Public Health Commons^™

The Use And Effectiveness Of Diet And Physical Activity As Interventions For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. A Review., Caroline C. Jones, Jinkyung Park

The Corinthian

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that is common among women who are of reproductive age, most commonly in ages between 15 and 44 years of age (Moran et al., 2010). While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it is widely believed by many experts that genetic factors including excess levels of insulin and excess androgen are attributing factors (Moran et al., 2010) . Women with PCOS experience several different signs and symptoms including; infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods leading to infertility and the development of cysts (Iatrakis et al., 2006). Some other common symptoms of PCOS …

Barriers To Escape: How Homelessness And Drug Addiction Prevent Women From Escaping Sex Trafficking And Commercial Sex, Laura J. Lederer, Mckamie J. Chandler, Stanley Stinson

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

Victims of sex trafficking and women purportedly involved in prostitution voluntarily face a complex web of interconnected challenges when attempting to escape their current circumstances. By analyzing the shared and distinct challenges faced by these women, the paper aims to inform policymakers and service providers, offering recommendations to empower women seeking to escape exploitation through multidisciplinary and interconnected networks of providers. This study surveyed 74 women in Detroit, Michigan, using nonprobability convenience sampling over a 10-month period in 2020. It compared three groups of women who self-reported as victims of sex trafficking, women who voluntarily engaged in some form of …

Effect Of Russian Current And Structured Exercise Program On Postpartum Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Case Series, Nagma Khan, Ashwini Bulbuli

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is the most common complication occurring post-delivery that limits the functional well-being of the affected individuals. Management of diastasis recti can include an abdominal binder, core strengthening, taping, and various surgical procedures. There is limited evidence to support the Russian current and structured exercise intervention in managing patients with DRA. Methodology: Three patients identified with DRA underwent a multi-modal treatment regimen including a hot moist pack, Russian current, abdominal binder, transverse abdominus activation exercises, treadmill training, and stationary cycling training. Outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale, abdominal girth, Ranney DRA scale, Oswestry …

Factors Associated With Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Of Exclusively Breastfeeding Palestinian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ramzi Shawahna, Mohammad A. Jaber, Hatim Hijaz, Loaa Haj-Yehia, Nashwa Nserat, Nour Bana, Iyad Maqboul

Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal

This study identified the factors associated with adequate knowledge, attitude, and practice of exclusively breastfeeding women who visit maternity healthcare clinics in Palestine. This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data. The women were recruited from different maternity care and primary healthcare clinics. In this study, 51 (51.0%) of the exclusively breastfeeding women reported that they did not receive counseling on breastfeeding from healthcare providers on the last visit to the maternity clinic before delivery, and 43 (43.0%) of the women reported that they did not receive counseling on breastfeeding from …

Covid-19 Prevalence And Trends Among Pregnant And Postpartum Persons In Maine By Rurality And Pregnancy Conditions, Charlie O. Grantham, Christina M. Ackerman-Banks Md, Heather S. Lipkind Md, Ms, Kristin Palmsten Scd, Katherine A. Ahrens Mph, Phd

Journal of Maine Medical Center

No abstract provided.

A Life-Threatening Emergency Exacerbated By Untreated Mental Illness In A Low-Barrier Health Center, Brendan J. Prast, Byron Marshall

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: We report on a patient with untreated severe mental illness who presented with a life-threatening emergency: retained products of conception and hemorrhage.

Clinical Findings: A female patient experiencing homelessness developed life-threatening hemorrhage. Her mental illness impaired effective communication and treatment.

