
Jessica R GormanOregon State University | OSU · College of Health
Jessica R Gorman
PhD, MPH
About
74
Publications
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Introduction
I am a behavioral scientist with expertise in behavioral and psychosocial intervention trials, mixed methods, qualitative methods, and community-engaged research. I lead a research team dedicated to improving health care experiences, cancer outcomes, and health-related quality of life in cancer survivorship. My current research focuses on implementing and evaluating scalable interventions that promote thriving after cancer.
Publications
Publications (74)
PurposeThis qualitative study examined how young adult breast cancer survivors (YABCS) and their partners appraised and managed their sexual health and intimate relationships after cancer.Methods
We conducted concurrent, individual telephone interviews with 25 YABCS and their male partners. We utilized a thematic, inductive analysis to examine indi...
Background
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for supporting female cancer survivors experiencing sexual health concerns.
Aim
To examine the feasibility of a sexual health MBI, Mindful After Cancer, which was adapted to meet the needs of breast and gynecologic cancer survivors in a community...
Background
Reproductive and sexual health (RSH) concerns are common and distressing for young adults diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancer and their partners. This study evaluates the efficacy of a virtual couple-based intervention called Opening the Conversation (OC). The OC intervention is grounded in theory and evidence-based practice and...
This study aimed to evaluate how the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community utilized Twitter to discuss the financial challenges of oncofertility care and to advocate for change. Tweets related to oncofertility and finances (n = 166), collected over a 12-week time period encompassing AYA Cancer Awareness Week, were thematically analyzed....
Purpose
To identify opportunities to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) cancer survivors by describing (1) challenges experienced when navigating SRH care and (2) strategies to help overcome these challenges.
Methods
We enrolled a purposive sample of 17 adult TGD cancer survivors and 5 co-sur...
Background:
Cancer treatment during reproductive ages may negatively impact fertility and there is a need of firm knowledge about the prevalence and predictors of fertility-related distress. The aim was to examine fertility-related distress in a population-based sample of young women and men recently treated for cancer and to identify predictors f...
This study explored (1) health care provider (HCP) perceived barriers and facilitators to social media communication about sexual health with adolescent and young adult survivors, and (2) strategies that can help HCPs navigate social media use for this purpose. Thematic analysis of 11 semistructured HCP interviews resulted in four themes and sugges...
Background
Young adult breast cancer survivors (YABCS) and their partners commonly experience distress related to changes in their family building options.
Objective
To explore how YABCS and their partners appraised and managed family building after cancer to inform approaches to support these couples.
Methods
We conducted separate telephone inte...
Objective
Prior research examining sexual and intimacy concerns among metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and their intimate partners is limited. In this qualitative study, we explored MBC patients’ and partners’ experiences of sexual and intimacy-related changes and concerns, coping efforts, and information needs and intervention preferences,...
Objective
Cancer researchers have found midlife couples to have poorer outcomes compared to older couples due to the off-time nature of the illness for them. It is unknown if young couples (aged 18–39), who are under-represented in cancer studies and overlooked for supportive programs, are at further risk. This study explored the moderating roles o...
Objective
Most young adults diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancers experience adverse reproductive or sexual health (RSH) outcomes due to cancer and its treatment. However, evidence-based interventions that specifically address the RSH concerns of young adult and/or LGBTQ+ survivor couples are lacking. Our goal is to develop a feasible and ac...
Objective
The purpose of this study is to explore the role of dyadic support across the contraceptive decision-making process between young adult breast cancer (YABC) survivors and their partners.
Research Approach
Semi-structured interviews with YABC survivors and their partners.
Participants
Twenty-five young adult breast cancer survivors and t...
Objectives:
To assess the association between levels of dyadic coping (e.g., collaboration, communication) and sexual satisfaction in young and midlife couples surviving cancer beyond the first year of diagnosis.
Sample & setting:
This cross-sectional study included 49 young and midlife couples (aged 21-57 years) beyond the first year of diagnos...
