Women Of Different Ethnic Groups Research Articles

Ultrasonographic threshold of ovarian structure in premenopausal women of different ethnicity

The polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) is a generally accepted ultrasound marker for ovulatory dysfunction, is one of the criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is established based on the assessment of ovarian volume (OV) and the follicle number per ovary (FNPO), taking into account the upper normal values determined in healthy premenopausal women. However, there is a necessity for regular revision of the PCOM characteristics depending on ethnic and age characteristics.The aim. To develop differentiated standards for assessing the ultrasonographic ovary structure in premenopausal women of various ethnicity.Materials and methods. From March 2016 to December 2019, a multicenter cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in Eastern Siberia (Irkutsk region) and in the neighboring Republic of Buryatia. The study included 1134 participants: 715 women of Caucasian origin, 312 Asian women, 107 women of mixed ethnic subpopulation.Results. It has been established that for Caucasians, it is advisable to diagnose PCOM when the ovarian volume is 9 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 12; for women of the Asian population – when the ovarian volume is 7 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 11; for women of mixed ethnicity – when the ovarian volume is 8 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 9. An important advantage of our study is that all participants were recruited from a non-selective multi-ethnic population of women with comparable socio-demographic characteristics living in the same geographical conditions.Conclusion. Differentiated approach for identifying the polycystic ovarian morphology in premenopausal women of different ethnic groups requires using ethnically differentiated normative readings

PECULIARITIES OF THE COURSE OF PREGNANCY IN WOMEN OF DIFFERENT POPULATION GROUPS BURDENED WITH ANEMIA AND HELICOBACTERIOSIS

Peculiarities of the course of pregnancy in women of different ethnic groups are burdened with anemia and helicobacteriosis in modern living conditions after the pandemic of coronavirus infection, the state of constant stress of the war in Ukraine. The purpose of the study was to determine the characteristics of the course of pregnancy in women of different population groups burdened with anemia and helicobacteriosis
 Materials and Methods. 30 pregnant women of reproductive age, burdened with anemia, residents of the city of Odesa (group I) and countries of Southeast Asia (group II) were under our observation. All women were registered at the women’s clinic. The monitoring algorithm included clinical and laboratory studies of Helicobacter pylori infection (total antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) to Helicobacter pylori antigens).
 Results. The presence of infectious processes in the body of women is one of the etiological factors of gestational complications, including the progression of the severity of anemia in pregnant women. The clinical severity of anemia in pregnant women was consistent with a high coefficient of positivity of total antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) to Helicobacter pylori antigens and a low level of hemoglobin, the level of ferritin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, the vital trace element iron. Indicators of the clinical course of pregnancy in group I and group II had a significant difference (p<0.05), respectively: early toxicosis (mild, moderate, severe) – 20.0 %, 0 %, 0 % and 26.7 %, 20.0 %, 0 %; syndrome of the threat of early miscarriage - 13.3 % and 33.3 %; late miscarriage threat syndrome – 6.7 % and 20.0 %; secondary placental dysfunction – 0 % and 20.0 %; fetal growth retardation syndrome (FGRS) – 0 % and 6.7 %; intranatal fetal distress – 0 % and 6.7 %. The postpartum period in 13.3 % of women in the 2nd group had a lochiometer.
 Conclusions. Peculiarities of the course of pregnancy in women of different population groups burdened with anemia and helicobacteriosis consisted in the progression of the severity of the clinical and laboratory course of anemia and gestational complications during the trimesters. The clinical severity of anemia in pregnant women was consistent with a high ratio of total antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) to Helicobacter pylori antigens and a low level of hemoglobin, the level of ferritin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, the vital trace element iron. It is recommended to determine the ratio of total antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) to Helicobacter pylori antigens in the blood of pregnant women with anemia and at the stage of pregnancy planning. Positive results are an indication for examination of all family members.

