Women's Health Commons^™

Provincial Disparities In Adolescent Fertility In Indonesia: An Ecological Analysis Of Child Marriage, Median Age At First Marriage, And Family Development Index, Andi Nisa Fathimiyah Afidah, Milla Herdayati

Kesmas

Adolescent fertility remains a public health concern in Indonesia, with substantial variations across provinces. However, the evidence explaining provincial disparities using population-level indicators remains limited. This study aimed to examine provincial disparities in adolescent fertility and assess the association of child marriage, median age at first marriage among women, and the Family Development Index called iBangga with adolescent fertility across Indonesia. This ecological, cross-sectional study used aggregated data from 34 Indonesian provinces. Descriptive statistics, spatial visualization, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. The mean adolescent fertility rate was 25.0 births per 1,000 female adolescents aged 15–19 years, …

The Association Between Rapid Growth In Children Under The Age Of Five And Adolescent Obesity, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Fadila Wirawan, Iche Andriyani Liberty, Nurul Husna Mohd Shukri, Siti Arifah Pujonarti, Edy Purwanto, Munaya Fauziah

Kesmas

Early-life nutrition is a critical predictor of long-term health, yet the association between rapid early-childhood growth and adolescent obesity, particularly in relation to the “double burden of malnutrition,” remains under-researched in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the association between rapid growth and adolescent obesity. Data were obtained from the 1997, 2000, and 2014 waves of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS). This study included 641 children (aged 0–23 months at baseline) with complete anthropometric measurements across all three waves. Rapid growth was defined as an increase in z-scores of >0.67 in weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), or weight-for-height (WHZ) between …

Environmental Perspective For System Dynamics Modeling Of Stunting Mitigation To Achieve The Sustainable Development Goals In West Sumatra, Indonesia, Elsa Yuniarti, Nabila Azzahra, Yulhendri Yulhendri, Heldi Heldi, Mery Delvina, Saskia Putri Azeli

Kesmas

This study developed a system dynamics model to simulate stunting reduction in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, by integrating infant and toddler health, maternal health, and environmental determinants. Secondary data from 2020–2024 on low birth weight, immunization, malnutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, maternal chronic energy deficiency, iron and folic acid supplement distribution, sanitation, and safe drinking water access were compiled from West Sumatra Provincial Health Office and Statistics Indonesia, and validated through consultation with five stakeholder institutions. Causal Loop Diagrams mapped feedback relationships among determinants and were translated into Stock Flow Diagrams using Powersim Studio 10. The model was validated through structural verification, …

Countering Hpv Vaccine Misinformation On Social Media: Practical Strategies For Healthcare Providers, David Baldwin

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a highly effective strategy for preventing cervical and other HPV-related cancers; however, vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier to optimal vaccination rates. Social media has become a major source of health information while simultaneously amplifying misinformation that influences parental attitudes toward HPV vaccination. This narrative literature review examined the relationship between social media misinformation and HPV vaccine hesitancy and identified evidence-based strategies healthcare providers can use to improve vaccine confidence.

A literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified 31 articles published between 2016 and 2025, of which 19 met inclusion criteria. The literature demonstrates …

Hubungan Paparan Informasi Anemia Dan Tablet Tambah Darah (Ttd) Melalui Media Digital Dengan Kebiasaan Konsumsi Makanan Ibu Hamil Berdasarkan Food Frequency Questionnaire (Ffq), Muthiah Salsabilah, Bernadette Oktavia Jelita, Thariq Zafar Surapati, Alya Khairunnissa, Primasti Nuryandari Putri, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan: Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background: Proper nutrition is important for the mother and baby. The media is an important source of information for every pregnant woman, but the information might be inaccurate.

Aim: This study aims to examine the association between exposure to digital media information on anemia and iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation and the food consumption habits of pregnant women as measured by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) at Puskesmas Kecamatan Beji, Depok City in 2024.

Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional design involving secondary data analysis of the 2024 antenatal care (ANC) survey conducted at Beji Primary Health Center, Depok City. Purposive …

Healthcare Access And The Persistent Racial Disparities In Low Birth Weight, Zaheda A. Hussain, Yadanar Moe

DePaul Discoveries

Low birth weight (LBW), defined as less than 2,500 grams, is an influential factor contributing to infant mortality in the United States, with significant racial disparities between Black and White mothers. This study analyzed data from 3,054 Black and White mothers collected from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey to explore the association between access to medical care and LBW within different racial groups. The prevalence of LBW was 8.0%. Overall, mothers without a usual place of medical care had, on average, an 18% higher risk of LBW than those with a usual place (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.80–1.74). …

Respectful Maternity Care: A Narrative Review Of Current Evidence And Clinical Implications, Hadeel Rasheed Seger, Nada Abd Ali Mohammed, Khalid Alyodawi

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is key to improving quality maternity care and has also been recognized as a foundational approach to quality maternity services. The framework has been developed around respect and promotion of dignified care, confidentiality and privacy, and autonomy of a woman, along with her right to freedom from neglect, discrimination, physical and verbal abuse, during pregnancy and childbirth. Despite worldwide acknowledgment and promotion of RMC, disrespect and abuse during childbirth have been observed among women in maternity settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence and clinical implications of RMC. The …

Determinants Of Behavioral Intention To Change Sexual And Reproductive Health Practices Among Adolescents: A Hierarchical Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Md Mizanur Rahman, Gerraint Gillan Ahi, Rafazila Ramli, Rasitasam Safii, Jacey Lynn Minoi, Stephanie Chua Hui Li, Ahmad Sofian Bin Shminan, Lee Jun Choi

Kesmas

Conventional and web-based sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions are increasingly used with adolescents, yet their comparative effectiveness and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study compared the two formats and examined the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs as predictors of changes in intention to adopt health-protective SRH practices (including contraceptive use, service utilization, and parent–child communication) among Malaysian adolescents. A randomized controlled trial allocated adolescents to conventional or web-based SRH education. Intention-to-change behavior towards sexual and reproductive health scores was assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months; change scores were modeled using hierarchical linear regression, including intervention type, …

Birth Control Use Alters Memory For A Stressful Experience, Julia N. Gross, Kristie Payment, Boyd R. Rorabaugh, Phillip R. Zoladz

Aurora

Hormonal birth control methods are widely used; however, some users suffer considerable side effects. Previous research suggests oral contraceptive users exhibit a blunted cortisol response to psychosocial stressors and alterations in emotional memory, including differential recall of emotional images and details of emotional stories. However, no studies have examined how birth control influences memory for a stressful experience.

The present study analyzes data previously collected from female undergraduate students. In this study, participants reported contraceptive use, then underwent a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or the friendly-TSST (f-TSST). The TSST required participants to deliver a ten-minute, …

First Covid-19 Vaccination Rates Among Pregnant Tennessee Women By Month Of Conception And Urbanization Level: March 2021 – November 2021, Claudia Valenzuela, Anne K. Driscoll, Elizabeth Harvey, Heather Wingate

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 vaccination coverage was lower for the general population living in rural counties than in urban counties. In Tennessee (TN), COVID-19 vaccinations became available to pregnant women in March 2021. Little is known about rates of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy during the pandemic, or whether these rates changed or differed by urbanization level.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe COVID-19 vaccination rates among pregnant women in TN by month of conception and urbanization level.

Methods: COVID-19 vaccination data from the TN Immunization Information System and the TN Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers …

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A Narrative Review Of Disparities Between Black And White Women In The United States And Strategies For Improvement, Lynne Li, Jessica Schlewitt

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an inflammatory syndrome of the upper female reproductive organs caused by infection, most commonly via Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis, spreading to one or more reproductive organs. With PID responsible for many of the major morbidities of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain, the urgency is high to mitigate the impacts of untreated PID, especially in higher-risk populations. This paper discusses the current disparities in PID diagnosis, treatment, and management between Black and white women and proposes interventions to reduce health inequalities involving PID. To conduct this narrative review, …

Gynecological Effects Of Sex Trafficking, Tracey Sylvester

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Prevalence And Determinant Factors Of Depression Among Pregnant Women In Poned Health Center In Tangerang City Area, Dian Geumala Hayati, Sudijanto Kamso, Popy Yuniar, Yuli Puspita Devi

