Field Of Reproductive Health Research Articles

Satisfaction Instruments for Nursing Teleconsultations in Reproductive and Sexual Health: an Integrative Review

Objective: To identify validated instruments for assessing user satisfaction with nursing teleconsultations in reproductive and sexual health. Theoretical Framework: Nursing teleconsultations in the field of reproductive and sexual health are already a reality. In this context, it is necessary to identify the satisfaction level of people assisted by such services to ensure the need for investments and implementations in healthcare services. Method: This is an integrative literature review based on the PRISMA methodology. The article search was conducted in the PubMED and LILACs databases and the Web of Science library. Inclusion criteria were original articles published in the last five years, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Duplicate articles were excluded. Results and Discussion: Two articles were identified that present satisfaction instruments for nursing teleconsultations in Reproductive and Sexual Health, both indexed in PUBMED. In addition to these, nine other articles present quantitative and qualitative processes for evaluating nursing teleconsultations. None of the instruments found were validated. Research Implications: A lack of validated instruments for assessing user satisfaction in nursing teleconsultations in general, including in RSH (Reproductive and Sexual Health), was identified. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the evidence of the need to develop validated instruments capable of diagnosing user satisfaction with nursing teleconsultations. Without such rigorous assessment, it is imprecise to collect satisfaction data that supports the use of technologies such as nursing teleconsultations.

The requirement to obtain the consent of a legal guardian for the provision of reproductive health pharmacist services to minors under the pilot program

Emergency contraception in Poland is often referred to as the “morning-after pill”. Its legal status has changed many times. In Poland, it has only been available on prescription since 2017. Attempts have been made to change the legal status in 2024. A draft amendment to the Pharmaceutical Act was then submitted to Parliament. However, the bill was vetoed by the President of the Republic of Poland. In response to the veto, the Minister of Health issued a decree on a pilot programme in the field of pharmacists’ services related to reproductive health. In connection with this regulation, a question arose for pharmacists: whether it is necessary to obtain the consent of the legal guardian of minors who want to use the programme. Therefore, the aim of the work was a legal-comparative and dogmatic-legal analysis of legal acts in the field of reproductive health. A review of the data shows that while the pharmacist carries out the activities indicated in the pilot programme for pharmacist services about reproductive health, health services are provided to patients. Therefore, in the case of minor patients under 16 years of age, or who are over 16 but under 18 years of age, the consent of their legal representatives is required. It should also be noted that the term “pharmacist service” used in the title is not defined in any way in the law (unlike the term “pharmaceutical service”) and does not constitute a definition that would allow the statement to be made that it is another unlisted activity that exempts the pharmacist from the obligation to obtain the consent of the legal guardian. It should therefore be assumed that this consent is necessary to provide the service. Keywords: emergency contraception, pharmacist service, pharmaceutical service, legislation, morning-after pill.

Phenomenology Study of Experiences and Reasons of Women Married Early in Kokop District, Bangkalan Madura

Early marriage has become a national problem in the field of reproductive health which we still encounter in the surrounding environment. Difficult economic conditions, lack of knowledge and family education so that children must be married at a young age. The purpose of this study is to explore the phenomenon of early marriage, both the experience and reasons for doing the early marriage.The method used in this study is a qualitative method using a phenomenological approach to explore in depth the experiences and reasons for early marriage. The research location is in Kokop, Bangkalan Regency, East Java. Data collection techniques were carried out by in-depth interviews with six women who had early marriage as main informants and one religious leader, and one health worker as triangulation. The data obtained were analyzed by describing and finding statements then grouped into the main points of the statements found.The results of the analysis of this study resulted in 4 themes discussed, namely the demands of parents, personal factors, culture and past experiences. The cause of this early marriage is due to arranged marriages and forced by parents, in addition to this reason those who do early marriage on consensual basis without knowing well the impact of early marriage. The experience of early marriage that has been experienced has made an important lesson that their children will not be married at an early age on the grounds that they are not ready and mature economically and healthily.The study of these three themes can provide benefits for understanding the experiences and reasons for early marriage, and we can prevent this from happening according to the reasons for each occurrence.