Clinical Course: The patient presented with fatigue, vaginal bleeding, and known retained products of conception. Her active mental illness complicated the situation as it limited effective communication and treatment due to delusions. She requested only treatment for an infectious cause of her symptoms. She refused most interventions and had a self-directed discharge from the hospital. Throughout this process, we …

Doulas In Modern Health Care, Gabriella J. Lawrence

Soaring: A Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper looks into whether the implementation of doulas by all hospitals would benefit mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Through previous research it is shown how traumatizing birth can be for mothers who don't feel that they have control within the labor and delivery room. High rates of augmentation, epidural anesthesia, and cesarean sections within hospitals are all causes of postpartum anxiety and depression among new mothers. By researching who a doula is and what they can do for mothers during childbirth, we can get a better understanding on how to prevent mental health disorders that are caused by …

Age, Body Mass Index, Physical Activity And Quality Of Life In Turkish Pregnant Woman With And Without A Diagnosis Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Study, Yaren Nur Tayyar, Hatice Kahyaoglu Sut

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to examine and compare the age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and quality of life (QOL) of third-trimester Turkish pregnant women with and without a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: A comparative study was conducted in the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital in Turkey, and it included 210 women (GDM women = 105 and non-GDM women = 105). Personal Information Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Short Form-Turkish (WHOQOL-Bref-TR) were used.

Results: The age and BMI of GDM women were higher …

Navigating Transitions: Cranialsacral Therapy, Occupational Therapy And Neuroregulation Strategies For Adjusting To A New Home, Carol J. Reshan

Journal of Transformative Touch

Report of working with a hyper-vigilant 9-year-old male with difficulty handling a transition to a new home. CST and sensory processing enhancement were utilized to help develop neuroregulation, enabling self-awareness, self-regulation, and personally directed life skills for maintaining a safe and alert state.

The Effects Of Night Shift Work On Heart, Gut, And Reproductive Health, A Systematic Review, Courtney Grayson, Preeti Oza

Pacific Journal of Health

Night shift work, a commonplace in today’s society, creates a variety of health-related challenges for individuals who participate in it. Often, the only adverse health effects discussed in relation to night shift work are sleep dysfunction and mental health issues. This systematic review examined the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and fertility health effects that plague individuals working night shift. The goal of this work is to illuminate these lesser known, but equally important, health effects in an effort to bring awareness to the issues. By educating night shift workers and health care providers of the acute risks associated with this type of …

Editorial: The Public Health Scholars As The Health Leaders, Al Asyary, Meita Veruswati, Putri Bungsu Machmud, Indri Hapsari Susilowati

Kesmas

No abstract provided.

Role Of Partner And Health Workers On Modern Contraceptive Use Among Married/In-Union Women In Uzbekistan, Supriatin Supriatin, Mohamed Rifky, Muhammad Uzair Khan, Lili Amaliah, Marlynda Happy Nurmalita Sari, Eko Budi Santoso, Indra Ruswandi, Maretalinia Maretalinia, Linda Suwarni

Kesmas

Many factors contribute to the declining total fertility rate, including family planning programs. The successful implementation of the family planning method might be influenced by how the decision to choose a contraceptive method was made. This study aimed to examine the correlation between family planning decision-makers and modern contraceptive use among married/in-union women of reproductive age in Uzbekistan. The 2021-2022 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey was used by selecting only married/in-union women of reproductive age of 15 to 49 years, totaling 2,794 eligible samples. The modern family planning use variables were divided into not using, using Long-Acting Contraceptives (LAC), and Short-Acting …

Informative Material For Patient Empowerment In Sensitive Situations, Iris Reychav, Lin Zhu, Avi Parush, Roger Mchaney, Daphne R. Raban, Amy Lauren Shapira, Rami Moshonov

Patient Experience Journal

Women diagnosed with HPV face a hard-to-understand disease that may impact their psychological and physical health and may pose challenges communicating with healthcare providers in sensitive settings. We posit patient empowerment through targeted educational materials can improve sensitive communication and lead to better health outcomes. This study measured the impact of a patient-empowerment process used in a gynecology clinic for HPV patients to improve sensitive communication during medical-related meetings and on subsequent patient empowerment outcomes. The empowerment process was based on expert-vetted informative material made accessible in the physician’s waiting room on tablet devices. Communication between physicians and patients was …

