Principal Investigators: Dr Fanta Waterman, Serrette Brown Research and Consulting, and Mrs Abi Begho, Lake Health and Wellbeing
Funders and Project Management: Soca Girls Rock!
Research Project Location: St Kitts and Nevis
Theme: Patient Experience
Project Duration: 12th December 2019 to 12th December 2020
Background
Our research project explored the experience of women residing in St Kitts and Nevis, who have been affected by fibroids.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the womb and are very common in women. They are two to three times more common in Black women. In addition, Black women are known to develop fibroids at a younger age, are more likely to develop larger, multiple fibroids, and tend to develop more severe symptoms. The reason for this is currently unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Fibroids are not life-threatening. However, research conducted in the UK and US has demonstrated that women with fibroids, particularly Black women, experience several physical, medical, psychological, and social challenges.
Research on fibroids has primarily been conducted in Europe and the US and therefore there is a better understanding of the experience of women in these regions. To our knowledge, there has been no research conducted in St Kitts and Nevis to understand the experiences of women living with fibroids and our research project aims to change that.
This research project aimed to understand women’s experience of living with fibroids. The reason for trying to understand this experience is because it has become clear that fibroids are a common health issue affecting women in St Kitts and Nevis. It is therefore important to explore if fibroids are affecting the quality of life of women in the Federation and understand what challenges women may be facing so we can provide effective and appropriate support, advocate on behalf of women, and ensure that women receive the best medical care possible.
Project Update
Our study is now complete and our research report will be available soon. We are currently delivering information sessions to share the findings with stakeholders and those with an interest in fibroids. If you’d like to organise a virtual information session, please email research@lakehealthandwellbeing.com.
You can view a presentation that we delivered to members of the St Kitts and Nevis Medical and Dental and Association on YouTube here
Ethics Approval
This research study was approved by the Ministry of Health’s Interim Ethics Review Committee on 12th December 2019 (ethics approval number IERC-2019-12-035).
Want to Support This Project?
You can support our work by donating and helping us fund the next step in this project which is to take forward the key recommendations and ensure that fibroids are considered as part of Government, private sector and civil society public health policies.
“There is an urgent need for Public Health research to be conducted in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like St Kitts and Nevis.
“Due to the challenges of lack of funding, expertise and resources, there is a gap in Public Health research which means we do not have enough data and information to understand the health challenges, health needs and the patient support that is required to improve the health and wellbeing of the public.
“Collaborations like this one, between Soca Girls Rock!, Serrette Brown Research and Consulting and Lake Health and Wellbeing, connect local organizations with technical and research expertise as well as funding which allows much-needed research to be conducted.
“We would like to thank the Research @ Soca Girls Rock! initiative for this opportunity and look forward to exploring this important women’s health issue.”
Abi Begho, Lake Health and Wellbeing
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