Reproductive Health最新文献

The sexual health literacy of young refugees has not been investigated in detail due to the lack of a sufficient assessment tool in the literature. This study aims to perform validity and reliability analysis of the Arabic version of the Sexual Health Literacy Scale (SHLS) in a sample consisting of young Syrian refugee university students. This methodological study was conducted in December 2023 with 191 young Syrian refugee students at a university in XXX, XXX. Content validity of the scale was assessed in three stages: translation, back translation, and cultural adaptation. Besides, construct validity was evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and total item correlation. CFA demonstrated that the Arabic version of the SHLS had two sub-dimensions and 16 items. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was 0.85, indicating the scale was reliable. Male participants studying in health-related departments, aware of sexual health literacy, educated on sexual health, and confident in their knowledge scored significantly higher on the scale. This is the first study investigating the SHLS's validity and reliability in young refugees. Given its acceptable validity and reliability, further research is needed in diverse, broader samples to clarify its applicability in different settings.

Background: Married adolescent girls and young women's (AGYW) participation in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) decision-making is a critical factor for their overall health and well-being. High adolescent fertility rates and disparities in healthcare decision-making participation highlight a significant gap in understanding the dynamics that influence AGYW's involvement in SRH decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to address this gap by examining the factors associated with married AGYW's participation in decision-making regarding SRH in Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. This study analyzed secondary data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS), focusing on a weighted sample of 2,178 married AGYW. The data were weighted using the individual weight for women (v005/1,000,000). Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors significantly associated with married AGYW's participation in decision-making regarding SRH. Statistical significance was determined at the 5% level.

Results: The study found that the participation of married AGYW in SRH decision-making was 41% (95% CI = 37.4, 44.0). Participation decision-making varied across zones, with the highest in the Southern highlands (72.3%) and the lowest in the Western zone (15.4%). The study found that having primary education (APR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.64), secondary education/higher (APR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.45, 2.42), being employed (APR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.47), listening to radio (APR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.56), covered by health insurance (APR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.62), husband /partner with primary education (APR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.72) and secondary/higher education (APR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.80) had significantly associated with participation in decision-making regarding SRH among AGYW.

Conclusion: The results indicate that AGYW participation in SRH decision-making remains low. To enhance the involvement of married AGYW in these decisions, it is essential to implement targeted educational programs that include workshops and community-based education, especially for those with limited educational backgrounds. Furthermore, empowering women through various economic activities is crucial. Stakeholders should intensify their efforts to achieve universal health coverage for AGYW, ensuring equitable access to SRH services.

Background: High fertility rates in Tanzania contribute significantly to rapid population growth, posing challenges to socioeconomic development and straining the already burdened health system. The total fertility rate in Tanzania is 4.8 children per women. Women's ability to control the number of children they have influences population growth and is critical for improving maternal and child health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of women's desire to limit childbearing in Tanzania.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. This study included 2,851 currently married women selected through a two-stage sampling method. Women who were sterilized, declared infecund, or unmarried were excluded. A modified Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimator was used to determine factors associated with the desire to limit childbearing. Adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of desire to limit childbearing was 20.2% (95% CI: 18.4-22.2). Women aged 25-34 years (APR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.34-6.28) and those aged 35-49 years (APR = 7.43, 95%CI: 3.42-16.11) were more likely to have a desire to limit childbearing compared to those aged 15-24 years. Women in primary education (APR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.08-1.69), women in the rich quintile (APR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.03-1.54), working women (APR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.31-1.95), increase in the number of children (APR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.21-1.30) were associated with a higher prevalence of the desire to limit childbearing.

Conclusion: One in five women in Tanzania expressed a desire to limit childbearing. This desire was associated with various demographic and obstetric factors. Addressing this requires a multifaceted strategy that expands family planning awareness and improves access to sexual and reproductive health services, while reducing sociodemographic and geographic disparities.

Background: The taboo and stigma surrounding menstruation remain deeply entrenched in diverse sociocultural contexts, generating significant inequalities in education, health, employment, and social participation. These barriers disproportionately affect individuals in vulnerable situations and are closely linked to what is known as menstrual poverty; defined as limited access to hygiene products, reliable information, and adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions. This review aims to critically analyse recent scientific literature on menstrual health and management, identifying key thematic areas, persistent inequalities, and proposed strategies across various social and geographical contexts.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted of peer-reviewed literature published between 2019 and 2025 in international databases. From an initial pool of 905 records, 36 studies were selected based on pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies employed diverse methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, theoretical approaches, and literature reviews. The analysis was structured around six thematic axes: menstrual stigma, structural discrimination, menstrual poverty, media representations, labour legislation, and menstrual activism.

Results: The reviewed studies demonstrate that menstrual stigma has a multidimensional impact, manifesting in social exclusion, medicalization of menstruating bodies, institutional neglect, and the persistence of discriminatory practices. Menstrual poverty, identified both in low-income and high-income settings, adversely affects the physical, emotional, and social well-being of menstruating individuals. Furthermore, the review highlights a lack of inclusive public policies, limited labour regulatory frameworks, and the reproduction of stigmatizing narratives in the media. Nevertheless, notable advances are emerging in the fields of activism, education, and legislative initiatives.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need to develop intersectional public policies that approach menstrual health through a human rights, gender equity, and social justice lens. The review advocates for strengthened menstrual literacy, improved access to menstrual products and appropriate infrastructure, and the integration of menstrual health into educational, healthcare, and workplace systems as a pathway to ensure a dignified, healthy, and equitable menstrual experience.