Histories of forced sex and health outcomes among Southern African lesbian and bisexual women: a cross-sectional study

BMC Women's Health
Theo G M SandfortSouthern African Lesbian and Bisexual Women Research Team

Abstract

Experiences of forced sex have been shown to be prevalent in Southern Africa. Negative outcomes of forced sex have been documented in general populations of women and men and include alcohol abuse, drug use, mental health problems, mental distress, sexual health problems and poor overall health. This study is the first to examine experiences of forced sex and associated health problems among lesbian and bisexual women in Southern Africa. This study is based on data collected as part of a collaborative endeavor involving various Southern African community-based organizations. Lesbian and bisexual women in four Southern African countries participated in a cross-sectional survey, for a total study sample of 591. Nearly one-third of participants had been forced to have sex at some time in their lives. Thirty-one percent of all women reported to have experienced forced sex at least once in their life: 14.9% reported forced sex by men only; 6.6% reported forced sex by women only; 9.6% had had forced sexual experiences with both men and women. Participants experienced forced sex by men as more serious than forced sex by women; forced sex by women was more likely to involve intimate partners compared to forced sex by men. Participants ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jul 21, 2016·Journal of the International AIDS Society·Andrew ScheibeMonique Marks
Jan 18, 2020·Archives of Sexual Behavior·Radhika M WikramanayakeTheo G M Sandfort
Jul 28, 2019·Culture, Health & Sexuality·Margaret M Paschen-WolffTheodorus Sandfort
Oct 30, 2020·The Journal of International Medical Research·Philip R OpondoJames O Ayugi

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