Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2024
Multicenter StudySex Differences in Colonoscopy Indications and Findings: Results from a Large Multicenter Database.
Background: Sex-based differences are common among diseases. We aimed to investigate the differences in colonoscopy indications and its findings between males and females. Methods: A large, multi-center, cross-sectional, retrospective study included all colonoscopies performed between 2016 and 2021 in seven endoscopy departments. ⋯ However, a clinically significant difference regarding diverticulosis was observed only in patients with anemia as the indication. Conclusions: Notable differences exist between males and females in terms of the indications and findings on colonoscopy. This highlights the need for identifying the factors contributing to these differences and the developing sex-specific approaches for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases.
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Background: Uterine fibroids affect patients' quality of life and contribute significantly to health care costs. Studies from 2009 to 2011 demonstrated that fibroids disproportionately affect Black women, with lower odds of uterine preservation and minimally invasive approaches. Objective: This is a retrospective cohort study of data abstracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2015 to 2019 examining trends in surgical management of uterine fibroids and exploring disparities in surgical approach in a modern cohort. ⋯ Conclusion: Surgical treatment for fibroids increased over time, shifting toward uterine preservation. Myomectomy performance is associated with lower age and BMI and identifying as a racial and/or ethnic minority. These trends may represent improved access to surgical treatment of fibroids, resulting from the growth of minimally invasive gynecological surgery as a specialty and advocacy for equitable health care for all patients.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2024
Maternal Recall of Obstetric Office-Based Activities That Promote Antepartum Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular-Pertussis Vaccination.
Objective: To explore associations between maternal characteristics and recall of obstetric provider actions in promoting antepartum tetanus-diphtheria-acellular-pertussis (Tdap) vaccination. Methods: A convenience sample of 1,682 postpartum women was surveyed in this cross-sectional study. Maternal characteristics and recall of four obstetric provider actions (recommending antepartum Tdap vaccine, offering it in clinic, providing written information, and referring patients elsewhere for vaccination) were collected. ⋯ Multivariable analysis revealed specific maternal characteristics that increased odds of recalling at least one obstetric provider action promoting Tdap vaccination, including receipt of first trimester prenatal care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-2.97), primiparity (aOR 1.35, 95% CI = 1.05-1.75), private health insurance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI = 1.16-2.04), higher household income (aOR ranging from 1.71 to 2.10 for ≥$150,000 for two actions), and non-White, non-Hispanic race/ethnicity (aOR ranging from 1.49 to 1.74 for Asian non-Hispanic for two actions and aOR 1.71 for Black non-Hispanic). Conclusion: Prenatal care, parity, insurance type, household income, and race/ethnicity are associated with recall of obstetric provider activities that impact antepartum Tdap vaccine promotion. Obstetric providers should recommend this potentially life-saving vaccine with each pregnancy, irrespective of differences in maternal characteristics, and policymakers should work to combat systemic factors that may cause disparities in uptake.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2024
Perceived Barriers to Pap Screening Influence Adherence to Screening Recommendations Among Black Women.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs associated with Pap screening adherence among a sample of African American and sub-Saharan African immigrant women in the United States. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey. Participants were recruited from central Kentucky counties. ⋯ There was no difference in perceived barriers between African American and sub-Saharan African women. Conclusions: Despite public health efforts to decrease screening barriers, a perception of barriers exists among Black women. Continued efforts to address screening barriers as well as the perception of barriers are warranted among Black women.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2024
Increasing Prevalence of Diagnosed Gestational Diabetes in South Carolina: 2015-2021.
Objective: To examine trends with a focus on racial and ethnic disparities in reported gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and related outcomes (macrosomia, large for gestational age infants) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina (SC). Methods: A retrospective cohort study of pregnancies resulting in livebirths from 2015 through 2021 was conducted in SC. Statewide maternal hospital and emergency department discharge codes were linked to birth certificate data. ⋯ From quarter 1, 2020, to quarter 4, 2021, the prevalence of reported GDM increased from 8.92% to 10.85% in White, from 8.04% to 9.78% in Black, from 11.2% to 13.65% in Hispanic, and from 13.3% to 16.16% in other race-ethnic women. Conclusion: An increasing prevalence of diagnosed GDM was reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying increasing trends, to develop interventions, and to determine whether the increasing trend continues in subsequent years.