Alcopops Disproportionately Consumed By Minors In Sexual Assault Cases, Matthew E. Rossheim, Kwynn M. Gonzalez-Pons, Kayla Tillett, Ryan D. Treffers, Pamela J. Trangenstein, Jennifer Lerch, Faye Taxman, Kaylin Greene, Cassidy Loparco, David H. Jernigan

Health Behavior Research

Alcohol is present in a large proportion of sexual assault cases. However, research largely overlooks the role that providing alcoholic beverages – particularly those with high-alcohol- content and/or whose flavors mask the taste of alcohol – may have in making young people more vulnerable to being assaulted. This research is especially important given the rise in the availability of sugar-sweetened alcopops and their high-alcohol-content counterparts “supersized alcopops,” which contain up to 5.5 standard alcoholic drinks. In the current study, we examined whether alcopops and supersized alcopops, relative to beer, were involved in disproportionately more sexual assault cases involving victims who …

“We Have To Improve Our Culture About This”: Family Planning Decision-Making Among Women And Men Living In Florence, Italy, Alyssa Amidei, Taylor Raff, Andrea L. Demaria

Health Behavior Research

The male condom is the most widely used family planning method in Italy and Southern Europe. Most family planning research is focused on women and, therefore, could be missing significant gender differences in behavior, as male partners play a critical role in decision-making and pregnancy prevention. This study aimed to explore attitudes toward contraceptive methods, including decision-making and desired improvements related to family planning in Italy. Semi- structured interviews with 42 men and women aged 18–50 years (29.1±7.9) living in or near Florence, Italy, were conducted between May and June 2019. Techniques from thematic analysis allowed for a constant comparative …

The Parenting Education Needs Of Aboriginal Women Experiencing Incarceration, Belinda J. Lovell, Mary Steen, Angela Brown, Karen Glover, Adrian Esterman

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

The aim of this study was to listen to the voices of women experiencing incarceration and understand their parenting education needs. This paper reports on data from focus group interviews with 13 Aboriginal women in prison. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, creating five themes: (1) working towards a positive self; (2) communication (3) parenting from a distance; (4) jumping through hoops to get connected; and (5) connecting with Aboriginal cultures. The women were seeking guidance and clarity about the Child Protection system and how to regain child custody. Many women were wanting to invest in self-care and …

Social Supports For Adolescent And Young Adult Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients: A Scoping Review, Caitlin E. Mungall

Western Libraries Undergraduate Research Awards (WLURAs)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic disorder with negative health consequences for millions of women. The paucity of research regarding interventions targeting the psychosocial symptoms of PCOS for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), susceptible to low self-esteem and depression, warranted this review. This paper provides an overview of research on the social supports currently available for AYAs and identifies areas where further research is required to elucidate their support needs. A scoping review methodology identified 15 studies that met inclusion criteria. Findings revealed that this is an emerging field of research and most included studies originated in North America. …

A Pre-Medical Student’S Reconciliation Of Feminist Narratives Regarding Women’S Health: A Consideration Of Perspectives On Childbirth In The U.S., Laura Clayton

sprinkle: an undergraduate journal of feminist and queer studies

Many feminists argue that one major negative aspect of reproductive healthcare in the U.S. is the common over-medicalization of women during childbirth, including potentially unnecessary procedures such as cesarean-section and episiotomy. As a solution, they advocate for increased involvement of midwives in childbirth practices, as midwives allow women to give birth at home with minimal medical intervention. This paper analyzes the benefits of midwifery as well as the current increased risk associated with homebirth in the U.S. Additionally, it questions the damaging stigma associated with assumptions of cesarean-section as a suboptimal outcome. A false dichotomy has developed in our culture …

Evaluation Of Self-Confidence In Women With Chronic Disease, Sebahat Atalıkoğlu Başkan, Sevinç Kose Tuncer, Demet Güneş

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Self-confidence, which is an important emotional need in women, affects women's quality of life. This research was conducted to evaluate the self-confidence of women with chronic diseases.

Methods: This study was conducted at the internal medicine clinic of Erzincan Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital in Turkey between August 2019 and June 2020. The sample consisted of 339 female patients with chronic diseases who agreed to participate in this study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using information form and the Women’s Self-Confidence Scale.

