PERTH, Australia – Lesbians are more likely to binge drink and take drugs, according to a new study in Australia.
The Western Australia (WA) Lesbian and Bisexual Women’s Health survey, conducted by Curtin University’s WA Centre for Health Promotion Research (WACHPR) in conjunction with Sydney University, found their use of legal and illegal drugs is higher than the general community; they are reluctant to get Pap smears; and experience violence, including domestic violence.
Almost 900 women were surveyed, with the average age of respondents being 26.
Ms. Jude Comfort, from WACHPR, said some of the key findings could surprise or alarm the LGBTI community.
“The findings all help in building a picture of the community and provide direction to work with this community to improve their health,” Comfort said.
The survey found 27 percent of respondents had never had a Pap smear and a further 8 percent had last had one more than three years ago.
“This is an important screening tool for cervical cancer. The numbers suggest a poor understanding that lesbians need pap smears,” Comfort said.
The survey also found that lesbian and bisexual women use legal and illegal drugs at higher rates than the general community.
A third of respondents reported smoking tobacco, which included 43 percent of 16 to 24 year olds. Nationally, 15 percent of Australians smoke.
Comfort said alcohol was the other drug widely used. While 86 percent of the sample reported they drank alcohol, which is similar to the broader population, levels of risky drinking were higher.
Almost half of the respondents indicated they drank more than the medical guidelines recommended to reduce the lifetime risk of alcohol related disease or injury. v
Hi there, I’m confused by the way in which this article is written.
The headline says “Lesbians amongst likeliest….” But inside the article it says the study is of lesbian and bi women. And then later you write that “lesbian and bisexual women use legal and illegal drugs…” Is the headline meant to refer to lesbians and bi women or only to lesbians? Were there differences between these groups?
Thanks in advance for your clarification.
Robyn,
Thank you for your comment. The function of a headline is that, firstly, it has to be true and secondly it tells some of the story, but not necessarily all. The key word here is ‘among’ which means there are more than lesbians to which this story applies. In this instance the survey was about lesbian and bisexual women, which was stated in the second paragraph. Subsequent references also refer to lesbian and bisexual women.
The story was a snapshot of the key findings of a 45-page report.
Thank you for your interest. We appreciate feedback from our readers.
Ed. II
The survey did not compare lesbian and bi women with heterosexual women. Full report here: http://wachpr.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/reports/WWASH_16072012withcover.pdf