Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Jun 2021
Geographic Disparities in Late-Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis Rates and Their Persistence Over Time.
Background: Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Lower uptake of mammography screening is associated with higher rates of late-stage breast cancers. This study aims to show geographic patterns in the United States, where rates of late-stage breast cancer are high and persistent over time, and examines factors associated with these patterns. ⋯ This analysis includes a broader range of socioeconomic conditions than those included in previous literature. Conclusion: We found geographic disparities in late-stage breast cancer diagnosis rates, with some communities experiencing persistent disparities over time. Our findings can guide public health efforts aimed at reducing disparities in stage of diagnosis for breast cancer.
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Journal of women's health · Jun 2021
Pregnancy-Related Weight and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: Do the Relationships Differ by Race/Ethnicity?
Background: There are significant racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of postpartum depression. Prior research in the general population suggests that weight status is related to depression and that this relationship varies by race/ethnicity. However, few studies have investigated whether race/ethnicity moderates the relationship between pregnancy-related weight and postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS). ⋯ There were no statistically significant relationships between pregnancy-related weight and PPDS among NH black or Asian women, but both groups were significantly more likely than NH whites to report PPDS. Conclusion: Whether and how pregnancy-related weight is associated with PPDS varies by race/ethnicity. Addressing preconception weight could help reduce overall levels of PPDS among NH whites but would likely fail to mitigate racial/ethnic disparities in postpartum mental health.
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Journal of women's health · Jun 2021
Early Life Health in Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia and/or Vaginismus.
Background: The lifetime prevalence of prolonged vulvar pain ranges from 3% to 28% among premenopausal women. Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), often accompanied with various degrees of vaginismus, is the predominant cause. We explored the association between birth-related events and the risk of developing PVD/vaginismus during adulthood. ⋯ APGAR scores <7 or pain exposure during birth or infancy was not associated with PVD/vaginismus. Advanced maternal age, higher educational attainment, and being born in Sweden were associated with having a female offspring diagnosed with PVD/vaginismus. Conclusions: In a population of Swedish women 15-43 years of age, adverse health at birth was associated with developing PVD/vaginismus later on in life.
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Journal of women's health · Jun 2021
Incidence and Group Comparisons of Harassment Based on Gender, LGBTQ+ Identity, and Race at an Academic Medical Center.
Background: A key recommendation from the landmark National Academies report called for research examining experiences of underrepresented and/or vulnerable groups, including people of color and sexual- and gender-minority people. We examine the prevalence of gender policing harassment (GPH), heterosexist harassment (HH), and racialized sexual harassment (RSH), by gender, LGBTQ+, race, and department grouping, which has not been previously examined in academic medicine. Materials and Methods: All faculty (n = 2723), fellows, residents, and first through third year medical students (n = 1822) at the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) who had been working at the organization for at least 1 year were invited to complete a 20-minute online survey. ⋯ Conclusions: Less-studied forms of harassment are common within academic medicine and are perpetrated from various sources. Identity-based harassment should be investigated further to gain a comprehensive understanding of its impact within academic medicine. Clinical Trial Registration Number not applicable.
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Journal of women's health · Jun 2021
Outcomes by Race Among Women Referred to an Academic Colposcopy Clinic with a Patient Navigation Program.
Background: Although minority women are at higher risk of cervical cancer in the United States, little is known about differences in rates of colposcopy and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) by race once patients present for care. Materials and Methods: A prospective registry of patients presenting to an academic colposcopy clinic was queried from 2008 to 2018. Women with missing race or cytology results, prior hysterectomy, or prior history of cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer were excluded. ⋯ However, no significant difference in cancer, adenocarcinoma in situ, or high-grade histology was noted by race. Conclusions: Black and Hispanic women referred for abnormal Pap or HPV results underwent a greater number of colposcopies compared to white women, and Hispanic women underwent a greater number of LEEPs. Although cancer is rare in our cohort, there was no statistical difference in rate of cancer by race.