Estimating the lesbian population: a capture-recapture approach

Abstract

Study objective: Little is known about the number of women who identify as lesbian. Estimates from the US range from 1% to nearly 10%. Accurate estimates are critical in order to meet lesbian's healthcare needs and to address health problems that may be more prevalent among them. This study used capture-recapture methods to estimate the lesbian population of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Design: Mailing lists from four sources were used to identify lesbians. The capture-recapture method and log-linear modelling were used to estimate the number of lesbians in the defined geographical area, and the percentage of the female population they comprised there was determined through census data. Setting: Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA. Results: A total of 2185 unique names were identified. The capture-recapture method estimated that the total lesbian population of Allegheny County was 7031 (95% CI 5850 to 8576). Therefore, based on the 1990 census figures, the county's adult lesbian population was estimated to be 1.87% (95% CI 1.56% to 2.28%) of the adult female population. Conclusions: An estimate of the lesbian population is fundamental for addressing lesbian's health needs and for developing appropriate research programmes. Capture-recapture methods have the potential to provide accurate and reliable estimates of this population in any location.

Under-registration of deaths in Thailand in 2005–2006: results of cross-matching data from two sources

“…11 This method is frequently used in studies and is often referred to in epidemiology and ecology as capture-recapture. 9,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] In Thailand, the dual records procedure or a similar method based on cross-matching of data from two different sources has been practised since the mid-1960s, and in that early period it was applied in a manner very similar to the one shown in this study in the sense that data from independent sources -in our case the survey and the vital event registration system -were cross-matched. However, some practical differences do exist.…”

A study on methods of estimating the population size of men who have sex with men in Southwest China

“…Methods have been employed to estimate MSM population size [3][4][5] before, but each has its limitations and the task remains difficult and challenging. Our pilot epidemiological survey on the MSM population size in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, P.R.…”

Healthcare Preferences Among Lesbians: A Focus Group Analysis

“…1(p10) Without data describing the healthcare needs of lesbians, clinicians will be unable to design interventions to improve the quality of care for this group of patients who comprise 3%-10% of all U.S. women. [1][2][3] Unfortunately, the literature base identifying optimal approaches to the delivery of lesbian health care is thin. The available literature supports the assertion that lesbians use healthcare less than heterosexual women do and that they may experience lower health status because of this.…”