Abstract

Young adult lesbian women (YALW) face unique barriers to healthcare access as providers do not perceive a need for sexual and reproductive healthcare services for this population. A brief survey was conducted with 100 YALW to explore healthcare experiences including: usual source of healthcare, coordination of healthcare, and satisfaction with the healthcare services provided by their primary care provider (PCP). Data collection took place between June and October 2016 at selected LGBT-friendly events and venues (i.e. Pride events, bars, community-based organizations). Nearly one fourth of the sample reported their usual source of care as a walk-in based facility (i.e. emergency room, urgent care facility, government sponsored clinic). Satisfaction with healthcare provided was more likely among participants who were comfortable discussing their sexual activity with their providers. These finding suggest that the healthcare system is not engaging YALW in routine care provided in facilities that offer continuity of care. While walk-in models may meet the immediate healthcare needs of this population, the period of young adulthood is a critical time to establish healthcare behaviors. Furthermore, understanding the patterns of healthcare access among YALW warrants further attention as the structure and nature of the healthcare system in the United States is changing.

摘要

年轻的成年女同性恋妇女（YALW）在获得医疗保健方面面临独特的障碍，因为医疗服务提供者并不认为该人群需要性和生殖医疗保健服务。与100个YALW进行了简短调查，以探索医疗保健经验，包括：常规医疗保健来源，医疗保健协调以及对他们的初级保健提供者（PCP）提供的医疗保健服务的满意度。数据收集于2016年6月至10月之间在某些LGBT友好活动和场所（即骄傲活动，酒吧，社区组织）进行。接近四分之一的样本报告说，他们通常的诊疗来源是步入式设施（即急诊室，紧急护理设施，政府资助的诊所）。愿意与提供者讨论其性行为的参与者中，对医疗保健的满意度更高。这些发现表明，医疗保健系统并未让YALW参与提供连续性护理的设施所提供的常规护理。虽然步入式模式可以满足该人群的即时医疗需求，但年轻成年时期是确立医疗行为的关键时期。此外，随着美国医疗体系的结构和性质发生变化，了解YALW中的医疗获取模式值得进一步关注。虽然步入式模式可以满足该人群的即时医疗需求，但年轻成年时期是确立医疗行为的关键时期。此外，随着美国医疗体系的结构和性质发生变化，了解YALW中的医疗获取模式值得进一步关注。虽然步入式模式可以满足该人群的即时医疗需求，但年轻成年时期是确立医疗行为的关键时期。此外，随着美国医疗体系的结构和性质发生变化，了解YALW中的医疗获取模式值得进一步关注。