Women & HealthPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-09-14DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2026.2733538
Yi Zheng, Hao Gao
{"title":"Invisible burden: Women's gendered health labor in promoting male HPV vaccination in China.","authors":"Yi Zheng, Hao Gao","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2733538","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2733538","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The expansion of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to males represents an important shift in public health in China. However, promotion of male HPV vaccination may involve female partners as information seekers, communicators, and facilitators, raising questions about the gendered distribution of health-related responsibility. Drawing on survey data from 402 Chinese women, this study examines how media exposure and Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs are associated with women's intention to promote male HPV vaccination. Structural equation modeling showed that media exposure was positively associated with both self-efficacy (β = 0.228, <i>p</i> < .001) and perceived barriers (β = 0.295, <i>p</i> < .001). Perceived benefits (β = 0.402, <i>p</i> < .001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.219, <i>p</i> < .001) were the strongest positive predictors of vaccination promotion intention, whereas perceived barriers were not significantly associated with intention (β = -0.073, <i>p</i> = .087). These findings suggest that women's partner-directed vaccination promotion may be shaped by both cognitive evaluations and gendered caregiving expectations. The study extends HBM research by applying it to other-oriented vaccination promotion within intimate relationships and provides indirect evidence consistent with the invisible health labor framework. Public health communication and vaccination policy should address men directly and reduce reliance on women's unpaid health promotion work.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"504-512"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148963123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women & HealthPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-09-08DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2026.2718287
Semiha Yenişehir, Rıdvan M Adın, Selenay Aydoğdu, Mustafa Çetin
{"title":"Reliability and validity of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale in pregnant women.","authors":"Semiha Yenişehir, Rıdvan M Adın, Selenay Aydoğdu, Mustafa Çetin","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2718287","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2718287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pregnancy involves health risks that may be exacerbated by reduced physical activity. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) in pregnant women. Barriers to Physical Activity During Pregnancy Scale (BPAPS), Pregnancy-Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (P-ESES), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for fear of exercise-related fetal harm, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) were used for the convergent validity. A total of 277 pregnant women (mean age: 29 ± 4.90 years) were included. Second-order CFA supported the structural validity of the EBBS, showing acceptable fit (CFI = 0.958), with all factor loadings statistically significant (<i>p</i> < .05). EBBS-total were positively correlated with P-ESES and IPAQ-SF (<i>p</i> < .001), but not with PPAQ-total (<i>p</i> = .865). EBBS-total and subscales were negatively correlated with BPAPS and VAS (<i>p</i> < .001). EBBS-Benefits and EBBS-Barriers scores were correlated with P-ESES (r<sub>s</sub>= 0.469-0.584, <i>p</i> < .001), and IPAQ-SF (<i>p</i> ≤ .002), but not with PPAQ (<i>p</i> > .05). Known-group validity was not supported, as EBBS scores were similar between matched pregnant and non-pregnant women. The EBBS demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.927-0.937)). No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Further research should examine the EBBS in different populations and assess its other psychometric properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"466-481"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148913533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women & HealthPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-09-14DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2026.2733532
Ting-Wan Tan, Yu-Chu Chung, Wen-Shu Lin, Mei-Hui Hsieh, Han-Ling Tan
{"title":"Factors affecting muscle strength, muscle mass, physical performance, and sarcopenia in middle-aged menopausal women in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Ting-Wan Tan, Yu-Chu Chung, Wen-Shu Lin, Mei-Hui Hsieh, Han-Ling Tan","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2733532","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2733532","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate factors associated with muscle strength, muscle mass, physical performance, and sarcopenia risk among middle-aged menopausal women in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling among women aged 40-65 years in Taiwan. Data were collected between June 2023 and January 2024 using a demographic and health characteristics questionnaire and sarcopenia-related assessment tools, including the SARC-CalF questionnaire, handgrip strength dynamometer, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the Short Physical Performance Battery test, based on the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Postmenopausal women had lower muscle-related measures and poorer physical performance than premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Lower fat mass, body mass index, lean mass, bone mineral content, waist circumference, and intracellular water were associated with muscle strength, muscle mass, and/or physical performance. Older age and postmenopausal status were also associated with poorer muscle-related outcomes and a higher risk of sarcopenia. Among middle-aged menopausal women in Taiwan, older age, postmenopausal status, and lower body mass index, fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral content, waist circumference, and intracellular water were associated with poorer muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance, as well as a higher risk of sarcopenia. