Well-woman Visits Research Articles

Confronting Alzheimer's Disease Risk in Women: A Feasibility Study of Memory Screening as Part of the Annual Gynecological Well-Woman Visit.

Objective: Routine health care visits offer the opportunity to screen older adults for symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many women see their gynecologist as their primary health care provider. Given this unique relationship, the Women's Preventive Services Initiative and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advocate for integrated care of women at all ages. It is well-established that women are at increased risk for AD, and memory screening of older women should be paramount in this effort. Research is needed to determine the feasibility and value of memory screening among older women at the well-woman visit. Materials and Methods: Women aged 60 and above completed a 5-item subjective memory screener at their well-woman visit at the Columbia University Integrated Women's Health Program. Women who endorsed any item were considered to have a positive screen and were given the option to pursue clinical evaluation. Rates of positive screens, item endorsement, and referral preferences were examined. Results: Of the 530 women approached, 521 agreed to complete the screener. Of those, 17.5% (n = 91) were classified as positive. The most frequently endorsed item was difficulty with memory or thinking compared with others the same age. Among women with positive screens, 57.5% were interested in pursuing clinical referrals to a memory specialist. Conclusion: Results support the feasibility and potential value of including subjective memory screening as part of a comprehensive well-woman program. Early identification of memory loss will enable investigation into the cause of memory symptoms and longitudinal monitoring of cognitive change.

Is use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) associated with reduced well-woman visits and STI testing? Evidence from female Medicaid clients aged 15–24 in Delaware

ObjectiveContraceptive method type matters to sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, but contraceptive counseling often emphasizes method efficacy and the benefits of “forgettable” methods, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). We aimed to explore associations between prescription method type and annual STI testing and investigated whether these associations relate to annual well-woman visits. MethodsWe constructed a panel of 20,949 young women (<25) enrolled in Delaware's Medicaid program from 2012 through 2019. Conditional logit regressions measured associations between contraceptive method type and annual testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis. We stratified contraceptive methods into LARC, short-acting reversible methods (SARC; pills, patch, ring, and injectable), or no prescription method. We estimated three models examining STI testing in year of method initiation, in years afterwards, and attendance to a well-woman visit as a potential mediator of these associations. ResultsSTI testing rates did not differ between LARC versus SARC users in the year of method initiation. In the two years after method initiation, LARC versus SARC users were less likely to be tested (OR = 0.73 to OR = 0.87) and less likely to have a well-woman visit (OR = 0.65 to OR = 0.79). In models controlling for attendance to well-woman visits, the decreased likelihood of STI testing in years after initiating LARC versus SARC is largely eliminated, indicating that well-woman visits mediate the relationship between method type and STI testing. ConclusionsLARC use relates to reduced STI testing in years after method initiation due to reduced attendance to well-women visits. These findings can inform clinical practice and STI prevention.

Women's Preventive Services Utilization in Illinois in the Aftermath of the ACA and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: This study explores the association between health system changes over the last decade and women's preventive care utilization in Illinois. A cross-sectional analysis using Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2012–2020 among women aged 21–75 (n=21,258) examined well-woman visit (WWV) receipt and breast and cervical cancer screening overall and over several time periods. There was an increase in the prevalence of receiving a WWV for Illinois women overall from 2012–2020. However, the overall adjusted prevalence difference was only significant for the 2020 versus 2015–2019 comparison and not for 2015–2019 versus 2012–2014. The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with a decrease in the prevalence of mammogram use but was manifest for cervical cancer screening, particularly for Black women. Finally, those reporting having a WWV in the past year had a significantly higher prevalence of being up to date with screening compared with those not reporting a WWV.

Improving the initial pelvic examination experience among college health patients: A quality improvement project

Although tens of millions of pelvic exams are performed in the United States each year, improved education is indicated as a critical need during the well-woman visit to improve the patient’s health literacy, decrease exam-related fears, and promote follow through with additional tests and treatments.

