National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 25 of 51 Research Studies DisplayedKirby JB, Davidoff AJ, Basu J
AHRQ Author: Kirby JB, Basu J
The ACA's zero cost-sharing mandate and trends in out-of-pocket expenditures on well-child and screening mammography visits.
This study used a nationally representative sample of ambulatory care visits to estimate the impact of the zero cost-sharing mandate on out-of-pocket expenditures on well-child and screening mammography visits. It concluded that the Affordable Care Act's zero cost-sharing mandate for preventive care has had a large impact on out-of-pocket expenditures for well-child and mammography visits.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Kirby JB, Davidoff AJ, Basu J .
The ACA's zero cost-sharing mandate and trends in out-of-pocket expenditures on well-child and screening mammography visits.
Med Care 2016 Dec;54(12):1056-62. doi: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000000610.
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Keywords: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Healthcare Costs, Screening, Women, Policy, Prevention
Hinkle SN, Mumford SL, Grantz KL
AHRQ Author: Mitchell EM
Association of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with pregnancy loss: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
The researchers examined the association of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with pregnancy loss. They found that nausea and nausea with vomiting were associated with a reduced risk for clinical pregnancy loss.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Hinkle SN, Mumford SL, Grantz KL .
Association of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with pregnancy loss: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA Intern Med 2016 Nov;176(11):1621-27. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5641.
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Keywords: Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Medication, Pregnancy, Risk, Women
Vo H, Cheng D, Cheng TL
AHRQ Author: Mistry KB
Health behaviors among women using fertility treatment.
The researchers described associated perinatal behaviors among women using fertility treatment. They concluded that a significant proportion of women using fertility treatments were not practicing recommended perinatal behaviors or receiving prenatal counseling on preventable risk factors.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Vo H, Cheng D, Cheng TL .
Health behaviors among women using fertility treatment.
Matern Child Health J 2016 Nov;20(11):2328-35. doi: 10.1007/s10995-016-2056-3.
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Keywords: Maternal Care, Pregnancy, Women
Elmore JG, Cook AJ, Bogart A
Radiologists' interpretive skills in screening vs. diagnostic mammography: are they related?
This study aimed to determine whether radiologists who perform well in screening also perform well in interpreting diagnostic mammography. It evaluated the accuracy of 468 radiologists interpreting 2,234,947 screening and 196,164 diagnostic mammograms and found a moderate correlation for radiologists' accuracy when interpreting screening versus their accuracy on diagnostic examinations.
AHRQ-funded; HS010591.
Citation: Elmore JG, Cook AJ, Bogart A .
Radiologists' interpretive skills in screening vs. diagnostic mammography: are they related?
Clin Imaging 2016 Nov - Dec;40(6):1096-103. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2016.06.014.
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Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Screening, Imaging, Women, Provider Performance
Goodwin JS, Sheffield K, Li S
Receipt of cancer screening is a predictor of life expectancy.
The researchers sought to determine the association between receipt of screening mammography or PSA and overall survival. They found that the subjects with prior cancer screening had actual median survivals higher than those who were not screened, with differences ranging from 1.7 to 2.1 years for women and 0.9 to 1.1 years for men.
AHRQ-funded; HS022134.
Citation: Goodwin JS, Sheffield K, Li S .
Receipt of cancer screening is a predictor of life expectancy.
J Gen Intern Med 2016 Nov;31(11):1308-14. doi: 10.1007/s11606-016-3787-y.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Screening, Women, Men's Health, Health Status
Scarinci IC, Garces-Palacio IC, Morales-Aleman MM
Sowing the seeds of health: training of community health advisors to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among Latina immigrants in Alabama.
The researchers sought to develop and evaluate a culturally relevant training for Community Health Advisors (CHA) to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among Latina immigrants in Alabama. They found that a knowledge and skills training increased the CHAs' (1) knowledge of cancer screening and other health topics and (2) their perceived confidence to communicate with women in their communities about cancer screening and to motivate them to attain screenings.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Scarinci IC, Garces-Palacio IC, Morales-Aleman MM .
Sowing the seeds of health: training of community health advisors to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among Latina immigrants in Alabama.
J Health Care Poor Underserved 2016;27(4):1779-93. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2016.0162.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Screening, Women
Ramchand R, Ayer L, Kotzias V
Suicide risk among women veterans in distress: perspectives of responders on the veterans crisis line.
The researchers used a qualitative approach to gain insight about the concerns and nature of comments regarding suicidal ideation and intent among women veterans calling the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Interviewing 54 VCL call responders, the authors concluded that efforts to prevent and treat the consequences of military sexual trauma; to recognize, prevent, and treat non-suicidal self-harm; and to restrict access to lethal means most commonly reported among women veteran callers may be helpful to mitigate suicide risk in this vulnerable group of veterans.
