Maturitas最新文献

{"title":"Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of progestins on depression in post-menopausal women: An evaluation of randomized clinical studies that used validated questionnaires","authors":"Ambrogio P. Londero ,&nbsp;Veronica Gallina ,&nbsp;Francesca Cremonini ,&nbsp;Anjeza Xholli ,&nbsp;Angelo Cagnacci","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108105","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108105","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Hormone therapy (HT) can relieve symptoms of menopause and treat chronic diseases. Its effectiveness in treating psychological symptoms is still debated. Several progestins can be used in HT, but their effects on mood, in particular depressive symptoms, is still unclear. This systematic review evaluates the evidence from randomized clinical trials with postmenopausal women on the effect of adjunctive progestins on symptoms of depression assessed by validated questionnaires. The primary aim was to evaluate scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES<img>D). The secondary aim was to assess scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM<img>D), and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify the most reliable evidence of the effects of progestin on depression to inform decision-making. A PICO- and PRISMA-based framework was established to formulate explicit and reasoned recommendations. The pre-/post-treatment effect was evaluated using standardized mean change (SMC).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>We selected and analyzed 16 randomized clinical trials qualitatively and 12 studies quantitatively out of 9320 items identified. Most of the studies used medroxyprogesterone acetate as progestin. The results indicate that depressive symptoms do not increase with the addition of a progestin to estrogen HT. Depressive symptoms improved over time in the progestins-estrogen HT group, independent of progestin type (SMC CES-D −0.08 CI.95–0.10/−0.06, BDI −0.19 CI.95–0.32/−0.06, HAM-D −1.13 CI.95–1.47/−0.78, and SDS −0.11 CI.95–0.82/0.60). Yet similar effects were observed with estrogens alone and did not significantly differ from control groups on placebo. In one study, the addition of fluoxetine greatly increased the reduction of depressive symptoms observed with estrogen-progestin HT.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In summary, in randomized clinical trials using validated questionnaires adjunctive progestin with estrogens did not increase depressive symptoms of postmenopausal women. Overall, depressive symptoms decreased with estrogen-progestin HT but also with estrogen alone. The decrease was not so pronounced to differ from controls on placebo. HT does not hamper the clinical efficacy of fluoxetine. The scarcity of randomized studies makes it difficult to determine the exact effect on depressive symptoms of different types of progestins.</p><p>Project protocol registered in PROSPERO, registration number CRD42023454099.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108105"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512224002007/pdfft?md5=20807dfe4560976ca2fdd41e48c932eb&pid=1-s2.0-S0378512224002007-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142121997","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":"Fundamental intersectionality of menopause and neurodivergence experiences at work","authors":"Debora Gottardello,&nbsp;Belinda Steffan","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This investigation explores the complex interplay between menopause and neurodivergence in the workplace, employing thematic analysis of qualitative data from 43 participants across the United Kingdom and the United States. Findings reveal that menopause transitions intensify symptoms of neurodivergence, and can interrupt how women engage with paid work. By shining a light on these under-reported experiences at work, we demonstrate how employers can better support their neurodivergent employees during menopause. Applying the Demand-Control model, this research underscores the necessity for workplaces to adopt more inclusive practices and supportive adaptations that go beyond flexible work and that are focused on pressures faced by neurodivergent women during menopause. Participants were more likely to report a decrease in workplace experiences than work performance in response to the disruptive effects of menopause on neurodiversity. This is an important insight for people managers as experiences of work might be less closely monitored than performance. This study advocates for a unified approach of organisational support for the intersectional effects of menopause and neurodiversity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108107"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512224002020/pdfft?md5=964430ff45da975719c90d0adfeca88d&pid=1-s2.0-S0378512224002020-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142099225","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":"Prevalence and incidence of pelvic organ prolapse, bowel and urinary dysfunction in the Integrated Woman's Health Program","authors":"Eu-Leong Yong ,&nbsp;Beverly W.X. Wong ,&nbsp;Liang Shen ,&nbsp;Eliane Y.T. Hong ,&nbsp;Clare W.Z. Cheong ,&nbsp;Michael S. Kramer ,&nbsp;Roy Ng","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108106","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108106","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Despite its high prevalence, little information is available on the natural history of pelvic floor dysfunction. We aimed to determine the prevalence, incidence and persistence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), bowel and urinary symptoms over 6–7 years and its associated factors.