Menopause-Related Symptoms and Influencing Factors in Mosuo, Yi, and Han Middle-Aged Women in China

Although previous studies showed that women’s menopause-related symptoms varied in different ethnic groups and countries, and were affected by specific social and cultural factors, few studies have been conducted to explore menopause-related symptoms and its influencing factors in middle-aged women among ethnic groups in China. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of menopause-related symptoms and its influencing factors among Mosuo, Yi, and Han women in Yongning area of Yunnan province, China. A cross-cultural design by snowball sampling method was used to recruit 208 women aged 40–60 from Yongning Township, Ninglang County, Yunnan province, China. The 11-item Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess menopause-related symptoms. Compared with Yi and Han women, Mosuo women were accorded the highest family status. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that ethnicity, age, family support, and family decision-making patterns were associated with the severity of menopause-related symptoms. Yi and Han women had more severe menopause-related symptoms than Mosuo women. Among the three groups, women living in “female-dominated” and “co-deliberated” households had significantly lower scores of menopause-related symptoms than those in “male-dominated” households. This study indicates that menopause-related symptoms vary among middle-aged women in different ethnic groups. A higher level of female status in the family and family support may be protective factors of menopause-related symptoms in middle-aged women.

Disproportionate Vitamin A Deficiency in Women of Specific Ethnicities Linked to Differences in Allele Frequencies of Vitamin A-Related Polymorphisms.

Background: While the current national prevalence rate of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is estimated to be less than 1%, it is suggested that it varies between different ethnic groups and races within the U.S. We assessed the prevalence of VAD in pregnant women of different ethnic groups and tested these prevalence rates for associations with the vitamin A-related single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allele frequencies in each ethnic group. Methods: We analyzed two independent datasets of serum retinol levels with self-reported ethnicities and the differences of allele frequencies of the SNPs associated with vitamin A metabolism between groups in publicly available datasets. Results: Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic pregnant women showed high VAD prevalence in both datasets. Interestingly, the VAD prevalence for Hispanic pregnant women significantly differed between datasets (p = 1.973 × 10−10, 95%CI 0.04–0.22). Alleles known to confer the risk of low serum retinol (rs10882272 C and rs738409 G) showed higher frequencies in the race/ethnicity groups with more VAD. Moreover, minor allele frequencies of a set of 39 previously reported SNPs associated with vitamin A metabolism were significantly different between the populations of different ancestries than those of randomly selected SNPs (p = 0.030). Conclusions: Our analysis confirmed that VAD prevalence varies between different ethnic groups/races and may be causally associated with genetic variants conferring risk for low retinol levels. Assessing genetic variant information prior to performing an effective nutrient supplementation program will help us plan more effective food-based interventions.

Social Enterprising Observance among B40 Urban Women for Socioeconomic Sustainability

This article explores the enterprising capabilities of economically challenged women in the urban city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The study assumes that entrepreneurial awareness and entrepreneurial intention are good predictors of women who are socioeconomically sustainable. The study sample comprises the B40 women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The B40 group refers to the "bottom 40 percent" members of the population, with a monthly household income of RM3,855 and below (USD9451 and below). A total of 404 B40 urban women are drawn from a clustered random sample of four so-called "poor" municipal residents in Kuala Lumpur. A questionnaire survey is used to study their levels of entrepreneurial awareness and intention, administered via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22. The data are analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation. The findings indicate a significant relationship between their levels of entrepreneurial awareness and entrepreneurial intention with being socioeconomically sustainable. Four important indicators are deduced: 1) upholding economic justice for B40 urban women; 2) reducing urban poverty concentration among women; 3) innovating new working avenues for women homemakers in the informal work sector; and 4) enhancing moral responsibility towards sustaining the natural environment. Based on these empirical outcomes, the research also recommends a suitable approach to social entrepreneurship among women of different ethnic groups. Significantly, it will contribute to the pursuit of community development and national unity.Keywords: B40 women, Entrepreneurial awareness, Entrepreneurial intention, Malaysia, Social enterprising, Sustainability, Urban poverty

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in pregnant women: A cross-sectional survey in the south of Iran