Reproductive Behavior of Adolescent Girls: Analysis of Risk Factors, Prospects of Prevention and Education

INTRODUCTION: Caring of reproductive health of children and adolescents in the society, especially of adolescent girls as a group most vulnerable to risks in the reproductive sphere, continues to be of high importance. The studies confirm that education and awareness about reproductive health can reduce the probability of problems occurring. The existing legal regulations emphasize the importance of providing accurate and timely information of reproductive health. AIM: Scientific justification of the strategy of forming safe reproductive behavior of adolescent girls on the basis of the peculiarities of their current reproductive behavior taking into account the opinion of specialists in the fields of education and healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the peculiarities of reproductive behavior of adolescent girls, an anonymous questionnaire survey of 400 adolescent girls was conducted. To determine the expectations of the participants of the sex education process, as well as the main directions of preventive work and education, a survey of 400 parents of adolescent girls, 86 pediatricians, 34 obstetricians-gynecologists and 420 teachers was conducted. For all groups of participants, author’s questionnaires were developed. RESULTS: The reproductive behavior of adolescent girls living in the territory of the Novosibirsk region, is characterized by early start of sex life (15.90 ± 0.14 years), promiscuity (1.70 ± 1.10 partners), refusal to use effective means of contraception. Parents of adolescent girls emphasize the leading role of the family in sex education, suggesting participation of doctors and teachers in the process, but remain dissatisfied with the intensity of preventive measures. A similar problem is emphasized by specialists in the healthcare and education systems who indicate the possibility of conducting preventive work with adolescent girls remotely. In the opinion of pediatricians and obstetricians-gynecologists, providing preventive information on the reproductive health and behavior, will not only create safe reproductive behavior for modern adolescents, but is also an effective strategy of improving the system of reproductive health protection. CONCLUSION: The study identified features of the reproductive behavior of adolescent girls that characterize it as risky. The results emphasize the need for an integrated approach to assessing and maintaining the health of adolescent girls, and also focus attention on the importance of educational work in this age group. The study serves as a basis for further preventive strategies in the field of reproductive health and education.

Расширение прав и свобод человека или его расчеловечивание?

The article delves into the analysis of the “8 March Principles” presented by the International Commission of Jurists together with UNAIDS and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as a set of legal principles that decriminalize behavior in the field of sex, drug use, HIV, sexual and reproductive health, homelessness and poverty. Utilizing ostensibly civilized forms, these principles serve the Malthusian idea of population reduction (“corruption clothed in legal forms”, Malthus’s term), with law being no exception. However, while in traditional contexts, “dissolute living” (Malthus’s term) like marriage, contributes to population growth, emphasizing the need for chastity among the lower classes, neo-Malthusianism normalizes debauchery, indeed leading to population reduction. The aim of this article is to identify the dehumanizing content, reducing humans from social subjects to biological objects. The study’s subject encompasses dehumanizing conditions reflected in the “March 8 Principles” including the destruction of family, cultural, familial-role, gender, and sexual identities; legalization of drugs and pedophilia, prostitution, and begging as forms of commercial activity; as well as the destruction of culture. The methodological basis of this research is dialectical materialism. In scrutinizing the “March 8 Principles”, this study highlights the dichotomy between the purported expansion of human rights and the underlying trend towards dehumanization. By elucidating how these principles relegate individuals from social subjects to biological one, the research underscores the erosion of fundamental societal structures and cultural values. As such, it prompts critical reflection on the broader implications of legal frameworks ostensibly designed to promote human rights. Through the lens of dialectical materialism, this analysis provides valuable insights into the complexities of modern legal and socio-cultural dynamics, inviting further scholarly inquiry into the intersection of law, morality, and human dignity.

Policy action points and approaches to promote fertility care in The Gambia: Findings from a mixed-methods study.

