Women's Recovery Research Articles

A IMPORTÂNCIA DO TRATAMENTO FISIOTERAPÊUTICO DA INCONTINÊNCIA URINÁRIA (IU) NO PÓS-PARTO VIA VAGINAL

Physiotherapy treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in the postpartum vaginal period is essential to strengthen the Pelvic Floor (PF), relieve symptoms and prevent future complications, promoting effective recovery and improving quality of life. The objective is to report the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) in the postpartum vaginal period, detailing how it affects the physical-social area of ​​pregnant and postpartum women and, aims to highlight the importance of physiotherapy treatment in the prevention and management of UI, showing how physiotherapy contributes to the improvement of symptoms and the recovery of women after childbirth. For this study, an exploratory bibliographic review was used as the research methodology, and the research sources were extracted from databases such as Scielo, PubMed, ICS, BVS, as well as specialized scientific journals and recognized websites, such as Hospital Albert Einstein and universities, and the time frame covers publications between the years 2015 and 2024. We conclude that Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a condition that can have a significant impact on the lives of women after vaginal delivery, affecting their quality of life and general well-being. This pathology results in the involuntary loss of urine, which can cause physical and emotional discomfort, limit daily activities and generate social embarrassment. Understanding the negative effects of UI is crucial to recognizing the importance of effective prevention and treatment strategies, especially during the postpartum period.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DO TRATAMENTO FISIOTERAPÊUTICO DA INCONTINÊNCIA URINÁRIA (IU) NO PÓS-PARTO VIA VAGINAL

Physiotherapy treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in the postpartum vaginal period is essential to strengthen the Pelvic Floor (PF), relieve symptoms and prevent future complications, promoting effective recovery and improving quality of life. The objective is to report the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) in the postpartum vaginal period, detailing how it affects the physical-social area of ​​pregnant and postpartum women and, aims to highlight the importance of physiotherapy treatment in the prevention and management of UI, showing how physiotherapy contributes to the improvement of symptoms and the recovery of women after childbirth. For this study, an exploratory bibliographic review was used as the research methodology, and the research sources were extracted from databases such as Scielo, PubMed, ICS, BVS, as well as specialized scientific journals and recognized websites, such as Hospital Albert Einstein and universities, and the time frame covers publications between the years 2015 and 2024. We conclude that Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a condition that can have a significant impact on the lives of women after vaginal delivery, affecting their quality of life and general well-being. This pathology results in the involuntary loss of urine, which can cause physical and emotional discomfort, limit daily activities and generate social embarrassment. Understanding the negative effects of UI is crucial to recognizing the importance of effective prevention and treatment strategies, especially during the postpartum period.

Breastfeeding Competency among Expectant Women

Breast milk serves as a vital source of nutrition for infants during the initial six months of life, offering a comprehensive array of essential nutrients.Breast milk serves as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, contributing to enhanced health outcomes throughout their lifespan and offering significant advantages to both families and society as a whole. The advocacy for breastfeeding can lead to a rise in family income through the preservation of infants' growth and development, as well as aiding in the recovery of women following childbirth. Consequently, this could result in increased labor force participation and demographic benefits for society.Moreover, it can contribute to the reduction of family and social medical costs by lowering the likelihood of short-term and long-term illnesses in women and infants. Results: The study results display that total effect of breastfeeding motivation on breastfeeding competency is .4419, p < 0.05. The direct effect of breastfeeding motivation on breastfeeding competency is .4608, p < 0.001. Conclusions: The student’s researcher concluded the following: The older the woman, the better the breastfeeding competency she exhibits. The better the socioeconomic status the family has, the better the breastfeeding competency the woman mirrors. The more perceived valuable breastfeeding to mothers and babies, the better the breastfeeding competency the woman reflects.

