International Journal of Women's Health最新文献

{"title":"The Number of Pregnancies is Associated with an Increased Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Evidence from NHANES 2015-2018.","authors":"Wenjie Sheng, Zhengguang Hu, Zhaokai Ma, Qinwen Feng, Nianmei Chen","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S575309","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S575309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The association between the number of pregnancies and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains uncertain. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a nationwide health and nutrition survey program. This study endeavors to elucidate the relation of the number of pregnancies to RA using 2015-2018 NHANES data and lay a theoretical groundwork for clinical prevention and management.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from NHANES 2015-2018 were analyzed, with the number of pregnancies considered as the exposure variable and RA as the outcome. Potential confounders encompassed age, race, education, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and insulin. The association of the number of pregnancies with RA was explored through weighted logistic regression (LR) and subgroup analyses. The possible nonlinear relationship of the number of pregnancies with RA risk was investigated via restricted cubic spline (RCS) models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>2383 participants were encompassed, of whom 143 (3.9%) were diagnosed with RA. After adjustment for all covariates, multivariable LR analysis indicated that a higher number of pregnancies was related to an elevated RA risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.139, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.020-1.272, P = 0.023). Subgroup analyses yielded consistent results across strata. In the RCS regression model, RA risk increased in an approximately linear fashion with increasing number of pregnancies. A threshold of three pregnancies was identified, beyond which the risk of RA increased markedly. Moreover, the likelihood of developing RA increases with a greater number of pregnancies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A Higher number of pregnancies is related to an elevated RA risk. Notably, when the number of pregnancies exceeds three, the risk of developing RA rises significantly.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"575309"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13037510/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147592057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coexistence of Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratomas and Endometriosis: An Update.","authors":"Chuan Lin, Hee-Suk Chae","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S554168","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S554168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) and endometriosis are the most common benign diseases in women of reproductive age. Their coexistence was traditionally considered rare. However, recent evidence suggests otherwise. This study aims to investigate the coexistence of MCTs and endometriosis and to analyze the clinical characteristics of this complex condition.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We retrospectively reviewed 285 women who underwent ovarian cystectomy for MCTs between January 2014 and December 2020. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Patients were followed for at least 6 months to assess recurrence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>57 (20%) patients had coexistence of MCTs and endometriosis (complex group); while 228 (80%) patients had MCTs alone (teratoma group). Endometrioma was found in 15 (26.79%) patients and peritoneal endometriosis in 41 (73.21%) patients. 39 (68.42%) patients had minimal/mild endometriosis, and 18 (31.58%) patients had severe endometriosis. Compared with the teratoma group, the complex group had a higher prevalence of dysmenorrhea (22.8% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.001) and higher serum CA125 levels (20.91 ± 16.93 vs. 14.00 ± 12.03 IU/mL, p = 0.01). Unclear cleavage planes between normal ovarian tissue and the cyst capsule were more frequent in the complex group (15.8% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.004). A greater decline in AMH at 1 month postoperatively was observed in the complex group (31.97% vs. 18.02%, p = 0.036), whereas no difference was noted at 6 months. Recurrence rates were similar between groups (<i>p</i> = 0.484).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Coexisting MCTs and endometriosis are not uncommon and is associated with more severe dysmenorrhea, elevated serum CA125 levels, and poorly defined cleavage planes between normal ovarian tissue and the cyst capsule. This complex condition may warrant consideration beyond the conventional management of either disease alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"554168"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033249/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147581124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outcomes and Risk Factors for Failed Trial of Labour After One Previous Caesarean Section in Selected Private Hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia: An Unmatched Case-Control Study.","authors":"Mariam Mohamed Mohamud Adawe, Fahmo Hussein Ibrahim, Bashiru Garba, Nasteho Mohamud Mudei, Jamal Hassan Mohamoud, Abdullahi Hassan Elmi","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S595847","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S595847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC) is an important strategy for reducing repeat caesarean deliveries among appropriately selected women. However, failed TOLAC, resulting in emergency repeat caesarean section, is associated with increased maternal and neonatal risks. Evidence on the outcomes and determinants of failed TOLAC remains limited in Somalia. This study assessed maternal and neonatal outcomes and identified factors associated with failed TOLAC among women with one previous caesarean section in selected private hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted between October 2024 and May 2025 in selected private hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia. A total of 228 women with one previous caesarean section who were eligible for TOLAC were included, comprising 114 cases with failed TOLAC resulting in emergency repeat caesarean section and 114 controls who achieved successful vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Data were collected through structured interviews and medical record review. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of failed TOLAC, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the study sample, 114 women experienced failed TOLAC and 114 achieved successful VBAC. Maternal complications were more frequent among women with failed TOLAC, including blood transfusion in 14 (12.3%), wound dehiscence in 4 (3.5%), and uterine rupture in 1 (0.9%). After adjustment, failed TOLAC was independently associated with ruptured membranes at admission (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.13-4.51), attending only two antenatal care visits (AOR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.49-6.02), an inter-pregnancy interval of less than two years (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.40-5.79), referral from another health facility (AOR = 4.46; 95% CI: 2.17-9.16), and a history of stillbirth (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.12-5.01). Neonatal outcomes differed between the two groups and were reviewed carefully during revision to ensure consistency with the corrected tables.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Failed TOLAC among women with one previous caesarean section in Mogadishu was associated with both obstetric and health-system factors. Strengthening antenatal care, promoting optimal birth spacing, improving referral pathways, ensuring close intrapartum monitoring, and developing context-appropriate standardized TOLAC protocols may help improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"595847"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033303/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147581182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal Coagulation Profiles in Pregnant Women with Thalassemia: A Retrospective Observational Study in South China.","authors":"Chaoxuan Dong, Xin Chen, Li Zhang, Huimin Zhou, Meiqi Lin","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S571929","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S571929","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Normal coagulation is essential for maternal safety during pregnancy and delivery. Thalassemia may influence coagulation parameters, however, its effects during pregnancy remain incompletely characterized. This study aimed to evaluate maternal coagulation profiles in pregnant women with thalassemia in South China.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study included 53 pregnant women with thalassemia and 352 pregnant women without thalassemia who delivered at a tertiary medical center in South China. Singleton pregnancies with gestational age of ≥ 37 weeks were analyzed. Women with other hematological disorders, pregnancy complications affecting coagulation, or abnormal cardiac, liver, or renal function were excluded. Primary outcomes were maternal coagulation indices - activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), international normalized ratio (INR), and platelet count (PLT) - and were assessed in early and late pregnancy. Perinatal outcomes were also evaluated as secondary outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Women with thalassemia had lower TT in early pregnancy (P = 0.007) and higher PLT in both early and late pregnancy (P < 0.001) compared with women without thalassemia. From early to late pregnancy, APTT, PT, and INR decreased whereas TT and FIB increased in both groups (P < 0.01). PLT decreased only in the non-thalassemia group (P < 0.001). Changes in APTT (P = 0.02) and FIB (P = 0.025) were modestly more pronounced in the thalassemia group. Maternal anemia was more frequent among women with thalassemia (P < 0.001), while other perinatal outcomes were comparable between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pregnancy in women with thalassemia is associated with modest differences in coagulation parameters compared with women without thalassemia. Importantly, these variations remained within clinically acceptable ranges and were not associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The findings provide reassuring information and contribute to a better understanding of physiological coagulation adaptation in pregnant women with thalassemia.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"571929"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147581211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hyaluronic Acid Barrier Gel for Preventing Adhesions After Hysteroscopic Myomectomy of Large Submucosal Myomas.","authors":"Mehmet Adiyeke, Suna Yildirim Karaca, Sabahattin Anil Ari, Ibrahim Uyar, Mücahit Furkan Balcı, Ibrahim Karaca","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S587010","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S587010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of an intrauterine hyaluronic acid-based barrier gel in reducing postoperative intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) following hysteroscopic myomectomy for large submucosal myomas.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 62 women who underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy for submucosal myomas ≥3 cm between January 2022 and June 2025. Thirty-three patients received intrauterine application of a hyaluronic acid-based barrier gel at the end of surgery, while 29 patients received no anti-adhesion barrier. The <b>primary outcome</b> was the incidence and severity of postoperative IUAs, assessed by second-look hysteroscopy at 12 weeks using the American Fertility Society scoring system. Secondary outcomes included postoperative menstrual characteristics (PBAC scores), cyclic pelvic pain, and endometrial thickness.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between groups. The incidence of IUAs was significantly lower in the hyaluronic acid gel group compared with controls (6.1% vs 31.0%; p=0.01). The mean total adhesion score was also significantly reduced (0.27 ± 0.89 vs 1.52 ± 2.13; p=0.031). Moderate or severe adhesions occurred only in the control group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Postoperative menstrual outcomes and cyclic pelvic pain rates were similar between groups. Endometrial thickness at follow-up tended to be higher in the gel group (7.2 ± 0.9 vs 6.8 ± 0.8 mm; p=0.07).