Sociodemographic Characteristics Of Women Research Articles

Prevalence and associated factors of abortion among women with severe mental disorders

BackgroundAbortion behaviors among individuals with mental disorders presented major obstacles to women's health. However, few studies reported the prevalence and associated factors of abortion among women with severe mental disorders in China. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of abortion among female patients in rural communities and identify potential health risks. MethodThis was a cross-sectional study of 276 women aged 18 years and older with severe mental disorders in rural areas of Shandong Province, China. The pregnancy history, abortion history and socio-demographic characteristics of women were investigated by questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the associated factors for different abortion behaviors. ResultThe study showed that 82.61 % (228/276) of patients had a pregnancy history. Among the patients with a pregnancy history, 43.42 % (99/228) reported having had at least one abortion, and 15.79 % (36/228) had more than one. In the other side, 31.58 % (72/228) of them experienced spontaneous abortion, while 12.72 % (29/228) experienced induced abortion. Age at first gestation (aOR 0.80, 95 % CI 0.70–0.90) and age at last gestation (aOR 1.17, 95 % CI 1.07–1.27) were both associated with abortion. Anxiety was related to spontaneous (aOR 1.08, 95 % CI 1.02–1.15) and repeat abortions (aOR 1.10, 95 % CI 1.01–1.19). In addition, religion (aOR 10.47, 95 % CI 2.81–39.01), number of children≥2 (aOR 0.18, 95 % CI 0.04–0.77), and family functioning (aOR 1.31, 95 % CI 1.06–1.63) were associated with induced abortion. ConclusionWomen with severe mental disorders in rural regions have notably higher rates of abortion compared to the general female population, particularly for spontaneous abortions. Gestational age and anxiety of pregnant patients deserve attention and preventive measures to avoid the outcomes of abortion.

Sociodemographic characteristics associated with underweight and overweight in adults aged 50 years and over (ELSI-Brasil): differences between sexes

The objective were to describe the prevalence of underweight and overweight, assessed by body mass index (BMI), stratified by sex and age group, and to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics associated with BMI in older women and men. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 8,974 participants aged ≥ 50 years from the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brasil, 2015-2016). BMI was classified as underweight, eutrophy, and overweight according to the participant's age. A multinomial logistic regression model was used, considering the sociodemographic characteristics of women and men. The results showed a higher prevalence of overweight in women compared to men (64.1% vs. 57.3%). In both sexes, the prevalence of underweight was higher in the longest-lived individuals, while overweight was lower. In women, the chance of underweight was higher than the chance of eutrophy in those who were single/widowed/divorced (OR = 1.95; 95%CI: 1.42-2.66) and in those living in rural areas (OR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.01-2.49), while the chance of being overweight was lower than the chance of being eutrophy in those living in rural areas (OR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.62-0.97) and in all geographic macro-regions related to the South Region. For men, the chance of being overweight was lower than the chance of being eutrophy among single/widowed/divorced individuals (OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.48-0.69). The richest had a lower chance of being underweight (OR = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.38-0.90), as well as a higher chance of being overweight (OR = 1.52; 95%CI: 1.20-1.92). In conclusion, the sociodemographic characteristics associated with BMI differed between the sexes.

Sociodemographic Variations in Women’s Reports of Discussions With Clinicians About Breast Density

