Women with fibroids or symptoms suggestive of fibroids experience significant distress that reduces QOL, particularly racial minorities and women in lower income brackets. Survey results suggest that many women are likely undiagnosed, underscoring the need for improved awareness and education.
This study provides insight into modern women's attitudes and views toward prescription contraception that may be important to clinicians and women themselves.
INTRODUCTION:
Uterine fibroids (UF) are highly prevalent among reproductive-age women with up to 50% of US women reporting symptoms that may be undiagnosed or untreated. The objective of this survey included understanding the impact of UF symptoms.
METHODS:
Female participants (≥18 years) were recruited via email from GfK KnowledgePanel®, a nationally representative panel of U.S. households, supplemented with opt-in consumer panels. The survey was 40-minutes long and used instruments such as the UFS-QoL and Aberdeen menorrhagia severity scale (AMSS).
RESULTS:
A total of 1,443 women were considered eligible and included in the study. Of the diagnosed women without hysterectomy (n=871), 68% passed blood clots, and 32% used ≥6 forms of protection/day based on the AMSS. Based on the UFS-QoL Symptom Severity Subscale, 44% and 43% of diagnosed women reported fatigue and heavy bleeding, respectively, as causing a 'great deal/very great deal' of distress. One-fifth of working women missed ≥8 work-hours monthly (21% full-time, 23% part-time workers). Of women who were undiagnosed but had UF-like symptoms ('at-risk'; n=300), only 49% were aware of UF. Approximately 84% passed blood clots, and 55% used ≥6 forms of protection/day. Of the at-risk women, 83% and 78% reported fatigue and heavy bleeding, respectively, as causing a 'great deal/very great deal' of distress. Overall, 22% full-time and 45% part-time workers missed ≥8 work-hours monthly.
CONCLUSION:
Women with UF experience distress and impaired work productivity. A substantial number of women may be undiagnosed with significant symptoms, underscoring the need for improved awareness and management of UF.
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