Bisexual College Research Articles

Protective Behavioral Strategies, Alcohol Consumption, and Alcohol-Related Negative Consequences Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students

INTRODUCTION: Limited research exists exploring the safe drinking behaviors of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) college students despite evidence that they seem to engage in higher frequencies of heavy episodic drinking than the general student population. METHODS: This study examined protective behavioral strategies (PBS) as a moderating variable in the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related negative consequences in an online sample of 139 LGB college students. RESULTS: PBS qualified this relationship for heavy drinkers and not for light drinkers. DISCUSSION: Clinical and future research implications are explored, including for college counseling center clinicians with LGB clients.

An Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use Comparison of Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Undergraduate Women

Background: Little research has focused specifically on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use of lesbian and bisexual women in general or the college subgroup specifically. Previous research shows sexual minority women at increased risk when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to compare ATOD use of lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual undergraduate college women. Methods: A secondary analysis of three fall semesters (2009–2011) of American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA-II) data was conducted. Women who self-identified as gay/lesbian (N = 538), bisexual (N = 1579), and heterosexual (N = 40,869) were compared on ATOD use. Chi-square Tests were used to analyze differences between the groups and logistic regression determined odds ratios of ATOD use. Results: Bisexual women had greater odds of using alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana than heterosexual women and lesbians. They also had greater odds of using all illicit drugs (except steroids) and misusing prescription drugs than heterosexual women and greater odds of using amphetamines other than meth, sedatives, and ecstasy when compared to lesbians. Lesbians had greater odds of using tobacco, marijuana, sedatives, hallucinogens, other illegal drugs and misusing prescription drugs than heterosexual women. Conclusions/Importance: The study confirms increased ATOD use among sexual minority women as compared to their heterosexual counterparts with bisexual women having the highest use. This is the first study to examine misuse of prescription drugs among a large number of lesbian and bisexual college women, and contributes to the scant literature addressing college women's ATOD use by sexual orientation.

Healthcare experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual college students: recommendations for the clinical nurse specialist.

The purpose of this study was to describe the healthcare experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual college students (ages 18-24 years) in the local college community. A specific aim of the study was to describe the factors (eg, healthcare system, patient, provider, clinical encounter) that influence this experience. This qualitative descriptive study used a community-based participatory research approach. This study was conducted at a local college consortium in New England that consisted of 13 private and public colleges and universities. A total of 19 college students who self-identified as lesbian (n = 7), gay (n = 7), and female bisexual (n = 4) were included. The mean (SD) age of the sample was 20.7 (1.2) years (range, 19-24 years), and the mean (SD) number of completed college years was 2.4 (1.2) (range, 1-5). Three online synchronous focus groups were conducted. Qualitative content analysis revealed 1 overarching theme (not all the same), 1 main theme (comfort during the clinical encounter), and 3 subthemes (personalizing the clinical encounter, deciding to disclose and social stigma, and seeking support of self-identified sexual orientation). Participants provided recommendations that are helpful to clinical nurse specialists to promote positive clinical encounters. Implications for clinical nurse specialist practice and recommendations for further research are addressed.

Impediments to Academic Performance of Bisexual College Students

Objective: To investigate health-related impediments to academic success for bisexual college students. Participants: Respondents to the Fall 2011 American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment II (ACHA-NCHA II) survey who self-identified as bisexual, heterosexual, gay, or lesbian. Methods: Secondary analyses of the ACHA-NCHA II data were conducted to compare the experiences of bisexual students with both each other (bisexual men and bisexual women) and those of their nonbisexual counterparts (heterosexual and gay/lesbian students). Results: Bisexual college students are a large and distinct sexual minority group. On all measures with the exception of discrimination, bisexual college students reported the strongest threats to academic success of all sexual orientations. Conclusions: Given the unique impediments for bisexual students, college health professionals should consider specifically addressing needs for bisexual students, bisexual women in particular.

Authenticity and Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students

Theories in career development have discussed the importance of career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE); however, there has been little development in this area for the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community. Research has shown that LGB individuals may experience disruptions in career development if psychological energy is diverted to developing sexual identity. The present study sought to determine if authenticity, a strength-based characteristic, predicted CDMSE among LGB individuals. Survey results from 95 LGB-identified individuals indicated that components of authenticity, specifically unbiased processing and awareness, accounted for a significant amount of variance in CDMSE. Implications for social service professionals are discussed.

Sex differences in psychosocial correlates of concurrent substance use among heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual college students

Background: College students identifying as Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual (LGB) are at increased risk for substance use. Few studies have assessed correlates of concurrent substance use, which increases the risk for substance use disorders. Objectives: The current study aimed to (1) examine differences in substance use among male and female sexual minorities and (2) explore the impact of psychosocial factors on the relationship between sexual identity and concurrent substance use. Methods: A web-based survey assessing health behavior, psychosocial characteristics, attitudes and demographics was administered to students from six colleges in the southeastern US. A total of 4840 students responded to the survey; 2.9% reported a homosexual identity (n = 111) and 3.5% reported a bisexual identity (n = 135). Multivariable modeling was used to assess the relationship between sexual identity and the number of substances used, adjusting for demographic and psychosocial factors. Results: Bisexual females were significantly more likely than their homosexual or heterosexual counterparts to report tobacco use (p < 0.0001), binge drinking (p < 0.05) and marijuana use (p < 0.0001) in the past 30 days. No differences in substances used existed among males. Adjusted for age and ethnicity, homosexually- and bisexually-identified females were more likely to have concurrent substance use than those who identified as heterosexual (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Adjusting for psychosocial factors decreased the magnitude and significance of the association (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Female sexual minorities are at high risk for substance use. Targeting specific psychosocial factors might be useful in efforts to address use of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana among LGB young adults.

