Citation

Dibble SL, Sato N, Haller E. Women Ther. 2007; 30(3-4): 129-143.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J015v30n03_10

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine actual and potential health issues of midlife lesbians who were Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islanders (A-NHOPI). We explored the health status (body composition, "outness," smoking, alcohol, and abuse) of 29 A-NHOPI lesbians; 34.5% were totally disclosed to family, co-workers, and health-care providers. They reported high rates of quitting smoking, and low rates of smoking and alcohol abuse. Childhood physical abuse was reported by 34.7% and childhood sexual abuse was reported by 28.6% of these women.

FINDINGS from this study will assist therapists with some of the issues affecting A-NHOPI midlife lesbians.

Keywords

alcohol; abuse; Lesbian; Pacific Islander; smoking; health status; Asian American