Adolescent Women Research Articles

The relationships between exposure to sexual assault narratives in media and women’s sexual assault disclosure efficacy: proposed models and mechanisms

ABSTRACT Although literature suggests that sexual assault narratives in media may encourage others to disclose their own sexual assault stories, research has yet to theorize the relationship between viewing mediated sexual assault narratives and disclosing sexual assaults. In response, I propose a theoretical model of the influence of mediated sexual assault narratives on sexual assault disclosure efficacy for adolescent girls and women. I also identify three mechanisms—survivor identity appeals, identification with the vlogger, and self-efficacy appeals—that may enhance the persuasiveness of mediated sexual assault narratives and work within the proposed model. Implications for future research are discussed.

Unveiling disparities: a non-linear decomposition analysis of the gap in menstrual hygiene material use between adolescent women in Aspirational and the remaining districts of India.

This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to the gap in the use of hygienic materials during menstruation to collect blood among adolescent women between Aspirational and the remaining districts of India. The study sample consisted of 114805 adolescent women (20835 women from 112 Aspirational districts and 93970 women from 595 remaining districts) from the National Family Health Survey-5. Fairlie decomposition was used to identify and measure the factors contributing to the gap in the use of hygienic materials between Aspirational and the remaining districts of India. This study determined that the use of hygienic materials during menstruation varied significantly between Aspirational and the remaining districts. While only 37% of adolescent women used hygienic materials in Aspirational districts, almost 52% did so in the remaining districts. Seventy-five per cent of Aspirational districts (84 of 112 districts) reported less than 50% use of hygienic materials, which is lower than the national average and the average of the remaining districts. It was revealed that nearly 90% of the total explained gap between the two groups was accounted for by household wealth, place of residence, exposure to mass media, and education level. Wealth was the main contributor to the gap, explaining about 46% of the difference in hygienic materials use between Aspirational and the remaining districts, followed by the place of residence (18%), exposure to mass media (15%), and education level (11%). Findings suggest that targeted interventions to improve access to hygienic materials among adolescent women in Aspirational districts, particularly those in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh, are necessary. Policy efforts should focus on women from poor households, improving access to education, and expanding mass media exposure in Aspirational districts to reduce the gap in menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent women in India.

Comparative analysis of micrometric parameters in the ovaries of adolescent, elderly and senile women

Aging is a systemic process affecting all tissues of the body. In this study, the choice of scientific interest fell on the paired gland, the key structure of the female reproductive system – the ovary.Objective: to carry out a comparative analysis of the parameters of the thickness of the cerebral and cortical layers, as well as the protein membrane of the ovaries in women in adolescence, the elderly and senile age. Materials and methods. The analysis of the results of a study of 60 women with normal pelvic dimensions and without pathology of the reproductive system organs was carried out. Group I included 28 victims of adolescent age (16-20 years old), group II consisted of 29 elderly victims (56-74 years old), group III included 27 elderly victims (75-90 years old). The thickness of the cerebral and cortical layers, as well as the albumen of both ovaries, were determined in histological samples.Results. A decrease in the thickness of the cortical and medulla and an increase in the thickness parameters of the albuminous membrane of both ovaries in the period from adolescence to old age were revealed. The thickness of the medulla of the right ovary is thinned by 3.76%, the left by 4.46%; the cortical substance of the right ovary by 29.9%, the left by 29.64% (p < 0,01). The thickness of the albumen of the right ovary, on the contrary, increases by 48.23%, of the left – by 50.21% (p < 0,01). From old age to senile age, there is a tendency to decrease the thickness of the cerebral and cortical matter of the ovary. The medulla is thinned by 0.95% on the right and 0.24% on the left (p > 0,05), the cortical substance – by 1.5% on the right and 1.21% on the left (p > 0,05). At the same time, the protein shell on the right becomes thicker by 14.08%, on the left – by 13.57% (p < 0,01). Conclusion. The results obtained can become a conditional "morphological standard" for certain age norms in the diagnosis of various diseases, as well as expand the understanding of changes in the morphological picture of a woman's ovaries with age.

