Women's Health Commons^™

Abortion/Reproductive Rights, Sandra Klein

Sandra S. Klein

The issue of a woman's right to choose whether or not to continue with a pregnancy has proven to be complicated for many reasons, not the least of which is the implications for a person's right to do with her body as she sees fit. The bibliography that follows provides the researcher with an in depth look at this issue, with an emphasis on the privacy aspects.

Acute Effects Of Whole-Body Vibration On Lower Extremity Muscle Performance In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis, Kurt Jackson, Harold Merriman, Paul Vanderburgh, C. Brahler

C. Jayne Brahler

Background and Purpose: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a relatively new form of exercise training that may influence muscle performance. This study investigated the acute effects of high (26 Hz) and low (2 Hz) frequency WBV on isometric muscle torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Participants and Method: Fifteen individuals (mean age = 54.6 years, SD = 9.6) with MS and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ranging from 0-6.5 (mean = 4.2, SD = 2.3) participated in this randomized cross-over study. Following baseline measures of isometric quadricep and hamstring torque, subjects were exposed to …

Gender Differences In Motivation To Resolve Eating And Body Image Concerns In College Students, Harold Merriman, C. Brahler, Laura Dinan, Lauren Finzer

C. Jayne Brahler

The objective of this study was to identify similarities and differences between college women and men with respect to their eating and body image concerns, weight fluctuation and level of motivation to resolve these concerns. 101 University of Dayton students participated in this study. Students completed an eating and body concern survey online.

Body image concerns were significantly greater for females compared to males (p=0.007) and significantly greater as motivation level to resolve the concerns increased (p=0.019). Eating concerns followed the same trends but did not reach statistical significance. Weight fluctuation in both genders increased significantly as motivation level increased …

The Mind-Body Connection: The Association Between Adolescent Locus Of Control And Indicators Of Physical Health, C. Brahler, James Cropper

C. Jayne Brahler

Locus of control (LOC) describes an individual’s generalized beliefs or expectancies that their reinforcements are under internal versus external control (1). An individual exhibits either an internal or external LOC. This study examines the link between LOC and selected health risk factors in adolescents. A convenience sample of 167 high school physical education students completed a 13-item LOC questionnaire based on Rotter’s 1966 instrument. Various anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and body fat were recorded on all subjects. A subsample of 61 female students received blood chemistry analysis that included a lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Apo …

Numerous Test Items In The Complete And Short Forms Of The Bot-2 Do Not Contribute Substantially To Motor Performance Assessments In Typically Developing Children Six To Ten Years Old, C. Brahler, Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore, Sara Mrowzinski, Susan Aebker, Megan Kreill

C. Jayne Brahler

The purposes of the current study were (1) to determine the magnitude of association between individual subtest items and the respective total subtest scores on the four subtests in the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition (BOT-2) and (2) to review items on the BOT-2 Short Form. The correlation coefficients (r) between ranged from .865 to .071. Several items suffered from a ceiling effect, and four of the eight items on the Short Form for these four subtests had very low associations with their subtest total score. These results raise several issues with the BOT-2 that warrant further investigation.

Is It Abuse? Deaf Female Undergraduates' Labeling Of Partner Violence, Melissa Anderson, Caroline Kobek Pezzarossi

Melissa L. Anderson

The current study investigated the labeling of abuse experiences in a sample of 97 Deaf female undergraduate students, exploring the following questions: What is the prevalence of violent behaviors experienced by Deaf female undergraduates in their past-year relationships, what proportion of these relationships are identified as "abuse," and what scripts and strategies do Deaf female undergraduates utilize to label their experiences of partner violence? Results indicated that over half of the sample chose not to label past-year experiences of psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion as abuse, even when these experiences included severe violence. Implications for the Deaf education …

Intimate Partner Violence Against Deaf Female College Students, Melissa Anderson, Irene Leigh

