Psychosocial Factors In Women Research Articles

The effect of exercise training and motivational counselling on physical activity behaviour and psychosocial factors in pregnant women: secondary analyses of the FitMum randomised controlled trial investigating prenatal physical activity

BackgroundA physically active lifestyle is beneficial during pregnancy. However, little is known about physical activity (PA) behaviour and psychosocial factors in women during and after pregnancy. This study examined exercise behavioural regulation, exercise self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, sickness absence and musculoskeletal pain in pregnant women offered either structured supervised exercise training, motivational counselling on PA, or standard prenatal care in the FitMum randomised controlled trial.MethodsTwo hundred and eighteen healthy inactive pregnant women were randomised to structured supervised exercise training (n = 87), motivational counselling on PA (n = 86) or standard prenatal care (n = 45). The women answered the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), the Pregnancy Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (P-ESES-DK) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) at baseline (gestational age (GA) of max 15 weeks), GA 28 and 34 weeks, and one year after delivery. Sickness absence and low back and/or pelvic girdle pain were likewise reported in questionnaires at baseline and GA 28 weeks.ResultsParticipants offered structured supervised exercise training or motivational counselling on PA had higher autonomous motivation for exercise during pregnancy compared with participants receiving standard prenatal care (e.g., difference in intrinsic regulation at GA 28 weeks, structured supervised exercise training vs. standard prenatal care: mean difference in score 0.39 [0.16; 0.64], p < 0.001). Participants offered structured supervised exercise training also had higher exercise self-efficacy during pregnancy (e.g., GA 28 weeks, structured supervised exercise training vs. standard prenatal care: mean difference in score 6.97 [2.05; 12.02], p = 0.005). All participants reported high exercise self-efficacy at baseline and medium exercise self-efficacy during pregnancy and one year after delivery. No differences were found between groups in health-related quality of life, sickness absence or low back and/or pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. No group differences were found one year after delivery.ConclusionStructured supervised exercise training and motivational counselling on PA had important effects on autonomous exercise motivation during pregnancy. Exercise self-efficacy was also increased with structured supervised exercise training compared to standard prenatal care. No group differences in health-related quality of life, sickness absence, or pain were found during and after pregnancy. No effects were found one year post-delivery after intervention cessation.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the Danish National Committee on Health Research Ethics (#H-18011067) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (#P-2019–512). The study adheres to the principles of the Helsinki declaration. Written informed consent was obtained at inclusion.

The role of psychosocial factors in the interprofessional management of women with chronic pelvic pain: A systematic review.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common pain disorder in women associated with negative biopsychosocial consequences. The multifactorial etiology and maintaining aspects of CPP logically require an interprofessional treatment approach. However, the effects of interprofessional treatment strategies on psychosocial factors remain unclear. The study aims to investigate how interprofessional therapy helps to treat psychosocial factors in women with CPP. The systematic review summarizes the current evidence of interprofessional treatment in women with CPP. A systematic literature review was performed in six databases (Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PEDro, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) until February 2023. Studies were selected in a two-step approach applying as inclusion criteria the search combinations of Chronic Pelvic Pain and CPP, synonyms for interprofessional therapies, and for female patients. Studies were excluded if they were not quantitative primary research published in English, if CPP was not defined appropriately, if the study population was not female adult patients, if the interprofessional intervention was not operationalized appropriately, if they were single case studies, and if outcomes did not include at least one of the psychosocial factors pain, depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, fear, or anxiety. Risk of bias of the included studies was rated with the McMaster Critical Review Form. Studies were summarized narratively. The review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391008). Five studies with a total sample size of n = 186 women were included, three of them were uncontrolled retrospective before-after chart review. Only one study used a randomized controlled design, the other study used a non-randomized controlled group. The studies' methodological quality is adequate with perspective of study design. The multiprofessional treatment approaches used in the studies differed with regard to professions involved, therapy methods, and modalities. Psychosocial outcome measures were pain (five studies), depressive symptoms (three studies), and anxiety symptoms (four studies). Although interprofessional treatment strategies for women with CPP are recommended in existing guidelines, available evidence is scarce and does not allow for identification of the best interprofessional treatment approach. The effect on psychosocial factors remains unclear. More research is needed determining the best practice interprofessional treatment option for women with CPP.

