Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2021
Factors Predicting Type II Histology in Endometrial Biopsies Among Postmenopausal Minority Women at a Safety-Net Hospital.
Background: Rates of type II endometrial cancers (EC) are increasing in the United States, especially in minority women. The purpose of this project was to examine a primarily minority and low socioeconomic status patient population in a public hospital to identify risk factors associated with the finding of type II histology in endometrial biopsies (EMBs). Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent an EMB between 2010 and 2016. ⋯ Caucasian) race (OR 8.75 [CI 0.86-88.70], p = 0.066), obesity (OR 0.39 [0.15-0.98], p = 0.044), and number of years since menopause (OR 1.06 [CI 1.01-1.12], p = 0.027), although none remained independently predictive in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: This minority population of postmenopausal women with EC had a greater prevalence of type II histologies. Understanding this pattern may be helpful in expediting the workup for abnormal symptoms in these women and prompt a higher level of suspicion for EC.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2021
Heterogeneous Effects of Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansions Among Women with Dependent Children by State-Level Pre-Expansion Eligibility.
Objectives: This study explores the heterogeneity in effects of the 2014 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansions on insurance coverage, health care access, and health status of low-income women with dependent children by pre-expansion state-level income eligibility. Materials and Methods: We employ a quasiexperimental difference-in-differences design comparing outcome changes in Medicaid expansion states to nonexpansion states. We estimate effects separately for three groups of expansion states based on pre-expansion (2013) parent income eligibility: low pre-expansion eligibility (<90% of federal poverty level [FPL]), high eligibility (90% to <138% FPL), and full eligibility (≥138% FPL). ⋯ Changes in access largely mirror those in coverage. There are no significant changes in health status regardless of pre-expansion eligibility. Conclusions: The ACA Medicaid expansions increased coverage and access for low-income women with dependent children primarily in states with low pre-expansion parent eligibility, and therefore, reduced differences in these outcomes between expansion states.
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Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects up to 15% of women in the United States. The endocannabinoid system is a potential pharmacological target for pelvic pain as cannabinoid receptors are highly expressed in the uterus and other nonreproductive tissues. We hypothesize that cannabis use is common for self-management of CPP, and our primary objective was to determine the prevalence of cannabis use in this population. ⋯ Conclusions: Almost one-quarter of patients with CPP report regular use of cannabis as an adjunct to their prescribed therapy. Although side effects are common, most users report improvement in symptoms. Our study highlights the potential of cannabis as a therapeutic option for patients with CPP.