Non-pregnant Women Of Reproductive Age Research Articles

Folate Deficiency Is Spatially Dependent and Associated with Local Farming Systems among Women in Ethiopia

ABSTRACTBackgroundFolate is essential for the synthesis and integrity of DNA, normal cell formation, and body growth. Folate deficiency among women of reproductive age (WRA) increases the risk of poor birth outcomes including neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies. Folate status is largely dependent on dietary intakes.ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the spatial distribution of biomarkers of folate status and their association with farming systems among nonpregnant WRA in Ethiopia.MethodsSerum and RBC folate concentration data were derived from the Ethiopia National Micronutrient Survey of 2015. The spatial dependencies of folate concentration of WRA were investigated and its relation with the dominant local farming system was explored.ResultsThe median serum folate and RBC folate concentrations were 12.3 nmol/L and 567.3 nmol/L, respectively. The national prevalence of folate deficiency using homocysteine concentration as a metabolic indicator based on serum and RBC folate concentration was 11.6% and 5.7%, respectively. The majority of women (77.9%) had low RBC folate concentrations consistent with increased risk of NTD-affected pregnancies. Folate nutrition was spatially dependent at distances of ≤ 300 km. A marked variability in folate concentration was observed between farming systems: greater RBC folate concentration (median: 1036 nmol/L) was found among women from the Lake Tana fish-based system, whereas the lowest RBC folate concentration (median: 386.7 nmol/L) was observed in the highland sorghum chat mixed system.ConclusionsThe majority (78%) of WRA in Ethiopia had low folate status potentially increasing the risk of NTD-affected pregnancies. These findings may help national and subnational nutrition intervention strategies to target the most affected areas in the country.

Co-Occurrence of Overweight/Obesity, Anemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies among Non-Pregnant Women of Reproductive Age in Ghana: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey.

Overweight/obesity (OWOB) often co-occurs with anemia or micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Ghana; identifying the risk factors of these conditions is essential for prevention. We aimed to examine the prevalence of OWOB, anemia, and MNDs and their co-occurrence and risk factors among non-pregnant women 15–49 years of age in Ghana. Data were from a 2017 two-stage national survey of 1063 women. We estimated the weighted prevalence of single and co-occurring malnutrition, and used logistic regression to explore risk factors. The prevalence of OWOB, anemia, and ≥1 MND was 39%, 22%, and 62%, respectively; that of OWOB co-occurring with anemia was 6.7%, and OWOB co-occurring with ≥1 MND was 23.6%. There was no significant difference between observed and expected prevalence of co-occurrence OWOB with anemia or MND. Risk factors were: living in southern (vs. northern) belt, high- (vs. low-) wealth household, being ≥ 25 years old, and being married (vs. single) for OWOB, and living in northern (vs. southern) belt and medium- (vs. low-) wealth household for anemia and ≥1 MND, respectively. Different interventions are required for addressing OWOB in WRA than those for anemia and MNDs.

124 A cross-country comparison of the impact of covid-19 on socioeconomical, psychological, and relational well-being of pregnant and non-pregnant women in latvia and portugal

Introduction and aims of the study: Since March 2020, the entire world has been experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exerted influence on the lives of populations worldwide, pregnant women included. This study examined the impact of COVID-19 and related restrictions on socioeconomical, psychological, and relational indices of well-being of pregnant and non-pregnant reproductive-age women in two European countries. Methods: As a part of the international multi-country study I-SHARE, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Latvia and Portugal in periods of similar COVID-related restrictions (Latvia: July-October 2020; Portugal: September-October 2020).

ОСОБЕННОСТИ СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ ПРИ НАРУШЕНИИ В АКУШЕРСКО-ГИНЕКОЛОГИЧЕСКОМ СТАТУСЕ У ЖЕНЩИН С ОТЕКАМИ, ВЫЗВАННЫМИ БЕРЕМЕННОСТЬЮ

Introduction. The course of dental diseases in pregnant women is significantly affected by extragenital pathology, recorded in 95% of pregnant women and 40% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age.
 Objectives: to identify the relationship between changes in obstetric and gynecological status in women with edema caused by pregnancy and the frequency of dental diseases.
 Materials and methods. The study groups included 127 pregnant women, including 79 women with edema caused by pregnancy, which made up the 1st group and 48 women with the physiological course of pregnancy, who were included in the 2nd group. The dental status (indices of the CPU, PMA, IZN, the structure of gingivitis), anthropometric data, somatic complications, the results of a general blood test, analysis of coagulogram indicators, analysis of biochemical parameters of the blood of pregnant women, and a general analysis of urine were studied.
 Conclusion. When studying the relationship between dental status and somatic obstetric and gynecological pathology in pregnant women with diagnosed edema caused by pregnancy, gingivitis is often recorded in the oral cavity, the prevalence of diseases of the urinary system, which were detected in 36.7%, was diagnosed in second place, chronic arterial hypertension 15.2%, in the third – iron deficiency anemia 13.9%. Our data indicate that the complication of the course of the third trimester of pregnancy with edema is accompanied by a deterioration in periodontal status, oral hygiene, and a 100% prevalence of gingivitis.

