Health Care for Women International

Work-family conflict, role clarity, and psychological depression among female social workers: The moderating role of social support
Liu X and Ci Q
The tendency of psychological depression among social workers is increasingly evident and has become a significant public health concern. We explore the associations between work-family conflict (WFC), role clarity, social support, and psychological depression, with a sample of 944 Chinese female social workers. Our results show that WFC has a significant positive influence on the psychological depression experienced by female social workers, particularly among those who are unmarried. Role clarity serves as a partial mediator between WFC and psychological depression, while social support acts as a positive moderator in mitigating the impact of WFC on psychological depression. Our findings offer both theoretical insights and practical guidance for effectively addressing WFC and psychological depression among female social workers.
Glove changing reduced wound-related complications following cesarean section in Vietnam
Hoang TDT, Huynh NX, Nguyen TB, Nguyen TN, Nguyen DT and Lam NT
In this research, the authors aim to scrutinize the efficacy of glove changing as a strategy to diminish complications arising from cesarean deliveries in Vietnam. 629 expectant women were randomized into either the standard care group or the glove change group. The latter group adhered to an intra-operative protocol of glove replacement prior to abdominal closure during cesarean section, whereas the former group did not. Data pertaining to wound-related complications and surgical site infections were amassed and analyzed utilizing Stata 16.0. We detected a significant decrease in wound-related complications and surgical site infections in the glove change group. As a result, we advocates for the adoption of this strategy during cesarean section procedures, in conjunction with other interventions, to improve physical and mental health outcomes in women post-cesarean section.
Gender differences in longitudinal association of fear of falling with grip strength and depressive symptoms in older adults
Yoon H and Choi M
The authors investigated the longitudinal associations of fear of falling (FOF) with grip strength and depressive symptoms. We also examined whether the longitudinal relationships are gendered. Data were obtained from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2018. A total of 6447 respondents from individuals aged 65 years or older (23,002 person-waves) were included. To account for the unobserved confounders, we estimated individual fixed effects (FE) regression models. Our results indicated that FOF is associated with grip strength and depressive symptoms. Older adults with fear of falling tend to have lower grip strength and great depressive symptoms. In gender-specific analyses, men with FOF are more likely to have lower grip strength and experience more depressive symptoms, while women with FOF are only more likely to present the latter. The authors of this study reveal the importance of managing FOF, which will help older adults age more healthily.
How do marital conflicts influence post-traumatic growth among infertile women? The moderation role of coping strategies
Sun D, Han L, Lin B, Li L and Jia CX
In the current study, the authors aimed to investigate the post-traumatic growth (PTG) among infertile women who experience conflicts with their spouses, and the role of personal coping strategies in mitigating such influences. A total of 267 infertile female patients were recruited from a reproductive medical center in China. OLS regressions with moderation effects of coping strategies were conducted. Our results showed that coping strategies had the main influence on infertile women's PTG, and minimizing and avoiding marital conflicts had a particularly negative effect on PTG when infertile women adopted greater maladaptive coping strategies. Possible practical implications, such as improving infertile women's coping strategies were discussed.
Treatment of women with generalized anxiety disorder during the postpartum period with paroxetine: A retrospective analysis of 11 years of clinical data
Bakay H, Gica S and Uguz F
We presented the results on the efficacy of paroxetine in postpartum women with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in current study. We included data on 33 patients to our study retrospectively. The patients were evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-, the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale, the Hamilton Depression rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A). The patients had significant improvement in both HAM-D and HAM-A scores following paroxetine treatment for 8 wk. The response and remission rates were 78.8 and 63.6%, respectively. Both rates were significantly higher the subgroup of patients without comorbid depression compared to patients with comorbid depression. Based on the findings of the present study, we suggest that paroxetine may be beneficial for in postpartum women with GAD.
Protective factors against suicide attempt and violence against women in Azerbaijan: Reports from women with lived experience and mental health providers
Alonzo D and Zubaroglu-Ioannides P
Little is known regarding the protective factors against suicide and violence against women in Muslim majority countries. The authors of this study aim to address this gap. Women with lived experience of suicide and violence ( = 51), and mental health providers in Azerbaijan participated in either in-depth qualitative interviews or focus groups. We used a mixed-methods design in this study. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted. Conventional content analysis was used for qualitative data. Psychological support, psychoeducation, providing women with financial opportunities and changing cultural values regarding gender norms were identified as the strongest protective factors against suicide and violence against women. Our findings point to culturally relevant protective factors that can inform prevention and intervention efforts to mitigate risk of suicide and violence against women in Azerbaijan and Muslim majority countries with shared values and cultural norms.
Examining impact of menstrual cup distribution programming on attitudes about menstruation
Strait J and Yagnik A
This study seeks to use a data science approach to explore the social impact of the CampusCup program on the attitudes about menstruation by analyzing differences between students who participate in CampusCup and those who do. The study found a statistically significant difference in attitudes about menstruation among individuals who participated in the CampusCup program and those who do not use menstrual cups. This study also found that in addition to menstrual cup usage, functionality appreciation, knowledge about menstrual health, and perceived university support for menstruators are all significant factors in the prediction of attitudes about menstruation.
