Citation
Gartner, Danielle R.; Doll, Kemi M.; Hummer, Robert A.; & Robinson, Whitney R. (2018). Contemporary Geographic Variation and Sociodemographic Correlates of Hysterectomy Rates among Reproductive Age Women. Southern Medical Journal, 111(10), 585-590. PMCID: PMC6177230Abstract
Objective: For decades hysterectomy rates have famously demonstrated unexplained geographic variation. The aim of this study was to identify county-level correlates of hysterectomy rates among reproductive aged women.Methods: Using county-level data from multiple sources, linked with claims-based surveillance data of every hysterectomy performed among women ages 18 to 44 in North Carolina from 2011 to 2013 (N=7,180), we explored social, economic, and healthcare factors associated with county-level rates.
Results: After accounting for spatial autocorrelation, county-level hysterectomy rates were negatively associated with county-level median household income, positively associated with the proportion married, and not associated with measures of healthcare capacity or access.
Conclusion: This analysis provides preliminary evidence that contemporary hysterectomy use in NC occurs along socioeconomic lines.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000870Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2018Journal Title
Southern Medical JournalAuthor(s)
Gartner, Danielle R.Doll, Kemi M.
Hummer, Robert A.
Robinson, Whitney R.