Lives Of Women Research Articles

Multicomponent Intervention Is an Effective Treatment Option for Overactive Bladder in Women.

According to this study: A randomized clinical trial showed that a multicomponent intervention with cognitive components improved health-related quality of life in women with moderate-to-severe overactive bladder.

Flirtations with Eros from a Black-Eyed Squint: Romantic Love in the Oeuvre of Ama Ata Aidoo

ABSTRACT: What's love got to do with it? Everything—suggests Ama Ata Aidoo, whose oeuvre, virtually without exception, foregrounds romantic love as part of a woman's well-being, obstacles to which constitute a decidedly feminist concern. Throughout Aidoo's career, her fiction highlights romantic love as the human relationship that has the greatest potential to achieve social justice, since it often transgresses boundaries of ethnicity, race, class, and various social taboos. At a personal level, union through love represents a reconciliation of broader political differences. In this sense, as in a range of others to be considered, the personal is shown to be political. Romantic love in Aidoo's project, furthermore, has the catalytic potential to transform and bring into congruence disjunct social relations, which, in a postcolonial context, disproportionately impact the lives of African women. The earliest recognition of the significance of eros in Aidoo's meditation was an unconscious one, where she echoed the dominant assumption of the African literary scene at the time, which saw love as a trivial personal concern. In a provocative self-critique, Aidoo reverses her earlier position when she acknowledges her own preoccupation with love across her career. A careful study of Aidoo's work suggests, however, that despite its power, romantic love finally is beset by obstacles to its realization, which leave social barriers in place and patriarchal structures untransformed. This black-eyed squint clearly does not see the world through rose-tinted glasses.

The Contribution of Oja in Pregnancy with Special Reference to Immuno-Modulation

Abstract: Pregnancy is one of the most significant stages in a woman's life. It refers to the time when a fetus develops inside a woman's uterus or womb. The gestation period lasts around 40 weeks from the beginning of the last menstrual period(LMP). Ayurved has mentioned a novel concept known as Oja. Oja is one of the most crucial component responsible for the up keep and nourishment of life. It is supposed to be in the heart and operates through out the entire body. Oja manages and oversees the body's whole operational system. Different Acharyas have identified Oja as Sarvadhatu Sara (essence of all Dhatus), Shukravishesha(energy), Jeevashonita (blood), Prana (vital energy), Bala(strength), Shleshma(mucus), Jeeva(life),Ushma (warmth) and so on. They have also considered Oja as Upadhatu (sub tissue) and its Vikruta Avastha (disorder)is Mala. Ayurveda explains the significance of Oja in the process of fertilisation, implantation, growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy. We can reconcile the current concept of immuno - modulation in pregnancy with our ancient theory of Oja. According to contemporary science,the immune system plays an important role in the preservation of pregnancy.

Effects of pilates exercise on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women: A quasi experimental study

Background: Menopause is an unspoken, unattended, reality of life, the cause of which is still undeciphered completely by human. Women can enjoy good quality of life after menopause even without hormones as exercise works by improving muscle mass, strength, flexibility and coordination. Pilates exercise has grown in popularity as a result of profound effects that it has had on both healthy and injured bodies. Nowadays Pilates exercise more formally into rehabilitation from more medical perspective. Aim: To assess the effect of Pilates exercises on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women. Materials and Methods: A Study was performed on a total of 30 women. Subjects matching the inclusion criteria with age group 45-55 years were included for the study. They performed pilates exercise, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-specific Quality of Life were used as outcome measures to assess the pre and post effect of exercises. Data was analyzed using SPSS software 28. Results and Discussion: There is a statistically significant difference in the outcomes of pre and post intervention. Paired t test was performed. Conclusion: It is concluded that the Pilates training program in menopausal women helps to improve their quality of life and also beneficial in reducing the symptoms of menopause.

