Submission
| Title: | “I think people should be more aware”: Uterine fibroid experiences among women living in Indiana |
| Co-Authors: |
Laily, Alfu, Department of Public Health, Purdue University; Chandler Dykstra, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University; Monica Kasting, PhD, DepartmentofPublic Health, PurdueUniversity; Andrea L. DeMaria, PhD, MS, Department of Public Health, Purdue University |
Abstract
Background/Significance/Rationale: Uterine fibroids affect up to 80% of US reproductive-aged women by age 50, making it among the most common and costly reproductive health conditions. Demographic and geographic differences are known to be associated with health experiences. Therefore, this study aims to understand the healthcare experiences of uterine fibroids patients across the continuum of care, from early symptoms through diagnosis, treatment, and management, while also investigating the impact of the social determinants of health on fibroids experiences.
Methods: We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with fibroids patients. Eligible participants were women aged 18+ who had been diagnosed with fibroids and were residing within 75 miles of one of the two recruitment locations (Tippecanoe or Marion County) in Indiana. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Constant comparative analysis identified emergent themes.
Results/Findings: Women experienced myriad physical symptoms, which often manifested into psychological and sexual disturbances and infiltrated all aspects of daily life. Internet searches were frequently mentioned as their main information source. Fertility became a prominent factor in deciding treatment options. However, health disparities prevented some from receiving quality fibroids healthcare. Some women reported that staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic facilitated management of physical symptoms. Overall, participants advocated for greater fibroids awareness and education.
Conclusions/Discussion: Results offer rich insight into patient experiences, highlighting areas of improvement within fibroids care. Findings highlight practical recommendations to improve clinical care standards and patient health outcomes. Translation of research to practice, using a combined framework of the social-ecological model and social determinants of health, can guide the development of strategic, theory-based interventions aimed to target individual, relational, communal, and societal dimensions.
Translational/Human Health Impact: Using patient experiences to incorporate the social determinants of health into the social-ecological framework can enhance the patient experience and offer recommendations for improvements to fibroids care across settings.
