Women's Health Commons^™

Association Of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns With Female Reproductive Cancer Incidence And Mortality: A Systematic Review, Esther L. Farley, Scott Moore, Gary A. Giovino, Darryl Somayaji

Campus Research Month

Healthy plant-based eating, a health-related behavior that nurses may promote, has been associated with a decrease in multiple types of cancer. However, the association of a healthy plant-based dietary pattern with decreased female reproductive cancers has not yet been established.

This review of the literature followed PRISMA guidelines to search for the relationship between a healthy plant-based dietary pattern and incidence of and mortality from a breast or gynecological cancer diagnosis. Databases searched for this review included PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science.

We identified 27 publications that met the qualifications for inclusion. Twelve studies covered mortality from breast, …

Prenatal Exposure To Pm2.5 Concentration And Risk Of Preterm Birth In New Mexico; A Seasonal Pattern And Spatio-Temporal Modeling., Onyedikachi J. Okeke

Mathematics & Statistics ETDs

This study investigates the association between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and preterm birth risk in New Mexico (2014–2021). Using descriptive statistics, time series models, and spatial analyses, findings show an average preterm birth rate of 14.87 per 1,000 live births, with moderate correlation (r = 0.727) between PM2.5 levels and very preterm births. While traditional models revealed no significant global effect, spatial methods such as Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) and Multiscale GWR uncovered strong spatial heterogeneity. PM2.5 effects varied by county (coefficients: -0.00154 to 0.00150), with clustering evident in 2018–2019 (Moran’s I = 0.155–0.174). Results highlight the limitations of global models …

Understanding Challenges To Breast Cancer Screening For African American Women In Detroit: A Study Of Social And Healthcare Inequities, Miranda Goodson, Whitney Bowyer, Erika Lopez, Anna Lundh

Medical Student Research Symposium

African American (AA) women have lower adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines, which may contribute to delayed diagnoses and reduced survival rates. These disparities are often influenced by limited access to quality healthcare and persistent inequities faced within Michigan. With Detroit's population being 77% AA, examining studies focused on the experiences of Black women within urban healthcare networks is essential to understanding the connections between demographic, socioeconomic factors, and breast cancer outcomes. To assess these studies, a literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline yielding 24 associated articles.

Mammogram rates among AA women in Detroit remain low, reflecting a complex …

Building Empathy Through Storytelling: A Living Library Program Focused On Women’S Health, Jess King, Belinda Boelter, Catherine Medici-Thiemann

Posters and Presentations: Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library

An academic health sciences library hosted a grant-funded living library program titled “Bringing Stories of Women’s Health to the Forefront.” With a campus that is increasingly focused on incorporating the humanities into medical education, the library added to this momentum by offering a program which encouraged empathy through the art of storytelling. The program was delivered via three routes: an in-person event for the city’s metro community, a virtual event for the university community and their clinical partners, and oral interview video recordings that are hosted on the library website. In order to host a successful event that met the …

Patient And Healthcare Provider Knowledge Of Exercise During Pregnancy., Robert J. Leone, Dr. Shihyun Kim, Vidhi Sharma, Monique Swain

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Patient and Healthcare Provider Knowledge of Exercise During Pregnancy.

Authors: Leone, R., Kim, S., Sharma, V., Swain, M.

Introduction:

Physical activity before and during pregnancy can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes. ACOG’s evidence-based recommendations help healthcare providers (HCPs) educate patients regarding the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. However, many patients do not engage in regular physical activity. We aim to determine how provider counseling on exercise per ACOG recommendations impacts patients’ exercise and perception of exercise during pregnancy.

Methods:

This is a survey study of HCPs offering prenatal and postpartum care, and pregnant patients. HCPs were given surveys …

Sexual And Reproductive Healthcare Perceptions Among Arab-American Women: Implications For Gynecological Health Outcomes, Munna Hazime, Kaitlyn Zablock, Whitney Bowyer, Natalie Ahmad Mateju, Andrew Markowitz

Medical Student Research Symposium

This literature review analyzes the sexual and reproductive healthcare perceptions of Arab-American (AA) women living in the United States and how this impacts the prevalence of gynecological diseases. Sexual health is viewed promiscuously within the AA population and is generally reduced to the physical act of intercourse. It is considered either an agent of sexual desire or a means to reproduce. This dichotomy overlooks aspects of gynecological health within a broader framework. This attitude is evident in the minimal utilization of preventative screenings and increased rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and gynecological cancers. Consequently, this narrow view of sexual …

The Role Of Churches In Enhancing Cancer Screening Adherence: A Focus On Faith-Based Health Literacy Among African American Women, Miranda I. Goodson, Genevieve Murray

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: It is estimated that cancer is the second leading cause of death for African American women in the United States. One study revealed that Black women have a 1 in 3 chance of developing cancer with a 1 in 6 chance of mortality. Research has shown a lower breast cancer screening adherence among women in cultural minorities and faith-based communities. The importance of spirituality and religion as an influential factor on Black community members’ beliefs about health and medicine must be considered as churches are pillars of social support within Black American communities.