Melissa L. Anderson

It has been estimated that roughly 25% of all Deaf women in the United States are victims of intimate partner violence (Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services [ADWAS]), a figure similar to annual prevalence rates of 16% to 30% for intimate partners in the general population. One goal of the present study was to ascertain the prevalence of intimate partner violence victimization in a sample of Deaf female college students. When comparing the prevalence of physical assault, psychological aggression, and sexual coercion victimization to hearing female undergraduates, the current sample was approximately two times as likely to have experienced victimization in …

An Outcome Study Of Seeking Safety With Rural Community-Based Women, Beverly Patitz, Melissa Anderson, Lisa Najavits

Melissa L. Anderson

This pilot study investigated the impact of Seeking Safety (SS) on rural women with comorbid substance abuse and trauma problems. SS is an evidence-based, present-focused therapy that provides coping skills and psychoeducation. Despite its demonstrated effectiveness, this is the first known study using SS with rural women. Investigating the efficacy of evidence-based treatments with rural populations is especially important because, compared with urban residents, they are more likely to meet criteria for comorbid mental illness and substance abuse, exhibit more severe symptoms of both disorders, but are much less likely to receive formal treatment. Such disparities highlight the need for …

Intimate Partner Violence Against Deaf Women: A Review, Melissa Anderson, Irene Leigh, Vincent Samar

Melissa L. Anderson

A common theme among writings on intimate partner violence against Deaf women is the concern that there is little empirical work conducted in this field in comparison to research conducted with hearing populations. However, it is important to acknowledge that an increased amount of research has been conducted in recent years and that a foundation of research has been established, on which future researchers can build and expand. The goal of the current review is to summarize and synthesize the recent work in this area, as well as identify remaining gaps and needs for future empirical work. While there are …

Does Seeking Safety Reduce Ptsd Symptoms In Women Receiving Physical Disability Compensation, Melissa Anderson, Lisa Najavits

Melissa L. Anderson

OBJECTIVE: This secondary analysis investigated the impact of 12 sessions of Seeking Safety (SS) on reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a sample of dually diagnosed women with physical disabilities versus nondisabled (ND) women. SS is an evidence-based and widely implemented manualized therapy for PTSD and/or substance use disorder. It is a present-focused model that promotes coping skills and psychoeducation. DESIGN: As part of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network (NIDA CTN), 353 participants with current PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) were randomly assigned to partial-dose SS or Women's Health Education (WHE) group therapy conducted …

Violence Against Deaf Women: Effect Of Partner Hearing Status, Melissa Anderson, Caroline Kobek Pezzarossi

Melissa L. Anderson

Using a sample of Deaf female undergraduate students, the current study sought to investigate the prevalence, correlates, and characteristics of intimate partner violence victimization in hearing-Deaf and Deaf-Deaf relationships. Initial results suggest that similarities in hearing status and communication preference are associated with increased levels of negotiation within these relationships. However, compatibility in these areas did not co-occur with significant decreases in physical, psychological, or sexual partner violence. Recommendations for future research as well as implications for clinical and educational practice are outlined.

Attitudes Of Women In Their Forties Toward The 2009 Uspstf Mammogram Guidelines: A Randomized Trial On The Effects Of Media Exposure, Autumn Davidson, Xun Liao, B. Magee

B. Dale Magee

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess women's attitudes toward 2009 US Preventive Services Task Force mammography screening guideline changes and evaluate the role of media in shaping opinions. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred forty-nine women, aged 39-49 years, presenting for annual examinations randomized to read 1 of 2 articles, and survey completion comprised the design of the study. RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent overestimated the lifetime breast cancer (BrCa) risk. Eighty-nine percent want yearly mammograms in their 40s. Eighty-six percent felt the changes were unsafe, and even if the changes were doctor recommended, 84% would not delay screening until age …

Role Of Multiple Births In Very Low Birth Weight And Infant Mortality, B. Magee

B. Dale Magee

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants (g) and infant deaths attributable to multiple births in the general population and in women aged 35+. STUDY DESIGN: The year 2000 Massachusetts birth certificate database with linked births-deaths was examined. Etiologic fractions (EF) for VLBW and infant mortality attributable to multiples were calculated for the general population and the 35+ age group. The percentages of multiples occurring in the 35+ age group were calculated. Infant deaths due to congenital anomalies and "perinatal conditions" were calculated. RESULTS: There were 81,582 resident births in Massachusetts in 2000. Of them 4.3% were multiples. …

