Reproductive Health最新文献

{"title":"Trends in self-reported reproductive tract infections and treatment-seeking behaviour among Indian women, 2005-2021.","authors":"Aditya Singh, Anshika Singh, Rakesh Chandra","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02337-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02337-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are a major source of reproductive morbidity among women in India, but evidence on long-term trends in prevalence and care-seeking behaviour remains limited. This study examines trends in self-reported RTI symptoms and associated care-seeking patterns among Indian women aged 15–49 years from 2005 to 2021, using data from three rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3, 2005–06; NFHS-4, 2015–16; NFHS-5, 2019–21). The analysis is based on a pooled sample of 265,497 eligible women. National RTI prevalence remained stable at approximately 11% in 2005–06 and 2015–16, with a modest rise to 12.3% in 2019–21. However, there was substantial variation across states. High-burden states such as Madhya Pradesh and Assam saw declines, while several low- and medium-burden states (e.g., Meghalaya and Himachal Pradesh) experienced notable increases. Only about 40% of women with RTI symptoms sought treatment. Public sector treatment increased from 11.5% in 2005–06 to 19.0% in 2019–21, while private sector reliance declined overall despite some fluctuations. Adjusted odds of reporting RTI symptoms increased over time (AOR 1.29; 95% CI 1.25–1.33 in 2015–16 and AOR 1.52; 95% CI 1.48–1.57 in 2019–21, relative to 2005–06). The likelihood of seeking care from public health facilities increased substantially (AOR 1.47; 95% CI 1.33–1.62 in 2015–16 and AOR 1.88; 95% CI 1.70–2.08 in 2019–21), whereas the likelihood of private-sector use declined in 2015–16 (AOR 0.77; 95% CI 0.72–0.84) but showed no statistically significant difference from baseline in 2019–21 (AOR 0.97; 95% CI 0.90–1.05). Sociodemographic factors, including wealth, education, region, and access barriers, significantly influenced both symptom reporting and treatment-seeking behaviour. Despite modest national changes, treatment-seeking remains low, and persistent state-level disparities highlight the need for context-specific and equitable reproductive health interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13267512/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of BASNEF model-based education on sexual satisfaction of primipara women in the postpartum period: a randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Kobra Babakhani, Sousan Heydarpour, Fatemeh Heydarpour, Sara Shahabadi","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02328-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02328-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>INTRODUCTION: Postpartum sexual satisfaction is influenced by a variety of factors, including physiological changes, hormonal fluctuations, and psychological adaptation. The BASNEF model is widely recognized as a practical framework for promoting behavioral change globally. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BASNEF model–based education on sexual satisfaction among primiparous women in the postpartum period. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 eligible postpartum women, between 40 days and 6 months after delivery, attending health centers in Darreh Shahr (western Iran), and scoring between 17 and 67 on the Lindaberg sexual satisfaction questionnaire, were randomly selected. Participants were then assigned to either the experimental group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The experimental group received three 90-minute weekly group training sessions based on the BASNEF model, in addition to routine care, while the control group received routine care only. Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months post-intervention using a demographic questionnaire, Lindaberg’s sexual satisfaction scale, and a validated researcher-developed BASNEF sexual satisfaction questionnaire. Data collection took place from January to June 2019. Participants, investigators, and analysts were not blinded. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences in sexual satisfaction scores between the groups. Following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in sexual satisfaction compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.001), and this improvement persisted at the 2-month follow-up (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: BASNEF model–based educational intervention effectively enhanced postpartum sexual satisfaction among primiparous women. These findings support the use of structured, theory-based education to improve sexual health outcomes during the postpartum period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of clinical trials, https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/35732 (IRCT20130812014333N110), registered (2019-01-03). </p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13267390/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Updating the Iranian National Childbirth Preparation Classes guideline: a multi-phase mixed-methods protocol study.","authors":"Mahla Shafeei, Talat Khadivzadeh, Monavar Afzal-Aghaei, Mohammad Ahmadian, Sedigheh Abdollahpour","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02312-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02312-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Childbirth Preparation Classes (CPCs) have been implemented nationally in Iran for