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

According to World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10% of pregnant women experience mental disorders, with depression being particularly prevalent. In developing countries, this rate is was even higher, reaching 19.8% after childbirth and 15.6% during pregnancy. Various studies conducted in Indonesia show that the prevalence of depression among pregnant women ranges widely, from 21.4% to 26.2%.This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with depression during pregnancy in pregnant women at the PONED Community Health Center in Tangerang City Area. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 105 pregnant women attending antenatal check-ups at the 17 PONED …

Exploring The Impact Of Education On Cardiovascular Health In Women: Sex Disparities, Symptom Recognition And Attribution, And Preventive Measures, Sydney Totten

Best Integrated Writing

Totten examines sex disparities in cardiovascular disease among women, emphasizing gaps in symptom recognition, treatment, and health education. Through a literature review and educational intervention, it demonstrates that targeted, nurse-led education can significantly improve women’s understanding of risk factors, symptoms, and disease management, ultimately supporting better health outcomes.

When To Continue, Pause, Or Stop Sglt-2 Inhibitors In Heart Failure: A Complication-Based Clinical Guide, Nicole Tesoro, Jasvin Kurundrayil Manha, Sumanth Kumar Bandaru

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become an essential part of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure due to their proven ability to reduce hospitalizations and improve survival, independent of diabetes status. Despite these benefits, their use can be complicated by genitourinary side effects such as genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and, rarely, serious complications including urosepsis, Fournier’s gangrene, and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. These events often leave clinicians uncertain about whether therapy should be continued, paused, or permanently discontinued. Current guidance remains limited and inconsistent, with most recommendations derived from case reports, expert opinion, or post-marketing surveillance. In this …

Conjoined Twins And Abortion Restrictions: Navigating 'Ban State' Challenges, A Case Report, Beau Morgan Nrp

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

This case report highlights an unusual scenario of a conjoined twin pregnancy resulting from intrauterine insemination in a state with restrictive abortion laws. Despite a diagnosis deemed not compatible with life, the patient faced legal barriers preventing termination within their home state. Forced to seek care out-of-state, the patient underwent a successful termination at ten weeks and three days after lengthy and expensive travel. This case stresses the complex challenges posed by restrictive abortion laws, impacting patient access to essential medical interventions. The case demonstrates the critical intersections between medical care, medical ethics, legal constraints, and patient outcomes in managing …

Bridging Ipv And Sud For Pregnant And Postpartum Women: A Case Report Of Interdisciplinary Programming In Mississippi, Catherine Poehling, Masoumeh Karimi, Chinedu Chukwu, Jerome R. Kolbo, Xiaoshan Gordy, Saijun Zhang, Matthew Morris, Andrew Voluse, Erin Dehon, Michelle Brassfield, Danielle Lahn, Lisa Slade, Deanna Howington, Kathleen Rhodes, Tearsanee Davis, Sonja Fuqua, Mary M. Wesley, Lei Zhang

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) adolescents in the U.S. South experience disproportionately high rates of bullying, discrimination, depression, and suicidality. Supportive and inclusive school climates are identified as key protective factors that can mitigate these risks and function as primary prevention against violence. This systematic narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed research and high-quality survey reports published between 2015 and 2024 that assess school climate, mental health, and violence-related outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth with representation from Southern states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 1,167 records …

The Role Of Gynecologic Oncologists In Improving Survival Outcomes Of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Widyorini Lh Hanafy, Bambang Dwipoyono, Asri C. Adisasmita, Yosephine E. Regina, Airine S. Lians, Oktaviani P. Rahayu, Jane G. Auwelia

Kesmas

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of gynecological cancer mortality and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in poor survival outcomes. Access to specialized gynecological oncology services has been associated with improved prognosis; however, data on its impact in Indonesia remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between gynecologic oncologist (GO) services and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with EOC. This retrospective cohort study included 76 patients with EOC who were treated at a national cancer hospital in Jakarta between 2015 and 2018. Patient data were obtained from medical records and followed for three …

Short-Term Survival And Prognostic Factors In Cervical Cancer Patients Requiring Hemodialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Muhammad Trihatmowijoyo Bundjali, Maruhum Bonar Hasiholan Marbun, Wulyo Rajabto, Ikhwan Rinaldi, Hamzah Shatri, Dwi Lestari Partiningrum, Dadang Makmun, Pringgodigdo Nugroho, Sukamto Koesnoe, Pradana Soewondo

