{"title":"The impact of Transcendental Meditation on psychological distress and coping in the lives of women in Uganda: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Leslee Goldstein, Daniela Romagnoli, Sanford Nidich","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2611927","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2611927","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this randomized controlled trial with women living in poverty in Uganda <i>(n = 199)</i> we explored the impact of Transcendental Meditation<sup>®</sup> (TM<sup>®</sup>) on <i>perceived stress</i>-the primary outcome measure, and <i>self-efficacy, anger, anxiety, fatigue, sleep,</i> and <i>resilience</i> as secondary measures. After baseline testing participants were randomly assigned to either practice of TM or to a waitlist control group. Participants learned TM over five consecutive days and then practiced at home for 20 -minutes twice a day. Post testing took place after three months. A significant reduction was found in <i>perceived stress, anger,</i> and <i>fatigue</i>, and a significant improvement in <i>self-efficacy</i> and <i>sleep quality.</i> In a follow-up questionnaire at eight months, participants reported improved physical and mental health, increased ability to handle domestic violence, and improved relationships. Results indicate the TM program has a positive impact on psychological distress and coping and could add value to programs for women in Uganda.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"712-735"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126990","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":"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":"892-908"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","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}
{"title":"Support.","authors":"Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2718005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2026.2718005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":"47 8","pages":"877-878"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148892448","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":"Effects of improved dietary behaviors and increased physical activity on low body satisfaction: Theory-based psychological mechanisms of change in women within a behavioral obesity treatment.","authors":"James J Annesi, Sara M Powell","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2574478","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2574478","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Within behavioral obesity interventions, progress on poor body satisfaction in women requires improvement. Women with low body satisfaction participated in obesity treatments focused on either weight-management education or cognitive-behavioral methods targeting physical activity and self-regulation. Improvements in participants' dietary behaviors, physical activity, waist circumference, body satisfaction, and mood were consistently greater in the cognitive-behavioral condition. Their improved diet and increased physical activity predicted increases in body satisfaction. Waist circumference change did not significantly increase the explained variance. Participants' changes in self-efficacy for controlled eating mediated diet→body satisfaction change relationships; and mood changes mediated physical activity→body satisfaction change relationships. We indicated implications for improving obesity intervention contents.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"926-945"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145356415","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 effect of psychological resilience, social support, and birth stories on vaginal birth beliefs of pregnant women.","authors":"Seyhan Alpay, Songül Aktaş","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2626915","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2626915","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, the researchers investigated the effect of psychological resilience, perceived social support, and birth stories on the vaginal birth beliefs of 428 pregnant women. The effect of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) variables on the Belief Scale for Vaginal Birth (BSVB) was 6.5% (R2adjusted = 0.065, F(2,425) = 14.656, <i>p</i> < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between BSVB total score and MSPSS and CD-RISC total score (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Exposure to positive birth stories through listening, watching, and reading has been shown to strengthen individuals' confidence in the feasibility and benefits of vaginal birth (OR 1.176, 1.203, 1.265, <i>p</i> < 0.05, respectively).</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"172-194"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158739","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}
Caspian Haidarieh-Zadeh, Julia Morgan, Liz Gale, Lesley Dibley
{"title":"Women's experiences of living with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A scoping review.","authors":"Caspian Haidarieh-Zadeh, Julia Morgan, Liz Gale, Lesley Dibley","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2671885","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2671885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are conditions related to hormonal fluctuations that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Understanding the experiences of women with these conditions is vital to providing appropriate and effective care. A scoping review was undertaken to explore available global literature on women's experiences of living with PMS or PMDD, highlighting gaps in the literature. Nineteen studies were included in the scoping review, and all studies were qualitative or had a qualitative component. Four main themes were identified by the authors: (1) Lack of understanding or support, (2) Dual identity, (3) Impact on relationships, and (4) Difficulties in reaching the diagnosis of PMS/PMDD. The literature highlights a lack of understanding from family, friends and medical practitioners. We suggest increased training for health care professionals, across interdisciplinary fields, on PMS and PMDD so women can be better supported and understood.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"499-522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044190","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}