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intrauterine administration of a hyaluronic acid-based barrier gel following hysteroscopic myomectomy for large submucosal myomas significantly reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative intrauterine adhesions, supporting its use as an effective strategy to optimize postoperative uterine cavity outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"587010"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033264/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147581175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global Disability and Economic Burden Caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Neck Pain, and Low Back Pain in Women of Childbearing Age from 1990 to 2021.","authors":"Yuming Yao, Dongliang Yuan, Yusheng Li, Yaping Wang","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S597468","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S597468","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) to systematically analyze the years lived with disability (YLDs) and direct economic costs attributable to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), neck pain (NP), and low back pain (LBP) among women aged 15-49 between 1990 and 2021, aiming to inform public health intervention strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using GBD 2021 data, we reported the YLDs and age-standardized rates (ASYR) for four major musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) in women of childbearing age (WCA) from 1990 to 2021. The temporal trends in disease burden were assessed by estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and a non-linear frontier model was used to examine the association between the sociodemographic index (SDI) and disease burden. Additionally, the direct economic burden imposed by the four diseases in WCA was estimated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2021, the YLDs among WCA worldwide due to RA, OA, NP, and LBP were 610,000, 1.61 million, 6.35 million, and 19.51 million, respectively, reflecting increases of 86.8%, 111%, 58%, and 40% compared to 1990. The ASYR for RA and OA increased by 13.6% and 11.2%, respectively, while the ASYR for NP and LBP slightly decreased. High SDI regions bear the heaviest burden, but regions with low-middle SDI show a faster growth rate. The global economic burden of these four diseases totaled $43.66 billion, with LBP accounting for the largest portion ($16.7 billion), and about 80% of the expenditure concentrated in high-SDI and high-middle SDI countries.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MSD pose a persistent and growing health and economic challenge for WCA, with RA and OA showing a clear trend toward younger age groups. Although the ASYR for LBP has decreased, its absolute disability burden has still increased due to population growth. High-income countries bear the majority of the economic cost, reflecting the unequal distribution of global health resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"597468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033991/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147592052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global Trends and Burden of Non-Neoplastic Gynecologic Diseases Among Women of Childbearing Age, 1990-2021: a GBD 2021 Analysis.","authors":"Zhaochen Sun, Hao Liu, Nan Wang, Ping Sun, Liangwei Wu, Erxu Xue, Yan Chen, Jianhui Zhao, Kaihong Zeng, Yuping Liu, Zhengwei Wan, Yunli Ye","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S575886","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S575886","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Non-neoplastic gynecological diseases substantially impact women of childbearing age (WCBA), contributing to global burden. Despite growing awareness, disparities in healthcare access remain widespread across regions and socioeconomic groups.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, the study assess the prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of 7 non-neoplastic gynecological diseases in WCBA across 231 countries and regions from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardised rates (ASRs) and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were used to assess temporal trends. Additionally, the socio-demographic index (SDI) was explored for its association with disease burden.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 1990 to 2021, global age-standardised prevalence and DALY rates of the non-neoplastic gynecological diseases remained relatively stable (EAPC: 0.00%, -0.20%). In contrast, the absolute number of prevalent cases increased markedly, largely reflecting population growth and changes in age structure. Female infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) demonstrated increasing trends in both prevalence (EAPC: 0.69%, 0.74%) and DALYs (EAPC: 0.71%, 0.72%). In 2021, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) showed the highest prevalence (889.97 per 100,000) and DALY rate (74.27 per 100,000). North Africa and Middle East showed the highest ASR of prevalence (ASPR, 70,265.65) and DALYs (ASDR, 1,812.41) globally. Age-specific analyses indicated that prevalence and DALYs peaked among women aged 35-44 years. In addition, higher SDI correlated with lower ASPR and ASDR in overall non-neoplastic gynecological diseases, while PCOS exhibited upward trends.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The global burden of non-neoplastic gynecological diseases among WCBA remains substantial, with marked heterogeneity across regions and conditions. These findings underscore the importance of strengthened disease surveillance, improved and equitable access to reproductive health services, and greater integration of mental health support in women's health strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"575886"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147592065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Factors of Adolescent Endometriosis Onset and Recurrence: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Yang Jin, Yongchao Pan, Yilai Bao, Fei Xu, Yun Yang, Jingwen Fan, Yidan Jin, Yong Zhou, Ruijin Wu","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S584873","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S584873","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to identify adolescent-specific risk factors for endometriosis onset and postoperative recurrence to facilitate early identification and risk stratification.