OBJECTIVE: To assess women's knowledge about female reproductive system and the demographic factors that may influence their perceptions. STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, all qualifying adult women at our academic practice were asked to complete a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about the effects of female reproductive system between June and August 2009. We assessed the accuracy of their knowledge and analyzed the effect of demographic factors. RESULTS: The majority of the 500 participants were in 18- to 59-year age range (93 %), Caucasian (81 %), married (56 %), college graduates (74 %) and had private insurance (82 %). Mean correct score was 63 ± 20 %. In univariate analysis, those respondents who were older, Caucasian, and had private insurance scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) When all the variables were entered in a fractional logit model, only age, race and reason for the visit remained as independent predictors for a better overall score in this survey. Twenty-nine percent of the participants thought hysterectomy included removal of ovaries and tubes. About a quarter of the respondents thought menstrual function would continue after hysterectomy. The question for whether removal of the uterus resulted in climacteric changes was correctly answered only by 34 %. While 59 % of women did not agree that removing the entire uterus eliminated the cervical cancer risk, 66 % concluded that they would continue to need Pap smears after total hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Women's knowledge about female reproductive system is limited, especially for those who are younger and from a minority.
OBJECTIVE: To assess women's knowledge about female reproductive system and the demographic factors that may influence their perceptions. STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, all qualifying adult women at our academic practice were asked to complete a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about the effects of female reproductive system between June and August 2009. We assessed the accuracy of their knowledge and analyzed the effect of demographic factors. RESULTS: The majority of the 500 participants were in 18- to 59-year age range (93 %), Caucasian (81 %), married (56 %), college graduates (74 %) and had private insurance (82 %). Mean correct score was 63 ± 20 %. In univariate analysis, those respondents who were older, Caucasian, and had private insurance scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) When all the variables were entered in a fractional logit model, only age, race and reason for the visit remained as independent predictors for a better overall score in this survey. Twenty-nine percent of the participants thought hysterectomy included removal of ovaries and tubes. About a quarter of the respondents thought menstrual function would continue after hysterectomy. The question for whether removal of the uterus resulted in climacteric changes was correctly answered only by 34 %. While 59 % of women did not agree that removing the entire uterus eliminated the cervical cancer risk, 66 % concluded that they would continue to need Pap smears after total hysterectomy. CONCLUSION:Women's knowledge about female reproductive system is limited, especially for those who are younger and from a minority.
Authors: Zeinab Kassem; Chad M Coleman; Andrew S Bossick; Wan-Ting Su; Roopina Sangha; Ganesa Wegienka Journal: J Patient Cent Res Rev Date: 2019-01-28
Authors: Anastasia Belilovets; Nithya Gopal; Erica Stockwell; Jasmine Pedroso; Joy Brotherton; K Warren Volker; David Howard Journal: Womens Health Rep (New Rochelle) Date: 2020-08-17
Authors: Karleen D Gribble; Susan Bewley; Melissa C Bartick; Roger Mathisen; Shawn Walker; Jenny Gamble; Nils J Bergman; Arun Gupta; Jennifer J Hocking; Hannah G Dahlen Journal: Front Glob Womens Health Date: 2022-02-07