SPEAKER: Donna Jean Brogan, Ph.D., Professor of Biostatistics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
TITLE: Sampling Rare Populations: Lesbians and Gays as a Case Example
ABSTRACT:
The design of sample surveys often includes procedures for sampling
rare human populations. If possible, the rare (sub)population often
is oversampled in the context of a sample survey of the larger population.
Applying rare population sampling techniques to the study of the lesbian
and/or gay subpopulations of the U.S. presents two methodological challenges:
(1) the definition of lesbian/gay and (2) willingness of sampled persons
to answer potentially sensitive questions about sexual behavior and/or
orientation.
Health status of lesbians is used as a case example. A recent
IOM (Institute of Medicine) report on lesbian health, particularly research
methodology challenges, is summarized. Analytical results from a
sample survey of U.S. women physicians are presented to show:
(1) The impact on analysis of using different
definitions of lesbian/heterosexual
(2) Gender and lifestyle harassment of lesbian
vs. heterosexual women physicians
(3) Health status of lesbian vs. heterosexual
women physicians
COFFEE: 2:45 p.m., 104 Snedecor Hall