Objective
The purpose of this study was to explore what young to midlife couples viewed as their strengths as a couple and the greatest challenges in their experience with cancer 1–3 years post-diagnosis.
Methods
We used qualitative content analysis to extract common themes from open-ended questions from 42 cancer survivors and their partners (age...
Sexual health concerns after cancer are common and distressing, and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective in supporting women experiencing these concerns. The goals of this study were to: (i) systematically adapt and document modifications to a mindfulness-based sexual health intervention for cancer survivors in a community setting a...
Collecting partner-specific data about multiple sexual partners is resource intensive. However, many variables that have been measured with generalized questions may, in fact, vary across different partnerships. Few studies have examined the need for data from all partners. The goal of this study was to examine if measuring intrapersonal and relati...
PurposeThis study examined associations between fertility consultation (FC) and multiple dimensions of reproductive concerns among young adult (YA) male cancer survivors.Methods
One hundred and seventy YA male cancer survivors (age 18 to 35) across the USA completed an online survey between 2016 and 2018. Participants reported demographics, receipt...
Women faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer as young adults commonly experience negative effects of cancer and cancer treatment on their reproductive and sexual health (RSH) that are inadequately addressed by their healthcare providers (HCPs). The objectives of this study were to 1) identify approaches to improving RSH communication from YA breas...
Purpose:
The aims of this study were to adapt the multidimensional Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC) scale for use with young adult (YA) male cancer survivors, defined as current age 18-35 years and at least 1 year postdiagnosis, and to examine the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the newly adapted RCAC-Male (RCAC-M) scale.
M...
Purpose
Breast cancer survivorship care plans (SCP) have limited content addressing women’s health issues. This trial tested if young breast cancer survivors who receive a web-based, women’s health SCP were more likely to improve on at least one of the four targeted issues (hot flashes, fertility-related concerns, contraception, and vaginal symptom...
Introduction:
The survival rates for testicular cancer are excellent; still, there is a lack of knowledge regarding important survivorship issues, such as sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns and the potential asso...
Purpose
To explore contraceptive counseling and utilization among breast cancer survivors.
Methods
We enrolled reproductive-aged women with a history of breast cancer for a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited via the Athena Breast Health Network and via the Young Survival Coalition’s social media postings. Descriptive statistics wer...
Purpose
The aims of this study were to examine the factor structure and reliability of the multidimensional Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC) scale in a sample of female cancer survivors during their reproductive years, younger than age 45.
Methods
Female reproductive‐aged survivors (N = 238, current age 18 to 44 years) with a variety of c...
Cancer survivors who wish to become parents but are unable, or choose not, to have biological children have the option to build their families through adoption. Many young adult survivors are willing to consider adoption, but need for more information. Although many would still prefer to have a biological child, one study indicated twofold higher i...
A 30-year-old woman presented to a referring hospital emergency room with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. She worked as a musician and had limited financial security but had medical insurance. Ultrasound was performed, demonstrating lobulated, bilateral ovarian masses with concern for ovarian torsion. Emergency surgery was performed to relieve...
Objective
The objective of this study was to examine the association between theoretical constructs from the Health Belief Model and fertility consultation status after cancer.
Methods
Reproductive‐aged female cancer survivors self‐reported their use of fertility consultation, perceived severity of and susceptibility to infertility, perceived barr...
Background:
Young breast cancer survivors (YBCS) have unmet needs for managing hot flashes, fertility-related concerns, sexual health, and contraception.
Purpose:
Describe the design and participant characteristics of a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of the survivorship care plan on reproductive health (SCP-R) intervention on i...
Background
Fertility counseling before cancer treatment has been advocated by clinical guidelines, though little is known about its long‐term impact on the unique reproductive concerns of female adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. The goal of this study was to measure the association between fertility counseling by fertility speciali...
Objective
A dearth of studies focusing on young women (<40 years) with breast cancer have hampered the understanding of the type, prevalence and predictors of sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns in this population.
Methods
Data were collected from 181 women (response rate=60%) diagnosed with breast cancer approximately 2 years previously...
