Women's Health Commons^™

Emergency Contraception: A Comparison Of Levonorgestrel And Ulipristal Acetate, Tara Tokar, Rachel Muhlenkamp, Kelsey Lindsley, Alison Steinbrunner, Michelle Musser

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Emergency contraceptives (EC) are a birth control method that is available to minimize unintended pregnancies that might result from unprotected intercourse. Several products are on the market and largely contain levonorgestrel as the active component, including Plan B One-Step®, Next Choice®, Next Choice One Dose™ and My Way®. These are labeled as effective up to 72 hours after intercourse and are available without a prescription. Another product, Ella™, contains ulipristal acetate and can be effective up to 120 hours after intercourse, but does require a prescription. Legislative issues have surrounded these products. At this point in time only Plan B …

Endometriosis: The Etiology And Recommended Treatment, Amanda Lovell, Kasie Bellmann, Kelsey Fink, Jessica Beck, Michelle Musser

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that occurs in women between the ages of 15 and 49 years, in which endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. Normally, endometrial cells form the endometrium and respond to hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, but when endometrial cells are located outside the endometrium, painful bleeding and other side effects may occur. Treatment of endometriosis is usually symptomatic relief, including the use of oral contraceptives and other hormone replacement options, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. To ensure that patients receive the appropriate treatment for this condition, pharmacists should be able to recognize the signs and …

Lysteda® For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Erica B. Schoenberger, Todd A. Tucker Jr., Justin W. Steele, Amanda Meyer, Sandra L. Hrometz

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Lysteda®, a novel formulation of tranexamic acid, is an antifibrinolytic medication recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Tranexamic acid has been shown to significantly reduce menstrual blood loss while simultaneously allowing a woman to safely become pregnant. The major advantage of Lysteda® (an oral modified-release formulation of tranexamic acid) compared to oral immediate-release tranexamic acid, is the decreased occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects. As there are no therapeutic equivalents to Lysteda® for heavy menstrual bleeding, it is important for pharmacists to be able to counsel patients appropriately on the specific …

Effects Of Hormone Therapy On Cognition In Post-Menopausal Women, Jessica Langhals, Megan Meyer, Erica Schoenberger, Amanda Meyer, Kristen Finley Sobota

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Menopause occurs as a result of decreased natural estrogen production by the body. A variety of short-term and long-term symptoms can occur during menopause, which may significantly impact a woman's daily life. Hormone therapy (HT) is commonly employed to alleviate these unwanted symptoms and to regain balance of hormone levels. Options include estrogen-only or estrogen-progestin combination therapy. While HT may help relieve symptoms such as cognitive decline caused by menopause, it also carries potential side effects. Although HT has shown a potential benefit in women with Alzheimer's disease (AD), overall outcomes measuring cognitive function improvement are inconclusive. Therefore, HT should …

Mining’S Impact On Environmental And Human Health: A Case Study Of Ramba County’S Gold Mine, Vivika Fernes

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This research project aims to gain a greater understanding of the health implications that Ramba County’s goldmine has on miners, their families, and the environment. While this study observes the community-at-large, inclusive of visiting miners and extended family members of workers, it will focus on women who engage in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Millions of people in the developing word depend on ASGM for their livelihood, evident in this case study in Ramba County. However, while gold is associated with wealth, there is great irony in the fact that those working within the mining industry are being exploited …

Socio-Cultural Norms And Perceptions Of Menstruation: An Intergenerational Analysis Of Rural Jamkhed, Maharashtra, Addison Scales

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study analyzes the socio-cultural norms and perceptions of menstruation between two generations of women in rural Jamkhed, Maharashtra. Interview questions were prepared for women between the ages of 18-26 and 35 or older to determine the level of dilution of the menstrual taboo and stigmas between age groups. All women resided in two villages in the rural area surrounding Jamkhed, Maharashtra. A variety of socio-cultural perceptions and practices were explored to determine their correlation with external influences on the shifting menstruation narrative. The socio-cultural factors of focus are family structure, media exposure, choice of material use, disposal and sustainability, …

“Un Sistema Abandonado”: Una Investigación Sobre El Acceso A Servicios De Salud Sexual Integral Para Mujeres Privadas De La Libertad En Argentina. / “An Abandoned System”: An Investigation Into The Access Of Comprehensive Sexual Health Services For Incarcerated Women In Argentina., Erica Harp