Effect of alcohol consumption on haemoglobin level among non-pregnant reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of alcohol consumption on haemoglobin levels among non-pregnant reproductive age women using national representative data.MethodA secondary data analysis was conducted...

Geographic and Ethnic Variations in Serum Concentrations of Legacy Persistent Organic Pollutants among Men in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Arctic Russia.

The overwhelming majority of Arctic biomonitoring studies in humans include either pregnant or non-pregnant women of reproductive age while little attention is paid to toxic compounds concentrations in men. This study contributes with information of the present amounts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in men living in Arctic Russia. We studied the serum concentrations of 11 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and some of their metabolites in samples collected from 92 adult men (mean age 43 years) from seven different settlements in Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO). The median concentrations of individual PCB congeners increased in the order PCB 183, PCB 180, PCB 118, PCB 138, PCB 153. The concentrations of o, p′-DDD, p, p′-DDD, aldrin, mirex and 1,2,3,5-TCB were in most cases below the quantification limit. The observed concentrations of PCBs and chlorinated pesticides were in the same range as those found in similar groups of women of these territories, but lower than of men in other Arctic countries. However, significant geographic differences between the settlements were observed with exceptionally high concentrations of PCBs in the Islands group. The highest serum ∑PCBs and β-HCH levels were observed in adult males aged 60–78 years. We found significant variations in serum concentrations of POPs across settlements and ethnic groups with exceptionally high concentrations of PCBs among the residents of the Arctic islands. At the same time, our findings suggest a considerable decrease in serum concentration of POPs over the last decade.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pregnant Women: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of Data From the COVID-19 Registry Japan.

BackgroundSeveral studies have investigated whether pregnancy is a risk factor for developing severe COVID-19; however, the results remain controversial. In addition, the information regarding risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 in pregnant women is limited.MethodsA retrospective cohort study analyzing the data from the nationwide COVID-19 registry in Japan was conducted. Propensity score matched analysis was performed to compare COVID-19 severity between pregnant and nonpregnant women. Multivariate analysis was also conducted to evaluate risk factors for developing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 in pregnant women.ResultsDuring the study period, 254 pregnant and 3752 nonpregnant women of reproductive age were identified. After propensity score matching, 187 pregnant women and 935 nonpregnant women were selected. A composite outcome of moderate-to-severe COVID-19 was more frequently observed in pregnant women than that of nonpregnant women (n=18, 9.6% vs. n=46, 4.9%; P=0.0155). In multivariate analysis, the presence of underlying diseases and being in the second-to-third trimester of pregnancy were recognized as risk factors for moderate-to-severe COVID-19 in pregnant women (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 5.295 [1.21-23.069] and 3.871 [1.201-12.477], respectively).ConclusionsPregnancy could be a risk factor for moderate-to-severe COVID-19 for women in Japan. In addition to the presence of comorbidities, advanced pregnancy stages may contribute to greater risks for developing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 in pregnant women.

Four out of ten married women utilized modern contraceptive method in Ethiopia: A Multilevel analysis of the 2019 Ethiopia mini demographic and health survey.

Modern contraceptive method is a product or medical procedure that interferes with reproduction from acts of sexual intercourse. Globally in 2019, 44% of women of reproductive age were using a modern method of contraception but it was 29% in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the main aim of this analysis was to assess the prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among married women in Ethiopia. The current study used the 2019 Ethiopia mini demographic and health survey dataset. Both descriptive and multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis were done using STATA version 14. A p-value of less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were used to report statistically significant factors with modern contraceptive utilization. The overall modern contraceptive utilization among married women in Ethiopia was 38.7% (95% CI: 37.3% to 40.0%). Among the modern contraceptive methods, injectables were the most widely utilized modern contraceptive method (22.82%) followed by implants (9.65%) and pills (2.71%). Maternal age, educational level, wealth index, number of living children, number of births in the last three years, number of under 5 children in the household, religion, and geographic region were independent predictors of modern contraceptive utilization. In the current study only four out of ten married non-pregnant women of reproductive age utilized modern contraceptive methods. Furthermore, the study has identified both individual and community-level factors that can affect the utilization of modern contraceptive methods by married women in the country. Therefore, concerned bodies need to improve access to reproductive health services, empower women through community-based approaches, and minimize region wise discrepancy to optimize the utilization.