Breast density notifications advise women to discuss breast density with their clinicians, yet little is known about such discussions. To examine the content of women's reports of breast density discussions with clinicians and identify variations by women's sociodemographic characteristics (age, income, state legislation status, race and ethnicity, and literacy level). This US nationwide, population-based, random-digit dial telephone survey study was conducted from July 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020, among 2306 women aged 40 to 76 years with no history of breast cancer who underwent mammography in the prior 2 years and had heard the term dense breasts or breast density. Results were analyzed from a subsample of 770 women reporting a conversation about breast density with their clinician after their last mammographic screening. Statistical analysis was conducted in April and July 2023. Survey questions inquired whether women's clinicians had asked about breast cancer risk or their worries or concerns about breast density, had discussed mammography results or other options for breast cancer screening or their future risk of breast cancer, as well as the extent to which the clinician answered questions about breast density. Of the 770 women (358 [47%] aged 50-64 years; 47 Asian [6%], 125 Hispanic [16%], 204 non-Hispanic Black [27%], 317 non-Hispanic White [41%], and 77 other race and ethnicity [10%]) whose results were analyzed, most reported that their clinicians asked questions about breast cancer risk (88% [670 of 766]), discussed mammography results (94% [724 of 768]), and answered patient questions about breast density (81% [614 of 761]); fewer women reported that clinicians had asked about worries or concerns about breast density (69% [524 of 764]), future risk of breast cancer (64% [489 of 764]), or other options for breast cancer screening (61% [459 of 756]). Women's reports of conversations varied significantly by race and ethnicity; non-Hispanic Black women reported being asked questions about breast cancer risk more often than non-Hispanic White women (odds ratio [OR], 2.08 [95% CI, 1.05-4.10]; P = .04). Asian women less often reported being asked about their worries or concerns (OR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.20-0.86]; P = .02), and Hispanic and Asian women less often reported having their questions about breast density answered completely or mostly (Asian: OR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.13-0.62]; P = .002; Hispanic: OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.27-0.87]; P = .02). Women with low literacy were less likely than women with high literacy to report being asked about worries or concerns about breast density (OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.43-0.96]; P = .03), that mammography results were discussed with them (OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.16-0.63]; P = .001), or that their questions about breast density were answered completely or mostly (OR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32-0.81]; P = .004). In this survey study, although most women reported that their clinicians counselled them about breast density, the unaddressed worries or concerns and unanswered questions, especially among Hispanic and Asian women and those with low literacy, highlighted areas where discussions could be improved.

A study on the factors affecting polycystic ovary syndrome in young women

Aims: The aim of this study was to define the incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in young women and the affecting characteristics. In this study, environmental factors and demographic characteristics of women with PCOS were compared with the control group, which included healthy young women. Methods: This is a retrospective study with control in young women aged 18-25, suffering from PCOS and healthy women, referred to our clinic between September 2018- August 2020. Women's socio-demographic characteristics such as age, weight, height, economic status, employment status, education status, smoking and alcohol abuse, chronic disease, exercise status, family history of cancer, and menstrual irregularity of participants were compared. Results: Results did not show a statistically significant association between case and control regarding age, economic status, education status, family history of cancer, smoking and alcohol abuse (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between groups regarding menstrual irregularity, chronic disease, body mass index (BMI), exercise and working status (p<0.05). Healthy women exercise more, and a higher percentage of them are employed. Chronic diseases were more common in women with PCOS. Women with PCOS were fatter and had more menstrual irregularities problems. Conclusion: BMI, working status, exercise status, menstrual irregularity, and chronic disease status helped diagnose PCOS in young women.

Prevalence, Regional Variations, and Predictors of Overweight, Obesity, and Hypertension Among Healthy Reproductive-Age Indian Women: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Task Force Study.

