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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 21 of 21 Research Studies DisplayedSmith DC, Phillippi JC, Tilden EL
Comparing cesarean birth utilization between US hospitals: a demonstration of the robson ten-group classification system for use in quality improvement and benchmarking.
The objective of this study was to describe the application and utility of the World Health Organization-endorsed Robson Ten-Group Classification System (TGCS) to compare hospital-level cesarean births rates for use in quality improvement and benchmarking. The authors conducted a descriptive, secondary data analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor dataset using data from births from 2002-08 at 12 sites across the US. Results showed a variation in use of cesarean birth, labor induction, and trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) across the 12 sites. The authors concluded that TGCS provides a method for between-hospital comparisons and adoption of TGCS in the US would provide an effective benchmarking tool to assist in reducing the use of cesarean birth and increasing the support of TOLAC.
AHRQ-funded; HS024733.
Citation: Smith DC, Phillippi JC, Tilden EL .
Comparing cesarean birth utilization between US hospitals: a demonstration of the robson ten-group classification system for use in quality improvement and benchmarking.
J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2023 Jul-Sep; 37(3):214-22. doi: 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000670..
Keywords: Hospitals, Healthcare Utilization, Maternal Care, Women, Quality Improvement, Quality Measures, Quality of Care
Levander XA, Foot CA, Magnusson SL
Contraception and healthcare utilization by reproductive-age women who use drugs in rural communities: a cross-sectional survey.
This study’s goal was to compare contraceptive use prevalence among women who use drugs (WWUD) in rural communities with women who do not use drugs from similar rural areas. The authors used survey data from the Rural Opioids Initiative (ROI), a cross-sectional survey using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) involving eight rural U.S. regions (January 2018-March 2020) and the National Survey on Family Growth (NSFG), a nationally representative U.S. household reproductive health survey (2017-2019). Women aged 18-49 with prior 30-day non-prescribed opioid and/or non-opioid injection drug use were included. Of 855 women in the ROI, 36.8% and 38.6% reported contraceptive use, compared to 66% of rural women in the NSFG sample. Among the ROI women, 27% had received prior 30-day SUD treatment via outpatient counseling or inpatient program and these women had increased odds of contraceptive use. There was a positive association between contraception use and recent medications for opioid use disorder and prior 6-month primary care utilization that did not meet the threshold for statistical significance.
AHRQ-funded; HS02637; HS027088.
Citation: Levander XA, Foot CA, Magnusson SL .
Contraception and healthcare utilization by reproductive-age women who use drugs in rural communities: a cross-sectional survey.
J Gen Intern Med 2023 Jan; 38(1):98-106. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07558-6..
Keywords: Sexual Health, Women, Healthcare Utilization, Rural Health
Baskin AS, Wang T, Bredbeck BC
Trends in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy utilization for small unilateral breast cancer.
This study describes trends in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) utilization for small unilateral breast cancer instead of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) which is recommended. The authors used the National Cancer Database to identify women with unilateral, T1 breast cancer. Of the total cohort of 765,487, 69% underwent BCS and 31% chose mastectomy. Of 176,673 women aged 70 years or older, 75% underwent BCS and 25% chose mastectomy. CPM rates have increased in both cohorts since 2006. Patient factors such as younger age, white rate, private insurance, tumor factors, and facility factors were associated with increased CPM rates compared with unilateral mastectomy.
Citation: Baskin AS, Wang T, Bredbeck BC .
Trends in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy utilization for small unilateral breast cancer.
J Surg Res 2021 Jun;262:71-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.12.057..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Women, Surgery, Prevention, Healthcare Utilization
Wang T, Baskin A, Miller J
Trends in breast cancer treatment de-implementation in older patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: a mixed methods study.