Results: The mean total score of the participants was 136.40 ± 24.92. …

Knowledge, Awareness, And Perceived Barriers Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening Among Bangladeshi Women Suffering From Cervical Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study, Muhammed Mohibul Islam, Farhana Sultana, Md Hasan Shahriar Rahman, Nandita Islam Pia, Md. Al Hasibuzzaman, Arman Ahmed, Mohammed Shamim Hasan, Md Kayes Mahmud, Rabeya Akter, Md. Saqline Mostaq, Mohammad Nurul Amin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers regarding cervical cancer screening among women in Bangladesh.

Methods: A hospital-based survey was conducted from January to April 2021 among 200 female participants. Statistical analysis of this study was performed by using Stata 13 (StataCorp LP, 4905 Lakeway Drive, College Station, TX 77845, USA), where Chi-square test was used for the determination of the correlation among different variables.

Results: Among the participants, 86.5% were rural residents, 96% were married, 87.5% were housewives, 47% were uneducated, and 93.5% lived on a husband’s income. Moreover, 84.5% hadn’t …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Karen Ethnicity Mothers In Northern Thailand Remote Rural Areas, Wanchalerm Ritthimon, Aksara Thongprachum, Jukkrit Wungrath

Kesmas

Low exclusive breastfeeding rates among the Karen ethnic group in Northern Thailand's remote rural areas underscore the need to understand knowledge, attitudes, and social support to develop targeted interventions. This qualitative study examined exclusive breastfeeding practices and the factors influencing breastfeeding behavior among 14 Karen Ethnicity Mothers (KEMs) in Northern Thailand. A structured interview was used to collect the data, a triangular method to determine the data's validity, and a content analysis method to examine the data revealed seven themes and 14 subthemes. This study identified three key factors for successful breastfeeding: self-motivation, social support, and effective problem management, which …

Maternal Factors Influencing Postpartum Depression In Indonesia, Nurhalina Sari, Nova Muhani, Friska Novira Maya Dewi

Kesmas

The estimated prevalence of postpartum depression differs in developed and developing countries. Due to the increasing number of cases in developing countries like Indonesia, postpartum depression has become a serious issue. This study aimed to identify factors influencing postpartum depression in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, in 2023 using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale instrument. This study employed a cross-sectional design with a sample size of 251 respondents, selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria using a purposive sampling technique. The multiple logistic regression results indicated that women with abortion records had a three times higher risk (95% CI = 1.394–7.648; p-value …

Editorial, Al Asyary

Kesmas

No abstract provided.

Kangaroo Mother Care In Improving Thermoregulation Of Premature Babies During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Report, Ari Damayanti Wahyuningrum, Yuni Sufyanti Arief, Rizki Fitriyasari Pk, Chui Ping Lei, Rinik Eko Kapti

Kesmas

Premature babies lose four times more heat than those with sufficient birth weight. Moreover, their body temperature regulation center does not function properly. This study aimed to investigate Kangaroo Mother Care's effect in increasing premature babies' thermoregulation during the COVID-19 pandemic at Hospital A in Malang City, Indonesia. This study was a case report with data from follow-up checks on premature babies discharged from the hospital. The Kangaroo Mother Care method, carried out by the mother, increased the thermoregulation of premature babies' temperature by 0.2ᴼC compared to the father. It was because women have a slightly higher body temperature than …

Mental Health Problems Among Elementary School Students Mandated To E-Learning: A Covid-19 Rapid Review Caveat, Renée M. D'Amore, Angelina N. Halpern, Lauren R. Reed, Kevin M. Gorey

International Journal of School Social Work

Extended lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic mandated millions of students worldwide to e-learning and by default made many of their parents proxy homeschool teachers. Preliminary anecdotal, journalistic and qualitative evidence suggested that elementary school children and their parents were probably most vulnerable to this stressor and most likely to experience mental health problems because of it. We responded with a rapid review of 15 online surveys to estimate the magnitude of such risks and their predictors between 2020 and 2021. The pooled relative risk of mental health problems among school children and their parents was substantial (RR = 1.97). Moreover, …

