Practices Of Women Research Articles

Doing Mothering in Non-Monogamous Relationships. Strategies and Practices of Women in Poland

Doing Mothering in Non-Monogamous Relationships. Strategies and Practices of Women in Poland

Ukrainian women's maternity care strategies in Poland after the outbreak of the full-scale war: Understanding unequal access to quality care

The outbreak of the full-scale war launched by Russia against Ukraine and, following it, significant migrations have not only increased the diversity of the Ukrainian migrant population in Poland, but also added to the complexity of their health needs and strategies. This study seeks to explore Ukrainian migrant women's experiences and practices related to the use of maternity care services. The article is based on fieldwork conducted between February and October 2023 and included 23 semi-structured interviews with Ukrainian migrant women who gave birth in Poland after February 24, 2022. To understand Ukrainian women's pathways to maternity care in Poland and unpack the differences in experiences within this group of migrants, we explore participants' healthcare strategies against the background of existing inequalities in access to quality care in Poland and Ukraine, in particularly the division between private and public services. We consider the role of financial, social and cultural resources and distinguish for this purpose between three groups of permanent, circular and wartime migrants. We show the decisive role of economic resources, nonetheless in articulation with the creation and mobilisation of social networks and time spent in Poland, which play a role in shaping migrant women's capacity to access better maternity care.

Assessment of Women's Online Shopping Behavior in India: Model Design and Analysis

The exponential increase in internet usage in India has driven the swift growth of e-commerce, with women playing a crucial role in this expanding digital economy. This research presents a thorough literature analysis and framework to examine the factors affecting the online purchasing behaviour of women in India. The study specifically attempts to examine the influence of psychological, social, cultural, economic, privacy and security, and technological aspects on the purchasing decisions of female consumers. This research underscores the difficulties women encounter in online purchasing, especially in apparel and cosmetics, providing a gender-specific perspective frequently overlooked in existing studies. This study's originality stems from its integrative methodology, synthesising findings from established consumer behaviour theories and applying them to the context of women's online buying practices in India, an area that has been insufficiently explored. By addressing these gaps, the study enhances the theoretical comprehension of women’s digital consumer behaviour and establishes a foundation for future practical strategies that businesses, marketers, and policymakers can utilise to improve the online shopping experience for Indian women.

In Coping with Intimate Partner Violence, Women's Beliefs About Forgiveness Matter.

Women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) often feel pressured to forgive their abusers and remain in dangerous relationships. However, forgiveness does not have to include reconciliation and it may be conceptualized in different ways. This quantitative study surveyed 110 women who experienced IPV from men and separated from their abusers. It then examined (a) the prevalence of 20 different beliefs about forgiveness and (b) the relationship between those beliefs, the women's self-reported practices of forgiveness, and the women's intent to return to their abusers. The study asked whether different beliefs about forgiveness were-in combination with different levels of forgiveness-associated with intent to return to abusers. It found that women's beliefs about forgiveness varied widely, but only 4.6% of the women believed that forgiveness involved reconciliation. In contrast, 80% of the women believed it was simultaneously possible to forgive and to avoid the men who hurt them. When interaction analyses were conducted, significant interactions were found between three beliefs and women's self-reported practices of forgiveness. For two beliefs, the interactions were positively associated with intent to return to abusers (i.e., a belief that forgiveness involves reconciliation, and a belief that forgiveness involves treating a person better than before). For one belief, the interaction was negatively associated with intent to return (i.e., the belief that it is possible both to forgive and to avoid a person). Results suggest that women's beliefs about forgiveness matter. Women are more likely to return to abusers if they believe forgiveness involves reconciliation or treating their abusers better than before. They are less likely to return, if they believe it is possible to forgive their abusers and still avoid them. Interventions targeting women's beliefs about forgiveness may increase their safety.