A clear understanding of the anthropometric and sociodemographic risk factors related to BMI and hypertension categories is essential for more effective disease prevention, particularly in India. There is a paucity of nationally representative data on the dynamics of these risk factors, which have not been assessed among healthy reproductive-age Indian women. This cross-sectional polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) task force study aimed to assess the anthropometric and sociodemographic characteristics of healthy reproductive-age Indian women and explore the association of these characteristics with various noncommunicable diseases. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey from 2018 to 2022 as part of the Indian Council of Medical Research-PCOS National Task Force study, with the primary aim of estimating the national prevalence of PCOS and regional phenotypic variations among women with PCOS. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted, and 7107 healthy women (aged 18-40 years) from 6 representative geographical zones of India were included in the study. The anthropometric indices and sociodemographic characteristics of these women were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between exposure and outcome variables. Of the 7107 study participants, 3585 (50.44%) were from rural areas and 3522 (49.56%) were from urban areas. The prevalence of obesity increased from 8.1% using World Health Organization criteria to 40% using the revised consensus guidelines for Asian Indian populations. Women from urban areas showed higher proportions of overweight (524/1908, 27.46%), obesity (775/1908, 40.62%), and prehypertension (1008/1908, 52.83%) categories. A rising trend of obesity was observed with an increase in age. Women aged 18 to 23 years were healthy (314/724, 43.4%) and overweight (140/724, 19.3%) compared with women aged 36 to 40 years with obesity (448/911, 49.2%) and overweight (216/911, 23.7%). The proportion of obesity was high among South Indian women, with 49.53% (531/1072) and 66.14% (709/1072), using both World Health Organization criteria and the revised Indian guidelines for BMI, respectively. BMI with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio had a statistically significant linear relationship (r=0.417; P<.001 and r=0.422; P<.001, respectively). However, the magnitude, or strength, of the association was relatively weak (0.3<|r|<0.5). Statistical analysis showed that the strongest predictors of being overweight or obese were older age, level of education, wealth quintile, and area of residence. Anthropometric and sociodemographic characteristics are useful predictors of overweight- and obesity-related syndromes, including prehypertension, among healthy Indian women. Increased attention to the health of Indian women from public health experts and policy makers is warranted. The findings of this study can be leveraged to offer valuable insights, informing health decision-making and targeted interventions that mitigate risk factors of overweight, obesity, and hypertension. RR2-10.2196/23437.

Factors influencing women’s decision choosing a public or private health facility for tuberculosis (TB) services: An analysis of Nepal demographic and health survey data 2016

BACKGROUND: Nepal is committed to providing reliable and free Tuberculosis (TB) services through public health facilities, but a considerable number of TB cases seek services from the private sector. There have been no previously published studies investigating factors that influence women's decision to choose a public or private health facility for TB services. Therefore, we aimed to examine how women's socio-demographic characteristics influence this decision. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016. The NDHS 2016 was a nationally representative cross-sectional study. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression method was used in the analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 88% of women chose a public health facility as their preferred place for the diagnosis and treatment of TB. Women having good TB knowledge (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.52-2.39), women aged 45-49 years (aOR: 3.98, CI: 2.68-5.91), and women living in the mountain region (aOR: 3.16, CI: 1.78-5.61) were more likely to prefer a public health facility. Women belonging to the richest category (aOR: 0.54, CI: 0.38-0.78), and being of Muslim (aOR: 0.42, CI: 0.28-0.64) were less likely to choose a public health facility for diagnosis and treatment of TB. CONCLUSION: This study indicates a considerable number of women have an insufficient level of access to quality TB services from a public health facility in Nepal. Inadequate TB knowledge, younger age, unemployment, and social stigma were all associated with women not preferring the public health facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of TB. We believe the findings of the analysis will help policy makers and program managers to fine-tune an intervention plan focusing on these women who are less likely to prefer public health facilities for TB services.

Improving the quality of maternal and newborn healthcare at the district level: Addressing newborn deaths in Nepal.

Maternal and newborn care quality can be measured in three dimensions (Dimensions 1: care provision, 2: care experience, and 3: human and physical resources); however, little is known about which dimensions are associated with newborn and perinatal deaths. We examined the association between care quality and newborn and perinatal deaths in Nepal. This study incorporated secondary data from Nepal Service Provision Assessments (NSPA) 2015 (623 delivery facilities, facility inventory survey; 1,509 women, ANC clients interviews; 1,544 women, ANC observation) and Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) 2016 (5,038 women who reported having given birth in the five years preceding data collection). The outcome variables were newborn and perinatal deaths derived from the NDHS. The exposure variables were district-level maternal and newborn care quality scores calculated from the NSPA data. Covariates were women's sociodemographic, health, and obstetric characteristics. We applied the administrative boundary method to link these two surveys. We conducted binary logistic regression analyses to examine the association between care quality and newborn/perinatal deaths. In Dimension 1, higher mean and maximum quality scores at the district level were associated with a lower number of newborn deaths (mean: odds ratio [OR] = 0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00-0.76; max: OR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01-0.58), but not with perinatal deaths. In Dimensions 2 and 3, the quality score was not significantly associated with newborn deaths and perinatal. Enhancing the quality of care provision at its average and highest levels in each district may contribute to the reduction of newborn deaths, but not perinatal death. Health administrators should assess the quality of care at the administrative division level and focus on enhancing both average and maximum care quality of health facilities in each region in the care provision dimension.