Implementation of Youth Integrated Healthcare Center in the Prevention of Stunting Incidents in the Kekeran Village of Badung Regency, Indonesia

Objective: Youth posyandu is a youth empowerment activity that can reduce the prevalence of stunting through pre-marital care. At the time during the Covid 19 pandemic, youth posyandu was not carried out. The purpose of the research is to identify the input, process and output of the implementation of youth posyandu activities, and identify knowledge and nutritional status of the adolescent women. Methods: This research is a mixed method research. Six qualitative research informants, and 32 quantitative data respondents. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and questionnaires. Research data analysis is descriptive analysis and distribution of frequency data knowledge and nutritional status of adolescent daughters. Results: The results show that the input from the implementation of the program is sufficient, seen from the presence of the programme implementation guidelines and the use of the funds that have been verified, the support of means, resources. The output indicates that the activities are going as planned, but the coverage of the participants is still 80%. The knowledge of youth posyanduis partially good and the nutritional status of the teenage daughter is mostly normal. Conclusion: The program input is sufficient, the process is running well, has managed. Should be corrected during the Covid 19 pandemic and the output of the program implementation is largely in line with the plan. Knowledge is partly good and nutritional status is mostly normal.

Association between quality of antenatal care service utilisation and adverse birth outcomes among adolescent women in 22 Sub-Saharan African countries. A mixed-effects multilevel analysis

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the association between the quality of antenatal care (ANC) service utilisation and adverse birth outcomes among adolescent women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). MethodsA two-level mixed-effects model was employed using the recent Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data from 22 SSA countries. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel analyses were conducted to assess the association between individual and community level factors with adverse birth outcomes. The results of the fixed effects model were interpreted in the form of adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). ResultsIn SSA, 23.5 % of adolescent mothers experienced adverse birth outcomes. This study found that receiving high quality ANC was associated with a 28 % reduction in the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes (AOR = 0.72, 95 % CI: 0.63, 0.83). Among the individual-level factors, middle-aged adolescence (AOR = 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.11, 1.36), being a female newborn (AOR = 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.05, 1.26), single marital status (AOR = 0.87, 95 % CI: 0.78, 0.96) and higher educational status (AOR = 0.83, 95 % CI: 0.74, 0.93) were significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. From the community-level variables, women from Eastern Africa had positive significant association with adverse birth outcomes (AOR = 1.30, 95 % CI: 1.15, 1.46). ConclusionsNearly one-fourth of adolescent women in SSA experienced at least one type of adverse birth outcome. Low quality of ANC was significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. Policymakers need to consider a comprehensive, essential, and minimal package of ANC to enhance the quality of ANC, which is crucial for better adolescent birth outcomes.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants of Fertility Among Adolescent Women: Evidence from BDHS Data 2017–18

Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants of Fertility Among Adolescent Women: Evidence from BDHS Data 2017–18

Bladder Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs among US Adolescent Women

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can have a pronounced impact on adolescent women's overall health and quality of life, both during adolescence and across the life course. Little research has examined adolescent women's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about bladder health and preventing LUTS. This study combines data from two large multi-site focus group studies of individuals born female who identified as women conducted by the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium. The first study included data from 8 focus groups conducted in 2018 with 44 adolescents aged 11 through 17 years. The second consisted of data from 20 focus groups conducted in 2020 with 123 adolescents aged 13 through 17 years. We used directed content analysis, including deductive and inductive approaches, to explore textual data and identify emergent insights. We present themes that emerged from analyzing coded data related to knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Themes included: (1) lack of information about bladder function, leading to limited knowledge, (2) hydration as a healthy behavior, (3) distinguishing healthy versus unhealthy voiding, (4) social and environmental barriers to voiding, and (5) shame and stigma of bladder related behaviors. Our data suggests that adolescent women are aware of healthy and unhealthy behaviors related to bladder health, despite little exposure to formal education about the bladder. Social and environmental factors, including stigma, appear to be primary drivers of adolescents' behaviors around bladder health, suggesting that multi-level socio-ecological prevention interventions are needed to prevent LUTS in this population.

Improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health services among adolescent women in Zimbabwe.

Unplanned pregnancies increased among adolescents in Zimbabwe, resulting in unsafe abortions; Sexual and Gender-based Violence, and forced marriages. Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights has been scanty among pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers owing to negative social norms; stigma and discrimination. This project specifically targeted pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers through a differentiated and targeted care approach to improve uptake and sexual and reproductive health outcomes.Target specific peer support groups for the pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers were established in Epworth district of Zimbabwe. The Champions of change, peer-based approach was used to facilitate comprehensive sexuality education. Mentors were adolescent mothers trained on how to use a tailored-made manual to facilitate sessions. Two health centers namely Epworth clinic and Overspill clinic were purposively selected to participate in this study. A total of 60 participants were recruited into this study, 30 from each clinic. Knowledge and attitude were measured using a semi-structured questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. A score-card was used to assess friendliness and quality of service provision. A Chi-square test of association was used to determine the significance of the change in outcomes. A significant improvement in knowledge on SRHR, attitudes and health care seeking behaviors was noted. There was a significant improvement attitudes and friendliness in service provision. Access to services significantly increased with improvement in relationships and trust.