Social Intervention That Facilitates Recovery from Gender-Based Violence: Dialogic Reconstruction of Memory

Services for victims of gender-based violence are an interdisciplinary work space where the recovery of women and, thus, preventing their social exclusion are among the main objectives. Although previous scientific literature provides some indicators of the social impact of these services, that is, the improvements in the lives of these women, and allow them to advance in their recovery, it is necessary to deepen and broaden this knowledge. One of the objectives of the SOLNET R&D research was to more comprehensively identify the indicators of the social impact of these interventions. This objective was achieved by carrying out 8 case studies and a total of 56 interviews—32 of which involved women who were victims of violence—in third-sector organisations that tend to women victims in 7 different regions of Spain. The results of our research show that the dialogical reconstruction of the memory of violence contributes to overcoming one of the main barriers to women’s recovery: emotional dependency. To achieve this impact, the dialogic reconstruction of memory should focus on changing the image these women have of the abuser and the conceptions of love associated with violence. These results have important implications for the design and evaluation of interventions carried out in services for women victims of gender-based violence. The application of these results can help these women successfully leave the situation of violence and build a violence-free future.

The effect of postpartum nursing guidance on early pelvic floor dysfunction recovery in women of advanced maternal age: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of postpartum nursing guidance in the treatment of early pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in women of advanced maternal age. A total of 146 patients of advanced maternal age admitted to our hospital between January and December 2021 were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the experimental group, with 73 patients in each group. Parturients in the control group received routine pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment, whereas those in the experimental group were given individualized postpartum nursing guidance alongside routine pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment. The recovery of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, the incidence of PFD diseases and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups after 3 months of treatment. The enhancement of PFM strength in the experimental group significantly surpassed that in the control group. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited a notably lower overall occurrence of PFD and significantly greater maternal satisfaction compared with the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Combining postpartum nursing guidance with pelvic floor rehabilitation for women of advanced maternal age represents a treatment regimen deserving of clinical endorsement, as it offers numerous advantages, including substantial improvement in PFM strength, decreased incidence of PFD and enhanced patient satisfaction.

Factors Influencing Maternal Substance Use and Recovery in the Perinatal Period.

Substance use disorders (SUD) in the perinatal period have risen dramatically over the past 2 decades. Substance use disorders can have deleterious effects on maternal-infant health. Recovery can improve quality of life but can be challenging for women with SUD in the perinatal period. It is important for health care providers to have an understanding of factors associated with maternal substance use and recovery. The purpose of this qualitative review was to identify factors influencing substance use and recovery in women with SUD in the perinatal period. A systematic search was conducted using the databases of CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed along with a manual search of Google Scholar. The studies were assessed using criteria from the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. Findings from 16 qualitative studies were synthesized. Six descriptive subthemes identifying factors influencing substance use and recovery were revealed: (1) Infant Care, (2) Stigma, (3) Social Settings Involving Substance Use, (4) Internalized Stigma and Mental Health Symptoms, (5) Addiction Concerns, and (6) Coping Abilities. Participants described external and internal factors that influenced their substance use and recovery. The findings suggest health care providers refer women to residential addiction treatment, use destigmatizing language, promote access to peer services, and provide trauma-informed care.

A Prediction Model for Pelvic Floor Recovery After Vaginal Birth With Risk Factors.

Although parturients report few postpartum symptoms, birth is clearly associated with future symptom development. The ability to identify asymptomatic at-risk women would facilitate prevention. The aim of the study was to develop a model predicting abnormal recovery in women at risk for childbirth-associated pelvic floor injury. Women undergoing first vaginal birth at high risk of pelvic floor injury underwent examinations and ultrasound imaging and completed 6-week and 6-month postpartum questionnaires. We defined "abnormal" recovery as having ≥1 of the following 3 findings: (1) levator ani injury, (2) decreased objective pelvic floor strength, and (3) Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification point Bp ≥0. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses compared "normal" and "abnormal" recovery. Birth characteristics, 6-week examinations, and questionnaires potentially predicted abnormal recovery at 6 months. Significant variables were included as candidates in the multivariable logistic regression predicting "abnormal" recovery after birth. Fifty-four women (63.5%) had normal and 31 (36.5%) had abnormal recovery at 6 months. At 6 weeks, women with abnormal recovery had decreased pelvic floor strength by Oxford scores (3 [2-5], 6 [2-8]; P = 0.002), lower point Bp (-1 [-3 to 0], -2 [-3 to -1]; P = 0.02), larger genital hiatus (4 [3 to 4], 3 [3 to 3.5]; P = 0.02), and higher levator ani injury rate (76.7%, 22.4%; P < 0.001). Between-group questionnaire differences were not clinically significant. Our final model included postpartum examination findings or birth characteristics: Oxford Scale, 6-week Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification GH strain, infant head circumference, and second stage ≥120 minutes. The area under the curve for predicting abnormal recovery at 6 months was 0.84, indicating a good sensitivity and specificity balance. The model identifies women at risk for an abnormal recovery trajectory.

