Women Of Reproductive Group Research Articles

Perceptions towards cervical cancer and readiness for HPV vaccination among women in India

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women. However, it is preventable to the extent of 90%. The acceptability of HPV vaccination is very low in the rural settings. The Health Belief Model can effectively address problem behaviours that evoke health concerns. The study was done to find out the factors that shape the perceptions towards cervical cancer and readiness for HPV vaccination among reproductive age group women. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months in a rural area of Hooghly district. A total of 119 study participants were selected using two-stage Sampling and their knowledge and perceptions regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination were assessed using a validated interview schedule based on the constructs of Health Belief Model. The factors that drive the perceptions were determined using Multiple Logistic Regression analysis. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 16 version. The results showed that the median age of the study participants was 30 years and 15.1% had family history of cancer. Majority of them (71.4%) had unsatisfactory knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. Among the HBM constructs, perceived susceptibility and self- efficacy had 26.9% and 18.5% unsatisfactory responses respectively. Age (AOR=8.29, 95% CI=1.01–68.25), Education (AOR=4.30, 95% CI=1.22–15.17) and knowledge (AOR=3.06, 95% CI=1.63–10.60) were significant predictors of satisfactory perceptions. Education, adequate knowledge and younger age were the factors that shaped the perceptions and readiness for HPV vaccination. The HBM can be used to devise robust interventions to improve readiness.

Bleeding for life: a perspective of menstruation among slum dwellers of a temple town in coastal Karnataka, India

IntroductionChallenges in the achievement of good menstrual hygiene management in resource poor settings have been well documented and are linked to deleterious effect on women's health. This study was an attempt to assess the vulnerability with regards to menstrual health among the migrant population residing in urban slums in Udupi taluk. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 migrant women in reproductive age group using a predesigned 31- item questionnaire.The domains of knowledge, attitude and practice about menstrual hygiene were categorized into poor and adequate knowledge, positive and negative attitude, and poor and good practice by using median as a cut off. ResultsOut of the 392 study subjects who participated in the study 31%,27% and 41% of them had good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice regarding menstrual hygiene respectively. Good knowledge was significantly associated with better standard of living (p < 0.001, OR = 3.612, CI = 2.159–6.042). Attitude was significantly almost five times better in women with more than ten years of schooling as compared to illiterates and school drop outs (p < 0.001, OR = 4.655, CI = 2.360–9.179). With regards to standard of living, adherence to good menstrual hygiene practice was better in women belonging to middle as compared to those of low class. (p = 0.001, OR = 2.730, CI = 1.502–4.962). ConclusionThe findings show an overall poor knowledge, attitude and practice towards menstrual health. This displays an urgent need of conducting health promotional activities to impart appropriate knowledge regarding hygienic practices during menstrual periods and simultaneously address to the misconceptions linked with it.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Women of Reproductive Age Group at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Sexually transmitted diseases are a significant public health concern in Uganda, particularly among women of reproductive age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with STDs among women of reproductive age at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 women of reproductive age attending the hospital’s outpatient department between August 2023 and November 2023. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with STDs. The prevalence of STDs among women of reproductive age attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital was found to be 27.2%. Factors significantly associated with STDs included being residence outside the city (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-4.38), age group 20-29 (aOR 2.42, 95% CI 1.05-5.57), having more than 3 sexual partners (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.19-3.80) and not using a condom during sexual intercourse (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98). Additionally, women who reported an increased frequency of sexual activity were more likely to have current STDs (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.10-3.21). The prevalence of STDs among women of reproductive age at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital was high, and several factors were identified as significant predictors of STDs. These findings highlight the need for targeted STD prevention and control interventions, including increased STD screening, counselling on condom use, and promoting safe sexual practices among women of reproductive age in the region. Keyword: STDs, Productive age, Women, Condom, Sexual activities, Sexual partners.

Colposcopic findings to study cervical changes in reproductive age group women using various contraceptives.