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Women from a midlife cohort in Asia completed baseline and 6–7-year follow-up assessments. Sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions were obtained at baseline using validated questionnaires. Body mass index (BMI) and physical performance were objectively measured.</p></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><p>POP, bowel, and urinary dysfunction were measured using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form 20 at both timepoints. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze independent associations between baseline risk factors and prevalent, new, and persistent symptoms.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Of the 1201 women enrolled at baseline, 62.3 % had symptoms in at least one domain of pelvic floor dysfunction. Poor sleep, poorer perceived health, and disability were associated with prevalent pelvic floor symptoms, while poor sleep doubled the adjusted risk of incident POP (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 2.3, 95 % Confidence Interval: 1.4–3.9), bowel (aOR: 2.3, 1.4–3.7) and urinary (aOR: 1.7, 1.1–2.9) symptoms at the 6.6-year follow-up visit. Postmenopausal women had reduced risks of prevalent POP (aOR: 0.5, 0.3–0.7) and urinary symptoms (aOR: 0.4, 0.3–0.6), as well as a reduced risk of developing incident urinary symptoms (aOR: 0.4, 0.2–0.8). Good physical performance scores at baseline reduced the risk of incident bowel symptoms (aOR: 0.5, 0.2–0.9), whereas obesity increased the risks of persistent symptoms.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Poor sleep quality independently predicted incident pelvic floor dysfunction, while poor physical performance was associated with incident bowel symptoms.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108106"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142087157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age-related variations in stratum corneum hydration in the foot","authors":"Esther Chicharro-Luna ,&nbsp;Sara Zúnica-García ,&nbsp;Cynthia Martinez-Algarra ,&nbsp;Alba Gracia-Sánchez","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The aims of the study are to identify which region of the foot has lower hydration according to age, measure the variation in the level of stratum corneum hydration of the foot across the a wide age range, and examine hydration differences of the foot according to gender.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>A descriptive observational study was conducted to assess stratum corneum hydration of the foot among 504 participants recruited between November 2023 and March 2024.</p></div><div><h3>Main outcomes measures</h3><p>Stratum corneum hydration assessment was conducted using a Corneometer 825® probe at 10 specific points on the foot. Data on sociodemographic variables, medical history, foot care habits, and hydration-related factors were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v. 24.0.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Stratum corneum hydration of the foot varied significantly across regions, with higher hydration in the digital zone and lower hydration in the heel. An inverse correlation was found between age and hydration, with younger participants exhibiting higher hydration levels. Women showed higher hydration than men. Differences in hydration were observed between the right and left feet.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study highlights the importance of localized assessment of foot skin dehydration. Aging significantly affects stratum corneum hydration of the foot. Gender differences in hydration suggest the importance of personalized approaches to skin care. Differential hydration between feet underscores the influence of mechanical load.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108104"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142050233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Real-world evaluation of treatment utilization by women experiencing vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause in the United States and Europe: Findings from the REALISE study","authors":"Sheryl Kingsberg ,&nbsp;Victoria Banks ,&nbsp;Cecilia Caetano ,&nbsp;Cecile Janssenswillen ,&nbsp;Carsten Moeller ,&nbsp;Nils Schoof ,&nbsp;Mia Harvey ,&nbsp;Megan Scott ,&nbsp;Rossella E. Nappi","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Despite the profound impact of menopausal symptoms on women, treatment utilization is low, and many seek alternative therapies. The REALISE study aimed to evaluate the treatment landscape – that is, pharmacological treatment, lifestyle changes (LC), and use of over-the-counter (OTC) products – for women from six high-income countries experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and receiving healthcare.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Analysis of a secondary dataset, the Adelphi Real World Disease Specific Programme™, a large, cross-sectional, point-in-time survey conducted in the United States and five European countries (February–October 2020). Physicians provided demographic, clinical, and treatment data; women were stratified by VMS severity (mild; moderate-severe) and presence of concomitant sleep/mood symptoms. Women completed forms on VMS severity, concomitant symptoms, LC, and OTC product use. Two subgroups were identified: VMS-only and VMS + sleep/mood.</p></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><p>Prescription treatment, LC, and OTC product utilization.