Perineal lacerations and postpartum well-being: exploring mental health and chronic pain

This review article aims to dissect the multifaceted impact of perineal lacerations on postpartum well-being, with a specific focus on mental health and chronic pain. Employing a systematic analysis of existing literature, the study illuminates the prevalence and severity of perineal trauma, the psychological and emotional repercussions for new mothers, the experiential narrative of women's recovery, and the crucial function of perineal clinics in facilitating holistic recovery. The findings underscore a significant correlation between perineal trauma and adverse postpartum outcomes, including increased risks of postpartum depression, anxiety, and diminished quality of life due to chronic pain. Conclusively, the article advocates for an integrated approach to postpartum care, emphasizing the necessity of addressing both physical injuries and psychological well-being. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive exploration of the role of perineal clinics, highlighting their importance in promoting a more inclusive, supportive postpartum recovery process, thereby filling a gap in existing maternal healthcare practices.

Challenges in Supporting Women's Recovery from Sexual Violence in a Village Setting: Addressing Social Structures in Gampong Meurandeh Dayah, Aceh

&lt;p&gt;This article examines the structural challenges in the formation of advocacy policies for female victims of sexual violence in Gampong Meurandeh, Langsa City, Aceh. The data collection process utilized the participatory action research method over four months. Drawing upon social structure theory, the article argues that the causes of sexual violence in rural communities are not only rooted in knowledge and culture but also in the social structures that operate within these communities. The research findings indicate that the reluctance of village authorities to engage in the formulation of sexual violence policies is impeding the successful execution of sexual violence prevention programs. The article highlights two factors that hinder the prevention of sexual violence in Gampong Meurandeh Dayah. Firstly, the lack of female representation in the village government Secondly, support for victims of sexual violence is not a primary concern in the village government's policies. The article concludes that sexual violence prevention programs implemented in patriarchal communities require not only a change in public knowledge but also interventions at the structural level.&lt;/p&gt;

Impact of a single blood donation on hemoglobin mass, iron stores, and maximum oxygen uptake in pre-menopausal women-A pilot study.

During whole blood donation (BD), 500 mL of blood is drawn. The time interval between two BDs is at least 8-12 weeks. This period might be insufficient for restoring hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and iron especially in women, who generally have lower Hbmass and iron availability. Since both variables influence physical performance, this pilot study aimed to monitor Hbmass, iron status, and maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) recovery in women after a single BD. In 10 women (24.7 ± 1.7 years), Hbmass, hemoglobin concentration [Hb], iron status, and V̇O2max were assessed before and up to 12 weeks after a single BD. BD reduced Hbmass from 562 ± 70 g to 499 ± 64 g (p < .001). Although after 8 weeks no significant mean difference was detected, 7 women had not returned to baseline after 12 weeks. [Hb] did not return to initial values (13.4 ± 0.7 g/dL) after 12 weeks (12.9 ± 0.7 g/dL, p < .01). Ferritin decreased from baseline until week 6 (40.9 ± 34.2 ng/mL vs. 12.1 ± 6.9 ng/mL, p < .05) and was not restored after 12 weeks (18.4 ± 12.7 ng/mL, p < .05), with 6 out of 10 women exhibiting iron deficiency (ferritin <15 ng/mL). V̇O2max was reduced by 213 ± 47 mL/min (7.2 ± 1.2%; p < .001) and remained below baseline after 12 weeks (3.2 ± 1.4%, p < .01). For most pre-menopausal women, 12 weeks were not sufficient to recover from BD and achieve baseline Hbmass and iron stores resulting in prolonged reduction of aerobic capacity. A subsequent BD might lead to a severe anemia.

