Women & Health最新文献

Increasing knowledge about body image dissatisfaction and risk factors during pregnancy will provide opportunities to develop targeted interventions. This study examined body image and associated factors during pregnancy cross-sectionally. Data were collected from 931 pregnant women using a descriptive form and the Pregnancy Body Image Scale. Analyses used t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, regression, and path analysis. The study found that advanced age (β = .10), gestational weight gain (β = .17), health problems during pregnancy (β = .12), and low income (β = .16) increased body image dissatisfaction, whereas not paying attention to appearance before pregnancy (β = -.12), spousal support (β = -.09), and planned pregnancy (β = -.07) reduced it. Additionally, low income indirectly increased dissatisfaction by hindering planned pregnancy (β = -.11), while advanced age (β = .15), lack of pre-pregnancy concern for appearance (β = .09), and spousal support (β = .13) indirectly decreased dissatisfaction through promoting planned pregnancy. Based on the study results, it is recommended that midwives and nurses closely monitor and support women at risk of body image dissatisfaction, including those who are older, have low socioeconomic status, lack partner support, experience unplanned pregnancies or health problems, and pay attention to their appearance before pregnancy.

This study aimed to analyze all cause, breast cancer-specific, and other cause age-adjusted mortality rates among Brazilian women with breast cancer, comparing periods before and during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We analyzed mortality registries data of the Brazilian Unified Health System, from January 2017 to December 2022. Deaths were categorized as breast cancer-specific, breast cancer-contributory, and non-breast cancer mortality. Age-standardized and age-specific crude mortality rates were calculated using the World Health Organization standard population. Temporal trends were analyzed using Joinpoint Trend Analysis software. There were 124,031 deaths in those with breast cancer. Before the pandemic, 58,346 women with breast cancer died, of which 54,284 (93.03 percent) due to the disease. During the pandemic, 65,685 women with breast cancer died, of which 57,734 (87.89 percent) due to the disease. There was a 12.5 percent increase in the number of women dying with a breast cancer diagnosis during the pandemic, the proportion of breast cancer-specific deaths decreased, indicating that the additional mortality burden arose mainly from other causes. The diversion of healthcare resources to manage COVID-19 may have contributed to an increased mortality from other causes. Breast cancer survivors present high risk of mortality in health care crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abortion complications are significant contributors to maternal deaths (MD), particularly in regions with restrictive abortion laws and limited healthcare access. The impact of these causes on the maternal mortality ratios (MMR) in Brazil is scarce. We evaluated the MMR related to abortion in Brazil from 2012-2022, conducting a cross-sectional study using data from the Ministry of Health, analyzing MD related to abortion and calculating the MMR per 100,000 live births (LB). We evaluated the MMR according to age, skin color, and geographic region of living. Among 19,535 MDs, 663 (3.39 percent) were attributed to abortion. Indigenous (PR 3.23; 95 percent CI 1.94-5.36) and black (PR 1.95; 95 percent CI 1.48-2.58) women exhibited higher MMRs. Women aged 40-49 had the highest MMR (5.85 deaths per 100,000 LB), and North region exhibited a significantly higher MMR (PR 1.44; 95 percent CI 1.15-1.81). Abortion accounted for a small proportion of MD in a 10-year analysis of a Brazilian national database; however, the findings highlighted inequalities in the deaths. The indigenous and black women presented higher MMR; the same was observed among older women, and those who lived in North region of the country.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection strongly associated with cervical cancer. Beyond its physical health implications, an HPV-positive diagnosis often leads to stigma, shame, and social isolation, which remain insufficiently explored in the literature. This study was conducted to determine the levels of stigma and social isolation in HPV positive women. This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological research design. A total of 22 women participated in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted in Turkiye. Snowball sampling was employed to recruit participants. The researchers conducted in-depth, individual, open-ended interviews to collect data. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with the participants. Qualitative data were examined using content analysis. A total of three main themes and seven subthemes were generated from the analysis. The analysis identified three main themes: emotional burden and coping with HPV, social loneliness and ısolation, and stigmatization and HPV. This study revealed that HPV-positive women experienced negative emotions such as anger and shame, faced social isolation, and encountered stigma from both their social environment and healthcare professionals. The findings highlight the need for psychosocial support and healthcare policies to improve the well-being of HPV-positive women.