Clinical outcomes of dengue virus infection in pregnant and non-pregnant women of reproductive age: a retrospective cohort study from 2016 to 2019 in Paran\xe1, Brazil

BackgroundThe increasing number of dengue cases worldwide implies a greater exposure of at-risk groups, such as pregnant women. DENV infection during pregnancy has been increasingly associated with unfavorable outcomes, but the evolution of the disease and its clinical outcomes remain unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize dengue cases in reproductive aged women by comparing the development of the disease in pregnant and non-pregnant women.MethodsA population based retrospective cohort study that used data reported in the Brazilian Mandatory Notifiable Diseases Information System from 2016 to 2019 in Paraná, Brazil. We compared sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory variables between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Hospitalization and disease severity classification (Dengue, Dengue with warning signs, Severe Dengue) were considered outcome variables.ResultsThe two groups had differences in the year of notification, age distribution, and region of residence. Laboratory investigation was more frequent among pregnant women, and DENV-2 prevailed in both groups. The risks of hospitalization and development of Severe Dengue were higher in pregnant women. There were no deaths observed among pregnant women.ConclusionThis study identified pregnancy as a risk factor for an increase in the severity of DENV infection. It reinforces the importance of identifying early signs of complication, close monitoring, and adequate treatment for pregnant women.

Anaemia and associated factors among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Ethiopia

Background/Aims Anaemia is a common health problem that has devastating consequences for women of reproductive age. Studies have indicated that anaemia among women of reproductive age contributes to a higher risk of unfavourable pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and mental impairment. The aetiology of anaemia in Ethiopia is not well established and there is a lack of evidence, particularly in the case of non-pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia and associated factors among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Methods The dataset from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey was used with the authorisation and permission of the Ethiopia Central Statistics Authority. A total of 13 436 non-pregnant women were included. Data were processed and analysed using STATA-14 format. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to determine anaemia's association with different predictors. Variables with P<0.25 in bivariate analysis were selected as candidate variables for the final model to control for confounding variables. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance at P<0.05. Results The prevalence of anaemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Ethiopia was 26.3%. Locally, the highest (59.2%) and lowest (15.8%) prevalences of anaemia were recorded in Somali and Addis Ababa respectively and a quarter (25.0%) of rural residents were anaemic. Multivariate analysis showed that anaemia was negatively associated with being a from high- or middle-income family (P=0.001), having a job (P=0.001), using hormonal methods of family planning (P=0.001) and having a normal body mass index (P=0.009). However, being married (P=0.001), having had at least one child (P<0.05) and living in a rural residence (P=0.022) were positively associated with anaemia. Conclusions Anaemia is a common public health problem among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Economic status, place of residence, birth frequency and household size were significantly associated with anaemia among the participants. Therefore, to reduce anaemia prevalence among women of reproductive age in a sustainable manner in Ethiopia, different strategies and interventions methods such as iron-folic supplementation before pregnancy and nutrition education on iron-rich food and environmental hygiene should be strengthened.

The link between indoor air pollution from cooking fuels and anemia status among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Ethiopia.

Objective:The effect of indoor air pollution from different fuel types on the anemia status among non-pregnant women is rarely studied. This study aimed to assess the link between indoor air pollution from different fuel types and anemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive ages in Ethiopia.Method:The secondary data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data have been employed for this study. The anemia status of women in reproductive age was the outcome variable with multiple outcomes as (moderate to severe, mild, and no anemia) and households using biomass fuel and clean fuel were selected for this study. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to estimate the association of biomass fuel use with the anemia status controlling for the predictor variables. Relative risk ratio was calculated at 95% confidence interval. An independent-sample t-test was used to assess the mean difference in blood hemoglobin level (g/dL) between the two fuel users. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.Result:From the total of 10,961 participants included in this study, the proportion of anemia in women of non-reproductive age was 41.8% and 19.4% among biomass fuel and clean fuel users, respectively, with a mean blood hemoglobin level of 12.71 (±1.81) g/dL. In the final model, women using biomass fuel for cooking were 47% more likely to have mild anemia than households who use cleaner fuels, whereas the association was insignificant for moderate to severe anemia. Biomass fuel users were also found to have 5.8 g/dL lower blood hemoglobin level than the clean fuel user (p < 0.001).Conclusion:The use of biomass fuel was associated with reduced blood hemoglobin levels and significantly associated with mild anemia levels in women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. National efforts should be in place to reduce indoor air pollution from biomass fuels.