Menopausal wellbeing: navigating quality of life and osteoporosis risk

BackgroundMultifaceted dimensions influence the quality of life among post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by fragile bones, poses a significant risk, potentially leading to fractures and decreased wellbeing. This study aims to assess the quality of life of postmenopausal women, its determinants, and also the risk of osteoporosis among them.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done among 379 post-menopausal women residing in rural and urban areas of Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. They were selected by probability proportional to size sampling from 10 clusters. Quality of life was measured using MENQOL-I questionnaire and osteoporosis risk assessment was done using OSTA score.ResultsThe study participants had a mean age of 60 years, (standard deviation of 6.83 years). On average, menopause occurred at 50.58 years (standard deviation of 4.28 years). The most common symptoms impacting quality of life among postmenopausal women were psychosocial symptoms, followed by physical and vasomotor symptoms. Furthermore, a high proportion (63.6%) of participants were at risk for osteoporosis. History of fracture, concern of falling, marital status and having an insurance, are factors associated with various domains of quality of life.ConclusionThis study underscores the complex interplay of demographic factors, menopausal experiences, and their impact on the participants' quality of life. The prevalence of psychosocial symptoms and the significant risk of osteoporosis call for tailored healthcare interventions. Postmenopausal women with history of fracture, high concern of fall and single women require special attention. Encouraging women to take up selfcare practices will help during the menopausal transition to have a good quality of life.

Conservative Interventions for Urinary Incontinence on Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common in postpartum women and can lead to a reduced quality of life and withdrawal from fitness and exercise activities. Conservative management interventions such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), use of vaginal cones, and biofeedback have been recommended as first-line treatment. We aimed to explore the effects of conservative interventions on UI rate, severity, and incontinence-specific quality of life in postpartum women with UI. Nine databases were searched from inception to August 2022: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biological Medicine, and VIP Journal Integration Platform. Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of conservative interventions on postpartum UI were included. Initial searches produced 1839 results, of which 17 studies were eligible. All included studies had a low to moderate risk of bias. Supervised PFMT and use of a vaginal cone were more effective than individual PFMT in decreasing rates of UI (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.61). Individual PFMT combined with acupuncture (mean difference, -1.91; 95% CI, -2.46 to -1.37) or electroacupuncture and supervised PFMT combined with moxibustion were more effective than individual supervised PFMT alone in improving the severity of symptoms. Furthermore, electrical stimulation and biofeedback combined with acupoint stimulation or core training were more effective than electrical stimulation and biofeedback alone. For improving the incontinence-specific quality of life, supervised PFMT was more efficacious than individual PFMT; electrical stimulation and biofeedback plus core training were more beneficial than electrical stimulation and biofeedback alone. Supervised PFMT and use of a vaginal cone were more beneficial in decreasing rates of UI compared with individual PFMT. Superior effects in decreasing UI severity may be achieved by combining PFMT or electrical simulation and biofeedback with other therapies. Electrical stimulation and biofeedback plus core training, as well as supervised PFMT, are most effective in improving incontinence-specific quality of life. Further research is required to provide more evidence on the efficacy of these therapies.

Migration, Human Trafficking, Sexploitation and Trauma in Amma Darko’s Beyond The Horizon

Human trafficking and sexploitation have become prevalent migration configurations in Africa that often plunges the victims into harrowing mental, emotional, and physical trauma. This paper aims at portraying African female immigrants’ experiences in Amma Darko’s Beyond the Horizon projecting the female migrant characters as victims of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and economic exploitation in the hands of their selfish and egoistic husbands. Given the complexities of the lives of African women who immigrate to Europe and get caught in a spider’s web of prostitution and pornography, the fictionalized German universe in the text reveals that Europe is not the “Eldorado” where milk and honey flows in abundance as perceived by most Africans. The paper’s analysis employs a feminist analytical framework to examine the objectification and commodification of the black female body. It submits that, despite their traumatic experiences, these African immigrant women assert their sexuality by challenging the status quo thereby obtaining for themselves an emancipated female agency that allows them to take control of their own bodies as well as their financial gains.

