Date of Award
Summer 7-18-2025
Embargo Period
8-3-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Health Administration
Department
Health Administration
College
College of Health Professions
First Advisor
Walter Jones
Second Advisor
Jami Jones
Third Advisor
Zahi Jurdi
Abstract
Obesity significantly impacts women’s health, particularly among middle-aged women, by increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, endometrial, and reproductive system cancers. This study examines the educational needs of this demographic group regarding obesity-related cancer risks and explores effective intervention strategies. Obesity-induced mechanisms – hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance – drive cancer susceptibility, emphasizing the need for targeted health education. The study employs a qualitative design, which includes interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) and surveys of middle-aged women. The goal is to assess awareness, perceived barriers, and preferred learning methods. Findings suggest that with many of these women, there are critical deficiencies in knowledge and accessibility of preventive resources, which are compounded by psychological, cultural, and systemic obstacles. In this connection, tailored educational approaches are proposed to bridge these gaps, foster behavioral change, and reduce cancer risks. The study also provides recommendations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and future researchers aiming to improve cancer prevention and education among high-risk female populations.
Recommended Citation
Mirza, Batul, "A Cancer Education Needs Assessment: Informing Middle-Aged Female Patients About the Relationships Between Obesity and Women’s Health Concerns in the Reproductive System, Breast, and Endometrial Health" (2025). MUSC Theses and Dissertations. 1071.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/theses/1071
Rights
Copyright is held by the author. All rights reserved.
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Adult and Continuing Education Administration Commons, Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Cancer Biology Commons, Cardiology Commons, Cell Biology Commons, Community Health Commons, Data Science Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons, Health Law and Policy Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Infectious Disease Commons, Information Literacy Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Oncology Commons, Online and Distance Education Commons, Other Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Other Immunology and Infectious Disease Commons, Pathology Commons, Primary Care Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons, Special Education Administration Commons, Women's Health Commons