{"title":"Translation and Validation of the Tamil Version of the Menopause Rating Scale.","authors":"Chanil Ekanayake, Sakshara Ranasinghe, Arunasalam Pathmeswaran, Kopalasuntharam Muhunthan","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_174_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_174_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) is a widely used tool to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and severity of menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. The objective of the present study was to validate a Tamil translation of the MRS, as a Tamil translation is not available.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Tamil translation of MRS was developed following standard methodology, and a validation study to assess psychometric properties was done at the community level in Mannar, Sri Lanka. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency and test-rest reliability. Validity was assessed using content, discriminatory, and construct validity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Internal consistency using Cronbach's <i>α</i> coefficient ranged from 0.74 to 0.78 and test-retest reliability assessed by weighted kappa (k) ranged from 0.51 to 0.71. Content validity was evaluated by the acceptability of items for a sample of women and gynecologists conversant in Tamil during the translation process. Discriminant validity between symptomatic and asymptomatic women was significant for all three domains: somato-vegetative, sexual, and psychological (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Factor analysis with exploratory principal component analysis revealed three factors that explained 55.9% of the cumulative variance, demonstrating satisfactory construct validity. A MRS total score ≥6 had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 84.7% to identify symptomatic menopausal women.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Tamil translation of MRS retained the psychometric properties of the original questionnaire and will be an invaluable tool to assess menopausal symptoms and HRQOL among postmenopausal tamil-speaking women.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"280-285"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824926/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143432771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Health Status among Geriatric Females: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Rajlaxmi Mundhra, Purvashi Kumari, Anupama Bahadur, Kavita Khoiwal, Poonam Gill, Ratala Madhavi Latha, Manisha Naithani, Jaya Chaturvedi","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_168_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_168_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Postmenopausal status is a known risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Studies focusing on establishing the relationship between Mets and mental health state are limited.</p><p><strong>Aims and objective: </strong>To identify the frequency of MetS along with its components in geriatric females and assess its relationship with three negative emotional states (depression/anxiety/stress).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Women aged ≥60 years from October 2020 to March 2022 were included in study. We used the Consensus Definition IDF and AHA/NHLBI (2009) criteria to classify subjects as having metabolic syndrome. Mental health status were assessed using Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21) questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The frequency of metabolic syndrome in this sample was 36.58% (30 out of 82 patients). The Depression, anxiety, stress scale and total scores in women with MetS were 14 ± 5.3, 8.5 ± 3.92, 12.13 ± 5.58 and 34.66 ± 9.60 as compared to 6.6 ± 3.7, 5.3 ± 2.49, 7.1 ± 3.12 and 19.2 ± 6.51 in those without MetS; difference being statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MetS results in poor mental health state in geriatric women but large-scale studies are needed to clarify this association.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"264-268"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transcutaneous Temperature-controlled Radiofrequency for Vaginal Rejuvenation.","authors":"Smit Bharat Solanki, Vineet Mishra, Nita Mishra, Sejal Ajmera Desai, Red Alinsod","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_32_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_32_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vaginal laxity and sexual dysfunction are commonly experienced by women, but are typically stigmatized and considered inappropriate to discuss openly. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF), in addressing these concerns. The study used a single-blinded randomized sham-control design.</p><p><strong>Aims and objectives: </strong>The aim was to study the role of TTCRF for vaginal rejuvenation using subjective and objective measurements.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Two hundred parous women were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (<i>n</i> = 110) or a sham group (<i>n</i> = 90). Participants who were between 35 and 55 years of age and reported complaints of vaginal laxity, as well as those who presented symptoms such as vaginal flatus or sexual issues, were included. The treatment group was administered TTCRF therapy, whereas the sham group had a placebo procedure to ensure blinding was maintained. The outcome measures included subjective assessments, such as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), the Vaginal Flatus Score (VFS), and the Vaginal Laxity and Bother Score (VLBS), as well as objective measurements, such as the Modified Oxford Score (MOS) and the Genital Hiatus (GH) questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Significant improvements in FSFI, VLQ, and VLBS were noted in the treatment group compared to sham at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The MOS improvements did not reach statistical significance, suggesting potential limitations in its use as an objective measure. VFS showed improvement in both the groups, indicating a potential placebo effect. No significant changes were observed in GH. Adverse events were mild and transient, with no serious incidents reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite societal taboos, TTCRF demonstrated notable improvements in subjective measures of vaginal laxity and sexual dysfunction over a 6-month period. The safety and outpatient feasibility of TTCRF were established. The findings contribute to understanding the role of TTCRF in managing these sensitive concerns among women.