The effect of protecting women against economic shocks to fight HIV in Cameroon, Africa: The POWER randomised controlled trial.

Women in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Young women are twice as likely to be living with HIV as men of the same age and account for 64% of new HIV infections among young people. Many studies suggest that financial needs, alongside biological susceptibility, are a leading cause of the gender disparity in HIV acquisition. New robust evidence suggests women adopt risky sexual behaviours to cope with economic shocks, the sudden decreases in household's income or consumption power, enhancing our understanding of the link between poverty and HIV. We investigated if health insurance protects against economic shocks, reducing the need for vulnerable women to engage in risky sexual behaviours and reducing HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a formal shock coping strategy to prevent HIV among women at high risk of HIV (registration number: ISRCTN 22516548). Between June and August 2021, we recruited 1,508 adolescent girls and women over age 15 years who were involved in transactional sex (n = 753) or commercial sex (n = 755), using snowball sampling. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive free health insurance for themselves and their economic dependents for 12 months either at the beginning of the study (intervention; n = 579; commercial sex n = 289, transactional sex n = 290) from November 2021 or at the end of the study 12 months later (control; n = 568; commercial sex n = 290, transactional sex n = 278). We collected data on socioeconomic characteristics of participants. Primary outcomes included incidence of HIV and STIs and were measured at baseline, 6 months after randomisation, and 12 months after randomisation. We found that study participants who engaged in transactional sex and were assigned to the intervention group were less likely to become infected with HIV post-intervention (combined result of 6 months post-intervention or 12 months post-intervention, depending on the follow-up data available; odds ratio (OR) = 0.109 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.014, 0.870]); p = 0.036). There was no evidence of a reduction in HIV incidence among women and girls involved in commercial sex. There was also no effect on STI acquisition among both strata of high-risk sexual activity. The main limitations of this study were the challenges of collecting reliable STI incidence data and the low incidence of HIV in women and girls involved in commercial sex, which might have prevented detection of study effects. The study provides to our knowledge the first evidence of the effectiveness of a formal shock coping strategy for HIV prevention among women who engage in transactional sex in Africa, reinforcing the importance of structural interventions to prevent HIV. The trial was registered with the ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN 22516548. Registered on 31 July 2021.

Menstruation Related Practices among Adolescent Girls and Women in a Semi-urban Area of Nepal

Background Menstruation is often associated with restrictions from different activities. Studies about extreme form of menstruation practices i.e. “Chhaupadi” have been widely done but other practices have been less studied. Thus, this study aimed to find out the menstruation related practices among adolescent girls and women in secondary schools in a semi-urban community of Nepal. MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study done at two secondary schools in a semi-urban community of Panauti municipality which were selected purposively. The duration of study was from 31st October 2022 to 15th November, 2022. Total 158 adolescent girls and women present at the study site who have had menarche were included in the study through census sampling. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: 36/22] of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences. Self-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect the information.ResultsAmong 158 study participants, menstrual restriction practice was followed by 155(98.66%) and most common restriction was not being allowed to worship or go to worshipping room 150 (96.77%). Most (68.98%) of the study participants said that their mother insisted them to follow such practices.Conclusions Menstruation related practices were common among the study participants and most common form of restriction was not being allowed to worship.

Adolescent Pregnancy: A Comparative Insight into the Prevalence and Risks of Obstetric Complications in a Polish Cohort.