Kesmas

Cervical cancer is a common gynecological malignancy, particularly in developing countries, where it coexists with renal impairment in over one-third of patients. This disease typically presents acutely and progresses rapidly. Consequently, kidney replacement therapy, including hemodialysis (HD), is commonly required. To assess survival rates and associated factors, this retrospective cohort study analyzed the medical records of 252 cervical cancer patients who began HD across a three-month follow-up period. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a median short-term survival duration of 71.5 days (range: 7–90), with 1-, 2-, and 3-month survival rates of 56%, 51%, and 49%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression identified post-HD systolic …

Racial Disparities Among Pregnant Women Of Color And Their High Risk For Developing Periodontal Disease, Darrylnn Mayo

Pacific Journal of Health

This qualitative study explored the oral health experiences of four women of color during their pregnancies. Data was collected through interviews and presented as case studies. Although existing literature indicated that pregnant women of color are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease, the participants in this case study reported actively engaging with their dental care providers, daily intake of prenatal vitamins with practice of self-oral care, and compliance with oral hygiene instructions. Further studies should investigate larger sample populations with broader minority ethnic groups to help explore the determinants of racial disparities and strategize ways to reduce barriers …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Progress, Successes, And Challenges Among Indiana Recipients As Part Of A National Initiative To Reduce Covid-19–Related Health Disparities, Marla Winters, Lily Darbishire

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided funding to states as part of the CDC Disparities Grant initiative. The aim of the funding was to reduce chronic disease and COVID-19–related health disparities among vulnerable communities through four unique strategies. Funding was awarded to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) to begin an Indiana chapter of this initiative, called Indiana Healthy Opportunities for People Everywhere (I-HOPE). From 2021 to 2023, the IDOH provided I-HOPE funding to local communities (subgrantees) to support the design and implementation of programs to improve community health. For example, …

Analysis And Numerical Investigation Of A Breast Cancer Treatment Model Incorporating Ketogenic Diet And Immune Boosters Via Optimal Control Theory, Kunnisai Muniroh, Ummu Habibah, Wuryansari Muharini Kusumawinahyu, Nur’Izzati Hamdan

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This paper develops a mathematical model to investigate breast cancer dynamics by incorporating tumor–immune interactions, ketogenic diet effects, and medical treatment. The model is formulated as a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and analyzed within an optimal control framework. Time-dependent control variables are introduced to represent treatment strategies aimed at minimizing tumor progression while reducing therapeutic costs. The model’s well-posedness is established through positivity and boundedness analysis. The necessary conditions for optimality are derived using Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle, resulting in a coupled system of state and adjoint equations. Numerical solutions are obtained using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method combined with …

Geospatial Analysis Of Breast Cancer Incidence, Mortality, And Access To Screening In Rural And Appalachian Virginia, Jennifer Osher, Caleb Brown, Phillip Nichols, Tariq Ayubi, Jeremy Powers

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the United States (U.S.), despite recent survival rates improving nationally. However, rural and Appalachian regions have experienced slower mortality declines. These communities face unique health care-related challenges that may contribute to observed disparities.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess differences in breast cancer incidence, mortality, and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties, as well as rural and non-rural counties in Virginia (VA). Furthermore, we aim to evaluate whether availability of mammography is associated with these differences.

Methods: County-level breast cancer incidence and mortality data …

Interventions To Promote Menstrual Health Among Adolescents In Lmic’S: Protocol For A Systematic Review, Precilla Dsilva, Sudhir Prabhu Dr, Prajna Kumari Dr, Baby S. Nayak Dr, Judith Noronha Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Menarche brings out significant change in each girl’s life. Coping with the discomforts and adopting the body changes becomes a biggest challenge for every teen. Cost effective non pharmacological interventions will help to bring about improvement in the general wellbeing and quality of life in each adolescents life.

