{"title":"Menarche: I was scared! I thought I was going to die! It affected my whole life.","authors":"Busra Yolcu, Yasemin Hamlaci Baskaya","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2570844","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2570844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>For women living in undeveloped and developing countries, the experience of menarche can be quite traumatic. The study was conducted to examine how women's menarche experiences are reflected in other periods of life. The study was conducted using hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The sample of the study consisted of women who experienced the menarche period in a traumatic way. The study was terminated after 14 women were interviewed.Women's thoughts about their menarche experiences and life cycles were expressed in 4 themes: 'Emotional Reactions to Trauma', 'Reflections on Women's Health', 'Reflections on Reproductive Health' and 'Reflections on Mental Health'. Women who describe menarche as traumatic feel fear and anxiety about their sexual life and fertility processes. Women plan to be more conscious in the parenting process due to their traumatic menarche experiences. Menarche experience has a great role in women's lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145294035","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":"When women's work benefits family: The impact of mothers' work-family enrichment on parenting guilt.","authors":"Tingting Song, Chao Pan, Jirui Wang, Mengge Li","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2569579","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2569579","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recently, scholars have examined the detrimental impact of parenting guilt, yet little is known about its mechanisms in Chinese. Based on family system theory, this study explores the relationship between work-family enrichment and parenting guilt, with parenting sense of competence as mediating variable and fathers' co-parenting as moderating variable. We distributed questionnaires to 476 mother and collected data at three time points. We found that work-family enrichment was negatively associated with parenting guilt, and the relationship was mediated by parenting sense of competence. Fathers' co-parenting moderated the relationship between work-family enrichment and parenting guilt. These findings further our understanding of parenting guilt in Chinese culture, as well as suggest the importance of work-family enrichment and fathers' co-parenting for maternal guilt.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259679","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":"The impact of the emotional freedom technique on sleep quality and overall quality of life in postmenopausal women - A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Merve Yazar, Esra Ünal, Berna Bayır","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2558618","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2558618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Managing sleep quality in postmenopausal women is important in terms of improving quality of life. In this study the authors aimed to assess the impact of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on sleep quality and overall quality of life in postmenopausal women. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (<i>n</i> = 29) or the control group (<i>n</i> = 29). Post-intervention analysis revealed increased Subjective Units of Experience Scale and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire scores in the intervention group. However, no significant differences were found in overall Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Our findings suggest that a 4-week EFT intervention did not significantly enhance overall sleep quality but notably improved subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, menopause-specific quality of life and emotional well-being in postmenopausal women. EFT is recommended as a nonpharmacological approach for nurses applicable to clinical and public health settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076467","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}
Carolina O Matos, Victoria Orrego Dunleavy, Jessica Oliveira
{"title":"Discourses of care, wellbeing and women's rights: A case study of <i>saving Mothers' comadronas'</i> understanding of reproductive health in Guatemala in the misinformation age.","authors":"Carolina O Matos, Victoria Orrego Dunleavy, Jessica Oliveira","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2547764","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2547764","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The pushback on women's health rights, particularly when it comes to more vulnerable groups like indigenous women, has necessitated new approaches for targeted communication strategies by health NGOs on sexuality and reproductive health rights (SRHR). To assess indigenous women's understanding of health communications on SRHR, the researchers conducted focus groups with the comadronas of Saving Mothers in Guatemala to explore their reception to these messages. Our results underscored the difficulties of access of these groups to quality information on reproductive health matters, placing limits on their capacity to navigate a complex (and manipulated) media landscape on SRHR. Based on our findings, the necessity to foster partnerships between NGOs, indigenous women's groups, researchers and government to enhance health literacy skills, engaging with communities so as to co-create communications material that attends specifically to their needs is highlighted.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994016","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":"Bleeding inequality: How menstrual poverty undermines academic success via social anxiety in female university students-A structural equation modeling study.","authors":"Süleyman Utku Uzun, Merve Akin","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2545183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2545183","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the relationships between income, menstrual poverty, social anxiety, and academic success among 640 female undergraduates at Pamukkale University, Türkiye, using structural equation modeling. We collected data between April 1 and 15, 2025. We found moderate menstrual poverty (mean score 35.87 ± 6.35) and social anxiety (28.94 ± 10.59). Lower income predicted higher menstrual poverty (<i>β</i> = -0.199, <i>p</i> < .001), which directly increased social anxiety (<i>β</i> = 0.316, <i>p</i> < .001) and reduced academic success (<i>β</i> = -0.161, <i>p</i> = .002). Social anxiety also negatively affected academic success (<i>β</i> = -0.039, <i>p</i> = .046). We identified significant indirect effects: income influenced academic success through menstrual poverty (<i>β</i> = 0.032, <i>p</i> = .010) and through the sequential pathway of menstrual poverty and social anxiety (<i>β</i> = 0.002, <i>p</i> = 0.045). Income had no direct effect on academic success (β = 0.207, <i>p</i> = .559). Our findings underscore the need for campus interventions addressing menstrual product access, infrastructure, and mental health support to mitigate educational impacts.