Dr. Baker Studies Reproductive Health Attitudes

Dr. Katie Baker, Assistant Professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health in the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, has received a Major Grant award from the Research Development Committee to study reproductive health attitudes, beliefs and experiences among lesbian and bisexual women in northeast Tennessee. 

Studies have found that lesbian and bisexual women experience different reproductive health outcomes when compared to their heterosexual peers.  Lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to experience an unintended pregnancy and less likely to receive routine sexually transmitted infection testing and cervical cancer screening. Lesbian and bisexual women are also more likely to delay routine health screenings or avoid medical care altogether due to fear of discrimination by providers and health systems. 

Of particular concern is the avoidance of reproductive health care by lesbian and bisexual women, since initiation of reproductive health care generally represents a crucial entry point into the health care system for women. Dr. Baker’s research team will use a mixed methods research strategy whereby they will conduct semi-structured interviews to inform the development and administration of a pilot survey instrument. 

A total of 215 lesbian and bisexual women between the ages of 18 and 25 will be recruited from ETSU and local organizations and social media pages: 15 for semi-structured interviews and 200 for an online survey. This sample represents a highly underserved population in Appalachia, and study results will provide vital data to inform and improve reproductive health care delivery.