Domestic difficulties faced by women with a severe mental disorder: A qualitative study
Tuncer GZ, Sarı A, Çetinkaya Duman Z and Taşkın N
When the family is considered as a system, individuals with a severe mental disorder can be affected by all the processes and conditions in the family. Women with a severe mental disorder are also affected by many factors such as their place in the family and society, gender roles and gender inequality. In the study, the authors aimed to determine domestic difficulties faced by women diagnosed with a severe mental disorder who were followed in a Community Mental Health Center in a province in the west of Türkiye. The study was a descriptive qualitative research design. Women who were diagnosed with a severe mental disorder, who were followed by the for mentioned Community Mental Health Center and who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The data collected using the one-on-one interview method were analyzed with the content analysis method. After the analysis of the data, the following four main themes related to the difficulties experienced in the family by women with a severe mental disorder identified: domestic violence, being both a sick person and a caregiver, stigma and coping strategies. It was concluded that women individuals with a diagnosis of a severe mental disorder experienced not only mental disorder-related difficulties but also difficulties of being a woman in the society brought about by their gender roles.
Effect of dietary carbohydrate quality index on the severity of premenstrual symptoms
Arslan M, Yılmaz HÖ, Tansu Sarıyer E and Arslan N
The objective of the researchers of this study is to evaluate the effect of the Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) in the diet of university students living in dormitories on the severity of premenstrual symptoms. The researchers applied a survey to the students, including questions about their sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and Premenstrual Symptom Scale (PMSS). A total of 606 female students were included as participants in the study. CQI value of students with PMS was found to be lower ( < 0.05). It was observed that increasing the CQI could reduce the PMSS score [ (-0.228 (0.18-0.007) 95%CI] ( < 0.05).
Barriers and facilitators experienced by South Korean women undergoing fertility treatment: A qualitative socioecological study
Shin H, Seo JY and Lee JY
The purpose of this qualitative study was to use interview data to identify and describe the intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and policy barriers and facilitators experienced by South Korean women undergoing fertility treatment. The researchers conducted one-on-one interviews with 14 women who had undergone fertility treatment and then completed a thematic content analysis on the collected interview data. Guided by the socioecological model, the researchers explored the barriers and facilitators women experienced during fertility treatment. The participants described their struggles and -emotional distress as well as their coping mechanisms: addressing their physical and emotional stress; soliciting support from their husband, personal network, online peers, and healthcare team; and seeking government financial assistance. The information gained from this study can help healthcare providers and government agencies design effective psychosocial and national policies and interventions for this population.
Understanding diagnostic delay for endometriosis: A scoping review using the social-ecological framework
Fryer J, Mason-Jones AJ and Woodward A
Diagnostic delay for endometriosis is a well-established phenomenon. Despite this, little is known about where in the health care system these delays occur or why they occur. Our review is the first attempt to synthesize and analyze this international evidence. A systematic scoping review with a pre-specified protocol incorporated the literature on diagnostic delay for endometriosis using the social-ecological theoretical framework. Four databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO) were searched from inception to September 2023. The search yielded 403 studies, 23 of which met the inclusion criteria. Most were from high-income country researchers. The average diagnostic delay reported across studies was 6.8 years (range 1.5-11.4 years) but this masked the very wide differences reported between countries. Considering the impact on individuals and the health system, addressing diagnostic delay for endometriosis must remain a priority for researchers, health care providers and policy makers.
Relationship between anthropometric indicators and cognitive function in older women
Zhao X, Tang H, Duan X, Shen S and Wang J
The authors aimed to explore the association between anthropometric indicators and cognitive function and determine which aspects of anthropometric indicators are most closely related to cognitive function. A sum of 3269 older women were included in this study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, calf circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio were obtained to reflect anthropometric indicators. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Researchers revealed statistically significant differences in total MMSE scores among the low, medium, and high groups of BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference. Researchers also observed that calf circumference, hip circumference, and waist circumference are significantly associated with the total MMSE score. Our findings highlighted that older women with greater BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference have a better level of cognitive function. Calf circumference is the most closely anthropometric indicator related to cognitive function in Chinese older women.
Effects of music on perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing cesarean section - A randomised prospective controlled study
Kırdemir P, Yarkan Uysal H, Sağır G and Başar H
Premedication with sedative drugs is one of the most preferred methods to reduce anxiety. Due to concerns about maternal and fetal side effects, their use in obstetric anesthesia is not preferred. The primary aim of the authors of this study is to investigate the effect of music on perioperative anxiety in pregnant. The patients were randomized into three groups; Group M was listened to music during the surgery, Group S isolated from ambient noise and Group C was the control group. Anxiety status was measured at the preoperative anesthesia examination, on the morning of surgery, and at the first hour postoperatively. Although we observed the lowest postoperative anxiety in Group M, it wasn't statistically significant. Music is an easy-to-apply and no-side-effect method. Therefore, we believe that more clinical studies with more patients are needed for clearer results.