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is associated with increased risk of both maternal and neonatal complications. Common maternal complications include anemia, hypertensive disorders, and a higher incidence of infections, including Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Additionally, adolescents are at increased risk for gestational diabetes and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonatal complications often involve low birth weight, prematurity, and an increased likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Objectives: This study aims to assess and compare the prevalence of obstetric complications between adolescent and older pregnant women. Methods: This retrospective study investigates obstetric outcomes in adolescent pregnancies, analyzing data collected from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2024. This study included 902 participants, of whom 224 were adolescents. The variables were categorized into maternal, birth, and neonatal characteristics. Results: Adolescent patients demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection, affecting 25.89% of this group. Adolescent patients reported 17.86% nicotine use during pregnancy, a rate significantly higher than that of older age groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, adolescent pregnancies were associated with the highest mean blood loss during delivery, averaging 500 mL during vaginal birth and 1050 mL during cesarean section, leading to a higher incidence of blood transfusions (3.13%, p = 0.021). Newborns from adolescent pregnancies had the lowest mean birth weight (3199 g) and length (53.6 cm). Neonatal complications were more frequent in this group, affecting 20.09% of newborns, with a significantly higher rate of admission to intensive care units (2.68%, p = 0.008). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and more proactive management strategies to address the specific challenges faced by this population.

Hijab is Women’s Shield and Fortress

Hijab has been applied in different forms in different civilizations and traditions since the era of first man and prophet Adam (Alayhi As-Salam). So, hijab and seclusion were practiced in many cultures long before Islam. Hijab is compulsory for women to save their modesty and chastity of all periods and times in Islam. Hijab themselves is natural for women and their innate dispositions demand it. Hijab frees women from being thought of as sexual objects of desire, or from being evaluated by their looks, or body shape rather than their minds and intellect. Studies indicate that girls and women may encounter sexual violence in their day-to-day social life in all cultures and societies. Hijab protects adolescent girls and women from sexual harassment. Hijab is women’s shield and fortress. The obvious fact is this, that the house is a protecting and secure place for a woman in a society. Islam does not like to go outside from the house without the essential needs. If the woman goes outside because of the essential requirement, then she should cover her whole body with a long cloth and should keep her gaze down. Allah says “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms.

Maternal Pathologies Associated with Admission to the Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Maternal health is a global concern due to its significant impact on mothers and newborns. In developing countries, obstetric complications often lead to ICU admissions.Objective: To determine the prevalence of maternal pathologies associated with admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS) in Manta, during the period from August 2022 to August 2023.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 13 patients admitted to the ICU for maternal pathologies. Variables analyzed included age, type of delivery, maternal pathology, and length of hospital stay.Results: Women aged 25 to 30 years represented 30.77% of ICU admissions. 76.92% of deliveries were by cesarean section. The main pathologies identified were severe preeclampsia (31.03%) and sepsis (20.69%). The duration of hospital stay ranged from three to five days in most cases.Conclusions: Adolescent women and those aged 25 to 30 are most likely to require intensive care. Severe preeclampsia and sepsis are the primary causes of ICU admission.

Strategies of sexual refusal in effervescent nightlife settings: A study of Spanish university students

A growing body of studies focuses on sexual harassment and violence in nightlife venues, primarily as it affects adolescent and adult women. In these settings, the boundary between flirtation and unwanted sexual attention easily blurs. This study examines how young women reject such attention. It draws on in-depth interviews with 53 Spanish undergraduates aged 18 to 25 from a Madrid public university. The findings unveil both individual strategies for sexual refusal (e.g., ignoring, distancing, lying) as well as collective strategies (e.g., using friends as mediators or protectors). The interviewed women perceived these actions as emotionally and practically challenging. These results advance the understanding of interactions in situations of collective effervescence, which may be conducive of transgression and sexual violence.

Gendered socialization and sexual violence - A socio-anthropological study in Togo.

This article bases its argument on the social representations that justify sexual violence against adolescent girls and women and make it commonplace. It looks at the constructions of masculinity and femininity and their potential effects on the occurrence of sexual violence among adolescent girls. This is a socio-anthropological study carried out in the plateau regions of Togo. The empirical data came from individual semi-directive interviews (55), life stories (4) of adolescent rape victims and group interviews (40) with several stakeholders (adolescents, parents of adolescents, educators, community leaders and religious leaders). The results show that despite the efforts of the State and non-governmental organisations, local sexuality logics often have an impact on the persistence of sexual violence. (.