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

En esta investigación, exploramos algunas percepciones del acceso a servicios de salud sexual integral para mujeres privadas de su libertad en Argentina. Las mujeres tienen necesidades de salud muy específicas, y aunque cada una tiene el derecho humano a una atención de salud adecuada, esto no se cumple en muchos casos. Con respecto a la salud en contextos de encierro, Argentina sigue las reglas de Bangkok, leyes federales y provinciales, que requieren atención médica adecuada para mujeres. Investigaciones anteriores han mostrado que hay una gran falta de atención médica en los sistemas penitenciarios del país, específicamente de servicios complementarios como …

“Las Mamás No Son Putas”: Percepciones Y Experiencias De Embarazo Y Maternidad En Trabajadoras Sexuales En Buenos Aires / Mothers Are Not Prostitutes: Perceptions And Experiences Of Pregnancy And Motherhood Among Sex Workers In Buenos Aires, Fiona Kennedy

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

En Buenos Aires, la gran mayoría de las trabajadoras sexuales también son madres. Sin embargo, ha habido pocos estudios en Argentina sobre los vínculos entre el trabajo sexual y la maternidad y las experiencias de embarazo para las trabajadoras sexuales. Las trabajadoras sexuales en Buenos Aires experimentan estigmatización y violencia institucional en múltiples entornos, lo que afecta tanto el acceso a la salud como el bienestar general. Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar cómo estas vías afectan a las trabajadoras sexuales en la maternidad y el embarazo, con el fin de encontrar áreas de intervención. La mayoría de esta investigación …

Syrian Refugee Mothers In Jordan: Perceived Social Support And Postpartum Depression, Marya Rana

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Many women suffer from postpartum depression; migrant women experience postpartum depression at rates almost triple that of the general population. This study investigated the associations between perceived social support and postpartum depression among Syrian refugee mothers living in Amman, Jordan. Eleven mothers completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) - Shortened Version. Four of those mothers also participated in individual interviews, and four others were included in a focus group. Multiple recurring themes were identified from the interviews and focus group, including: perceived differences in child and social support in …

Perceptions Of Rural Birthing Practices: A Glimpse Into Maternal And Child Health For Women In Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, Mackenzie Burke

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Over the past two decades birthing practices within India have drastically changed. This change is most visible in the shift from homebirths to hospital births following the implementation of the National Rural Health Mission. This study aims to understand and give voice to women’s perceptions of birthing practices in the rural villages of Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. A total of ten interviews were conducted with both mothers and healthcare practitioners in the surrounding villages of Kangra District in order to gain a thorough, qualitative understanding of birthing practices in the local communities. The healthcare practitioners’ responses were divided according …

Finding A Common Ground Between Theology And Women’S Reproductive Rights: Assessing The Societal Levels Of Influence Of Religion On The Sexual And Reproductive Health Of Women, Natalie Montufar

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The principle aim of this study is to explicate and elucidate the intersection between religious beliefs and practices and Sexual and Reproductive Health throughout distinct levels of society in the developing world. A literature review identified relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature on religious beliefs held on sexuality and procreation, the landscape of influence of religion on laws and policies at a national and international level, the effects of religion on individual sexual behavior, and modern interventions aiming to be culturally and religiously sensitive. The intricacies and nuances of three Abrahamic faiths were assessed to highlight the dogma of sacred texts …

“Para Nunca Más Vivirlo, Nunca Más Negarlo”: El Legado De Violencia Sexual Durante La Dictadura, Isabel De La Torre

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Research Question: What are the mental health effects of sexual political violence against women during the dictatorship and during the current socio-political movement?

Objectives: The general objective of this study is to identify how sexual political violence has been used in Chile against women and to analyze its consequences on the mental health of survivors. More specifically, this study attempts to investigate the mechanisms sexual political torture during the dictatorship and now, visibilize the unique damages to mental health caused by this type of violence, and analyze the dictatorial legacy in regards to sexual violence and the current socio-political climate. …

Investigating The Knowledge Surrounding Folate And Folic Acid In A Cohort Of Vegetarians, Michael Dolan, Katherine Younger, Lucy Brennan, Jessica Roche

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Background
The aim is to identify any gaps in the knowledge of folate and folic acid in vegetarians, which is of interest given the increasing adoption of vegetarian type diets.