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of muscle health during the menopausal transition.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"493-503"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148963934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women & HealthPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-09-07DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2026.2715988
Meltem Akca, Meltem Yavuz Sercekman, Özlem Ayaz
{"title":"Menstrual health as an occupational equity issue in high-stress industries: A narrative review.","authors":"Meltem Akca, Meltem Yavuz Sercekman, Özlem Ayaz","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2715988","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2715988","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review examines menstrual health as a neglected dimension of women's health and occupational equity, with particular attention to high-stress and gendered occupational contexts. It asks how menstruation is addressed or silenced within workplace health frameworks, and how these dynamics are intensified in safety-critical, shift-based, and regulated occupations. A narrative review was conducted to synthesize literature from occupational health, feminist organizational scholarship, health policy, aviation studies, and workplace inclusion research. Aviation is used as a focal case, bringing together circadian disruption, fatigue exposure, public visibility, bodily discipline, and gendered occupational hierarchies. The review identifies four dynamics. First, rigid job design, workload intensity, circadian disruption, and recovery opportunities exacerbate menstrual health risks. Second, policy responses remain fragmented, uneven, and symbolic, offering recognition without accommodation or redistribution. Third, organizational cultures of silence and stigma frame menstruation as unprofessional, discouraging disclosure and reinforcing gendered norms of ideal workerhood. Fourth, inclusive and participatory leadership practices can create openings for psychological safety and employee voice, but their impact remains constrained without structural and policy reform. By reframing menstruation as an occupational health and equity issue rather than an individual concern, this review contributes to debates on embodied work, gendered organizations, and menstrual inclusion in high-pressure workplace contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"447-465"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148907367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association between central obesity and hypertension among women aged > 18 years based on the 2023 Indonesian health survey.","authors":"Helda, Enjelika Rakhmawati, Fitri Aulia, Sukarsi Rusti, Kuuni Ulfah Naila El Muna, Nawaliah","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2718838","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2718838","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypertension is a global health problem with a continually increasing prevalence, including in Indonesia, where women have a higher prevalence than men. Central obesity also has a high prevalence among women and is known to be one of the important modifiable factors associated with hypertension. This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, involving 6,450 women aged > 18 years. Survey-weighted analyses were conducted to account for the complex sampling design of the survey. Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and 95 percent confidence interval (CI) for the association between central obesity and hypertension. The results showed that the prevalence of hypertension and central obesity among Indonesian women were 34.84 percent and 60.06 percent, respectively. Women with central obesity had a significantly higher prevalence ratio of hypertension (aPR = 1.52; 95 percent CI:1.49-1.55). This association remained significant regardless of comorbidity status but was stronger among women without comorbidities. The PAF indicated that 23.80 percent of hypertension cases among Indonesian women could theoretically be attributed to central obesity, highlighting its substantial population-level impact. These findings support more targeted hypertension prevention strategies by prioritizing central obesity prevention to reduce the burden of hypertension among Indonesian women.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"347-356"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148809130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mindfulness- and relaxation-based interventions for Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Adebimpe Obembe, Jasmine Ramos, Emily Reis, Grace Souerdyke, Kristan Pilakowski","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2719876","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2719876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women of reproductive age, often disrupting daily activities. Mindfulness- and relaxation-based techniques, such as yoga and progressive muscle relaxation techniques, can alleviate both physical and psychosocial symptoms associated with PMS. This systematic review synthesized existing evidence on the effects of mindfulness and relaxation interventions on the physical and psychosocial