Predicting Recovery Pathways in Jewish Ultra-Orthodox Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

Cultural and religious norms, as well as trauma-related cognitions and recovery actions, are known to impact the well-being of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Although acknowledged as a key component, there is scant research on the recovery trajectories of women who have experienced IPV, in particular on survivors from collectivistic societies such as the Jewish Ultra-Orthodox (JUO) community in Israel. A mediation model examined the recovery process of 261 Israeli JUO survivors. In particular, it tested whether the normalization of violence and women's endorsement of Jewish religious norms that justify violence would be directly and negatively associated with women's well-being and positively associated with psychopathology. Additionally, it examined whether women's normalization of violence and support of religious norms would positively predict women's negative trauma-related cognitions. In turn, these cognitions were expected to negatively predict women's engagement in recovery actions, help-seeking behaviors, and faith-based responses but positively predict disengagement responses. The model further posited that women's engagement in steps toward recovery, help-seeking behaviors, and faith-based responses would positively predict women's well-being and negatively predict psychopathology. In contrast, women's disengagement responses would negatively predict women's well-being and positively predict their psychopathology. Bootstrap results indicated that supporting religious norms positively predicted women's trauma-related cognitions, which then negatively predicted women's recovery actions, help-seeking behaviors, and faith-based responses but positively predicted women's disengagement responses. Women's recovery actions and faith-based responses positively predicted women's well-being, while disengagement responses positively predicted women's psychopathology. Contrary to expectations, help-seeking behaviors positively predicted psychopathology.

Perceived health status after mid-urethral sling revision in 287 women from the VIGI-MESH registry: A cross-sectional study.

To evaluate the health status and recovery of women after mid-urethral sling (MUS) revision in response to complications. Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire sent to women from a registry. Twenty-two French surgical centres. A total of 287 women from the VIGI-MESH registry responded, having undergone MUS revision for complications. Our sample of women were compared against a representative set of French women taken from the Eurostat database. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify clinical predictors for successful MUS revision. A qualitative analysis was carried out on free-text comments. Health status, defined by the Minimum European Health Module, and recovery, assessed by Patient Global Impression of Improvement. The response rate was 76% (287/378), with 49% of the women (141/287, 95% CI 43%-55%) reporting good health status, which was 8 points lower than that expected from the comparator French set (57%, 95% CI 55%-58%). Overall, 53% (147/275, 95% CI 47%-59%) of the women reported feeling much better after MUS revision. Just over one-third (35%, 95/275, 95% CI 29%-40%) of respondents reported poor health with little or no improvement. Multivariate analysis showed that being operated on for pain at revision was associated with worse self-perceived health than being operated on for exposure (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.95); women with pre-existing comorbidity reported a poorer health status following MUS revision (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.13-0.38). Our results suggest that half of the women recovered good health status after MUS revision, whereas a proportion appeared to be seriously affected by an MUS complication despite the revision.

Women and shame: narratives of recovery from alcohol dependence

Objective Existing literature indicates distinct pathways and the key role of shame and stigma into alcohol dependence (AD) and recovery for women. Internationally, there is a paucity of research exploring these factors from women’s perspectives. Methods and Measures Taking a critical realist epistemological position, unstructured life story interviews were analysed via narrative analysis to explore how seven women from the UK, storied shame in their recovery from AD. Results Shame followed a common trajectory across participants’ stories, appearing as a reoccurring factor throughout AD and recovery. Participants narrated shame as gendered, contributing to a loss of personal control in defining a valued personal identity. Drinking began as a shame-management strategy but evolved into a source of shame, compounded by fears of being labelled an ‘alcoholic woman’. Recovery involved reclaiming the self through de-shaming a shame-based identity and developing a positive, non-drinking identity. By evaluating ‘shaming’ recovery frameworks, sharing stories and reconstructing their own, participants were able to work through shame, resist pathologising identity labels and internalise esteemed ‘sober’ identities. Conclusion This research provides important insights into the intersection between shame, identity, gender and culture in women’s recovery from AD. Implications for clinical practice, future research and policy are considered.