Methods: A search for studies about …

Implications Of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides On The Female Reproductive System And Reproductive Outcomes, Alexandra Stone, Olivia G. Camp Ms, David Bai Md, Awoniyi Awonuga, Husam M. Abu-Soud

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are the most widely used herbicides in the United States, accounting for 19% of estimated global use. Although the Environmental Protection Agency has reaffirmed that the active ingredient glyphosate (GLY) is safe for humans, recent studies on exposure have suggested an association with cancer, metabolic disorders, endocrine disruption and infertility, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Recently, we have shown that GLY exposure deteriorates metaphase II oocyte quality through zinc deficiency, ROS accumulation, and chromosome disruption. In this work, we review the mechanisms of GLY toxicity in the female reproductive tract and discuss the potential clinical implications …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Postpartum Hemorrhage Among Postpartum Women In Selected Health Facilities In Machakos County - A Case-Control Study, Daniel Kyalo Muthiani

MSc in Advanced Practice Midwifery

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) refers to blood loss ≥500mls after vaginal birth and ≥1000mls after cesarean section. PPH is of concern in low and middle-income countries and is estimated to cause maternal mortality every 10 minutes, with a prevalence of 25% and 34% in Uganda and Kenya, respectively. Despite efforts to address this issue, the prevalence of PPH remains high and is associated with maternal and fetal risk factors that can present along the continuum of birth. Understanding the risk factors is necessary in designing appropriate interventions for their prevention.

Objective: To determine the prevalence, maternal and fetal risk factors …

Community Perspectives On Maternal Dietary Diversity In Rural Kenya, Mozambique And The Gambia: A Precise Network Qualitative Study, Mai-Lei Woo Kinshella, Shilla Dama, Onesmus Wanje, Rosa Pires, Helena Boene, Papa Jagne, Hawanatu Jah, Angela Koech, Grace Mwashigadi, Violet Naanyu

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Pregnant and lactating women in sub-Saharan Africa are vulnerable to micronutrient inadequacies, with risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adequate intakes of diverse foods are associated with better micronutrient status and recommended by the World Health Organization as part of healthy eating counselling during antenatal care. However, our understanding of community knowledge of dietary diversity within the context of maternal diets is limited. We used a descriptive qualitative approach to explore community perceptions of dietary diversity during pregnancy and lactation, as well as influencing factors in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 47 in-depth interviews were conducted between May and October 2022 …

Standardization And Quality Control Of The Introduction Of A Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitor For Pregnancy Measurements In A Low- And Middle-Income Country, Helen Perry

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction :There is increasing awareness of the role of the maternal cardiovascular system in complicated pregnancies. Despite the high disease burden, noninvasive cardiac output monitors have not been used extensively in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality control of the use of the ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM) 1A® in a LMIC.

Material and Methods This was a quality assessment study of the introduction of the USCOM 1A® to measure maternal hemodynamic indices. Inter-observer agreement was assessed across all four study sites by intraclass correlation coefficient. Quality control was assessed using pre-defined …

"Health Gatekeepers": The Influence Of Women On Health Practices In Rural, Central Appalachia, Reese Lycan

Senior Theses

Women have historically assumed leadership roles in familial and community health promotion, intervention, and facilitation. While the role of women in family health is globally understood and the historical importance of female leadership has been documented, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding the role of women as “health gatekeepers”. Furthermore, when considering the Appalachian region, there are limited studies regarding women’s place in leadership as far as health is concerned. Therefore, this study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological framework to explore the lived experiences of women in relation to their family and community’s health in rural, Central Appalachia- a region …

Role Of Race And Ethnicity In The Development, Diagnosis, And Treatment Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Gabrielle D. Shupard

Senior Theses

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, and rates of this disease have been steadily increasing over the past ten years. GDM disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities at higher rates than their Caucasian counterparts. In this study, the PRECEDE model framework was employed during a literature review to gain a greater understanding of the complex risk factors contributing to differences in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of GDM among these population subgroups. The second part of this study concentrated on reviewing the extent to which current literature evaluates the role of race and ethnicity …

Cell-Free Dna Results Indicating Mosaic Monosomy X Of Likely Maternal Origin: Impact On Genetic Counseling Practices And Patient Experiences, Audrey Mcbride, Ashley Cannon, Siddharth Prakash, Aaron W Roberts, Angela Seasely, Anna C E Hurst, Laura Hendon

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To investigate the current genetic counseling practices involving a cfDNA result indicating mosaic monosomy X of likely maternal origin, and to better understand the perspectives of patients who have received this result.

Method: A total of 60 prenatal genetic counselors completed surveys about their experiences with this result, cfDNA consenting practices, and management practices. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted with 5 patients to gain insight into their experiences with result disclosure and follow-up care.

