Women's Cancer Screening and Contraceptive Knowledge in Emergency Department Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Merchant Roland C, Gee Erin M, Bock Beth C, Becker Bruce M, Clark Melissa A
Primary Institution: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Hypothesis
Do demographic factors and usage of cancer screening and contraceptive methods affect women's knowledge about these services?
Conclusion
Female emergency department patients showed strong knowledge in some areas but significant gaps in others, particularly among those without private insurance or recent usage of these methods.
Supporting Evidence
- 69.9% of eligible patients agreed to participate in the study.
- Participants had varying levels of knowledge about cancer screenings and contraceptive methods.
- Women with private insurance had significantly higher odds of correctly answering knowledge questions.
Takeaway
This study found that many women visiting the emergency department know about cancer screenings and birth control, but some don't know enough, especially if they don't have insurance.
Methodology
A survey was conducted among 18–55-year-old women in an urban emergency department to assess their knowledge and usage of cancer screening and contraceptive methods.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include self-reported data inaccuracies and the exclusion of non-English speakers.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a single emergency department and involved primarily English-speaking women, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were under age 35, white, single, Catholic, and had private medical insurance.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI provided for various knowledge questions
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website