Effect of COVID-19 on Performance and Recovery of Division I Women’s Basketball Players: A Case Study

Effect of COVID-19 on Performance and Recovery of Division I Women’s Basketball Players: A Case Study

Effects of chronic aerobic exercise on attentional bias among women with methamphetamine addiction

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of chronic exercise on attentional bias toward drug-related stimuli and on brain electrophysiological characteristics among women with methamphetamine addiction. MethodsIn total, 63 women with methamphetamine addiction were randomized to participate in a dance (n = 21; mean age, 32.16 ± 2.07 years), bicycle (n = 21; mean age, 32.59 ± 2.12 years), or control (maintained regular activities with little exercise; n = 21; mean age, 30.95 ± 2.81 years) group for 12 weeks. The participants in the three groups were not significantly different in terms of methamphetamine use or detoxification. Before and after the intervention, attentional bias was assessed using the dot-probe task, and event-related potentials were recorded during the task. ResultsThe mean attentional bias scores decreased significantly after the intervention in both exercise groups but not in the control group. After 12 weeks of dance exercise, the amplitudes of the N170, N2, P2, and P3 components of the event-related potentials decreased significantly during attentional bias processing. In addition, differences in N170 amplitudes for congruent vs. incongruent conditions in the dot-probe task were no longer observed. After 12 weeks of cycling exercise, N2 and P2 amplitudes decreased significantly. By contrast, there were no significant differences in N170, N2, P2, and P3 amplitudes in the control group before vs. after the intervention. ConclusionsChronic (12 weeks of) aerobic exercise reduced attentional bias toward drug-related cues by improving attentional inhibition and reducing the maintenance of extra attention to drug-related cues among women with methamphetamine addiction. Both dance and bicycle exercise improved the early recognition of drug-related cues, weakened the influence of the memory of previous drug use, and improved attentional bias behavior by strengthening attention control. Dance exercise, but not bicycling, also regulated emotional control and improved the attention selection process. These results provide theoretical and empirical evidence that chronic aerobic exercise may reduce the attentional bias toward drug-related cues to assist in the recovery of women with methamphetamine addiction.

Beyond Shelters: A Gendered Approach to Disaster Preparedness and Resilience in Urban Centers

This research explores the shortcomings of a shelter-centric approach to disaster preparedness and resilience in urban centers, particularly regarding its impact on women. It argues for a gender-integrated approach that acknowledges existing inequalities and vulnerabilities faced by women in disaster situations. The paper begins by examining how socioeconomic factors, social norms, and poorly planned urban infrastructure disproportionately affect women's ability to prepare for and recover from disasters. It then critiques the limitations of traditional disaster response, which often prioritizes immediate shelter needs while neglecting women's long-term safety, security, and economic well- being. Moving forward, the research proposes a framework for building gender-responsive resilience in urban contexts. This framework emphasizes inclusive planning that actively incorporates women's knowledge and perspectives. The paper also highlights the importance of targeted early warning systems and gender-sensitive infrastructure design. Additionally, it proposes strategies like livelihood support programs to foster women's economic recovery after disasters. By exploring case studies and offering specific policy recommendations, this research aims to empower stakeholders - city planners, disaster management agencies, and NGOs - to create more equitable and inclusive practices. These practices will ultimately strengthen the resilience of urban communities by enabling all residents, particularly women, to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

The Impact of Regular Diet Recovery on Postoperative Rehabilitation After Elective Cesarean Section

Abstract Objective To determine the role of regular diet recovery after restoration of normal muscle strength of both lower extremities in promoting postoperative recovery in women undergoing elective cesarean section. Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study. Patients who underwent elective cesarean section at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, from October 2022 to December 2022, were categorized into two groups based on the duration of postoperative fasting: the observation group resumed eating after regaining lower extremity muscle strength, while the control group adhered to traditional postoperative fasting guidelines, waiting 6 hours before eating. Primary outcomes included postoperative pain levels assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and time to first flatus. Demographic characteristics, time to first lactation, hospital stay length, and patient satisfaction were also assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student’s t test and Chi-squared test, with significance set at P &lt; 0.05. Results Out of a total of 300 patients, 240 were included in the analysis, comprising 112 in the control group and 128 in the observation group. There were no significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics. The median values of the first flatus time and the first lactation time were 33.37 ± 1.22 vs. 18.06 ± 6.34 hours (P = 0.003) and 26.34 ± 8.21 vs. 7.05 ± 1.26 hours (P = 0.001) in the control and observation groups, respectively. The median hospital stay duration in the control and observation groups was 6.54 ± 0.53 vs. 4.84 ± 0.18 days (P = 0.000), respectively. Median postoperative VAS pain scores and patient satisfaction values were 8.57 ± 0.11 vs. 4.91 ± 0.27 (P = 0.000) and 9.36 ± 0.16 vs. 9.72 ± 0.08 (P = 0.005) in the control and observation groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in other postoperative outcomes, such as intestinal obstruction, infection, and readmission within 42 days (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Food intake after restoration of lower extremity muscle strength improves first flatus, relieves postoperative pain, shortens hospital stay, and enhances satisfaction after elective cesarean section, without adverse effects. It is crucial for postoperative rehabilitation and should be encouraged.