Factors influencing women’s decision choosing a public or private health facility for tuberculosis (TB) services: An analysis of Nepal demographic and health survey data 2016

BACKGROUND: Nepal is committed to providing reliable and free Tuberculosis (TB) services through public health facilities, but a considerable number of TB cases seek services from the private sector. There have been no previously published studies investigating factors that influence women's decision to choose a public or private health facility for TB services. Therefore, we aimed to examine how women's socio-demographic characteristics influence this decision. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016. The NDHS 2016 was a nationally representative cross-sectional study. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression method was used in the analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 88% of women chose a public health facility as their preferred place for the diagnosis and treatment of TB. Women having good TB knowledge (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.52-2.39), women aged 45-49 years (aOR: 3.98, CI: 2.68-5.91), and women living in the mountain region (aOR: 3.16, CI: 1.78-5.61) were more likely to prefer a public health facility. Women belonging to the richest category (aOR: 0.54, CI: 0.38-0.78), and being of Muslim (aOR: 0.42, CI: 0.28-0.64) were less likely to choose a public health facility for diagnosis and treatment of TB. CONCLUSION: This study indicates a considerable number of women have an insufficient level of access to quality TB services from a public health facility in Nepal. Inadequate TB knowledge, younger age, unemployment, and social stigma were all associated with women not preferring the public health facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of TB. We believe the findings of the analysis will help policy makers and program managers to fine-tune an intervention plan focusing on these women who are less likely to prefer public health facilities for TB services.

Relationship between Coping Strategies and Socio demographic Characteristics of Women with Breast Cancer

Relationship between Coping Strategies and Socio demographic Characteristics of Women with Breast Cancer

Prevalence and Associated Factors with Attending Antenatal Care in Akre City, Iraq

Background and Objectives: Antenatal care is essential for protecting the health of women and their unborn children. Antenatal care utilization is a key intervention in problem detection and treatment, promoting health-seeking behavior, and preparing pregnant women for birth. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors that affect attending and utilizing antenatal care in primary health care centers among pregnant women in Akre city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Maternity Hospital of Akre City from November 21 to February 21, 2022. Data were collected through interviews with 400 women who attended the hospital for delivery and via a questionnaire constructed for the study. The questionnaire included women's socio-demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, obstetrical and reproductive history, and factors affecting antenatal care. Frequency, percentage, and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Result: The rate of attending antennal care was 20%. The study findings showed a statistically significant association between attending antenatal care in the last pregnancy with residency, type of family, parity, and previous mode of delivery. Conclusion: The prevalence of women who attend antenatal care is few. Effective media and providing special health care in primary health care centers and services are required to improve the level of awareness of pregnant women for utilizing antenatal care

Maternal depressiveness and infant growth outcomes: Findings from the MAASTHI cohort study in India

ObjectiveThe study aims to examine the association between depressiveness in mothers on infant obesity and stunting at one year of age. MethodsWe enrolled 4829 pregnant women, followed them up at public health facilities in Bengaluru for one year after birth. We collected information on women's sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, depressive symptoms during pregnancy and delivery within 48 h. We took infant anthropometric measurements at birth and one year. We used chi-square tests, and calculated an unadjusted odds ratio using univariate logistic regression. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between maternal depressiveness, childhood adiposity, and stunting. ResultsWe found that the prevalence of depressiveness was 31.8% in mothers who delivered in public health facilities in Bengaluru. Infants born to mothers with depressiveness at birth had 3.9 times higher odds of having larger waist circumference than infants born to mothers with no depressiveness (AOR: 3.96, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.24,12.58) and 1.9 times higher odds of having a larger sum of skinfold thickness (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.18,3.38). Additionally, we found that infants born to mothers with depressiveness at birth had 1.7 times higher odds of stunting than infants born to mothers with no depressiveness (AOR: 1.72; 95%CI: 1.22,2.43) after adjusting for confounders. ConclusionOur study highlights a high prevalence of depressiveness among mothers seeking antenatal care at a public hospital is associated with an increased risk of infant adiposity and stunting at one year. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and identify effective interventions.