more than two decades to promote maternal empowerment and physiological childbirth. However, cesarean section rates remain high, participation in CPCs is low, and previous evaluations have reported inconsistent psychological and obstetric outcomes. The absence of systematic, evidence‑based updates to the national CPC guideline has raised concerns regarding its relevance, content validity, and alignment with contemporary maternal health priorities. Therefore, this study describes a methodological protocol for updating, validating, and field testing the national CPC guideline using evidence‑based and context‑specific framework. METHODS: This multi‑phase mixed‑methods protocol follows the SPIRIT 2013 recommendations. Four sequential phases are planned: (1) a systematic review and meta‑analysis of national and international literature to identify evidence‑based components of effective childbirth education programs; (2) a qualitative needs assessment through in‑depth interviews with experienced CPC instructors and key stakeholders to explore contextual gaps and implementation barriers; (3) a quantitative descriptive‑analytical study to describe current CPC participation patterns and maternal health indicators; and (4) a cluster‑randomized feasibility and acceptability study to evaluate the practical implementation of the updated guideline within public health centers. The revised CPC guideline will retain the original eight‑session structure and will undergo structured, multi‑stage expert validation and consensus review by academic specialists and health system authorities. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, and the interventional component is registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20240709062375N1). Findings will be disseminated through peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and policy briefs to inform national maternal education planning. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20240709062375N1. </p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13267198/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnitude of antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Chelia Ditrict, West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.","authors":"Abraham Chala, Elias Teferi, Dereje Lemma, Eden Girmaye Tefera, Iranfachisa Gurmu Amana","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02346-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02346-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Antenatal depression is an important yet often overlooked health issue impacting pregnant women, especially in low-resource settings. This condition can lead to worse outcomes for both mothers and babies. The study aimed to evaluate the magnitude of antenatal depression and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Chelia district, West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2023. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 25 to March 26, 2023, involving 333 pregnant women selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of antenatal depression, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that the magnitude of antenatal depression among the studied group was 30.9% (95% CI: 26.01–36.2). Several significant factors contributed to antenatal depression, including lack of contraceptive use, low income, unplanned pregnancies, previous stillbirths, intimate partner violence, history of depression, and inadequate social support. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one in three pregnant women experienced antenatal depression in this study, highlighting a critical public health issue. We identified key risk factors including unplanned pregnancy, low income, lack of contraceptives, history of pregnancy loss, exposure to intimate partner violence, previous depression, and poor social support. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of antenatal depression and highlight the need for integrated, multi-sectorial interventions. The study suggests strengthening routine screening for antenatal depression, improving access to family planning services, enhancing social support systems, and integrating mental health into maternal health programs can boost both maternal well-being and pregnancy outcomes. These findings are crucial for informing targeted interventions, strengthening antenatal care, and guiding evidence-informed decision-making to improve maternal and child health outcomes. </p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13267597/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Birth sex ratio in Western Sydney during the COVID-19 pandemic: associations by maternal country of birth.","authors":"Lieu Thi Thuy Trinh, Hassan Assareh, Michael Piza, Veth Guevara, Sabrina Naz, Kylie Smythe, Seng Chai Chua, Kathy Eljiz","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02304-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02304-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: The sex ratio at birth (SRB)—the proportion of male to female births—is a vital demographic indicator with implications for societal stability. SRB can be influenced by a range of factors including socio-economic conditions, parental health, cultural preferences, with acute population-level stress recognised as a highly significant influence. This study examined temporal changes in SRB during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated maternal factors in a large, multicultural population. METHODS: Birth data from women residing in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) between 