AHRQ-funded; HS000029.
Citation: Ramchand R, Ayer L, Kotzias V .
Suicide risk among women veterans in distress: perspectives of responders on the veterans crisis line.
Womens Health Issues 2016 Nov - Dec;26(6):667-73. doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2016.07.005.
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Keywords: Behavioral Health, Prevention, Stress, Women
Upadhya KK, Jalazo ER, Connor KA
AHRQ Author: Mistry KB
Optimizing preconception health among young women: what are we missing?
This study evaluated whether receipt of specific preconception counseling topics differs between teen, young adult, and older mothers. It found that teen mothers were less than half as likely to be counseled about taking folic acid, 4 times more likely to be counseled about vaccines, and twice as likely to be counseled about mental health before pregnancy compared with adult mothers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Upadhya KK, Jalazo ER, Connor KA .
Optimizing preconception health among young women: what are we missing?
J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2016 Oct;29(5):464-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2016.02.010.
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Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Sexual Health, Maternal Care, Pregnancy, Women, Young Adults
Bommarito KM, Gross GA, Willers DM
The effect of clinical chorioamnionitis on cesarean delivery in the United States.
This study examined the association of clinical chorioamnionitis on cesarean delivery in a national sample of hospital discharges. It found that women with clinical chorioamnionitis were more likely to have cesarean delivery than those without clinical chorioamnionitis. The risk of cesarean delivery varied significantly by hospital location, teaching status, and U.S. region.
AHRQ-funded; HS019455.
Citation: Bommarito KM, Gross GA, Willers DM .
The effect of clinical chorioamnionitis on cesarean delivery in the United States.
Health Serv Res 2016 Oct;51(5):1879-95. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.12447.
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Keywords: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy, Risk, Women
Foy CG, Newman JC, Berlowitz DR
Blood pressure, sexual activity, and dysfunction in women with hypertension: baseline findings from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT).
The authors assessed the association between systolic blood pressure and other variables, and sexual activity and sexual dysfunction in women with hypertension. They found that younger age, higher education, living with others, and higher weekly alcohol consumption were significantly associated with higher odds of being sexually active in the sample group. They concluded that systolic blood pressure was not significantly associated with sexual activity or sexual dysfunction.
AHRQ-funded; HS022989.
Citation: Foy CG, Newman JC, Berlowitz DR .
Blood pressure, sexual activity, and dysfunction in women with hypertension: baseline findings from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT).
J Sex Med 2016 Sep;13(9):1333-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.06.014.
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Keywords: Blood Pressure, Sexual Health, Women, Quality of Life
Haggerty CL, Totten PA, Tang G
Identification of novel microbes associated with pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
The authors examined the relationship between select novel bacteria, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and long-term sequelae. They demonstrated that S. sanguinegens, S. amnionii, BVAB1 and A. vaginae are associated with PID and suggested that optimal antibiotic regimens for PID may require coverage of novel bacterial vaginosis-associated microbes.
AHRQ-funded; HS008358.
Citation: Haggerty CL, Totten PA, Tang G .
Identification of novel microbes associated with pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Sex Transm Infect 2016 Sep;92(6):441-6. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052285.
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Keywords: Antibiotics, Care Management, Medication, Women
Croswell J, Owings J
Screening for breast cancer.
This case study involves a 47-year-old woman who presents to your office for a well-woman visit. She is healthy, takes no medications, and has no health concerns. She has never been diagnosed with breast cancer, nor have any of her first-degree relatives. Her digital mammography two years ago was negative, and she asks whether she should be screened again this year. The study poses three multiple choice questions together with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and related background information.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Croswell J, Owings J .
Screening for breast cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2016 Jul 15;94(2):143-4.
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Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Imaging, Case Study
Bertrand KA, Baer HJ, Orav EJ
Early life body fatness, serum anti-mullerian hormone, and breast density in young adult women.
Researchers examined associations of early life body fatness, serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, and breast density among 172 women in the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC). They found no evidence that current or early life BMI influences AMH concentrations in later life. Women with higher concentrations of AMH had similar percent and absolute dense breast volume, but lower nondense volume.
AHRQ-funded; HS019789.
Citation: Bertrand KA, Baer HJ, Orav EJ .
Early life body fatness, serum anti-mullerian hormone, and breast density in young adult women.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016 Jul;25(7):1151-7. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-16-0185.