Maternal and Perinatal Health Disparities Among Middle Eastern and North African Women and Children in the United States.

Few studies have evaluated the health of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) women and children in the United States. Objectives were to determine the odds of well-visits, preventive behaviors during pregnancy, and low birthweight among foreign-born non-Hispanic MENA women and children compared to their US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic White counterparts after adjusting for covariates (hereafter, reported as MENA and White). We analyzed 2000-2018 National Health Interview Survey data (411,709 women, 311,961 children). Outcomes included well-woman visits (past 12 months); dentist visits (past 6 months) and current smoking among pregnant women; and low, moderately low, and very low birthweight among children. Covariates included age, family income, and health insurance for children. Education and marital status were also evaluated among women. Over half (53.4%) of foreign-born MENA women were of childbearing age (ages 18-45) compared to 47.7% US-born and 43.2% foreign-born White women. The odds of completing a well-women visit were 0.73 times lower (95% CI = 0.38-0.89) among foreign-born MENA women compared to US-born White women after adjusting for age, education, and marital status. There was no statistically significant difference in dental visits between groups. No foreign-born MENA pregnant women reported current smoking. Foreign-born MENA children had higher odds of low (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.16-2.35) and moderately low birthweight (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.19-2.66) compared to US-born White children in adjusted models. MENA women and children are classified as White by the federal government. Our results highlight that the health of foreign-born MENA women and children differ from their White counterparts.

Cervical HPV Infections, Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens and Cytology Findings-A Molecular Epidemiology Study.

Prevalent cervical HPV infection and high-risk HPV persistence consequences have been extensively investigated in the literature; nevertheless, any causative interrelations of other sexually transmitted bacterial infections (STIs) with cervical HPV infection have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the possible association of STIs with cervical cytology aberrations and HPV genotyping results in a representative sample of predominantly young Greek women. Liquid-based cytology and molecular detection for bacterial STIs and HPV as well as extended HPV genotyping were simultaneously assessed in cervical samples from 2256 individuals visiting several urban outpatient Gynecology Departments for well-woman visits or cervical screening throughout a 20-month period. All specimens were centrally processed with validated molecular assays. The mean age of the studied women was 37.0 ± 11.7 years; 722 women (33.30%) tested positive for STI (mean age 34.23 ± 10.87 years). A higher mean age (38.34 ± 11.83 years (p < 0.05)) was associated with negative STI testing. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 59 individuals (8.2%), Mycoplasma hominis in 156 (21.6%), Mycoplasma genitalium in 14 (1.9%), and Ureaplasma spp. in 555 (76.9%); infections with two bacterial pathogens were identified in 73 samples (10.1%). Cervical HPV was detected in 357 out of 1385 samples with a valid HPV typing result (25.8%). The mean age of HPV-positive women was 32.0 ± 8.4 years; individuals testing HPV-negative were slightly older (N = 1028): 34.4 ± 9.2 (p < 0.05). Among the 1371 individuals with valid results both for bacterial STIs and cervical HPV detection, women with an HPV-positive sample were more likely to harbor an STI (OR: 2.69, 95% CI 2.10-3.46, p < 0.05). Interestingly, bacterial STI positivity illustrated significant heterogeneity between NILM and LSIL cases, with 28.88% of NILM and 46.33% of LSIL cases harboring an STI, respectively (p < 0.05). In brief, in a population with a high prevalence for STIs, especially Ureaplasma spp., an association was documented between bacterial pathogen detection and cervical HPV infection, as well as abnormal cytology; these findings merit further investigation.