Women's Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention at the Reference Health Centre in Bamako (Mali)

The aim was to assess women's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer screening. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical study at the Reference Health Center of Commune V of the District of Bamako. Result: The average age of women was 30 years. They were mostly married (81.79%), primigestes (50.17%), nulliparous (58.76%), uneducated (53.61%) and living in urban areas (62.80%). Most of the women had already heard of cervical cancer (79.90%). Only (8.59%) of women recognized STIs as a risk factor for cervical cancer and 44.70% knew that cervical cancer was preventable. Of the women surveyed, none had already been vaccinated and about 60% had never been tested. 15.46% of women wanted to get the vaccine soon, compared to only 8.59% now. 41.20% of women had already been screened, 36.40% of them wanted to do it now against 70.80% soon.78% of women said they wanted to recommend screening to a relative. Conclusion: Most women have knowledge of its existence but their knowledge of risk factors and means of prevention is low. Their attitudes and practices are also weak.

Assessment of Navy Provider Knowledge of Women's Mental Health Services, Treatment Practices, and Training.

As female active duty populations increase in all military environments, it is critical that women's health be addressed in a comprehensive manner. The study's results will be utilized to assist Navy health care leaders in addressing female force readiness policies, treatment gaps, and training specific to women's mental health. In total, 212 active duty participants were recruited from the Navy's mental health specialties. The survey was hosted on the U.S. Government's MAX.gov survey website and received Institutional Review Board and Survey Review Board approval per Navy and Defense Health Agency requirements. Participants recorded their experiences with various patient presentations using Likert scale assessments, indicated their comfort in prescribing medication to patients with 11 distinct presenting concerns, and responded to six questions regarding their training and clinical experience in the field of women's mental health. Differences were noted for provider gender, treatment setting, patient sex, provider rank, and years of independent practice. Female providers were more likely than males to report that their female patients presented with 15 of the 21 measured issues. Providers located at MTFs were significantly more likely than providers in operational billets to report female patients presenting with certain conditions and reported being more comfortable prescribing medication. Eighty percent of respondents authorized to prescribe medicine rated themselves as very or extremely comfortable prescribing medications to their patients for all specified conditions except two: women who are breastfeeding and women who are pregnant. Senior officers reported the most comfort prescribing medication to women who are planning to become pregnant and women who have experienced perinatal loss. Only a minority of providers (20%, female; 33%, males) reported receiving women's mental health education during their training. Of those who did receive training, it was limited to post-partum and pregnancy. Most participants (93%) agreed that women's mental health should be incorporated into training programs for military providers. This exploratory study highlights that provider variables impact assessment and treatment of and for patients. The study highlights the interplay of gender, treatment setting, experiences, and level of comfort are associated with provider assessment of presenting concerns. The authors hope this study will help in prioritizing women's mental health practices, mental health training, and research, and in informing policy and decision-making.

Pregnant women's knowledge, attitude, and practice toward physical exercise during pregnancy and its associated factors at Dessie town health institutions, Ethiopia

Physical exercise consists of planned, repetitive, and intentional movements that reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications. Worldwide, there is a high rate of physical inactivity during pregnancy, including in Ethiopia, which has detrimental effects on both pregnant women and their developing fetus. This study aimed to assess pregnant women's knowledge, attitude, and practice toward physical exercise during pregnancy and its associated factors among antenatal care attendants at health institutions in Dessie, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, in 2023. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 pregnant women receiving antenatal care between January 18, 2023, and February 25, 2023. The study participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, face-to-face interviewer-administered, and semistructured questionnaire. The data were cleaned, coded, and entered into EpiData (version 4.6; www.epidata.dk) and analyzed using SPSS (version 25; SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice toward physical exercise during pregnancy. Variables with a P value of <.2 in the bivariate analysis were transferred to the multivariate analysis. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval with a P value of <.05 in the multivariate analysis were considered statistically significant. The study found that 56.3% of participants had good knowledge, 51.5% of participants had a favorable attitude, and 32.2% of participants practiced physical exercise during pregnancy. Age, educational level, and heard about physical exercise during pregnancy were positively associated with pregnant women's knowledge and attitude. In addition, age, antenatal care follow-up, no history of abortion, ever done physical exercise before becoming pregnant, and good knowledge were positively associated with pregnant women's practice of physical exercise during pregnancy. Our findings indicate that approximately half of the participants had good knowledge and a favorable attitude. However, almost one-third of the participants practiced physical exercise during their pregnancy. It is recommended that antenatal care providers advise pregnant women to strengthen their antenatal care follow-up and offer health education and counseling about the benefits of physical exercise during pregnancy.

