Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Jennifer Oliphant

Abstract

Minorities including lesbians may face disparities that contribute to minority stress, which leads to adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this social epidemiology study was to examine the association between insured status, perceived stress, and parental status among lesbians and nonlesbians. The theoretical foundation was minority stress, and the design was quantitative with a convenience sample of women aged 18 years and older. Data on demographics, perceived stress, fertility quality of life, and lesbian identity disclosure were collected via online survey. Among the 314 respondents, 102 self-selected as lesbian (49% parents), and 212 self-selected as nonlesbian (73.1% parents). More than 50% of participants had experience with some type of assisted reproduction (ART). Using the test for association, regardless of parental status or perceived stress, lesbians were more than twice as likely as nonlesbians (18.5% to 8.3%, respectively) to lack fertility treatment coverage; this difference was statistically significant, p < .05. Most participants (62.5%) fell in the moderate stress category. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in Fertility Quality of Life scores. Lesbians with children had a greater degree of outness (p < .001) compared to lesbians without children. Using logistic regression, insured status (p = .010) and perceived stress (p = .035) were associated with parenting status. Findings from the current study contribute to understanding minority stress of lesbians related to parenting and ART. Shifting social constructs to improve inclusivity may minimize minority stress and support public health. Assuring reproductive access and favorable social conditions may promote positive change for lesbians considering parenthood.

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