Study of Characteristics of Pregnant Women Who Are Refugees and Aged Under 18 Years.

Introduction In recent years, the refugee crisis has become one of the most serious problems. It is well-known that women, individuals aged under 18 years, and pregnant refugees are particularly vulnerable to adverse conditions. In this study, we aimed to determine the characteristics of pregnant refugee women aged under 18 years. Methodology Data for pregnant women were recorded prospectively from 2019 to 2021, and pregnant refugee women aged ≤18 years were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics of women, gravidity and parity status, the status of regular antenatal care visits and antenatal care visit any time until birth, type of birth, causes for cesarean section, presence of maternal comorbidities, obstetric complications, and baby-related characteristics were recorded. Results A total of 134 pregnant refugees were enrolled in the study. A total of 31 (23.1%) women had completed primary school, and two (1.5%) women had completedmiddle school or high school. Additionally, only 3.7%of women had a regular job, and 64.2% of the refugees had a total family income below the minimum wage. Also, 10.4% of women lived with more than three people outside the nuclear family. Gravidity numbers were one for 65 (48.5%) women, two for 50 (37.3%) women, and more than two for 19 (14.2%) women, respectively. The proportion of women with regular antenatal care visits was 19.4% (26), and 45.5% (61) had irregular antenatal care visits. Anemia and urinary tract infections were detected in 52 (28.8%) patients and seven (5.2%) patients, respectively. The proportion of preterm delivery was 8.9%, and 10.5% of infants had low birth weight. A total of 16 (11.9%) babies required neonatal intensive care unit support. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that pregnant women who are refugees and aged under 18 years have low education levels, insufficient family income, and often live in crowded families and even as the second wife of a husband. Moreover, although the birth rate was high in pregnant refugees, the rate of regular antenatal follow-up was low. Finally, this study showed that maternal anemia, preterm birth, and low birth weight were common in pregnant refugees.

Sociodemographic characteristics of women who died by suicide in India from 2014 to 2020: findings from surveillance data

Women in India have twice the suicide death rate (SDR) compared with the global average for women. The aim of this study is to present a systematic understanding of sociodemographic risk factors, reasons for suicide deaths, and methods of suicide among women in India at the state level over time. Administrative data on suicide deaths among women by education level, marital status, and occupation, and reason for and method of suicide were extracted from the National Crimes Record Bureau reports for years 2014 to 2020. We extrapolated SDR at the population level for Indian women by education, marital status, and occupation to understand the sociodemography of these suicide deaths for India and its states. We reported the reasons for and methods of suicide deaths among Indian women at the state level over this period. SDR was higher among women with education of class 6 or more (10·2; 95% CI 10·1-10·4) than those with no education (3·8; 3·7-3·9) or education until class 5 (5·4; 5·2-5·5) in India in 2020, with similar patterns in most states. SDR declined between 2014 and 2020 for women with education until class 5. Women currently married accounted for 28 085 (63·1%) of 44 498 suicide deaths in India, 8336 (56·2%) of 14 840 in less developed states, and 19 661 (66·9%) of 29 407 in more developed states in 2020. For India, women currently married had a significantly higher SDR (8·1; 8·0-8·2) than those never married in 2014. However, women who never married had a significantly higher SDR (8·4; 8·2-8·5) in 2020 than those who were currently married. Many individual states in 2020 had similar SDR for women who never married and those who are currently married. Housewife as an occupation accounted for 50% or more of suicide deaths from 2014 to 2020 in India and its states. Family problems was the most common reason for suicide from 2014 to 2020, accounting for 16 140 (36·3%) of 44 498 suicide deaths in India, 5268 (35·5%) of 14 840 in less developed states, and 10 803 (36·7%) of 29 407 in more developed states in 2020. Hanging was the leading mean of suicide from 2014 to 2020. Insecticide or poison consumption was the second leading cause of suicide, accounting for 2228 (15·0%) of all 14 840 suicide deaths in less developed states and 5753 (19·6%) of 29 407 in more developed states, with a near 70·0% increase in the use of this method from 2014 to 2020. The higher SDR among women who have received an education, similar SDR between women currently married and never married, and variations in the reasons for and means of suicide at the state level highlight the need to incorporate sociological insights into how the external social environment can matter for women to better understand the complexity of suicide and determine how to effectively intervene. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Clients' perspectives on the utilization of reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health services in primary health centers during COVID-19 pandemic in 10 States of Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