In the Global South, (in)fertility care is scarcely recognized as a priority, yet the government of The Gambia has recently included it as one of the key priorities in its reproductive health strategic plan. This inclusion appears to be the result of years of engagement between policy actors, academic researchers, and activists in the field of reproductive health and specifically of infertility. However, the operationalization of the strategic plan may be hampered by multiple factors. The research aims to identify and analyze challenges that may impede the effective implementation of the strategic plan, thereby providing policy action points and practical guidance into the operationalization of (in)fertility care in the context of The Gambia's health system. This is a mixed-methods study with data from a survey and semi-structured interviews collected between 2020 and 2021 in The Gambia that were separately published. In this paper, we present the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data using a convergence coding matrix to identify relevant policy action points. Six fertility care policy action points, driven by data, arose from the triangulation and interpretation process, specifically: (i) establishing and maintaining political commitment and national priority for fertility care; (ii) creating awareness and increasing the involvement of men in SRH and fertility; (iii) ensuring data-driven health policymaking; (iv) offering and regulating affordable IVF alternatives; (v) improving knowledge of and means for fertility care provision; and (vi) enhancing the collaboration among stakeholders and building links with the private healthcare sector. This study found the implementation of the fertility care-related activities in the reproductive health strategic plan may face challenges that require careful mitigation through a holistic approach. Such an approach conceptualizes infertility not just as a biomedical issue but as a broader one that incorporates educational and socio-emotional aspects, including male and (not only) female involvement in sexual and reproductive health. Moreover, it is supported by a comprehensive health management information system that includes capturing data on the demand for, and access to, infertility services in The Gambia health system.

Ovarian reserve in obese patients: where do the eggs disappear?

Currently, the issue of obesity and its impact on various aspects of human health is actively being discussed. The role of obesity in the development of metabolic syndrome is well known. Within the study of the obesity pandemic, the modern medical community is conducting research in the field of reproductive health. In women, markers of ovarian reserve are considered, with the main one being the level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). It is known that with age, the number of AMH and antral follicles in a woman's body decreases. However, there is data in the modern literature indicating a decrease in ovarian reserve parameters in conditions of weight gain. Weight gain is accompanied by a imbalance of adipokines - biologically active substances produced mainly by adipose tissue and other tissues of the body that affect metabolic processes. It can be assumed that a deep study of the relationship between decreased reproductive potential and obesity, timely prevention of metabolic disorders will improve fertility indicators.

Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion with integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine

Recurrent spontaneous abortion is one of the most common pregnancy complications in obstetrics and gynecology. The normative diagnosis and treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion has become an important problem to be solved urgently in the field of reproductive health. The integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine provides a safe and effective treatment method for recurrent spontaneous abortion, but there is no guideline for diagnosis and treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion with integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine. The guideline is based on the requirements of World Health Organization(WHO) handbook for guideline development and follows the principles of evidence-based medicine. Through literature pre-search, expert interviews, clinical research, and conference consensus, 16 clinical problems are identified in this guideline. PICO principles are used for evidence retrieval, screening, and synthesis. The evidence quality is evaluated for the included evidence bodies. Recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions are formed through three rounds of the Delphi expert questionnaire survey. An expert meeting is held to finalize the draft. The opinions of experts in traditional Chinese medicine, western medicine, integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, methodology and pharmacy are widely solicited. The guideline contains five parts: scope, term and definition, diagnosis, treatment, and diagnosis and treatment flow chart of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine. There are corresponding recommendations and summaries of evidence for clinical problems related to the diagnosis and treatment of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine. This guideline is guided by clinical problems, combining disease differentiation and syndrome differentiation and integrating pre-pregnancy regulation and treatment and post-pregnancy preservation, highlighting the therapeutic advantages of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, so as to further standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion and promote the diagnosis and treatment level of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine for recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Hubungan Rendahnya Pengetahuan Tentang Imunisasi Kanker Serviks Pada Wanita Usia Subur (WUS) Di RT 05 RW 02 Kelurahan Telaga Asih Bekasi Tahun 2023