Associations between gynecologic clinician type and routine female sexual dysfunction screening.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common problem in the United States; however, only 14% to 40% of women are screened by their health care clinicians. There are few data on how differences in clinician type affects screening rates. This study aimed to assess differences in FSD screening rates among gynecology clinician types, identify factors associated with screening, and compare screening rates of FSD against conditions with established screening recommendations. Data were collected by retrospective chart review of annual visits at an urban tertiary care center. Screening rates for FSD, depression, cervical cancer, and breast cancer were calculated and compared. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was utilized to assess the correlation between various patient characteristics and FSD screening rates. Study outcome measures included percentages of women who were screened for FSD, depression, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. FSD screening rate was significantly higher among resident-level clinicians vs nonresident clinicians (59% vs 31%; P < .001). When the nonresident clinicians were subanalyzed, certified nursing midwives were the second most likely to screen for FSD (odds ratio [OR], 0.41), followed by nurse practitioners (OR, 0.29) and attending physicians (OR, 0.22). According to multivariable logistic regression techniques, 5 factors were associated with an increased likelihood of a patient being screened for FSD at an annual examination: patient seen by a resident physician rather than an attending physician, patient history of FSD, patient age ≥40 years, patient report of being sexually active at the time of visit, and patient history of cervical procedures. There is an opportunity to improve FSD screening rates by clinicians. Future research may assess what factors, such as increased sexual function education or greater incentives to document FSD screening, may result in higher screening rates. From this, targeted and effective interventions might be crafted to improve future screening rates. This study is one of the first to compare FSD screening rates among clinician types in the same specialty. Study limitations include the inherent limitations of a retrospective design, including selection biases. Residents were more likely to screen for FSD at annual well-woman visits than attending clinicians, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives. Understanding the reasons for varied FSD screening rates among clinician types may aid in the development of strategies to improve screening for this important aspect of women's health.

(057) Retrospective Cohort Study: Associations Between Gynecology Provider Level and Female Sexual Dysfunction Screening Rates during Annual Exams

Abstract Introduction Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a broad term that encompasses personal distress from various aspects of intercourse including desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain. Various studies report a high prevalence of 10-20% in women, FSD screening rates are low in the United States. Objectives The objectives of this study are to determine if provider type or provider level of training affect rate of FSD screening at annual well-woman visits, and to compare rates of FSD screening compared to other screening including depression, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study chart review of patients from our outpatient gynecology office who underwent a well-woman annual visit. Women were eligible if at least 18 years of age, new patients, sexually active now or in the past, were seen by a provider in our gynecology department (attending, resident, midwife, or nurse practitioner), and used English as a primary language. Charts were identified within the gynecology department between 11/1/2017 and 1/31/2020 by looking up visits with CPT codes 99385, 99386, and 99387, as well as GC modifiers to identify resident-level providers. The attending-level physician, nurse practitioner, and certified nursing midwife visits were matched to resident-level visits by CPT code and similar date of service. The primary outcome is comparative rates of FSD screening by resident-level providers versus attending-level providers. Secondary outcomes including comparative rates of FSD screening amongst other provider types, and comparison of FSD screening versus depression, cervical cancer, and breast cancer screening. Outcomes will be analyzed using Chi-square testing (if more than 5 patients are screened for FSD from each provider-type) or Fisher’s exact test (if no more than 5 patients are screened for FSD from any provider-type). Multivariable logistic regression modeling will be used to identified any associations between patient or provider demographics that may affect screening rates (patient age, race, insurance type, sex of provider, etc.) Results We have approximately 400 total charts identified for review, which is ongoing and approximately 20% complete. We anticipate reporting results and conclusions after completion of chart review. Conclusions We have approximately 400 total charts identified for review, which is ongoing and approximately 20% complete. We anticipate reporting results and conclusions after completion of chart review. Disclosure No.