Reports from various parts of the world suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may have severe adverse effects on the delivery and uptake of reproductive health, maternal, neonatal, and child health (RMNCH) services. The objective of the study was to explore women's experiences with utilization of RMNCH services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, and to elicit their perceptions on ways to sustain effective service delivery during the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey of 2930 women using primary health care facilities for antenatal, delivery, postnatal, and child care services before and after the onset of the pandemic in 10 States of Nigeria were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were collected on women's socio-demographic characteristics and pregnancy histories, the services they sought before and after the pandemic, the challenges they faced in accessing the services, their use of alternative sources of health care, and their recommendations on ways to sustain RMNCH service delivery during the pandemic. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and multivariable logistic regression using SPSS 20.0. All the statistical analyses were two-tailed with a 95% confidence interval, and the p-value was set at 0.05. The logistic regression results showed that women were at least 56% more likely to report that they used family planning, antenatal, and delivery services before the pandemic than after the pandemic started, but 38% less likely to report use of postnatal services. The experience of difficulty accessing RMNCH services was 23% more likely after the pandemic started than before the pandemic. Three categories of recommendations made by the respondents on measures to sustain RMNCH delivery during the pandemic included 1) facility improvement, and staff recruitment and re-training; 2) free and readily accessible PHC services, and 3) the provision of social safety nets including transportation and palliatives. We conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic limited women's access to antenatal, delivery, and childcare services offered in PHCs in Nigeria. Addressing the recommendations and the concerns raised by women will help to sustain the delivery of RMNCH services during the COVID-19 pandemic and future epidemics or health emergencies in Nigeria.

Cervical cancer risk levels among women aged 30-65 and factors affecting compliance with the national cervical cancer screening standards

Screening programs for early detection of cervical cancer are extremely important for better prognosis and long-term survival. This study was conducted to determine cervical cancer (CC) risk levels among women aged between 30-65 and the factors affecting having an HPV/Pap smear test that complies with national CC screening standards. A total of 1407 women in the 30-65 age group participated in this cross-sectional study. No sample selection procedure was conducted, and 1407 women who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study were included in the study group. Data were collected between January 2019 and March 2020. The questionnaire used in the study consisted of questions about women's sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, CC early diagnosis and screening behaviors, and the CC risk calculation model. Pearson chi-square test, chi-square test for trend, and logistic regression analysis were used in the study. The statistical significance level was accepted as p&lt; 0.05. In the study, 58.9% of the women reported that they had a test within one to three years, 67.5% of those who did not have the test stated they did not know that it was necessary, and 46.2% stated that they neglected it. The CC risk level of 83.6% of women was “below average”. The rate of having an HPV/PS test following the national CC screening standards was significantly higher in women who were in the 50-59 age group, smoked, had a childbirth experience, or did not regularly use a condom during sexual intercourse (p&lt;0.05). As the calculated CC risk level increased, testing behaviors decreased statistically significantly (p&lt;0.01). The time of the last screening test was more than five years in those with a calculated CC risk level of ≥average (p&lt;0.01). The CC risk level of the women in the study was below average. There was a significant relationship between HPV/PS testing behavior and age, smoking, having a childbirth experience, and condom use.

Does antenatal depression predict post-partum depression and obstetric complications? Results from a longitudinal, long-term, real-world study.