functioning of women experiencing PMS. The searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed, CINAHL Complete, ProQuest, MasterFILE Complete, and JSTOR Life Sciences) and two publisher websites (Wiley and Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.). This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and evaluated the quality of individual studies. Included were reproductive-age women using mindfulness or relaxation techniques for premenstrual symptoms in peer-reviewed intervention studies published between December 2015 and December 2025. This review included 22 studies involving 1,598 participants, comprising 13 RCTs, 7 non-RCTs, and 2 studies without a control group. The interventions included yoga (4), guided imagery (2), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (2), progressive muscle relaxation (6), and other programs (5). One study each used an occupational therapy intervention, meditation, and counseling. The interventions typically lasted 20-60 minutes (18/22), and 19 studies evaluated PMS symptom severity. Mindfulness-and relaxation-based interventions decreased physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue, and psychosocial symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, and sexual function, resulting in an improved quality of life. Mindfulness- and relaxation-based interventions are associated with meaningful improvements in psychosocial, physical, and functional outcomes for PMS, although the evidence remains limited. These approaches may be considered as components of comprehensive, occupation-based care to support participation and overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"372-386"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148819689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cyclical women's health needs at work: Low-disclosure support and privacy-preserving self-tracking in age-stratified focus groups in Japan.","authors":"Kiriko Sasayama, Tomoko Saso, Yuko Egawa, Etsuko Nishimura, Erika Ota, Hisateru Tachimori, Ataru Igarashi, Daisuke Yoneoka, Eiko Saito","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2724879","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2724879","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Women's labor force participation has increased in Japan, yet workplace support for cyclical, gender-specific health needs remains uneven. This study examined how working women in Japan managed these needs at work and how digital self-tracking might support job-aligned adjustments. Three age-stratified focus groups were conducted in the Kanto region (20-29 years, <i>n</i> = 7; 30-39 years, <i>n</i> = 6; 40-59 years, <i>n</i> = 8; total <i>n</i> = 21) in 2024. Transcripts were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Participants described formal support, including menstrual leave, as often impractical because of stigma, hierarchical norms, and concerns about fairness and workload redistribution, fostering informal coping and after-hours self-management. Menstrual-cycle apps and activity or sleep tracking were valued when outputs were accurate, interpretable, and aligned with bodily sensations; sustained use depended on low burden, peer recommendations, and clear privacy boundaries. Participants preferred concise, user-controlled summaries that could communicate the need for brief scheduling or task adjustments without divulging sensitive personal information. Privacy-preserving self-tracking was perceived as potentially useful when workplaces provided psychologically safe channels and fair procedures for translating summaries into agreed, low-disclosure micro-accommodations. These findings reflect perceived feasibility and potential usefulness rather than demonstrated effects on work functioning, absenteeism, presenteeism, organizational outcomes, or implementation effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"428-445"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148875774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Factors influencing abnormal bone mineral density in Chinese women aged 40 years and older: A meta-analysis.","authors":"Mingyue Jia, Tingzhi Chen, Shuwei Zhang, Yuanyuan Wang, Ying Wang, Ying Chang, Guozeng Zhang","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2719875","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2719875","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Abnormal bone mineral density (BMD), including osteopenia/low bone mass and osteoporosis, imposes a substantial clinical and socioeconomic burden on Chinese women. However, prevalence estimates vary markedly because primary studies differ in age composition, study setting, and the BMD outcome category reported. To systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of distinct BMD outcomes and the influencing factors associated with abnormal BMD among Chinese women aged 40 years and older. We searched nine international and Chinese databases from inception to July 10, 2025, for cross-sectional or case-control studies involving Chinese women aged 40 years or older. Prevalence was synthesized separately for abnormal BMD, osteopenia/low bone mass, and osteoporosis. Twenty-eight studies comprising 36,984 participants were included. Outcome-specific meta-analyses showed a pooled prevalence of 61 percent for abnormal BMD (95 percent CI: 50 percent-72 percent; <i>n</i> = 17,294), 41 percent for osteopenia/low bone mass (95 percent CI: 37 percent-46 percent; <i>n</i> = 19,032), and 29 percent for osteoporosis (95 percent CI: 23 percent-35 percent; <i>n</i> = 35,082). Heterogeneity remained substantial (<i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 99.5 percent, 97.1 percent, and 99.1 percent). Postmenopausal status, menopause duration > 5 years, older age, BMI < 18 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, lack of exercise, low vitamin D intake, and fracture history were associated with higher odds of abnormal BMD, whereas regular exercise, dairy products, bean products, and calcium supplementation were protective. Abnormal BMD represents a substantial bone-health burden among Chinese women aged 40 years and older. Outcome-specific meta-analyses showed pooled prevalence estimates of 61 percent for abnormal BMD, 41 percent for osteopenia/low bone mass, and 29 percent for osteoporosis. Both non-modifiable susceptibility factors and potentially modifiable lifestyle and nutritional factors were associated with abnormal BMD. These findings support risk-based BMD assessment and targeted strategies addressing modifiable factors, including physical activity and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, to promote bone health in middle-aged and older Chinese women.