Women's Perceptions Of Health Research Articles

Healthcare Access Worsened for Women in Precarious Housing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

This research aims to gain an in-depth understanding of precariously housed women's experiences related to health and access to health care during the COVID-19 pandemic using a grounded theory approach. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews with 17 precariously housed women from Izmir, Turkey. Poor health among most participants was primarily attributed to unfavorable living conditions and weakened community networks. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing health issues due to barriers in accessing basic needs. Food insecurity was widespread during the pandemic and the critical role of aid and the inadequacy of social assistance in securing food were emphasized. Women's health perceptions were significantly shaped by gender, and gendered caregiving duties have restricted women's healthcare access. Access to healthcare was also limited by financial challenges, with health insurance being a crucial determinant. Longer waiting times, often exacerbated by the appointment system, and language were significant barriers to healthcare access. The findings propose that the participants were precarized by the blindness of COVID-19 measures to vulnerabilities, which resulted in deeper inequalities in housing, food, employment, and healthcare access. This research addresses the political, commercial, and social determinants of precariously housed women's health. Improving precariously housed women's health and wellbeing requires implementation of public policies targeting to improve housing quality, provide targeted assistance to food insecurity, promote gender inclusiveness, and foster gender empowerment.

KADINLARIN SAĞLIK ALGILARI İLE JİNEKOLOJİK KANSER FARKINDALIK DURUMLARININ İNCELENMESİ

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine women's health perceptions and gynecological cancer awareness.
 Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 207 women. The data of the study were collected with the personal information form, the Perception of Health Scale (PHS), and the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS). Descriptive statistics, Independent Sample-t test, ANOVA test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation test were used in the analysis of the data. p

Kadınların Sağlık Algıları, Kanser Taramalarına Yönelik Tutumları ve Etkileyen Faktörlerin Belirlenmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışma kadınların kanser taramalarına yönelik tutumlarını, sağlık algılarını ve etkileyen faktörleri belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır.Yöntem: Bu çalışma tanımlayıcı, kesitsel tipte yürütülmüştür. Çalışmanın örneklemini Türkiye’de yaşayan, online ortamda gönderilen çalışma davetine onam vererek anketleri dolduran 248 kadın oluşturmuştur. Araştırma verileri, Tanıtıcı Bilgi Formu, Sağlık Algısı Ölçeği ve Kanser Taramalarına Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmamıza katılan kadınların %76.2’sinin kanser taramaları hakkında bilgisi olduğu ve %37.9’unun daha önce kanser taraması yaptırdığı belirlenmiştir. Kadınların kanser taramalarına yönelik tutum ölçeği ortalama puanlarının 65.19 ± 8.45 olduğu, kanser taramalarına yönelik bilgi sahibi olan ve daha önce kanser taraması yaptıran kadınların kanser taramalarına yönelik tutum ölçeği puan ortalamalarının daha yüksek olduğu saptanmıştır (p<0.05). Çalışmamıza katılan kadınların sağlık algısı ortalama puanlarının 53.33 ± 6.50 olduğu, eğitim düzeyi, kronik hastalık ve sağlık eğitimi alma durumuna göre sağlık algısı puan ortalamalarının anlamlı farklılık gösterdiği saptanmıştır. Sağlık algısı ölçeği toplam puanları, kontrol merkezi alt boyutu ve sağlığın önemi alt boyutu ile kanser taramalarına yönelik tutum ölçeği toplam puanları arasında pozitif yönde anlamlı ilişki olduğu saptanmıştır (p<0.001).Sonuç: Bu çalışmada kanser taramalarına yönelik bilgi sahibi olma ve daha önce kanser taraması yaptırma durumunun kadınlarda kanser taramalarına yönelik tutumla ilişkili olduğu; sağlık eğitimi alma durumu, ailesinde kanser öyküsü olma, kanser taramalarına yönelik bilgi sahibi olma durumunun sağlık algısı ile ilişkili olduğu, ilköğretim düzeyindeki kadınların diğer eğitim düzeylerine göre sağlık algısı puanlarının daha düşük olduğu saptanmıştır. Kanserin önlenebilir hastalıklar arasında olması kanser taramalarının önemi ve gerekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır. Kanser taramalarına katılım durumunu etkileyen faktörlerin araştırılması ve kadınların sağlık algı düzeylerinin ortaya koyulması taramalara katılımı artırıcı girişimlerin planlanmasında yarar sağlayacaktır.