Guidelines allow for the omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and post-lumpectomy radiotherapy in women >/= 70 years of age with hormone receptor-positive (HR +) breast cancer. Despite this, national data suggest these procedures have not been widely de-implemented. The objectives of this study were to evaluate trends in SLNB and post-lumpectomy radiotherapy utilization in patients who were eligible for omission and evaluate patient preferences as a target for de-implementation of low-value care.
AHRQ-funded; HS026030.
Citation: Wang T, Baskin A, Miller J .
Trends in breast cancer treatment de-implementation in older patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: a mixed methods study.
Ann Surg Oncol 2021 Feb;28(2):902-13. doi: 10.1245/s10434-020-08823-w..
Keywords: Elderly, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Healthcare Utilization, Practice Patterns, Women
Hatch B, Hoopes M, Darney BG
Impacts of the Affordable Care Act on receipt of women's preventive services in Community Health Centers in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states.
Researchers assessed whether ACA implementation and Medicaid expansion were followed by greater receipt of recommended preventive services among women and girls in a large network of community health centers. Data was collected from electronic health records in 14 states. The researchers found that among female patients at community health centers, receipt of recommended preventive care improved after ACA implementation in both Medicaid expansion and non-expansion states, although the overall rates remained low. They recommended continued support to overcome barriers to preventive care in this population.
AHRQ-funded; HS025155.
Citation: Hatch B, Hoopes M, Darney BG .
Impacts of the Affordable Care Act on receipt of women's preventive services in Community Health Centers in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states.
Womens Health Issues 2021 Jan-Feb;31(1):9-16. doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2020.08.011..
Keywords: Cancer, Medicaid, Health Insurance, Uninsured, Access to Care, Policy, Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Prevention, Women, Healthcare Utilization
Dinan MA, Wilson LE, Reed SD
Association of 21-gene assay (OncotypeDX) testing and receipt of chemotherapy in the Medicare breast cancer patient population following initial adoption.
This study looked at trends in the association of 21-gene assay testing and receipt of chemotherapy in the Medicare breast cancer patient population following initial adoption from 2001 to 2011. The investigators looked at updated SEER-Medicare data from 2004 and 2011. The cohort included 26,009 patients who met inclusion criteria. Assay use was associated with a decrease in absolute percentage use of chemotherapy by 4.5%, which became even more pronounced from 2008-2011 with a decrease of 6.8%.
AHRQ-funded; HS022189.
Citation: Dinan MA, Wilson LE, Reed SD .
Association of 21-gene assay (OncotypeDX) testing and receipt of chemotherapy in the Medicare breast cancer patient population following initial adoption.
Clin Breast Cancer 2020 Dec;20(6):487-94.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.clbc.2020.05.010..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Treatments, Genetics, Medicare, Women, Healthcare Utilization
Geissler K, Ranchoff BL, Cooper MI
Association of insurance status with provision of recommended services during comprehensive postpartum visits.
Investigators examined rates of recommended services during the comprehensive postpartum visits and differences by insurance type. Data was taken from annual National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys. Their findings suggested that receipt of recommended services during comprehensive postpartum visits was less than 50% for most services and was similar across insurance types. These findings underscored the importance of efforts to reconceptualize postpartum care to ensure that women have access to a range of supports to manage their health during this sensitive period.
AHRQ-funded; HS025515.
Citation: Geissler K, Ranchoff BL, Cooper MI .
Association of insurance status with provision of recommended services during comprehensive postpartum visits.
JAMA Netw Open 2020 Nov 2;3(11):e2025095. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.25095..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Pregnancy, Women, Health Insurance, Access to Care, Healthcare Utilization
Maclean JC, Halpern MT, Hill SC
AHRQ Author: Hill SC
The effect of Medicaid expansion on prescriptions for breast cancer hormonal therapy medications.
The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion on prescriptions for effective breast cancer hormonal therapies (tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors) among Medicaid enrollees. Data from the Medicaid State Drug Utilization Database was used. Findings showed that Medicaid expansion may have had a meaningful impact on the ability of lower-income women to access effective hormonal therapies used to treat breast cancer.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Maclean JC, Halpern MT, Hill SC .
