Understanding Factors That Influence Whether a Woman Will Seek Care for Reproductive Health: A National Survey

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Manuscript

Publication Date

1-23-2023

Keywords

women's health, obstetrics and gynecology, disparities in care

Disciplines

Obstetrics and Gynecology | Women's Health

Abstract

A number of studies have characterized the importance of regular
OB/GYN visits for women who are above the age of 18. As more
emphasis is placed on reproductive healthcare, there has been an overall
decrease in the rates of adverse sexual and reproductive health
outcomes. In this study, a population of 200 women were surveyed to
find factors that influence whether they had sought care from an OB/GYN
in the past year. These results can be further extrapolated to whether
women will seek OB/GYN healthcare in the future. A survey research
platform was used to collect demographic data in addition to the survey
responses. Thirteen survey questions were designed, some of which
were adapted from the NIH Healthcare Access and Utilization Survey.
This study found that women of minority races (African American and
Hispanic) were more likely to report that they didn’t feel like they were
asked for their opinions about their healthcare. Additionally, women who
were younger, who didn’t feel like they were asked for their opinions,
and who were of minority races were more likely to have not seen an
OB/GYN in the past year. These findings can be used to focus on fixing
the factors that deter women from seeking regular OB/GYN care. Efforts
must be made to ensure that patients feel supported and understood, for
this is the only way that we can make progress towards a healthier
society.

Publisher or Conference

Health Psychology Research

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