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"250-257"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824938/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Primary Peritoneal Serous Carcinoma with Coexistent Mucinous Cystadenoma of Ovary - A Rare Case Report.","authors":"Rajashree Pradhan, Sajeeb Mondal, Upasana Mukherjee","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_72_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_72_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Primary peritoneal serous carcinoma (PPSC) is an extremely rare tumor mostly idiopathic in nature arising from the peritoneal layers of the abdominal cavity. We present here a unique case of a 72-year-old female with a history of abdominal swelling and difficulty in micturition and defecation for 3 months. Diagnostic imaging and histopathological examinations led to the diagnosis of PPSC. Simultaneously, the patient also has a space-occupying lesion involving the left ovary which on histopathological examination was found to be mucinous cystadenoma. We present this case as PPSC with synchronous mucinous cystadenoma of the left ovary, an extremely rare phenomenon. This combination has not been reported in the literature yet to the best of our knowledge.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"296-298"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824928/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sleep and Brain Function at Menopause.","authors":"Ruchika Garg, Atul Munshi","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_201_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_201_24","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"221-224"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the Impact of Mastectomy on the Quality of Life among Cancer Survivors: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study in Mysuru.","authors":"Minu Maria Rose, Anil S Bilimale, Ravi Krishnappa","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_60_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_60_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>While mastectomy a crucial procedure in preventing and treating breast cancer is essential, it significantly impacts the emotional well-being, dignity, and overall quality of life (QoL) of survivors. Dealing with the physical challenges of mastectomy is emotionally demanding as it requires adapting to the changes in one's body following breast cancer.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to assess the impact of mastectomy on the QoL among cancer survivors.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient departments of oncology at two tertiary care hospitals in Mysuru. Women diagnosed with breast cancer in the year 2021-2022 and who have undergone mastectomy of at least one breast were chosen for the study. The QoL was measured by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer - C-30 and BR (breast specific) - 23 modules.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Emotional, physical, social, and cognitive functioning scores assigned a maximum number of participants in the average to good QoL category. The survivors scored lower in sexual enjoyment (10.758 ± 29.73), sexual functioning (32.024 ± 45.35), future perspective (57.419 ± 38.773), and body image (57.309 ± 32.51) and reported lower QoL which was also related to their menstruation status and age. However, a small group of participants had a positive body image despite their transformed bodies. Symptoms such as fatigue (80.43 ± 24.84), nausea/vomiting (116.39 ± 64.7), insomnia (73.43 ± 38.85), and financial difficulties (65.28 ± 45.46) negatively affected the QoL. The study also highlighted that poor QoL was associated with hair loss (85.48 ± 34.60), side effects of systemic therapy (42.08 ± 22.28), arm symptoms (83.16 ± 23.67), and breast symptoms (20.71 ± 30.45).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Survivors face physical and psychological changes that significantly impact their QoL. QoL assessments offer insights into the impact of the disease during and after treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"258-263"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143433993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sakshi Singh Rathore, Dilip Timalsina, Anil Akulwar, Vaishnavi H Mishra
{"title":"Breast Cancer Awareness among Women.","authors":"Sakshi Singh Rathore, Dilip Timalsina, Anil Akulwar, Vaishnavi H Mishra","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_144_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_144_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women globally, with high mortality rates in India. Early detection of BC significantly increases survival rates and reduces mortality. Raising awareness about BC is crucial for educating the public about screening, symptoms, and treatment to help recognize early signs and seek prompt treatment. This article aims to describe a case of breast primary lymphedema and emphasizes the importance of public awareness regarding risk factors, clinical manifestations, and self-examination for early detection and mortality reduction.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"293-295"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143433994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Irwandi Rachman, Wahiduddin Wahiduddin, Ida Leida Maria, Idar Mappangara, Nurhaedar Jafar, Shanti Riskiyani
