scholarly journals Assessing burden, risk factors, and perceived impact of uterine fibroids on women’s lives in rural Haiti: implications for advancing a health equity agenda, a mixed methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Millien ◽  
Anatole Manzi ◽  
Arlene M. Katz ◽  
Hannah Gilbert ◽  
Mary C. Smith Fawzi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Uterine fibroids, the most common cause of gynecologic surgery, have a reported cumulative incidence of 59% among Black women in the U.S. Uterine fibroids negatively impact the quality of women’s lives. No study has been found in the literature about fibroids in Haiti. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the burden and risk factors of uterine fibroids, as well as their effects on women’s quality of life. Methods A convergent mixed methods study was conducted between October 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at MUH’s (Mirebalais University Hospital) OB-GYN outpatient department. Quantitatively, in a cross-sectional study 211 women completed consecutively a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 17 women with fibroids and 7 family members were implemented for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were calculated for clinical and social demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine associations between fibroids and related risk factors. An inductive thematic process was used to analyze the qualitative data. A joint display technique was used to integrate the results. Results Of 193 women analyzed 116 had fibroids (60.1%). The mean age was 41.3. Anemia was the most frequent complication— 61 (52.6%). Compared to women without uterine fibroids, factors associated with uterine fibroids included income decline (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.1–10.9, p = < 0.001), excessive expenses for transport (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6–12.4, p = 0.005), and family history with uterine fibroids (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6–13.6, p = 0.005). In contrast, higher level of education and micro polycystic ovarian syndrome were associated with lower prevalence (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9, p = 0.021) and (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.97, p = 0.044), respectively. The qualitative findings delineate how contextual factors such as health system failures, long wait times, gender inequality and poverty negatively affect the quality of women’s lives. The poverty cycle of uterine fibroids emerged. Conclusions A vicious cycle of poverty negatively impacts access to care for uterine fibroids in Haiti. Health insurance, social support, and income generating activities may be keys to promote social justice through access to adequate care for women with uterine fibroids in Haiti.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Millien ◽  
Anatole Manzi ◽  
Arlene M. Katz ◽  
Hannah Gilbert ◽  
Mary C. Smith Fawzi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Uterine fibroids, the most common cause of gynecologic surgery, have a reported cumulative incidence of 59% among Black women in the U.S. Uterine fibroids negatively impact the quality of women’s lives. No study has been found in the literature about fibroids in Haiti. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the burden and risk factors of uterine fibroids, as well as their effects on women’s quality of life. Methods A convergent mixed methods study was conducted between October 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at MUH’s (Mirebalais University Hospital) OB-GYN outpatient department. Quantitatively, in a cross-sectional study 211 women completed consecutively a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 17 women with fibroids and 7 family members were implemented for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were calculated for clinical and social demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine associations between fibroids and related risk factors. An inductive thematic process was used to analyze the qualitative data. A joint display technique was used to integrate the results. Results Of 193 women analyzed 116 had fibroids (60.1%). The mean age was 41.3 . Anemia was the most frequent complication— 61 (52.6%). Compared to women without uterine fibroids, factors associated with uterine fibroids included income decline (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.1-10.9, p=<0.001), excessive expenses for transport (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6-12.4, p=0.005), and family history with uterine fibroids (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6-13.6, p=0.005). In contrast, higher level of education and micro polycystic ovarian syndrome were associated with lower prevalence (AOR= 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9, p=0.021) and (AOR= 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.97, p=0.044), respectively . The qualitative findings delineate how contextual factors such as health system failures, long wait times, gender inequality and poverty negatively affect the quality of women’s lives. The poverty cycle of uterine fibroids emerged. Conclusions A vicious cycle of poverty negatively impacts access to care for uterine fibroids in Haiti. Health insurance, social support, and income generating activities may be keys to promote social justice through access to adequate care for women with uterine fibroids in Haiti.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Millien ◽  
Anatole Manzi ◽  
Arlene M. Katz ◽  
Hannah Gilbert ◽  
Mary C. Smith Fawzi ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundUterine fibroids, the most common cause of gynecologic surgery, have a reported cumulative incidence of 59% among Black women in the U.S. Uterine fibroids negatively impact the quality of women’s lives. No study has been found in the literature about fibroids in Haiti. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the burden and risk factors of uterine fibroids, as well as their effects on women’s quality of life.MethodsA convergent mixed methods study was conducted between October 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at MUH’s (Mirebalais University Hospital) OB-GYN outpatient department. Quantitatively, in a cross-sectional study 211 women completed consecutively a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 17 women with fibroids and 7 family members were implemented for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were calculated for clinical and social demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine associations between fibroids and related risk factors. An inductive thematic process was used to analyze the qualitative data. A joint display technique was used to integrate the results.ResultsOf 193 women analyzed 116 had fibroids (60.1%). The mean age was 41.3. Anemia was the most frequent complication— 61 (52.6%). Compared to women without uterine fibroids, factors associated with uterine fibroids included income decline (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.1-10.9, p=<0.001), excessive expenses for transport (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6-12.4, p=0.005), and family history with uterine fibroids (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6-13.6, p=0.005). In contrast, higher level of education and micro polycystic ovarian syndrome were associated with lower prevalence (AOR= 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9, p=0.021) and (AOR= 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.97, p=0.044), respectively. The qualitative findings delineate how contextual factors such as health system failures, long wait times, gender inequality and poverty negatively affect the quality of women’s lives. The poverty cycle of uterine fibroids emerged.ConclusionsA vicious cycle of poverty negatively impacts access to care for uterine fibroids in Haiti. Health insurance, social support, and income generating activities may be keys to promote social justice through access to adequate care for women with uterine fibroids in Haiti.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Millien ◽  
Anatole Manzi ◽  
Arlene M. Katz ◽  
Hannah Gilbert ◽  
Mary C. Smith Fawzi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Uterine fibroids, the most common cause of gynecologic surgery, have a reported lifetime cumulative incidence of 59% among Black women in the U.S. Uterine fibroids increase mortality, morbidity, and negatively impact the quality of women’s lives. To our knowledge, no study has been published in the literature about fibroids in Haiti. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the burden and risk factors of uterine fibroids, as well as their effects on women’s quality of life. Methods A convergent mixed methods study was conducted between October 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at MUH’s (Mirebalais University Hospital) OB-GYN outpatient department. Quantitatively, in a cross-sectional study 211 women completed a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with a subset of 17 women with fibroids and 7 family members were implemented for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were calculated for clinical and social demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine associations between fibroids and related risk factors. An inductive thematic process was used to analyze the qualitative data. A joint display technique was used to integrate the results. Results The prevalence of uterine fibroids was 60.1%. Anemia and infertility were the most frequent complications— 52.6% and 33.6%, respectively. Factors associated with uterine fibroids included income decline (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.1–10.9, p = < 0.001), excessive expenses for transport (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6–12.4, p = 0.005), and family history with uterine fibroids (OR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6–13.6, p = 0.005). In contrast, higher level of education and presence of micro polycystic ovarian syndrome were found to be protective (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9, p = 0.021) and (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.97, p = 0.044), respectively. Qualitative findings demonstrated that uterine fibroids deeply affected the quality of women’s lives. The concept of a poverty cycle of uterine fibroids emerged. Conclusions A vicious cycle of poverty and women’s experience with fibroids demonstrate the long-term struggle that women endure. Health system strengthening, social support, and economic improvement are keys to alleviate women’s suffering and promote social justice through access to adequate care for women with uterine fibroids in Haiti.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Jung Kim ◽  
Ji Won Park ◽  
Mi Ae Lee ◽  
Han-Ki Lim ◽  
Yoon-Hye Kwon ◽  
...  