The ElectroUteroGraph: A Novel Tool for Assessing Uterine Contractions of Non-Pregnant Women.

Goal: Uterine contractility is known to play significant role in women's health. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging have been used for assessing uterine peristalsis, however they lack practicality, objectivity, and cost-effectiveness. In this paper, the ElectroUteroGraph (EUG) and novel electrodes are introduced, to cover the unmet need of practical intrauterine contractility assessment. The EUG measures biopotentials produced by uterine muscle contraction, similar to the basis of electrocardiography. Methods: The EUG was used to fifteen healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Amplitude and frequency-related features were derived from our recordings. Results: The EUG and novel electrodes did not cause any pain or discomfort to the patients, over their multiple recording sessions. The collected data showed difference between the proliferative and luteal phase of menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The EUG can accurately measure uterine electrical activity, in a simple, standardized, safe and pain-free approach, leading to objective evaluation of uterine peristalsis.

Prevalence and Correlates of Zinc Deficiency Among Vietnamese Women of Reproductive Age in Ho Chi Minh City: A Single Hospital-Based Survey.

Background and Objectives: Zinc is a micronutrient that plays an important role in metabolism, cell growth regulation, and differentiation. Vietnam has many population groups living in poverty. The daily food of Vietnamese people is mainly rice, which contains very little zinc. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of, and factors related to, zinc deficiency in women of reproductive age.Methods and Study Design: The sample population was non-pregnant women of reproductive age (18–49 years old) who visited Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital Gynecological Outpatient Clinic. The subjects were interviewed and data on background characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests (serum zinc concentration, complete blood count, albumin, and ferritin) were collected.Results: The prevalence of zinc deficiency, as defined by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG), was 85% [61/72; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 74–91%], and the prevalence of severe zinc deficiency was 37% (27/72; 95% CI = 26–50%). There were significant associations of albumin concentration, marital status, and past pregnancy history with severe zinc deficiency.Conclusions: More than three-fourths of Vietnamese women of reproductive age had zinc deficiency at our study site in Ho Chi Minh City. This health issue requires greater attention in order to swiftly promote preventive actions, and further surveillance to confirm our study findings.

Racial and ethnic disparities in multimorbidity in non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Lambeth, UK: a data linkage study

BackgroundFew studies have explored ethnic inequalities in physical and mental health in non-pregnant women of reproductive age. We aimed to assess the differences in multimorbidity in women according whether they had been in contact with mental health services or not, and differences in primary care in women according to ethnicity. MethodsIn this data linkage study, we extracted data in May, 2021, from Lambeth DataNet (LDN; anonymised primary care records of residents of the ethnically diverse inner-city London borough of Lambeth), linked to anonymised electronic mental health records (Clinical Record Interactive Search [CRIS] secondary care database), on selected risk factors for morbidity including low or high body-mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, substance misuse, micronutrient deficiencies, and physical health diagnoses for women aged 15–40 years who had received secondary mental health care between January, 2008, and December, 2018, and whose record contained no current or historical antenatal or postnatal codes, and an age-matched comparison cohort (case-to-control ratio of 1:4). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the rate of outcomes across cases in contact with mental health services versus controls, and to explore disparities between different ethnic groups in primary care. CRIS was approved by the Oxfordshire Research Ethics Committee in 2008 (reference 18/SC/0372). Approval for linkage with LDN was granted by Lambeth Clinical Commissioning Group and Information Governance Steering Group. FindingsWe extracted data for 3633 women in contact with mental health services, and 14 532 controls. Women in contact with mental health services (with or without severe mental illness diagnoses) had a higher prevalence of all risk factors and physical health diagnoses studied after adjustment for deprivation and ethnicity than did controls. Women from minority ethnic groups (12 234 [79·0%] of all 15 491 women with data on ethnicity, comprising 5503 [35·5%] who reported as White Other, 2050 [13·2%] as Black, 1011 [6·5%] as Asian, and 3670 [23·7%] as Mixed or Other) were less likely to be diagnosed with depression in primary care than were White British women (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0·66, 95% CI 0·55–0·79; p<0·0001), and Black women were more likely to have a severe mental illness than were White British women (adjusted OR 3·41, 2·63–4·43; p<0·0001). Black and Asian women were less likely to smoke (p<0·0001) or misuse substances (p<0·0001) and more likely to be vitamin D deficient (p<0·0001) than were White British women. Compared with White British women, Black women were more likely to be overweight (adjusted OR 4·56, 3·96–5·24); p<0·0001, be diagnosed with hypertension (8·18, 5·59–12·00; p<0·0001), and have two or more physical health conditions (2·98, 2·19–4·07; p<0·0001) after adjustment for deprivation and severe mental illness diagnoses. InterpretationThe differences in multimorbidity present across ethnic groups with and without mental illness in non-pregnant women without children highlight a need for culturally centered integrative models of care across primary and secondary mental health services. Our data also indicate that there are mental and physical health needs of women in contact with mental health services that are not being met by the current model of service provision. FundingClosing the Gap network.

