Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in United States women who have sex with women (WSW)

2025/01/01 by Joanna Fashjian, Fashjian, Joanna, Manuel A. Ocasio +1
Immunology and Microbiology · Medicine · #Reproductive tract infections research #Cervical Cancer and HPV Research #Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment

paper · doi:10.17605/osf.io/dte5m

Abstract

STI testing in women who have sex with women (WSW) is under researched. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe sex between women as a lower-risk behavior, research on this population has been limited. However, limited existing data demonstrates that WSW can both transmit and contract STIs, including human papillomavirus, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomonas. Although women can transmit STIs to one another, misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about WSW’s risk for STI development and transmission are still prevalent, likely contributing to testing infrequency in this population. Therefore, the objective of this proposed scoping review is to understand the breadth of current literature on STI testing among US WSW and identify the gaps in this research. The primary research question addressed in this scoping review is: - What gaps exist in the research on STI testing in WSW in the United States? Secondary questions addressed in the review include: - Which STIs do existing research on STI testing in WSW in the United States focus on most? Which are more limited in research? - What are the sociodemographic characteristics of participants in published studies on STI testing among WSW in the United States? - What labels are used to describe this population in published studies on STI testing? - What study designs are used in published studies on STI testing among WSW in the United States? - How are monosexual WSW and bi+ WSW distinguished in published studies on STI testing among WSW in the United States? - What are the time trends in terms of this population in the research? - What are the reported STI testing rates among WSW in the United States? - What barriers and facilitators affect WSW’s ability to access STI testing services in the United States?

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