Calcium Carbonate As A Potential Intervention To Prevent Labor Dystocia: Narrative Review Of The Literature, Sabahat Raees, Marie Forgie, Rita Mitchell, Emily Malloy

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Anecdotally, there are attestations from clinicians of calcium carbonate being used successfully for laboring people experiencing labor dystocia. The goal of this narrative review was to provide a synopsis of pertinent literature on calcium use in obstetrics to explore the potential benefit of calcium carbonate as a simple and low-cost intervention for prevention or treatment of labor dystocia. To answer how calcium and carbonate physiologically contribute to myometrium contractility, we conducted a literature search of English-language peer-reviewed articles, with no year limitation, consisting of the keywords “calcium,” “calcium carbonate,” “calcium gluconate,” “pregnancy,” “hemorrhage,” and variations of “smooth muscle contractility” and …

Women Physicians And Medical Conferences: A Pilot Survey Study Of Participation Challenges And Options To Optimize Wellness And Work-Life Integration, Marah N. Kays, Ekas Singh Abrol, Ariela L. Marshall

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Women physicians experience challenges in career advancement, work-life integration (WLI), and wellness. Participation (attending and speaking) at academic conferences is one way for women physicians to advance their careers, but barriers to physical participation (travel, WLI) pose challenges. Virtual participation options may enhance career advancement. In this pilot study, we explored women physicians’ conference participation patterns and preferences regarding virtual participation options.

Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study of 70 women physicians from the Physician Women in Leadership (PWL) and Physician Moms Group (PMG) Facebook groups, we collected demographic, burnout, and WLI data, information on barriers to …

Parental Characteristics And Experience Of Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Women In Ibadan, Nigeria, Omowumi O. Okedare, Mobolaji M. Salawu, Olufunmilayo I. Fawole

Journal of Health Research

Background: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global public health problem. This study examined the influence of parental background on the experience of IPV by young women in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the five Local Government Areas of Ibadan metropolis. One thousand and fifty young women aged between 18 and 24 years were selected using a multistage sampling method to participate in the study. Data was collected using a 28-item semi-structured questionnaire. The independent variables were the parents’ education, marital status, occupation, and mother’s experience of victimization. The dependent variable was previous experience of physical, …

Effects Of Using An Application For Postpartum Contraceptive Use In Family Planning Counseling During Pregnancy, Lia Nurcahyani, Dyah Widiyastuti, Arief Tarmansyah Iman, Yanti Cahyati, Yeni Fitrianingsih

Kesmas

A decision-making tool for family planning flipchart is used for contraceptive counseling, but the use of this flipchart is suboptimal. In this study, primary study resulted in innovative decision-making tools for family planning applications. “Si KB Pintar” was also developed, a tool that women can use to discuss contraceptives with their husbands after family planning counseling. This study analyzed the effectiveness of family planning counseling during pregnancy by applying postpartum contraceptive use. Analytical quantitative quasi-experimental methods were used with a control group design. The sampling method was two-stage sampling. In the first stage, from 22 primary health care (PHC) in …

Review Of Gynaecological Cancer Among Aboriginal And/Or Torres Strait Islander People In Australia, Aime Powell, Ami Morseu-Diop, Maya Morton Ninomiya, Uday Narayan Yadav, Emily Phillips, Devendra Raj Singh, Tamara Butler, Emma Allanson, Lisa J. Whop

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Gynaecological cancers bear a significant burden on the health of Australians. Whilst Australia has made great strides in reducing the overall gynaecological cancer burden nationally, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women continue to experience disproportionately high rates of gynaecological cancers.

This review focuses on the social, cultural, and historical contexts that contribute to inequitable gynaecological cancer rates among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women. An in-depth discussion on cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer are described; including the incidence, mortality, survival, and management of these diseases for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women.

It highlights both the persistent barriers …