The effect of Medicaid expansion on prescriptions for breast cancer hormonal therapy medications.
Health Serv Res 2020 Jun;55(3):399-410. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.13289..
Keywords: Medicaid, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Medication, Policy, Women, Healthcare Utilization, Access to Care, Health Insurance
Darney BG, Fuentes-Rivera E, Polo G
Con la ley y sin la ley/With and without the law: utilization of abortion services and case fatality in Mexico, 2000-2016.
This study examined abortion and case-fatality rate trends in Mexico and Mexico City from 2000 to 2016. The rate nationally was 6.7 per 1000 in 2000, peaked in 2011, and plateaued in 2016. In Mexico City the utilization rate peaked in 2014 and then plateaued. Nationwide and in Mexico City (where abortion was legalized in 2007) case-fatality rates declined over time. After abortion became legal in Mexico City, the rate decreased more rapidly than in the other states of Mexico.
AHRQ-funded.
Citation: Darney BG, Fuentes-Rivera E, Polo G .
Con la ley y sin la ley/With and without the law: utilization of abortion services and case fatality in Mexico, 2000-2016.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2020 Mar;148(3):369-74. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13077..
Keywords: Pregnancy, Healthcare Utilization, Women, Healthcare Delivery
Gregory EF, Upadhya KK, Cheng TL
AHRQ Author: Mistry KB
Enabling factors associated with receipt of interconception health care.
This study examined factors associated with receipt of preventive health care between pregnancies (interconception) using data from a study at four health centers in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The Anderson’s Model of Health Services Use model was used to identify data on factors up to 15 months postpartum. Factors included health history, self-rated health, demographics, predisposing factors, and enabling factors. The cohort included 376 women who were predominantly non-Hispanic Black (84%), and low income. Two enabling factors were associated with receipt of care: having a personal doctor or nurse and having non-Medicaid insurance.
AHRQ-authored
Citation: Gregory EF, Upadhya KK, Cheng TL .
Enabling factors associated with receipt of interconception health care.
Matern Child Health J 2020 Mar;24(3):275-82. doi: 10.1007/s10995-019-02850-0..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Prevention, Pregnancy, Healthcare Utilization, Women, Access to Care
Li J, Pesko MF, Unruh MA
Effect of the Medicaid primary care rate increase on prenatal care utilization among Medicaid-insured women.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the 2013-2014 ACA Medicaid Primary Care Rate Increase on Medicaid-insured women's prenatal care utilization, overall and by race and ethnicity. The investigators concluded that the Medicaid "fee bump" improved prenatal care utilization for non-Hispanic Black and White women. They suggest that policymakers may consider reinstating higher Medicaid reimbursements to improve access to care for disadvantaged populations.
AHRQ-funded; HS024357.
Citation: Li J, Pesko MF, Unruh MA .
Effect of the Medicaid primary care rate increase on prenatal care utilization among Medicaid-insured women.
Matern Child Health J 2019 Nov;23(11):1564-72. doi: 10.1007/s10995-019-02804-6..
Keywords: Medicaid, Primary Care, Maternal Care, Pregnancy, Women, Healthcare Utilization, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Disparities
Alexander LT, Fuentes-Rivera E, Saavedra-Avendano B
Utilisation of second-trimester spontaneous and induced abortion services in public hospitals in Mexico, 2007-2015.
This study examined data on utilization of in-facility second-trimester abortion services in Mexico. Data from Mexico’s Automated Hospital Discharge System (SAEH) from 2007-2015 was used to identify second-trimester abortions in public hospitals across Mexico’s 32 states. A total 145,956 second-trimester abortion services or 13.4% of total documented hospitalizations for abortion were identified. The rate remained constant for women aged 15-44 years. Women living in poorer socioeconomic conditions or highly marginalized municipalities were most likely to have second-trimester abortions compared to women in higher socioeconomic conditions who were able to utilize services in their first trimester.