Globocan data for 2020 recorded that the total cancer cases in Indonesia in 2020 reached 396,914 cases and the total deaths were 234,511 cases. Cervical cancer (cervix) ranks second with 36,633 cases or 9.2% of total cancer cases. One of the factors that contributes to the high incidence of cervical cancer in Indonesia is the lack of awareness and access to routine examinations and vaccinations. Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that can be prevented, namely by immunization with the HPV vaccine and early detection of cervical cancer with a Pap smear or IVA examination (visual inspection using acetic acid). The aim of this research is to analyze factors related to WUS knowledge about the low level of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunization in RT 05 RW 02, Telaga Asih Bekasi Village in 2023. The research method used is a cross sectional survey method. The population in this study was 50 female respondents of childbearing age in RT 05 RW 02. The sample was taken using a total sampling technique of 50 female respondents of childbearing age in RT 05 RW 02. Univariate analysis used frequency distribution and for bivariate tests used the Chi Square test. This research uses primary data from filling out questionnaires by respondents. Based on the results of the analysis of the 50 respondents, 31 people (62.0%) had the most good knowledge, 41 people aged 20-35 years (82.0%). There were 29 women whose parity was not at risk (58%), 29 people had at least high school education (58%), and 34 people got information sources electronically (68%). Variables related to knowledge are education and sources of information with a value of 0.000 < 0.05. Meanwhile, variables that are not related are age and parity. It is hoped that this research will become a reference for increasing knowledge and an intensive approach to WUS. The results of this research can also be used as an opener to wider insight into midwifery and especially in the field of reproductive health.

Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Family Planning Options in Armenia.

In many Transcaucasian and Middle Eastern populations, research in women's sexual and reproductive health remains limited, especially in Armenia despite recent political and cultural changes. This study explores the current state of family planning in Armenia while both highlighting the recent progress and identifying current barriers to reproductive health. We conducted a mixed-methods study using both a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews with women and key informants in the field of women's sexual and reproductive health. Armenian women are familiar with many types of contraception. The use of modern methods has increased but remains low. Sexual education for women is uncommon and often sought through independent online searches or books. We found no significant access barriers, however, a prevailing distrust in hormonal contraceptive methods left many women to rely on condoms and withdrawal. Although the majority of surveyed women (72%) believed having access to safe abortions was an important right, only 42% would consider having an abortion in the case of an unintended pregnancy. Interviewees highlighted the lack of sexual education, discrepancies in sexual and reproductive services between rural provinces and the urban capital city of Yerevan, as well as the need for information and the government's responsibility in this field. The lack of comprehensive sexual education in Armenia fuels misinformation regarding family planning options. One option we recommend is a government-funded sexual education program which begins as culturally sensitive, sex-positive education in schools and continues with counseling and support for women within the health care system.

Mechanisms behind gender transformative approaches targeting adolescent pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries: a realist synthesis protocol

IntroductionAdolescent pregnancy is defined as pregnancy at the age of 19 or below. Pregnancy and childbirth complications are the most significant cause of death among 15–19-year-old girls. Several studies have indicated that inequitable gender norms can increase the vulnerability of adolescent girls, including violence exposure, early marriage, and adolescent pregnancy. To address these disparities, gender transformative approaches aim to challenge and transform restrictive gender norms, roles, and relations through targeted interventions, promoting progressive changes. This realist review aims to synthesise existing evidence from a broad range of data sources to understand how, why, for whom, and in what contexts gender transformative approaches succeed in reducing adolescent pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries.Method and analysisWe employ a five-step realist synthesis approach: (1) clarify the scope of review and assessment of published literature, (2) development of initial programme theories, (3) systematic search for evidence, (4) development of refined programme theories, and (5) expert feedback and dissemination of results. This protocol presents the results of the first three steps and provides details of the next steps.We extracted data from 18 studies and outlined eight initial programme theories on how gender transformative approaches targeting adolescent pregnancy work in the first three steps. These steps were guided by experts in the field of sexual and reproductive health, implementation science, and realist methodology. As a next step, we will systematically search evidence from electronic databases and grey literature to identify additional studies eligible to refine the initial programme theories. Finally, we will propose refined programme theories that explain how gender transformative approaches work, why, for whom, and under which circumstances.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required because the included studies are published articles and other policy and intervention reports. Key results will be shared with the broader audience via academic papers in open-access journals, conferences, and policy recommendations. The protocol for this realist review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023398293).

