Women's Health Commons^™

The Clinical Breast Examination: A Useful Screening Tool?, Jennifer Lo

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The standardization of the clinical breast examination as a screening tool for breast cancer has been a topic of controversy. Current recommendations vary significantly from organization to organization without consensus. There currently does not seem to be sufficient evidence regarding overall survival benefit of the clinical breast exam. However, as adjunct screening with mammography, it may help find earlier breast cancers and the up to 5–10% of cancers missed by mammography. The most appropriate standardized protocol may be that the clinical breast exam can be performed at the discretion of the provider and patient, with more inclination toward use in …

What Are The Recommended Timing And Screening Modalities For Women At Higher Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer? A Clin-Iq, Summer Jatala, Shawn Fitzgerald, Pamela Tietze, Kalyanakrishnan Ramakrisnan, Laine H. Mccarthy, Elizabeth Wickersham

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Early detection of breast cancer is desirable to prevent progression to advanced disease. This subject has been one of significant study and debate for women at normal risk, and recommendations continue to evolve. However, with regard to women at high risk, the recommendations from various health care professional organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, are different and also inconsistent concerning when to begin screening and which modalities should be used. We review several randomized controlled trials and consensus opinions regarding when to begin screening for breast cancer and how to best screen women at high risk. Specifically, we …

Common Threads: An Integrated Hiv Prevention And Vocational Development Intervention For African American Women Living With Hiv/Aids, Liza Marie Conyers, Yung-Chen Chiu, Aisha Shamburger-Rousseau, Vanessa Johnson, Mark Misrok

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Current policies and initiatives call for the integration of social determinants of health into HIV/AIDS prevention and care interventions. According to the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health, the lower a person’s socioeconomic status, the worse the health outcomes. One way to alleviate poverty among African American women with HIV/AIDS is to help foster their vocational development and economic empowerment. The National HIV/AIDS Strategy Implementation Plan specifically directs federal agencies to find ways to integrate people living with HIV/AIDS into broader employment initiatives. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine medical, psychosocial, financial/legal and vocational social …

Project Thanks: A Socio-Ecological Framework For An Intervention Involving Hiv Positive African American Women With Comorbidities, Meena Mahadevan, Ndidiamaka Amutah, Lauren Juliette Ramos, Emily Rose Raines, Jerome King, Jodyann Mcintosh, Constance Leverett

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

HIV-positive individuals are living longer today as a result of continuing advances in treatment but are also facing an increased risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, and hypertension. These conditions result in a larger burden of hospitalization, outpatient, and emergency room visits. Impoverished African American women may represent an especially high-risk group due to disparities in health care, racial discrimination, and limited resources. This article describes an intervention that is based on the conceptual framework of the socio-ecological model. Project THANKS uses a community-based participatory, and empowerment building approach to target the unique personal, social, and environmental needs of …

Is Race A Factor In Disparate Health Problems Associated With Violence Against Women?, Gabriel M. Garcia, Marny Rivera

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Research studies examining the health correlates of violence against women have consistently demonstrated associations between violence and poor health outcomes, but have not examined a disparate impact on racial minorities. Alaska Victimization Survey data (2010) was used to examine whether a disparate relationship between victimization and health problems exists for minority women relative to White women. The Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) is a cross-sectional survey designed to provide baseline estimates of intimate partner and sexual violence for Alaskan women. Logistic regression was used to assess the odds of experiencing various health problems given race and exposure to violence status while …

Inequalities In Infertility Service Utilization: A Comparison Of Latina And Caucasian Women With Impaired Fecundity Who Seek And Do Not Seek Care, Amy Sudhinaraset, Deyu Pan, Carolyn Alexander, Omid Khorram

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Purpose: To compare racial differences in accessing infertility services, and to characterize socioeconomic, cultural and social factors that influence the propensity to seek care.

Materials and Methods: Using data from the 2002 and 2006-2010 rounds of the National Survey of Family Growth, bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regressions were performed to determine the associations between individual patient characteristics and health seeking practices, stratified by ethnicity.