Characteristics Associated with Prenatal Cannabis Use Vary with Legality of Recreational Cannabis.

Background: Increasing prenatal cannabis use over recent years has been associated with changes in state-level cannabis policies. Yet, how correlates of prenatal cannabis use differ by recreational cannabis legality has not been examined. We aim to estimate prenatal cannabis use prevalence and examine how maternal factors associated with use vary across states with and without recreational cannabis legalization. Methods: In 2020, we performed a cross-sectional analysis using 2018 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data, providing population-level estimates of prenatal cannabis use among included states. Across 14 states, we examined characteristics of prenatal cannabis users via chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models. We present odds ratios (ORs) of prenatal cannabis use, stratified by recreational cannabis legality. Results: Self-reported prenatal cannabis use in states with and without legalized recreational cannabis were 6.29% and 5.22%, respectively. Adjusted analyses found that regardless of recreational cannabis legalization, women who were unmarried, reported Medicaid as their prenatal care insurer, did not receive first trimester prenatal care, or reported having prenatal depression or anxiety were 1-4 times more likely to report prenatal cannabis use. Women residing in states where recreational cannabis was legal were significantly more likely to report concurrent cannabis and tobacco use while pregnant (OR: 8.66, 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.40-13.86) compared with women in states yet to legalize (OR: 5.49, 95% CI, 3.97-7.59). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a need for focused cannabis prevention efforts for nonpregnant women of reproductive age to stop initial uptake of the drug. Additionally, as women in these states were three times more likely to report concurrent cannabis and tobacco use during pregnancy, we recommend that states with recreational cannabis focus on prevention and intervention of cosubstance use among pregnant women.

Pre-conception and prenatal factors influencing gestational weight gain: a prospective study in Tigray\xa0region, northern Ethiopia

BackgroundIn low-income countries, the high prevalence of pre-pregnancy undernutrition remains a challenge for the future health of women and their offspring. On top of good nutrition, adequate gestational weight gain has been recognized as an essential prerequisite for optimal maternal and child health outcomes. However, good-quality data on factors influencing gestational weight gain is lacking. Therefore, this study was aimed to prospectively identify pre-conception and prenatal factors influencing gestational weight gain in Ethiopia.MethodsA population based prospective study was undertaken between February 2018 and January 2019 in the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia. Firstly, the weight of non-pregnant women of reproductive age living in the study area was measured between August and October 2017. Subsequently, eligible pregnant women identified during the study period were included consecutively and followed until birth. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements complemented with secondary data. Gestational weight gain, i.e., the difference between 32 to 36 weeks of gestation and pre-pregnancy weights, was classified as per the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guideline. Linear, spline, and logistic regression models were used to estimate the influence of pre-conception and prenatal factors on gestational weight gain.ResultsThe mean gestational weight gain (standard deviation[SD]) was 10.6 (2.3) kg. Overall, 64.0% (95% CI 60.9, 67.1) of the women did not achieve adequate weight gain. Factors associated with higher gestational weight gain were higher women empowerment (B 0.60, 95% CI 0.06, 1.14), dietary diversity (B 0.39, 95% CI 0.03, 0.76), pre-pregnancy body mass index (B 0.13, 95% CI 0.05, 0.22), and haemoglobin (B 0.54, 95% CI 0.45, 0.64). Additionally, adequate prenatal care (B 0.58, 95% CI 0.28, 0.88) was associated with higher gestational weight gain.ConclusionsAdequate gestational weight gain was not achieved by most women in the study area, primarily not by those who were underweight before pregnancy. Interventions that advance women’s empowerment, dietary quality, pre-pregnancy nutritional status, and prenatal care utilization may improve gestational weight gain and contribute to optimizing maternal and child health outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 On the Development of Premature Labor