Colposcopy has a key role to play in see-and-treat programs for premalignant cervical lesions. The aim of the study/was to observe cervical changes with a colposcope using the Swede scoring system in fertile age group women using various contraceptives: conventional methods (barrier methods, coitus interruptus), oral contraceptives (OCPs), copper-T and bilateral tubectomy. The aim of the study was to observe and evaluate the colposcopic findings using the Swede scoring system for the diagnosis of premalignant/malignant lesions in reproductive age group women using various contraceptives. This was a prospective observational study, conducted among 200 women of reproductive age group using various contraceptives in a tertiary care institute in North India. PAP smear, direct visual examination, VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) examination, colposcopic examination, and (biopsy if indicated) were done. The data were collected, and analysis was done using Microsoft Excel Office Software 2019 version 19.11 and epi info (CDC Atlanta) 7.23.1. Statistical analysis was done using percentages, mean, mode, median, standard deviation, Chi-square, Fisher's Test, and Anova Test. We found positive PAP (Papanicolaou test) smears in 61.50%, positive VIA examination in 9%, and positive findings in colposcopic examination in 28.50%, Swede score of 0-3 in 100% (0-91%, 1-2%, 2-6%, and 3-1%) and positive biopsy in 9% subjects. Malignant findings were observed in 1.00% of PAP smears. Colposcopic findings were CIN 1 (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1) in 8.5% and CIN 2 in 0.5% subjects. Swede score was zero in 91%, 1 in 2%, 2 in 6%, and 3 in 1% of subjects. HPE (histopathological examination) was chronic cervicitis in 8.50% and mild dysplasia/CIN 1 in 0.5%. No significant statistical associations between contraceptive choice and false-positive test results or disease prevalence was found in any group except Cu-T users p = 0.0184 (especially for CIN 2; p = 0.0109 and CIN 1 more in all groups than Cu-T users). Colposcopy had sensitivity 100%, specificity 91.46% (0/0 = 0%) PPV = 5.56%, NPV = 100%, Accuracy = 91.5% for detecting mild dysplasia/CIN-non-significant (p = 0.055). Our study had mainly low-grade lesions with 100% NPV. With increase in Swede Score, sensitivity increases but at the expense of specificity but it was statistically non-significant (p = 0.055). Our study may guide the rational use of colposcopy with Swede scoring for see-and-treat lesions, which is easy and with a low learning curve, as a tool for diagnosis but only in cases where indicated like unhealthy cervix because of the high rate of false-positive results. In low-grade lesions, it is highly useful to rule out the disease.

Assessing the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with multimorbidity in reproductive aged women in India

BackgroundReproductive span is the foundation of every woman’s health in later life. India is currently facing a growing burden of multiple morbidities among the women in their reproductive age group which may further increase over the coming decades. The purpose of the present study aimed to identify different modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors affecting multimorbidity among the women in reproductive age group in Indian context.MethodsSecondary data were obtained from the Demography and Health Survey (DHS), conducted in India during 2019–2021. A total of 671,967 women aged 15–49 years were selected for this present study. Descriptive, association studies and multinominal logistic regression analyses were performed to accomplish the objectives.ResultsCurrently, 6.3% of total study participant’s reproductive age group women suffered from multimorbidity in India. Never consuming protein, fruits, vegetables and milk increase the chances of developing multimorbidity. Consumption of fried foods, aerated drinks and addiction towards tobacco and alcohol also has a greater influence on the prevalence of multimorbidity. The prevalence of multimorbidity is sharply increased with increasing age and Body Mass Index (BMI). Regionally, the prevalence of multimorbidity was found more among the women hailed from eastern and north-eastern India.ConclusionTo reduce the risk of developing multimorbidity, targeted interventions are needed in the form of educating every woman concerning the importance of having minimum health-related knowledge, maintaining healthy lifestyle, weight management and having proper and balanced diet.

Infective Vaginal Discharge among Women of the Reproductive Age in the Outpatient Department of a Primary Care Centre.

Infective vaginal discharge is the most common complaint of the women of reproductive age group attending gynaecology outpatient department. Vaginal discharge may be normal or abnormal. Infective vaginal discharge is usually related to one of the three conditions, like bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of infective vaginal discharge among women of the reproductive age in the outpatient department of a primary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among women of the reproductive age group visiting the outpatient Department of the primary care hospital from 1 March 2022 to 1 August 2022 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Among 138 patients, infective vaginal discharge was found in 42 (30.43%) (21.32-39.54, 95% Confidence Interval). Bacterial vaginosis was seen in 22 (52.38%), Candida was seen in 13 (30.95%), and Trichomonas was seen in 7 (16.66%) cases. The prevalence of infective vaginal discharge was lower as compared to other studies done in similar settings. bacterial; candidiasis; prevalence; vaginitis.