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Physicians (<em>n</em> = 233) provided data on 1767 women; 825 (46.7 %) completed a self-completion form. Physicians rated 60 % of women with moderate-severe VMS, of whom 709 (66.8 %) were currently prescribed pharmacological treatment; 27.1 % had never been prescribed. Hormone therapy was most frequently prescribed in the moderate-severe group (overall, 49.8 %; VMS-only, 57.4 %; VMS + sleep/mood, 47.3 %), followed by serotonergic antidepressants (15.7 %; 9.7 %; 17.6 %, respectively). Most women (78.3 %) with moderate-severe VMS adopted LC, and 57.6 % used at least one OTC product for VMS relief.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Nearly a third of women with moderate-severe VMS had never received treatment despite access to healthcare. This, combined with the prevalent use of LC/OTC products, suggests an unmet need for new treatment options to manage VMS and concomitant sleep/mood symptoms.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108096"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512224001919/pdfft?md5=33204a756c9787f71942eaa3f370989d&pid=1-s2.0-S0378512224001919-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142088302","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":"Alcohol use at midlife and in menopause: a narrative review","authors":"Sara Shihab ,&nbsp;Nadia Islam ,&nbsp;Dalya Kanani ,&nbsp;Lisa Marks ,&nbsp;Suneela Vegunta","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Alcohol use disorder stands as a prevalent global issue, contributing to 140,000 annual deaths in the United States and causing numerous adverse health and socioeconomic outcomes. Despite being a natural physiological process, menopause often leads to troublesome symptoms that affect women's quality of life and exposes them to increased health risks. Our review delves into the intricate relationship between alcohol use disorder and the menopausal experience. We examine the impact of heightened alcohol consumption on the onset, severity, and burden of menopausal symptoms, particularly vasomotor symptoms. Additionally, we explore its effects on commonly experienced menopausal symptoms such as mood disturbances, sleep problems, and sexual dysfunction. Considering the chronic health conditions associated with both menopause and alcohol use disorder, our study also investigates the influence of alcohol use disorder on bone density. This is especially important due to the elevated risks and mortality linked to bone mineral density loss in menopausal women.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108092"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142050234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for menopausal symptoms and quality of life in Korean perimenopausal women: A pilot randomized controlled trial","authors":"Da Seul Kim ,&nbsp;Na Yeon Kim ,&nbsp;Doug Hyun Han ,&nbsp;Hee Jun Kim ,&nbsp;Eun Seung Yu ,&nbsp;Sun Mi Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Therapeutic interventions are crucial for perimenopausal women, given the challenging physical and psychological symptoms they face. This study focused on the development and verification of the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol designed specifically for Korean perimenopausal women.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>A CBT protocol for perimenopausal women was newly developed based on theory and evidence. Forty menopausal women were randomly assigned to either the CBT group (<em>n</em> = 19) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) group (<em>n</em> = 21). Participants in the CBT group underwent 60-min weekly sessions for eight weeks. The TAU group received standard care from gynecologists.</p></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><p>At baseline and follow-up, participants completed the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Menopause Emotional Symptom Questionnaire (MESQ), and Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The CBT group showed significant changes in their MRS (F = 4.18, <em>p</em> = .048), WHOQOL-BREF (7.60, 0.009), GAD-7 (4.61, 0.038), PHQ-15 (5.49, 0.025), and MESQ scores (7.19, 0.011) compared to the TAU group. In the CBT group, changes in GAD-7 scores were correlated with PHQ-15 (ρ = 0.57, <em>p</em> &lt; .05), MESQ (0.57, &lt; 0.05), and WHOQOL-BREF scores (−0.53, &lt; 0.05).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>CBT prevents the worsening of menopausal and emotional symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life. CBT may have had a therapeutic effect through the following mechanisms: managing anxiety by changing perceptions of menopause through education and training for coping with various menopausal symptoms and improving self-efficacy in symptom management.</p></div><div><h3>Clinical trial registration number</h3><p>KCT0007517.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108103"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142077513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transgender patients and gender-affirming hormone therapy through the mid-life","authors":"Jaya M. Mehta ,&nbsp;Sarah Kanell ,&nbsp;Charlie E.A. Borowicz ,&nbsp;Molly Ainsman Fisher","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The menopause transition and post-menopause period marks a time of dynamic physiological and hormonal change. Cisgender women commonly experience vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary symptoms, and changes in bone health. The transgender population, including those assigned female at birth (AFAB) and those assigned male at birth (AMAB), has been understudied in terms of experiences through the menopause transition and midlife. Additionally, there is no formal recommendation or guidance on