A plain language summary of the perspectives of women who were interviewed about their experiences with uterine fibroids.

This summary describes what researchers learned during interviews of women with uterine fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding (or period bleeding). At this time, little is known about how women perceive the impact of uterine fibroids on their lives and more information is needed. The goal of this study was to provide new information about the symptoms women have and how these symptoms affect their everyday lives. These interviews were done to better understand how uterine fibroid symptoms affect the lives of women in their own words. Thirty women from the United States, who had completed a clinical trial for a new treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding and uterine fibroids, agreed to be interviewed. The women described what their experiences with uterine fibroids were and the impact these experiences with uterine fibroids had on their lives before participating in the clinical trial. The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids the women described were heavy bleeding with their menstrual periods, pain in the pelvis or groin area, the passing of blood clots, and anemia (or low hemoglobin in red blood cells). Women said their symptoms affected them physically, emotionally, socially, and financially. They also said their symptoms made it hard to do daily activities, sleep, have a sex life, and go to work or school. Women who have heavy menstrual bleeding and uterine fibroids experience various uterine fibroid symptoms, and these symptoms affect most parts of the their lives.

The effect of social network based motivational interviewing on health behaviors among infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the commonest and complex endocrine disorders in females of reproductive age. Attention to self-care behaviors such as health-promoting behaviors can improve physiological and psychological conditions in women with PCOS. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Social Network-Based Motivational Interviewing on health-promoting behaviors and quality of life of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In this randomized controlled trial, 60 infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly selected and assigned to the interventio (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). Participants in the control group received routine care. Those in the intervention group received five motivational group sessions in WhatsApp, which were conducted in five groups of six participants each. The data related to health-promoting behaviors and quality of life were collected through an online questionnaire. Both groups were followed up immediately and 2 months after the intervention. Data collected in the two stages were analyzed using the paired-samples t-test, Chi-square, and repeated measures analysis. No significant difference was observed between the two groups before the intervention means health-promoting behaviors and quality of life scores (p>0.05). Immediately and two months after the intervention, the mean scores of health-promoting behaviors and their domains increased in the intervention group. This increase is statistically compared to the first test, and the scores obtained by the control group in the second (p< 0.001, ES = 1.5) and the third test (p< 0.001, ES= 1.3) were significant. The score of the quality of life variable increase was not statistically significant compared to the first test and also to the scores obtained by the control group. However According to the Generalized estimating equations (GEE) test, the changes in quality of life score between the two groups in the three stages of measurement are statistically significant. WhatsApp support increases the health-promoting self-care behaviors rate and has favorable effects on follow-up.Trial registration: Iranian Registry for Clinical Trial (the link to trial: https://www.irct.ir/trial/48089 ). Registered August 11 2020.

Validation of the Lithuanian version of the Prolapse Quality-of-Life questionnaire.

We aimed to translate and validate the Lithuanian version of the Prolapse Quality-of-Life (P-QOL) questionnaire. The P-QOL questionnaire was translated into Lithuanian and administered to women recruited from a gynaecology outpatient clinic at a tertiary referral centre. The scores of the final version were compared in symptomatic (n = 137) and asymptomatic (n = 137) women and with findings on vaginal examination using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system. The reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha and by performing a test-retest analysis. There was a significant difference in median score for each P-QOL domain between symptomatic and asymptomatic women (p < 0.001). P-QOL scores correlated significantly with the stage of urogenital prolapse in most domains. High internal consistency was shown in all domains with a Cronbach's alpha range of0.775to0.958, except for the "social limitations" domain, which was shown to be acceptable (0.647). Test-retest reliability was also highin all domains (p < 0.05). The Lithuanian version of the P-QOL questionnaire has proven to be a valid, reliable and easily comprehensible instrument for assessing symptom severity and impact on the quality of life of Lithuanian-speaking women with urogenital prolapse.

Differentiated approach to the choice of therapy for stress urinary incontinence in women with pelvic floor dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Among the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence is common in young patients. Stress urinary incontinence disrupts psychological health, sexual and social life. The effectiveness of modern conservative treatments for mild stress urinary incontinence in women of reproductive and perimenopausal age is being studied to prevent disease progression and improve the quality of life. AIM: The aim of this study was a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training using the Tyulpan laser vaginal simulator and paraurethral injections of a high-density hyaluronic biopolymer for the correction of stress urinary incontinence in women of reproductive and perimenopausal age with pelvic floor dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 82 patients aged 43.35 ± 6.25 years with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence combined with grade I to II genital prolapse. After general clinical and special studies, including voiding diaries, Urgency Bother Visual Analogue Scale, cough test, ultrasound of the urethrovesical junction and pelvic floor, 41 women were prescribed a course of remote pelvic floor muscle training under medical supervision using the Tyulpan laser vaginal simulator (group I). 41 patients underwent paraurethral injection of 4.0 ml of high-density hyaluronic biopolymer crosslinked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (group II). The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated one, six and 12 months after the start of treatment. RESULTS: After one month, the absence of stress urinary incontinence episodes based on voiding diaries was found in 29.4% of patients in group I and in 85.4% of patients in group II (2.9 times more often) (p 0.001); after 12 months, in 73.1% of patients in group I and in 36.4% of patients in group II (half as often) (p = 0.011). After one month, a negative cough test was detected in 65.0% of women in group I and in 92.1% of women in group II (1.4 times more often) (p = 0.023). After six months, the results of treatment for stress urinary incontinence based on the cough test were not different and amounted to 80.0% in group I and 71.9% in group II (p = 0.725). When assessing the pelvic floor muscle strength using the Oxford Scale and perineometry, an increase in strength after one and six months was detected in 100% of patients in group I (p 0.001). Both techniques equally reduced urethral mobility as measured by ultrasound over the one-month follow-up. Pelvic floor muscle training more significantly improved the quality of life of women 12 months after the start of therapy (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of high-density hyaluronic biopolymer leads to a rapid and pronounced positive result in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and an improvement in the quality of life in the short term; it is recommended for patients interested in quickly achieving results, informed about the limited duration of the effect. Regular training of the pelvic floor muscles in biofeedback mode under the remote control of a doctor contributes to better results in the long term. This method is recommended for women who are able to contract the pelvic floor muscles and are ready for regular exercise.

Impact of Laser Therapy on the Quality of Life in Women Living With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Associated Hirsutism: An Observational Study

Impact of Laser Therapy on the Quality of Life in Women Living With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Associated Hirsutism: An Observational Study

Neo-liberal Narratives or Neo-orientalism: Reflections from Post-9/11 American Novel on Arab Woman

This study argues for an articulation of ‘neo-orientalism’ in order to situate neoliberal agendas (ideology) as an expression of neo-orientalist discourse in a globalized world. Analysis explores these attitudes on the status of Arab Muslim woman by referring to The Dawn by Homa Pourasgari (2009), which extensively elaborates on the dichotomous comparison between the oppressive East and the neoliberal West and how that is reflected in the life of Arab woman. This study on the status of Arab woman in Islam reflects on narrative writers’ attitudes related to neoliberal ideology, religion, and geo-politics and to prove the necessity for an analysis based on conventional selection of subject matter. Focusing on neoliberal thought, the study details how neoliberal ideology operates from above, akin to a form of military intervention, and below, attracting minds and hearts, through a full-blown cultural program to exercise neoliberal influence, while penalizing societies that refuse to participate. Therefore, neo-orientalist discourse is governed by the brutal instrumentalist tools of liberalization, democratization, and modernity. Neo-orientalist discourse implements these terms through the terminology of neoliberal logic; it is a form of convergent rhetoric that holds practices and discourses of both to establish a ground for geo-political and cultural dominance.

Family-oriented care and health-related quality of life for women with gynaecological cancer: A cross-sectional mixed-method study.

This study aims to describe the experiences of women with gynaecological cancer regarding family-oriented care (FOC) and how they rated their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using a 15D instrument (15D©). A cross-sectional mixed-method study. The data were collected by electronic surveys of two Finnish cancer associations from gynaecological cancer patients (n = 53). The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The HRQoL answers were analysed statistically using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27). The results emphasized that FOC is not yet part of the care process. Furthermore, comprehensive encounters are lacking, and the experience of being a woman is forgotten during the care process. The results of the HRQoL analysis suggest that distress and the discomfort and symptoms of cancer patients are perceived as significant factors affecting their quality of life during different phases of treatment. Family status also has an impact on perceived quality of life, whereby those living alone gave worse ratings for the depression and vitality dimensions. In part, the quantitative and qualitative data supported each other, but the descriptions provided a more comprehensive view of issues that affect women in a more multidimensional way, such as sexual health issues. More research on the effectiveness of FOC is needed to develop the capacity for effective healthcare. This study was able to identify important areas for improvement in clinical practice from the perspective of patients and their families. This study was prepared and reported according to the STROBE checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Analysis of LGBTQ+ Representation in Indian Graphic Novels: A Case Study of Kari by Amruta Patil

The past decade has seen the Indian graphic novel undergo a transformation, turning from a niche market into a vibrant and diverse form of storytelling. The study aims to analyze LGBTQ+ representation in Kari and place it in the overall phenomenon of Indian graphic novels. The methodology included the major theoretical concepts used to analyze the graphic novel and a blend of them: queer theory – “which involves views on this construction by examining the normalization of sexuality”; thematic analysis – a “means of conceptually organizing and structuring the narrative data obtained through interviews. It involves stripping away the details and unique aspects of the text of its read-down meaning”; and analysis of author’s interviews and reviews. The study attempts to summarize findings into gender, sexuality, and sexuality in the Indian context. The paper is an understanding of Indian culture and the changing discourse around LGBTQ+ rights and representation. The novel gives a voice to a narrative that has long been silent – the life of a lesbian woman in a conservative society – by ending the invisibility that surrounds their lives through in a traditional poetic narrative.

Effect of complex decongestive therapy on frailty and quality of life in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema: the before-and-after treatment study

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) on the severity of frailty and quality of life in individuals suffering from postmastectomy lymphedema syndrome.MethodsParticipants who met the inclusion criteria were informed about CDT and informed consent was obtained. Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS), extremity volüme (EV), lymphedema stage(LS), EQ-5D General Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D-5L), and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were evaluated by the same physician before and after treatment. A total of 15 sessions of CDT were performed for 3 weeks, five days a week. During the treatment period, hospitalized patients received guidance from a nurse on protecting the affected arm in their daily routine.ResultsEighty patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Following a period of 3 weeks of practice and training, the specialist physician conducted the final evaluation and assessments. All patients showed a statistically significant reduction in EV, and regression in LS, EFS, and Quick DASH score (p&amp;lt;0.001). Statistically significant improvement was also observed in quality of life and general health status. (p&amp;lt;0.001).ConclusionThe application of 15 sessions of CDT and educational interventions to women with postmastectomy lymphedema syndrome due to breast cancer yielded positive outcomes. This approach led to an enhancement in patients’ functional capacity, improving their quality of life and a subsequent reduction in the severity of frailty.

Subjugation of Indian Women in Anita Nair's Ladies Coupe

Perhaps Anita Nair is a famous postmodern Indian English writer. She writes about the lives of women on streets in her latest book, Women car. The primary focus of this novel is to explore the oppression of Indian men in society through self-discovery. Women coupe here implies a segment saved for ladies within the prepare. In the within the synonyms post-colonial period, most of these books were about the freedom of women and their problems in Indian society. The prevalent nature of Indian society meant that men saw themselves as dominant and ranked second to women, surpassing them. Indian English fiction reflects society. The focus of this article is on women's ongoing emancipation and eventual discovery of themselves.