Psychosocial Factors of Women Presenting With Myocardial Infarction With or Without Obstructive Coronary Arteries

BackgroundWomen with myocardial infarction (MI) are more likely to have elevated stress levels and depression than men with MI. ObjectivesWe investigated psychosocial factors in women with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and those with MI and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). MethodsWomen with MI enrolled in a multicenter study and completed measures of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-4) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-2) at the time of MI (baseline) and 2 months later. Stress, depression, and changes over time were compared between MI subtypes. ResultsWe included 172 MINOCA and 314 MI-CAD patients. Women with MINOCA were younger (age 59.4 years vs 64.2 years; P < 0.001) and more diverse than those with MI-CAD. Women with MINOCA were less likely to have high stress (Perceived Stress Scale-4 ≥6) at the time of MI (51.0% vs 63.0%; P = 0.021) and at 2 months post-MI (32.5% vs 46.3%; P = 0.019) than women with MI-CAD. There was no difference in elevated depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 ≥2) at the time of MI (36% vs 43%; P = 0.229) or at 2 months post-MI (39% vs 40%; P = 0.999). No differences in the rate of 2-month decline in stress and depression scores were observed between groups. ConclusionsStress and depression are common among women at the time of and 2 months after MI. MINOCA patients were less likely to report high stress compared with MI-CAD patients, but the frequency of elevated depressive symptoms did not differ between the 2 groups. Stress and depressive symptoms decreased in both MI-CAD and MINOCA patients over time.

Is There a Correlation of Cervical Mobility with Clinical Variables and Psychosocial Factors in Women with Migraine?

We aimed to determine the association of cervical range of motion (ROM) with the clinical features of headache and neck pain and psychosocial factors in patients with migraine. Seventy women diagnosed with migraine were questioned regarding migraine onset and frequency, and the presence, frequency, and intensity of self-reported neck pain. These individuals also completed the following questionnaires: Neck Disability Index, Migraine Disability Assessment, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Active cervical ROM was assessed in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes using the Multi-Cervical Unit Rehabilitation® equipment. Potential associations were calculated using Pearson’s correlation test or Spearman’s correlation (p &lt; 0.05). A weak negative correlation was observed between the PHQ-9 scores and sagittal (ρ = −0.30, p = 0.010), frontal (ρ = −0.34, p = 0.004), and transverse (ρ = −0.31, p = 0.009) cervical ROM. No correlation was found between cervical ROM and kinesiophobia, migraine-related disability, neck pain disability, or clinical features of neck pain and migraine (p &gt; 0.05). Our findings indicated that cervical mobility was associated with the severity of depressive symptoms, but not with the clinical variables of migraine and neck pain, kinesiophobia levels, neck pain disability, and migraine-related disability in women with migraine.

[Psychosocial risk factors for cardiovascular disease: gender differences and 22-year dynamics among the population of Siberia (WHO MONICA-Psychosocial Program, HAPIEE)].

To determine the gender differentiation and dynamics for 22 years of psychosocial factors (PSF) of the risk of cardiovascular disease among the population aged 25-64 years in Russia / Siberia (Novosibirsk). Representative samples of the population of the city of Novosibirsk under the program of the World Health Organization "MONICA-MOPSY" in 1994-1995 were examined. III screening (men - 657, women - 870, 25-64 years old); IV screening project HAPIEE in 2003-2005 (men - 576, women - 1074, 45-64 years old) and V screening in 2013-2016. (men - 427, women - 548, 25-44 years old). We used Spielberger tests, MONICA-MOPSY tests, the Breckman - Sim test, the "Knowledge and attitude to your health" questionnaire. In an open population of 25-64 years old, high levels of anxiety (T), depression (D), life exhaustion (LM), and hostility (B) were higher in women than in men. In the group of 55-64 years over 10 years, women have increased personality T, decreased D and LM. Over 22 years, in the group of 25-34 years, men and women decreased T and MI, but D and B increased, while women decreased T, LM and B and D. grew. Low and high close contact indices were higher among men. A low index of social ties prevailed in men, and a high index in women. High levels of stress in the family were more common in women, and at work - in men. For 10 years, the level of stress in the family and at work in men has decreased. Sleep disorders in the population in all age groups were more often in women. It was found that women have significantly higher PSF than men, with the exception of stress at work. The decrease in PSF in women and men in the dynamics.

Intensity of pain, disability and psychosocial factors in women with chronic pelvic pain: crosssectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pelvic pain can be considered one of the main causes of morbidity and functional disability in women. The influence of psychosocial factors on chronic pelvic pain has been little explored in the literature. This study sought to characterize the profile of chronic pelvic pain in women, the presence of psychosocial factors and the association with pain and disability. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included women with chronic pelvic pain. Data on pain, disability and psychosocial factors was collected using specific questionnaires. Analysis of frequency, central tendency and dispersion were presented. Pearson’s correlation test was used to verify the correlation between pain, disability and psychosocial factors. The statistical significance was set as alpha=95%. RESULTS: The study consisted of 25 women, with a mean age of 45.4 years. The mean pain intensity at the time of the assessment was 4.76±3.39. The mean disability was 4.01±2.32. Anxiety presented a mean of 7.16±3.36 and stress 7.04±3.16. The level of disability had a negative correlation with pain intensity (r = -0.474; p=0.017), with the pain severity domain (r=-0.566; p=0.003) and with kinesiophobia (r = -0.550; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Women with chronic pelvic pain had moderate levels of pain intensity and disability. The psychosocial factors with the highest mean score were anxiety and stress. The intensity of pain and disability were correlated with each other and with kinesiophobia.

Abstract # 4285 Acute responses of intracranial macrophages to LPS-induced systemic inflammation in newborn mice

The risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) increases after menopause. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic control, is a strong predictor of CVD. We undertook this study to test the association of ultrasound indices of early carotid atherosclerosis with HRV, symptoms, hormonal conditions, metabolic state, indicators of stress, and psychosocial factors in women at peri- and postmenopause, registering ambulatory R-R interval monitoring.In a cross-sectional design we studied 100 women at peri- and early postmenopause collecting anthropometry, symptoms, stress-related measurements, metabolic variables, cortisol, FSH and estradiol. We evaluated carotid ultrasonographic indices, and HRV was recorded for 4 h calculating time (SDNN, pNN50, rMSSD) and frequency domains (LF, HF, LF/HF) in women according to menopausal stage, estradiol levels, body mass index and waist circumference.Carotid indices were similar in peri- and postmenopausal women. For HRV measurements, SDNN was increased at postmenopause. Women with estradiol levels <109.2 pmol/L had increased intima-media thickness (IMT), resistive index, and systolic diameter. Using multivariate analysis, we found the associations of IMT positively with non-HDL-cholesterol, resistive index positively with LF-HRV, but negatively with effort/reward imbalance, carotid β stiffness index inversely with estradiol, and arterial distensibility positively with HF-HRV and creatinine concentrations, but negatively with non-HDL-cholesterol.Carotid thickness was related mainly with lipid alterations. Indices of early carotid damage were related with various components of HRV as a manifestation of autonomic imbalance, indicating CVD risk. Other factors involved were time since last menses and psychological stress. Low creatinine was associated with diminished carotid distensibility. This suggests that estrogen, lifestyle, behavior and autonomic regulation participate in vascular damage.

Symposium: Endocrine markers and psychosocial factors in women across their reproductive life span: Relevance to mood, sexual function and stress exposure: Time: Friday, 07/Sep/2018: 8:30am–10:30am

Symposium: Endocrine markers and psychosocial factors in women across their reproductive life span: Relevance to mood, sexual function and stress exposure: Time: Friday, 07/Sep/2018: 8:30am–10:30am

Gestation-related psychosocial factors in women from Medellin, Colombia

IntroductionPerinatal stress and the impact generated by adverse conditions could affect fetal development negatively with long term and short term manifestations and could increase the risk of maternal depression. ObjectiveTo determine the psychosocial risk factors present in women with high-obstetric risk and hospitalized in a high complexity institution. MethodsA cross-sectional study that included 112 pregnant or immediate postpartum women, who were evaluated using a scale designed by the researchers and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. ResultsMedian age was 24 (RIC 9) years; 39.3% of the women were pregnant, and 65.9% had a gestational age of more than 28 weeks. The main reason for hospitalization was threat of preterm delivery in 39.2%. 52.4% planned the pregnancy and 22.3% had depressive symptoms compatible with depression. Suicidal ideas and suicide attempts were more prevalent in the first trimester (7.2% and 3.6%). DiscussionThe high prevalence of depressive symptoms in the population studied coincides with what was reported in similar studies in Latin America. The fact that pregnancy does not protect against suicide was confirmed. ConclusionsPsychosocial screening is recommended in every pregnant woman and women in immediate postpartum to detect symptoms and risk factors for depression.

Sex differences in HIV-associated cognitive impairment

We determined whether there are sex differences in the prevalence and profile of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment, and whether sex moderates the effect of HIV-serostatus on neurocognitive impairment among HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals. Secondarily, we assessed whether differences were explained by greater biopsychosocial risk factors in HIV-positive women. An observational cohort study. Analyses included 1361 HIV-positive (204 women) and 702 HIV-negative (214 women) (ages = 18-79 years) participants from the UCSD HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program. Demographically corrected standardized T-scores from 15 neuropsychological tests were used to calculate domain-specific and global deficit scores (GDS). GDS at least 0.5 defined neurocognitive impairment. Biopsychosocial risk factors included low education, low reading level (education quality), lifetime substance use disorders, depressed mood (clinically significant depressive symptoms and/or current major depressive disorder) and a cumulative syndemic count (sum of biopsychosocial risk factors, range = 0-4). Race-stratified analyses were conducted. Analyses were adjusted for relevant demographic and clinical factors. HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment was more prevalent in women versus men; however, the difference was eliminated after adjustment for reading level. In sex-stratified logistic regressions, the association between HIV-seropositivity and higher likelihood of neurocognitive impairment was stronger in women versus men; however, the association was attenuated in women, but not men, after adjusting for reading level. These results in the overall sample were specific to blacks. Sex differences in the profile of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment varied by race. Women, particularly black women, were most at-risk for HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment. Higher rates of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment in women versus men may reflect differences in educational quality.

A Scoping Study of Psychosocial Factors in Women Diagnosed With and/or Treated for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is prevalent and can impact women's physical and psychosocial health. To develop interventions that support this population, an understanding of the state of research on psychosocial factors related to POP is essential. We conducted a scoping study focused on the psychosocial experience of women with POP. The purpose of this review was to (1) inventory and describe the current state of knowledge of the psychosocial experience of women with POP, (2) identify gaps in knowledge, and (3) identify targets for future research. Electronic databases PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched through November 1, 2017. Of 524 titles reviewed, 103 articles met all inclusion criteria. Articles were grouped by the disease period (ie, prediagnosis, diagnosis/preintervention, intervention, follow-up, and mixed) and psychosocial factors. Most articles (n = 73) focused on women undergoing intervention. Articles focusing on the preintervention period was the next largest category (n = 14). Follow-up after intervention (n = 8) and samples of mixed disease periods (n = 7) were less common. One article focused on women before diagnosis. Articles focused on quality of life (QOL; n = 79), sexual function (n = 51), satisfaction (n = 16), body image (n = 13), psychological distress (n = 4), and knowledge (n = 3). Research on the psychosocial experience of POP has largely focused on changes in QOL and sexual function. Future research should target emotional experience of women with POP; relationships among QOL, psychological distress, body image, and sexual function; and psychosocial factors related to treatment outcomes.

The impact of complementary therapies on psychosocial factors in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF): A systematic literature review

AimThis review evaluates the impact of complementary therapies on psychosocial factors in women undergoing IVF. BackgroundAccording to the CDC, nearly 7% of married women in the United States face infertility. Approximately 1.5% of all infants born in the U.S. annually are conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF. Women undergoing ART report distress, anxiety, and depression related to their treatment. Stress has been cited as the top reason why women terminate treatment. Complementary therapies, such as mind-body techniques, have been associated with decreasing stress and anxiety. MethodsCINAHL and PubMED databases were searched for studies 1) published from January 2010 to 2017, 2) written in English, 3) that examined the effect of an complementary therapy on the psychological well-being of women undergoing, or about to be undergoing a cycle of IVF. ResultsThe search revealed 11 studies published between 2010 and 2015 from a variety of countries. The most common research design was a randomized controlled trial (n=7). The psychosocial factor most frequently measured was anxiety (n=8). The forms of complementary therapy varied, with the most common being Hatha yoga, cognitive behavioral interventions, and mind-body therapies (n=2 each). ConclusionsUtilizing complementary therapies appears to be a positive way to decrease women's anxiety, depression, distress, and stress, and to increase fertility quality of life. This review informs providers that incorporating complementary therapies into the plan of care can lead to improved psychosocial health outcomes for women undergoing IVF.

Gestation-related psychosocial factors in women from Medellin, Colombia

IntroductionPerinatal stress and the impact generated by adverse conditions could affect fetal development negatively with long term and short term manifestations and could increase the risk of maternal depression. ObjectiveTo determine the psychosocial risk factors present in women with high-obstetric risk and hospitalized in a high complexity institution. MethodsA cross-sectional study that included 112 pregnant or immediate postpartum women, who were evaluated using a scale designed by the researchers and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. ResultsMedian age was 24 (RIC 9) years; 39.3% of the women were pregnant, and 65.9% had a gestational age of more than 28 weeks. The main reason for hospitalization was threat of preterm delivery in 39.2%. 52.4% planned the pregnancy and 22.3% had depressive symptoms compatible with depression. Suicidal ideas and suicide attempts were more prevalent in the first trimester (7.2% and 3.6%). DiscussionThe high prevalence of depressive symptoms in the population studied coincides with what was reported in similar studies in Latin America. The fact that pregnancy does not protect against suicide was confirmed. ConclusionsPsychosocial screening is recommended in every pregnant woman and women in immediate postpartum to detect symptoms and risk factors for depression.

Structural equation modeling of the relationship between posttraumatic growth and psychosocial factors in women with breast cancer

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological change occurring after struggling with a highly challenging experience. The purposes of this study were to investigate how women's demographic and clinical characteristics as well as psychosocial factors are associated with PTG and to reveal the influence of PTG on depressive symptoms. Participants were 157 women with breast cancer (BC) who attended a breast oncology clinic at a university hospital in Japan. The questionnaire included demographic and clinical characteristics, social support, coping strategies, depressive symptoms, and PTG. Structural equation modeling was conducted. Coping was directly related to PTG, and social support and having a religion were partially related to PTG. There was a moderate association between social support and coping. PTG mediated the effect of coping on depressive symptoms. PTG as well as a high level of perceived social support and using positive coping decreased depressive symptoms, whereas using self-restraining coping increased depressive symptoms. This study indicated the role of coping strategies and social support in enhancing PTG in Japanese women with BC. Furthermore, perceived social support, a positive approach coping style, and PTG may reduce depressive symptoms. Our results suggest that health care professionals should consider whether patients receive enough support from others, and whether the patients are using the appropriate coping style to adapt to stressors associated with the diagnosis and treatment of BC.

Factores psicosociales asociados en mujeres con aborto. Hospital Roosevelt, Guatemala, septiembre 2015

Antecedentes: La salud materna es un proceso complejo que debe manejarse de forma integral, detectando factores biológicos y psicosociales que produce efectos adversos en el embarazo y pueden ser prevenibles si se detectan oportunamente. Objetivo: Identificar los factores psicosociales en mujeres con aborto en el Hospital Roosevelt de Guatemala. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, observacional. Materiales y Métodos: se entrevistaron 61 pacientes empleando un cuestionario estructurado de 29 preguntas usando como base el cuestionario PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assesment Monitoring System). Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 24.8 años (IC95%; 22.8-26.8). El indicador epidemiológico de riesgo se encontró en 47.5% (29); hábitos de riesgo 16.4% (10); mal control prenatal 67.2%(41); consejería deficiente 36.1% (22); embarazo no deseado 31.1% (19); percepción de inseguridad 8.2% (5); inestabilidad familiar 19.7% (14). Las pacientes con aborto espontáneo tuvieron mayor edad (p=0.0078), fue un embarazo deseado (p=0.00007) y planificado (p=0.03174) y tenían hogar integrado (p=0.01052) Conclusiones: La deficiencia en el control prenatal fue el indicador más frecuente. Las pacientes con aborto espontáneo expresaron aceptación del embarazo, tenían hogar integrado y menos indicadores de riesgo.

Association Between Infertility and Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women.

The relation between infertility and sexual dysfunction can be reciprocal. Causes of sexual dysfunction that affect fertility include erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease (abnormal penile curvature), low libido, ejaculatory disorders in men, and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) and low sexual desire in women. To review the association between infertility and sexual dysfunction and discuss current management strategies to address sexual disorders in couples with infertility. Peer-reviewed publications from PubMed published from 1980 through February 2016 were identified that related to sexual dysfunction and infertility in men and women. Pathophysiology and management approach of erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, low libido, ejaculatory disorders in men, and GPPPD and low sexual desire in women and how each etiology contributes to sexual dysfunction and infertility in the couple. Treating the infertile couple with sexual dysfunction involves addressing underlying conditions such as psychogenic erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, Peyronie's disease in men, and GPPPD and low sexual desire in women. Psychogenic erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated with phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Low testosterone is often identified in men with infertility, but testosterone therapy is contraindicated in men attempting conception. Men with Peyronie's disease have a new treatment option to address their penile curvature-collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injection directly into the penile plaque. GPPPD is a broad disorder that includes vulvodynia and vaginismus and can be treated with topical lubricants and moisturizers. We must address psychosocial factors in women with low sexual desire. Flibanserin and transdermal testosterone (off-label) are novel therapies for women with low sexual desire. Sexual dysfunction in a couple with infertility is a complex issue. Management of infertility and sexual dysfunction should involve appropriate medical therapy and addressing the psychosocial concerns of the couple.

Influence of Heart Rate Variability and Psychosocial Factors on Carotid Stiffness, Elasticity and Impedance at Menopause

The risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) increases after menopause. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic control, is a strong predictor of CVD. We undertook this study to test the association of ultrasound indices of early carotid atherosclerosis with HRV, symptoms, hormonal conditions, metabolic state, indicators of stress, and psychosocial factors in women at peri- and postmenopause, registering ambulatory R-R interval monitoring. In a cross-sectional design we studied 100 women at peri- and early postmenopause collecting anthropometry, symptoms, stress-related measurements, metabolic variables, cortisol, FSH and estradiol. We evaluated carotid ultrasonographic indices, and HRV was recorded for 4 h calculating time (SDNN, pNN50, rMSSD) and frequency domains (LF, HF, LF/HF) in women according to menopausal stage, estradiol levels, body mass index and waist circumference. Carotid indices were similar in peri- and postmenopausal women. For HRV measurements, SDNN was increased at postmenopause. Women with estradiol levels <109.2 pmol/L had increased intima-media thickness (IMT), resistive index, and systolic diameter. Using multivariate analysis, we found the associations of IMT positively with non-HDL-cholesterol, resistive index positively with LF-HRV, but negatively with effort/reward imbalance, carotid β stiffness index inversely with estradiol, and arterial distensibility positively with HF-HRV and creatinine concentrations, but negatively with non-HDL-cholesterol. Carotid thickness was related mainly with lipid alterations. Indices of early carotid damage were related with various components of HRV as a manifestation of autonomic imbalance, indicating CVD risk. Other factors involved were time since last menses and psychological stress. Low creatinine was associated with diminished carotid distensibility. This suggests that estrogen, lifestyle, behavior and autonomic regulation participate in vascular damage.