What really matters for returning to work after breast cancer? A 6-month exploratory study

ABSTRACT Return to work (RTW) after breast cancer (BC) may significantly impact on women recovery and quality of life. Literature hightlighed several factors associated to RTW after BC but there is still some concern about prognostic factors influencing work resumption after BC treatments. The present study aims to explore which baseline factors are associated with RTW at 6-month after BC surgery. The participants in this 6-month prospective study were 149 patients who underwent breast cancer-related surgery and accessed an Oncology Clinic for cancer therapy from March 2017 to December 2019 in Northern Italy. Participants filled in a battery of questionnaires at baseline, and they were asked whether they had returned to work at 6-month follow-up. Psychological measurements included job stress (Job Content Questionnaire), work engagement (Utrecht Work Engagement Scale), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life- BREF), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), resilience (Connor – Davidson Resilience Scale − 10 item) and personal expectations about RTW (ad-hoc single item). Moreover, sociodemographic, clinical, and work-related data were collected. Independent t-test and Chi-square test were used for comparisons among variables; logistic regression model was used to explore predictors of RTW. A total of 73.9 percent returned to work at6-month after surgery. In the multivariate model, chemiotherapy (B = −1.428; SE = 0.520) and baseline women’s expectations about their RTW (B = −0.340; DS = 0.156) were significant predictors of RTW. These results suggest that careful individual clinical and psychological screening of risk factors at baseline can prevent from occupational disability and long sickness absence.

A novel score to predict left ventricular recovery in peripartum cardiomyopathy derived from the ESC EORP Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Registry.

There are no established clinical tools to predict left ventricular (LV) recovery in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Using data from women enrolled in the ESC EORP PPCM Registry, the aim was to derive a prognostic model to predict LV recovery at 6 months and develop the 'ESC EORP PPCM Recovery Score'-a tool for clinicians to estimate the probability of LV recovery. From 2012 to 2018, 752 women from 51 countries were enrolled. Eligibility included (i) a peripartum state, (ii) signs or symptoms of heart failure, (iii) LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45%, and (iv) exclusion of alternative causes of heart failure. The model was derived using data from participants in the Registry and internally validated using bootstrap methods. The outcome was LV recovery (LVEF ≥50%) at six months. An integer score was created. Overall, 465 women had a 6-month echocardiogram. LV recovery occurred in 216 (46.5%). The final model included baseline LVEF, baseline LV end diastolic diameter, human development index (a summary measure of a country's social and economic development), duration of symptoms, QRS duration and pre-eclampsia. The model was well-calibrated and had good discriminatory ability (C-statistic 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.83). The model was internally validated (optimism-corrected C-statistic 0.78, 95% CI 0.73-0.82). A model which accurately predicts LV recovery at 6 months in women with PPCM was derived. The corresponding ESC EORP PPCM Recovery Score can be easily applied in clinical practice to predict the probability of LV recovery for an individual in order to guide tailored counselling and treatment.

Trauma and Substance Use Disorder: Breaking the Cycle in Women

Trauma and substance use disorder present a complex and intertwined challenge, particularly affecting women who experience unique gender-specific barriers to recovery. Understanding how substance use functions as a coping mechanism for the effects of trauma is imperative to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Barriers to recovery in women with trauma and substance use disorder include criminalization of substance use, gender-specific stigma toward substance use, and physiological effects of trauma on coping and resilience. Breaking the cycle of trauma and substance use disorder in women requires a holistic, multifaceted approach that underscores eliminating stigma, promoting resilience, and increasing supportive community.