Results: Factors that were significantly associated with seeking infertility services included Latina ethnicity, age, country of birth, more than high school education, being born in the United States, placing importance on religion, >200% federal poverty …

Are There Gender Differences In Perceived Sexual Self-Efficacy Among African-American Adolescents?, Michelle L. Redmond, Rhonda K. Lewis

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: African American adolescents accounted for more than half of all HIV/AIDS cases in 2009. Behavioral Strategies are needed to help lessen the incidence of HIV/AIDS among this population.

Purpose: The aim of his study was to examine sexual self-efficacy practices and beliefs among African American adolescents. We also examined gender differences between African American adolescents to better understand their perceptions of sexual self-efficacy, condom use intention, and other safer sex practices and beliefs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 214 African American adolescents using survey instruments to examine their beliefs, perception and intentions on the use of condoms, …

Uncovering The Concealed Part Of Motherhood-Postpartum Depression In Mothers, Hunaina Hadi, Shamsa Hadi

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Introduction: Motherhood is the most pleasing experience of a woman's life. Birth of a child gives birth to new hopes and ambitions. But Post-partum Depression is a condition when this blessing turns into curse. It can affect the mother, the partner and the child and can even lead to infanticide as well as maternal death, often by suicide.

Method: A qualitative systematic review was conducted through electronic medium to explore the relevant literature. Various databases i.e. Pubmed, Google search engines, Science Direct, JPMA, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature CINHAL and SAGA were used. Manual search was …

A Case Of Cutaneous Larva Migrans Presenting In A Pregnant Patient., Kasie Kudrewicz, Kylee N Crittenden, Alison Himes

Women’s Health Articles

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a pruritic dermatitis caused by migration of animal hookworm larvae into the skin. We present a case of CLM in a 31-year-old pregnant woman. The treatment of CLM relies on antihelminthic agents, such as thiabendazole, albendazole, and ivermectin. This case was interesting in that the standard treatment options previously mentioned were contraindicated owing to the patient's pregnancy. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen resulted in complete resolution of her lesion and symptoms.

Using Payment Reform Strategies To Strengthen Family Planning Services At Community Health Centers, Sara J. Rosenbaum, Peter Shin, Susan F. Wood, Jessica Sharac

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

No abstract provided.

Women With Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism And The Need For Proper Periconceptional Folate Supplementation, Maureen Sullivan, Tiffany Murray, Haregewein Assefa

Touro College of Pharmacy (New York) Publications and Research

Maternal folate supplementation is critical for fetal development. Women with MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene polymorphisms may not be getting the proper folate form to support fetal development. The objectives of this review were to: (1) undertake a comprehensive review on the association of MTHFR polymorphisms with the risk for various congenital diseases and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, (2) assess the efficacy and safety of current folic acid and other supplementations in women with the MTHFR polymorphism, and (3) provide guidance on the appropriate supplementation for women of childbearing potential with the MTHFR gene polymorphism in order to decrease these adverse …

Experiences With Weight Loss Triggers In Women Prescribed To Lose Weight By Their Physician, Mark D. Faries, Elizabeth Espie, Erik Gnagy, Kyle P. Mcmorries

Faculty Publications

Background: With the global rise of individuals classified as overweight and obese, weight-related screenings have been promoted to combat their high prevalence and associated health problems. Hopefully, such screenings can act as a ‘trigger’ for health behavior change, however little is known about the experience of weight loss triggers.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to elaborate on the experiences and meanings of weight-control triggers in a sample of overweight women prescribed by their physician to lose weight.
Patients and Methods: We conducted exploratory qualitative interviews, grounded in phenomenological practices, to elaborate on the experience and meaning of weight …

The Inclusion Of Women’S Health In Sustainable Medical Mission Trip Models: A Pa Student’S Perspective, Jillian G. Goles

VA Engage Journal

Like many disadvantaged countries around the world, Nicaragua is visited by numerous medical missions each year. The efficacy of these missions relies on the organization’s relationship with the communities they serve. Although the general goal of all medical missions is to ultimately help underserved populations, many missions inadvertently do harm. Two critical causes of such inadvertent harm are lack of sustainable practices and failure to form a long-term relationship with the communities. Shenandoah University’s Physician Assistant Program has worked tirelessly to form an ideal medical mission model and relationship with El Ayudante, a local non-government humanitarian organization, and the local …

Factors Associated With Induced Abortion Among Female Entertainment Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Khuondyla Pal, Khimuy Tith, Carinne M. Brody

Objective: To explore risk factors associated with induced abortion among sexually active female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia.

Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Participants: This study included 556 FEWs aged 18–47 years randomly selected from entertainment establishments in the two cities in 2014 using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire.

Primary outcome measure: History of induced abortion during the time working as a FEW.

Results: Of the total sample, 45.6% reported currently using a contraceptive method with condom (42.4%) being the …

Developing A Workplace Sexual Violence Framework Related To Women Truck Drivers, Kim Bourne

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Living In Freedom Together (Lift), Marianne Sarkis, Cora Torton, Isabel Szatkowski, Nicole Bell, Rebecca Wallace, Macy Golman

Local Knowledge: Worcester Area Community-Based Research

A poster created for a proposed housing plan through Living in Freedom Together (LIFT). The house would serve as a safe space for women seeking to get out of prostitution through social services and mentorship.

The Impact Of A Community-Based Hiv And Sexual Reproductive Health Program On Sexual And Healthcare-Seeking Behaviors Of Female Entertainment Workers In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Carinne M. Brody, Khimuy Tith, Sopheap Oum

Background: In Cambodia, despite great successes in the fight against HIV, challenges remain to eliminating new HIV infections and addressing sexual reproductive health (SRH) issues in key populations including female entertainment workers (FEWs). To address these issues, the Sustainable Action against HIV and AIDS in Communities (SAHACOM) project has been implemented since late 2009 using a community-based approach to integrate HIV and SRH services. This study evaluates the impact of the SAHACOM on sexual and healthcare-seeking behaviors among FEWs in Cambodia.

Methods: A midterm and endpoint comparison design was utilized. Midterm data were collected in early 2012, and …

Quit4baby: Results From A Pilot Test Of A Mobile Smoking Cessation Program For Pregnant Women, Lorien C. Abroms, Judy M. Van Alstyne, Christina L. Heminger, Leah E. Leavitt, Jennifer M. Schindler-Ruwisch

GW Research Days 2015

Background: Text messaging programs have been shown to be effective in helping adult smokers quit smoking. This study describes the results of a pilot test of Quit4baby, a smoking cessation text messaging program for pregnant smokers that was adapted from Text2quit.

Objective: The study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of Quit4baby for women currently enrolled in Text4baby, a perinatal health text messaging program.

Methods: Pregnant women enrolled in Text4baby and who were current smokers or had quit within the last 4 weeks (N=20) were enrolled in Quit4baby. Those under age 18, not pregnant, not current smokers, …

Prevalence And Predictors Of Pap Smear Cervical Epithelial Cell Abnormality Among Hiv-Positive And Negative Women Attending Gynecological Examination In Cervical Cancer Screening Center At Debre Markos Referral Hospital, East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia, Melkamu Getinet, Baye Gelaw, Abinet Sisay, Eiman Mahmoud, Abate Assefa

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death among women in developing countries. Cervical cancer is preceded by cervical surface epithelial cell abnormalities (ECA) which can be detected by Pap smear test. Simultaneous human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases cervical cancer. Data on the prevalence and predictors of ECA among women in Ethiopia is limited. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ECA among women.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV+ and HIV- women attending gynecological examination in cervical cancer screening center at the Debre …

Burundi Program Implementation Workshop, 3–5 June 2014: Link Up Meeting Report, Population Council, Alliance Burundaise Contre Le Sida

HIV and AIDS

Link Up is a global consortium of international and local nongovernmental organizations led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. Link Up aimed to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in Bangladesh, Burundi, Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Uganda who are living with HIV or are affected by the HIV pandemic. At a workshop held in Burundi, 3–5 June 2014, the Population Council, Alliance Burundaise contre le SIDA, and local partners in Burundi identified successful activities, highlighted important challenges and best practices, and found innovative ways to improve Link Up programming. This document contains a selection of the most …