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
101 to 125 of 126 Research Studies DisplayedBaldwin AS, Denman DC, Sala M
Translating self-persuasion into an adolescent HPV vaccine promotion intervention for parents attending safety-net clinics.
Researchers developed a tablet-based application (in English and Spanish) to elicit parental self-persuasion for adolescent HPV vaccination and evaluated its feasibility in a safety-net population. They found that the self-persuasion application was feasible and resulted in a change in parents' decision stage. Future studies can now test the efficacy of the tablet-based application on HPV vaccination.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Baldwin AS, Denman DC, Sala M .
Translating self-persuasion into an adolescent HPV vaccine promotion intervention for parents attending safety-net clinics.
Patient Educ Couns 2017 Apr;100(4):736-41. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.11.014.
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Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Health Promotion, Vaccination, Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Prevention
Eaton EF, Hudak K, Muzny CA
Budgetary impact of compliance with STI screening guidelines in persons living with HIV.
The study objective was to evaluate the budgetary impact of sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening. At one HIV clinic where the number of patients receiving care from August 2014 to August 2015 was 3,163, the study found that annual screening for N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, syphilis, and T. vaginalis would lead to a mean net loss of $129,416, $118,304, $72,625, and $13,523, respectively.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852; HS023009.
Citation: Eaton EF, Hudak K, Muzny CA .
Budgetary impact of compliance with STI screening guidelines in persons living with HIV.
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017 Mar;74(3):303-08. doi: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001212.
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Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Guidelines, Screening, Sexual Health
Taylor BD, Zheng X, Darville T
Whole-exome sequencing to identify novel biological pathways associated with infertility after pelvic inflammatory disease.
The researchers used whole-exome sequencing to identify biological pathways that may be associated with STI-related infertility. Pathway analysis revealed that focus genes were enriched in canonical pathways including, IL-1 signaling, P2Y purinergic receptor signaling, and bone morphogenic protein signaling. Targeted sequencing of biological pathways identified in this study may provide insight into STI-related infertility.
AHRQ-funded; HS008358.
Citation: Taylor BD, Zheng X, Darville T .
Whole-exome sequencing to identify novel biological pathways associated with infertility after pelvic inflammatory disease.
Sex Transm Dis 2017 Jan;44(1):35-41. doi: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000533.
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Keywords: Genetics, Sexual Health, Women
Feltner C, Grodensky C, Ebel C
Serologic screening for genital herpes: an updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This report assessed the evidence on serologic screening and preventive interventions for Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in asymptomatic adults and adolescents to support the US Preventive Services Task Force for an updated recommendation statement. It found that serologic screening for genital herpes is associated with a high rate of false-positive test results and potential psychosocial harms.
AHRQ-funded; 290201200015I.
Citation: Feltner C, Grodensky C, Ebel C .
Serologic screening for genital herpes: an updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2016 Dec 20;316(23):2531-43. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.17138.
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Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sexual Health, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Prevention
Cha S, Masho SW, Mezuk B
Age of sexual debut and cannabis use in the United States.
The goals of this study were to assess the relationship between early sexual debut and cannabis use. It found that later age of sexual debut was associated with lower odds of cannabis use relative to the average age of debut. For every year that respondents delayed their sexual debut, the relative odds of lifetime cannabis use declined by 17 percent.
AHRQ-funded; HS021504.
Citation: Cha S, Masho SW, Mezuk B .
Age of sexual debut and cannabis use in the United States.
Subst Use Misuse 2016;51(4):439-48. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2015.1110177.
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Keywords: Substance Abuse, Lifestyle Changes, Risk, Sexual Health, Lifestyle Changes
Lee KC, Ngo-Metzger Q, Wolff T
AHRQ Author: Lee KC, Ngo-Metzger Q, Wolff T, Chowdhury J, Meyers DS
Sexually transmitted infections: recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral counseling for all sexually active adolescents and for adults whose history indicates an increased risk of STIs. These interventions can reduce STI acquisition and risky sexual behaviors, and increase condom use and other protective behaviors. The USPSTF also recommends screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in all sexually active women 24 years and younger, and in older women at increased risk.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Lee KC, Ngo-Metzger Q, Wolff T .
Sexually transmitted infections: recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Am Fam Physician 2016 Dec 1;94(11):907-15.
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Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sexual Health, Guidelines, Screening
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
Lindau ST, Abramsohn E, Bueno H
Sexual activity and function in the year after an acute myocardial infarction among younger women and men in the United States and Spain.
The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of sexual activity and function and identify indicators of the probability of loss of sexual activity in the year after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The investigators found that impaired sexual activity and incident sexual function problems were prevalent and more common among young women than men in the year after AMI. They suggested that attention to modifiable risk factors and physician counseling may improve outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS023000.
Citation: Lindau ST, Abramsohn E, Bueno H .
Sexual activity and function in the year after an acute myocardial infarction among younger women and men in the United States and Spain.
JAMA Cardiol 2016 Oct 1;1(7):754-64. doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2016.2362..
