Well-being Of Young Women Research Articles

Sexual function and depressive symptoms in young women with hypoprolactinaemia

Dopamine agonist treatment may result in hypersexuality in men. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time female sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in women with very low prolactin levels. A prospective case-control study. The study population consisted of three age-matched groups of young women with normal, regular menstrual cycles: 15 subjects with cabergoline-induced hypoprolactinaemia (group A), 25 cabergoline-treated individuals with prolactin levels within the reference range (group B) and 30 dopamine agonist-naïve women with normoprolactinemia. Because of low prolactin levels, the dose of cabergoline in group A (but not in group B) was then reduced. Apart from measuring serum levels of prolactin, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, estradiol and gonadotropins, at the beginning of the study and 6months later, all included women filled in questionnaires evaluating femalesexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). At the beginning of the study, there were no differences between groups B and C in the mean total FSFI score, all domain scores and in the BDI-II score. In group A, the total FSFI score and domain scores for desire and arousal were lower, while the BDI-II score was higher than in the remaining study groups. Compared with groups of B and C, women with cabergoline-induced hypoprolactinaemia were also characterized by lower total testosterone levels and lower values of the free androgen index. Cabergoline dose reduction normalized the FSFI score, desire, arousal, the BDI-II score, as well as normalized prolactin, total testosterone and the free androgen index. The obtained results suggest that dopamine agonist-induced hypoprolactinaemia impairs sexual functioning and well-being in young women, as well as that these disturbances are secondary to low prolactin levels, not to specific properties of cabergoline.

A genealogy of lesbian feminisms in New Zealand: Some implications for young lesbian health and wellbeing

In the 1970s, radical lesbian feminists identifi ed heterosexuality as a socially glorifi ed state of being, and organised to resist social pressure to conform to heteronorms. Decentring of radical feminist discourse has been linked to a ‘shrinking lesbian world’, with implications for the health and wellbeing of young women who identify as lesbian. This article employs a poststructural feminist perspective, and Foucault’s notions of discourse and genealogy. Two sets of data were analysed: issues of Aotearoa New Zealand feminist periodical Broadsheet published 1972-1976, and interviews with 15 young lesbian women conducted in 2012. Findings explore how radical lesbian discourse was marginalised, and some of the implications for the health and wellbeing of young lesbian identifi ed women. Compulsory heterosexuality persists as a health and wellbeing issue which produces ‘sexual minority stress’ and legitimises discrimination, violence and harassment. Marginalisation of radical lesbian discourse via compulsory family status operates to limit opportunities for collective and public lesbian resistance.

Can social determinants of health influence the reproductive health of adolescents and young adult women

The purpose of this initiative (Ascend) was to determine if one could apply social determinants of health concepts that focus on employment through a primary preventive care clinic to influence the employment and medical outcome of women. Minority low-income post-secondary adolescents and young adult women (AYA) were recruited to participate in an allied health-training program from their medical home, a reproductive health care clinic. Twenty-nine sexually active high school graduate women enrolled in the program. As a result, the majority of the cohort completed the training and were eligible for employment. Participants continued to access care, including contraception in their medical home and there were no subsequent pregnancies among enrollees. This project concludes that social determinant linking access to employment via a medical home has both direct and indirect effect on the health and employment well-being of young women.

“More than a diet”: A qualitative investigation of young vegan Women's relationship to food

One's relationship to food is an important factor that can contribute to wellbeing but can also lead to eating disturbances. Research in this area has linked vegetarianism and veganism to disordered eating. However, through social media, many young women have recently started to share their vegan experiences with many highlighting the role that veganism may have on promoting a ‘healthier’ psychosocial relationship to food. The current study aims to qualitatively explore the role that veganism plays in young women's wellbeing and relationship to food. Participants were ten young vegan women aged 18 to 25. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). These women were found to passionately engage in a vegan lifestyle, as opposed to just a vegan diet, which appeared to have a number of positive effects such as a healthier lifestyle, a stronger sense of control and agency, more meaningful social relationships, and a sense of connection to a vegan sub-culture. Through veganism, many of the women transitioned from social disconnection and a focus on body image, to a stronger emotional (empathic), cognitive (knowledge of animal cruelty and healthy eating), and behavioural (diet and consumption choices, connections with others) investment in their social worlds. We suggest that the healing potential of veganism, is derived from this passionate investment of the self that redefines young women's ways of being in the world. The healing benefits of engaging in a vegan lifestyle may have clinical significance for working with young women who are socially disengaged or who are at risk of disordered eating.

