title: Women's perceptions about female reproductive system: a survey from an academic obstetrics and gynecology practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess women's knowledge about female reproductive system and the demographic factors that may influence their perceptions.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, all qualifying adult women at our academic practice were asked to complete a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about the effects of female reproductive system between June and August 2009. We assessed the accuracy of their knowledge and analyzed the effect of demographic factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of the 500 participants were in 18- to 59-year age range (93 %), Caucasian (81 %), married (56 %), college graduates (74 %) and had private insurance (82 %). Mean correct score was 63 ± 20 %. In univariate analysis, those respondents who were older, Caucasian, and had private insurance scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) When all the variables were entered in a fractional logit model, only age, race and reason for the visit remained as independent predictors for a better overall score in this survey. Twenty-nine percent of the participants thought hysterectomy included removal of ovaries and tubes. About a quarter of the respondents thought menstrual function would continue after hysterectomy. The question for whether removal of the uterus resulted in climacteric changes was correctly answered only by 34 %. While 59 % of women did not agree that removing the entire uterus eliminated the cervical cancer risk, 66 % concluded that they would continue to need Pap smears after total hysterectomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women's knowledge about female reproductive system is limited, especially for those who are younger and from a minority.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Springfield, MA, USA, oz.harmanli@bhs.org.
authors: Oz
authors: O
authors: Harmanli
authors: Iris
authors: I
authors: Ilarslan
authors: Shamini
authors: S
authors: Kirupananthan
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Knee
authors: An
authors: A
authors: Harmanli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055703:Reproductive Physiological Phenomena; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult