Reproductive Health Hazards Research Articles

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) and Their Potential Effects on Female Reproductive Diseases.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of anthropogenic organic compounds widely present in the natural and human living environments. These emerging persistent pollutants can enter the human body through multiple channels, posing risks to human health. In particular, exposure to PFASs in women may cause a series of reproductive health hazards and infertility. Based on a review of the existing literature, this study preliminarily summarizes the effects of PFAS exposure on the occurrence and development of female reproductive endocrine diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Furthermore, we outline the relevant mechanisms through which PFASs interfere with the physiological function of the female ovary and finally highlight the role played by nutrients in reducing the reproductive health hazards caused by PFASs. It is worth noting that the physiological mechanisms of PFASs in the above diseases are still unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the molecular mechanisms of PFASs in female reproductive diseases and the role of nutrients in this process.

N,N-Dimethyl Formamide European Restriction Demands Solvent Substitution in Research and Development.

As of December 2023, the use of common solvent N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) will be restricted in the European Union because of its reproductive health hazard. Industrial facilities must comply with stricter exposure limits, and researchers are recommended to find alternative solvents. Here we explain the restrictions on DMF, which disciplines are affected, and how to substitute DMF to keep research and development commercially relevant.

Prevalence of Reproductive Health Issues among US Female Law Enforcement Officers.

Reproductive health is a considerable concern among US female law enforcement officers (LEOs). Miscarriage and preterm birth rates are significantly higher in women firefighters than published US averages. Since law enforcement and firefighting share occupational conditions and practices, adverse birth outcomes were hypothesized to be greater in female law enforcement officers (LEOs) than the US averages. Occupational hazards may place pregnant LEOs at a higher risk for complicated pregnancies and adverse birth outcomes. This study quantified pregnancy outcomes in female LEOs using a cross-sectional survey and compared them to US averages and large prospective studies. The participants (N = 162, 72.2% aged 31-49, 85.2% Caucasian) averaged 2.5 ± 1.4 pregnancies. Stress (59.1%) and shiftwork (59.8%) were the most common reported exposures. Miscarriage and preterm birth rates were 19.1% and 16.4%, respectively. Miscarriages were significantly greater among participants compared to prospective studies [χ2 (1, N = 911,971) = 20.51, p < 0.001]. Female LEOs of childbearing age should receive education about potential reproductive health hazards and take precautions against them. Moreover, policymakers, human resources, and healthcare providers should understand how law enforcement work might affect maternal health.

A search towards alternative ways: replacing conventional chelation therapy against arsenic-induced female reprotoxicity: A review

long-term intake of contaminated water and poses the greatest public health threat from arsenic. Depending on the degree of exposure,its drastic effects might take years to manifest in developing skin lesions and peripheral neuropathy. Major radical changes occur withthe onset of developmental toxicity and reproductive health hazards in both sexes. Arsenic causes cellular damage by promotingoxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, resulting in chromosomal aberration and DNA damage. Managing thehealth risks brought on by arsenic has now become a global challenge. Available therapeutic strategy against arsenicosis is mainlyconcerned with using chelating agents that very often redistribute arsenic in the brain. This chelating treatment approach also needsa painful and invasive route that discourages affected individuals from continuing the therapy. Hence, we focused on alternative noninvasivestrategies in managing female reproductive ailments in arsenicated animals. We used different micronutrients, herbal extracts,phytochemicals, etc. The studies established that arsenic-nutrients/arsenic-phytomolecules interaction efficaciously reduced toxicitylevels by correcting the components of the s-adenosine-methionine pool (SAM) on the way of endorsing probable elimination ofarsenic from the system. Natural non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium were investigated against arsenictoxicity and proved to be beneficial for scavenging free radicals. These nutrients also enhance female gonadal function by regulatingovarian steroidogenesis and gonadotropin levels by controlling the brain’s biogenic amines. Phyto compounds such as curcumin,N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), arjunolic acid, extracts of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), pectic polysaccharide (CCPS) from bitter gourd(Momordica charantia) and functional foods such as probiotics and spirulina have been studied. These have been shown to mitigatearsenic toxicity via regulating various inflammatory markers such as NF-κB, MT-1, TNF-α, IL-6, etc. The potential benefits of these werealso shown against arsenic toxicity by upregulating Bcl-2 gene expression accompanied with suppression of pro-apoptotic genes BAX,p53 caspase-3, PARP, PCNA, AKT, etc., and eventually corrected female reproductive stress with improved fertility in arsenicated rats.Hence, these findings may pave the way for the development of a new drug as well as nutraceuticals with more effective and noninvasivetherapeutic approaches for arsenic toxicity.

Hormonal biomarkers provide insights into the reproductive biology and pollutants–associated health hazards of endangered dolphins

Contaminants are known to contribute to the reproductive health hazards of wildlife, but pollutants–associated detrimental impacts on the endangered Indo–Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis, IPHD) are largely unknown due to a lack of reproductive parameters. Here we validated and applied blubber progesterone and testosterone as reproductive biomarkers to assess reproductive parameters of IPHD (n = 72). The gender–specific progesterone concentrations and progesterone/testosterone (P/T) supported progesterone and testosterone as valid biomarkers in identifying the genders of IPHD. Significant month–to–month variations of two hormones indicated a seasonal reproduction, in accordance with the observation of photo–identification approach, further supporting testosterone and progesterone as ideal reproductive biomarkers. Progesterone and testosterone concentrations showed significant differences between Lingding Bay and West–four region, possibly due to chronically geographic–specific pollutants differences. The significant relationships between sex hormones and multiple contaminants suggested that contaminants contribute to the disruption of testosterone and progesterone homeostasis. The best explanatory models between pollutants and hormones suggested that dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), lead (Pb) and selenium (Se) were the major risk factors jeopardizing the reproductive health of IPHD. This is the first study on the relationship between pollutant exposure and reproductive hormones in IPHD and represents a substantial advance in understanding the detrimental reproductive impacts of pollutants on endangered cetaceans.

Common Health Hazards in Healthcare Facilities &amp; Impact on Healthcare Workers/Professionals/Patients – Remedial Measures – An Analysis

Globally in any healthcare facility there are numerous healthcare hazards such as Infectious diseases, Occupational diseases are common and affecting not only healthcare workers, professionals and such other healthcare workforce attending patients but also patients and their accomplice. While providing healthcare services i.e. preventive, curative and rehabilitative to the patients who visit the healthcare facilities for their ailments / discomfort in some unavailable circumstances the healthcare personnel (healthcare workforce, professionals etc) face healthcare hazards. Unlike other service oriented organizations where one can choose any service that the consumer wants on their own but where as in healthcare it is case specific and the customer namely the patient has to go to a specific place (healthcare facility) and to a specific professional who is capable of extending that particular service needed by the patient. Hence, the healthcare providers and the healthcare professionals should be very careful in handling / treating the needy patients and at the same time to protect themselves from the healthcare hazards and the communicable diseases that are common in any healthcare facility. Though much development took place in medical science/medical technology, procedures and the present system of medical modern technology has made healthcare very complex with many hazards. The main healthcare hazards that are common in any healthcare facility are Biological hazards (viruses, bacteria and parasites), Chemical hazards (disinfectants, drugs and diagnostics), Physical hazards, Ergonomic hazards, Occupational hazards, Occupational exposure to Vancomycin, BRSA Infections, Radiation effect, Violence, Exposure to reproductive health hazard, Stress disorders etc. In this article an attempt is made to discuss about various healthcare hazards that are commonly prevalent in the healthcare facilities in addition to occupational diseases and infectious diseases causing innumerable damage and hardship not only to the workforce and professionals and to the patients in form of other but mainly though transmission and improperly used equipment and maintaining the healthcare facilities in improper environment. Due to increased work load because of human immune deficiency virus, hardships of increased. Also the preventive measures and necessary infrastructure to combat such hazards and infectious diseases, as per the guidelines of the World Health Organization the steps that are to be taken in this regard by the healthcare facility providers are also discussed threadbare. The Constitution of India though does not expressly guarantee a fundamental right to health, there are multiple references in the Constitution to the public health and the role of the stake, the provision of healthcare to others. In India this right which is a natural corollary to promoting public health is protected under the Constitution of India in multiple ways.