ObjectiveThe use of traditional medicine and complementary alternative medicine (TM/CAM) derived from herbal remedies or natural supplements is increasing worldwide, but there are limited data on the use of TM/CAM during pregnancy. Iran has various ethnic populations, and the usage of TM/CAM by the different ethnic groups has not been researched. The aim of this study is to understand the use of TM/CAM modalities in pregnant women of different ethnic groups in southern Iran. MethodsThis study was conducted in primary health care centers in Khuzestan Province, Iran, from May to August, 2016. A semi-structured valid questionnaire was used to gather information in pregnant women (n = 170). ResultsAbout 46.5% of women in this study used TM/CAM during previous pregnancies. The majority (67%) of study participants were Arab. The Arab population showed increased use of TM/CAM during pregnancy (P = 0.014). Women with complications in former pregnancies had significantly higher incidence rate of TM/CAM use (65.8%) compared to the other group (39.6%) (P = 0.001). ConclusionUnderstanding TM/CAM use and the associated factors in different ethnic groups of pregnant women will benefit the evaluation of the proper health policies and mother-infant health programs. This study contributes to the growing literature on TM/CAM, ethnic diversity and pregnant women.

Value-meaning Characteristics as Predictors of Codependent Behaviors in Female Partners of Drug Addicts

Introduction. This paper discusses the results of a comprehensive survey that involved respondents from various regions of the South of the Russian Federation and represents the first report on psychological characteristics of codependent behavior and value-meaning sphere in young women of different ethnic groups. The novelty of the study lies in the development of psychological models of codependent behaviors for each ethnic group studied in order to further develop psycho-correction techniques of working with youth in south Russia.
 Methods. The sample consisted of 330 respondents with various levels of codependent behaviour residing in three federal subjects of the South of the Russian Federation. The respondents ranged in age from 17 to 30 years. The study used the following standardized and projective techniques to reveal differences in value-meaning sphere among young women of different ethnic groups: (a) the Spann‐Fisher Codependency Scale, SFCDS (modified by Moskalenko), (b) the Purpose-in-Life Test, PIL (developed by Crumbaugh & Maholic, modified by Leont'ev), (c) the Personal Orientation Inventory, POI (developed by Shostrom, modified by Kalin), (d) the Bass Orientation Inventory, (e) the technique for studying self-assessment using the procedure for ranking (developed by Rean), (f) the Value Orientations technique (developed by Rokich), and (g) the Write-a-Story technique (stimulus materials from Tables 2, 4, and 6, Thematic Apperception Test). The STATISTICA, a statistical package software version 10.0, was used for data processing. 
 Results. The individual participants of different ethnic groups had significant differences in characteristics of codependence, both in terms of the dynamics of situational assessment and in the content of stable personal constructs.
 Discussion. Despite of similar trends in manifestations of codependence, the representatives of different ethnic groups are characterized by certain distinguishing characteristics, which manifest themselves in interpersonal communication with addicts and the environment and also in self-acceptance.

Screening different HPV genotypes infection and type-specific in cervical exfoliated cells of women in Yili area of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China

Objective: To investigate the infection status and genotype distribution of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) in women of different ethnic groups and different ages in Yili, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang). Methods: By using the convenient sampling method, 54 760 women from November 2015 to May 2017 seeking for service in gynecological clinics in a general hospital in Yili, Xinjiang, were selected as the research subjects, and 3 445 samples of cervical mucous exfoliative cells were collected, and the social information of their ethnic and age was collected at the same time. The inclusion criteria were those with sexual life, cervical integrity, and ethnic groups for Han or Uygur or Kazak. PCR-reverse dot blot hybridization was used to detect HPV genotyping in exfoliated cells, and chi-square test was used to compare the difference of HPV positive rate among different ethnic groups. Then, according to ethnicity and age, the differences in positive rates of different ages and ethnic groups were compared in each layer. Results: The positive rate of HPV was 25.6% (882 cases), of which the Han, Uygur and Kazakh were 27.9% (564 cases), 22.9% (196 cases) and 21.6% (122 cases), and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=13.80, P=0.001). The most prevalent high-risk genotypes of Han women were HPV16/52/58, accounting for 24.8% (140 cases), 17.7% (100 cases) and 9.8% (55 cases), respectively. The most prevalent high-risk genotypes of Uygur women were HPV16/52/53, accounting for 34.2% (67 cases), 12.8% (25 cases), 9.2% (18 cases), respectively. The most prevalent high-risk genotypes of Kazak were HPV16/52/53, accounting for 37.7% (46 cases), 17.2% (21 cases), 12.3% (15 cases), respectively. The highest rate of HPV in Uygur patients aged ≥61 years was 41.5% (22 cases), and the lowest in group 36-40 years old, 15.9% (21 cases), the difference between different age groups was statistically significant (χ(2)=35.01, P<0.001). Conclusion: The positive rate of HPV infection among Han, Uygur and Kazak in Yili Prefecture of Xinjiang was different, and the HPV positive genotype differs among different ethnic groups.