Methods
In this convenience sample, 106 people answered an online questionnaire regarding folate intake and awareness among vegetarians. This was created using Google Forms and was shared via Facebook, including on various national and college vegetarian group pages. There were 44 questions. Twenty-four participants were excluded, because they reported eating fish, chicken or other meat. Final data analysis included 82 subjects. The majority of these vegetarians were females over the …

Patient And Provider Perspectives On Sexual History Taking During Gynecological Care: A Pilot Study In An Academic Family Medical Setting In New York City, Ashley M. Chastain

Dissertations and Theses

Background: In the United States (US), women face a number of serious issues concerning sexual health. Current surveillance data indicates that overall rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing rapidly. While rates of new diagnoses have decreased, the risks of acquiring HIV are still relatively high for some females, specifically Black/African-American women. In New York City (NYC), where this dissertation research was conducted, similar HIV/STI rates exist among females of reproductive age (aged 15-44). Among women in the US, there are also high estimated rates of other sexual health problems, such as sexual anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and intimate …

Does Ethnic Identity, In-Group Preference, And Acculturation Protect Latinas With A History Of Interpersonal Trauma From Developing Symptoms Of Ptsd?, Evelyn M. Ramirez

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Previous research suggests ethnic identity, a sense of belonging to a particular cultural group, may be protective against symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the role of ethnic identity, in-group preference (i.e., an individual’s preference for interactions with members of their own ethnic group) and acculturation (i.e., the level of comfort with the mainstream culture) have not been investigated as protective factors for Latinas with a history of interpersonal and sexual trauma. In this study, ethnic identity, in-group preference and acculturation were assessed via self-report on the Scale of Ethnic Experience in two samples of undergraduate Latina and non-Latina …

Hematological Indices Of Pesticide Exposure Rice Farmers In Southern Thailand, Wiyada Kwanhian, Supabhorn Yimthiang, Siriuma Jawjit, Junjira Mahaboon, Udomratana Vattanasit, Phiman Thirarattanasunthon

Kesmas

The most common pesticides used in rice farming are organophosphates and carbamates. These pesticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, resulting in excessive levels of acetylcholine accumulation and disrupted neurotransmission. This study compared AChE activity and hematological parameters between pesticide-using rice farmers, non-pesticide using rice farmers, and non-agricultural occupational groups (non-farmers). Pesticide residues that accumulated in rice and the water and soil of the study area were also determined. AChE activity of all participants showed 10 from 87 samples (11.49%) as borderline depressed, with 50% of these being pesticide-using farmers. Most of the hematological parameters were normal in all samples. However, platelet …

Behavior Problem Impact To Decreasing Kidney Function Among Migrant Workers, Laily Isroin, Made Suandika

Kesmas

Indonesian Workers were undergoing 18% of hemodyalysis from the number of hemodyalysis patients. They did not know about CRF. The study aimed to analyze the behavior of migrant workers who were suffering hemodyalysis. The study used a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach, that is carried out on former migrant workers who suffer from chronic kidney failure. Indepth interview used as data collection. While data validation used triangulation and confirmability. Data analysis techniques was done by reducing and interpreting the data. The study show migrant workers behavior before becoming migrant workers were very pathetic. They often drunk kind of energy …

Duration Of Hormonal Contraception And Risk Of Cervical Cancer, Yuni Kusmiyati, Annisaputri Prasistyami, Heni Puji Wahyuningsih, Hesty Widyasih, Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani

Kesmas

The use of long hormonal contraceptives can disrupt the balance of estrogen in the body, resulting in abnormal cell changes. This study aimed to determine a correlation between the duration of hormonal contraception and risk of cervical cancer. This study used a case-control design. The population were patients who had examined at a cancer installation and obstetrics-gynecology polyclinic Dr. Sardjito Hospital in 2018. Case samples were 95 women have cervical cancer diagnosis and control were 95 women with a negative pap smear. Sampling with random sampling. Dependent variable cervical cancer and independent variable the duration of hormonal contraception are obtained …

