Targeted Awareness and Education on Options in Uterine Fibroids

PROJECT SUMMARY – PROJECT 1 Non-Hispanic Black, African American (BAA) women have a 2 to 3 times higher uterine fibroid incidence rate compared to non-Hispanic White women. BAA women report experiencing higher disease burdens compared to non-Hispanic White women, including longer symptom duration and lower health related quality of life. They also report earlier onset of symptoms, and substantial delays in seeking care for fibroids. These delays may be due in part to historical data showing that BAA women undergo more hysterectomies compared to other populations, even when fertility preservation is a stated goal of patient care. The benefits of early detection and treatment are myriad. Yet, such benefits go unrealized if women and girls do not recognize the signs and symptoms of fibroids and communicate with health care teams to receive useful information and self-care tools. This proposal will use qualitative, community-based research to understand the experiences of women with symptomatic fibroids. In turn, tactics will be developed using behavioral and social science research (BSSR) methods—focused on increasing early awareness of signs and symptoms of fibroids—to increase knowledge surrounding the range of treatment options. Teams comprised of researchers at Mayo Clinic, the University of Florida, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center will work together to engage patients in their local areas and develop culturally appropriate education and dissemination.