A Forgotten Sexuality: Content Analysis of Bisexuality in the Medical Literature over Two Decades

Abstract

The authors conducted a content analysis of articles listed in PubMed on bisexual health (N = 348). Methodological approaches favored cross-sectional surveys. Fewer than 20% of the articles analyzed data for bisexuals separately; most combined their data with homosexual participants. Most articles used convenience samples with poor representation of women, socioeconomic status and minorities. One fifth of the articles framed bisexuals as an infection bridge, whereas about one sixth framed bisexuality as a legitimate identity. More than 90% of the bisexuality medical research was atheoretical. To address health inequities, further study is required on the needs of this forgotten minority group.

KEYWORDS:

• sexuality
• sexual minorities
• LGBTQ
• sexual identity
• sexual orientation
• homosexuality
• bisexuality
• bisexual health
• medical journals
• PubMed
• health disparities
• content analysis