Women\u2019s Family Care Responsibilities, Employment and Health: A Tale of Two Countries

Persistently low employment of women in some countries can still be ascribed to a traditional perception of women’s role in society. According to observed data and prevailing social and cultural norms, women have been bearing the primary burdens of housework, childcare, and other family responsibilities. The unequal share of care responsibilities between women and men further worsens the disadvantages of women in balancing public and private life, with an impact on their employment and health outcomes. In this paper we investigate the role of family responsibilities in shaping employment and health outcomes by gender, in Italy and France, during and after the economic downturn. We use data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions for the time windows of 2007–2010 and 2011–2014. Our results support that gender differences in the share of responsibilities roles in the public and private sphere influence the employability and health perception of women.

Women's Health Perceptions and Beliefs Related to Zika Virus Exposure during the 2016 Outbreak in Northern Brazil.

During the 2016 Zika pandemic in Brazil, women's perceptions of infection risk, ability to adhere to Zika prevention strategies, or access to services following exposure were not emphasized in the public health response. Women in Fortaleza, Brazil, responded to a questionnaire on social factors related to perceived Zika risk and access to health care in June 2016. Data were coded using prespecified categories, and response frequency was reported. Of 37 respondents, most reported a lack of public services to support mosquito control (n = 19) or delayed access to reproductive health care (n = 14). Only 22% described specific maternal risks or fetal outcomes as a consequence of Zika infection. Respondents indicated an overall disconnect between public health efforts and women's perceptions of their reproductive control, including limited support concerning microcephaly in infants. Interventions targeting Zika may require a greater emphasis on strengthening health systems and infrastructure to realistically prevent transmission.

Low-intensity inspiratory loaded exercises improve physical health perception in women with type 2 diabetes

IntroductionPhysical exercises improve quality of life in type 2 diabetes. Inspiratory muscle exercises may be an alternative option for diabetic patients with physical disabilities unable to engage in physical exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle exercises on physical and mental health dimensions of the 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) Health Survey in women with type 2 diabetes.MethodsOverall, 26 women with type 2 diabetes were allocated to the control (<i>n</i> = 14) or study group (<i>n</i> = 12). They were obese, aged 30–55 years, receiving oral hypoglycaemic medications. The inspiratory loaded exercise target intensity was 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure; sessions lasting 15–25 min were held on 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Quality of life was assessed as a primary outcome with the SF-12 questionnaire. Fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels were measured as secondary outcomes.ResultsCompared with the control group, significant improvements were observed in the study group after the intervention in all SF-12 physical health domains and in SF-12 role emotional and social functioning mental health domains. In addition, fasting blood glucose was reduced from 134 ± 40 to 126.8 ± 51 mg/dl, which was a non-statistically but clinically significant change.ConclusionsLow-intensity inspiratory loaded exercises could be viewed as a successful alternative to physical exercises in improving physical quality of life in type 2 diabetic women. Health professionals interested in exercise therapy for type 2 diabetes may consider our findings.

Food Security and the Health Perceptions of Women in Ontario

Food Security and the Health Perceptions of Women in Ontario

Locality, loneliness and lifestyle: a qualitative study of factors influencing women's health perceptions.

The contribution of women to the achievement of global public health targets cannot be underestimated. It is well evidenced that within families, women are a key influence on the health and well-being of their children and partners. However, geographical differences in women's health inequalities persist and research focusing specifically on women's perceptions of locality factors influencing their own health and well-being is scarce. This paper presents an interpretive, qualitative research study undertaken in 2011 with a group of women living in one locality in the North East of England in the United Kingdom which aimed to better understand their health and well-being perceptions and locality influences on it. Fifteen women participated in two focus groups and six individual, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis yielded four key themes: health and well-being perceptions; mental resilience; low income and choice; and influence of place. The influence of women's geographical location in relation to amenities and services and loneliness were recurring factors in the discussion, each influencing lifestyle. It was evident that women in their local context were themselves assets through which their own physical and mental health could be improved. However, women's perceptions of protective factors and their influences on health and well-being varied. Connecting with women in the context of their immediate living circumstances and understanding their perceptions as individuals are important first steps in the process of gaining consensus and mobilising their assets to collectively build healthy local communities.