Keywords: Heart Disease and Health, Sexual Health
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
Shay LA, Street RL, Jr., Baldwin AS
Characterizing safety-net providers' HPV vaccine recommendations to undecided parents: a pilot study.
The researchers developed a tool to describe strength and content of provider HPV vaccination recommendations. The tool showed how providers undercut their recommendations through qualifications or support them with a rationale. The authors recommended that providers would benefit from communication skills training on how to make explicit recommendations with an evidence-based rationale.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Shay LA, Street RL, Jr., Baldwin AS .
Characterizing safety-net providers' HPV vaccine recommendations to undecided parents: a pilot study.
Patient Educ Couns 2016 Sep;99(9):1452-60. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.06.027.
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Keywords: Practice Patterns, Vaccination, Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Clinician-Patient Communication, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Communication
Yun H, Yang S, Chen L
Risk of herpes zoster in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: implications for vaccination.
This study was undertaken to evaluate the age-stratified incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients with autoimmune or inflammatory (AI) diseases as compared to older adults for whom the HZ vaccine is currently recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The researchers found that systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are AI diseases associated with a higher risk of HZ compared to that in older adults for whom vaccination is currently recommended, suggesting that individuals with these conditions who are as young as age 40 years could potentially benefit from the HZ vaccine.
AHRQ-funded; HS021694; HS018517.
Citation: Yun H, Yang S, Chen L .
Risk of herpes zoster in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: implications for vaccination.
Arthritis Rheumatol 2016 Sep;68(9):2328-37. doi: 10.1002/art.39670.
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Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Arthritis, Risk, Sexual Health, Vaccination
Rhoten BA
Head and neck cancer and sexuality: a review of the literature.
The author analyzed nine publications to present a review of the literature on head and neck cancer and sexuality, concluding that existing studies indicate that sexuality is of considerable significance, particularly after treatment for head and neck cancer. She recommended that oncology nurses be aware that this topic is of importance to many patients, and that they should familiarize themselves with available resources.
AHRQ-funded; HS022990.
Citation: Rhoten BA .
Head and neck cancer and sexuality: a review of the literature.
Cancer Nurs 2016 Jul-Aug;39(4):313-20. doi: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000289.
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Keywords: Cancer, Sexual Health, Quality of Life
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
Morales-Aleman MM, Scarinci IC
Correlates and predictors of sexual health among adolescent Latinas in the United States: a systematic review of the literature, 2004-2015.
The authors conducted a systematic literature review to better understand the correlates and predictors of sexual health among adolescent Latinas in the US. They found that results varied widely between studies, suggesting that the relationship between individual and proximal contextual variables and sexual health may be more complex than previously thought. They concluded that their review integrates the findings on correlates and predictors of sexual health among adolescent Latinas, and supports the need for strengths-based theoretically guided research on the mechanisms driving these associations.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Morales-Aleman MM, Scarinci IC .
Correlates and predictors of sexual health among adolescent Latinas in the United States: a systematic review of the literature, 2004-2015.
Prev Med 2016 Jun;87:183-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.03.005.
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Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Pregnancy, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Sexual Health
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
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
Najari BB, Katz MJ, Schulster ML
Increased body mass index in men with varicocele is associated with larger spermatic vein diameters when supine.
The researchers evaluated the association of body mass index (BMI) and spermatic vein diameters (SVDs) in men treated for varicocele. They concluded that increased BMI is associated with larger left SVD while supine, suggesting that increased abdominal pressure while recumbent may contribute to varicocele pathology in this population.
AHRQ-funded; HS00066.
Citation: Najari BB, Katz MJ, Schulster ML .
Increased body mass index in men with varicocele is associated with larger spermatic vein diameters when supine.
Urology 2016 Mar;89:40-4. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2015.11.033.
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Keywords: Obesity, Men's Health, Sexual Health
Upadhya KK, Burke AE, Marcell AV
AHRQ Author: Mistry K
Contraceptive service needs of women with young children presenting for pediatric care.
The primary objective of this study was to characterize the need for contraceptive services and contraceptive method use among women with young children presenting to child health clinics. It found that most women presenting with young children for pediatric care indicated that they were not currently trying to become pregnant and reported current methods of pregnancy prevention that ranged from none to highly effective.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Upadhya KK, Burke AE, Marcell AV .
Contraceptive service needs of women with young children presenting for pediatric care.
Contraception 2015 Nov;92(5):508-12. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2015.07.004..
Keywords: Pregnancy, Women, Sexual Health
Cha S, Chapman DA, Wan W
Intimate partner violence and postpartum contraceptive use: the role of race/ethnicity and prenatal birth control counseling.
The objective of the study was to examine the extent to which intimate partner violence (IPV) around the time of pregnancy is associated with postpartum contraceptive use among women in the United States. Approximately 6.2 percent of women reported IPV, and 15.5 percent reported no postpartum contraceptive use. Regardless of the timing of abuse, IPV-exposed women were significantly less likely to report contraceptive use after delivery.
