Contemporary Geographic Variation and Sociodemographic Correlates of Hysterectomy Rates Among Reproductive-Age Women.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

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-age women. METHODS: Using county-level data from multiple sources, linked with claims-based surveillance data of every hysterectomy performed among women ages 20 to 44 in North Carolina from 2011 to 2013 (N = 7180), 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. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides preliminary evidence that contemporary hysterectomy use in North Carolina occurs along socioeconomic lines.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Gartner, DR; Doll, KM; Hummer, RA; Robinson, WR

Published Date

  • October 2018

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 111 / 10

Start / End Page

  • 585 - 590

PubMed ID

  • 30285263

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC6177230

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1541-8243

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000870

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States