Meta Analysis of Studies about Breast Self Examination between 2000-2009 in Turkey

The aim of this study was to analyze studies in Turkey about self-breast examination and produce conclusive, reliable and detailed basis for future studies. Studies performed between 2000 and 2009 (until the end of September) were retrieved from databases using breast cancer, breast examination, breast cancer screening and risk factors as key words. Fifty-nine studies were identified and 18 of them (15 journal articles and three theses) were used for the meta-analysis t. Married women and women with a family history of breast cancer were found to perform self-breast examination more frequently than single women and women without a family history of breast cancer, respectively (OR=1.02 %CI 0.82-1.63; OR=1.16 %CI 0.82-1.63). According to the health belief model scales, women performing self-breast examination were determined to have 1.7 times higher susceptibility (OR=1.70), 1.34 times higher seriousness perception (OR=1.34), 3.32 times higher health motivation (OR=3.32), 5.21 times more self-efficacy/confidence (OR=5.21) and 2.56 times higher self-breast examination benefit perception (OR=2.56). Nursing care models caused an increase in self-breast examination by women, and thus, it may be useful to organize and evaluate such health-related programs and consider women health perceptions.

Perceived health status among middle-aged Polish people in relation to selected demographic and social factors

Self-rated health is an important measure of health status and outcomes and plays a significant role in the quality of life. The main purpose of the study was to estimate selected demographic and socio-economic factors associated with perceived health status among middle-aged Polish people.
 The sample being studied consisted of 5,776 women and 2,191 men aged 35–65 years, participants of two nation-wide cross-sectional surveys: the survey on middle-aged women’s health and quality of life (WOMID) and the survey on men’s health and quality of life, both conducted in 2000–2004. Participants were administered a gender-specific questionnaire on demographic, socio-economic status, lifestyle behaviours and self-rated health. The subjectively evaluated health status was then correlated with sex, age, marital status, place of residence, education level, financial situation, types of leisure time and the tobacco use. Data were processed using uni- and multivariate statistical procedures including the logistic regression models LOGITs and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). It was found that the perceived health status was associated with women’s and men’s age, and in women with their menopausal status. Women were likely to evaluate their health significantly worse than men. It was found that marital status, educational attainment and financial well-off were the factors significantly associated with perceived health status in both women and men. In concluding remarks it should be stated that the health perception of women and men in mid-life is significantly related to their socio-economic status.

Young Women's Perceived Health and Lifetime Sexual Experience: Results from the National Survey of Family Growth

Sexuality is a component of health and well-being for all women, including adolescents. Yet relationships between young women's health perceptions and sexual behavior are unclear. We examined associations between perceived health and lifetime sexual experiences among young U.S. women. We used data from 4,413 young women ages 15-24 years in the National Survey of Family Growth, 2002-2008. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics estimated relationships between categories of perceived health and types of lifetime sexual experience. A self-rated health Likert item and sexual history questions were administered with a computer-assisted survey instrument. Young women reported excellent (30%), very good (41%), good (23%), and fair-poor (6%) health. Sexual experiences included vaginal (64%), oral (64%), and anal (20%) sex. Negative experiences included involuntary sex (11%) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) history (8%). In multivariate logistic regression models, lower perceived health ("good" rather than "excellent") was positively associated with vaginal (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, confidence interval [CI] 1.1-2.1, P = 0.02), oral (OR 1.5, CI 1.1-2.1, P = 0.005), and anal (OR 1.4, CI 1.0-2.0, P = 0.03) sex. In models stratified by age, point estimates for vaginal (OR 1.8, CI 1.2-2.6, P = 0.002) and oral (OR 1.9, CI 1.4-2.6, P < 0.001) sex were higher among adolescents ages 15-19 years, but associations were insignificant among young adults ages 20-24 years. When controlling for negative sexual experiences, point estimates were stable in models including STI history but statistically insignificant when including involuntary sexual experience. Other characteristics associated with sexual experiences varied by type of experience and included age, race/ethnicity, employment situation, poverty level, insurance status, childhood family situation, religious service participation, cohabitation/marital experience, and body mass index. Further investigation is warranted to disentangle potentially negative relationships between perceived health (as well as response bias and more objective health outcomes), sociodemographic factors, and diverse sexual experiences among young women in the United States.

Quality of Life and General Health Perception in Women with Obesity

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in general health status and quality of life between patients who present “non-normative eating behaviours” (namely, binge eating disorder, night eating syndrome, sweet /fat food cravings and continuous nibbling) and patients without these eating behaviour characteristics. A cohort of 168 women with obesity, all candidates to bariatric surgery, aged between 15 and 65 (M = 39.04; SD = 10.86), with a body mass index ranging between 30.37 and 80.65 (M = 48.79; SD = 8.37), was studied. Participants answered to a clinical interview, to SF-36 and to ORWELL-97, after their informed consent. Results suggest that women with obesity reporting binge eating disorder, night eating syndrome and continuous nibbling show poorer general health status and worst quality of life than those who do not present these “non-normative eating behaviours”. Moreover, the general health status and the quality of life of patients with sweet/fat food cravings do not differ from those who do not report this eating behaviour. Nevertheless, patients reporting the eating behaviours studied do not differ from the others regarding their body mass index.