AHRQ-funded; HS023724.
Citation: Cha S, Chapman DA, Wan W .
Intimate partner violence and postpartum contraceptive use: the role of race/ethnicity and prenatal birth control counseling.
Contraception 2015 Sep;92(3):268-75. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2015.04.009..
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Sexual Health, Women, Pregnancy
Thomas HN, Hess R, Thurston RC
Correlates of sexual activity and satisfaction in midlife and older women.
The authors gave updated prevalence estimates of sexual activity among women and elucidated factors associated with sexual activity and sexual satisfaction. Using the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States, they found that a considerable proportion of midlife and older women remain sexually active if they have a partner available. Additionally, psychosocial factors matter more to sexual satisfaction than aging among midlife and older women.
AHRQ-funded; HS022989.
Citation: Thomas HN, Hess R, Thurston RC .
Correlates of sexual activity and satisfaction in midlife and older women.
Ann Fam Med 2015 Jul-Aug;13(4):336-42. doi: 10.1370/afm.1820.
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Keywords: Elderly, Women, Sexual Health, Quality of Life
Lee DJ, Najari BB, Davison WL
Trends in the utilization of penile prostheses in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in the United States.
This study assessed the national temporal trends in the surgical management of ED utilizing penile prosthesis (PP). It found that the surgical management of ED with PP changed significantly between 2001 and 2010. Also, the overall utilization of PP decreased, but its use in patients with significant medical comorbidities increased.
AHRQ-funded; HS000066.
Citation: Lee DJ, Najari BB, Davison WL .
Trends in the utilization of penile prostheses in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in the United States.
J Sex Med 2015 Jul;12(7):1638-45. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12921..
Keywords: Healthcare Utilization, Men's Health, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Sexual Health, Surgery
Atkins DN, Bradford WD
Association between increased emergency contraception availability and risky sexual practices.
The researchers use a national survey of youth to explore the relationship between increased emergency contraception (EC) availability and the probability of risky sexual practices for women over age 18. They found that FDA approval of behind the counter sales of an EC pill was associated with a reduction in the probability of sexual activity, and in the likelihood of reporting multiple partnerships; however, there was no relationship between the new policy and unprotected sexual activity.
AHRQ-funded; HS011326
Citation: Atkins DN, Bradford WD .
Association between increased emergency contraception availability and risky sexual practices.
Health Serv Res. 2015 Jun;50(3):809-29. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.12251.
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Keywords: Women, Sexual Health, Young Adults, Policy
Resnick MJ, Barocas DA, Morgans AK
The evolution of self-reported urinary and sexual dysfunction over the last two decades: implications for comparative effectiveness research.
This study evaluated differences in pretreatment urinary and sexual function in two population-based cohorts of men with prostate cancer enrolled nearly 20 yrs. apart. It concluded that reporting of pretreatment urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction has increased over the past two decades. These findings may reflect sociological changes including heightened media attention and direct-to-consumer marketing, among other potential explanations.
AHRQ-funded; HS019356; HS022640; HS022990.
Citation: Resnick MJ, Barocas DA, Morgans AK .
The evolution of self-reported urinary and sexual dysfunction over the last two decades: implications for comparative effectiveness research.
Eur Urol 2015 Jun;67(6):1019-25. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2014.08.035..
Keywords: Comparative Effectiveness, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Cancer, Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Sexual Health
Rodriguez MI, Darney BG, Elman E
Examining quality of contraceptive services for adolescents in Oregon's family planning program.
This study assessed the quality of care provided to adolescents (10–19 years old) compared to women (aged 20–25 years) who accessed services in Oregon's Contraceptive Care (CCare) program. It found that although adolescents served by CCare are more likely to initiate contraception, they are less likely to receive long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) than women aged 20–25 years.
AHRQ-funded; HS017582.
Citation: Rodriguez MI, Darney BG, Elman E .
Examining quality of contraceptive services for adolescents in Oregon's family planning program.
Contraception 2015 Apr;91(4):328-35. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2014.12.008..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Sexual Health, Quality of Care, Women
Walsh T, Bertozzi-Villa C, Schneider JA
Systematic review of racial disparities in human papillomavirus-associated anal dysplasia and anal cancer among men who have sex with men.
The researchers systematically reviewed the literature on anal human papillomavirus (HPV)infection, dysplasia, and cancer among Black and White men who have sex with men (MSM) to determine if a racial disparity exists. They determined that studies involving Black MSM are nearly absent from the literature. Of 25 eligible studies, 2 stratified by race and sexual behavior. Both reported an elevated rate of abnormal anal outcomes among Black MSM.
AHRQ-funded; HS023050.
Citation: Walsh T, Bertozzi-Villa C, Schneider JA .
Systematic review of racial disparities in human papillomavirus-associated anal dysplasia and anal cancer among men who have sex with men.
Am J Public Health 2015 Apr;105(4):e34-45. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302469..
Keywords: Disparities, Sexual Health, Risk