Nutrients and environmental toxicants: effect on placental function and fetal growth

Understanding the mechanisms by which environmental factors impact reproductive health is crucial for informing public health interventions and policy decisions. By elucidating the pathways through which environmental stressors exert their effects, we can develop targeted strategies to mitigate risks and promote reproductive well-being. In this lecture, we will delve into the latest research findings and emerging trends in the field of environmental reproductive health. By exploring the intricate interplay between environmental exposures and reproductive outcomes, we aim to broaden our understanding of this complex relationship and its implications for human health. Through collaborative efforts across disciplines, we can work towards safeguarding reproductive health for current and future generations.

Hypnobirthing Training for First-Time Mothers: Pain, Anxiety and Postpartum Wellbeing.

Childbirth represents a significant life event, bringing about both physical and emotional transformations in a woman's life. Among other psychological aspects associated with childbirth, labor pain, death anxiety, and postpartum depression have garnered significant attention in the field of maternal and reproductive health. This study is intended to evaluate how the effectiveness of hypnobirthing training alleviates labor pain, mitigates death anxiety enhances postpartum well-being reduces labor hours, and how anxiety exacerbates the duration of labor. Data were collected from (N = 50) young and middle-aged postpartum women in the outpatient obstetrics and gynecology departments of the Civil Hospital, Waseer Gynecology Hospital and Basic Health Unit Jalal Ballagan in Gujranwala, Pakistan, by using the convenience sampling technique. Out of 50, women were divided into a control (N = 25) and an experimental group (N = 25). They were recruited during their 33 weeks of pregnancy until childbirth for hypnobirthing training. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used to collect participants' responses. Findings proved hypnobirthing training as a catalyst in significantly reducing labor pain, death anxiety, and postpartum depression. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that death anxiety exacerbates the labor duration hours and hypnobirthing decreases the labor hours in the experimental group of women. It sheds light on the effectiveness of hypnobirthing training to enhance the birthing process. Findings underscore the significance of collaboration between obstetricians, psychologists, and mental health professionals to develop integrated care plans that address both physical and psychological aspects of childbirth.

Support, networks, and relationships: Findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of a mentorship programme for early career women researchers in sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Low research output among women researchers in health research has been linked to inadequate mentorship opportunities for early career women researchers and particularly in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) field. Mentorship has been recognized as a contributor to strengthening research capacity and as beneficial for both mentors and mentees. Women researchers oftentimes experience negative impacts of organizational and structural gender inequities related to formal and informal mentoring. In 2020, the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction at WHO launched a mentorship programme for early career SRHR women researchers from low- and middle-income countries. The programme sought to provide professional skill-building, promote and share networking opportunities, and offer support in navigating personal and professional life. We conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods evaluation of the 2020 pilot programme, which included 26 participants, through an online survey and semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs). Data collection occurred between March and May 2022. Nineteen responded to the online survey (12 mentees, 7 mentors) and 11 IDIs (7 mentees, 4 mentors) were completed. Based on a preliminary framework, we used deductive and inductive methods to identify six themes: views on mentorship; reasons for applying and expectations of participation in the programme; preferred aspects of programme implementation; challenges with the programme implementation; perceived lasting benefits of the programme; and recommendations for improvement. All participants found the initial training useful, most discussed work-life prioritization throughout the mentorship relationship, and most planned to continue with the relationship. There appear to be ample benefits to mentorship, especially when planned and implemented in a structured manner. These attributes can be particularly beneficial when they are conceived as a two-way relationship of mutual learning and support, and especially for women at the start of their research careers as they navigate structural gender inequities.