Advanced School Progression Relative to Age and Early Family Formation in Mexico.

Research has documented a negative association between women's educational attainment and early sexual intercourse, union formation, and pregnancy. However, the implications that school progression relative to age may have for the timing and order of such transitions are poorly understood. In this article, I argue that educational attainment has different implications depending on a student's progression through school grades relative to her age. Using month of birth and age-at-school-entry policies to estimate the effect of advanced school progression by age, I show that it accelerates the occurrence of family formation and sexual onset among teenage women in Mexico. Focusing on girls aged 15-17 interviewed by a national survey, I find that those who progress through school ahead of their birth cohort have a higher probability of having had sex, been pregnant, and cohabited by the time of interview. I argue that this pattern of behaviors is explained by experiences that lead them to accelerate their transition to adulthood compared with same-age students with fewer completed school grades, such as exposure to relatively older peers in school and completing academic milestones earlier in life. Among girls who got pregnant, those with an advanced school progression by age are more likely to engage in drug use, alcohol consumption, and smoking before conception; more likely to have pregnancy-related health complications; and less likely to attend prenatal care visits. Thus, an advanced school progression by age has substantial implications for the health and well-being of young women, with potential intergenerational consequences.

Mapping adolescent first births within three east African countries using data from Demographic and Health Surveys: exploring geospatial methods to inform policy.

BackgroundEarly adolescent pregnancy presents a major barrier to the health and wellbeing of young women and their children. Previous studies suggest geographic heterogeneity in adolescent births, with clear “hot spots” experiencing very high prevalence of teenage pregnancy. As the reduction of adolescent pregnancy is a priority in many countries, further detailed information of the geographical areas where they most commonly occur is of value to national and district level policy makers. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive assessment of the geographical distribution of adolescent first births in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania using Demographic and Household (DHS) data using descriptive, spatial analysis and spatial modelling methods.MethodsThe most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) among women aged 20 to 29 in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda were utilised. Analyses were carried out on first births occurring before the age of 20 years, but were disaggregated in to three age groups: <16, 16/17 and 18/19 years. In addition to basic descriptive choropleths, prevalence maps were created from the GPS-located cluster data utilising adaptive bandwidth kernel density estimates. To map adolescent first birth at district level with estimates of uncertainty, a Bayesian hierarchical regression modelling approach was used, employing the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) technique.ResultsThe findings show marked geographic heterogeneity among adolescent first births, particularly among those under 16 years. Disparities are greater in Kenya and Uganda than Tanzania. The INLA analysis which produces estimates from smaller areas suggest “pockets” of high prevalence of first births, with marked differences between neighbouring districts. Many of these high prevalence areas can be linked with underlying poverty.ConclusionsThere is marked geographic heterogeneity in the prevalence of adolescent first births in East Africa, particularly in the youngest age groups. Geospatial techniques can identify these inequalities and provide policy-makers with the information needed to target areas of high prevalence and focus scarce resources where they are most needed.

How optimal caseload midwifery can modify predictors for preterm birth in young women: Integrated findings from a mixed methods study

Objectiveto identify possible mechanisms by which caseload midwifery reduces preterm birth for young childbearing women. Designa mixed methods triangulation, convergence design was used to answer the research question ‘How does the way maternity care is provided affect the health and well-being of young women and their babies?’ The project generated quantitative and qualitative findings which were collected and analysed concurrently then separately analysed and published. The research design enabled integration of the quantitative and qualitative findings for further interpretation through a critical pragmatic lens. Settinga tertiary maternity hospital in Australia providing care to approximately 500 pregnant young women (aged 21 years or less) each year. Three distinct models of care were offered: caseload midwifery, young women's clinic, and standard 'fragmented' care. Participantsa cohort study included data from 1971 young women and babies during 2008–2012. An ethnographic study included analysis of focus group interviews with four caseload midwives in the young women's midwifery group practice; as well as ten pregnant and postnatal young women receiving caseload midwifery care. Findingsintegrated analysis of the quantitative and qualitative findings suggested particular features in the model of care which facilitated young women turning up for antenatal care (at an earlier gestation and more frequently) and buying in to the process (disclosing risks, engaging in self-care activities and accepting referrals for assistance). We conceptualised that Optimal Caseload Midwifery promotes Synergistic Health Engagement between midwife and the young woman. Key conclusionsoptimal Caseload Midwifery (which includes midwives with specific personal attributes and philosophical commitments, along with appropriate institutional infrastructure and support) facilitates midwives and young clients to develop trusting relationships and engage in maternity care. Health engagement can modify predictors for preterm birth that are common amongst pregnant adolescents by promoting earlier maternity booking, sufficient antenatal care, greater emotional resilience, ideal gestational weight gain, less smoking/drug use, and fewer untreated genito-urinary infections. Implications for practicethe institutional infrastructure and managerial support for caseload midwifery should value and prioritise the philosophical commitments and personal attributes required to optimise the model. Furthermore the location of visits, between appointment access to primary midwife, and back-up system should be organised to optimise the midwife-woman relationship in order to promote the young woman's engagement with maternity care.