Non-Communicable Diseases among Women of Reproductive Age Visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Non-communicable diseases are a significant cause of mortality worldwide, posing a substantial risk to women's health, as stated by the World Health Organization. In Nepal, a survey revealed that 10.5% of the population suffers from hypertension. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among women of reproductive age visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary care hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology among women of reproductive age presented from 6 November 2023 to 6 January 2024. The data was retrieved from the medical record during 1 November 2023 to 1 December 2023. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases was 608 (39.02%) (36.60-41.45, Confidence Interval). The mean age was 29.26±3.46 years. The most common non-communicable disease reported was hypertension 204 (33.55%) followed by chronic respiratory diseases 200 (32.89%) and diabetes mellitus 154 (25.34%). The prevalence of non-communicable diseases among women of reproductive age group was higher as compared to other studies done in similar setting. The study underscores the urgency for stakeholders to implement health education, early detection, and preventive strategies, emphasizing the necessity of targeted interventions and broader public health initiatives to address non-communicable diseases. chronic disease; non-communicable disease; prevalence; risk factors.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Associated Factors of Implant Use in Women, Ethiopia.

The world is in a dramatic expansion of population that resulted from the continued high birth rates in developing countries. At present, only a handful of countries have reduced fertility rates. That is enough to make gains as a result of reduced fertility or to ensure that their population will stabilize unforeseeable future. Ethiopia is the second largest country by population in Africa, but contraceptive use in Ethiopia is still low. The main objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice and associated factors towards implant use among married reproductive age group women. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect the data from 272 married reproductive age group women attending the family planning clinic at Ejere Health Center from October 9, 2021 to November 24, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select and approach the study subjects. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS window version 21, and bi variable, multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between independent and dependent variables. A P value of less than 0.05 and 95% CI was considered to be statistically significant. Finally, the result was presented using tables and graphs. The finding shows that most of the respondents know implant (87.6%). Concerning the practice of implants, the overall prevalence of implants was 51 (20.6%), and in attitude towards implant utilization among study clients, most of them wrongly believed that using implant can result in irregular uterine bleeding and cause pain during insertion and removal. Mothers who attended primary school 2.580 times (AOR = 2.580, 95% CI: 1.255-5.305, P value =0.01) had more positive attitudes than those who could not read and write. Mothers having positive attitude were 2.066 times (AOR = 2.066, 95% CI: 1.185-3.600, P value =0.01) knowledgeable about implant than those with negative attitudes. Even if most of the respondents were knowledgeable, practice and attitude towards implant utilization were low. To overcome this gap, we recommended adequate early counseling, on possible side effects, and creating awareness on implant contraceptive services and refresher courses for health workers regarding implant contraception should be given regularly regarding reproductive issues.

Role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 Inhibitor Therapy in treatment of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A systemic Review of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Outcomes

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition that affects both obese and nonobese women of reproductive age group. Its clinical presentation is dysmenorrhea, hirsutism, acne, metabolic complications, infertility, and polycystic ovaries. The study is aimed to assess the efficacy of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Inhibitors to lower dyslipidemia in women with PCOS to prevent long term cardio-metabolic complications. PCSK 9 Inhibitors ( Alirocumab, Evolocumab, and Inclisiran) bind to LDL receptors in liver and lower LDLC levels, preventing long term adverse side effects. This review aims at showing that these drugs can be effective when prescribed to women with PCOS earlyon to prevent some serious cardiovascular and metabolic complications in the long run. In terms of medical therapy, most physicians prescribe Metformin and Statins as first line agents to control risk factors. But much of the research supported the use of PCSK 9 Inhibitors early in the disease process or as an add-on to statins for controlling the lipid profile. When compared to Statins, the control rates of PCSK 9 Inhibitors were equal or superior and they showed additive effect when given along with other lipid lowering agents. Studies showed these drugs have only minor side effects and have good tolerability profile. They do not have severe side effects as compared to statins or fibrates.