Support For The Comprehensive School Health Model To Increase Reproductive Health Knowledge Of Elementary School Children As A Primary Prevention Effort

The research explores the impact of the Comprehensive School Health model on enhancing the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children as a primary prevention effort. In an era of rapid social and technological changes, early-age reproductive health awareness is crucial. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Comprehensive School Health model in improving the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children. The purpose of this research is to assess whether the Comprehensive School Health model significantly enhances the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children. It seeks to determine if this approach can be a viable strategy for primary prevention in the field of reproductive health. The study employs a pre-experimental design with a One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. Data was collected through observations, interviews, and documentation. The sample consists of sixth-grade students from an elementary school in Sorong District, selected using total sampling. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon tests and rank biserial correlation. The results indicate a significant improvement in the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children following the intervention. The Wilcoxon test showed a p-value of <0.001, and the mean difference was -35.0, signifying a substantial increase in knowledge. The effect size was 1.62, indicating a significant impact, and a strong negative rank biserial correlation of -1.00 revealed a robust correlation between the intervention and knowledge improvement. This study concludes that the Comprehensive School Health model is effective in significantly enhancing the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children, with a substantial effect size and a strong correlation between the intervention and knowledge improvement. These findings emphasize the importance of early-age reproductive health education and highlight the potential of this model as an effective strategy for primary prevention in the field of reproductive health.

Predictive ability of the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy scale

BackgroundA longstanding gap in the reproductive health field has been the availability of a screening instrument that can reliably predict a person’s likelihood of becoming pregnant. The Desire to Avoid Pregnancy Scale is a new measure; understanding its sensitivity and specificity as a screening tool for pregnancy as well as its predictive ability and how this varies by socio-demographic factors is important to inform its implementation.MethodsThis analysis was conducted on a cohort of 994 non-pregnant participants recruited in October 2018 and followed up for one year. The cohort was recruited using social media as well as advertisements in a university, school, abortion clinic and outreach sexual health service. Almost 90% of eligible participants completed follow-up at 12 months; those lost to follow-up were not significantly different on key socio-demographic factors. We used baseline DAP score and a binary variable of whether participants experienced pregnancy during the study to assess the sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve (AUROC) and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of the DAP at a range of cut-points. We also examined how the predictive ability of the DAP varied according to socio-demographic factors and by the time frame considered (e.g., pregnancy within 3, 6, 9 and 12 months).ResultsAt a cut-point of 2 on the 0–4 range of the DAP scale, the DAP had a sensitivity of 0.78, a specificity of 0.81 and an excellent AUROC of 0.87. In this sample the cumulative incidence of pregnancy was 16% (95%CI 13%, 18%) making the PPV 43% and the NPV 95% at this cut-point. The DAP score was the factor most strongly associated with pregnancy, even after age and number of children were taken into account. The association between baseline DAP score and pregnancy did not differ across time frames.ConclusionsThis is the first study to assess the DAP scale as a screening tool and shows that its predictive ability is superior to the limited pre-existing pregnancy prediction tools. Based on our findings, the DAP could be used with a cut-point selected according to the purpose.

A Qualitative Analysis of Experiences of Medical Students Serving as Abortion Doulas.

Innovative strategies are needed in clinical education to teach empathetic behavior and communication skills. This study aimed to investigate preclinical medical students' experiences volunteering as abortion doulas and to understand the impact of their participation on their professional training. In this qualitative study, the authors conducted semistructured interviews with medical students who had volunteered as abortion doulas in March to July 2016. The interviews described motivations for participating, experiences volunteering as a doula, approach to caring for patients, and acquisition of communication skills and knowledge of abortion. The authors analyzed interview transcripts using a conventional content analysis approach, and themes were identified. The authors performed 22 interviews. For most participants, this was their first exposure to an abortion procedure or patient care in any capacity. Participants identified acquisition of skills including patient advocacy, communication, and empathy that they were later able to apply throughout their clinical clerkships. This opportunity improved well-being and solidified their decision to apply for residencies in reproductive health fields. After volunteering as abortion doulas, medical students were able to develop communication skills, empathy, and patient advocacy applicable to other areas of patient care. Preclinical students, potentially in other health care professions training, participating in patient care as doulas have the potential to further personal development, professionalism, and activism.

