Knowledge of uterine fibroid symptoms and presentation among African-American women: A pilot study

Geraldine E. Ekpo, Marissa S. Ghant, Liana M. Woodley, Hannah S. Recht, Tacoma McKnight, Erica E. Marsh*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess awareness and knowledge of fibroid symptoms and presentation among African- American women. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey study completed by a convenience sample of African- American women attending a community fair. Questions covered demographics, medical history, technology use, and fibroid knowledge. A total of 437 surveys were distributed, 320 were returned, and 199 met eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Participants’ mean age was 48.8 ± 12.9 years. Of them, 65.8% lacked college degrees and 43.2% had annual household incomes of < $25,000. The prevalence of inadequate health literacy was 14.1%. Most knew that fibroids are more common in African- American women (74.9%), can cause menorrhagia (80.9%), and can increase odds of miscarriage (74.4%). Many thought that fibroids are cancerous (47.2%), increase the risk of heart disease (32.7%), or are diagnosable via blood test (46.2%). Internet usage and education had highest correlations with fibroid awareness. Health literacy status showed no significant correlation with cumulative fibroid knowledge. CONCLUSION: African- American women’s knowledge of the symptoms of fibroids is intact; however, they are less familiar with the systemic impact of the tumors. Additional research is needed to further assess women’s knowledge of fibroids and to develop interventions for patient education.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)448-454
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Reproductive Medicine
Volume59
Issue number5
StatePublished - Oct 2014

Keywords

  • African-American
  • Fibroids
  • Health literacy
  • Knowledge
  • Leiomyoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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