Polycystic ovary syndrome and chronic pain among females and individuals of childbearing age: A scoping review.

Objectives: The purpose of this scoping review is to explore research studies on the association between chronic pain and polycystic ovary syndrome to create local (U.S.-based) and global recommendations to improve access to and quality of affordable symptom management and treatment options for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: The study sections used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews as a checklist reference. The review followed the York methodology by Arksey and O'Malley for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results in scoping reviews. Results: Final analysis included two conference abstracts published in peer-reviewed journals and two peer-reviewed articles. The relationship between pain perception and health-related quality of life warrants further investigation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome as the interconnected pathophysiology of symptoms renders exploring associations between the two factors difficult. A comprehensive understanding of the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome-associated symptoms, particularly those relating to pain perceptions can provide more insight into polycystic ovary syndrome pathophysiology and aid in the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for long-term polycystic ovary syndrome management and care. Conclusion: Future studies are necessary to examine associations between the disease and pathophysiological symptoms for a better quality of life for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Social determinants of health and health inequities in breast cancer screening: a scoping review.

Introduction: This scoping review aims to highlight key social determinants of health associated with breast cancer screening behavior in United States women aged ≥40 years old, identify public and private databases with SDOH data at city, state, and national levels, and share lessons learned from United States based observational studies in addressing SDOH in underserved women influencing breast cancer screening behaviors. Methods: The Arksey and O'Malley York methodology was used as guidance for this review: (1) identifying research questions; (2) searching for relevant studies; (3) selecting studies relevant to the research questions; (4) charting the data; and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting results. Results: The 72 included studies were published between 2013 and 2023. Among the various SDOH identified, those related to socioeconomic status (n = 96) exhibited the highest frequency. The Health Care Access and Quality category was reported in the highest number of studies (n = 44; 61%), showing its statistical significance in relation to access to mammography. Insurance status was the most reported sub-categorical factor of Health Care Access and Quality. Discussion: Results may inform future evidence-based interventions aiming to address the underlying factors contributing to low screening rates for breast cancer in the United States.