Clinical factors and diagnoses associated with inappropriate urine-culture ordering in primary care

Background: Inappropriate urine-culture ordering is associated with increased antibiotic prescribing in myriad care environments, including acute and long-term care. In primary care, where urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly encountered, the appropriateness of urine-culture ordering has not been well described. We examined the appropriateness of urine-culture ordering and factors associated with inappropriate urine-culture ordering in primary care. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a previous prospective study that included patients aged ≥18 years presenting with provider-suspected UTI with an accompanying urine culture at 2 safety-net, primary-care clinics in Houston, Texas, between November 2018 and March 2020. Patients with complicated or uncomplicated UTI were included, but those with a urinary catheter and pregnant females were excluded. Urine cultures were considered appropriate if the patient had an evidence-based symptom of UTI (ie, dysuria, frequency, urgency, hematuria, fever, chills, costovertebral angle tenderness, suprapubic, pelvic, or flank pain, or nephrolithiasis) as a diagnostic code or listed in providers’ free-text documentation. Diagnostic codes for symptoms that were not evidence based were grouped into categories based on body system, visit type (eg, routine visit), or sign or symptom clusters. We evaluated the relationships among demographic and clinical factors, the clinic visited, and non–evidence-based diagnostic codes with inappropriately ordered cultures. Results: We examined 870 cultures from 807 patients. Overall, 61.5% of patients were Hispanic (61.5%) and 23% were African American or Black. Also, 70.6% were women; the mean age was 49.2 years (SD, 14.6); and the mean Elixhauser score was 1.9 (SD, 5.4). Among the 870 cultures, 210 (24%) were ordered inappropriately. Dysuria (n = 289), frequency (n = 129), and UTI or cystitis (n = 117) were the most common, evidence-based codes among appropriate cultures. In the adjusted model, the nonteaching clinic (aOR, 6.33) and diagnostic codes comprising the following categories were associated with inappropriate culturing: acute lower back pain (aOR, 5.42), cardiac-related visits (aOR, 2.41), urinary incontinence (aOR, 4.46), routine health visits (aOR, 3.66), urine characteristics (aOR, 14.32), voiding difficulties (aOR, 3.88), and well-woman visits with a gynecological exam or family planning aspect (aOR, 12.27) (all P &lt; .05). Conclusions: This research highlights potential gaps or miscues in provider behavior related to urine culture ordering, and unveiled problematic culturing related to urine characteristics and to routine visits, especially of a gynecological nature. This information can be incorporated into diagnostic stewardship interventions to address misconceptions, and to further explore the reasoning or processes wherein urine cultures are ordered for routine visits.Financial support: NIAID UM1AI104681Disclosure: None

Use of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Women Living in Rural and Urban Oregon: Impact of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion.

Objectives: We compared the use of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for Medicaid-enrolled women of reproductive age (WRA) living in Oregon by urban/rural status and examined the effect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion on the use of SRH services for these women. Methods: We linked Oregon Medicaid enrollment files and claims for the years 2008-2016 to identify 392,111 WRA. Outcome measures included receipt of five key SRH services. The main independent variables were urban/rural status (urban, large rural cities, and small rural towns) and an indicator for the post-Medicaid expansion time period (2014-2016). We performed (conditional) fixed-effects logistic regression and multiple-group interrupted time-series analyses. Results: Women living in small rural towns were less likely than women living in urban areas to receive well-woman visits (odds ratio [OR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] [0.80-0.94]), sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening (OR = 0.81; 95% CI [0.72-0.90]), and pap tests (OR = 0.91; 95% CI [0.84-0.99]). Women living in large rural cities were less likely than women living in urban areas to receive STI screening (OR = 0.91; 95% CI [0.84-0.98]). Following the implementation of ACA Medicaid expansion, the average number of all five SRH services increased for all women. With the exception of contraceptive services, the average number of SRH services examined increased more for urban women than for women living in small rural towns. Conclusions: Although Medicaid expansion contributed to increased use of SRH services for all WRA, the policy was unsuccessful in reducing disparities in access to SRH services for WRA living in rural areas compared with urban areas.

Screening for Memory Concerns at the Well-Woman Visit.

Routine healthcare visits offer the opportunity to screen older adults for cognitive changes that accompany the earliest clinical stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) including Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). It is well-established that women are at increased risk for AD and that many women see their gynecologist as their primary care doctor. Given this unique relationship, the Women's Preventive Services Initiative and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now advocate for integrated care of women at all ages. Memory screening of older women should be paramount in this effort. Research is needed to determine which screening tools are most effective and practical. Here we assess the feasibility and utility of a subjective memory screener at the well-woman visit. Women aged 60 and above completed a 5-item screener at their well-woman visit at the Columbia University Integrated Women's Health Center (Table 1). Women who endorsed any item were considered to have a positive screen and were given the option to pursue clinical evaluation for memory concerns through the Division of Aging and Dementia. Only 8 of 354 women declined to complete the screener. Of the completed screeners, 16% (n = 56) were positive. The most frequently endorsed item was difficulty with memory or thinking compared to others the same age (8%, n = 28) (See Table 1). 44% (n = 24) of women with positive screens pursued referral, and six have been seen to date. One woman was diagnosed with MCI. Clinical impressions of the remainder were unremarkable. All six cases had family history of dementia or memory problems. The well-woman visit provides a key opportunity to routinely screen older women for early indicators of AD and treatable causes of cognitive impairment. Preliminary results support the feasibility and value of such screening as part of a comprehensive well-woman program. Early identification of women experiencing SCD will enable investigation into the cause of their memory concerns, and longitudinal monitoring of cognitive change. Future work should evaluate the added value of an objective cognitive screen to complement SCD screening and identify women who may benefit from further evaluation.

Prevalence and Bother of Postvoid Dribbling and Urine Spraying or Splitting: Survey of a General Gynecology Population.

Postvoid dribbling is described well for men in urologic literature but is poorly defined for women, especially in those not presenting for urogynecologic care. The objective was to assess prevalence and bother of postvoid dribbling, urine spraying (ie, deviation of the urine stream), and other bothersome voiding/storage symptoms in a general gynecology population. This was an anonymous cross-sectional survey study of women presenting to academic general gynecology practices for benign gynecologic care or well-woman visits; patients were not presenting for urinary incontinence or voiding dysfunction. A questionnaire was used to assess the presence and perceptions of voiding behavior and urinary symptoms with an emphasis on postvoid dribbling and urine spraying. The questionnaire included both the validated Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis and nonvalidated questions. Nonpregnant adult women (N = 355) were surveyed. The median age was 43 years (interquartile range, 33-51 years). The sample was 45% White, 23% Black, 3% Asian, and 13% other. Furthermore, 39% were Latina; 68%, parous; and 28%, postmenopausal. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of immediate postvoid dribbling was 186 of 327 or 57% (51-62%), and of these, it was at least somewhat bothersome in 37% but moderately-to-quite-a-bit bothersome in 8%. Urine spraying occurred in 222 of 333 or 67% (61-72%), and of these, it was at least somewhat bothersome in 53% but moderately-to-quite-a-bit bothersome in 17%. Approximately 20% reported stress and/or urgency urinary incontinence; both postvoid dribbling and urine spraying were highly associated with these symptoms. This study of women seeking benign gynecologic care shows a high prevalence of postvoid dribbling and urine spraying symptoms. However, moderate-or-greater bother was relatively uncommon.

Advocates Call for Adding Migraine Screening to Well-Woman Visit

Advocates Call for Adding Migraine Screening to Well-Woman Visit

Improving Equitable Access to Cervical Cancer Screening and Management.