continuation of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) through midlife. While gender-affirming therapies for transgender patients are well defined and supported by organizational guidelines, including from the World Professional Association for TGD Health (WPATH) (Standards of Care 8, SOC8) and from the Endocrine Society (2017), evidence on continuation of therapy and dose adjustments into mid-life are lacking. Data from a few large cohort studies and small cross-sectional studies suggest increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke and myocardial infarction in those AMAB on GAHT. For those AFAB on testosterone therapy, risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke and to bone health are not well defined, given inconsistent findings from large cohort studies. Currently, the decision to continue GAHT for transgender patients is guided by patient preference along with clinician guidance. Further research is warranted regarding risks of continuing GAHT into mid-life for both AMAB and AFAB patients. Given the significant benefit of GAHT in this population, however, this data would be most helpful for counseling on risks along with appropriate monitoring and prevention for related morbidities during mid-life in the setting of GAHT use.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108093"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142044748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 carnosine on biological ageing – A geroscience approach","authors":"Qian Wang ,&nbsp;Saeede Saadati ,&nbsp;Robel Hussen Kabthymer ,&nbsp;Laura Kate Gadanec ,&nbsp;Amy Lawton ,&nbsp;Nicholas Tripodi ,&nbsp;Vasso Apostolopoulos ,&nbsp;Barbora de Courten ,&nbsp;Jack Feehan","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Biological ageing involves a gradual decline in physiological function and resilience, marked by molecular, cellular, and systemic changes across organ systems. Geroscience, an interdisciplinary field, studies these mechanisms and their role in age-related diseases. Genomic instability, inflammation, telomere attrition, and other indicators contribute to conditions like cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. Geroscience identifies geroprotectors, such as resveratrol and metformin, targeting ageing pathways to extend the healthspan. Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide (b-alanine and l-histidine), has emerged as a potential geroprotector with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycating properties. Carnosine's benefits extend to muscle function, exercise performance, and cognitive health, making it a promising therapeutic intervention for healthy ageing and oxidative stress-related pathologies. In this review, we summarize the evidence describing carnosine's effects in promoting healthy ageing, providing new insights into improving geroscience.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"189 ","pages":"Article 108091"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141992678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond breast cancer: An exploration of the experiences of middle-aged female breast cancer survivors in Australia","authors":"Bridie Campbell,&nbsp;Lynette Mackenzie,&nbsp;Joanne Lewis","doi":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Middle-aged women (i.e., aged 40–65 years) who live with, through and beyond breast cancer (survivors) are an under-researched population, particularly within an Australian context. The unmet needs reported within this population include fatigue, psychological distress, body image concerns, early-onset menopause, and a lack of information on these issues. This study explores how the experiences of breast cancer survivorship impact the lives of Australian middle-aged women.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Qualitative analysis of written comments in an open text field of a survey completed by 644 women reporting breast cancer in the middle-aged cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health gathered between 1996 and 2013. Data was collected from any participants who reported breast cancer in any survey. Researchers conducted a thematic analysis using consensus coding on data and identified key themes.</p></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><p>Any data where participants described their experiences of breast cancer survivorship.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>This cohort reported a unique experience of breast cancer survivorship due to their age group. Analysis developed the following themes: the middle-aged context of breast cancer; care and support, body changes, overcoming fears and maintaining balance; and finding a ‘new normal’.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Breast cancer survivorship is a diverse experience. For many it involves chronic limitations and challenges. Investigation and application of survivorship care plans in Australia could benefit breast cancer survivors by including multidisciplinary health professionals in their care. Unmet needs and psychological distress were described by participants rather than biomedical concerns. Further recommendations include development of online support groups providing access to rehabilitation professionals, especially for otherwise isolated rural women.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51120,"journal":{"name":"Maturitas","volume":"188 ","pages":"Article 108089"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512224001841/pdfft?md5=da008ef56343dde0a0b35b842b7f4ab7&pid=1-s2.0-S0378512224001841-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141918428","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}