In vitro testicular toxicity of environmentally relevant endocrine-disrupting chemicals: 2D vs. 3D models of prepubertal Leydig TM3 cells

The testis is a priority organ for developing alternative models to assess male reproductive health hazards of chemicals. This study characterized a 3D in vitro model of murine prepubertal Leydig TM3 cells with improved expression of steroidogenesis markers suitable for image-based screening of testicular toxicity. This 3D scaffold-free spheroid model was applied to explore the impact of prototypical endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and environmental reprotoxicants (benzo[a]pyrene, 2- and 9-methylanthracenes, fluoranthene, triclosan, triclocarban, methoxychlor) on male reproductive health. The results were compared to the male reprotoxicity potential of EDCs assessed in a traditional monolayer (2D) culture. The testicular toxicity was dependent not only on the type of culture (2D vs. 3D models) but also on the duration of exposure. Benzo[a]pyrene and triclocarban were the most active compounds, eliciting cytotoxic effects in prepubertal Leydig cells at low micromolar concentrations, which might be a mechanism contributing to their male reprotoxicity.

Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Reproductive Health among Adolescent Girls in Selected Higher Secondary Schools in Kollam, District

The adolescent stage of life marks the transition from childhood to maturity. These are the formative years, when the most physical, psychological, and behavioural changes occur. The primary goal of the current study was to examine the effects of PTP on knowledge of sex education among teenage females. The study's objectives are to examine adolescent girls' awareness of specific elements of sex. To create and carry out a structured teaching programme on certain parts of sex education for teenage females. To assess the efficacy of the intended educational programme. To determine the relationship between pre-test knowledge scores and specified demographic characteristics. The study used an evaluative research technique with a one-group pretest-post-test design. The study's sample size was set at 50 teenage females. The study's sample approach was simple random sampling, which is a sort of probability sampling. A standardised questionnaire on sex education knowledge was utilised to collect pertinent data. Following the administration of PTP, there was a noticeable rise in knowledge scores in all categories considered in the research. Thus, it was proved that PTP was effective teaching method for creating awareness on importance of sex education and STI, STD and HIV/ AIDS transmission and focusing the reproductive health hazards like preventing sexual violence among youths.

Factors associated with direct use of laptop on the lap among male university undergraduates in Southwestern Nigeria

Laptop use comes with potential reproductive health risks for men. This study assessed the knowledge of reproductive health hazards and factors associated with direct use of laptop on the lap among male undergraduates of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study conducted among 444 male undergraduates using multi-stage sampling and data collected through a validated questionnaire. Mean age was 21.0 years ± 2.6. Knowledge and perception of reproductive health hazards associated with direct laptop use were fairly good but practice was high. The knowledge of reproductive health hazards associated with direct laptop use on the lap was not associated with use (p = 0.08) and factors influencing use include; influence by colleagues (67.6%), non-availability of laptop cooling pads (42.6%), high cost of cooling pads (39.9%), perception of convenience (41.7%). Interventions on laptop ergonomics awareness and provision of affordable laptop ergonomic products for university students are recommended.

Prioritization of reproductive toxicants in unconventional oil and gas operations using a multi-country regulatory data-driven hazard assessment

