Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2020
Comparative StudyPreconception Health Characteristics of Women with Disabilities in Ontario: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study.
Background: There is growing recognition that preconception health, defined as the health of all reproductive-age individuals, impacts reproductive and perinatal outcomes. Although women with disabilities are becoming pregnant at increasing rates, little is known about their preconception health. Our objective was to describe the preconception health characteristics of women with physical, sensory, and intellectual/developmental disabilities and compare these characteristics with women without disabilities. ⋯ Disparities were pronounced for physical health status, psychosocial well-being, use of potentially teratogenic medications, and history of assault. Of all groups, women with intellectual/developmental disabilities had the greatest disparities. Conclusion: Further research is needed to identify contributors to poor preconception health among women with disabilities and to develop tailored preconception health interventions to meet their unique needs and experiences.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2020
Breast Cancer Screening Among Medically Underserved Women in New Mexico: Potential for Lower Recall Rates with Digital Breast Tomosynthesis.
Introduction: Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) may decrease recall rates (RRs) and improve positive predictive values (PPVs) and cancer detection rates (CDRs) versus full-field digital mammography (FFDM). The value of DBT has not been assessed in New Mexico's rural and minority population. Objectives of this study were to compare RRs, CDRs, and PPVs using FFDM+DBT versus FFDM in screening mammograms at the University of New Mexico between 2013 and 2016 and to qualitatively evaluate patient decision-making regarding DBT. ⋯ Conclusion: In New Mexico women undergoing screening mammography, a 30% relative risk reduction in RRs was observed with FFDM+DBT. Qualitative interviews suggest that women are aware of and receptive to DBT, assuming adequate educational support. Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT03979729.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2020
Concomitant Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy at Hysterectomy: Differences by Race and Menopausal Status in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 2007-2014.
Background: Hysterectomy can be performed with concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) to treat symptomatic pathology of the ovary (e.g., endometriosis) or to prevent ovarian cancer. Our objective was to examine the relationship between race and concomitant BSO by menopausal status in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. Methods: This is a longitudinal study utilizing VA administrative data to identify hysterectomies provided or paid for by VA (i.e., source of care) between 2007 and 2014. ⋯ Conclusions: Premenopausal Black Veterans are less likely to undergo BSO even after adjustment for salient characteristics. Our findings may have implications for equitable gynecological care for Veterans. Additional research is needed to better understand the role of differential preferences or cancer risk in these racial differences.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2020
Maternal Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum Plasma B Vitamin and Homocysteine Profiles in a High-Risk Multiethnic U.S., Population.
Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a recognized risk factor of a woman's future cardiovascular risk. The potential role of micronutrients in mitigating hypertensive disorders is not fully understood. This study examined maternal postpartum plasma B vitamin profiles by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a high-risk multiethnic U. ⋯ Conclusions: We found that pre-eclampsia disorders, but not gestational hypertension, was associated with lower folate and higher homocysteine levels postpartum, especially among Black mothers. This finding, if further confirmed, may have implications for postpartum care, including attention to maternal micronutrient status to reduce and prevent hypertensive disorders in pregnancy-associated consequences in subsequent pregnancies and lifespan. Registration date: July 25, 2017; Registry website: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03228875.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2020
Adherence to Recommended Practices for Provision of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Among Providers in a Large U.S. Health Care System.
Background: There is little research examining adherence to practice guidelines for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). We assessed same-day LARC provision and adherence to other guideline-recommended practices among providers in a large academic health care system. Materials and Methods: We surveyed 363 providers who had billed using LARC-related codes within the prior 12 months. ⋯ Among IUD providers, 73% schedule routine follow-up after insertion. Conclusions: Same-day LARC provision is low among providers in a large academic health care system. Provider-identified barriers suggest interventions to improve LARC access, including incentivizing device stocking and billing and insurance education.