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Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Children/Adolescents, Obesity, Women, Young Adults
Brown SD, Ehrlich SF, Kubo A
Lifestyle behaviors and ethnic identity among diverse women at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
The authors examined if ethnic identity could help account for variations in lifestyle behaviors within a diverse population at high risk for type 2 diabetes. Their findings suggest that ethnic group attachment is associated with some lifestyle behaviors, independent of acculturation indicators, among young women with gestational diabetes who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. They suggest that prospective research is needed to clarify the temporal nature of associations between ethnic identity and modifiable diabetes risk factors.
AHRQ-funded; HS019367.
Citation: Brown SD, Ehrlich SF, Kubo A .
Lifestyle behaviors and ethnic identity among diverse women at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
Soc Sci Med 2016 Jul;160:87-93. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.05.024.
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Keywords: Diabetes, Lifestyle Changes, Pregnancy, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Women
Thomas HN, Evans GW, Berlowitz DR
Antihypertensive medications and sexual function in women: baseline data from the SBP intervention trial (SPRINT).
The researchers evaluated the relations among class of antihypertensive medication from women in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) and the outcomes: sexual activity and sexual function. There were no significant differences in sexual activity among women taking one or more antihypertensives and women not taking any. Women taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker had higher odds of sexual activity. The authors concluded that no single class of antihypertensive medication was associated with sexual dysfunction.
AHRQ-funded; HS022989.
Citation: Thomas HN, Evans GW, Berlowitz DR .
Antihypertensive medications and sexual function in women: baseline data from the SBP intervention trial (SPRINT).
J Hypertens 2016 Jun;34(6):1224-31. doi: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000000911.
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Keywords: Medication, Blood Pressure, Sexual Health, Women, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events
Witt WP, Mandell KC, Wisk LE
Infant birthweight in the US: the role of preconception stressful life events and substance use.
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among preconception stressful life events (PSLEs), women's alcohol and tobacco use before and during pregnancy, and infant birthweight. It concluded that PSLEs and women's tobacco use before and during pregnancy are independent risk factors for having a lower birthweight baby.
AHRQ-funded; HS000063; HS000083.
Citation: Witt WP, Mandell KC, Wisk LE .
Infant birthweight in the US: the role of preconception stressful life events and substance use.
Arch Womens Ment Health 2016 Jun;19(3):529-42. doi: 10.1007/s00737-015-0595-z.
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Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Pregnancy, Stress, Substance Abuse, Women
Ehrlich SF, Sternfeld B, Krefman AE
Moderate and vigorous intensity exercise during pregnancy and gestational weight gain in women with gestational diabetes.
The researchers estimated the associations of exercise intensity during pregnancy with the rate of gestational weight gain (GWG) from gestational diabetes (GDM) diagnosis to delivery. Upon stratification by prepregnancy overweight/obesity, they found that significant associations were only observed for BMI greater than or equal to 25.0. There were no associations observed for moderate intensity exercise.
AHRQ-funded; HS019367.
Citation: Ehrlich SF, Sternfeld B, Krefman AE .
Moderate and vigorous intensity exercise during pregnancy and gestational weight gain in women with gestational diabetes.
Matern Child Health J 2016 Jun;20(6):1247-57. doi: 10.1007/s10995-016-1926-z.
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Keywords: Diabetes, Lifestyle Changes, Obesity, Obesity: Weight Management, Outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Pregnancy, Women
Smith W, Turan JM, White K
Social norms and stigma regarding unintended pregnancy and pregnancy decisions: a qualitative study of young women in Alabama.
The authors sought to describe the presence and manifestations of social norms and stigmas associated with unintended pregnancy and related decision making from the perspective of young women in the southern United States. They found that the community expected young women faced with unintended pregnancies to bear and raise their children, viewing them more positively than women who chose abortion or adoption. They concluded that there's a need to reduce stigma and create a social environment in which young women are empowered to make the best reproductive decisions for themselves.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Smith W, Turan JM, White K .
Social norms and stigma regarding unintended pregnancy and pregnancy decisions: a qualitative study of young women in Alabama.
Perspect Sex Reprod Health 2016 Jun;48(2):73-81. doi: 10.1363/48e9016.
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Keywords: Shared Decision Making, Pregnancy, Social Stigma, Women, Young Adults
McCloskey LA
The effects of gender-based violence on women's unwanted pregnancy and abortion.
The authors sought to understand how gender-based violence across the life-course affects the likelihood of abortion and studied four different forms of gender-based abuse. They found that no single form of abuse predicted abortion; however, the cumulative effect of multiple forms of abuse did increase the odds of abortion. The authors suggested that priority in future research should be given to screening for multiple forms of victimization in reproductive healthcare settings.
AHRQ-funded; HS011088.
Citation: McCloskey LA .
The effects of gender-based violence on women's unwanted pregnancy and abortion.