BackgroundRecent trends have witnessed the global growth of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production. Epidemiologic studies have suggested associations between proximity to UOG operations with increased adverse birth outcomes and cancer, though specific potential etiologic agents have not yet been identified. To perform effective risk assessment of chemicals used in UOG production, the first step of hazard identification followed by prioritization specifically for reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity is crucial in an evidence-based risk assessment approach. To date, there is no single hazard classification list based on the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS), with countries applying the GHS standards to generate their own chemical hazard classification lists. A current challenge for chemical prioritization, particularly for a multi-national industry, is inconsistent hazard classification which may result in misjudgment of the potential public health risks. We present a novel approach for hazard identification followed by prioritization of reproductive toxicants found in UOG operations using publicly available regulatory databases. MethodsGHS classification for reproductive toxicity of 157 UOG-related chemicals identified as potential reproductive or developmental toxicants in a previous publication was assessed using eleven governmental regulatory agency databases. If there was discordance in classifications across agencies, the most stringent classification was assigned. Chemicals in the category of known or presumed human reproductive toxicants were further evaluated for carcinogenicity and germ cell mutagenicity based on government classifications. A scoring system was utilized to assign numerical values for reproductive health, cancer and germ cell mutation hazard endpoints. Using a Cytoscape analysis, both qualitative and quantitative results were presented visually to readily identify high priority UOG chemicals with evidence of multiple adverse effects. ResultsWe observed substantial inconsistencies in classification among the 11 databases. By adopting the most stringent classification within and across countries, 43 chemicals were classified as known or presumed human reproductive toxicants (GHS Category 1), while 31 chemicals were classified as suspected human reproductive toxicants (GHS Category 2). The 43 reproductive toxicants were further subjected to analysis for carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Calculated hazard scores and Cytoscape visualization yielded several high priority chemicals including potassium dichromate, cadmium, benzene and ethylene oxide. ConclusionsOur findings reveal diverging GHS classification outcomes for UOG chemicals across regulatory agencies. Adoption of the most stringent classification with application of hazard scores provides a useful approach to prioritize reproductive toxicants in UOG and other industries for exposure assessments and selection of safer alternatives.

Jadelle implant acceptance amongst women in Western Health Region 1, The Gambia

The reproductive health hazards of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions have been reduced with modern contraceptive use. The study aimed to highlight the Jadelle Implant acceptance rate amongst women in The Gambia. A descriptive correlational (retrospective) study design was employed. Family planning records were reviewed from January 2015 to December 2015. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Ethical approval was granted by the Regional Health Office, Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, and the Bundung Maternal & Child Health Hospital. Results indicated that out of 3439 acceptors of family planning methods for the year 2015, 660 women went in for the Jadelle implant representing an overall acceptance rate of 19.19%. The mean age was 29.5 years (SD ± 6.3). Mean parity was 4.5 (SD ± 2.4), the average number of alive children was 4.2 years (SD ± 2.1) and most acceptors were housewives 638 (96.7%). A positive relationship existed between age of the last child delivered and Jadelle uptake (p < 0.05). The age of last child delivered was able to predict about 26.1% of Jadelle uptake (p < 0.05). Therefore, the Jadelle implant is a highly accepted contraceptive amongst women attending these health facilities, thus, reducing unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortion, and short birth intervals amongst women in Western Health Region1, The Gambia.

Tobacco use among rural women in reproductive age group and its association with regularity of menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhoea: a community based cross sectional study

Background: Tobacco is a killer of men and women but sex specific differences exists. Along with the risk of suffering from the various health hazards from tobacco use, women are more prone to unique risks related to menstrual and reproductive function reproductive health hazards. This study was done to know the prevalence of tobacco consumption among the rural women in the reproductive age group and its association with the regularity of menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhoea.Methods: A community based cross sectional study, conducted from January 2011 to December 2011 among 1200 rural women aged between 15 years to 49 years residing in Primary Health Centre (PHC) Vantmuri area, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Statistical analysis was done using rates, ratios and chi-square tests.. Results: The prevalence of tobacco consumption was 9.7%. 11 (10.9%) of currently pregnant women were consuming tobacco. Among the tobacco users, 89 (76.1%) had regular cycles. The association of tobacco consumption with irregular menstrual cycles was statistically significant (χ2=5.575, df=1, p=0.018). Further in this study, a very high percentage of 100 (85.5%) of the tobacco users had dysmenorrhoea. The difference was statistically strongly significant. (χ2=266.593, df=1, p&lt;0.001). Among the tobacco users with irregular menstrual cycles, the most common manifestation was oligomenorrhoea 12 (42.9%) followed by 9 (32.1%) and 7 (25%) of menorrhagia and polymenorrhoea respectively. Conclusions: Significant association was found between tobacco consumption and the irregularity of menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhoea. It has become the need of the hour to provide enough evidence on the correlates of tobacco use in the community to assist government policy makers, health professionals and the public in developing realistic models towards effective tobacco control to cater to different sections of community in need.