Doing The Best With What We Have: We Need Better: Informing Obstetric Policy With Administrative Data, Tiffany Moore Simas, B. Magee, Ellen Delpapa

B. Dale Magee

In this issue of Medical Care, Backes Kozhimannil and colleagues present data from the National Inpatient Sample on differences between rural and urban obstetric care. We applaud their efforts in examining this issue and agree that all women should be afforded safe deliveries, and ideally each woman’s experience would not be different. That being said, there are some practical considerations that must be applied to their analyses and recommendations. We would like to take this opportunity to capitalize on their efforts and speak to 2 other highly related implications for policy and practice.

Role Of Smoking In Low Birth Weight, B. Magee, Dale Hattis, Nancy Kivel

B. Dale Magee

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of smoking on low birth weight (LBW). STUDY DESIGN: From Massachusetts for 1998, 79,904 birth certificates were reviewed. Birth weight, gestational age, plurality and maternal race were analyzed in relation to the mother's smoking status during the pregnancy. The etiologic fraction (EF) was calculated for smoking and LBW for the group as a whole as well as for various subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 11.7% of women acknowledged smoking during pregnancy. The overall LBW rate was 6.83%. The relative risk (RR) of LBW among smokers was 1.58. For all births the EF for smoking was …

Urinary Isoflavone Concentrations Are Inversely Associated With Cardiometabolic Risk Markers In Pregnant U.S. Women, Ling Shi, Heather Ryan, Emily Jones, Tiffany Moore Simas, Alice Lichtenstein, Qi Sun, Laura Hayman

Laura L. Hayman

Some evidence suggests that phytoestrogens, such as soy-derived isoflavones, may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and glycemic control. These data are mainly limited to postmenopausal women or individuals at elevated cardiometabolic risk. There is a lack of data for pregnant women who have elevated estrogen levels and physiologically altered glucose and lipid metabolism. We analyzed data from 299 pregnant women who participated in the NHANES 2001-2008 surveys. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between urinary concentrations of isoflavonoids and cardiometabolic risk markers, adjusted for body mass index, pregnancy trimester, total energy intake, dietary intake of …

The Consequences Of Abortion Restrictions For Women's Healthcare, Maya Manian

Maya Manian

This Essay challenges the false assumption that abortion care can be segregated from women’s medical care and targeted for special restrictions without any effects on women’s health more broadly. As a matter of medical reality, abortion cannot be isolated from the continuum of women’s healthcare. Yet policymakers and the public have failed to understand the interconnectedness of abortion with other aspects of women’s medical care. In fact, existing abortion restrictions harm women’s health even for women not actively seeking abortion care, but these impacts remain obscured. For example, antiabortion laws and policies have spillover effects on miscarriage management, prenatal care, …

Oral And Injectable Contraception Use And Risk Of Hiv Acquisition Among Women In Sub-Saharan Africa, Sandra Mccoy, Wenjing Zheng, Elizabeth Montgomery, Kelly Blanchard, Ariane Van Der Straten, Guy De Bruyn, Nancy Padian

Wenjing Zheng

OBJECTIVE:: Evaluate the effect of oral and injectable hormonal contraception (HC) on the risk of HIV acquisition among women in South Africa and Zimbabwe. DESIGN:: Secondary data analysis of 4913 sexually active women aged 18-49 years followed for up to 24 months in the MIRA phase III effectiveness trial of the diaphragm and lubricant gel for HIV prevention. METHODS:: Participants were interviewed quarterly about contraception and sexual behavior and were tested for pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections. We used a Cox proportional hazards marginal structural model, weighted by the inverse probability of HC use, to compare the risk …

Swedish Caregivers’ Attitudes Towards Caesarean Section On Maternal Request, Jan Thomas, Regina Engström-Olofsson, Astrid Nystedt, Ingegerd Hildingsson

Jan Thomas

No abstract provided.