AHRQ-funded; HS025155; HS022981.
Citation: Alexander LT, Fuentes-Rivera E, Saavedra-Avendano B .
Utilisation of second-trimester spontaneous and induced abortion services in public hospitals in Mexico, 2007-2015.
BMJ Sex Reprod Health 2019 Oct;45(4):283-89. doi: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2018-200300..
Keywords: Pregnancy, Women, Healthcare Utilization, Hospitals, Healthcare Delivery
Desai VB, Wright JD, Lin H
Laparoscopic hysterectomy route, resource use, and outcomes: change after power morcellation warning.
The purpose of this study was to examine changes in utilization of different types of laparoscopic hysterectomy, as well as their associated resource use and surgical outcomes, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety statement in April 2014 regarding power morcellation. They found rates of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy fell in association with power morcellation safety warnings, whereas rates of other laparoscopic hysterectomies continued to rise.
AHRQ-funded; HS024702.
Citation: Desai VB, Wright JD, Lin H .
Laparoscopic hysterectomy route, resource use, and outcomes: change after power morcellation warning.
Obstet Gynecol 2019 Aug;134(2):227-38. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000003375..
Keywords: Healthcare Utilization, Outcomes, Surgery, Women
Fabiyi CA, Reid LD, Mistry KB
AHRQ Author: Fabiyi CA, Mistry KB
Postpartum health care use after gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The objective of this study was to examine postpartum health care utilization after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes (GD) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) using nationally representative data. The investigators found that women with GD/HDP did not differ from women with neither complication on postpartum utilization outcomes. Less educated women with GD/HDP were more likely to miss an office visit within 1 year postpartum than less educated women with neither complication. Certain subgroups of women were more likely to forego timely and appropriate postpartum care.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Fabiyi CA, Reid LD, Mistry KB .
Postpartum health care use after gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
J Womens Health 2019 Aug;28(8):1116-23. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2018.7198..
Keywords: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Maternal Care, Pregnancy, Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Women, Healthcare Utilization
Knerr S, Bowles EJA, Leppig KA
Trends in BRCA test utilization in an integrated health system, 2005-2015.
The authors reported 10-year trends in BRCA testing in an integrated health-care system with long-standing access to genetic services. They found that many eligible women did not receive BRCA testing despite having insurance coverage and access to specialty genetic services, thus underscoring challenges to primary and secondary hereditary cancer prevention.
AHRQ-funded; HS022982.
Citation: Knerr S, Bowles EJA, Leppig KA .
Trends in BRCA test utilization in an integrated health system, 2005-2015.
J Natl Cancer Inst 2019 Aug;111(8):795-802. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djz008..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Ovarian Cancer, Cancer, Genetics, Screening, Prevention, Healthcare Utilization, Healthcare Delivery, Women
Danilack VA, Brousseau EC, Paulo BA
Characteristics of women without a postpartum checkup among PRAMS participants, 2009-2011.
The authors studied whether sociodemographic characteristics and pregnancy and delivery factors were related to the likelihood of missing a postpartum checkup. They found that, compared to women who attended a postpartum checkup, women who missed the visit were younger, unmarried, less educated, with lower income, without insurance, and smokers. Also, women with intermediate or inadequate prenatal care were more likely to miss the checkup. Additionally, women were more likely to miss this checkup if their infant was born at a residence compared to a hospital and were less likely to miss the checkup if their newborn had a one-week well visit.
AHRQ-funded; HS025013.
Citation: Danilack VA, Brousseau EC, Paulo BA .
Characteristics of women without a postpartum checkup among PRAMS participants, 2009-2011.
Matern Child Health J 2019 Jul;23(7):903-09. doi: 10.1007/s10995-018-02716-x..
Keywords: Healthcare Utilization, Maternal Care, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Pregnancy, Social Determinants of Health, Women
Horner-Johnson W, Biel FM, Caughey AB
Differences in prenatal care by presence and type of maternal disability.
