Improving Reproductive Autonomy and Informed Decision Making for Uterine Fibroid Treatment among Black Women Through Community Based Education and Patient Navigation
Location
Poster #24
Start Date
1-5-2026 10:00 AM
Department
Community and Public Health
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are a highly prevalent health condition that disproportionately affect Black women in the United States and are associated with significant physical, psychosocial, and reproductive consequences. Black women experience fibroids at earlier ages, with increased symptoms severity, and a higher likelihood of complications, including infertility, preterm birth, and increased rates of invasive procedures. Despite the availability of multiple advanced treatment options, including medical managements, minimal invasive treatment procedures, and fertility preserving approaches, racial disparities in diagnosis, counseling, and pathways persist. Existing research has documented the disproportionate burden of fibroids and the higher rates of hysterectomy and myomectomy among Black women, however fewer interventions focus on strengthening patient education, reproductive autonomy, and clinic navigation services as strategies to reduce inequitable care. Using a quantitative and qualitative approach, this program proposes a community-based education and patient navigation intervention to improve informed decision making, reproductive autonomy, and fibroid screening. The intervention integrates culturally tailored group workshops, decision-support materials, and individualized navigation support to strengthen health literacy, promote early clinical evaluations and shared decision making between healthcare providers and Black women regarding treatment plans and continuity of care. Pre and post program surveys, clinic visit satisfaction measures, and a thematic analysis of focus groups discussions between participants will be used to assess changes in knowledge, confidence, and engagement in treatment decisions. This program intervention contributes to public health efforts to advance reproductive justice and health equity. By integrating education, navigation, and policy awareness, the intervention demonstrates how community-based strategies can complement clinical care and address structural barriers within healthcare systems.
Faculty Sponsor
Chike Ejike
Improving Reproductive Autonomy and Informed Decision Making for Uterine Fibroid Treatment among Black Women Through Community Based Education and Patient Navigation
Poster #24
Uterine fibroids are a highly prevalent health condition that disproportionately affect Black women in the United States and are associated with significant physical, psychosocial, and reproductive consequences. Black women experience fibroids at earlier ages, with increased symptoms severity, and a higher likelihood of complications, including infertility, preterm birth, and increased rates of invasive procedures. Despite the availability of multiple advanced treatment options, including medical managements, minimal invasive treatment procedures, and fertility preserving approaches, racial disparities in diagnosis, counseling, and pathways persist. Existing research has documented the disproportionate burden of fibroids and the higher rates of hysterectomy and myomectomy among Black women, however fewer interventions focus on strengthening patient education, reproductive autonomy, and clinic navigation services as strategies to reduce inequitable care. Using a quantitative and qualitative approach, this program proposes a community-based education and patient navigation intervention to improve informed decision making, reproductive autonomy, and fibroid screening. The intervention integrates culturally tailored group workshops, decision-support materials, and individualized navigation support to strengthen health literacy, promote early clinical evaluations and shared decision making between healthcare providers and Black women regarding treatment plans and continuity of care. Pre and post program surveys, clinic visit satisfaction measures, and a thematic analysis of focus groups discussions between participants will be used to assess changes in knowledge, confidence, and engagement in treatment decisions. This program intervention contributes to public health efforts to advance reproductive justice and health equity. By integrating education, navigation, and policy awareness, the intervention demonstrates how community-based strategies can complement clinical care and address structural barriers within healthcare systems.