Wafika A. M. SulimanThaher

Prof. Dr. Wafika A. M. SulimanThaher


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 June 2021 in Journal of Professional Nursing
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MNManar Nabolsi
Manar Nabolsi
FAFathieh Abdulla Abu-Moghli
Fathieh Abdulla Abu-Moghli
IKInaam Abdallah Khalaf
Inaam Abdallah Khalaf
AZArwa Zumot
Arwa Zumot
WSWafika A. M. SulimanThaher
Wafika A. M. SulimanThaher

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MDMohammad Ghassab Deameh
Mohammad Ghassab Deameh
WSWafika A. M. SulimanThaher
Wafika A. M. SulimanThaher
RARahma AlMari
Rahma AlMari
Omar MustafaOmar Mustafa
Omar Mustafa
QAQutiba Alwreikat
Qutiba Alwreikat
Mohammed ShahaitMohammed Shahait
Mohammed Shahait
Background/Objectives: Prostate biopsy is essential for diagnosing prostate cancer. Social determinants of health (SDOH), including socioeconomic status, race, occupation, education, and environment, affect access, outcomes, and quality of life. Recognizing disparities from technology access to complications is crucial for equitable care. A systematic review examined how SDOH impacts biopsy access, technology, and complications. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed to identify eligible studies published through February 2026. We included studies that evaluated the association between one or more SDOHs and prostate biopsy. Relevant outcomes included biopsy utilization, use of specific biopsy technologies (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided, transperineal), and post-procedural complications. Results: Nine observational studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed disparities across three key domains. First, access to advanced biopsy technology was uneven. Four studies showed that Black men were significantly less likely than White men to receive MRI-guided biopsies. Additionally, post-biopsy outcomes showed that Black and Hispanic men faced significantly higher rates of post-biopsy infection and hospitalization compared to White men. Lastly, patients in rural areas, those in public hospitals, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status demonstrated reduced access to modern techniques, including MRI-guided or transperineal biopsy. Conclusions: Social and economic factors influence who receives a prostate biopsy and who has access to advanced technologies. Minority and low-income patients face diagnosis barriers and higher complication rates, highlighting systemic inequities. The healthcare system often rewards access over need, and without bold policy changes, gaps in technology and resources will worsen, moving us further from truly equitable prostate cancer care.