AbstractTo identify low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) patterns and their associations with risk factors and quality of life (QOL). This cross-sectional study analyzed patients who underwent restorative anterior resection for left-sided colorectal cancer at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. We administered LARS questionnaires to assess bowel dysfunction and quality of life between April 2017 and November 2019. LARS patterns were classified based on factor analyses. Variable effects on LARS patterns were estimated using logistic regression analysis. The risk factors and quality of life associated with dominant LARS patterns were analyzed. Data of 283 patients with a median follow-up duration of 24 months were analyzed. Major LARS was observed in 123 (43.3%) patients. Radiotherapy (odds ratio [OR]: 2.851, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.504–43.958, p = 0.002), low anastomosis (OR: 10.492, 95% CI: 2.504–43.958, p = 0.001), and complications (OR: 2.163, 95% CI: 1.100–4.255, p = 0.025) were independently associated with major LARS. LARS was classified into incontinence- or frequency-dominant types. Risk factors for incontinence-dominant LARS were radiotherapy and complications, whereas those for frequency-dominant LARS included low tumor location. Patients with incontinence-dominant patterns showed lower emotional function, whereas those with frequency-dominant patterns showed lower global health QOL, lower emotional, cognitive, and social functions, and higher incidence of pain and diarrhea. Frequency-dominant LARS had a greater negative effect on QOL than incontinence-dominant LARS. These patterns could be used for preoperative prediction and postoperative treatment of LARS.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e0152204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chomba Sinyangwe ◽  
Kirstie Graham ◽  
Sarala Nicholas ◽  
Rebecca King ◽  
Samuel Mukupa ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697349
Author(s):  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  

BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis and their information needs.MethodMixed methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary care, secondary care and advertising. Adults aged 18 or over with a history of cellulitis (first or recurrent) were invited to complete a survey, take part in an interview or both. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data revealed low prior awareness of cellulitis, uncertainty around diagnosis, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised they had never heard of the condition and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this bewildering. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, while most people received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need for provision of basic information for people with cellulitis, particularly being informed of the name of their condition, how to manage acute episodes, and how to reduce risk of recurrence.


2015 ◽  
pp. 50-58
Author(s):  
Thi Dung Nguyen ◽  
Tam Vo

Background: The patients on hemodialysis have a significantly decreased quality of life. One of many problems which reduce the quality of life and increase the mortality in these patients is osteoporosis and osteoporosis associated fractures. Objectives: To assess the bone density of those on hemodialysis by dual energy X ray absorptiometry and to examine the risk factors of bone density reduction in these patients. Patients and Method: This is a cross-sectional study, including 93 patients on chronic hemodialysis at the department of Hemodialysis at Cho Ray Hospital. Results: Mean bone densities at the region of interest (ROI) neck, trochanter, Ward triangle, intertrochanter and total neck are 0.603 ± 0.105; 0.583 ± 0.121; 0.811 ± 0.166; 0.489 ± 0.146; 0.723 ± 0.138 g/cm2 respectively. The prevalences of osteoporosis at those ROI are 39.8%, 15.1%; 28%; 38.7%; and 26.9% respectively. The prevalences of osteopenia at those ROI are 54.8%; 46.3%; 60.2%; 45.2% and 62.7% respectively. The prevalence of osteopososis in at least one ROI is 52.7% and the prevalence of osteopenia in at least one ROI is 47.3%. There are relations between the bone density at the neck and the gender of the patient and the albuminemia. Bone density at the trochanter is influenced by gender, albuminemia, calcemia and phosphoremia. Bone density at the intertrochanter is affected by the gender. Bone density at the Ward triangle is influenced by age and albuminemia. Total neck bone density is influenced by gender, albuminemia and phosphoremia. Conclusion: Osteoporosis in patients on chronic hemodialysis is an issue that requires our attention. There are many interventionable risk factors of bone density decrease in these patients. Key words: Osteoporosis, DEXA, chronic renal failure, chronic hemodialysis


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mira Sonneborn-Papakostopoulos ◽  
Clara Dubois ◽  
Viktoria Mathies ◽  
Mara Heß ◽  
Nicole Erickson ◽  
...  

AbstractCancer-related malnutrition has a high prevalence, reduces survival and increases side effects. The aim of this study was to assess oncology outpatients and risk of malnutrition. Reported symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients found to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished were compared to patients without malnutrition. Using a standardized questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire for Quality of Life and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), patients in an outpatient cancer clinic undergoing chemotherapy treatment at a German University Hospital were assessed for nutrition, risk of malnutrition and quality of life. Based on the MNA, 39 (45.9%) patients were categorized as malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Loss of appetite (n = 37.6%, p < 0.001) and altered taste sensation (n = 30,3%, p < 0.001) were the symptoms most frequently associated with reduced food intake. Patients with risk of malnutrition scored lower on the global health status (n = 48.15%, p = 0.001). Side effects of cancer treatments lead to a higher risk of malnutrition and as a consequence lower QoL. These side effects should be addressed more efficiently in cancer care.


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