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>A retrospective study analyzed adolescents (10-19 years) undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected benign gynecological conditions at Zhejiang University Women's Hospital (2002-2024). Cases were 242 laparoscopy-confirmed EMs patients; controls were 242 age-matched laparoscopy-negative adolescents. Comprehensive clinical/laboratory variables were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified onset risk factors. Cox regression analyzed recurrence predictors in followed EMs patients, with recurrence defined by symptomatic, imaging, or surgical confirmation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dysmenorrhea (aOR 3.61; 95% CI 1.97-6.63), genital tract malformation (aOR 16.15; 95% CI 3.29-79.31), and elevated CA125 (aOR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.04) were independent risk factors of the onset of adolescent endometriosis. Hyperfibrinogenemia (aOR 2.13; 95% CI 1.17-3.89) and dyslipidemia (hypotriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, low LDL) showed significant associations. Among followed patients (median follow-up 56 months), recurrence rate was 25.3% (23/91). Significant predictors included larger ovarian cyst diameter (aHR 1.24; 95% CI 1.03-1.49), elevated CA125 (aHR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00-1.01), and shortened activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (aHR 0.77; 95% CI 0.60-0.99), indicating intrinsic hypercoagulation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study identifies dysmenorrhea, genital tract malformations, and elevated CA125 as independent risk factors for adolescent EMs onset, with hypercoagulability and metabolic disturbances as key associations. Beyond traditional recurrence markers (cyst size, CA125), shortened APTT emerges as a novel predictor of postoperative recurrence. These findings underscore the need for enhanced screening in high-risk adolescents and intensified postoperative monitoring, particularly for those with coagulation abnormalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"584873"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13032758/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147574098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Prenatal Education Acquisition and Its Determinants Among Expectant Mothers in Northwestern China.","authors":"Xiali Yang, Yanhua Ning, Ying He, Nadzratulaiman Wan Nordin, Xin Wee Chen","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S579836","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S579836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>High-risk pregnancies (HRPs) remain a significant global public health issue, notably increasing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal education is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with HRPs by providing expectant mothers with essential health information. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with frequent acquisition of prenatal knowledge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted between March and October 2023 involving 1211 pregnant women from three hospitals in Northwestern China. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Frequent prenatal knowledge acquisition was defined as seeking information at least three times per week. Both simple and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and model discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Approximately 69.5% of participants reported regularly seeking prenatal information. Healthcare professionals were the most cited information source (64.7%). The multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated good discrimination (AUC = 0.75). Six factors were significantly associated with frequent knowledge acquisition: high-risk pregnancy (AOR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.15-1.94), higher household income (AOR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.98), shorter distance to healthcare facilities (AOR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.80-3.91 for <30 min), public sector employment (AOR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.40-2.99), attending ≥four antenatal visits (AOR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.27-4.89), and being in a long-distance marriage (AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.40-3.51).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The acquisition of prenatal knowledge is influenced by high-risk pregnancy status and multiple sociodemographic factors. Priority interventions should target underserved groups, particularly low-income families, women in remote areas, and those with high-risk pregnancies. Health systems should enhance equitable access by combining digital platforms for urban populations with community-based outreach (e.g, mobile clinics, health workers) for marginalized communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"579836"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13032726/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147574016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antihypertensive Drug Target Genes and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Risk: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.","authors":"Jing Li, Yali Feng, Yuhong Shang","doi":"10.2147/IJWH.S579065","DOIUrl":"10.2147/IJWH.S579065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Findings on the relationship between the use of antihypertensive drugs and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) have been inconsistent. We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) using gene expression of target genes as genetic proxies for antihypertensive drug action to interrogate this.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Genetic instruments for expression of antihypertensive medication target genes were identified with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in blood. Summary statistics for overall EOC and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) were obtained from genome wide association study (GWAS) datasets. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary model. Sensitivity analysis based on different statistical assumptions was used to evaluate whether the results were robust. Bonferroni Corrections were used to identify significant associations due to multiple testing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CACNA2D3 is a target of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). The MR analysis demonstrated that CACNA2D3 gene expression was associated with a lower risk of overall EOC (IVW OR = 0.919, 95% CI: 0.881-0.958, P = 7.186 × 10^-5) and HGSOC (IVW OR = 0.902, 95% CI: 0.858-0.948, P = 4.562 × 10^-5) at a Bonferroni-corrected threshold. In addition, there may be a suggestive causal association between SLC12A3 and overall EOC risk (IVW P = 0.011) and may also between AHR, TNNC1 and HGSOC risk (IVW P = 0.048, P = 0.029). We detected no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy for these associations. No significant association was observed between other target gene expressions and EOC risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study supports potential protective effects of genetically proxied CACNA2D3 expression on EOC risk, which may be consistent with the beneficial effects of CCBs, while further validation is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":14356,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Women's Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"579065"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13024411/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147574009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}