Private Midwives’ Perceptions On Barriers And Enabling Factors To Voluntary Counselling And Hiv Test (Vct) In Bali, Indonesia, Dinar Saurmauli Lubis, Lpl Wulandari, Ni Luh Putu Suariyani, Kadek Tresna Adhi, Sari Andajani

Kesmas

In Indonesia, more than half of pregnant women seek antenatal care (ANC) at private midwifery clinics. The midwives play an important role in advocating for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) uptake among pregnant women during ANC. This study examined midwives’ perception of barriers and enabling factors with regards to refer pregnant women for HIV testing. The study was conducted in Denpasar City and Badung District, two localities in Bali with high HIV prevalence. Two focus groups discussions with 15 private midwives and five in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis methods were used to examine patterns …

Socio-Ecological Wellness Wheel: Applied To Community Gardens To Measure Green Gentrification, Micajah Daniels, Courtney Coughenour

McNair Poster Presentations

This project is intended to use Black Feminist Health Studies as an interdisciplinary approach to analyze the holisitc impacts of community gardens on nutrition behaviors. The implementation of green spaces such as community gardens have been correlated to both benefits and unintended consequences which this study demonstrates through the Socio-Ecological Wellness Wheel. An empirical and systematic way of measuring garden quality through an audit tool using Black Feminist Health Studies could help measure the nutrition environment of the community gardens and how they may influence fruit and vegetable consumption of food insecure populations. The need for this study is highlighted …

Effects Of Son Preference On Contraceptive Use In Bangladesh, Mohammad Nazmul Hoq

Kesmas

Son preference resulting from traditional beliefs, social customs and economic benefits including support of aging parents is widespread not only in Bangladesh but also in many Asian and African countries, which are believed for low levels of contraceptive use. To carry out the research task effectively and efficiently, the research work extracted 16,858 currently married women aged 15-49 out of 17,863 ever-married women from a nationally representative 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey Data (BDHS, 2014) set. Levels of contraceptive prevalence rate of the respondents having only daughters is found only 48.4, which is remarkably lower than the national average …

Analysis Of Traditional Health Care In Three Community Health Centers In West Java Province, Indonesia, 2018, Adik Wibowo, Evita Diniawati, Than Tun Sein

Kesmas

The National Traditional Health Care set up three objectives for its implementation at the health centers, whereby health staff to be trained on traditional health and provide accupressure care, able to collect data, register and provide technical guidance to traditional healers and guide individuals in the use of traditional medicine and herbs. This qualitative research aimed to analyze the implementation of traditional health care at 3 subdistrict health centers Ciomas, Ciawi and Caringin in district Bogor. Data was collected through document analysis, observation and indepth inteview. Each health center has trained staff in accupressure but care is hindered by lack …

The Risk Of Hypertension In Adulthood As A Consequence Of Adolescent Obesity, Demsa Simbolon, Epti Yorita, Ruzita Abd Talib

Kesmas

Population increase in adolescence are associated with increased overweight and obesity problems. If this problem not early intervention will have an impact on increasing hypertension prevalence and risk of death. This research aimed to explain the consequences of overweight and obesity in adolescent to hypertension in adults. The study used Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) data with a retrospective cohort study. Adolescent BMI measurements on 2007 and the risk of hypertension on 2014. Population are all adolescents aged 10-20 years in 2007. Sample of 1,697 adolescent who randomly IFLS 2007 with the inclusion criteria: biological children and a single birth, …

Enhancing Quality Of Life Of People With Visual Impairments Through Aesthetic Techniques, Christia M. Labro

Student Capstone Papers

Vision loss affects roughly 285 million people globally and is one of the leading causes of age-related disability which can lead to reduced quality of life (QoL) and increased levels of depression and anxiety (van der Aa, Bruin, van Rens, Twisk, & van Nispen, 2015). Occupational therapists have been involved in the rehabilitation of individuals with low vision since 1917 (Warren, 1995) and are significant to the low vision community due to their knowledge and expertise addressing occupational limitations while taking into consideration psychosocial factors that result from vision loss. However, there appears to be gaps in the literature related …

Infertility In Muslim Refugees: A Review Of The Literature, Simone N. Reaves, Fern R. Hauck