Risk Factor Burden, Heart Failure, and Survival in Women of Different Ethnic Groups: Insights From the Women's Health Initiative.

The higher risk of heart failure (HF) in African-American and Hispanic women compared with white women is related to the higher burden of risk factors (RFs) in minorities. However, it is unclear if there are differences in the association between the number of RFs for HF and the risk of development of HF and death within racial/ethnic groups. In the WHI (Women's Health Initiative; 1993-2010), African-American (n=11 996), white (n=18 479), and Hispanic (n=5096) women with 1, 2, or 3+ baseline RFs were compared with women with 0 RF within their respective racial/ethnic groups to assess risk of developing HF or all-cause mortality before and after HF, using survival analyses. After adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, and hormone therapy, the subdistribution hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of developing HF increased as number of RFs increased (P<0.0001, interaction of race/ethnicity and RF number P=0.18)-African-Americans 1 RF: 1.80 (1.01-3.20), 2 RFs: 3.19 (1.84-5.54), 3+ RFs: 7.31 (4.26-12.56); Whites 1 RF: 1.27 (1.04-1.54), 2 RFs: 1.95 (1.60-2.36), 3+ RFs: 4.07 (3.36-4.93); Hispanics 1 RF: 1.72 (0.68-4.34), 2 RFs: 3.87 (1.60-9.37), 3+ RFs: 8.80 (3.62-21.42). Risk of death before developing HF increased with subsequent RFs (P<0.0001) but differed by racial/ethnic group (interaction P=0.001). The number of RFs was not associated with the risk of death after developing HF in any group (P=0.25; interaction P=0.48). Among diverse racial/ethnic groups, an increase in the number of baseline RFs was associated with higher risk of HF and death before HF but was not associated with death after HF. Early RF prevention may reduce the burden of HF across multiple racial/ethnic groups.

Radiographic study of the proximal femur morphology of elderly patients with femoral neck fractures: is there a difference among ethnic groups?

This study aimed to determine ethnic differences in the proximal femur morphology of elderly patients with femoral neck fractures in Singapore. We reviewed the medical records of 101 men and 288 women aged 60-109 (mean 76.4) years who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures between 1 June 2010 and 31 December 2015. Patients' age, gender and race were recorded. Plain anteroposterior radiography was used to measure the following: calcar width to canal width ratio of the ipsilateral femur; neck-shaft angle; hip offset; neck length; and neck width of the contralateral proximal femur. Chinese women had slightly larger femoral heads (mean 43.88 mm) as compared to Malay (mean 42.92 mm, p = 0.044) and Indian (mean 42.34 mm, p = 0.025) women. Chinese women also had a significantly lower mean calcar-to-canal width ratio (0.606) as compared to Malay (0.664, p = 0.002) and Indian (0.693, p = 0.004) women. The mean neck-shaft angle of Chinese women was significantly greater than that of Indian women (137.48° vs. 127.00°, p = 0.001). We found statistically significant differences in the femoral head sizes and calcar-to-canal width ratios among women of different ethnic groups. There were also differences in neck-shaft angles between Chinese and Indian women, and between Malay and Indian women.

Vitamin D levels and IVF outcomes in women of different ethnic groups

Vitamin D levels and IVF outcomes in women of different ethnic groups

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION FLOWS: GENDER DIVERSITY

At the present stage of the development of the society many researchers state the increasing role of gender in international migration flows and problems associated with it. However, this perspective is not sufficiently studied, respectively it is very difficult to give specific advice to ensure the socio-cultural security of female migration which is considered a high-risk area. The paper presents an analysis of the still few data obtained in Europe and Russian cities. The empirical base of the study was obtained through questionnaires and interviews, mainly of migrant women. The analysis revealed the acceptability of migration for women of different ethnic groups, their motivation for going abroad, their desire for financial independence, the relationship of professional and family responsibilities, their social circles in the host country and their plans for the future. Particular attention is paid to migration flows from Middle Asia. At the end of the article there are some recommendations on possible trends providing socio-cultural security of migrants and the host society.

