Abstract

Also known as uterine fibroids, leiomyomas occur in 70% of women. A uterine leiomyoma is a benign growth in the muscular wall of the uterus which, if left untreated, can grow, and affect surrounding organs, leading to complications, including hemorrhage and death. Symptomatic women often experience pain and debilitating menstrual cycles which, in turn, result in poor health, poor quality of life, and loss of income. Preventative and treatment services in Florida could benefit from the characteristics of women affected the most by this disease in the state. Thus, we describe the demographic characteristics and estimate the prevalence rate of uterine leiomyomas among women 18 years and older in Florida between 2010 to 2019. Data was obtained from Florida’s Agency for Healthcare Administration and analyses included descriptive statistics with prevalence rate estimation and geolocation. Over the decade studied, we identified 232,475 cases, almost half (49.2%) of which were reported among white women, with women in their forties having the highest frequency. Florida counties with the highest prevalence rates (e.g., Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach) are the seat to densely populated cities. Over the decade analyzed, the prevalence rate (95% CI) was estimated at 284.8 (284.21, 285.39) cases of uterine leiomyomas per 100,000 women 18 years and older. Compared to non-Hispanic white women, black, Hispanic, and other women of color presented with higher prevalence rate ratios (4.84, 1.87, and 1.58, respectively). While most women diagnosed with uterine fibroids in Florida were non-Hispanic white in their forties, results evidence noticeable disparities by race, ethnicity, age, and county of residence. Counties with the highest prevalence rates were urban and densely populated with more access to healthcare, unlike counties with the lowest prevalence rates. Overall, results point at important unmet needs in leiomyoma prevention and treatment services for women in Florida.

Thesis Completion

2022

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Lopez, Humberto

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Health Sciences

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2022

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