Continence App® Impact on Puerperal Women's Knowledge, Attitude and Practice: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Enhancing women's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) concerning urinary incontinence (UI) through diverse educational strategies has been a focal point for professionals in recent years. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of the educational application Continence App® on the KAP of postpartum women experiencing UI. We hypothesized that access to the app would lead to improved KAP among these women. Postpartum women who had undergone vaginal birth, aged 18years or above, literate, admitted in a maternity ward, delivered a full-term or large-for-gestational-age infant, and possessed a smartphone or compatible device for app usage were included. Changes in KAP were evaluated using a survey specifically designed for this purpose. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare KAP scores between control and intervention groups, as well as between baseline and post-intervention assessments. Among the 542 women screened for eligibility, 349 were enrolled in the study, with 138 completing post-intervention assessments. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of participants was 25.9 (5.8) years. Post-intervention scores for knowledge and practice demonstrated a decline among non-app users, whereas a significant increase was observed among those in the intervention group. Attitudinal changes remained insignificant. The findings highlight the effectiveness of an app-based educational intervention in enhancing the knowledge and practice related to UI among postpartum women.

A Systematic Review of Women's Knowledge and Practices Regarding Breast Self-Examination

Globally, breast cancer is the primary cause of death. Non-pharmacological therapy involving knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) is a straightforward, incredibly affordable, non-invasive initial diagnostic technique for early breast cancer diagnosis. The objective of this study is to examine women's knowledge and practices about breast self-examination. The method is a systematic review using PRISMA. Data sourced from searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were conducted to identify relevant published studies. The data was restricted to English-language articles on women's knowledge and practice of breast self-examination published during the previous five years. The results show 15 articles that explain the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination carried out by women. The majority of women have heard of BSE but do not fail to carry out BSE regularly every month. The majority of evaluated studies demonstrated a notable correlation between participants' knowledge of breast cancer and their age, marital status, and level of education. The conclusion is that women's knowledge and practice of breast self-examination are still lacking. Hence, it is imperative to develop techniques that might enhance the awareness and adoption of breast self-examination. Although breast self-examination is generally part of a prevention and monitoring strategy, it does not replace medical or pharmacological care. The contribution of this study is to provide information that breast self-examination has several important contributions in the context of breast health and early detection of breast cancer.

Empowering Pregnant Women: A Community-Based Health Education Intervention to Promote Healthy Behaviors

Pregnant women in rural areas like Lubuk Alung often face barriers to accessing quality health information and care, leading to suboptimal health behaviors during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community-based health education intervention on pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding healthy behaviors in Lubuk Alung. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 150 pregnant women (75 intervention, 75 control) in Lubuk Alung. The intervention group received a 12-week program of structured health education sessions delivered by trained community health workers. Sessions covered topics such as nutrition, exercise, antenatal care, childbirth preparation, and breastfeeding. The control group received standard antenatal care. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices related to healthy behaviors. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge about healthy behaviors (p&lt;0.001), more positive attitudes towards these behaviors (p&lt;0.01), and increased adoption of practices like consuming a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, attending antenatal care visits, and exclusive breastfeeding (p&lt;0.05). The control group showed minimal changes. In conclusion, community-based health education interventions are effective in empowering pregnant women in rural settings. They increase knowledge, shift attitudes, and promote the adoption of healthy behaviors during pregnancy. Such programs should be integrated into routine antenatal care services in areas like Lubuk Alung.