Lisa Morrison, Sue Cunliffe, Sarah Price Hancock, Chrstopher Harrop, Lucy Johnstone, John Read
{"title":"Electroconvulsive therapy and women: An international survey.","authors":"Lisa Morrison, Sue Cunliffe, Sarah Price Hancock, Chrstopher Harrop, Lucy Johnstone, John Read","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2568222","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2568222","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>858 electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) recipients, from 44 countries, responded to an online survey. In keeping with previous studies, the majority (73%) were women. Most of the psychiatrists giving ECT (81%) were men. Women patients were less likely than men to report improved mood following ECT. Consistent with previous smaller studies, women patients also reported worse outcomes than men for multiple adverse effects, including anterograde and retrograde memory loss, and for how \"harmful\" ECT was in general. Even fewer women (15%) than men (29%) said they would want to have ECT again. Implications are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"631-659"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145551496","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}
Hanan A Abusbaitan, Anwar Eyadat, Tuleen Abu Zahra, Nisreen Alnuaimi, Jomana Odeh, Jeana Marie Holt, Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu, Peninnah M Kako, Reem Telfah, Alexa A Lopez
{"title":"\"You wish that you had been beaten…\": Women's experiences of spousal emotional abuse in Jordan: Risk factors and consequences.","authors":"Hanan A Abusbaitan, Anwar Eyadat, Tuleen Abu Zahra, Nisreen Alnuaimi, Jomana Odeh, Jeana Marie Holt, Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu, Peninnah M Kako, Reem Telfah, Alexa A Lopez","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2629503","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2629503","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intimate partner violence (IPV), specifically spousal emotional abuse, is an international concern in diverse settings and populations. However, knowledge gaps regarding the lived experiences of Arab women remain. To contribute to furthering the global understanding of IPV, we examined Jordanian women's experiences through structured interviews. Thirty women who experienced moderate-to-severe levels of emotional abuse were interviewed to share their lived experiences. Using thematic analysis, two major themes of emotional abuse were identified: risk factors and consequences, with subthemes including personal experiences, physical and mental health, outside influences, and impacts on children. Our results underscore the cultural awareness that may resonate with women's experiences in other regions facing similar structural and gendered inequities. Adopting policies and interventions that target emotional abuse and its antecedents is recommended to minimize the risk of women's exposure to emotional abuse and diminish the consequences of emotional abuse.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"68-89"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146221581","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}
Fabiola Orihuela-Cortes, Gustavo Ortiz-Millan, Asuncion Alvarez Del Rio, Ma Luisa Marván
{"title":"Attitudes toward abortion and conscientious objection among medical students in Mexico.","authors":"Fabiola Orihuela-Cortes, Gustavo Ortiz-Millan, Asuncion Alvarez Del Rio, Ma Luisa Marván","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2629508","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07399332.2026.2629508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We conducted a survey on attitudes toward abortion and conscientious objection (CO) among Mexican medical students from Mexico City, where abortion was decriminalized in 2007, and Xalapa, a city where it was decriminalized in 2021. Fewer than half of them were aware of CO before participating. Men expressed greater support for CO than women. Agreement with CO was positively correlated with opposition to performing abortions for fear of stigma, and with anti-abortion attitudes. Medical educators should promote critical reflection on ethical dilemmas students are likely to face in their professional practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"195-207"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146221547","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":"Premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea in women using ovulation and menstruation mobile apps.","authors":"Simge Öztürk, Nurdilan Şener Çetin","doi":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2573643","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07399332.2025.2573643","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, we aimed to determine premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea symptoms in women using ovulation and menstruation mobile applications. We conducted this study as descriptive and correlational with 730 women. We collected online using the personal information form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) and Visual Analoque Scale (VAS). In addition, it was determined that as the VAS severity increased in dysmenorrhea, women's use of menstruation mobile application increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In addition, as the mean scores of PMSS irritability, pain, and bloating subscales increased, it was determined that the status of using menstruation mobile application increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05). We found that as both dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms increased, the use of menstruation mobile application increased. Our findings suggest that women with dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome use menstruation mobile applications more.</p>","PeriodicalId":47836,"journal":{"name":"Health Care for Women International","volume":" ","pages":"536-548"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145349343","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}