Midwifery assessment and interventions protocol for adolescent pregnancy: a Delphi method approach

Background: Adolescence pregnancy poses risks for both mothers and infants, often due to insufficient prenatal care resulting from societal stigmatization and lack of awareness. Around 16 million adolescents aged 15-19 years in the world give birth each year; in Indonesia, the first pregnant women aged &lt;20 years are 45.10%, while in West Sumatra, it is 33.7%. To address this issue, integrated programs and midwifery care have been implemented. However, providing such care to adolescent mothers comes with its own set of challenges.Purpose: This study aims to conduct a midwifery assessment and intervention protocol for adolescent pregnancy.Method: Qualitative approach The Delphi method involved two rounds of evaluation, with twenty-one participants who were independent practice midwives, six midwives involved in the mother and child health program, and nine midwifery lecturers from accredited educational institutions A (excellent). Participants had at least five years of clinical experience and were selected using purposive non-probability sampling. Participants evaluated statements related to midwifery care during the Delphi process. The validity of these statements was determined by participants providing a minimum score of 3, and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated. Statements with a CVR greater than 0.8 were considered valid.Results: Based on expert consensus, important assessments for adolescent pregnant women include addressing issues of gender equality and domestic violence, reproductive and sexual health, risks associated with smoking and substance abuse, maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and adequately preparing for labor and parenthood.Conclusion: Midwifery management and midwifery information were deemed valid dimensions of midwifery care; relational care had one invalid item.

“Killing two birds with one stone” – a qualitative study on women’s perspectives on the dual prevention pill in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background HIV incidence remains high in South Africa, with ~ 60% of all new HIV infections among adolescent girls and women (Country factsheets HIV and AIDS Estimates, 2022). Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), approved for HIV prevention in South Africa since 2015, is hampered by low uptake and adherence, particularly among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Combining oral PrEP with oral contraceptives could increase PrEP uptake, persistence and address unmet needs for contraception. We investigated the acceptability of a dual prevention pill (DPP), combining oral PrEP and a combined oral contraceptive (COC) for HIV and pregnancy prevention among women in Johannesburg, South Africa.MethodsBetween March-July 2021, we conducted 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescent girls and women (n = 74) aged 16–40 stratified by ages (16–17, 18–24, 25–40), half of whom were COC users. We explored adolescent girls and women’s opinions about the DPP concept, existing HIV and pregnancy prevention options, and input on perceived facilitators and barriers to DPP use. FGDs were conducted in English or isiZulu, using a standardized interview guide. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed to English and analyzed using ethnographic content analysis.ResultsThe majority viewed the DPP favorably as a multipurpose option preventing unplanned pregnancy and HIV. Most saw it as a convenient “two-in-one” solution, requiring one clinic visit for both PrEP and COCs. AGYW were viewed as the most likely to benefit from the DPP due to the likelihood of multiple partners and unplanned sex, possibly preventing school dropout from unplanned pregnancy or HIV acquisition. The DPP was perceived to be more reliable than condoms, especially when condom negotiation is limited. Benefits were also seen by participants in rape cases, protecting against pregnancy and HIV. DPP use barriers included side effect concerns, unsupportive partners and judgmental healthcare providers.Conclusions/significanceThe DPP was perceived as acceptable for HIV and pregnancy prevention to AGYW in Johannesburg and its dual indications helpful in supporting improved PrEP uptake and persistence. DPP implementation programs need to consider solutions to potential barriers, like education on DPP benefits, coupled with reliable side effect support and healthcare provider sensitization as part of routine sexual health services to encourage uptake and adherence.

High sensitivity but low specificity of the risk factors and symptoms questionnaire in diagnosing female genital schistosomiasis among sexually active women with genital lesions in selected villages of Maswa District, North-Western Tanzania.