Results: 95% of genetic counselors reported feeling prepared to counsel on these results. However, responses to current practices varied. Of the genetic counselors surveyed, …

Women’S Health Considerations In Traumatic Brain Injury, Sindhoori Nalla

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

Purpose of Review: Biological sex differences are an important factor to consider when treating TBI, as there can be a disproportionate manifestation of symptoms and recovery process when comparing females to males. Historically, these differences have not been well studied, and there is still much to be understood as to why these differences exist. Recent Findings: A number of factors are thought to contribute to disparities with women who have a TBI, including lack of well-designed research studies focused on women, hormonal fluctuations at the time of and as a result of a TBI, psychosocial comorbidities, and societal norms/expectations. While …

Uterine Pgrmc2 Deficiency Attenuates Endometrial Hyperplasia And Cancer And Prolongs Lifespan In A Pten Loss-Of-Function-Induced Cancer Model, Nicole C Kelp, Cindy A Pru, Sandeep Paudel, John P Lydon, J Julie Kim, John J Peluso, James K Pru

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The expression of members of the progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) family, particularly PGRMC1, is elevated in diverse types of cancers, particularly those of the female reproductive system. While xenograft tumor studies using human transformed cell lines in immunocompromised mice have suggested that PGRMC1 enhances tumor growth and chemoresistance, the exact role of members of the PGRMC family in cancer development in vivo remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of deleting Pgrmc2 on the development of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer using a murine phosphatase and tensin homologue (Pten) conditional loss-of-function model. We previously established that …

Mothers’ Characteristics And Children's Diarrhea Between 2010-2020 In Rwanda, Amans Ntakarutimana Dr., Patrick A. Tschida Dr.

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Mothers’ characteristics influence children’s health and development. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the influence of mothers’ education level, employment status, and exposure to domestic violence on diarrhea among children under 5 years old using secondary data from 2010, 2015, and 2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Surveys. We used stratified descriptive statistics, pairwise comparisons, and logistic regression designs to assess (a) the prevalence of mothers per education level, employment status, and exposure to domestic violence; (b) their variation over time; and (c) their influence on diarrhea among children under 5 years old between 2010 and 2020 in Rwanda. According to …

The Diagnostic Role Of Pharmacological Provocation Testing In Cardiac Electrophysiology: A Clinical Consensus Statement Of The European Heart Rhythm Association And The European Association Of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (Eapci) Of The Esc, The Esc Working Group On Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, The Association Of European Paediatric And Congenital Cardiology (Aepc), The Paediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society (Paces), The Heart Rhythm Society (Hrs), The Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (Aphrs), And The Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (Lahrs), Elijah R Behr, Bo Gregers Winkel, Bode Ensam, Alberto Alfie, Elena Arbelo, Colin Berry, Marina Cerrone, Giulio Conte, Lia Crotti, Cecilia M Gonzalez Corcia, Juan Carlos Kaski, Koonlawee Nademanee, Pieter G Postema, Silvia Priori, Vincent Probst, Georgia Sarquella-Brugada, Eric Schulze-Bahr, Rafik Tadros, Arthur Wilde, Jacob Tfelt-Hansen, Christian Wolpert, Alejandro Cuesta, Peter Damman, Dobromir Dobrev, Fabrizio Drago, Kristina Haugaa, Andrew Krahn, Ulrich Krause, Pier D Lambiase, Carlo Napolitano, Katja E Odening, Wataru Shimizu, Christian Veltmann

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The pharmacological provocation test is a pivotal tool in cardiac electrophysiology for the diagnosis of potential causes of sudden cardiac death, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), arrhythmias, symptoms, or ECG abnormalities. The 2022 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death offered guidance on provocation testing but did not describe the indications and requirements in depth. This clinical consensus statement, led by the European Heart Rhythm Association and approved by major international stakeholders, aims to advise the general cardiologist and the arrhythmia expert who to test and when, where, and how to …

Breast Cancer Diagnoses Are Increasing Among Racial And Ethnic Minority Women In The U.S., Esther Oshaji

Population Health Research Brief Series

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. This data slice uses data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) Incidence Database to examine trends in breast cancer incidence rates among women by race and ethnicity in the U.S. from 2000 to 2021. The author finds that, while incidence rates remain highest among non-Hispanic White women, the largest increases in diagnoses have been among American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander women.

The Feasibility And Safety Of Robot-Assisted Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (Ra-Vnotes) For Gynecologic Disease: 298-Case Series, Qiannan Yang, Daniel Y Lovell, Yingchun Ma, Chunhua Zhang, Xiaoming Guan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: To explore the feasibility and surgical outcomes of robot-assisted vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (RA-vNOTES) for women suffering from gynecologic disease.

Methods: We performed an observational study reporting and analyzing the perioperative outcomes of 298 patients with gynecologic disease who underwent RA-vNOTES in a single institution from June 2019 to August 2024.

Results: A total of 298 patients with a median age of 41 years and median body mass index of 29 kg/m2 underwent RA-vNOTES. The primary indications for surgery were endometriosis (43.62%), chronic pelvic pain (11.07%), abnormal uterine bleeding (20.81%), and uterine leiomyomata (14.77%). A total of …