Adenomyosis and endometriosis are chronic gynecological disorders with overlapping mechanisms and symptoms, both linked to impaired sexual health and relationships. This study compared sexual function, sexual quality of life, and relationship satisfaction in affected women and healthy controls. This cross-sectional comparative study (2022-2023) included 90 women in three groups: endometriosis (n = 30), adenomyosis (n = 30), and healthy controls (n = 30), recruited from Jahrom University clinics in Iran. Participants completed the SQOL-F.FSFI, and RAS questionnaires. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and regression (SPSS 25, p < 0.05). Women with endometriosis (21.8 ± 3.8; 95% CI: 20.5-23.2; 19.3 ± 2.9; 95% CI: 18.3-20.4; 42.3 ± 8.9; 95% CI: 39.2-45.5) and adenomyosis (23.2 ± 4.6; 95% CI: 21.6-24.9; 19.3 ± 3.0; 95% CI: 18.2-20.4; 49.7 ± 11.0; 95% CI: 45.8-53.7) had significantly lower scores than controls (26.6 ± 4.8; 95% CI: 24.9-28.3; 22.2 ± 3.5; 95% CI: 20.9-23.4; 51.5 ± 12.3; 95% CI: 47.1-55.9; p < 0.0001). Univariate analysis showed sexual function, desire, and arousal were positive, and pain negative, predictors of sexual quality of life. Regression indicated marriage age and duration were negative, while spouse's age, sexual function, and relationship satisfaction were positive predictors, explaining 36.5% of variance.Endometriosis and adenomyosis significantly reduce sexual function and quality of life. Counseling and supportive care are recommended to address these challenges.

To evaluate the association between severe sleep problems and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in postmenopausal women, we conducted a sub-analysis of a cross-sectional, multinational investigation between January and November 2023 among postmenopausal women younger than 70 years attending gynecological consultations in nine Latin American countries. MCI was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool, and severe sleep problems were evaluated with two validated instruments: the third question of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS, score ≥3) and the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS, total score ≥12). Two adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine the association between the two measures of severe sleep problems and MCI, adjusting for relevant covariates. The analysis included 1,185 postmenopausal women with a mean age of 56.9 years. Severe sleep problems were significantly more frequent among women with MCI compared to those without MCI, whether assessed by the MRS (28.3 percent vs. 16.6 percent) or the JSS (31.6 percent vs. 18.4 percent; both p < .001). In adjusted regression models, severe sleep problems remained independently associated with MCI (MRS: aOR = 1.81, 95 percent CI: 1.26-2.60; JSS: aOR = 1.88, 95 percent CI: 1.31-2.69). Additional factors associated with a higher likelihood of MCI included physical inactivity and greater parity, while ever-use of menopausal hormone therapy and higher educational attainment were associated with a reduced likelihood of MCI. In this sample of postmenopausal Latin American women, severe sleep problems were associated with a higher likelihood of MCI, and factors such as physical inactivity, educational attainment, parity, and ever use of menopausal hormone therapy were also independently related to this condition.

The climacteric period is associated with physical and psychosocial symptoms that may adversely affect functional capacity. This study aimed to assess physical performance and the severity of climacteric symptoms in women undergoing the menopausal transition, and to analyze the relationship between symptom intensity and physical performance. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 184 women presenting climacteric symptoms, aged between 40 and 65 years, in the pre-menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause stages. Menopausal status was determined using the Stage of Reproductive Aging Workshop, and climacteric symptoms were assessed with the Menopause Rating Scale. Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery, while cognitive function was evaluated through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment instrument. Absolute and relative frequencies, means, and standard deviations were used. Group comparisons were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and correlation between variables were assessed using the Spearman correlation test. A significance level of p < .05 and a 95 percent confidence interval were considered. Postmenopausal women exhibited lower scores in balance (p = 0,025) and sit-to-stand (p = 0,006) compared to premenopausal women. Overall, 70,1 percent of participants reported severe menopausal symptoms. There were weak but significant correlations between greater symptom intensity and worse gait speed performance (r_s = 0.18; p = 0.014), as well as between somatovegetative symptoms (r_s = 0.20; p = 0.007) reduced balance (r_s = -0.18; p = 0.016) and gait performance (r ₂= 0.20; p = 0.007). Advanced menopausal stages are associated with poorer physical performance. Symptom severity additionally impacts physical function, reinforcing the importance of preventive strategies.

Respectful maternity care (RMC) plays a crucial role in shaping maternal experiences during childbirth. This study aimed to examine the influence of RMC on maternal self-confidence and mother-infant bonding in primigravida women. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 336 primigravida women admitted to the maternity ward of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital, Zanjan, Iran, in 2022. Eligible participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the RMC Questionnaire, the Lips Maternal Self-Confidence Scale (LMSCS), and the Brockington Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Maternal self-confidence and RMC were assessed at discharge, and mother-infant bonding was evaluated six weeks postpartum. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 at a 95 percent confidence level. The total score of RMC and its dimensions were significantly higher in the group benefiting from RMC, except for the nondiscriminatory care dimension (p = .001). However, the direct relationship between RMC exposure and mother-infant bonding was not significant (p = .258). Promoting a respectful and supportive childbirth environment is essential for enhancing maternal and infant outcomes.