This study examined timing and frequency of prenatal care of women with disabilities by disability type. A retrospective cohort study was done of all births in California from 2000-2012. Women with intellectual/developmental disabilities, or limited hearing had the most significant risk of receiving less prenatal care compared to women with physical disabilities. However women with intellectual/developmental or physical disabilities may have a higher than normal number of prenatal visits. Delays in prenatal care may result in poorer birth outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS022981.
Citation: Horner-Johnson W, Biel FM, Caughey AB .
Differences in prenatal care by presence and type of maternal disability.
Am J Prev Med 2019 Mar;56(3):376-82. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.10.021..
Keywords: Disabilities, Healthcare Utilization, Pregnancy, Vulnerable Populations, Women
Ross WT, Meister MR, Shepherd JP
Utilization of apical vaginal support procedures at time of inpatient hysterectomy performed for benign conditions: a national estimate.
The researchers sought to estimate trends and factors associated with use of apical support procedures at time of inpatient hysterectomy for benign indications in a large national database. Their study demonstrated that apical support procedures are not routinely performed at time of inpatient hysterectomy regardless of presence of prolapse diagnosis.
AHRQ-funded; HS019455.
Citation: Ross WT, Meister MR, Shepherd JP .
Utilization of apical vaginal support procedures at time of inpatient hysterectomy performed for benign conditions: a national estimate.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017 Oct;217(4):436.e1-36.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.07.010.
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Keywords: Healthcare Utilization, Practice Patterns, Surgery, Women
Lu Y, Zhou S, Dreyer RP
Sex differences in lipid profiles and treatment utilization among young adults with acute myocardial infarction: results from the VIRGO study.
This study characterized sex differences in lipid profiles and treatment utilization among young adults with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Young women with AMI had slightly favorable lipid and lipoprotein profiles compared with men, suggesting that difference in lipid and lipoprotein may not be a major contributor to sex differences in outcomes after AMI.
AHRQ-funded; HS023000.
Citation: Lu Y, Zhou S, Dreyer RP .
Sex differences in lipid profiles and treatment utilization among young adults with acute myocardial infarction: results from the VIRGO study.
Am Heart J 2017 Jan;183:74-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2016.09.012.
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Keywords: Sex Factors, Heart Disease and Health, Healthcare Utilization, Women, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Drake BF, Abadin SS, Lyons S
Mammograms on-the-go-predictors of repeat visits to mobile mammography vans in St Louis, Missouri, USA: a case-control study.
The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which women use mobile mammography vans for breast cancer screening and what factors are associated with repeat visits to these vans. Women who were aged 50–65, uninsured, or African-American had higher odds of a repeat visit to the mobile mammography van compared with women who were aged 40–50, insured, or Caucasian.
AHRQ-funded; HS022330.
Citation: Drake BF, Abadin SS, Lyons S .
Mammograms on-the-go-predictors of repeat visits to mobile mammography vans in St Louis, Missouri, USA: a case-control study.
BMJ Open 2015 Mar 20;5(3):e006960. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006960..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Healthcare Utilization, Screening, Women, Healthcare Utilization, Imaging
Allgood KL, Rauscher GH, Whitman S
Validating self-reported mammography use in vulnerable communities: findings and recommendations.
The researchers examined the potential extent of overreporting of mammography use in low-income African-American and Latina women, and whether self-report inaccuracies might bias estimated associations between patient characteristics and mammography use. They found that although 73% of women self-reported a mammogram in the last 2 years, only 44% of self-reports were documented. Overreporting of mammography use was observed for all ethnic groups studied.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366.
Citation: Allgood KL, Rauscher GH, Whitman S .
Validating self-reported mammography use in vulnerable communities: findings and recommendations.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014 Aug;23(8):1649-58. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-13-1253.
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Keywords: Healthcare Utilization, Vulnerable Populations, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Women, Low-Income, Urban Health