Providing credible health information for young women and bleeding disorders

Background: Bleeding disorders in women are an underestimated public health problem that, if undiagnosed, can diminish quality of life and cause life-threatening complications during menstruation, childbirth, and surgery. Methods: CDC and the National Hemophilia Foundation commissioned an online survey to measure young women's awareness of, knowledge about, and experiences with heavy menstrual bleeding. We sought to determine the preferred messaging strategy (e.g., gain-framed vs. loss-framed messages) for presenting credible health information about bleeding disorders to young women. The survey was conducted on a nationally representative sample of 1,243 women ages 18-25 living in the U.S. Results: Sixty-eight percent of respondents said they would be extremely/very likely to see a healthcare professional if they suspected a bleeding disorder. However, results indicate there is a lack of knowledge about what is a “normal” vs. “not normal” period. Data support that gain-framed messages are more effective than loss-framed messages in encouraging symptomatic women to seek treatment. Findings suggest the most influential messages focus on maintaining typical daily activities during one's period, preserving future fertility, and knowing that effective treatments are available. Conclusions: Lack of information about bleeding disorders is a serious public health problem. Health communications focused on gain-framed statements may encourage symptomatic young women to seek early diagnosis and treatment. These findings and corresponding recommendations align with national health goals set through Healthy People 2020 and with CDC's Health Protection goal for women—working to promote the health, safety, and quality of life of women at every life stage.