TPH Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated With Disease Perception and Quality of Life in Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The aims of this exploratory study were to examine whether tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) gene polymorphisms are associated with psychosocial factors in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). TPH is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of serotonin and has two isoforms, TPH1 and TPH2. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TPH1 gene and one SNP in the TPH2 gene were selected based on previous studies investigating associations between these SNPs and psychiatric or behavioral disorders. One hundred ninety-nine Caucasian women with IBS were included. Results of univariate analysis showed no association between TPH1and TPH2 gene SNPs and current level of psychological distress or psychiatric illness. However, TPH1 gene SNPs were associated with IBS-related cognitions (rs4537731 and rs21105) and quality of life (rs684302 and rs1800532), in particular the mental health and energy subscales. These associations were independent of the subjects' levels of gastrointestinal symptoms. These results suggest that patients' perception of their illness, and of the impact it has on their lives, may be subject to genetic influences, in this case sequence variants in TPH1. However, caution should be used in interpreting these results given the large number of hypothesis tests performed in this exploratory hypothesis-generating study, and the results should be considered tentative until confirmed in an independent sample.

A Structural Equation Model on Sexual Function in Women with Gynecologic Cancer

This study was designed to construct and test a structural equation model on sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer. The model was constructed and tested under the hypotheses that women's physical changes in sexual function after gynecologic cancer treatment did not automatically lead to sexual dysfunctions. Women's psychosocial factors were considered to be mediating variables. Two hundred twelve women with cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer were recruited and asked to complete a survey on their physical factors, psychosocial factors and sexual function. Data was analyzed using SPSS WIN 12.0 and Amos WIN 5.0. Predictors of sexual function in the final model were sexual attitude affected by physical distress and couple's age, sexual information affected by physical distress and couple's age, depression affected by physical distress, and marital intimacy affected by physical distress. Tumor stage and time since last treatment directly affected women's sexual function without any mediating psychosocial variables. However, body image did not affect women's sexual function. Nursing professionals should develop a tailored educational program integrating both physical and psychosocial aspects, and apply it to women and their spouses in order to promote sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer.

Combined endurance and muscle strength training in female and male patients with chronic heart failure

Exercise training has now become established practice in patients with chronic heart failure. Women are often under-represented in intervention studies compared to men. For this reason it was our aim to conduct a combined endurance and muscle strength training program to evaluate its effect on clinical performance data and health-related psychosocial factors in women and men. One hundred and sixteen women, mean age 69 +/- 9 years, body mass index (BMI) 25.8 +/- 4.9, and 169 men, mean age 66 +/- 9 years, BMI 26.6 +/- 3.6 underwent combined endurance/resistance training. The training program lasted 29 +/- 7 days and comprised bicycle ergometer training, a 6-min walk test as a training unit and muscle strength training for the lower and upper extremities. Differences between women and men were found in clinical parameters. In particular, statistically significant differences were revealed between the women and men with regard to cardiopulmonary performance. Quality of life was significantly improved on discharge with regard to both physical and mental health, whereas anxiety and depression showed no significant alteration. A specialized in-hospital program for women and men combining endurance/resistance training and education is feasible. But our program revealed a very low level of cardiopulmonary performance in women. Women need to be encouraged and motivated to participate in such programs.