Weight-related teasing and internalized weight stigma predict abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours in Emirati female university students

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between abnormal eating attitudes, weight teasing, internalized weight stigma and self-esteem in the United Arab Emirates in a sample of 420 female Emirati undergraduate students (mean age = 23.12 years). Participants completed an online survey including validated and reliable measures. Regression and mediation analyses were used to test for relationships between the factors. Thirty percent of respondents had eating disorder symptomatology, and 44% of respondents reported being frequently teased about their weight. Eating disorder symptomatology was positively correlated with being bothered by teasing from family, friends and others, and internalized weight stigma. Weight- and body-related shame and guilt was the strongest predictor of eating disorder symptomatology. Public health authorities should consider these issues as priorities for action in order to improve the health and wellbeing of young women in the UAE. In addition, it is vital that public health and medical services do not inadvertently condone weight-based teasing or enhance weight stigma and shame.

Educational Outcomes for Orphan Girls in Rural Zimbabwe: Effects of a School Support Intervention

Educational achievement has important implications for the health and well-being of young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors assessed the effects of providing school support on educational outcomes of orphan girls in rural Zimbabwe. Data were from a randomized controlled trial offering the intervention group comprehensive schooling support and controls no treatment initially and then fees only. Results indicated comprehensive support reduced school dropout and absence but did not improve test scores. Providing support to orphan girls is promising for addressing World Health Organization Millennium Development Goals, but further research is needed about contextual factors affecting girls’ school participation and learning.

The Relationship between Education Quality and the Young Women's Well-being Perception

Abstract The endless reform in our education system is searching for quality which implies, at the student's level, positive results in evaluation, progress in the knowledge volume and continuity of studies (as opposed to abandonment). For physical education quality is to fulfil two major requirements: to instil in students the values and skills of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and to enhance their overall growth and harmonious development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the results of a 12 years long physical education teaching over young women upon graduation from high school. The main aspects discussed are related with their own health perception and self image acceptance. Methodology: 120 participants were involved in the study, all young women, students in the first years from 3 different faculties, randomly selected. The data were collected by applying a questionnaire related to the mentioned topic and to the number and content of physical education classes they had in high school. Findings. The results are disturbing especially for a sample of young educated women. An unexpected percentage of health problems was reported, along with a poor acceptance of self image. The findings have not only a physical aspect but psychological connotations as well. Conclusions. Considering this study results I appreciate that the quality standards in the physical education sector must be reconsidered. The highest management is formally responsible for the young generation's well-being, but at the same time it is the responsibility of all those involved in the educational process. The attention for recruiting educated and valuable teachers is a condition for evolving and also creating a valuable working force for society.

Young Women Diagnosed with Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer or Borderline Malignancy of the Ovary: A Focus on Fertility and Sexual Function

Malignant ovarian neoplasms represent the leading cause of death in gynecological malignancies. Although the majority of ovarian neoplasms occur in women of advanced years, ovarian neoplasms can occur in women of the reproductive age group. Preservation of fertility balanced with treatment of disease is the goal of young patients diagnosed with ovarian neoplasms. A new discipline termed “oncofertility” has emerged; however, several informational gaps exist. Concern has centered on the safety of conservative treatment, the uncertain efficacy of fertility options, the detrimental effects of chemotherapy to remaining reproductive organs, and the timing and execution of fertility workup relative to disease requiring treatment. This study involved an evaluation of young premenopausal women who underwent fertility-sparing surgery for an ovarian neoplasm. Given the rarity of this disease in premenopausal women the objective was to assess the feasibility of this study as defined by the completion rate of the survey. The aim was to broaden our knowledge of patient needs to partner with our survivorship clinic thereby ensuring that patients may facilitate their options. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire titled Ovarian Cancer or Borderline Malignancy of the Ovary: Fertility Sparing Survey and a previously published instrument termed The Sexual Activity Questionnaire, a 21-item scale that assessed the impact of treatment on sexual functioning. All participants completed the survey illustrating the feasibility of the study. The study revealed that the majority of patients (91%) discussed fertility options with their clinicians, yet only 16% engaged in measures to preserve fertility. Patient's sexual interest and activity was maintained in this cohort of patients. This underscores the importance of continued studies in this unique population to ensure optimal fertility counseling and to better delineate the sexual well-being of young women diagnosed with ovarian neoplasms.