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"409-427"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women & HealthPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-08-26DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2026.2719873
Josué Cruz-Rodríguez, Josefa Canals-Sans, Cristina Jardí, Victoria Arija
{"title":"Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and associated factors in pregnant Spanish women.","authors":"Josué Cruz-Rodríguez, Josefa Canals-Sans, Cristina Jardí, Victoria Arija","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2719873","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2719873","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vitamin B12 deficiency remains a public health concern, even in developed countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and identify associated risk factors in healthy pregnant women from the Spanish Mediterranean region. This longitudinal, community-based study was nested within the ECLIPSES randomized controlled trial and examined cross-sectionally at two time points, including 670 and 421 women in the first and third trimester, respectively. Serum vitamin B12 and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations were measured, and sociodemographic, dietary, obstetric, and lifestyle data were collected. Vitamin B12 status was classified using WHO cutoff points for pregnant women: deficiency (<200 pg/mL) and marginal deficiency (200-300 pg/mL). In the first trimester, vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency rates were 4 percent and 28 percent, respectively, increasing to 19 percent and 45 percent by the third trimester. Higher socioeconomic status (OR = 0.625, <i>p</i> = .011) and RBC folate levels (OR = 0.998, <i>p</i> < .001) reduced the risk of marginal deficiency in the first trimester, while a higher body mass index (BMI) increased it (OR = 1.046, <i>p</i> = .029). In the third trimester, only BMI was linked to an elevated risk of deficiency (OR = 1.102, <i>p</i> = .015). No significant associations were found with vitamin B12 deficiency in the first trimester or marginal deficiency in the third trimester. Marginal vitamin B12 deficiency and deficiency are associated with modifiable risk factors, including socioeconomic status, overweight, and RBC folate, whose relevance varies by trimester, highlighting the importance of monitoring during prenatal care.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"357-371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148819662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women & HealthPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-09-01DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2026.2718841
Aycan Şahin, Ayşegül Kiliçli
{"title":"Key trends and focus areas in aromatherapy research on women's health: A bibliometric analysis (1994-2025 years).","authors":"Aycan Şahin, Ayşegül Kiliçli","doi":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2718841","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03630242.2026.2718841","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to examine global research trends and key research areas in aromatherapy and women's health. Search terms and synonyms related to women's health and aromatherapy were identified from the literature and incorporated into the search strategy. A standardized search of the Web of Science database conducted on July 22, 2025, identified 277 studies, of which 159 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The articles were analyzed using RStudio (Version 1.4.1717) and the \"biblioshiny for bibliometrix\" application. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was utilized to guide the reporting process in this study. The retrieved publications comprised 159 full-text English-language articles published between 1994 and 2025 across 100 journals. Publication output peaked in 2018, while citations reached their highest level in 2024, with an overall upward trend in both. Complementary Therapies in Medicine published the most articles, whereas the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine received the most citations. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences was the most productive institution, and Iran was the leading country. Approximately 91.9% of authors contributed only one publication. The most cited article was \"Aromatherapy in Childbirth: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.\" The most frequent keywords were \"anxiety,\" \"essential oil,\" and \"massage,\" while trending topics included \"anxiety,\" \"essential oil,\" and \"mood.\" The main motor themes focused on anxiety, essential oil, massage, pain, mood, aromatherapy, inhalation, and childbirth. A growing research trend was observed, with essential oils most frequently studied, particularly for anxiety and mood during childbirth.</p>","PeriodicalId":23972,"journal":{"name":"Women & Health","volume":" ","pages":"387-408"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}