I told my doctor I’m a lesbian when she asked what birth control I use.
The nurse’s first question was “What type of contraceptive do you use?” When I said I didn’t need any, she gave me a quizzical look and I explained that I have a female partner…When she came back in, I was surprised to see that she had written “same-sex relationship” in my chart. She never asked my permission to do so.