“That's So Gay!”: Examining the Covariates of Hearing This Expression Among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual College Students

Objective: The investigators examined the health and well-being correlates of hearing the popular phrase “that's so gay” among gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) emerging adults. Participants: Participants were 114 self-identified GLB students aged 18 to 25 years. Methods: An online survey was distributed to students at a large public university in the Midwest during winter 2009. Results: Participants’ social and physical well-being was negatively associated with hearing this phrase, specifically feeling isolated and experiencing physical health symptoms (ie, headaches, poor appetite, or eating problems). Conclusions: College professionals and student leaders must acknowledge that the phrase is a form of heterosexist harassment. As such, policies addressing diversity and harassment should address students’ use of this phrase, aiming to reduce its use. Additionally, colleges and universities should develop practices that counteract poorer well-being associated with hearing the phrase.

The Use of Online Synchronous Focus Groups in a Sample of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students

The Use of Online Synchronous Focus Groups in a Sample of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students

Playing It Out

Grounded in feminist standpoint theory, this study examined the unique perspectives of "out" lesbian or bisexual college female athletes (<i>n</i> = 14) through a qualitative, semi-structured format. Participants' stories provided an insightful look into a culture rooted in heternormativity and hegemonic masculinity. Several dominant themes emerged upon data analysis. Specifically, participants noted the importance of trailblazers, or out athletes who had come before them, and the unanticipated, but total, acceptance from their teammates. Participants also spoke of their resistance to, and struggle with, stereotypes and labels. They gave in-depth details about the silent culture of athletic departments and the difference having one ally within the department made to their identity disclosure experience. However, they noted a lack of organizational structures or policies to ensure consistent experiences for all non-heterosexual student-athletes. Results are discussed within the context of current gender and sexuality sport literature.

Commonalities and Differences Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students: Considerations for Research and Practice

This study explores the appropriateness of collapsing lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) college students into a single category in quantitative research designs as well as the nature of their engagement with the collegiate environment. Data were collected as part of a national study and represent a total of 980 LGB self-identified college students from 52 colleges and universities. Results suggest that LGB students are more similar than they are different across 13 dimensions of the collegiate experience.

Sexual Decision Making for the “Better Than Average” College Student

Objectives: To examine the impact of downward social comparison and the “known partner is a safe partner” heuristic on college students’ sexual decisions. Participants: One hundred-eighty heterosexual or bisexual undergraduate college students. Methods: Participants read dating vignettes that varied on perspective and familiarity and then rated the likelihood the couple would engage in sexual intercourse and use a condom. Results: There were no differences in rated likelihood based on familiarity, suggesting that the students did not view the 2 partner types as significantly different. Students rated the likelihood of sexual intercourse lower and condom use higher when the vignette was presented from the second person perspective. Conclusions: The students’ use of downward social comparison is consistent with the “better than average effect,” suggesting that the students perceive their own behavior as safe. The implication is that safer sex messages might be most effective if they focus on what students will gain by practicing safer sex behaviors, not just avoidance of a risk behavior.

Overweight and Obesity in Lesbian and Bisexual College Women

Objective: To estimate and compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity among self-identified lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual college age women. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment was conducted with 31,500 female college students (aged 18 to 25 years) to compare body mass index (calculated from self-reported height and weight) among lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual college women. Results: Compared to heterosexuals female college students, lesbians and bisexual women were both significantly more likely to be overweight or obese. Lesbians were also less likely to be underweight compared to heterosexual college women. Conclusions: Self-identified lesbian and bisexual college women were more likely to be overweight or obese than their heterosexual counterparts. Health care professionals and educators should target these high-risk populations for obesity prevention programs. This study highlights the need for additional research examining the potential risk factors for overweight and obesity among young sexual minority women.

Alcohol and drug use and related consequences among gay, lesbian and bisexual college students: Role of experiencing violence, feeling safe on campus, and perceived stress

Objective To examine differences between gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) and non-GLB university students in alcohol and other drug use (AOD) and related consequences as well as the relevance of violence, perceived safety, and stress to any such differences in AOD use and related concerns. Methods A random representative sample of university students ( n = 988) were recruited via email for an online survey. Linear regression models assessed associations between identifying as GLB and AOD use and related consequences. Results Regression models (adjusted for gender) indicated that, in comparison to heterosexual students, GLB students were more likely to report recent illicit drug use (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9), more frequent negative AOD consequences ( β = 5.5, SE = 1.4, p < 0.0001), and having seriously thought about/attempted suicide due to AOD use in the past year (AOR = 6.6; 95% CI: 3.0–14.3). Study findings also suggested that violence, safety, and stress variables partially contribute to AOD use and related concerns among GLB students. Conclusions Findings highlight the need for future efforts to investigate and address mechanisms, including aspects of campus life, which contribute to AOD related risks among GLB students.