Yale J Biol Med 2016 Jun;89(2):153-9.
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Keywords: Domestic Violence, Family Health and History, Pregnancy, Women
Huesch MD, Galstyan A, Ong MK
Using social media, online social networks, and internet search as platforms for public health interventions: a pilot study.
The researchers analyzed public health interventions aimed at women potentially interested in maternity care via campaigns on social media (Twitter), social networks (Facebook), and online search engines (Google Search). They found that the campaigns reached a little more than 140,000 consumers each day across the three platforms, with a little more than 400 engagements each day. Facebook and Google search had broader reach, better engagement rates, and lower costs than Twitter.
AHRQ-funded; HS021868.
Citation: Huesch MD, Galstyan A, Ong MK .
Using social media, online social networks, and internet search as platforms for public health interventions: a pilot study.
Health Serv Res 2016 Jun;51 Suppl 2:1273-90. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.12496.
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Keywords: Social Media, Web-Based, Public Health, Maternal Care, Women
Roberts MC, Bryson A, Weinberger M
Patient-centered communication for discussing oncotype DX testing.
The researchers identified patient-centered communication strategies/gaps for discussing Oncotype DX testing (ODX) results. They applied a patient-centered communication framework to analyze qualitative interviews with oncologists about how they communicate about ODX with patients. Overall, providers discussed four patient-centered communication domains: exchanging information, assessing uncertainty, making decisions and cross-cutting themes.
AHRQ-funded; HS019468; HS022189.
Citation: Roberts MC, Bryson A, Weinberger M .
Patient-centered communication for discussing oncotype DX testing.
Cancer Invest 2016 May 27;34(5):205-12. doi: 10.3109/07357907.2016.1172637.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Communication, Clinician-Patient Communication, Shared Decision Making, Genetics, Patient and Family Engagement, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Women
Thomas HN, Thurston RC
A biopsychosocial approach to women's sexual function and dysfunction at midlife: a narrative review.
The aim of this review is (a) to define sexual function and dysfunction, (b) to present theoretical models of female sexual response, (c) to examine longitudinal studies of how sexual function changes during midlife, and (d) to review treatment options. Most longitudinal studies reveal an association between advancing menopause status and worsening sexual function. Psychosocial variables, such as availability of a partner, relationship quality, and psychological functioning, also play an integral role.
AHRQ-funded; HS022989.
Citation: Thomas HN, Thurston RC .
A biopsychosocial approach to women's sexual function and dysfunction at midlife: a narrative review.
Maturitas 2016 May;87:49-60. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.02.009..
Keywords: Women, Sexual Health
Sanses TV, Schiltz NK, Couri BM
Functional status in older women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse.
The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of functional limitations based on health status in older women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). They found that the prevalence of functional limitations was 76.2% in strength, 44.9% in upper and 65.8% in lower body mobility. They further discovered that the odds of all functional limitations increased significantly with advancing age.
AHRQ-funded; HS023113.
Citation: Sanses TV, Schiltz NK, Couri BM .
Functional status in older women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016 May;214(5):613.e1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.11.038.
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Keywords: Elderly, Health Status, Women
Khan MJ, Massad LS, Kinney W
A common clinical dilemma: Management of abnormal vaginal cytology and human papillomavirus test results.
The researchers reviewed the literature on vaginal cytology and high-risk HPV testing and developed guidance for the management of abnormal vaginal screening tests. Since vaginal cancer is rare, the authors suggested that asymptomatic low-risk women not be screened. They further proposed an algorithm based on expert opinion for managing women with abnormal vaginal test results.
AHRQ-funded; HS023009.
Citation: Khan MJ, Massad LS, Kinney W .
A common clinical dilemma: Management of abnormal vaginal cytology and human papillomavirus test results.
J Low Genit Tract Dis 2016 Apr;20(2):119-25. doi: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000185.
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Keywords: Cancer, Care Management, Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Women
Cha S, Chapman DA, Wan W
Discordant pregnancy intentions in couples and rapid repeat pregnancy.
The researchers sought to examine the association between couple pregnancy intentions and Rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP) among women in the United States. Their findings highlight the important role of paternal intention in reproductive decisions. Study results suggest that RRP is strongly influenced by paternal rather than maternal pregnancy intentions. Clinicians and public health workers should involve partners in family planning discussions and counseling on optimal birth spacing.
AHRQ-funded; HS021504; HS023724.
Citation: Cha S, Chapman DA, Wan W .
Discordant pregnancy intentions in couples and rapid repeat pregnancy.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016 Apr;214(4):494.e1-94.e12. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.10.149.
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Keywords: Shared Decision Making, Pregnancy, Women