Promoting gynecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors in sexual minority women: A pilot study results

Objective: Women who have sex with women (WSW) are at an increased risk for gynecological cancers due to certain lifestyle-related factors. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of gynecological cancer education on cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors in WSW.Method: A quasi-experimental, single-group pre-test/post-test design was used. The sample consisted of 32 Turkish WSW (n=11 lesbian women, n=21 bisexual women). Before gynecological cancer prevention education was administered, the participants were administered the Personal Information Form, Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS), and Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale-II (HLSBS). Then, the participants were provided group education. In the following first and third months, participants were sent online GCAS and HLSBS forms. Results: The mean age of WSWs was 25.75±5.71 years old. Mean GCAS scores increased from 143.25±16.40 (pre-education) to 177.03±17.40 (1st month) and 180.84±19.35 (3rd month). HLSBS scores rose from 125.84±16.62 (pre-education) to 141.75±22.97 (1st month) and 139.44±22.14 (3rd month). The GCAS and HLSBS by the participants increased significantly in the first and third months after the education.Conclusion: A positive relationship was found between the WSW's gynecological cancer awareness levels and their healthy lifestyle behaviors. Educational interventions significantly improved gynecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors among WSW. Targeted education programs are essential to promote routine screenings, vaccination uptake, and health literacy in this population.