The diagnosis of Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) which is a clinical feature of urogenital schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium is challenging, especially in primary healthcare facilities characterized by low resources which are dependent by the majority of the FGS endemic communities. To facilitate and improve diagnosis in these settings, a simple risk factors and symptoms tool has been developed to help healthcare workers at primary healthcare facilities identify and manage FGS cases. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the tool are not known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the performance of risk factors and symptoms tools in diagnosing FGS in adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in selected villages of north-western Tanzania. A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 women aged 18-49 years in Maswa District, north-western Tanzania. A single urine sample was collected from each participant and screened for S. haematobium eggs using a urine filtration technique. Consenting participants (n = 177), underwent thorough speculum examination by trained gynaecologists using a digital portable colposcopy to capture images of the cervix and vagina. All the captured pictures were examined independently by two pairs (2 gynaecologists in each pair) of qualified obstetricians and gynaecologists. A descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to demonstrate the prevalence, symptoms, and risk factors of FGS. The mean age of 347 women enrolled in the study was 30 years (Standard Deviation (SD) ±7.7) and the prevalence of women with symptoms suggestive of FGS was 15.8% (95% CI; 10.8%- 22.0) by colposcope and 87% (95% CI; 83.0%-90.4%) using the risk factor and symptom checklist. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of symptoms and risk factors checklist tool for diagnosing FGS schistosomiasis (≥7 score points) using colposcope as a reference test were 85.7% (95%CI; 80.6%- 90.9%), 8.7% (95%CI; 4.6%-12.9%), 15.0% (95%CI; 9.7%-20.3%) and 76.5% (95%CI; 70.2%-82.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that female genital schistosomiasis using a risk factor and symptom checklist was associated with fetching water in contaminated fresh water (aOR:21.8, 95%CI;2.8-171.2, P <0.003), self-reported pelvic pain (aOR:5.3, 95%CI; 1.1-25.9, P< 0.04) and having any urinary symptoms (aOR:12.2, 95%CI; 1.5-96.3, P<0.018). Urine microscopy results were available for 345 participants, of these, 3.5% (12/345) (95% CI; 1.8%-6.0%) were positive for S. haematobium infection. Female genital schistosomiasis and urinary-related symptoms are common in the current study population. The risk factor and symptoms checklist for diagnosis of FGS achieved high sensitivity but low specificity for women who scored ≥7 points using colposcope as a reference diagnostic test. At present, the call to integrate FGS into the reproductive health services for women has received much attention, however, the diagnostic part of FGS remains a challenge, thus there is a need to continue evaluating this tool in different population and age structures in endemic areas.

Increased Prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with disordered eating/eating disorders, but prior meta-analyses are limited by small numbers. To inform the 2023 International PCOS Guideline, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the prevalence of disordered eating/eating disorders among women with and without PCOS. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and All EMB were searched from inception through February 1, 2024, for studies that compared prevalences of eating disordered/disordered eating in adolescent or adult women. Random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate the pooled odds ratios (OR) or standardized mean differences (SMD) of outcomes in women with PCOS compared to controls. Methodological quality was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system, and included studies were assessed for risk of bias. Of 1352 articles identified, 20 were included, with a total of 28 922 women with PCOS and 258 619 controls. Individuals with PCOS had higher odds of any eating disorder (OR: 1.53 [1.29, 1.82], 8 studies), which persisted in studies where PCOS was diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria (OR: 2.88 [1.55, 5.34], 4 studies). Odds of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and disordered eating, but not anorexia nervosa, were increased in PCOS. Mean disordered eating scores were higher in PCOS (SMD: 0.52 [0.28, 0.77], 13 studies), including when stratified by normal and higher weight body mass index. Most included studies were of moderate quality, with no evidence of publication bias. Our study informs the 2023 PCOS Guideline recommendations for consideration of the risk of disordered eating/ eating disorders in care of women with PCOS, regardless of weight, especially during providing lifestyle counseling.

Adolescent maternal health services utilization and associated barriers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis before and during the sustainable development goals

IntroductionEffective and adequate maternal health service utilization is critical for improving maternal and newborn health, reducing maternal and perinatal mortality, and important to achieve global sustainable development goals (SDGs). The purpose of this systematic review was to assess adolescent maternal health service utilization and its barriers before and during SDG era in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). MethodsSystematic review of published articles, sourced from multiple electronic databases such as Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, African Journal Online (AJOL) and Google Scholar were conducted up to January 2024. Assessment of risk of bias in the individual studies were undertaken using the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality assessment tool. The maternal health service utilization of adolescent women was compared before and after adoption of SDGs. Barriers of maternal health service utilization was synthesized using Andersen's health-seeking model. Meta-analysis was carried out using the STATA version 17 software. ResultsThirty-eight studies from 15 SSA countries were included in the review. Before adoption of SDGs, 38.2 % (95 % CI: 28.5 %, 47.9 %) adolescents utilized full antenatal care (ANC) and 44.9 % (95%CI: 26.2, 63.6 %) were attended by skilled birth attendants (SBA). During SDGs, 42.6 % (95 % CI: 32.4 %, 52.8 %) of adolescents utilized full ANC and 53.0 % (95 % CI: 40.6 %, 65.5 %) were attended by SBAs. Furthermore, this review found that adolescent women's utilization of maternal health services is influenced by various barriers, including predisposing, enabling, need, and contextual factors. ConclusionsThere was a modest rise in the utilization of ANC services and SBA from the pre-SDG era to the SDG era. However, the level of maternal health service utilization by adolescent women remains low, with significant disparities across SSA regions and multiple barriers to access services. These findings indicate the importance of developing context-specific interventions that target adolescent women to achieve SDG3 by the year 2030.