Purpose:
Reproductive-aged breast cancer survivors (BCS) who have completed initial cancer treatment frequently want to know about their future fertility potential. The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess if the fertility-related content presented in the survivorship care plan prototype met the informational needs of post-treatment BCS...
Objective:
To conduct a scoping literature review to identify practices or programs that promote AYA patient-centered communication.
Methods:
Between January and May of 2016, we applied standard scoping review methodology to systematically review articles. We considered peer-reviewed, English language articles written at any phase of interventio...
Purpose:
Detailed cancer treatment information is important to fertility and pregnancy care of female young adult cancer survivors. Accuracy of self-report of treatments that impact fertility and pregnancy is unknown. This study assessed agreement between self-report and medical records on receipt of fertility-threatening treatments.
Methods:
A...
The study determined factors associated with patient-reported receipt of survivorship care plans and/or treatment summaries (SCP/TS). Two hundred forty female young adult cancer survivors ages 18-44 completed a web-based survey that included self-report on receiving SCP/TS. Mean age was 32.8 (standard deviation 5.8) years; 20% were diagnosed with c...
Introduction
Reproductive-aged women who have had breast cancer face unique challenges when it comes to making decisions about contraception. Clinical guidelines indicate that patients should avoid pregnancy during cancer treatment, however the extent of contraception counseling and utilization after diagnosis has not been well studied.
Methods
We...
PurposeWe compared adoption consideration between female young adult cancer survivors and women of the same age in the general US population, hypothesizing that cancer survivors who desired children would report greater interest in adoption than an age-adjusted general population sample who desired children. Methods
After age-standardizing the canc...
Purpose:
The purpose of the present study is to investigate factors associated with female young adult cancer survivors' (YCSs) use of fertility care (FC), including consultation or fertility treatment, after completing their cancer treatment.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, females between that ages of 18 and 35 years who had been diagn...
Study question:
Are female young cancer survivors (YCS) able to self-collect high-quality dried blood spots (DBSs) at home to provide biospecimens for studying ovarian reserve?
Summary answer:
YCS can self-collect high-quality DBS specimens in non-clinical settings, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels can be assayed in such specimens.
What...
Patient-centered decision making about hot flash treatments often incorporates a balance of efficacy and side effects in addition to patient preference. This systematic review examines randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing at least two non-hormonal hot flash treatments in breast cancer survivors. In July 2015, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Cochra...
Female sexual dysfunction occurs frequently in midlife breast cancer survivors (BCS) and encompasses problems with sexual desire, interest, arousal, orgasm and genitopelvic pain. Although common, sexual problems are under-diagnosed and under-treated in BCS. The objective of this review was to assess primary studies that intervene on sexual dysfunct...
To compare rates of contraception between reproductive-aged cancer survivors and women in the general U.S.
Among survivors, the study examined factors associated with use of contraception and emergency contraception.
This study analyzed enrollment data from an ongoing national prospective cohort study on reproductive health after cancer entitled th...
We assessed alcohol consumption and depression in 234 American Indian/Alaska Native women (aged 18-45 years) in Southern California. Women were randomized to intervention or assessment alone and followed for 6 months (2011-2013). Depression was associated with risk factors for alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP). Both treatment groups reduced drinking...
Objective:
The goal of this study was to assess the concerns pregnant women have about influenza vaccination while breastfeeding and to determine if having these concerns represents a barrier to vaccination uptake.
Methods:
The Vaccines and Medications in Pregnancy Surveillance System (VAMPSS) conducted a prospective cohort study in the US and C...
Background
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the result of alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEP) and believed to be the leading known cause of developmental disabilities in the United States. Our objective was to determine whether a culturally targeted Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) intervention may reduce risky dri...
BACKGROUND
Young adult female cancer survivors have unmet reproductive concerns and informational needs that are associated with poorer quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between current reproductive concerns and moderate to severe depression among young survivors.METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 20...