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838259","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":"Thoughts, experiences, and perceived barriers of visually impaired women on breast self-examination: A qualitative descriptive study.","authors":"Ahu Aksoy Can, Melinda Duman, Mehmet Şahan Yaman","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2519483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2519483","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We determined the thoughts, experiences, and perceived barriers of visually impaired women regarding BSE. The sample of this qualitative study consisted of 15 women with visual impairment. We identified four main themes after performing a thematic analysis: 'preventive approaches to breast health', 'thoughts on BSE', 'implementation of BSE' and 'barriers to BSE'. We found that women with visual impairment perform BSE, although not regularly, to protect their breast health, and that this examination is very important for early diagnosis. Half of these women did not undergo BSE regularly or accurately. Furthermore, the most significant barriers to BSE among these women were lack of knowledge, inability to recognize visual changes, barriers in health services, youth, fear, and lack of any breast problems. Results reflect that the BSE was challenging for women with visual impairment, and highlight the need to develop specific training programs for BSE.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144627415","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":"Investigation of the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms, physical activity, and quality of life in overweight and obese women.","authors":"Emel Mutlu, Humeyra Kiloatar, Fatıma Yaman","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2519473","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2519473","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study was conducted by the authors to investigate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), physical activity, and quality of life (QoL) in obese and overweight women. LUTS were assessed using Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-V8 (OAB-V8), QoL using World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale - Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and physical activity with International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). CLSS and OAB-V8 scores were significantly higher in overweight and obese compared to those of normal weight (<i>p</i> < .001), while UFAA scores were lower in obese (<i>p</i> = .031). Body mass index was associated with higher CLSS and OAB-V8 scores and lower IPAQ-SF and WHOQOL-BREF Physical and Psychological subscores. Additionally, concordance between CLSS and OAB-V8 scores was highest in obese. A significant association between LUTS, physical activity, and QoL was found in overweight and obese women. With our results, we emphasized the need for interventions as increased BMI is linked to more prevalent LUTS and decreased well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144576691","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":"Exploring the role of menopausal symptoms and self-compassion in post-menopausal women: Implications for social well-being.","authors":"Spriha Sharma, Sunder Kala Negi","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2519481","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2519481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, the authors explored how menopausal symptom severity and self-compassion impact social well-being among 224 employed post-menopausal women aged 50-60. Participants completed the Menopause Rating Scale, Self-compassion Scale, and Social Well-Being Scale. Groups were categorized by symptom severity and self-compassion levels. Our results showed symptom severity significantly affected social well-being, while self-compassion influenced social coherence. However, no significant interaction was found between symptom severity and self-compassion on overall social well-being. The authors emphasize the social challenges faced by women with severe menopausal symptoms and suggests fostering self-compassion could enhance social support and acceptance during this stage of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545495","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":"Navigating shame to negotiate sexual agency among British-born South Asian women: A grounded theory study.","authors":"Sabina Gerrard, Gill Thomson","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2519474","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2519474","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Constructivist grounded theory was used to explore perceptions and experiences of sexual health among British-born South Asian women, aged 18-25 who lived in North-West England. We aimed to explore whether and how women were influenced by religion and socio-cultural factors. Participants (<i>n</i> = 16) took part in either interviews or focus groups. A theoretical framework focusing on how women navigated shame to negotiate sexual agency was developed. Culture and religious values prohibited sex-based relationships before marriage, which meant accessing support could prove problematic. Women demonstrated different levels of agency through finding ways to maintain secret relationships and to navigate access to healthcare services.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477328","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":"The relationship between depression, stress, anxiety and personality traits with sexual function levels among women.","authors":"Halime Esra Meram, Ebru Bekmezci","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2519480","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2025.2519480","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between women's depression, stress, anxiety, and personal traits with their sexual function levels. We conducted cross-sectional study, among 215 women with sexually active women. We collected the research data by utilizing \"Introductory Information Form\", \"Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS)\", \"Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)\" and \"International Personality Inventory Short Form (IPISV)\". Among the participants, 63.7% exhibited adequate levels of sexual function, and 87.9% reported satisfaction with their sexual life. We found a weak negative correlation between total FSFI scores and some sub-dimensions of the IPISV, and the DASS. Higher levels of psychological distress and marked by emotional instability, hostility, undirectedness, and closed to experience, were associated with reduced levels of sexual function. It appears that psychological and personality factors may be relevant in understanding variations in sexual function, indicating the potential value of targeted interventions in improving sexual function.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477329","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}