Health effect of chronic exposure to carbon disulfide (C2) on women employed in viscose industry.

Many women are exposed to carbon disulfide (C2) hazards at work every day. Working with C2 may cause some women to experience abnormalities in their reproductive health. Until now obtained data is generally concentrated on the health effects of C2 observed in the viscose industry. To date, C2 has not been studied precisely for its potential to have damaging effects on female reproductive system, especially the frequency of menstrual disturbances and the course of menopause. The aim of the study was to sum up female reproductive health hazards amongst women chronically exposed to C2 in their workplace in the viscose industry. In order to study the effect of C2 in the contemporary viscose industry, exposure measurements should be collected in prospective or cross-sectional studies. In conclusion, reproductive health hazards for women chronically exposed to C2 in the workplace in the viscose industry are the following: 1) menstrual disorders essentially are more frequent than in the case of the healthy women, 2) for women chronically exposed to C2 the average menopausal age is statistically earlier, as compared to healthy women, 3) complex disturbances in neurohormonal system for women exposed to C2, resulting from toxic influences of C2, which cause the secretion of estrogens and progesterone in ovaries and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the adrenal gland to diminish. Med Pr 2018;69(3):329-335.

Emerging Fusarium and Alternaria Mycotoxins: Occurrence, Toxicity and Toxicokinetics

Emerging Fusarium and Alternaria mycotoxins gain more and more interest due to their frequent contamination of food and feed, although in vivo toxicity and toxicokinetic data are limited. Whereas the Fusarium mycotoxins beauvericin, moniliformin and enniatins particularly contaminate grain and grain-based products, Alternaria mycotoxins are also detected in fruits, vegetables and wines. Although contamination levels are usually low (µg/kg range), higher contamination levels of enniatins and tenuazonic acid may occasionally occur. In vitro studies suggest genotoxic effects of enniatins A, A1 and B1, beauvericin, moniliformin, alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, altertoxins and stemphyltoxin-III. Furthermore, in vitro studies suggest immunomodulating effects of most emerging toxins and a reproductive health hazard of alternariol, beauvericin and enniatin B. More in vivo toxicity data on the individual and combined effects of these contaminants on reproductive and immune system in both humans and animals is needed to update the risk evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority. Taking into account new occurrence data for tenuazonic acid, the complete oral bioavailability, the low total body clearance in pigs and broiler chickens and the limited toxicity data, a health risk cannot be completely excluded. Besides, some less known Alternaria toxins, especially the genotoxic altertoxins and stemphyltoxin III, should be incorporated in risk evaluation as well.

Review of hazards to female reproductive health in veterinary practice.

OBJECTIVE To review publications that address female reproductive health hazards in veterinary practice, summarize best practices to mitigate reproductive risks, and identify current knowledge gaps. DESIGN Systematized review. SAMPLE English-language articles describing chemical, biological, and physical hazards present in the veterinary workplace and associations with adverse reproductive outcomes or recommendations for minimizing risks to female reproductive health. PROCEDURES Searches of the CAB abstracts database were performed in July 2012 and in May 2015 with the following search terms: veterinarians AND occupational hazards and vets.id AND occupational hazards.sh. Searches of the PubMed database were conducted in November 2012 and in May 2015 with the following medical subject heading terms: occupational exposure AND veterinarians; anesthetics, inhalation/adverse effects AND veterinarians; risk factors AND pregnancy AND veterinarians; pregnancy outcome AND veterinarians; and animal technicians AND occupational exposure. Two additional PubMed searches were completed in January 2016 with the terms disinfectants/toxicity AND female AND fertility/drug effects and veterinarians/psychology AND stress, psychological. No date limits were applied to searches. RESULTS 4 sources supporting demographic trends in veterinary medicine and 118 resources reporting potential hazards to female reproductive health were identified. Reported hazards included exposure to anesthetic gases, radiation, antineoplastic drugs, and reproductive hormones; physically demanding work; prolonged standing; and zoonoses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Demographic information suggested that an increasing number of women of reproductive age will be exposed to chemical, biological, and physical hazards in veterinary practice. Information on reproductive health hazards and minimizing risk, with emphasis on developing a safety-focused work culture for all personnel, should be discussed starting in veterinary and veterinary technical schools and integrated into employee training.