Cell-free supernatants of probiotic consortia impede hyphal formation and disperse biofilms of vulvovaginal candidiasis causing Candida in an ex-vivo model.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common vaginal infection caused by drug-resistant Candida species that affects about 70-75% of reproductive age group women across the globe. As current-day antifungal drugs are ineffective against the biofilms formed by the drug-resistant Candida strains, several natural compounds and antagonistic microbes are being explored as alternative antifungal agents. In the present study, we investigated the anti-biofilm activity of Cell-Free Supernatant (CFS) extracted from the commercially available probiotics VSL-3 against the biofilms of Candida species and also evaluated their efficacy in curbing the yeast-to-hyphal transition. Various methodologies like crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the effect of CFS against the biofilms formed by the species. The ability of CFS to interfere with yeast to hyphal transition in Candida was studied by colony morphology assay and visually confirmed with phase contrast microscopy. The potential of the CFS of the probiotics was also evaluated using goat buccal tissue, a novel ex-vivo model that mimics the vaginal environment. Moreover, the supernatant extracted from VSL-3 had the ability to down-regulate the expression of virulence genes of Candida from the biofilm formed over the ex-vivo model. These results emphasize the anti-fungal and anti-infective properties of the CFS of VSL-3 against drug-resistant Candida strains causing vulvovaginal candidiasis.

ASSOCIATION OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME AND THYROID DYSFUNCTION AMONG REPRODUCTIVE WOMEN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is became most common problem in the reproductive age group women who seem to be adversely affected by associated thyroid dysfunction. Ovarian failure and pregnancy-related complications leaded by both factors. The study helps to explore the incidence and etiology of diverse thyroid conditions among PCOS individuals. Methods: This prospective single‑center study with 40 female patients with hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, oligo‐anovulation, and polycystic ovaries patients were defined as having PCOS according to the revised 2003 Rotterdam criteria and Ferriman–Gallwey score with comprised the study population. Normal female subjects were studied as the control population who had normal thyroid function and without PCOS. By measuring of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine levels (free T3 and free T4), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can evaluate thyroid function. Along with ultrasound was performed to confirm the PCOS. By SPSS version 19 Chi-square test and t-test were determined. Results: This case–control study revealed that a statistically significant higher prevalence of PCOS patients was found to have higher mean TSH values that were 5.33±2.51 μIU/mL, the mean for T3 and T4 was 154±138 μg/dL and 11.27±8.47 μg/dL, respectively. The mean FSH values were 07.27±4.49 μIU/mL, the mean LH was 84.27±38.49 μIU/mL, the mean estrogen 342±202 pg/mL, the mean progesterone values were 14.2±8.9 ng/mL and the mean testosterone levels were 69.73±9.28 ng/mL. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction shows a high prevalence in PCOS patients. Dysfunction can be treated which helps to manage infertility associated with PCOS.

Awareness About Maternal and Child Health among the Tribal Women in Two Villages of North Bengal, West Bengal

Despite the implementation of various national programs in India, maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity remain persistently high in tribal areas, primarily due to a lack of awareness about Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services among tribal women. This study was strategically designed to evaluate the knowledge levels of married tribal women in the reproductive age group regarding MCH services. The focus of this investigation is to understand the awareness about mother and child health services among tribal women in the reproductive age group in two villages, Shikarpur of Jalpaiguri and Hatighisa of Darjeeling district in West Bengal. A total of 100 (50 from each village) married women of reproductive age group were selected. All the participants were interviewed using a survey schedule. Among 100 respondents, 68% completed primary education. A significant proportion of child-birth/deliveries (81%) occur at home, prompting the need for safer institutional deliveries. Prenatal and postnatal care practices vary, with 68% receiving two Tetanus Toxoid doses. Healthcare consultations during sickness show diversity and 57 individuals did not seek any. Breastfeeding initiation within 24 hours was observed. Introducing complementary foods occurred mostly between 0-6 months. The study underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to improve vaccination coverage and healthcare-seeking behaviors, and emphasizes promoting exclusive breastfeeding for enhanced maternal and child well-being.

Prevalence of metabolic disorders among women in reproductive age group in hilly rural area of North India.

Metabolic syndrome consists of cardiometabolic risk factors that promote the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 'DM' and obesity. These are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Metabolic disorders (MD) are becoming more prevalent both in developing countries and developed countries and are now considered as lifestyle diseases. In women of reproductive age group, especially pregnancy, the blood glucose level is increasing which adversely affects the health of mother and child. Similarly, high blood pressure also precipitates the problems. This study was carried out to find the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and 'MD' among the women living in remote rural set-up. This cross-sectional study was done among women of reproductive age group in 15 villages from 5 panchayats of field practice area of Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Kumarhatti, Solan. They were screened for 'MD' through investigative procedures (weight, height, BMR, abdominal girth, blood pressure through sphygmomanometer, blood glucose through the glucometer method), serum HDL and triglycerides. Respondents from the family were asked about the common/general information of house. The tool used for collecting general and relevant information from the respondent was a questionnaire, which was pretested for validity before being used in the field. Four-hundred and sixty-seven women of reproductive age group participated in the study. Half of the participants were with qualification of matriculate and 9.2% participants were illiterate. Three-fourths of the participants were married women and 89% were vegetarian. Sixty-four per cent of participants were housewives. Half of the participants had a normal BMI, whereas 28.9% were overweight and 10% were obese. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among the participants were 12.5% and 9.8%, respectively. Forty-seven per cent participants had a waist circumference above 80 cm. The level of non-communicable diseases is related with the MD which has the adverse effect on the various systems and organs of the subjects. The MD can be controlled with the certain changes in the life style pattern. The GOI is also concerned with such scenarios in the country. It is recommended that women of reproductive age group undergo regular blood pressure and blood sugar screenings to detect hypertension and diabetes early and take appropriate measures to manage them.

The Diversity in Tobacco Use Among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Pakistan: A Secondary Analysis of a Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2016-2018.

Tobacco use in women of reproductive age group (15-9 years) may contribute to poor maternal and child health outcomes. We estimated the prevalence of smokeless tobacco (ST), cigarette, and waterpipe use among these women in Pakistan and explored associations with socio-economic differences and birth weights after recent childbirths (past 2 years). We used the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys datasets from three provinces in Pakistan. Prevalence was generated for current use of tobacco among women with recent childbirth (WWRC) and without recent childbirth (WWoRC). We further compared socio-economic status and birth weights between tobacco users and non-users. The prevalence of current ST use was 1.4% and 2.5%, and waterpipe smoking was 1.2% and 1.8%, in WWRC and WWoRC, respectively. ST use varied across Pakistan's provinces by 13 percentage points in WWRC and WWoRC while waterpipe smoking by 10 and 15 percentage points, respectively. The odds of using any form of tobacco were significantly lower with higher levels of education or wealth index. Compared to children born to mothers who did not use tobacco, the birth weight of children born to mothers who smoked waterpipe was on average 0.83 kg (95% CI -1.6 to -0.1) lower whereas it was 0.33 kg (95% CI -0.9 to 0.3) higher for ST users. Tobacco use among women of reproductive age in Pakistan varied significantly based on province and tobacco type. Waterpipe smoking was associated with a reduction in birth weight. Raising awareness of the harms of tobacco use among women of reproductive age and targeting interventions in high-burden regions of Pakistan should be prioritized. The prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use and waterpipe smoking varied significantly in Pakistan (~13 and ~15 percentage points, respectively) among women of reproductive age, and there seems to be little change in tobacco use behavior around pregnancy and early motherhood. The study highlights a need to better understand the prevalence of tobacco use in Pakistan, and further contextual research is warranted to understand the reasons for such high tobacco use in certain areas. This information highlights the need for improving current tobacco control interventions and policies, including measures that could help reduce its use and prevent its uptake. Furthermore, compared to children born to mothers who did not use any form of tobacco, we found a statistically significant difference (830 g) in birth weight for babies born to mothers who at the time of the interview smoked waterpipe and a non-statistically significant difference of about 330 g for children born to mothers who at the time of the interview used smokeless tobacco. In addition to our findings, some literature suggests the association of waterpipe smoking with low birth weight. A possible explanation could be the exposure to smoke that contains toxicants from the tobacco product itself in addition to the burning of charcoal, which is required when using waterpipe. Waterpipe smoking also results in high exposures to carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to be carcinogenic and teratogenic. In terms of smokeless tobacco use, further research is warranted to understand its impact on birth outcomes through longitudinal studies accounting for diverse products, its constituents and the amount of consumption.