Breast cancer screening uptake among women from different ethnic groups in London: a population-based cohort study

ObjectiveTo use newly available self-assigned ethnicity information to investigate variation in breast cancer screening uptake for women from the 16 specific ethnic groups within the broad Asian, Black and White...

Cardiorespiratory fitness in older adult women: relationships with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Previous studies suggest that circulating 25(OH)D may favorably influence cardiorespiratory fitness and fat oxidation. However, these relationships have not been examined in older adult women of different ethnic groups. The objectives of this study were to determine whether serum 25(OH)D is related to cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) in sedentary women ages ≥60 years and to determine whether these associations differ between African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA). A secondary aim was to determine whether serum 25(OH)D is correlated with respiratory quotient (RQ) during submaximal exercise. This cross-sectional analysis included 67 AA and EA women ages 60-74 years. VO2max was measured by a modified Bruce graded treadmill protocol, and measurements were adjusted for percent fat and lean body mass assessed by air displacement plethysmography. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure RQ at rest and during four submaximal exercise tests. Fasting blood samples were obtained to quantify serum 25(OH)D. Serum 25(OH)D was associated with VO2max (ml/kg LBM/min) independent of percent body fat (r = 0.316, p = 0.010). However, subgroup analysis revealed that this relationship was specific to AA (r = 0.727, p = 0.005 for AA; r = 0.064, p = 0.643 for EA). In all subjects combined, 25(OH)D was inversely correlated (p < 0.01) with all measures of submaximal RQ. Higher serum 25(OH)D was associated with greater cardiorespiratory fitness in older adult AA women. Among both AA and EA, inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D and RQ suggest that women with higher levels of circulating vitamin D also demonstrated greater fat oxidation during submaximal exercise.

Association between Risk Factors of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Density in Women of Different Ethnic Groups in a Malaysian Hospital

Association between Risk Factors of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Density in Women of Different Ethnic Groups in a Malaysian Hospital

Dietary intakes of energy and macronutrients by lactating women of different ethnic groups living in Yakutia

BackgroundThere should be a substantial increase in the intake of dietary energy, protein and other nutrients by lactating women, though these special increments can be different in different ethnic groups.ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of maternal ethnicity and diet on the quality of breast milk and its potential effect on early childhood development.DesignA total of 185 mothers (150 Native and 35 Russian) living in settlements and small towns of rural Yakutia and 54 mothers (26 Native and 28 Russian) living in Yakutsk were surveyed and average food intake was recorded during 3 successive days before the survey was analyzed.ResultsThe amount of protein varied from 18 to 168.3 g/day, fat – from 12 to 176.1 g/day, energy – from 900 to 3680.4 kcal/day. Protein intake was at the level of current recommended dietary allowances (RDA) in Russians and was higher than in Natives living in rural settlements and small towns (p=0.02) and in Yakutsk (p=0.03). Carbohydrate intake was higher, though not significantly, in both ethnic groups compared with the current recommendations. Protein, fat, carbohydrates and, therefore, energy intake were lower (p<0.03) in Native women living in Yakutsk compared with the intake of Native women living in rural settlements and small towns.ConclusionsThe dietary intakes of energy and macronutrients depended on the place where a woman lived rather than on her ethnicity. Overall, energy intake was considered to be at the lower limit (basal energy expenditure 2002/2005) for lactating women, with the exception of Native women living in Yakutsk whose energy intake was below the lower limit.

Age-related changes in serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-II and its binding proteins correlate with calcaneal bone mineral density among post-menopausal South-Indian women

BackgroundInsulin-like growth factor (IGF) system components are important regulators of bone metabolism, which have a predominant role in determining bone mineral density (BMD). While the serum levels of IGF-I are regulated by various systemic hormones and growth factors, IGF-II levels reflect the skeletal production relative to physical activity, mechanical loading, aging, race etc. Though various studies have been carried out among women of different ethnic groups to understand the relationship between serum levels of IGF-II and BMD, the results seem to be quite inconclusive. MethodsWe evaluated the same, recruiting South-Indian women who engage themselves in a wide variety of physical activities pertaining to their profession and life style. ResultsSerum levels of IGF-II and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 showed positive correlation with calcaneal BMD, whereas IGFBP-4 showed negative correlation. These IGF system components exhibited similar correlations with serum bone formation markers and opposite trend with bone resorption marker. While both IGF-II and IGFBP-3 levels were observed to be decreased with aging and menopause, IGFBP-4 levels increased. ConclusionsThe alterations in serum levels of IGF-II and its binding proteins due to aging and menopause could be some of the major contributors of decreased calcaneal BMD observed among elderly women.