L-Carnitine and Male Fertility: Is Supplementation Beneficial?

L-Carnitine, a natural antioxidant found in mammals, plays a crucial role in the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is used as a nutritional supplement by professional athletes, improving performance and post-exercise recovery. Additionally, its therapeutic applications, including those in male infertility, have been investigated, as it may act as a defense mechanism against the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the testis, a process that can lead to sperm damage. This effect is achieved by enhancing the expression and activity of enzymes with antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the benefits of L-Carnitine remain unknown. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge about the potential benefits of L-Carnitine and its role in male (in)fertility. Considering in vitro studies with Sertoli cells, pre-clinical studies, and investigations involving infertile men, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of L-Carnitine has been established. In vitro studies suggest that L-Carnitine has a direct influence on somatic Sertoli cells, improving the development of germ cells. Overall, evidence supports that L-Carnitine can positively impact male fertility, even at a relatively low dose of 2 g/day. This supplementation enhances sperm parameters, regulates hormone levels, reduces ROS levels, and subsequently improves fertility rates. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and establish optimal doses. In conclusion, the role of L-Carnitine in the field of male reproductive health is highlighted, with the potential to improve sperm quality and fertility.

Issues of reproductive health development in schoolchildren and preventive measures to address them

Currently, there are many problems with the reproductive health of schoolchildren, which can have an adverse effect on the future generations. This article overviews the current papers highlighting the most common problems that negatively affect reproductive health. The key conclusions include statements of the existing problems and suggested measures to counter them. Statements: as a rule, schoolchildren lack sufficient knowledge and skills in the field of reproductive health; often, they do not know the physiological characteristics of their body or cannot navigate them, do not recognize what is normal and what is not in the context of the age-driven development of the body. Measures: educational establishments need to develop and implement preventive measures and programs aimed at teaching schoolchildren the correct reproductive behavior.

Individual risk preference as a predictor of health behaviour: evidence from the use of condoms against HIV/AIDS in Ghana

BackgroundIt is evident that public health education interventions to promote the use of condoms against HIV infections in Ghana have yielded modest results. However, existing studies in the field of sexual and reproductive health in Ghana have failed to account for differences in risk preferences of individuals. This study fills the gap by investigating how individuals' risk preferences predict their behaviour toward using condoms against HIV in Ghana.MethodConceptually, the study followed the Grossman health capital theoretical model for risk preference and health behaviour nexus. Data were obtained from the most recent Ghana Living Standards Survey Round 7 (GLSS 7), conducted in 2017. Using data from GLSS 7, a probit regression model was estimated to show how the risk preferences of individuals that did not abstain from sex predicted their use of condoms against HIV. To ensure robustness, two scenarios of declared risk preferences were used to predict the use of condom behaviour against HIV.ResultsProbit regression estimation shows that the risk preferences of individuals that did not abstain from sex significantly predicted their use of condoms against HIV in Ghana. Even though the study found that the predicted probability of using a condom reduces among risk-averse individuals that do not abstain from sex, not using a condom against HIV was found to be worse among risk lovers.ConclusionThe study provides empirical evidence that public health education against HIV/AIDS in Ghana cannot continue to ignore the risk preference of individuals. The results of this study have immediate implications, first for a comprehensive and continuous measurement of risk preferences among Ghanaians in major household surveys going forward. At the moment, the latest round of the GLSS is just about the only household survey in Ghana that has attempted to collect some data on individual time and risk preferences using only hypothetical monetary rewards. Second is the immediate consideration of individual risk preferences in public health education campaigns against HIV/AIDS in Ghana.