Burden of Infertility, Its Risk Factors, Perceptions and Challenges Faced by Women of Peri-urban Community from Ahmedabad City: Mixed Method Study.

Infertility is globally prevalent and India accounts for 25% of the global burden, but it is still a neglected reproductive health issue. To estimate the prevalence of infertility, its determinants, perception and challenges faced by couples from the peri-urban area of Ahmedabad City. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad City. For quantitative data collection, 689 couples were selected through probability proportion-based sampling (PPBS). Data was collected through a questionnaire during (1) phase I for socio-demographic details of the community and identification of eligible couples, (2) phase II for assessing the presence of infertility and its risk factors along with the assessment of depression and anxiety, and (3) phase III for Clinico-social profiling of all infertile couples (detected during second phase). Some of these women were involved in qualitative components to know the perceptions, challenges, etc. faced while seeking infertility treatment. Study population of 917 families (n = 3891) yielded 689 women of reproductive age group (RAG) with a period prevalence of 7.4% (5.5%-9.4%); separately being 3.5% and 3.9% for primary and secondary type respectively. Socio-demographic determinants like age, education, occupation, addiction, and lifestyle-related illnesses like diabetes and hypertension exhibited no significant association with infertility. However, asthma, mental illnesses, and hormonal diseases like polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) were associated and exhibited a significant association with infertility. Preventable risk factors like reproductive tract/sexually transmitted infections (RTI/STI) showed a significantly positive association with infertility. The period prevalence of infertility was 7.4%, with the secondary type being more common. Asthma, mental illness, RTI/STI and age at menarche showed significant association. Screening and treatment for RTI/STI can prevent complications like infertility. Stigma associated with infertility and lack of treatment facilities in the government sector makes it difficult to deal with and neglected health problems.

Reproductive healthcare seeking behaviour of women of the reproductive age group in an urban resettlement area of district Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and gynaecological morbidities constitute a significant proportion of morbidities in women of the reproductive age group. To find out the proportion of reproductive age group women in an urban resettlement colony having the symptoms of gynaecological morbidities and RTI/sexually transmitted infection (STI) and to explore the healthcare seeking behaviour of the women during such ailments. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2023 among 317 females aged 15 to 49 years in an urban resettlement area of Gautam Buddh Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh. Statistical analysis used included descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. SPSS 23 was used for data analysis. There was a prevalence of 65.3% of at least one self-reported symptom suggestive of RTI/STI or gynaecological morbidity among the respondents. Among the symptomatic respondents, 54.1% were found to seek treatment. Among the reasons given for not seeking treatment in any health facility, the majority (83.1%) responded 'lack of awareness that the problem needed medical treatment' and 'stigma related with the problem' to be the main reasons. The reproductive healthcare seeking behaviour was found to be inadequate, with only 54.1% of symptomatic respondents seeking treatment. Enhanced health awareness sessions can be planned in the short term, and skilled communicators within or outside of the health system in the long term may be deployed to disseminate information in the community regarding sexual and gynaecological morbidities in reproductive age group women and their timely intervention.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Concerning Cervical Cancer Screening Among Reproductive Age Group Women in Low-Resource Settings Yenagoa Bayelsa State.

Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and cervical screening are effective prevention strategies against both HPV infection and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, limited decision-making agency, lack of spousal support and stigma are barriers to uptake of these preventive measures. Cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Eighty three percent (83%) of the world's new cases and 85% of all cervical cancer-related deaths occur in developing countries. It is primarily caused by human papilloma virus (HPV); a sexually transmitted pathogen that could be prevented with safe sexual practice and using vaccines, among others. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of reproductive age group women in low resource setting in towards cervical cancer and its prevention in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Nigeria. This study employed the use of a descriptive study design to examine the knowledge and assessment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age (19-54), about cervical cancer, its prevention, and their utilization of Pap smear screening; using a convenience sample of 406 women in two communities (Okaka and Agudama) in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed a structured questionnaire. Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (78.3%; n=318) but many (70.4%; n= 286) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although few of them (45.6%; n =185) knew about a screening center, out of which 17.6% (n= 32) reported that the screening center was less than 2km away from their residences. There is need for health care professionals, to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.

