Improving Women's Health Information
WHV's Improving Women's Health Information project identifies the information women and girls want and the best ways to make that information available.
WHV conducted a statewide telephone survey of 1500 women from all areas of Virginia, which provides - for the first time - statewide and regional data regarding the health interests and use of information by Virginia women.
The survey showed that women are equally concerned with economic issues that affect their use of health care (specifically cost and insurance) and their access to care as they are about their health and about specific diseases.
Respondents also indicated that they actively seek health information, and that most are at least somewhat satisfied with current information. Many respondents, however, do not find that information thorough, nor easy to understand or find. They use many resources for information and often question the reliability. Nearly all would trust information from their physicians and would like their physicians to provide them with information. For more survey highlights, click here.
Our Newest Project
Women’s Health Virginia is planning another survey of teens and young women to better understand how they obtain and use health information and services. It will assess their knowledge of health care, identify their current health status, and examine the behaviors and confidants/role models of the targeted group. We intend to use the survey results to generate greater awareness of the health and well-being of teens and young women in Virginia and design programs that address their needs.
Identifying Women and Girls’ Wellness Data
WHV would also like to know about research conducted on topics relating to Virginia women and girls' wellness. We are aware that this research, conducted in academic, non-profit, business or government organizations, often is not reported. The research may also include small scale studies that, when compiled with other bits of information or replicated in other communities, will greatly expand our knowledge about women and girls health, health behaviors, use of health care and other issues. WHV would like to develop a comprehensive catalogue of research to enable people who share our goals of improving women and girls’ wellness to use the available data. It will also help us identify areas for new research.
Have any other ideas? Want to work on a research project with WHV?
We welcome your ideas, too, regarding issues that you think should be on our research agenda. Please email us with your suggestions. If you want to become involved with WHV on a research project, please volunteer.