Experiences of transgender-related discrimination and implications for health: results from the Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Study.

Objectives: We examined relationships between social determinants of health and experiences of transgender-related discrimination reported by transgender people in Virginia.

Methods: In 2005 through 2006, 387 self-identified transgender people completed a statewide health needs assessment; 350 who completed eligibility questions were included in this examination of factors associated with experiences of discrimination in health care, employment, or housing. We fit multivariate logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations to adjust for survey modality (online vs paper).

Family, cultural and gender role aspects in the context of HIV risk among African American women of unidentified HIV status: an exploratory qualitative study.

This was an exploratory, qualitative study of contextual cultural and social realities of the sexual interactions of a representative sample of African American women of unidentified HIV status. The study expanded our understanding of family and gender role variables by exploring influences of family of origin and idealistic perceptions of roles on sexual relationships. Data was collected on 51 African American women who were recruited through probability sampling.

The effectiveness of resource allocation methods used by RWCA Title II Consortia in Virginia.

The authors sought to determine the following: (1) How rigorous are the current resource allocation methods used by Virginia's five regional Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act Title II consortia? (2) How useful are existing databases in allocating resources? (3) Is it feasible to introduce a standardized performance measurement approach for state-level assessment of consortia effectiveness? The authors reviewed proposals and progress reports from each of the consortia to the Virginia public health agency; they then visited each of the consortia to solicit information to refine the study questions and to review the consortia's databases. The authors reviewed the literature on existing models used to allocate resources, and surveyed members of the Virginia consortia about how they used various resource allocation tools, how effective these tools were, and how ready the consortia were to be evaluated regarding resource allocation. The authors found no uniform process for the allocation of Title II funds in Virginia.

Expanding the research infrastructure for lesbian health.

Interest in research about lesbian health has increased dramatically since the late 1980s and gained national attention in 1999 when the Institute of Medicine published the groundbreaking report Lesbian Health: Current Assessment and Directions for the Future. In March 2000, the Department of Health and Human Services and partner organizations presented the Scientific Workshop on Lesbian Health, during which invited experts on lesbian health worked with federal representatives to develop action steps to implement recommendations in the Institute of Medicine report. National priorities were thus established for the emerging field of lesbian health research.

Behavioral risk factors for disease and preventive health practices among lesbians.

Objectives: This study compared the prevalence of health behaviors among lesbians and in the general population of women.

Methods: We used a cross-sectional community-based survey of 1010 self-identified lesbians 18 years or older.

Results: Compared with the general population of women, lesbians were more likely to report cigarette use, alcohol use, and heavy alcohol use.