Gender Differences in Psycho-Emotional State and Quality of Life in Patients 3 Months after Pneumonia COVID-19

Background: there is the different susceptibility to viral infections, course of the disease, reaction to stress and quality of life (QoL) in men and women. The aim of this study is to identify the psycho-emotional state and QoL characteristics of women and men in 3 months after COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients and methods: during the cross-sectional study within the framework of the prospective cohort study “Prospective follow-up of patients after COVID-19-associated pneumonia”, 133 patients (54.1% women; mean age 54 ± 9 years) were examined by experimental psychological method (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSS-10, SF-36). The mental health was assessed by a psychiatrist, the cardiovascular system — by a cardiologist. Results: women were more likely to have psychoemotional disorders (p = 0.011) and symptoms of depression (p = 0.030). All indicators of QoL were higher among men. In women, a decrease in the scores on the vital activity scale increased the frequency of detecting signs of anxiety, depression (p = 0.004) and stress, an increase in the values on the social functioning scale showed an association with severe lung damage in the acute period of the disease (p = 0.024). In men, a decrease in pain intensity indicators is associated with the detection of mental disorders (p = 0.039) and the appointment of psychotropic therapy (p = 0.005). The severity of stress was observed with a decrease in values on all scales of the QoL questionnaire. The older age of the examined was determined with a decrease in the indicators of the physical component of health (p = 0.006) and other physical aspects of QoL. Conclusion: the mental state differs significantly in men and women 3 months after COVID-19 pneumonia. QoL of both sexes is associated with stress. In women, QoL depends on the mental state, in men depends on physical well-being. The results obtained can be applied in the planning of rehabilitation measures taking into account gender characteristics.

Hybrid machine learning-based breast cancer segmentation framework using ultrasound images with optimal weighted features.

One of the most dangerous conditions in clinical practice is breast cancer because it affects the entire life of women in recent days. Nevertheless, the existing techniques for diagnosing breast cancer are complicated, expensive, and inaccurate. Many trans-disciplinary and computerized systems are recently created to prevent human errors in both quantification and diagnosis. Ultrasonography is a crucial imaging technique for cancer detection. Therefore, it is essential to develop a system that enables the healthcare sector to rapidly and effectively detect breast cancer. Due to its benefits in predicting crucial feature identification from complicated breast cancer datasets, machine learning is widely employed in the categorization of breast cancer patterns. The performance of machine learning models is limited by the absence of a successful feature enhancement strategy. There are a few issues that need to be handled with the traditional breast cancer detection method. Thus, a novel breast cancer detection model is designed based on machine learning approaches and employing ultrasonic images. At first, ultrasound images utilized for the analysis is acquired from the benchmark resources and offered as the input to preprocessing phase. The images are preprocessed by utilizing a filtering and contrast enhancement approach and attained the preprocessed image. Then, the preprocessed images are subjected to the segmentation phase. In this phase, segmentation is performed by employing Fuzzy C-Means, active counter, and watershed algorithm and also attained the segmented images. Later, the segmented images are provided to the pixel selection phase. Here, the pixels are selected by the developed hybrid model Conglomerated Aphid with Galactic Swarm Optimization (CAGSO) to attain the final segmented pixels. Then, the selected segmented pixel is fed in to feature extraction phase for attaining the shape features and the textual features. Further, the acquired features are offered to the optimal weighted feature selection phase, and also their weights are tuned tune by the developed CAGSO. Finally, the optimal weighted features are offered to the breast cancer detection phase. Finally, the developed breast cancer detection model secured an enhanced performance rate than the classical approaches throughout the experimental analysis.

Comparing Relationship Satisfaction and Body-Image-Related Quality of Life in Pregnant Women with Planned and Unplanned Pregnancies

Comparing Relationship Satisfaction and Body-Image-Related Quality of Life in Pregnant Women with Planned and Unplanned Pregnancies