Employing an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour to predict breastfeeding intention, initiation, and maintenance in White British and South‐Asian mothers living in Bradford

Despite reported differences in breastfeeding rates amongst women of different ethnic groups, little research has investigated whether the thoughts and feelings (social cognitions) of women from these different groups during pregnancy influence their later breastfeeding behaviour. This study investigates the extent to which social cognitions (based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour; TPB) predict differences in breastfeeding intentions, initiation, and maintenance between White British (WB) and South Asian (SA) women. Two hundred and fifty women (predominantly WB or SA) in the last trimester of pregnancy completed a questionnaire based on the TPB. The women were followed up 6 months later and their breastfeeding during the previous 6 months was recorded. The TPB predicted significant variance in breastfeeding across the sample and was able to account for differences between SA and WB women. Affective attitudes (emotional reactions to breastfeeding) and moral norms (reactions about whether breastfeeding is right or wrong) were the strongest predictors of intentions. Intentions and affective attitudes were predictive of breastfeeding initiation, whilst only affective attitudes were predictive of breastfeeding maintenance. Stronger intentions to breastfeed led to higher rates of breastfeeding amongst SA women. In turn, intentions were predicted by emotional and moral beliefs about breastfeeding, beliefs that were less positive amongst a WB sample. This suggests that those tasked with encouraging breastfeeding may need to have a different conversation with women about breastfeeding that goes beyond a focus on costs and benefits.

Differences in Quality of Antenatal Care Provided by Midwives to Low‐Risk Pregnant Dutch Women in Different Ethnic Groups

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether differences existed in the adherence to the Dutch national guidelines regarding basic antenatal care by Dutch midwives for low-risk women of different ethnic groups. This was an observational study using data from electronic antenatal charts of 7 midwife practices (23 midwives), participating in the Generation R Study. The Generation R Study is a multiethnic, population-based, prospective, cohort study that is investigating the growth, development, and health of urban children from fetal life until young adulthood. The study is conducted in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The antenatal charts of 2093 low-risk pregnant women with an expected birthing date in 2002 through 2004 were used to determine the mean quality of antenatal care scores for 7 ethnic groups. These scores reflected the degree of adherence to the guidelines regarding 10 tests and examinations. Few differences between ethnic groups were found in adherence to the guidelines that addressed the obstetric-technical quality of antenatal care. This finding applied more to nulliparous than to multiparous women. Adherence to guidelines was not always better in the antenatal care provided to native Dutch multiparous women when compared to other ethnic groups. Midwives adhered well to the guidelines regarding most tests. For all women, irrespective of ethnic background, hemoglobin was not measured as often as recommended, and this was especially the case for Moroccan, Surinamese-Creole, and Dutch-Antillean multiparous women. The poorer adherence regarding screening for hemoglobin needs further investigation, as women with African or Mediterranean heritage are more at risk for hemoglobinopathies. However, in general, midwives adhered well to the clinical guidelines regarding most tests irrespective of the ethnic background of the pregnant women. When differences were present, these were not systematically less favorable for non-Dutch pregnant women.

The Impact of Different Types of Intimate Partner Violence on the Mental and Physical Health of Women in Different Ethnic Groups

Intimate partner violence, including threats, stalking, emotional, physical, and sexual assault by a spouse or partner, has significant influences on the well-being of women of all racial and social backgrounds. This study of a nationally representative sample of women from varying racial and ethnic groups examined specific types of violent acts on health and well-being. An association between intimate partner violence and poor physical and mental health was found. Types of partner violence also had different associations with the well-being of women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Social and demographic factors played an important role in moderating women's outcomes. Suggestions for future studies are discussed.