GP-confirmed complete Achilles tendon rupture using pocket-sized ultrasound: a case report

Background: Same-sex attracted women (SSAW) have higher rates of alcohol and mental health problems than heterosexual women, but utilisation of and satisfaction with treatment is limited. Aim: This study investigated the influences on health service use for alcohol and mental health problems among SSAW. Design & setting: The G lberg-Andersen havioural mod l of alth service utilisation was used to ge erate outc e variables. Method: A convenience sample of 521 mmunity-c nnected Austr lian SSAW completed an online survey. Health service use according to s xual identity was compared using c a alysis. Binary logistic regr ssion examined ssociatio s between the independent variables with treatme utilisation. Results: Reports of alcohol treatment were very low. Only 41.1% of participants with service need had utilised mental health and alcohol treatment. Bisexual women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.76) and those with ‘other’ identities (AOR = 2.38) were more likely to use services than lesbian women. Enablers to service use were having a regular GP (AOR = 3.02); disclosure of sexuality to the GP (AOR = 2.42); lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community-connectedness (AOR = 1.11); and intimate partner violence ([IPV] AOR = 2.51). Social support was associated with a reduction in treatment use (AOR = 0.97). Significant access barriers included not feeling ready for help, and previous negative experiences related to sexual identity. Conclusion: Disclosing sexual identity to a regular, trusted GP correlated with improved utilisation of alcohol and mental health treatment for SSAW. The benefits of seeking help for alcohol use, and of accessing LGBT-inclusive GPs to do so, should be promoted to SSAW. McNair R et al. BJGP Open 2018; DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen18X101565 1 of 11 RESEARCH