Changes in the socio-demographic patterning of late adolescent health risk behaviours during the 1990s: analysis of two West of Scotland cohort studies

BackgroundSubstance use and sexual risk behaviour affect young people's current and future health and wellbeing in many high-income countries. Our understanding of time-trends in adolescent health-risk behaviour is largely based on routinely collected survey data in school-aged adolescents (aged 15 years or less). Less is known about changes in these behaviours among older adolescents.MethodsWe compared two cohorts from the same geographical area (West of Scotland), surveyed in 1990 and 2003, to: describe time-trends in measures of smoking, drinking, illicit drug use, early sexual initiation, number of opposite sex sexual partners and experience of pregnancy at age 18-19 years, both overall and stratified by gender and socioeconomic status (SES); and examine the effect of time-trends on the patterning of behaviours by gender and SES. Our analyses adjust for slight between-cohort age differences since age was positively associated with illicit drug use and pregnancy.ResultsRates of drinking, illicit drug use, early sexual initiation and experience of greater numbers of sexual partners all increased significantly between 1990 and 2003, especially among females, leading to attenuation and, for early sexual initiation, elimination, of gender differences. Most rates increased to a similar extent regardless of SES. However, rates of current smoking decreased only among those from higher SES groups. In addition, increases in 'cannabis-only' were greater among higher SES groups while use of illicit drugs other than cannabis increased more in lower SES groups.ConclusionMarked increases in female substance use and sexual risk behaviours have implications for the long-term health and wellbeing of young women. More effective preventive measures are needed to reduce risk behaviour uptake throughout adolescence and into early adulthood. Public health strategies should reflect both the widespread prevalence of risk behaviour in young people as well as the particular vulnerability to certain risk behaviours among those from lower SES groups.

The impact of migraine on psychological well-being of young women and their communication with physicians about migraine: a multinational study

ABSTRACTObjective: To describe the impact of migraine on psychological well-being of young women and to evaluate their communication with physicians about migraine.Research design and methods: This cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted in Israel and eight European countries (Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and The Netherlands). Random-digit dialing was used to identify eligible study participants: women 18–35 years of age with migraine, who used medication to treat their migraine, and who were employed or full-time students.Results: Of 1810 participants, 42% self-reported having a physician diagnosis of migraine. Eighty-six per cent believed that their life would be better if they did not suffer from migraines; and 58% of participants felt frustrated, 46% felt angry, and 44% felt depressed because of their migraines. Negative feelings related to migraine varied substantially from country to country. For example, feelings of frustration caused by migraine ranged from 32% in Italy to 84% in Finland; feelings of anxiety ranged from 21% in Norway to 57% in Italy; and feelings of confusion ranged from 13% in Greece to 61% in Italy. Overall, 81% of participants had visited a physician in the past year but only 50% of them had discussed their severe headaches or migraines with their physician within the year. While 68% of those who had visited a physician stated that they were comfortable speaking with their physician about migraine, 71% reported being the one who initiated the conversation about severe headaches or migraines. Of all participants, 39% did not feel that their physician understood how much severe headaches or migraines interfered with their life.Conclusions: Migraines and severe headaches impose a substantial burden on the psychological well-being of young women with migraine in Europe and Israel. In general, communication between these women and their physicians about migraine is incomplete.

Making Sense of Eating Disorders in Schools

Over the last two decades we have witnessed an emerging set of conditions in schools which render them contexts replete with social messages about the body, health, and self. Research has suggested that both the formal and informal contexts of education are heavily imbued with a “culture of healthism” which places moral obligation and blame on individuals for their health/problem. In this paper we explore the ways in which young women with eating disorders constructed their identities within and against the various “health” discourses now found within schools. Data is presented from life history interviews with young women who have been diagnosed with anorexia and/or bulimia who were resident at a leading centre for the treatment of eating disorders in the UK. The experiences of the young women in the study point towards the ways in which schools, despite their best intentions, are implicated in constructing contexts which are inimical to the well-being of young women who have been diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia and perhaps others who are making sense of their bodies, health, and selves in these cultures.