Main aims of the present paper are to: (1) assess the prevalence of antenatal depression (AD) and identify its predictors; (2) analyse the impact of AD on obstetric outcomes and on the incidence of post-partum depression. All pregnant women referring to the Gynecology and Obstetrics inpatients unit of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" were invited to participate. Upon acceptance, women completed the Italian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and an ad-hoc questionnaire on the women's sociodemographic, gynecological and peripartum characteristics as well as their psychiatric history. Women were assessed at each trimester of pregnancy, immediately after the childbirth and after one, three, 6 and 11 months. 268 pregnant women were recruited, with a mean of 32.2 (±5.81) years. Ninety-seven women (36.2%) reported the presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Predictors of AD were personal history of depression, a family history for depressive disorders and problematic relationships with the partner. The presence of AD was associated to a reduced gestational age at the time of delivery, a lower APGAR score at 1 and 5 min, labor induction and admission of the new-born into neonatal intensive care unit. Mothers with antenatal depression are less likely to natural breastfeed. Lastly, antenatal depression was a risk factor for higher EPDS scores at follow-ups. Our results support the idea that women should be screened during pregnancy and post-partum for the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Health professionals should be adequately trained to detect psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy.

Medically assisted reproduction and mental health: a 24-year longitudinal analysis using Finnish register data

Medically assisted reproduction can negatively affect women's mental health, particularly when the treatments do not result in a live birth. Although the number of women relying on medically assisted reproduction to conceive has grown rapidly, our knowledge about the mental health effects before, during, and after treatment is limited. This study aimed to understand the long-term association between medically assisted reproduction and mental health outcomes for women before, during, and after their treatments, and according to whether the treatment resulted in a live birth. Using Finnish register data for the period from 1995 to 2018, we estimated the probability of psychotropic purchases (antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and sedatives) for 3 groups of women who: (1) gave birth after natural conception, (2) gave birth after medically assisted reproduction treatments, or (3) underwent medically assisted reproduction but remained childless. We followed up women for up to 12 years before and 12 years after the reference date, which corresponded to the conception date for women who had a first live birth either after a natural or a medically assisted conception, or the date of the last medically assisted reproduction treatment for women with no live birth by the end of 2017. We estimated linear probability models before and after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics. The results show that women who did not have a live birth after undergoing medically assisted reproduction treatments purchased more psychotropics than women who gave birth after conceiving naturally or through medically assisted reproduction, and that these differences did not attenuate over time. Twelve years after the reference date, 17.73% (95% confidence interval, 16.82-18.63) of women who underwent medically assisted reproduction but remained childless purchased psychotropics vs 11.11% of women who gave birth after natural conception (95% confidence interval, 10.98-11.26) and 12.17% (95% confidence interval, 11.65-12.69) of women who gave birth after medically assisted reproduction treatments. In addition, women who conceived naturally and through medically assisted reproduction had very similar psychotropic use patterns from 3 years before conception to 4 years after, and over the long term. Adjustment for women's sociodemographic characteristics did not change the results. The similarities in psychotropic purchases of women who had a live birth, whether naturally or through medically assisted reproduction, suggest that the higher psychotropic use among women who remained childless after undergoing medically assisted reproduction were likely driven more by involuntary childlessness than by treatment-related stress. The results highlight the importance of counseling for women undergoing medically assisted reproduction treatments, especially if their attempts to conceive are unsuccessful.

Intervention program for women complaining from urinary incontinence at Aga city

Background: Urinary incontinence affect women at any age in which deteriorate their quality of life. Pelvic training to control bladder function at regular time intervals has been demonstrated to be an effective method for treating incontinence. Aim: the study aimed to evaluate the effect of intervention program for women complaining from UI. Study design: A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at five outpatient clinics of Aga central hospital, Dakahlia Government, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample was used to select 354 women divided randomly into study group and control group each of them were 177. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection. 1st tool is a structural interviewing questionnaire: It contained four parts: Part I: Women socio-demographic characteristics. Part II: women’s history. Part III: Women’s knowledge regarding urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Ⅳ: Women’s reported practice regarding pelvic floor muscle exercises. 2nd tool is Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) standardized tool to assess urinary system efficiency.