Background: According to the literature described, the perinatal results of maternal viral infections during pregnancy could lead to different obstetric complications; pregnant women have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality due to physiological changes in their immune system and cardiopulmonary system. has associated pneumonia in pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes before labor, preterm labor, fetal growth restriction, fetal death, and neonatal death. Methodology: A narrative review was carried out in which databases such as pubmed, science direct, scielo, academic google, among others, were used to search for articles, these were taken from indexed journals in first and second languages. The keywords DECS and MeSH, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, preterm birth and complications were used. Results: It’s no secret that women who are pregnant due to the same condition are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women of reproductive age, and are at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery. Studies report that most cases of prematurity are secondary to respiratory complications and are done in order to preserve maternal health.

Dietary Diversity and Its Associations with Anemia among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Odisha, India

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to examine diet diversity, predictors associated with it, and its associations with anemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in rural India. Baseline data from the Reductions in Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) project were used and included 980 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years from Odisha, India. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) was used to assess diet diversity. Anemia was determined by hemoglobin level and categorized as normal (hemoglobin ≥ 12 g/dL), mild (11 ≤ hemoglobin <12 g/dL) and moderate/severe (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with diet diversity, and multinomial logistic regression for associations between diet diversity and anemia. Forty-four percent of women were classified as having a diverse diet (MDD-W ≥5). Women with higher education level, belonging to a scheduled caste (vs. tribe), and higher body mass index had higher odds of a diversified diet (p < .05 for all). A more diverse diet was associated with 30% of lower odds of mild anemia (odds ratio = 0.7, 95% confidence interval: 0.5–0.98, p = .035), however, no statistically significant associations were found for moderate/severe anemia. Diet diversity was inversely associated with prevalence of mild anemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in rural India.

Validation of Global Diet Quality Score Among Nonpregnant Women of Reproductive Age in India: Findings from the Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study (APCAPS) and the Indian Migration Study (IMS)

BackgroundIn India, there is a need to monitor population-level trends in changes in diet quality in relation to both undernutrition and noncommunicable diseases. ObjectivesWe conducted a study to validate a novel diet quality score in southern India. MethodsWe included data from 3041 nonpregnant women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from 2 studies in India. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) was calculated from 25 food groups (16 healthy; 9 unhealthy), with points for each group based on the frequency and quantity of items consumed in each group. We used Spearman correlations to examine correlations between the GDQS and several nutrient intakes of concern. We examined associations between the GDQS [overall, healthy (GDQS+), and unhealthy (GDQS−) submetrics] and overall nutrient adequacy, micro- and macronutrients, body mass index (BMI), midupper arm circumference, hemoglobin, blood pressure, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol (TC). ResultsThe mean GDQS was 23 points (SD, 3.6; maximum, 46.5). In energy-adjusted models, positive associations were found between the overall GDQS and GDQS+ and intakes of calcium, fiber, folate, iron, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), protein, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), saturated fatty acid (SFA), total fat, and zinc (ρ = 0.12–0.39; P < 0.001). Quintile analyses showed that the GDQS was associated with better nutrient adequacy. At the same time, the GDQS was associated with higher TC, lower HDL, and higher BMI. We found no associations between the GDQS and hypertension. ConclusionsThe GDQS was a useful tool for reflecting overall nutrient adequacy and some lipid measures. Future studies are needed to refine the GDQS for populations who consume large amounts of unhealthy foods, like refined grains, along with healthy foods included in the GDQS.

The effect of depression on reproductive health among women of reproductive age.

While the majority of research on depression, which is classified as a mental health disorder, tends to focus on pregnancy, few studies have investigated the relationship and possible effects of depression on reproductive health. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between depression and reproductive health outcomes in non-pregnant women of reproductive age. This was a case control study that consisted of 301 women who attended gynecology outpatient clinic of a university training and research hospital of South of Turkey between May and November of 2015. This study used the Beck Depression Inventory to evaluate depression level. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS for Windows, version 21.0. According to the outcomes of this study, 33.9% of the women evaluated were found to have depression. In addition, the findings demonstrated that there is a difference between women with and without depression in terms of reproductive health outcomes. Taking into account the current and past records of psychiatric disorders documented during the treatment of women who were attended to in to gynecological clinics, this study further showed that better gynecological wellness can be achieved using short screening scales that can refer women for early diagnosis and treatment.