Women's health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health
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Womens Health Issues · Jul 2016
ReviewRacial and Ethnic Health Care Disparities Among Women in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System: A Systematic Review.
Women are a rapidly growing segment of patients who seek care in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, yet many questions regarding their health care experiences and outcomes remain unanswered. Racial and ethnic disparities have been well-documented in the general population and among veterans; however, prior disparities research conducted in the VA focused primarily on male veterans. We sought to characterize the findings and gaps in the literature on racial and ethnic disparities among women using the VA. ⋯ In contrast with the wealth of literature examining disparities both among the male veterans and women in non-VA settings, only nine studies examine racial and ethnic disparities specifically among women in the VA Healthcare System. These results demonstrate that there is an unmet need to further assess health care disparities among female VA users.
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Health reform, including Medicaid expansion, is increasing insurance coverage and financial access to breast and cervical cancer screening for low-income women, although services for low-income uninsured women are still needed. ⋯ Programs to support cancer screening for low-income uninsured women will still be needed.
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Womens Health Issues · May 2016
Association of Provider Advice and Pregnancy Weight Gain in a Predominantly Hispanic Population.
This study sought to determine whether women's report of gestational weight gain (GWG) advice from a health care provider is consistent with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines and the association between provider advice and women's weight gain during pregnancy. ⋯ There is a need for more women to receive advice consistent with the IOM GWG guidelines from their prenatal care providers. Intervention strategies are needed to educate providers about IOM guidelines and how to counsel on GWG.
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Womens Health Issues · Mar 2016
Receipt of Prescription Opioids in a National Sample of Pregnant Veterans Receiving Veterans Health Administration Care.
A growing number of reproductive-age women veterans are returning from Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). In 2010, 42% of women veterans receiving Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services were aged 18 to 45. Prescription opioid use has increased among all veterans over the past decade; however, exposure among pregnant veterans has not been examined. ⋯ This study suggests that a substantial proportion of women veterans received VHA prescriptions for opioids during pregnancy. Providers should be aware of the potential risks of prescription opioid use during pregnancy, assess for potential undertreatment of psychiatric diagnoses, and consider alternate pain management strategies when possible.
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Womens Health Issues · Mar 2016
Screening for Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence in College Women: Missed Opportunities.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV) are significant health issues for college women. Leading organizations and experts recommend screening for IPV/SV in health care settings, including college health centers. Given the prevalence and health risks associated with IPV/SV among college women, it is important to examine screening in this population. ⋯ Participants reported high rates of IPV/SV and low rates of violence screening at college health centers and off-campus settings. Routine provider screening for IPV/SV in health care settings can identify women at risk and can lead to interventions that reduce subsequent violence and improve health outcomes and referrals. Theory-based, culture-specific, multilevel interventions are needed to promote IPV/SV screening among college health providers.