Objective: This review aims to determine the different menstrual interventions adopted by adolescent girls residing in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC’s). The Review question will be :What interventions are currently available, and how do they contribute in promoting menstrual health among adolescents from LMICs

Methods: This review will include …

Unraveling The Drivers Of Inequality In Maternal Healthcare Utilization In Indonesia: A Decomposition Analysis, Wji Wahyuningsih, Kemal N. Siregar, Syifa Nurhakiki

Jurnal Ekonomi Kesehatan Indonesia

This study assessed socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Indonesia and identifies key factors driving these inequalities. We used data from 2013 and 2023 Indonesian Health Surveys, comprised of a total unweighted sample of 15,638 and 9,923 women aged 15-49 in the 2013 and 2023, respectively. Concentration index (CI) measured wealth-based inequality, and decomposition analysis identified primary drivers of inequalities in maternal healthcare access. Overall maternal healthcare service utilization has increased, but significant inequalities persist. Antenatal care showed minimal improvement, with the CI rising from 0.059 to 0.079, indicating a persistent higher socioeconomic distribution. Facility-based deliveries improved, with the …

Exploring The Prevalence And Determinants Of Self-Medication During Pregnancy Among Women From South Punjab, Pakistan, Madiha Madiha, Sehar Jabbar, Imran Masood

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: For developing countries with high neonatal and maternal mortality rates, any practice that may threaten the maternal-fetal health must be gauged. This study evaluated the prevalence and contributing factors of self-medication during pregnancy among women opting for antenatal or postnatal care in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 424 women, selected through multi-stage sampling, who visited health care facilities located in six randomly selected cities of South Punjab. Outcomes reported by descriptive and inferential statistics (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of self-medication with different factors.

Results: Most of the women were involved in self-medication practice (38.9%) …

Cardiovascular Disease And Pregnancy: Clinical Outcomes From A Tertiary Center Experience In Saudi Arabia, Nouf Alanazi, Sara Abou Al-Saud, Wareef Almousa, Ghada Alshalan, Jumana Alqahtani, Munira Alsharif, Abrar Alshahrani, Hessah Alothman

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Cardiovascular disease complicates pregnancy and elevates maternal and fetal risks. Local data in Saudi Arabia is scarce. This study examines pregnancy outcomes in women with cardiovascular disease at a tertiary center. A retrospective cohort study of 103 cardio-obstetric patients (2015-2023) at King Khalid University Hospital. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, with significance at p

Workplace Policy And Associated Factors Of Minimum Acceptable Diet Practices: An Online Survey Among Working Mothers In Indonesia, Fadhila Iswi Deandra, Judhiastuty Februhartanty, Muchtaruddin Mansyur

Kesmas

Working mothers in Indonesia may influence complementary feeding practices, particularly their ability to ensure that their infants properly meet the minimum acceptable diet (MAD). In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was distributed through various online platforms where participants were recruited using convenience sampling. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic factors, workplace policies, and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted. A total of 394 working mothers participated, of which over 90% of the respondents reported meeting minimum dietary diversity, minimum milk frequency, minimum milk feeding frequency, and MAD indicators as assessed with a standardized …

Exploring The Acceptability Of The Kimberley Mum’S Mood Scale For Perinatal Mental Health Screening In Gove District Hospital, North-East Arnhem Land, Tom P. Atkinson, Erica P. Spry, David Atkinson, Julia V. Marley, Emma Carlin

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Objective: Across Australia perinatal mental health challenges disproportionately impact Aboriginal women. Identifying Aboriginal women at risk of adverse mental health outcomes in the perinatal period is an important step in supporting their overall health and wellness. Current screening tools have significant limitations when used with Aboriginal women.

The Kimberley Mums Mood Scale (KMMS) is a culturally secure approach to screening for perinatal mental health disorders in Aboriginal women. It has been validated in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and may be able to improve mental health screening in other regions. In this study the KMMS was trialled at a …

Proportion Of Chronic Energy Deficiency In Relation To Macronutrient Intake And Other Determinants Among Pregnant Women In Selected Community Health Center Service Areas In Bogor 2025, Fathimah Afliansa, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Diah Mulyawati Utari, Suparno Suparno

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) among pregnant women in Indonesia remains relatively high, ranging from 11.6% to 57.6%. This study aimed to examine the differences in the proportion of CED based on macronutrient intake and related factors. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional design with secondary data involving 124 pregnant women in selected areas served by community health centers in Bogor City and Regency. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. CED prevalence was 11.3% in the overall areas, with 10.9% in Bogor City and 11.7% in Bogor Regency. Significant differences in the CED proportion were found based …