Evaluation of current knowledge and education practices regarding uterine fibroids amongst Black women
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are currently being studied only in the clinical setting. Although there has not been a cure or even definite etiology found on this issue. If public health addressed this subject it would allow us an opportunity to educate others on what is already known. This dissertation will be the foundation of an intervention to be implemented specifically with Black women, as well as provide information and education to those in leadership positions that are able to create policies and an office geared toward further research and ultimately a cure for this problem. The overall research question for this dissertation is: "In what ways does current knowledge of uterine fibroids affect norms, beliefs, attitudes, and decision making in Black women?" This study began with a systematic review on decision aids to help women make decisions about reproductive health problems. A focus group was then conducted to obtain women's beliefs, attitudes, norms, and decisional regret regarding uterine fibroids and treatment. A fibroid knowledge questionnaire was then develop and piloted containing items related to attitudes, norms, beliefs and knowledge. The systematic review revealed that decision aids that address fibroids or fibroids-related symptoms would be uncommon. Out of the 25 articles found, none were directly about uterine fibroids and most were related to pregnancy. The most common target audience was pregnant women and teenagers. More decision support tools are needed for women of child bearing age in order to make reproductive health decisions that take in consideration preserving fertility. The systematic review also revealed that decision aids targeted to Black women would be rare. Some of the hypotheses were found false via information from Black women in their focus group. Women based their treatment decision based on personal reasons of pain and fertility. Most stated that if pain was the major reason for treatment, the physicians made the major decisions. Women who major factor was fertility tend to do the most research and had the most regret. Surprisingly women in this research project had little to no regret regarding their treatment choices. A lot of women didn't have regret because they had already had children. Regret was stated for women who went thru early menopause or experience problems due to a hysterectomy. It was stated that having fibroids is such a secret that no one is aware who does or doesn't have it until an opportune time. This study was the first to access current knowledge of women with or has had fibroids. The study indicated women are unable to separate facts from opinions regarding prevention and treatment. The study also proved family and religion are not contributors in making treatment decisions.
Subject Area
Behavioral psychology|Public health|Health education
Recommended Citation
Dixon, Nickell M, "Evaluation of current knowledge and education practices regarding uterine fibroids amongst Black women" (2014). Texas Medical Center Dissertations (via ProQuest). AAI3719054.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dissertations/AAI3719054