Milken Institute School of Public Health Poster Presentations (Marvin Center & Video)
Understanding Black women’s psychosocial experiences with seeking treatment for uterine fibroids
Document Type
Poster
Abstract Category
Environmental and Occupational Health
Keywords
uterine fibroids, qualitative research, health disparities, Black women
Publication Date
Spring 5-1-2019
Abstract
Black women are disproportionately impacted by uterine fibroids and are more likely to undergo surgical treatment for fibroid management compared with other women. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 37 Black/African American women, to understand what factors shape Black women's treatment decisions, explore what information Black women desire during the decision-making process, and evaluate how discrimination based on intersections of race, class, and gender are featured in treatment-seeking experiences. Our preliminary findings suggest that patient-doctor interactions, social networks, and potential long-term health effects of fibroids influence Black women's treatment decisions. Our results also suggest that healthcare providers should consider the social and historical context of Black women's healthcare experiences when discussing fibroids care, remain transparent about the lack of scientific information on fibroids, and invite an open dialogue with patients regarding fibroid management.
Open Access
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Understanding Black women’s psychosocial experiences with seeking treatment for uterine fibroids
Black women are disproportionately impacted by uterine fibroids and are more likely to undergo surgical treatment for fibroid management compared with other women. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 37 Black/African American women, to understand what factors shape Black women's treatment decisions, explore what information Black women desire during the decision-making process, and evaluate how discrimination based on intersections of race, class, and gender are featured in treatment-seeking experiences. Our preliminary findings suggest that patient-doctor interactions, social networks, and potential long-term health effects of fibroids influence Black women's treatment decisions. Our results also suggest that healthcare providers should consider the social and historical context of Black women's healthcare experiences when discussing fibroids care, remain transparent about the lack of scientific information on fibroids, and invite an open dialogue with patients regarding fibroid management.
Comments
Presented at Research Days 2019.