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Australasian Journal on Ageing – LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Special Issue

Publisher: Australasian Journal on Ageing, 2015

Status –CURRENT

This Australasian Journal on Ageing Special Issue aims to create more awareness of the experiences and needs of LGBTI older people. Historically older LGBTI people have been invisible, particularly in research on ageing as well as in policy and practice. Older LGBTI people are diverse, with different lived experiences across multiple communities, although what unites LGBTI people is a shared lived experience of discrimination.

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Pap smear rates among Australian community-attached lesbian and bisexual women: some good news but disparities persist

Publisher: CSIOR 2015

Status – CURRENT

Background: Research in the US and UK shows lesbian women are less likely than their heterosexual peers to attend for routine Pap smear tests. This study examined Pap smear test rates among community-attached lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women in New South Wales, to investigate if rates had changed between 2002 and 2012, compare rates to the general NSW population and identify predictive factors for Pap smear test attendance. Method: Data was taken from the Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) survey, a self-completed biennial questionnaire of LBQ women’s health and wellbeing. Results: Of the 4083 respondents, 83% had ever had a Pap smear test. Recent attendance rates were slightly higher than the general population. Significant predictors for ever having attended for a Pap smear test were older age, post-year 12 education, ever having had an STI test, being out about sexuality to a regular doctor and ever having had sex with men. Conclusions: Pap smear rates for LBQ women are encouraging when compared to rates in similar countries. A significant proportion of LBQ women are never receiving Pap smear tests. Predictive factors suggest a continued perception that women who have not had sex with men are not at risk of HPV, and highlight the importance of health providers providing a safe and welcoming environment for LBQ women to openly discuss their health.  LBQ, LBTI, lesbian, bisexual, queer, Pap smear, cervical cancer, reproductive health

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National LGBTI Health Alliance – Research and Policy

Publisher: National LGBTI Health Alliance – Current

Status – CURRENT

Part of the National  LBTI Health Alliance website, the Research and and Policy section contains a broad range of documents including Consultations, Submissions, Policy Articles, Monitoring and Research, as well as a Knowledge Hub which includes presentations, Mind Out webinars, etc.

Women in contact with the gay and lesbian community in Sydney: Report of the Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) Survey 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014.

Publisher: ACON & University of Sydney, 2015

Status – CURRENT

The Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) survey is a comprehensive survey of important health issues relevant to lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women including sexual health and wellbeing, violence, mental health, tobacco use, illicit drug use, alcohol consumption, and cancer screening behaviours. SWASH is run by a collaboration of ACON Health and university researchers since 1996. This report presents results from surveys conducted at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day and other community events and venues during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras seasons in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014. It highlights several areas of particular concern – many of which have persisted over time – where mainstream preventive health interventions that are inclusive of this group or targeted to LBQ, are needed.

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