Nursing for Women''s Health最新文献

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder that affects 6% to 21% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ano/oligo-ovulation, and ovarian cysts. Insulin resistance is a common finding among women with PCOS. To effectively manage PCOS, efforts must be focused on improving insulin resistance, as it has been noted to play a major role in a multitude of life-altering and life-threatening conditions. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary intervention alternating between fasting and feasting. IF has been shown to improve insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperandrogenism, all of which contribute to the hormone imbalance and reproductive complications seen in women with PCOS. Current literature will be reviewed to demonstrate that IF may be a safe, nonpharmacologic intervention to manage PCOS.

Objective: To explore the perceptions of undergraduate nursing students who took either combined or separate maternity and pediatric courses.

Design: Qualitative descriptive study.

Setting: Two 4-year Catholic universities in northeastern suburban Pennsylvania, both offering a traditional bachelor of science in nursing program. University A offers a five-credit combined maternity and pediatrics course (three didactic and two clinical credits). University B offers two separate courses in maternity and pediatrics (each with two didactic and two clinical credits).

Participants: A total of 22 bachelor of science in nursing students participated: 18 who completed the combined course (University A) and 4 who completed the separate courses (University B).

Methods: Focus groups were used for data collection. Benner's concept theory From Novice to Expert served as the theoretical framework.

Results: Four themes emerged: Negative/Positive Experience, Convenience and Time Limitations, Mixed Emotions About Entering the Novice Phase in Maternity and Pediatrics, and Course Revisions to Optimize Learning.

Conclusion: The study highlights the impact of course structure on students' learning and perceived preparedness for clinical practice. Students in a combined course reported feeling overwhelmed, whereas those in separate courses did not report negative feelings. This study fills the gaps in the literature and offers practical implications for nurse educators and curriculum developers. A closer academic partnership with clinical agencies is recommended to enhance student readiness and promote safe, high-quality care in maternity and pediatrics.

Factor V Leiden is a genetic mutation that is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is the most common of the five inherited thrombophilias. VTE is a leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States, mostly due to mortality risk from pulmonary embolism. Factor V Leiden, particularly among homozygotes, figures significantly in the highest risk of VTE during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Current clinical guidelines from professional societies and international bodies often recommend different strategies for stratifying risk and reducing risk of VTE with thromboprophylaxis. This article provides an overview of the role of factor V Leiden and other risk factors for VTE during pregnancy and the postpartum period, approaches to screening and thromboprophylaxis, and practice implications for women's health nurses.

Acrylate allergic contact dermatitis is a growing concern, particularly among women exposed to nail cosmetics as consumers or professionals. Not all nail products carry equal risk. Repeated exposure to acrylates or improper curing can lead to symptoms resembling other forms of allergic contact dermatitis. Onycholysis is one common symptom that can be painful and slow to heal. Treatment of acrylate allergic contact dermatitis centers on acrylate avoidance and selection of alternative nail beautification methods. Nurses are positioned to educate and advocate for nail professionals, who are often marginalized and at heightened risk due to prolonged exposure and limited access to workplace protections. Nurses can also provide education on strict product avoidance, coach on nail care strategies, and provide emotional support.

Objective: To review examined health care-seeking behavior (HSB) and antenatal care (ANC) visits among pregnant adolescents from the perspectives of maternity health care professionals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). HSB was defined as the willingness and actions of pregnant adolescents to seek and use ANC services.

Data sources and study selection: Systematic searches in PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and ScienceDirect for articles published in English between 2014 and 2024. Eligible studies included qualitative research in LMICs addressing health professionals' perspectives on HSB and ANC. Of 2,149 records screened in Covidence, 1,043 duplicates were removed and 1,106 titles/abstracts reviewed. Thirty full texts were assessed, and 14 studies were included. Data extraction captured study characteristics and health care professionals' experiences.

Data extraction: A standardized data extraction tool was used to capture key study characteristics, including author, year, country, study design, population, theoretical framework, and health care professionals' experiences.

Data synthesis: The findings highlight the need for adolescent-friendly ANC services. Health care professionals, particularly midwives, emphasized the importance of respectful, accessible care tailored to adolescents' unique needs. However, many reported emotional strain and lack of specialized training to support this group. Although adolescents can make health decisions, access is often restricted by family control, stigma, and fear, especially for unmarried girls. Care seeking is more likely when adolescents experience health concerns, receive social support, and develop trust in providers. Barriers include financial hardship, limited knowledge, negative community or provider attitudes, cultural norms, long waiting times, policy constraints, and transportation challenges.

Conclusion: Emotional barriers, family dynamics, stigma, fear, financial and structural constraints, and limited provider capacity shape HSB and ANC use among pregnant adolescents in LMICs. To improve maternal outcomes among adolescents in LMICs, it is critical to implement adolescent-friendly ANC, enhance provider training, build trust, and address sociocultural and structural barriers to health care access.