1544 POSTER Effects of a nurse intervention on the quality of life and physical and psychological health perception of women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy

1544 POSTER Effects of a nurse intervention on the quality of life and physical and psychological health perception of women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy

Food-related health perceptions and food habits among older women.

The aim of the present study was to explore food-related health perceptions and food habits among older women. Food-related health promotion has its main focus on disease prevention. With a holistic perspective on health, social and psychological aspects also need to be considered for total wellbeing. Qualitative interviews, representing an ethnographic approach, were carried out with 18 women, aged 65-88, living alone or cohabiting, who independently managed shopping and cooking. Interviews were conducted at the women's homes, and analysed for coherent themes. The women also gave data on three days' eating and drinking in a food diary. FINDINGS; Two themes were found: 'A healthy slimming meal or the usual' and 'Meals -- a pleasure or an obligation'. The first theme summarized the women's health perceptions related to food, where the dominating view was fear of fat. Some also had a bad conscience about not eating according to recommendations. Use of low-fat products was not a predominant habit among these women. In the second theme, meals in fellowship were perceived as a pleasure, while women living alone tended to simplify cooking and eating. This was also reflected in their food habits, with fewer cooked meals, as well as events with coffee with cakes, compared with cohabiting women. Food-related health promotion must pay more attention to women living alone. Women who have lost their partners, may be at risk for poor nutritional intake as they often simplified the entire meal situation, while cohabiting women perceived food and cooking as a central task in their lives. One responsibility for nurses working in the community is to recognize and assess older women's deficient eating habits, assess them and plan eating together with the woman to prevent poor nutritional intake. Relatives and community staff could also be involved in this work.

Gender differences in emotional disability and negative health perception in cardiac patients 6 months after stent implantation

Objectives: In this study we evaluate gender differences in affective adaptation and health perception in patients 6 months after stent implantation. Background: Assessment of gender-specific behavioral strategies to cope with serious cardiac disease conditions has not been given much attention until now. Preliminary data suggest greater impairments in female patients, which might be of clinical relevance. Methods: Three hundred seventeen patients were eligible for the 6-month follow-up investigation, 78 (24.6%) of whom were women. The women were significantly older but did not differ from men in their cardiac risk features and treatment procedures. There were no gender differences in prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and family history. Men had a significantly higher prevalence of smoking than women, whereas women had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes than men. A structured interview and a standardized psychodiagnostic assessment was carried out, which covered domains of affective dysfunction (depression, anxiety, intrusion, and avoidance), vegetative symptoms (sleeping disorders), and parameters of negative health perception. Results: There were no significant gender differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Women exhibited higher mean values of anxiety than men, which did not reach significance. Sleeping disorders were significantly more prevalent in women. The absolute level of being distressed by intrusive thoughts and avoidance behavior related to the severe underlying disease process was low in the total group of patients examined. Measurable gender differences did not emerge. Fifty-one (16.5%) patients exhibited pessimistic anticipation of dire consequences and severe signs of negative health perception (NHP group). There was a trend, although not statistically significant, toward more women being in the NHP group. The distribution of cardiac risk factors, however, was completely balanced in the NHP + and NHP − patient groups. Objective somatic cardiac disease parameters did not account for the negative health perception. NHP was, however, associated with significantly more prestent angina pectoris ( p < 0.040) and poststent angina pectoris ( p < 0.0001). High levels of anxiety, depression, and of disturbed sleep also led to a sharp separation between patients with high degrees of an anticipated incapacitation due to the disease process. Univariate regression analysis suggested an effect of female gender on the occurrence of NHP (odds ratio 1.70; 95% CI 0.88 to 3.25), which was of borderline significance. Control for confounders in a multiple regression model, however, eliminated the gender effect (odds ratio 1.04, 95% CI 0.48 to 2.23). Poststent chest pain (odds ratio 7.75, 95% CI 3.28 to 18.32) and sleeping disorders (odds ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.51) were identified as the most powerful confounders of the gender–NHP association. Conclusion: Contrary to expectation, women were not per se more distressed than men in all areas of adaptation of the midterm course after stent implantation, although the higher levels of anxiety and sleeping disorders in women deserve attention. A considerable proportion of patients exhibited a pessimistic disease perspective independent of their somatic status, which was associated with affective morbidity. The tendency toward more negative health perception in women may be due to their more frequent occurrence of chest pain and sleeping disorders.