Each year, 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,000 die from it. Moreover, 8 million women 21 to 65 years of age haven't had a Pap test in five years. Hispanic women have the highest incidence of cervical cancer and are less likely to be screened or return for care. Migrant women can face additional barriers to cervical cancer screening, including federal prohibitions against their participation in public health insurance exchanges and nonemergency Medicaid. Improving cervical cancer screening rates was identified as a priority in a federally qualified health center when only 40% of eligible women were properly screened in 2016. Forty-five percent of the population the clinic serves is uninsured and 60% are Hispanic. The aim of this quality improvement project was to have 75% of the women 21 to 65 years of age who sought care at this clinic during the 60-day project period receive Pap test eligibility screening, enrollment in a state and federal screening program, and case management. Four rapid plan-do-study-act cycles were used. Tests of change included team engagement, patient engagement, eligibility screening, and case log management. Data were analyzed using run charts to evaluate the impact of interventions on outcomes. The interventions consisted of team meetings, a patient engagement tool, an eligibility screening tool, and case log management. Among the women who completed care at the clinic during the 60-day project period, 80% were uninsured and 86% were Hispanic. A total of 87% of women received effective care, which consisted of same-day Well Woman Health Care Program enrollment and a same-day Pap test or an appointment to return for a well-woman visit. A multicomponent approach led to underserved women receiving equitable access to cervical cancer screening and timely enrollment in a cervical cancer screening program.

Missed opportunities to prevent cardiovascular disease in women with prior preeclampsia

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in every major developed country and in most emerging nations. Complications of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, indicate a subsequent increase in cardiovascular risk. There may be a primary care provider knowledge gap regarding preeclampsia as a risk factor for CVD. The objective of our study is to determine how often internists at an academic institution inquire about a history of preeclampsia, as compared to a history of smoking, hypertension and diabetes, when assessing CVD risk factors at well-woman visits. Additional aims were (1) to educate internal medicine primary care providers on the significance of preeclampsia as a risk factor for CVD disease and (2) to assess the impact of education interventions on obstetric history documentation and screening for CVD in women with prior preeclampsia.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed to identify women ages 18–48 with at least one prior obstetric delivery. We evaluated the frequency of documentation of preeclampsia compared to traditional risk factors for CVD (smoking, diabetes, and chronic hypertension) by reviewing the well-woman visit notes, past medical history, obstetric history, and the problem list in the electronic medical record. For intervention, educational teaching sessions (presentation with Q&A session) and education slide presentations were given to internal medicine physicians at clinic sites. Changes in documentation were evaluated post-intervention.ResultsWhen assessment of relevant pregnancy history was obtained, 23.6% of women were asked about a history preeclampsia while 98.9% were asked about diabetes or smoking and 100% were asked about chronic hypertension (p < 0.001). Education interventions did not significantly change rates of screening documentation (p = 0.36).ConclusionOur study adds to the growing body of literature that women with a history of preeclampsia might not be identified as having increased CVD risk in the outpatient primary care setting. Novel educational programming may be required to increase provider documentation of preeclampsia history in screening.