2016 and 2023 were analysed using multivariable logistic regression and time series analysis. Analyses adjusted for maternal demographic, socio-economic, health, and reproductive factors. RESULTS: Of 119,756 singleton births, 61,832 were male, resulting in a sex ratio at birth (SRB) of 0.516 (106.7 males per 100 females). No significant overall change in SRB was observed during the early post-pandemic period. The SRB during the 3–5 months following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic increased only among births to Chinese mothers, as indicated in both time series analyses and logistic regression (SRB = 0.621 vs. 0.519; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.557; 95% CI: 1.194–2.030 compared to other periods). Other factors associated with an increased SRB included having an Indian mother (SRB = 0.524; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.038; 95% CI: 1.001–1.076), compared to having a non-Indigenous Australian mother (SRB = 0.516). Higher SRBs were also observed among mothers with one previous pregnancy (SRB = 0.519 vs. 0.513; aOR = 1.031; 95% CI: 1.004–1.059) or two previous pregnancies (SRB = 0.522; aOR = 1.050; 95% CI: 1.012–1.090), compared to mothers with no previous pregnancies. Conversely, mothers with hepatitis B had a lower SRB than those without the condition (SRB = 0.483 vs. 0.517; aOR = 0.858; 95% CI: 0.755–0.976). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with an immediate aggregate shift in SRB in WSLHD. However, subgroup-specific variation by maternal country of birth was observed, highlighting the importance of maternal background in shaping SRB patterns. These findings underscore the need for culturally informed public health approaches in diverse populations during major societal disruptions. </p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Azari women's experiences and perceptions of encountering unplanned pregnancy: a qualitative study.","authors":"Masoumeh Paiandeh, Roghaiyeh Nourizadeh, Esmat Mehrabi, Mojgan Mirghafourvand, Easa Mohammadi","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02334-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02334-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: A comprehensive understanding of women’s lived experiences and perceived needs during unplanned pregnancy in abortion-restricted settings is essential for designing effective, context-sensitive interventions. This study aimed to explore Iranian Azari women’s experiences and perceptions of encountering an unplanned pregnancy. METHODS: This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach. Purposive sampling was conducted from May to November 2024, in Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews with 13 pregnant women (gestational age 16–39 weeks) experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Data collection and analysis were conducted concurrently using the Graneheim and Lundman (2004) content analysis method. RESULTS: The analysis revealed four main themes reflecting the participants’ experiences. The first theme, Encountering and Adapting to Unplanned Pregnancy, included initial shock, disbelief, resistance to acceptance, and gradual adaptation to the new condition. The second theme, Perceived Threats, encompassed intense personal, familial, and social concerns regarding the unplanned pregnancy. The third theme, Facilitators of Continuation Decision, reflected the influence of factors such as time passage, religious beliefs, hearing the fetal heartbeat, and social support in fostering pregnancy acceptance and reducing the desire for abortion. The final theme, Inadequacy of Healthcare and Support Systems, highlighted women’s feelings of isolation, being misunderstood, and dissatisfaction due to lack of adequate support from their families, healthcare systems, and social institutions, which exacerbated their emotional distress. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that women with unplanned pregnancies experience a range of emotional responses and initial resistance rooted in perceived personal, familial, and societal threats. In the context of legal and religious restrictions on abortion, many women feel compelled or choose to continue the pregnancy. In this process, perceived spousal and social support, along with adequacy and quality of antenatal care, plays a crucial role in shaping their experience. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. </p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248302/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time to initiation of antenatal care and its predictors among pregnant women across 35 sub-Saharan African countries (2011-2024): A multilevel mixed-effects acceleration failure time model of multination population survey data.","authors":"Abdulkerim Hassen Moloro, Oumer Abdulkadir Ebrahim","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02335-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02335-8","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;BACKGROUND: Despite the well-established link between delayed initiation of antenatal care (ANC) and negative pregnancy and childbirth outcomes, a substantial proportion of women in sub-Saharan Africa continue to begin ANC late in their pregnancies. The previous studies failing to incorporate the most current information, confined to a single country or small number of nations and employed statistically flawed proportional hazard models with violated assumptions compromising the reliability of the conclusions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the timely initiation of ANC and its determinants among pregnant women in 35 Sub-Saharan African countries by utilizing mixed-effects acceleration failure time model based on the most recent (2011–2024) Demographic and Health Survey data. METHODS: A retrospective follow-up study using secondary data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 35 sub-Saharan African countries conducted between 2011 and 2024. A total weighted sample of 222, 866 women aged 15–49 years who had Antenatal care visits during their current or most recent pregnancy within the 5 years prior to the survey were included in the analysis. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using STATA 17. A multistage stratified cluster sampling technique was employed. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) method was used to estimate time to first antenatal care visit. A multilevel mixed-effects Weibull acceleration failure time survival model was applied to determine predictors. Model adequacy was assessed by using the proportional hazard assumption using scaled Schoenfeld residuals. The adjusted acceleration factor with 95% confidence intervals were used to indicate statistical significance and the strength of associations. Model comparison was evaluated by model statistical summary such as Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), log-likelihood (LL), and deviance (-2*LL). RESULT: In this study, the estimated mean survival time for pregnant women to initiate their first ANC visit across 35 sub-Saharan African countries was 6.9 months (95% CI: 6.89–6.92). Women age 15–24 (AAF = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.86, 0.90), being rural residence (AAF = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.93), women with no formal, primary, and secondary education respectively (AAF = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.98; AAF = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.87; AAF = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.85), home delivery (AAF = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.83), single marital status (AAF = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.98), being not exposed to mass media (AAF = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.91), poor and middle wealth index respectively (AAF = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98; AAF = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.94), multiparous (AAF = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.93), grand multiparous (AAF = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.80), and low community Antenatal care utilization (AAF = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.40) were predictors of time to first ANC visit. CONCLUSION: The timely initiation of the antenatal care (ANC) in the first trimester remains a ","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248339/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gender differences in infertility stress, coping and the ability to share feelings about infertility.","authors":"Angelika Szatmári, Ildikó Kovács, János Zádori, Boglárka Pataki, Miklós Zrínyi","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02343-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02343-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Infertility distress is a major concern for couples. The primary aim of this study was to predict ability to share feelings about infertility using the Fertility Problems Inventory (FPI) depression, anxiety and additional variables. METHODS: Randomly selected couples responded to paper-pencil instruments that measured ability to share feelings about infertility, fertility stress, coping, stress, anxiety and depression as key variables. Selected participants were adults diagnosed with infertility undergoing assisted reproductive treatment for at least 6 months in Hungary. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to predict fertility related stress scores separately for female and male participants. RESULTS: A total of 94 couples participated. Employing Wilcoxon tests, a significant difference was identified in the use of emotional coping (females using more emotional coping compared to males) (z = -4.18, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the utilization of problem-solving coping. With regard to the ability to share feelings about infertility, no significant difference was identified in favor of either gender. With regard to the impact of treatment on everyday life, female respondents indicated a significantly greater effect (z = -2.67, p = 0.008). One-point increase in anxiety scores increased fertility distress by 0.83 and 1.25 points for women and men, respectively. One-year increase since infertility diagnosis was linked to a 1.61-point increase in fertility distress for males. For women, for every one-point increase in the perception of their inability to discuss personal issues with someone else, there was a five-fold increase in infertility-related distress. CONCLUSIONS: Stress, anxiety, and depression were linked to problem-solving in women, but were associated with emotional coping in men. Regression analysis showed a difference between women and men in predicting stress related to infertility. In women, the inability to talk about their feelings related to infertility was significantly negatively associated with fertility stress. However, in men, feelings related to infertility were not predictors of infertility stress. This result requires further research to clarify the