Reproductive and Maternal Health Challenges of Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: An Anthropological Appraisal

A very Poor attention is given to reproductive health issues of pregnant women in rural regions of African countries. Ethiopia is one of the countries in horn of Africa representing highest maternal mortality rate in the continent. The Government of Ethiopia has reformed health policy and program to promote community involvement in maternal health, promotion of emergency obstetric health care, health seeking behavior for optimal utilization of maternal health services by women during pregnancies. The women living in pastoralist and small land holders’ communities are exposed to high risks of reproductive health hazards. Material delays comprising of delay in making the decision for referral, delay in arriving at hospital and delay in receiving appropriate maternal health services are major contributing factors for growing maternal deaths in Ethiopia. The illiteracy of woman, exposure to frequent pregnancies at adolescent age, poor decision making power of women in patriarchal society, poor employment status of women are main predicators of low utilization of maternal services and high ,maternal death in rural regions of the country. This article is based on synthesis of research projects completed by different authors on multiple dimensions of maternal mortality in Ethiopia. The promotion of referral support service and bridging up the referral gaps would address issues of maternal mortality and growing unsafe abortions among young mothers in rural regions of the country. This paper examines critically different socio – cultural barriers that prevent women living in rural area for accessing appropriate utilization of maternal and health services and infrastructure available. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 4, Issue-1: 32-37

Natural compounds in dietary supplements: Female reproductive health hazard assessment in vitro

Natural compounds in dietary supplements: Female reproductive health hazard assessment in vitro

Motherhood in childhood: addressing reproductive health hazards among adolescent married women in India.

BackgroundIn India, due to the high prevalence of child marriage, most adolescent pregnancies occur within marriage. Pregnancy and childbirth complications are among the leading causes of death in girls aged 15 to 19 years. Hence, adolescent pregnancy is a serious health threat to young women in India.MethodsThe study focuses on the level and trends of adolescent pregnancy rate (per thousand currently married adolescent women) in India in the last two decades, based on cross-sectional data from three different periods, DLHS-1 (1998–99), DLHS-2 (2002–04) and DLHS-3 (2007–08). Further, the determinants of adolescent pregnancy and its effects are analyzed using the DLHS-3 data, which used a multi-stage stratified systematic sampling design. The sample size of this study was 18,709 pregnancies that occurred to 14,006 currently married adolescent (15–19 years) women. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to examine the association between pregnancy outcomes (live birth vs. abortion/stillbirth) and health complications with socioeconomic variables and maternal-child health (MCH) service utilization.ResultsDuring the periods of 1998–99, 2002–04 and 2007–08, the rate of adolescent pregnancy was 427, 467 and 438 respectively. In 2007–08, the proportion of live births (vs. stillbirth or abortion) was significantly higher among older adolescents aged 18–19 years (OR = 1.25, 95 % CI (1.08–1.44), p < 0.001) than among younger adolescent women of 15–17 years. The proportion of live births was also higher among women having 10 years or more education (OR = 1.26, 95 % CI (1.01–1.56), p < 0.01). The prevalence of live birth was significantly higher among women who had received some delivery advices (OR = 1.38, 95 % CI (0.96–1.95), p < 0.01), had consumed iron/folic acid tablets, (OR = 1.37, 95 % CI (0.89–2.11), p < 0.05), had received Tetanus Toxoid injection (OR = 2.29, 95 % CI (1.25–4.19), p < 0.001), while those with assisted vaginal delivery were significantly less likely to have a live birth (OR = 0.38,95 % CI (0.21–0.68), p < 0.001). Adolescent women had 66.6 % delivery complications (i.e. any one problem) vs. 62.5 % among adult women (20–24 years), (p < 0.001).ConclusionStillbirth and abortion are more prevalent among younger adolescents than among older adolescents, and among all adolescents than among adult women. Delaying the first birth until age 20 appears to benefit both mothers and babies. Access to reproductive health services; timely and quality family planning services and safe abortion and delivery advice; tetanus toxoid and iron/folic acid for those married adolescents who do become pregnant could improve health outcomes.