All Women Should be Screened for Anxiety, Federal Panel Says

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Clinical & ResearchFull AccessAll Women Should be Screened for Anxiety, Federal Panel SaysKatie O'ConnorKatie O'ConnorSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:13 Aug 2020https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2020.7b6AbstractAPA was integral to the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative’s first recommendation for universal screening for anxiety, which applies to women and girls over age 13.All women and girls over 13 years old should be screened for anxiety, according to the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI), a federal panel tasked with developing recommendations for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services.The recommendation was published June 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. This is the first recommendation related to universal screening for anxiety that WPSI has issued.The recommendation that all women and girls over 13 receive anxiety screenings will draw attention to a condition that is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, says APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A.“Anxiety disorders are some of the most prevalent and consequential mental health problems among women in the United States,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., in a news release. “This groundbreaking recommendation will be a critical step in the advancement of the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, which have previously been underdiagnosed and undertreated.”Maureen Sayres Van Niel, M.D., the APA Assembly’s representative to the Caucus of Women Psychiatrists and chair of the Assembly Committee of Representatives of Minority/Underrepresented Groups, was a member of the WPSI Steering Committee and an author of the clinical guidelines published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. She was the first mental health practitioner to be appointed to the panel in 2016 (see Psychiatric News).“This recommendation was a direct result of a collaboration between APA and other major medical associations throughout the country to develop an integrated plan to screen women for mental health problems as well as physical problems during their yearly well-woman visits,” Van Niel said. “The recommendation was approved for services without a copay to allow women of all socioeconomic groups to have equal access to this screening.”The Affordable Care Act requires that some preventive services must be covered without cost sharing, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. WPSI, which is led by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), is responsible for recommending which women’s preventive services should be covered.The new recommendation applies to all adolescent and adult women 13 years or older, including pregnant and postpartum women. WPSI does not stipulate at what intervals screenings should occur and notes that clinicians should use their judgment when determining screening frequency.“Given the high prevalence of anxiety disorders, lack of recognition in clinical practice, and multiple problems associated with untreated anxiety, clinicians should consider screening women who have not been recently screened,” the recommendation states.Given recent events, it is especially important that women are screened for anxiety disorders now, Van Niel said. “This is a time when we are all experiencing national trauma. Anxiety levels, especially in women, have been shown to have increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “Additionally, the severe anxiety caused by structural racism is very significant, and it is especially evident right now.”She continued, “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly screening for depression in all adults and adolescents and adding this universal screening for anxiety in women can be performed easily at the same time. The screening of men for anxiety disorders should also be addressed.”WPSI’s recommendation is especially important because the incidence of anxiety and depressive disorders in women is twice that of men, Van Niel pointed out. This increased incidence may be due to ongoing stresses women face, including carrying more of the household and childrearing responsibilities, experiencing a higher incidence of childhood and adult sexual abuse, and continued financial inequities due to a lack of paid leave and lower pay for equal work, she explained.“It is possible that, by correcting these social inequities, we can reduce the incidence of anxiety disorders in women,” she said.In an editorial accompanying the guidelines’ publication in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Kim G. Smolderen, Ph.D., and Matthew M. Burg, Ph.D., of the Yale University School of Medicine, emphasized the need to understand why so many women across age groups are struggling with anxiety. “Tools like the WPSI screening recommendations directed toward vulnerable groups are great first steps, but only one of the many elements needed to address mental health crises,” the authors wrote. ■“Screening for Anxiety in Adolescent and Adult Women: A Recommendation From the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative” is posted here.“Screening for Anxiety in Adolescent and Adult Women” is posted here.“Awareness for Anxiety in Women: A Great Start” is posted here. ISSUES NewArchived

The Connection Between Social Determinants of Health and Human Papillomavirus Testing Knowledge Among Women in the USA.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cervical cancers. In the USA, HPV testing has recently been recommended as a stand-alone option for cervical cancer screening in women over 30years of age. Yet, studies have shown low awareness of HPV testing. This study examines awareness and knowledge that US women possess regarding HPV testing using the social determinants of health (SDOH) framework. Women aged 30 to 65years, without hysterectomy, completed an online survey (N = 812). The outcome variables included HPV testing awareness and HPV testing knowledge, a six-item validated scale. Predictor variables included three domains of the Healthy People 2020 SDOH framework: economic stability, education, and health and healthcare. Other important sociodemographic predictors were also included. Multiple logistic and linear regression identified variables associated with HPV testing awareness and knowledge, respectively. 62.4% of the women were aware of HPV testing, and the mean knowledge score was 2.8 (out of 6). Lower awareness and knowledge were observed in older women compared with younger women and among women who had either not received HPV vaccination or were unsure of their vaccination status. Higher education attainment was associated with greater awareness and knowledge. Also, women who had a well-woman visit in the last year had better knowledge. Findings from the study can be used to develop targeted prevention strategies and initiatives to improve HPV testing awareness and knowledge to help women make more informed health decisions and promote uptake of this screening tool.