reason for the difference. </p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248470/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pre-pregnancy characteristics, medical conditions and prenatal support among pregnant women in same-sex relationships: a population-based cohort study.","authors":"Lisa Kogner, Anna Sara Oberg, Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg, Jonathan M Snowden, Anna Sandström","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02332-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02332-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Limited research exists on the obstetric risk profiles of women in same-sex relationships (WSSR) undergoing childbirth. METHODS: Population-based cohort study including deliveries in the Swedish Stockholm-Gotland regions, January 2008-June 2020. Linkage with national health and quality registers provided data on relationships status. Characteristics of WSSR were compared with those of women in different-sex relationships. RESULTS: Of the 289 979 included deliveries, 1 292 (0.45%) were to WSSR. Compared to women in different-sex relationships, WSSR were more likely to be older, nulliparous, of Swedish origin, and have higher educational attainment. Assisted reproduction was reported for 87.5% of WSSR, versus 7.2% in the comparison group. Smoking during pregnancy was less common for WSSR (1.2% vs. 3.8%). Adjusting for parity and age, WSSR were more likely to be overweight in early pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.47; 95% CI 1.30–1.67). Furthermore, they were more likely to have received support for fear of childbirth (12.2% vs. 9.7%; aOR 1.48 95% CI 1.14–1.91). Self-rated pre-pregnancy health and history of major medical conditions were largely similar across both groups, although WSSR were more likely to have been diagnosed with thyroid conditions, rheumatic diseases, gynecological conditions and psychiatric illnesses. CONCLUSIONS: When undergoing childbirth, WSSR more often presented with obstetric risk factors including higher age, nulliparity, and overweight. However, they were also more likely to have higher educational attainment and less likely to report smoking. Pre-pregnancy medical conditions were largely similar between groups. Even so, psychiatric disease and support for fear of childbirth were more common in WSSR, highlighting the need for targeted support during pregnancy. </p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126960/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic insecurity, access to menstrual materials, and sexual coercion: a qualitative study among adolescent schoolgirls in Ibadan, Nigeria.","authors":"Elizabeth L Frost, Elizabeth Reed, Shira Goldenberg, Angela R Bazzi, Olufunmilayo I Fawole, Mobolaji M Salawu, Omowumi O Okedare, Georgia L Kayser","doi":"10.1186/s12978-026-02302-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12978-026-02302-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical but often overlooked component of adolescent girls’ health. Limited access to financial resources for purchasing menstrual materials is a key barrier to adequate MHM. Few studies have examined how adolescent girls obtain materials, how economic insecurity may affect MHM, and whether this promotes reliance on male partners for financial means to purchase materials. Prior research has linked dependence on male partners for basic needs like food with increased risk of sexual coercion, yet little is known about whether dependence on male partners for menstrual materials carries similar risks. This study examined MHM among adolescent girls, focusing on how economic insecurity may drive girls’ reliance on male partners for menstrual materials and potential exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV). METHODS: We conducted one-on-one interviews with 38 adolescent girls ages 15–19 from eight schools in low-income communities of Ibadan, Nigeria. Data was gathered on menstrual hygiene practices, access to and affordability of menstrual materials, and how relationships with male partners influence access to menstrual materials. Conversational analysis was conducted using QInsights BV to identify key themes, patterns, and insights from textual data. RESULTS: A total of 38 adolescent girls were interviewed. Participants’ mean age was 16 years, half were currently in relationships, and 31% worked for an income alongside attending school. Emergent themes showed mothers typically provided menstrual materials or money to pay for materials. Participants also reported borrowing money from friends and relying on support from family members such as sisters, aunts, and grandmothers for menstrual materials. Some participants reported receiving money from male partners to purchase pads. Of these, several described being sexually pressured in exchange for financial support. CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggests limited access to menstrual materials may contribute to girls’ financial reliance on male partners, potentially increasing vulnerability to sexual coercion. Our study is among the first to qualitatively examine how menstrual health insecurity may foster financial dependence on male partners and, in turn, heighten vulnerability to sexual coercion. Future research and programs should address the intersection of MHM, reliance on male partners, and IPV. </p>","PeriodicalId":20899,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13267590/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147717955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}