Attitudes and Practices of Women Towards Cervical Cancer Screening in Lesotho: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey

In 2020, Lesotho reported 541 new cases of cervical cancer and 362 women died. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of women towards cervical cancer screening. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 289 participants who were selected using convenience sampling from 27 health facilities. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the National University of Lesotho and the Ministry of Health (ID43-2022). The written informed consent was sought from the participants who took part voluntarily. Data were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Sciences) version (26). Respondents aged 30 to 34 years (94.0%) and above 35 years (95.9%) had positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening. Fifty-one percent of the respondents had done cervical cancer screening. Respondents who had two (65.5%) and four to eight children (52.4%) and were employed (64.0%) had cervical cancer screening done before. Most of the respondents strongly agreed that cervical cancer screening detected cervical changes before they became cancerous (55%) and if found early, they are easily curable (56.7%), and made women know if they were healthy (58.8%). Healthcare professionals should conduct health education on cervical cancer and screening on a daily basis in health facilities to improve the uptake of cervical cancer screening.

Socialising feminism and diversity: the use of gender in young female readers' literary attachments and exclusions

AbstractThis article discusses young women's reading practices and the social uses of literature for enabling gender equality that are present in those practices. Through a digital ethnography study where six young women collaborated as participants, I asked the data: How is literature, precisely its capacity to be used, conceived by young women readers in the search for gender equality? These women's reading engagements are tightly woven with a gender perspective. What are these readers embracing, and what are they rejecting by assuming a gender lens? By tracing these attachments and exclusions, I describe how books affect readers' perspectives and practices on their identities, their choice of authors, the cultural value of books, the social representations of books and reading as education. Participants' close and distant connections between the book and their desire for gender equality allow me to discuss the literature's pedagogical instrumentality and uselessness for achieving gender‐inclusive literacy. Finally, I argue that a plural and non‐functional approach to literature could offer young people heterogeneous and more creative forms to approach the challenge of gender equality.

Women's skin care behaviors: how to influence sunscreen use

BackgroundIt is well known that women have been plagued by various skin problems. However, research on the characteristics of women's skin at different ages is still inadequate. In addition, there is a lack of research on the extent of women's skincare habits and skin care awareness. MethodsA cross-sectional survey on skin was carried out in Shanghai, China, which was conducted by means of a questionnaire. 3,678 women, aged 18-59 years, participated in the study. The information collected focused on the importance they place on their skin, the skin problems they have, and their use and perception of skin care products. ResultsBefore the age of 25, the most common skin problems that women face are dryness and oiliness, while after the age of 30, skin-ageing issues begin to appear and worsen with age. In addition, the higher the level of education, the higher the frequency of and compliance with sunscreen use, and the economy also affects women's use of sunscreen. Importantly, the importance women place on their skin and the level of sunscreen awareness affects women's use of sunscreen. ConclusionsThis study was conducted to understand the skin characteristics of women of different age groups as well as to determine the factors that influence the use of sunscreens, which will not only promote women's skin care practices and product development, but also provide important clues for future activities on sunscreen use and health promotion.

THE IMAGE OF A WOMAN IN FOLKLORE AS A FOLK TRADITION

This study explores the multifaceted portrayal of women in folklore, focusing on their roles as creators, transmitters, and subjects of oral traditions. Employing a feminist folklore approach, the research aims to elucidate the complex dynamics of gender, power, and representation within folkloric narratives. The methodology combines extensive literature review, comparative analysis of folkloric texts across various Turkic cultures, and critical interpretation informed by feminist theory. The findings reveal that while women's folklore often reflects the dominant patriarchal values, it also serves as a medium for expressing female solidarity, subverting gender norms, and asserting women's agency. The study highlights the significance of women's oral traditions as a vital source for understanding their lived experiences, cultural contributions, and strategies of resistance in maledominated societies. The research contributes to the growing body of feminist folklore scholarship and underscores the importance of integrating women's perspectives into the mainstream folklore discourse. Further research is needed to explore the regional variations, historical transformations, and contemporary adaptations of women's folkloric practices.