Domestic violence: A cross-sectional study among pregnant and postpartum women.

To assess the prevalence of domestic violence/intimate partner violence, aggressors, types of violence and associated factors in women who attend an antenatal and postnatal care service in a public hospital in Brazil. Cross-sectional study. We interviewed women attending antenatal and postpartum care services in a Brazilian public tertiary woman's hospital in Campinas, São Paulo, between July 2019 and September 2021. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires previously used in healthcare settings: Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS); Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST); Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with Harm and Screamed (HITS). We evaluated the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of women and domestic/intimate violence using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Of the 600 pregnant and postpartum women interviewed, 138 (23%) had suffered any abuse. Some participants disclosed physical violence during pregnancy (2.3%) and during the last 12 months (5.3%). The partner was identified as the main aggressor in most of the cases (60%). When women had a partner, 3.5% reported domestic violence and 6.7% disclosed intimate partner violence during pregnancy or postpartum period. Women with non-white skin colour (OR=1.53; 95% CI 1.01-2.34; p=.048), gestational age ≤ 13 weeks (OR=3.41; 95% CI 1.03-11.25; p=.044) and in postpartum period (OR=2.81; 95% CI 1.32-5.99; p=.008) were more likely to experience domestic violence at some time in their lives. Women interviewed before the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to disclose that they had suffered any abuse. Experience of violence during pregnancy and postpartum period was more frequent in women with non-white skin colour, in their first gestational trimester and in the postpartum period, and was more reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. Antenatal and postpartum care services could be safe places to support violence survivors. Pregnant and postpartum women are a vulnerable group to experiencing domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Violence can negatively affect women's and children's health and well-being. Antenatal and postpartum care should be considered as a moment to routinely inquiry women about past and current violence experiences. Regular contact among healthcare professionals and women during this period offers a window of opportunities for implementing psychosocial interventions among women at risk of violence. Healthcare providers (i.e., physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses and midwives) have an important role in identifying survivors, offering support and providing quality information to women.

Intimate partner violence and associated factors among reproductive age women in Liberia: a cross-sectional study using a recent Liberian demographic and health survey

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem and a violation of women's human rights. Almost one third of women aged 15–49 years who have been in a relationship have experienced to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner worldwide.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the prevalence of intimate partner violence within the last 12 months and associated factors among reproductive aged women in Liberia.MethodThis study was based on a large community-based cross-sectional survey, Liberia Demographic Health Survey (LDHS), conducted From October 16, 2019, to February 12, 2020, in Liberia. The 2019–20 LDHS used a stratified two-stage cluster design. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent intimate partner violence among reproductive age women in Liberia and to control confounders. Adjusted odds ratio and confidence interval (CI) were used to declare statistical significance in the final model. Those variables with p value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.ResultThe overall prevalence of IPV within the last 12 months was 44.74% (42.73–46.77). age of the women 41% (AOR = 0.59, 95%CI 0.37–0.93), 42% (AOR = 0.58, 95%CI 0.35–0.94), and 59% (AOR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.25–0.68) among women with in the age group of 35–39, 40–44 and 45–49 respectively, south central region (AOR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.52–0.96), women’s primary education (AOR = 1.28, 95%CI 1.01–1.63), female household head (AOR = 0.77, 95%CI 0.61–0.97), husbands higher education (AOR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.39–0.99), positive wife beating attitude (AOR = 1.57, 95%CI 1.29–1.90), husband drinks (AOR = 2.59, 95%CI 2.14–3.15) and Women’s decision making autonomy (AOR = 0.75, 95%CI 0.61–0.93) were significantly associated with IPV.ConclusionThe prevalence of IPV in Liberia was high. Socio-demographic characteristics of women, husbands education, sex of household head, having a positive attitude towards wife-beating, partner’s alcohol drinking habit and women empowerment was significantly associated with IPV in Liberia. Policymakers and program designers have to take into account those factors when they design interventions to reduce IPV in Liberia.