Journal of women's health
-
Journal of women's health · Dec 2016
Time to Diagnostic Evaluation After Mammographic Screening in an Urban Setting.
The Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC), a screening facility established to serve minority women, developed a culturally sensitive patient care paradigm that would address concerns of adherence to follow-up of abnormal results after initial mammogram. Women with abnormal mammograms are assigned a Black or Latina navigator who facilitates the additional workup needed by scheduling follow-up, arranging transportation, providing counsel/emotional support, and even accompanying them to diagnostic imaging or biopsy appointment. We present data on follow-up rates after breast cancer screening. ⋯ At the CBCC, time to patient follow-up after initial mammographic screening is within the CDC-recommended performance standard of less than 60 days. For a population that historically has low rates of clinical follow-up, we attribute this reduction in delays to breast cancer diagnostic resolution to a culturally sensitive patient navigation program. Additional studies are needed to assess how the existing navigation program can be individualized/tailored to target the remaining 20% of women who did not adhere to the recommended workup.
-
To examine the association between suicidal ideation (SI), 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum with demographic, psychosocial, clinical factors, and depressive/anxiety symptoms (measured 24-48 hours after delivery), among a cohort of postpartum women. ⋯ Findings suggest that SI among a relatively healthy group of new mothers occurs with some frequency. Mothers with a history of depression and antepartum complications may be at increased risk.
-
Journal of women's health · Dec 2016
Body Mass Index as a Measure of Obesity: Racial Differences in Predictive Value for Health Parameters During Pregnancy.
As a measure of obesity, body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) is an imperfect predictor of health outcomes, particularly among African Americans. However, BMI is used to guide prenatal care. We examined racial differences in the predictive value of maternal BMI for physiologic correlates of obesity, serum interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as cesarean section and infant birth weight. ⋯ BMI may be a less valid predictor of correlates of overweight/obesity among African Americans versus European Americans during pregnancy. This should be considered in epidemiological studies of maternal-child health. In addition, studies examining the comparative validity of alternative/complementary measures to define obesity in pregnancy are warranted to inform clinical care.
-
Journal of women's health · Dec 2016
Chronic Diseases and Use of Contraception Among Women at Risk of Unintended Pregnancy.
Women with chronic diseases are at increased risk of having unintended pregnancies. Little is known whether chronic diseases are associated with increased likelihood of effective/highly effective contraceptive use. ⋯ Self-reported use of effective/highly effective contraception was higher than nonuse or use of less effective methods among all women at risk of unintended pregnancy, but could be improved, especially among women with chronic diseases.