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The Practitioner's Role in Cervical Cancer Screening Practices Among Women Who Have Sex With Women [213]

INTRODUCTION: Although women who have sex with women are at risk for cervical cancer, they exhibit poor Pap screening practices. Commonly reported barriers to care include a low perceived cervical cancer risk, experiences of homophobia, or lack of insurance. Relationships between women who have sex with men and their health care providers might further discourage patients to seek care. It was the objective of this study to 1) evaluate patterns of cervical cancer screening among women who have sex with women; 2) investigate perceptions of their health care providers; and 3) assess the perceived need for education related to this topic. METHODS: Participants were recruited from Los Angeles women who have sex with women centers and received a validated questionnaire. The sample included 33 predominately Hispanic women who have sex with women. Data were analyzed using REDCap. RESULTS: A total of 75.8% of women experienced regular Pap screenings every 1–3 years. The minority of women who have sex with women experienced educational interventions regarding cervical cancer by their health care provider. Most women who have sex with women stated health care providers should be more aware of the needs of women who have sex with women; they did not feel ashamed to disclose their sexual orientation. Most participants reported practicing “protected sex,” yet 60% never used protection. Sixty-seven percent perceived themselves as having a low risk to develop cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: The majority of participants complied with recommended Pap screening guidelines. Our participants would like their health care provider to be more aware of women who have sex with women patients' health needs. Health care providers have to be informed and provide tailored care and sensitive patient education on topics such as safe sex practices. Understanding our women who have sex with women patients will translate into better health care delivery to this demographic and minimize apparent health care disparities.