Purpose: Cancer survivors in their adolescent and young adult (AYA) years are an understudied population, possibly in part because of the high effort required to recruit them into research studies. The aim of this paper is to describe the specific recruitment strategies used in four studies recruiting AYA-aged female cancer survivors and to identif...
Purpose:
Little is known about pregnancy attempts among female young cancer survivors (YCS). We sought to determine fertility preservation (FP), demographic, cancer, and reproductive characteristics associated with pregnancy attempts after cancer.
Methods:
We recruited 251 female YCS (ages 18-44) to complete a survey on reproductive health outco...
Concerns about fertility and parenthood are important to many young adult (YA) female cancer survivors and are associated with poorer quality of life. We aimed to develop a new scale to comprehensively measure these concerns so that they can be better addressed.
Scale development involved: (1) seven focus groups to identify reproductive concerns am...
The decision to pursue fertility preservation (FP) after a cancer diagnosis is complex. We examined the prevalence of high decisional conflict and specific factors that influence this decision using the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS).
The FIRST project is a web-based survey of female cancer survivors (ages 18-44 years) who have undergone gonadotox...
Health disparities in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are of high importance to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 21 AI/AN women and key informants in Southern California to modify a brief, Web-based program for screening and prevention of prenatal alcohol use. This process resu...
Background:
Guidelines recommend influenza vaccination for pregnant women, but vaccine uptake in this population is far below the goal set by Healthy People 2020. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of seasonal influenza vaccination among pregnant women.
Methods:
Between 2009 and 2012, the Vaccines and Medications in Pregnancy Su...
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are the leading preventable cause of developmental disabilities in the United States and likely throughout the world. FASDs can be prevented by avoiding alcohol use during pregnancy; however, efforts to prevent risky alcohol consumption in women of childbearing potential have not been universally successful....
This prospective cohort study compares the breastfeeding outcomes of women exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants at the time of delivery, those who discontinued use prior to delivery, and those not exposed. Participants include 466 pregnant women who enrolled in the California Teratogen Information Service Clinica...
Young adult cancer survivors are often unaware of their fertility status and uninformed regarding their fertility and fertility preservation options. This qualitative research study explores the fertility and parenthood concerns of reproductive-age female cancer survivors and how they make parenthood decisions.
Population- and clinic-based recruitm...
Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to have survival concerns related to fertility, which may influence their treatment decisions.
This qualitative study explores how young women make cancer treatment decisions and the role of fertility concerns in that process.
We used purposeful sampling to identify a diverse group of 20 yo...
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can negatively impact fertility in premenopausal women and influence reproductive planning. This study investigates whether concerns about reproduction after breast cancer treatment were associated with long-term depressive symptoms. Participants include 131 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at age...
The safety of pregnancy after breast cancer is an important issue for many younger breast cancer survivors and their health care providers. Current research does not indicate that pregnancy negatively affects survival, but the 'healthy mother bias,' suggesting that survivors who go on to become pregnant are a self-selected healthier group based on...
This is an exploratory, qualitative investigation of breast cancer survivors' experiences with breastfeeding. Previous studies have focused on the physiology of lactation after surgery and treatment, but have not explored factors influencing breastfeeding decisions and behavior.
We used purposeful sampling to identify 11 breast cancer survivors who...
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Background: The possibility and safety of pregnancy after breast cancer is an important issue for many younger breast cancer survivors and their health care providers. Current research does not indicate that survival is negatively affected by pregnancy. However, the “healthy mother bias”, suggesting that survivors who go on to become pregnan...
Exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital is predictive of postpartum breastfeeding patterns. Although breastfeeding rates are similar for Hispanic and white women in the United States, evidence shows that more acculturated Hispanic mothers have lower rates of breastfeeding than those less acculturated. To date, no studies have examined whether this...
Despite the high incidence of spontaneous abortion, little is known about its causes, in part because of the challenge of assembling a large cohort of women in early pregnancy for prospective study. We describe the effectiveness of recruitment strategies used in Right From The Start (RFTS), a prospective, community-based study of spontaneous aborti...