African American and white women aged 31-71 who had signs and symptoms predisposing them to have a hysterectomy or a recommendation for a hysterectomy were included in the study. Factors that contributed to a hysterectomy were investigated using a theoretical framework. The model included sociodemographic factors, clinical signs and symptoms, and participation in the decision making process. The cross sectional survey of six hundred and sixty women was conducted using telephone and face to face interviews in two states with a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Women in the study were more likely to have a hysterectomy if: they had a high school education or less (OR=3.1), they were white (OR=2.7), they had health insurance (OR=2.5)and they reported participating very little or not at all in the decision for them to have a hysterectomy (OR=3.9). Implications for health promotion and education practice at individual, community and organizational levels will be presented.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to (1) identify predictors of women having a hysterectomy (2) identify needed health promotion and education interventions for women in mid-life
Keywords: Women's Quality Care, Public Health Education and Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.