Prospective analysis of diagnosis of women with mastalgia

Background: Mastalgia is a common condition in women who present to the breast clinics or to the family doctors. It is a chronic problem that affects physical and social activity, work-school activities and sexual activity, and can last years. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the aetiology and diagnosis of patients presenting with mastalgia. Methods: This was a hospital based prospective observational study. Total 80 women in reproductive age group who had symptom of mastalgia alone coming to department of general surgery, were taken as study subjects. Demographic, physical and disease characteristics along with ultrasonography (USG) and mammography imaging results analyzed. Results: In present study the average age of patients in our study was 30.93±5.44 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was of 23.79±2.92. Among cases 20% had complains of irregular menses, 77.5% had breastfed in past and 27.5% cases had history of benign breast diseases. Among cases 57.5% cases had non-cyclical breast pain, 42.5% cyclical breast pain and 58, 72.5% had unilateral breast pain. 53.17% had mild and 10% breast pain severe pain. As per the clinical findings, 32.5% cases were diagnosed with nodularity and 6.5% abscess. Sonography findings were in agreement with the clinical findings. Conclusions: Mastalgia is one of the common symptom in females presenting to breast clinic. Benign breast disorders were commonly associated with mastalgia. Thus, it is very essential to diagnose the risk factors and underlying pathology in mastalgia cases by early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cases.

Knowledge of Pap smear test among reproductive age group women of Kathmandu, Nepal

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor of the lowermost part of the uterus and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women in the world. Globally, it is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women after cancers of the breast, lungs, stomach and colorectal in developing countries. About 80% of new incidences of cervical cancer occur in developing countries, usually, with less comprehensive cervical cancer prevention programs. The objective of the study is to assess the level of knowledge on cervical cancer and Pap smear tests among Reproductive age group women. A descriptive study was conducted in Gokarneshwor-8, Kathmandu community on 105 respondents through non-probability purposive sampling techniques and data was collected using interviewers administered questionnaires. Out of 105 respondents, a majority (64%) respondents had adequate knowledge of cervical cancer and Pap smear tests, while 36% had inadequate knowledge. This study concluded that the majority of respondents had adequate knowledge of Pap smear tests while only thirty-six percent had inadequate knowledge. Though there is adequate knowledge, only a few respondents had ever done a Pap smear test. Still, there are existing gaps that need more education to connect knowledge with attitudes as well as to uplift the regular practice of cervical cancer screening for eligible women.

Multi-omics analysis identifies potential microbial and metabolite diagnostic biomarkers of bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common clinical manifestation of a perturbed vaginal ecology associated with adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes if left untreated. The existing diagnostic modalities are either cumbersome or require skilled expertise, warranting alternate tests. Application of machine-learning tools to heterogeneous and high-dimensional multi-omics datasets finds promising potential in data integration and may aid biomarker discovery. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of the microbiome and metabolome-derived biomarkers in BV diagnosis. Interpretable machine-learning algorithms were used to evaluate the utility of an integrated-omics-derived classification model. Vaginal samples obtained from reproductive-age group women with (n = 40) and without BV (n = 40) were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and LC-MS-based metabolomics. The vaginal microbiome and metabolome were characterized, and machine-learning analysis was performed to build a classification model using biomarkers with the highest diagnostic accuracy. Microbiome-based diagnostic model exhibited a ROC-AUC (10-fold CV) of 0.84 ± 0.21 and accuracy of 0.79 ± 0.18, and important features were Aerococcus spp., Mycoplasma hominis, Sneathia spp., Lactobacillus spp., Prevotella spp., Gardnerella spp. and Fannyhessea vaginae. The metabolome-derived model displayed superior performance with a ROC-AUC of 0.97 ± 0.07 and an accuracy of 0.92 ± 0.08. Beta-leucine, methylimidazole acetaldehyde, dimethylethanolamine, L-arginine and beta cortol were among key predictive metabolites for BV. A predictive model combining both microbial and metabolite features exhibited a high ROC-AUC of 0.97 ± 0.07 and accuracy of 0.94 ± 0.08 with diagnostic performance only slightly superior to the metabolite-based model. Application of machine-learning tools to multi-omics datasets aid biomarker discovery with high predictive performance. Metabolome-derived classification models were observed to have superior diagnostic performance in predicting BV than microbiome-based biomarkers.