{"title":"Knowledge, Health Education, and Mobile Health Strategies on Cardiovascular Disease Awareness in Women: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Irwandi Rachman, Wahiduddin Wahiduddin, Ida Leida Maria, Idar Mappangara, Nurhaedar Jafar, Shanti Riskiyani","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_163_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_163_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The first step to decreasing the occurrence of morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women is raising awareness. The aim of this narrative review is to obtain relevant insights into women's awareness and intervention models for CVD. Data were collected through a comprehensive literature search across reputable databases, including PubMed, Crossref, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on CVD, knowledge, awareness, education, mobile health (mHealth), and women. The researchers reviewed 36 articles, and based on the results, CVD awareness remains low in several countries, particularly among young women. Some factors influencing knowledge, awareness, and preventive behaviors for CVD include age, education level, marital status, occupation, number of children, and urban/rural residence. Digital technology-based applications, specifically mHealth interventions, have been developed to prevent and control CVD risks in women. Examples include SMARTWOMAN™, HeartBeat, Smart Walk, Diet Tracking, TRIANGLE, and FitBit. Digital interventions, such as text messaging, websites, and emails, serve as primordial prevention tools, offering health information and medication adherence reminders to reduce CVD risks in women. Therefore, recognizing the importance of enhancing CVD awareness in young women through health education, specifically using mHealth applications, is important.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"228-239"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143433999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Akhil Pratap Singh, Amit Varshney, Ruchika Garg, Prabhat Agrawal
{"title":"Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Score Analysis: Exploring Nasal Function in Premenopausal versus Postmenopausal Indian Women.","authors":"Akhil Pratap Singh, Amit Varshney, Ruchika Garg, Prabhat Agrawal","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_126_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_126_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Menopause brings about significant hormonal changes that can affect various aspects of women's health, including nasal function. However, the specific impact of menopause on nasal health in Indian women remains underexplored. This study aims to compare nasal function using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score between premenopausal and postmenopausal Indian women.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 107 premenopausal and 111 postmenopausal women recruited from a tertiary care hospital in India. Demographic data, medical history, and NOSE scores were collected. Statistical analyses including Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Chi-squared test, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Postmenopausal women were significantly older with higher body mass index (BMI) compared to premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women consistently had higher NOSE scores indicating worse nasal function across various time points. Logistic regression revealed menopausal status as a significant predictor of severe nasal obstruction (odds ratio: 1.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-1.90, <i>P</i> = 0.015), independent of age, BMI, and other factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Menopause is associated with a significant decline in nasal function in Indian women, as evidenced by higher NOSE scores in postmenopausal women. Addressing nasal symptoms in postmenopausal women may improve their quality of life. Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions for managing nasal obstruction in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"245-249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of Depression and Sleep Disturbances among Postmenopausal and Perimenopausal Women in Ernakulam District.","authors":"K P Haseena, Teena Mary Joy","doi":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_116_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jmh.jmh_116_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The hormonal shifts and physiological changes during menopause, including perimenopause and postmenopause, significantly affect women's mental health, often causing depression and sleep disruptions. The objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of depression and sleep disturbances among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and to find the associated risk factors.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In a community setting, 462 women aged 45-60 years were chosen from 23 clusters using probability proportional to size sampling. Sociodemographic information was collected through standardized surveys, whereas depression levels were measured with Beck's Depression Inventory-II and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of depression among the study participants was 33.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29%, 37%), whereas poor sleep quality was found in 37% (95% CI: 36%, 39%). Factors such as low socioeconomic status (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] =1.64), recent negative life events (aOR =2.27), lack of social media usage (aOR =2.77), and being unmarried/widowed (aOR =2.1) were identified as independent predictors of depression. Living in urban areas (aOR =1.69), low socioeconomic status (aOR =1.96), and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables (aOR =0.43) were identified as independent predictors for sleep disturbances.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights a notable burden of depression and sleep disruptions among menopausal women. Tackling these challenges necessitates accessible mental healthcare, educational workshops on stress management and sleep habits, nutritional guidance, and peer support networks. Incorporating these measures into health initiatives and policies holds promise for mitigating these concerns and enhancing overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":37717,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mid-life Health","volume":"15 4","pages":"286-292"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}