The Patient Perspective on the HPV Vaccine and Its Recently Expanded Coverage [33F

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to explore the patient understanding of HPV and its vaccine and to ascertain any pertinent biases. The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine was recently FDA approved to extend coverage to age 45 instead of age 26. The vaccine is recommended by ACOG for males and females aged 9-45. METHODS: Between April and June 2019, patients of WVU Medicine OBGYN completed a one-time survey at their well-woman examination. The survey was created to assess associations between socioeconomic variables, sexual history, and the patient perception of the HPV virus and vaccine. RESULTS: A total of 200 women participated. The average age was 45 with most currently sexually active (84%). While most women reported that they were in support of vaccines (95%), the majority of women without a previous HPV vaccination reported they were not interested in receiving the vaccine themselves (48%) but were more likely to be in favor to vaccinate their sons (57%). It should be noted 0 women reported all of the correct cancers associated with HPV with only 7 women reporting the association with head and neck cancers. Almost a quarter of women (21%) incorrectly believed HPV had links to uterine and ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: There are visible gaps regarding HPV and its vaccine. A major gap is the paucity of knowledge of the types of cancers HPV can cause. Physicians can recognize potential candidates and implement more education within the well-woman visit to make sure women are well-informed about HPV and the vaccine.

Evaluating the effect of Medicaid expansion on access to preventive reproductive care for women in Oregon

We evaluated the effect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion on receipt of preventive reproductive services for women in Oregon. First, we compared service receipt among continuing Medicaid enrollees pre- and post-ACA. We then compared receipt among new post-ACA Medicaid enrollees to receipt by continuing enrollees after ACA implementation. Using Medicaid enrollment and claims data, we identified well-woman visits, contraceptive counseling, contraceptive services, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, and cervical cancer screening among women ages 15–44 in years when not pregnant. For pre-ACA enrollees, we assessed pre-ACA receipt in 2011–2013 (n = 83,719) and post-ACA receipt in 2014–2016 (n = 103,225). For post-ACA enrollees we similarly assessed post-ACA service receipt (n = 73,945) and compared this to service receipt by pre-ACA enrollees during 2014–2016. We estimated logistic regression models to compare service receipt over time and between enrollment groups. Among pre-ACA enrollees we found lower receipt of all services post-ACA. Adjusted declines ranged from 7.0 percentage points (95% CI: −7.5, −6.4) for cervical cancer screening to 0.4 percentage points [−0.6, −0.2] for STI screening. In 2014–2016, post-ACA enrollees differed significantly from pre-ACA enrollees in receipt of all services, but all differences were <2 percentage points. Despite small declines in receipt of several preventive reproductive services among prior enrollees, the ACA resulted in Medicaid financing of these services for a large number of newly enrolled low-income women in Oregon, which may eventually lead to population-level improvements in reproductive health. These findings among women in Oregon could inform Medicaid coverage efforts in other states.

Insurance Differences in Preventive Care Use and Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Pregnant Women in a Medicaid Nonexpansion State: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Lack of quality preventive care has been associated with poorer outcomes for pregnant women with low incomes. Health policy changes implemented with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were designed to improve access to care. However, insurance coverage remains lower among women in Medicaid nonexpansion states. We compared health care use and adverse birth outcomes by insurance status among women giving birth in a large health system in a Medicaid nonexpansion state. Materials and Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using data for 9,613 women with deliveries during 2014-2015 at six hospitals associated with a large vertically integrated health care system in North Carolina. Adjusted logistic regression and zero-inflated negative binomial models examined associations between insurance status at delivery (commercial, Medicaid, or uninsured) and health care utilization (well-woman visits, late prenatal care, adequacy of prenatal care, postpartum follow-up, and emergency department [ED] visits) and outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes). Results: Having Medicaid at delivery was associated with lower rates of well-woman visits (rate ratio [RR] 0.25, 95% CI 0.23-0.28), higher rates of ED visits (RR 2.93, 95% CI 2.64-3.25), and higher odds of late prenatal care (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.34) compared to having commercial insurance, with similar results for uninsured women. Differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes were not statistically significant after adjusting for patient characteristics. Conclusions: Findings suggest that large gaps exist in use of preventive care between Medicaid/uninsured and commercially insured women. Policymakers should consider ways to improve potential and realized access to care.