History of uterine fibroids reported by California women, 2005

Background: This study was conducted to assess prevalence and identify factors associated with history of uterine fibroids (UF) among California adult women.

Methods: We analyzed data from the 2005 California Women's Health Survey (CWHS), a cross-sectional, annual, random computer-assisted telephone interview conducted in English and Spanish and coordinated by the California Department of Health Services. The study covered 4,284 California women who responded to the questions whether a healthcare provider gave them a diagnosis of UF.

Results: About 14.3% of the women reported that they were told by a healthcare provider that they had a UF diagnosis. When stratified on UF status, women with UF diagnosis reported higher rates of visits with healthcare providers to discuss fertility treatments (14.7%), and having had hysterectomy procedures (48.4%), compared with women who did not have UF diagnosis (6.9% and 12.6%, respectively). In a multiple logistic regression the following factors were found to be associated with UF diagnosis: Having had a hysterectomy (OR=4.2, 95% C.I. 3.3-5.4), Age <=4 (OR=0.4, 95% C.I. 0.3-0.6), Black/African American compared to White (OR=2.2, 95% C.I. 1.5-3.2), visit with a fertility doctor (OR=2.2, 95% C.I. 1.6-3.0), having current health insurance (OR=1.4, 95% C.I. 0.9-2.1).

Discussion: This study obtained baseline prevalence data on UF diagnosis in California women. More research and education are needed to address the reproductive health issues that are associated with UF and UF diagnosis.