Perceptions of female surgeons in the workplace; a cultural and social struggle

BackgroundWomen in surgery face distinctive challenges, barriers, and obstacles in the workplace. The objective of this work was to evaluate perceptions toward female surgeons from a personal, cultural, and professional perspective in a tertiary hospital in Cuenca (Ecuador). MethodsQualitative ethnographic study based on the SRQR guidelines. Fourteen participants took part and were split into two groups: health personnel who work closely with surgeons and patients and family members. All underwent semi-structured interviews which explored themes of personal, cultural, and professional perceptions of female surgeons in their work environment. Additionally, ideas of gender biases were assessed. After transcribing the interviews, patterns, and trends in the data were encoded, followed by the categorization and identification of significant relationships. Data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti software version 23. ResultsThree main dimensions emerged and were identified: ‘Barriers’, ‘Equity’, and ‘Recognition’. A high frequency of barriers (discrimination and stereotypes) has been identified, and the recognition of female surgeons as capable and competent remains insufficient. ConclusionGender biases that negatively impact female surgeons persist. In the fight against eradicating discrimination, we must promote equal opportunities and enhance recognition of women's surgical practice in Latin America and worldwide.

Women's sanitation matters: Unpacking the conundrums associated with open defecation among women in Harper City, Liberia

Ending open defecation (OD) is a major global policy goal—anchored by the Sustainable Development Goal 6. While women are vulnerable to the risks associated with poor sanitation and are disproportionately impacted by OD, little is known in the scientific literature about the intricacies, drivers, implications and the challenges women face in OD practices in low and middle income countries’ cities. Using the FOAM analytical framework and the coastal city of Harper, Liberia, as a case study, the paper aims to unravel the day-to-day hustles and hostilities women face in defecating in the open. Data were sourced through desk review, face-to-face interviews with 30 women, 7 key informants and observation. Our findings demonstrate that the beach serves as the major destination for OD in the city. Institutional failure—a low commitment of the Liberia government towards the construction of public sanitation facilities and socioeconomic factors—a general high incidence of poverty among the populace influence women's OD practices in the city. Women are exposed to insecurity, psychological trauma, loss of privacy and dignity under OD practices. The findings underscore the need for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize women's sanitation in emerging cities. The paper recommends that the government of Liberia should prioritize providing women access to improved sanitation by scaling up the construction of public sanitation facilities, subsidising the cost of building and sanitary materials, and promoting behavioural change through public health and sanitation education as measures to curtail OD in the country.

Exploring women's bladder self-care practices: A qualitative secondary analysis.

To describe women's experiences with a range of bladder self-care practices. We conducted a secondary, directed content analysis of qualitative data from the Study of Habits, Attitudes, Realities and Experiences, a multisite focus group study designed to explore adolescent and adult women's experiences, perceptions, beliefs, knowledge and behaviours related to bladder health. This study was conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases' Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium. Study methods were informed by the Consortium's conceptual framework, based on a social ecological model adapted from Glass and McAtee's Society-Behavior-Biology Nexus. Participants were recruited at seven geographically diverse United States research centres between July 2017 and April 2018. Data for the current analysis were collected using a semi-structured discussion group with 36 focus groups involving 316 community-dwelling adult women aged 18-93 years. Coded text was re-examined according to eight self-care behavioural domains identified through literature review and expert opinion as potentially influencing bladder health. Participants described many self-care practices they had adopted to prevent bladder problems or manage existing symptoms and conditions. Eight themes were identified: 'Choosing fluids, foods and medications'; 'Dressing for bladder health'; 'Promoting bodily cleanliness'; 'Managing toileting environments'; 'Timing when to void'; 'Exercising pelvic floor muscles for bladder control'; 'Limiting physical activities that challenge the bladder' and 'Staying home and navigating when away'. Thirteen subthemes were derived from five of the eight themes. Women use a broad array of self-care practices related to their bladder health. Research is needed to examine the efficacy of self-care behaviours for preventing or managing bladder symptoms and conditions, and to discern potential risks. Results have important implications for development of bladder health promotion interventions and public health messaging around women's bladder health. This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding women's bladder self-care practices, which can be used by clinicians and public health professionals in designing interventions to promote bladder health and function. Women with and without lower urinary tract symptoms use a broad range of self-care practices that may affect their bladder health, including some that may be harmful. Because of the high prevalence of bladder symptoms in women, this study may help patient assessment and counselling regarding self-care practices. This study was reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). No patient or public contribution.