Investigating the interplay of chronic pain intensity and psychosocial factors in adult women: A pilot study from Türkiye
Yıldırım B, Isler AM, Oral M, Peksen H, Cıceklıyurt S, Kılıç C, Cakmak Karapınar D and Aydogan FN
In this cross-sectional study, the authors investigated the relationships between chronic pain intensity and quality of life, pain coping strategies, and pain beliefs levels in 405 adult women. The participants with a mean age of 48.8 ± 5.08 generally defined chronic pain intensity as moderate pain (x̅=7.17, sd = 2.01). There was a weak positive relationship between chronic pain intensity and the worrying dimension, one of the passive coping strategies, and a weak negative relationship with the retreating dimension. A weak negative relationship was identified between chronic pain intensity and pain beliefs levels, both organic beliefs and psychological beliefs sub-dimensions. The multivariate model identified by regression analysis explained 21.2% of the total chronic pain intensity variance. Our findings suggest that while chronic pain is undoubtedly a complex and multifaceted experience, understanding the psychosocial aspects of a person's life can shed valuable light on their pain levels and how they cope with them.
A cross-sectional study on the relationship between trauma levels and fear of happiness with sexual quality of life in women earthquake survivors
Kuşlu S, Eminoğlu A and Bulut A
To evaluate the relationship between post-earthquake trauma levels and fear of happiness with sexual quality of life in women who had survived the earthquake. The study revealed that as the level of post-earthquake trauma and fear of happiness increased, so too did the quality of sexual life. These findings indicate that traumatic events strengthen the bonds between couples and positively affect the quality of sexual life. Nevertheless, providing support to individuals following the earthquake and informing them about sexual life and sexual health issues can contribute to individual health and harmony within the family, thereby positively impacting public health.
Echoes of a living body: A mind-body approach on how women victims of intimate partner violence experience their bodies
Machorrinho J, Veiga G, Marmeleira J and Duarte Santos G
Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a worldwide health problem. IPV impact on women's embodiment remains embedded in their narratives. However, the subjective complexity of victims' embodiment and its impact on healthcare still urges to be understood. We aimed to understand (i) how women victims of IPV experience their bodies and (ii) the impact of IPV in their embodiment. From a thematic analysis of six interviews with women victims, four themes arouse: Living body, Reaction to adversities, Impact of violence and Identity. Participants revealed a tendency to perceive negative bodily sensations, the body as restrictive of their ability to react to illnesses and other adversities, and impacts on health and decision-making processes. We encourage healthcare providers to be responsive to the feelings of physical and psychological exhaustion experienced by victims and highlight the potential of promoting positive bodily experiences in the support given to women.
Attention to health care in the context of instability. In health care for women international
Reyes-Flores A, Ramírez-Ramírez R, Pérez-Campos E, Pérez-Campos Mayoral L, Hernández-Huerta MT and Pérez-Campos Mayoral E
In Mexico, the first attack dates back to 1988, but it was not identified until 2022. This violence remained invisible and minimized, but since then 42 acid attacks against women have been recorded, of which 5 victims died as a result of the attack and its medical complications. We think that families should be educated to eliminate misogyny in families and ensure that women are valued equally as men. We also think that education from childhood, questioning one's own beliefs, challenging stereotypes and gender roles, deconstructing prejudices, reporting, and acting with empathy and compassion are fundamental in a society with gender equity.
Women who desire 'natural childbirth' in hospitals in a highly medicalized birth care system
Hrešanová E
'Natural childbirth' continues to matter to women in today's world. Building on qualitative research informed by constructivist grounded theory, I aim to bring insight into the birth experiences of women who demanded 'natural childbirth' in Czech hospitals in the context of a highly medicalized birth care system. I explore four themes: (1) the requirements of birth care, (2) strategies to achieve 'natural childbirth', (3) women's views of the hospital environment, (4) that of healthcare providers. These themes address prospective and retrospective aspects of the core process of .
Investigation of the effect of women's employment indicators on women's health indicators by panel data analysis method
Senol O, Kisi M and Kalender S
With the increase in the education level of women, their level of representation in the professional professions and their presence in business life has increased. It has been inevitable that this situation would affect the socio-economic structure of societies and the health indicators of employed women. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of women's employment indicators on women's health indicators using the panel data analysis method. Two different econometric models were developed in the study. Model-1 predicts that a possible 1% increase in the female unemployment rate would result in a 0.06% decrease in the fertility rate. Model-2 estimates that a possible 1% increase in the female unemployment rate would lead to a 0.04% decrease in female-specific average life expectancy. Also, it is predicted that a possible increase of 1% in the total labor force participation rate of women can provide an increase of 0.04% in the average life expectancy of women. The results of the study indicate that the presence of women in the workforce directly impacts women's health indicators, particularly socio-economic indicators. Thus, there is a need to develop employment policies based on women's health in the employability of women.
Stress
Covan EK
Opportunities for powerful synergy: Opportunities for teaching, learning and research about women and aging
Fugate-Whitlock E and Covan EK