2022/03/10 by Roberta E. Emetu, Emily N. Hernandez, Emily Hernandez +2
Health Professions · Medicine · Social Sciences · #Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health #HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions #Sex work and related issues
paper · doi:10.1080/10538720.2022.2044952
openalex publication_date 2022/03/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Sexual transmitted infections (STIs), including the human papillomavirus, are transmissible by female-to-female sexual contact, even though a common misperception is that women who have sex with women (WSW) are at lower risk for STIs. This study sought to further understand current sexual behaviors and protective mechanisms utilized by WSW. Incorporating a grounded theory approach, nineteen (N = 19) semistructured telephone interviews were conducted among WSW from four regions of the United States. Findings indicate that WSW were engaging in risky sexual behaviors due to limitations in knowledge, aversion to dental dams, gender bias, and perceived emotional connection. Implications suggest comprehensive sexuality education and community-based risk reduction education programs.