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Many couples worldwide are affected by infertility, which is defined as an inability to conceive after at least one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Many Muslim and Middle Eastern societies place a high societal value on having children and therefore, couples who are unable to conceive for various reasons often find themselves feeling stigmatized and socially isolated. Muslim refugees living in the United States face additional challenges and barriers to care due to their refugee status. This review is a synthesis of existing literature that 1) identifies Islamic viewpoints on infertility and assistive reproductive technology (ART), 2) explores the …

A Study Protocol For An Mhealth, Multi-Centre Randomized Control Trial To Promote Use Of Postpartum Contraception Amongst Rural Women In Punjab, Pakistan, Xaher Gul, Waqas Hameed, Sharmeen Hussain, Ishaque Sheikh, Junaid-Ur-Rehman Siddiqui

Community Health Sciences

Background: Provision of family planning services during the immediate post-partum phase is considered effective and cost-efficient for promoting healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies. This research aims to test the effectiveness of mobile phone-based interventions in promoting use of postpartum contraception. Moreover, it will also test the non-inferiority of text and voice messages compared to interactive phone-based counselling.
Methods: A three-arm, 10-month, multicentre, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at 15 social franchise (SF) health facilities in Punjab province of Pakistan. Pregnant women aged 15-44 years who are in their first or second trimester and have a mobile phone for …

Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension And Use Of Biomass Fuel Among Women: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study, Zafar Fatmi, Georgia Ntani, David Coggon

Community Health Sciences

Objectives: To explore the associations of hypertension and coronary heart disease (CHD) with use of biomass fuel for cooking.
Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.
Setting: Rural villages in Sindh, Pakistan.
Participants: Women aged ≥40 years who had used biomass fuel for cooking for at least the last year (n=436), and a comparison group (n=414) who had cooked only with non-biomass fuel during the last year were recruited through door-to-door visits. None of those who were invited to take part declined.
Primary and secondary outcome measures: Hypertension was determined from blood pressure measurements and use of medication. CHD was assessed by three …

Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure For Home And Facility Based Delivery Among Rural Women In Zambia: A Mixed-Methods, Cross-Sectional Study, Jeanette L. Kaiser, Kathleen L. Mcglasson, Peter C. Rockers, Rachel M. Fong, Thandiwe Ngoma, Davidson H. Hamer, Taryn Vian, Godfrey Biemba, Jody R. Lori, Nancy A. Scott

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: Out-of-pocket expenses associated with facility-based delivery are a well-known barrier to health care access. However, there is extremely limited contemporary information on delivery-related household out-of-pocket expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa. We assess the financial burden of delivery for the most remote Zambian women and compare differences between delivery locations (primary health center, hospital, or home).

Methods: We conducted household surveys and in-depth interviews among randomly selected remote Zambian women who delivered a baby within the last 13 months. Women reported expenditures for their most-recent delivery for delivery supplies, transportation, and baby clothes, among others. Expenditures were converted to …

Por Ahí Dicen: Sexual Health Promotion Campaign In A Puerto Rican Community, Isabella M. Antenucci, Yessica Guzman, Phillip Granberry, Maria Idali Torres

Gastón Institute Publications

The purpose of this study was to assess Puerto Rican mother’s levels of exposure to the Spanish media campaign launched by Por Ahi Dicen, and to assess the identification mothers had with these stories. The methodology consisted of in-person survey interviews of 210 Puerto Rican mothers residing in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. The study used a sub-set of data taken from these interviews and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Stata15. The major finding of this study showed that the mothers who regularly watched television in the 90-day campaign time frame were more exposed to the campaign than they were …

Availability Of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives For Adolescents In Urban Vs Rural West Virginia Counties, Brooke Andrews, Cameron Ross, Jennie L. Yoost

Marshall Journal of Medicine

The study objective was to evaluate long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method availability and access for adolescents in rural and urban counties in West Virginia (WV). A cross-sectional survey of Title X family planning providers throughout WV was conducted from January 2016-July 2017. This survey was sent to 226 family planning providers in WV to assess patterns of LARC availability. The survey assessed provider training level, LARC services provided and frequency, clinical practice, referral patterns, and comfort level providing adolescent LARC services. Survey results were analyzed by providers’ rural vs urban status, based on US census county codes. Survey responses …