Exploring Rajaswala Paricharya: A Holistic Ayurvedic Perspective on Women's Well-being

Within Ayurveda, menstruation is viewed as a natural physiological process regulated by Doshas, necessitating specific lifestyle adjustments known as Rajaswala Paricharya to maintain women's health and potentially safeguard the well-being of future generations. Despite its intrinsic importance, contemporary awareness and adherence to Rajaswala Paricharya have waned, partly due to the dissemination of misinformation by media and menstrual product manufacturers. While global health initiatives prioritize adolescent reproductive health and sanitation, they often overlook the traditional practices advocated by Ayurveda. Ayurvedic practitioners play a crucial role in advocating for Rajaswala Paricharya to fortify female reproductive health, aiming to prevent Dosha imbalances, Ama formation, and fortify Agni. By encouraging adherence to these guidelines, women may experience reduced menstrual symptoms and better navigate the physiological and psychological changes associated with menstruation. Furthermore, the integration of modern scientific research could provide empirical validation for the efficacy of Rajaswala Paricharya, reinforcing its significance in contemporary women's health practices. Thus, fostering a positive perception and adherence to Rajaswala Paricharya is paramount for empowering women and promoting holistic well-being.

Challenging Norms and Practices in Women’s Beach Handball: The Bikini Debate

Since 1978, the Norwegian Act for Gender Equality has created a strong emphasis on the importance of equality in all parts of society. This implies equal access to all cultural and welfare activities and services—including sports. In the media, we often see strong reactions to examples of discrimination based on gender, such as during the 2021 European Beach Handball Championship, when the Norwegian women’s beach handball team was fined by the European Handball Federation for refusing to play in bikini bottoms during their final matches. Media attention was given to the ensuing international outrage, which included well-known music artist Pink offering to pay on the team’s behalf in a gesture of solidarity. In November 2021, the sport’s International Federation agreed to allow women to compete in a similar uniform to men. This study analyses Norwegian newspaper coverage of the responses from Norwegian women athletes, politicians, and the international sports/media community from July 2021 to March 2022. It also provides an opportunity to determine to what extent the media framed and participated in calls for change.

Exploring the Drivers of Home Births: Perspectives, Risks, Benefits, and Policy Implications in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines

Background: The persistence of home births in the Philippines remains conspicuous, despite the enforcement of policies discouraging this practice and the prevailing concerns about its safety. This research aims to delve into the various perspectives of women concerning home births to describe the underlying motivations behind their choices, their perceptions of the associated risks and benefits, and their stance on the “no home-birthing policy” of the state. Subjects and Method: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 80 mothers drawn from Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines through a referral-based sampling method. The study examined sociodemographic characteristics as independent variables, while dependent variables included perceived reasons for home birth preference, associated risks and benefits, and respondents' views on the "no home-birthing" policy. Data were described in descriptive statistics. Results: The findings showed that the inclination of women toward giving birth at home without the presence of professional birth attendants emanates from a multitude of factors. These include economic considerations, the sense of a familiar and comfortable environment, deeply rooted cultural beliefs, challenges related to accessibility to health facilities, and geographical impediments. Notwithstanding the inherent health risks, women opt for home births due to cost considerations, improved accessibility, and as a means of expressing their cultural and personal convictions. Consequently, the "no home-birthing policy" implemented in the Philippines is seen to reflect an effort to safeguard maternal and neonatal health by promoting facility-based deliveries. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of developing a holistic healthcare strategy that harmonizes women's autonomy and cultural practices with the crucial goal of ensuring safe childbirth, especially in marginalized areas.