STDs Among Sexually Active Female College Students: Does Sexual Orientation Make a Difference?

Research addressing sexual health or STD risk among lesbian and bisexual college women is scarce. Data on 29,952 sexually active females aged 18-24 who completed the 2006 National College Health Assessment were examined to assess differences in sexual risk factors and recent STD incidence by sexual orientation. Comparisons were analyzed at the bivariate level and through multivariate logistic regression. Bisexual students were the most likely to have had an STD during the past year (9%); lesbians were the least likely (2%). However, lesbians were also the least likely to have had a routine gynecologic examination (46%, compared with 64-73% of others). Among students who had had multiple partners in the past year, those who had had partners of both sexes were more likely to have had an STD (16%) than were students who had had only male partners (9%) or only female partners (6%). Students who had binged on alcohol the last time they partied, had had multiple partners or had had a routine gynecologic examination in the past year, had been tested for HIV or had not used condoms at last vaginal intercourse were at increased odds of having had an STD (odds ratios, 1.3-4.0). Sexual health programs targeting female college students, regardless of sexual orientation, must focus on behavioral risks associated with STDs. In addition, the importance of regular gynecologic exams should be emphasized, especially among lesbians. Further research is needed on risk-taking among female college students who are sexually active with both sexes.

Bisexual College Women at Greatest Risk of STDs

Bisexual College Women at Greatest Risk of STDs

Bisexual College Women at Greatest Risk for STDs

Bisexual College Women at Greatest Risk for STDs

Considerations of Additional Stressors and Developmental Issues for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender College Students

At some point every college freshman asks “Am I okay?” or “Am I normal?” Helping students answer this question is a familiar part of college counseling. However, this task becomes more complicated when students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT), or questioning their sexuality seek counseling. The universal issues which all college students encounter are compounded by struggles with developing a positive gender identity and coping with prejudice. This article explores some of the unique issues GLBT students face during their college experience and provides suggestions for helping them transition to and thrive in the college milieu.

Sexual Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Self-Identified Lesbian and Bisexual College Women

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant health issue for lesbian and bisexual women. Older age and having a history of sexual intercourse with males are primary risk factors for STIs among this population. However, little research has been conducted to assess sexual risk among lesbian and bisexual college women exclusively. A cross-sectional Internet survey was conducted with 230 self-identified lesbian and bisexual female college students to examine their sexual risk and to determine with which, if any, STIs they had ever been diagnosed. Eight percent of lesbian and bisexual college women reported ever being diagnosed with an STI; the human papillomavirus, bacterial vaginosis, and genital herpes accounted for 84% of STI cases. Number of lifetime sex partners was significantly associated with an STI diagnosis among this population. Older age, engaging in penile-vaginal intercourse with a male (lifetime), and younger age at first same-sex experience were significantly associated with a greater number of lifetime sex partners. Results may be useful to sexual health programs targeting lesbian and bisexual college women and/or their providers.

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Student Experiences: An Exploratory Study

The current status of higher education research on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students offers an incomplete picture of their overall college experiences. This study is a secondary analysis of data collected for the 2004 National Study of Living-Learning Programs. Data were collected from 34 universities in 24 states and the District of Columbia. The total sample selected included 71,728 students, of which 23,910 responded to the survey, resulting in a response rate of approximately 33.3%. The demographic characteristics of the sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual students were remarkably similar. The results of this exploratory study reveal a rich and multifaceted portrait of the LGB college experience. The results from this study indicate that lesbian and gay students perceive higher growth in critical thinking and liberal learning. of the presence of out LGB students. This study offers a rare glimpse into the overall college experience of lesbian, gay, and bisexual students, and it was made possible by including one question item about respondents' sexual orientation on a survey instrument for a national study.

Health information and risk behaviors among lesbian, gay, and bisexual college students

To describe differences in alcohol use, marijuana use, and smoking behaviors between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and heterosexual college students, and determine whether there was a difference in the health information each group received. A random sample of 3000 college students aged 18-24 years who were currently enrolled at a southeastern metropolitan university on a full-time basis were invited to participate. The final sample (n = 772) consisted of heterosexuals (n = 731) and LGB (n = 41) college students. Gay and bisexual men (n = 20) and lesbian and bisexual women (n = 21) were compared to heterosexual college students. Lesbian/bisexual women were 4.9 times more likely to smoke, 10.7 times more likely to drink, and 4.9 times more likely to use marijuana than heterosexual women. Gay/bisexual men did not significantly differ from heterosexual men. There was no difference in the health information on alcohol and drug prevention the groups received. Gay/bisexual men were less likely (p = .02) compared to heterosexual men to have received tobacco prevention information. Advanced practice nurses must ensure that every patient receives preventive services and anticipatory guidance at every visit. LGB clients in particular need health assessments and interventions appropriate to their individual risk profiles.