Risk Factors and Health Hazards of Vaginal Infections in Upper Egypt: A Cross Sectional Study

Objective: The complaint of abnormal vaginal discharge is very common particularly in developing countries with low socioeconomic level as Egypt. The study aims to determine the frequency of vaginal infections among Upper Egypt women with evaluation of the related risk factors and health hazards in addition to study the habit of vaginal douching, its possible relation to vaginal infections. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional observational study was done in Women Health Hospital – Assiut University-Egypt. A trained clinic nurse administered an interview-administered questionnaire to 326 women. Women presented to the outpatient clinic and diagnosed to have any type of vaginal infections were approached for participation. The principle outcome was to study the common predisposing factors, different types of vulvovaginal infection and possible common reproductive hazards. Results: During 6-months’ study period, 3894 patients attended the outpatient Gynecology Clinic, from whom 326 women (8.24%) proved to have vaginal infections. The mean age (±SD) of the study participants was 34.61±9.33 years. The majority of women (89.6%) were housewives, multipara (85.9%), living in rural and semi urban areas (79.5%). Among the study group, candidiasis was the most common type of infection (60.8%). The recurrence rate was high for both bacterial vaginosis “BV” (75.2%) and vulvovaginal candidiasis “VVC” (64.1%). No significant difference between candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis regarding preterm labor, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease. Conclusions: Vaginal infections are quiet common in our locality with high frequency of recurrence. Vaginal douching is a common practice that may predispose to many reproductive health hazards as preterm labor and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Biocultural Dynamics of Teenage Pregnancies in Ethiopia: Medico Anthropological Appraisal

Teenage pregnancy is a burning public health and demographic problem in Ethiopia.The adolescent girls of rural regions in Ethiopia account for alarming higher proportion of teenage pregnancies and contribute serious threats to health and development interventions by the Government.Teenage pregnancies and adolescent reproductive health hazards are burning global issues which have obstructed effective implementation of agenda of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The UNICEF estimates that 80 per cent of teenage pregnancies are reported in least developed countries of the world.The multiple socio-cultural factors such as lack of parental control and guidance, gender inequality, poverty, social exclusion, peer pressure, adoption of transactional and intergenerational sex by unemployed adolescent girls in poor homes as coping mechanism, gender based sexual assault prevailing in and around schools have stimulated increased teenage pregnancies in rural regions of Ethiopia.This paper based on review of research articles and research synthesis argues that teenage pregnancies is a national concern of Ethiopia preventing a significant section of adolescent girls availing access to preparedness for adulthood, exercising reproductive rights, opportunities for skill development, education, safe sex and reproductive health.This paper is an attempt to develop framework of research hypothesis and research questions to be adopted for further research on this thematic area.In rural regions of Ethiopia, increased number of women headed families coupled with rising poverty; unemployment and family disorganization breed sexual exploitation of adolescent girls exposing them to high risk sexual transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.The growing teenage pregnancies in the country have drastically affected achievement of agenda in Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) in term of reduction of maternal death by 75 percent by 2015.The health inequalities is a major contributing factor to deprive women of equal opportunity and availing access to reach her health potential irrespective of social status, ethnicity, gender, religion and economic status.The socio-economic conditions of family and community in rural regions of Ethiopia contribute to increasing teenage pregnancies and adolescent motherhood.These factors are inadequate opportunity in community level for positive youth development, illiteracy, poverty and limited employment opportunities.The study recommends for a comprehensive community driven approach promoting childhood interventions and adolescent development programme towards minimizing unintended teenage pregnancy and gender discrimination prevailing in rural and urban region of Ethiopia.Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-3, issue-1: 68-77