Frontiers in global women's health最新文献

{"title":"Genistein in polycystic ovary syndrome: mechanisms, preclinical evidence, and translational potential.","authors":"Jialai Wang, Ying Yang, Ziwei Wang, Fengjuan Li, Zhenyu Shi, Tianhang Gao, Hui Chang","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1836617","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1836617","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent reproductive-endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women. Due to the lack of radical cure, multi-target therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Genistein, a soy-derived phytoestrogen, exhibits pleiotropic biological activities and is a promising adjuvant candidate for PCOS. Accumulating studies suggests that genistein may improves insulin sensitivity, regulates reproductive hormones, promotes follicular development, and alleviates oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, thereby ameliorating PCOS symptoms. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects, molecular mechanisms, preclinical evidence, and clinical translation prospects of genistein in PCOS, providing a theoretical basis for its clinical application. However, significant challenges remain in translating this research into clinical practice. These include the limited availability of data from human clinical trials, the lack of a clearly defined optimal dosage and administration regimen, insufficient evidence regarding long-term safety, and the potential for variations in bioavailability and individual metabolism to impact efficacy. Addressing these limitations is critical for advancing genistein toward future clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1836617"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13423892/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148655046","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":"Complete continuum of maternal health care and Its determinants among women who gave birth in the past year in Mogadishu, Somalia.","authors":"Sharmake Gaiye Bashir, Hibo Hassan Mohamed, Sumaya Abdi Ali, Muna Mohamed Hassan, Abdiqani Abdiqaadir Mohamed, Amina Adan Ahmed, Yakub Burhan Abdullahi, Yusuf Hared Abdi, Hiba Abdi Salad, Mohamed Sharif Abdi, Naima Ibrahim Ahmed, Nuradin Abdullahi Sheikh Rashid, Ahmed Abdinasir Abdulle, Gallad Dahir Hassan","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1801598","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1801598","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal mortality remains a critical global health challenge, particularly in fragile settings. The continuum of maternal healthcare-comprising antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA), and postnatal care (PNC)-is essential for reducing preventable deaths. In Somalia, with a maternal mortality ratio of approximately 563 per 100,000 live births, evidence on completion of the continuum of care remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the completion of the maternal healthcare continuum and its determinants among women who gave birth in the past year in Mogadishu, Somalia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 women of reproductive age in Mogadishu including Internally displaced people (IDPs). Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Completion of the continuum of care was defined as receipt of at least four antenatal care visits (ANC ≥ 4), facility delivery, and postnatal care within 48 h after delivery. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with completion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, <b>18.2%</b> of women completed the maternal health continuum. In the multivariable analysis, maternal education remained a strong predictor, with significantly lower odds among women with primary (AOR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02-0.43), secondary (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.86), and no formal education (AOR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.56) compared to those with higher education. Husband's education was also significant, as women whose partners had no formal education (AOR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03-0.58) or primary education (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05-0.95) had reduced odds of completion. Higher household income (≥300 USD) (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.28-10.14) and gravidity (4-7 pregnancies) (AOR = 5.08; 95% CI: 1.17-22.09) were positively associated with completion.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although only <b>18.2%</b> of women in Mogadishu completed the maternal healthcare continuum, substantial inequities persist. Socioeconomic status, maternal and partner education, and reproductive history significantly influence care completion. Strengthening maternal health programs through targeted education, economic support, and integrated service delivery is essential to improve equitable access and continuity of care in fragile settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1801598"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13422444/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148633028","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":"First-time postpartum motherhood during armed conflict: experiences, challenges, coping, and support needs among women with mobilized partners.","authors":"Yifat Findling, Ilana Chertok, Keren Dopelt","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1774107","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1774107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Armed conflict creates profound challenges for first-time mothers navigating the early postpartum period without the presence of their partners. The abrupt loss of expected support, combined with heightened fear and prolonged uncertainty, intensifies emotional vulnerability and disrupts maternal adjustment to early parenthood. Despite extensive research on trauma and crisis, little is known about how large-scale armed conflict shapes first-time mothers' lived postpartum experiences and their engagement with care systems. This study aimed to explore these experiences among women who gave birth during an armed conflict while coping alone with infant care due to their partners' military deployment. Twenty first-time mothers participated in this qualitative study, which included in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and interpreted through Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, following COREQ guidelines. Four themes emerged: (1) Forced single parenthood, (2) The complex role of first-time motherhood in war, (3) Fears and anxieties, and (4) Coping strategies and resources. Participants described emotional exhaustion, fear, loneliness, disrupted bonding, and heightened alertness. A recurrent finding was the clear gap between mothers' expectations for compassionate, continuous postpartum support and the task-oriented, limited emotional care they received from professionals. Mothers relied on internal resilience, family support, community assistance, and breastfeeding as coping mechanisms. These findings demonstrate how armed conflict intensifies maternal vulnerability and reshapes postpartum experiences, underscoring the need for trauma-informed, relational postpartum care and stronger continuity between community and hospital services for mothers navigating early parenthood in conflict settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1774107"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13422384/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148633183","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":"Preeclampsia among Omani women: prevalence and associated risk factors.","authors":"Lilian Birungi, Vidya Seshan, Blessy Prabha Valsaraj, Jansi Rani Natarajan, Najla Majid Al Battashi, Azza Nasser Al Jabal, Ream Langhe","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1811134","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1811134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preeclampsia is a significant pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, posing substantial risks to both maternal and neonatal health.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to identify the prevalence of Preeclampsia and associated risk factors among Omani women.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>An unmatched retrospective case-control study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case-control study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Oman. Data were collected retrospectively from 668 women (167 with PE and 501 normotensive controls), including demographic, obstetric, and clinical variables. Data was analyzed using Pearson Chi-square tests and independent t-tests for associations or differences. Binary logistic regression was used to explore independent predictors of Preeclampsia, excluding diagnostic criteria (hypertension, proteinuria) from the model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort-based prevalence of preeclampsia among the screened study population was 25.0%. Women with preeclampsia had significantly higher gravidity (<i>p</i> = 0.017) and parity (<i>p</i> < 0.001) compared with controls. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, lower gestational age at delivery (AOR =  0.92 per additional week; 95% CI: 0.87-0.97; <i>p</i> = 0.003) and higher gravidity (AOR=1.45 per unit increase; 95% CI: 1.05-2.01; <i>p</i> = 0.025) were identified as independent predictors of Preeclampsia.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Gestational age and gravidity are significant predictors of PE in Omani women, providing crucial baseline data for national maternal health strategies and highlighting the need for increased prenatal attention for women with shorter gestations and higher gravidity.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1811134"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13416545/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622946","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":"Evaluating childbirth options for women with obesity: a multi-criteria decision analysis.","authors":"Carmen Wyss, Judit Lienert, Evelyne M Aubry","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1822385","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1822385","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Childbirth in women with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) has been linked to high medical intervention rates, adverse biomedical and psychosocial outcomes, and increased resource utilization. Person-centered decision-making on high-quality childbirth care should thus account for biopsychosocial and resource-related considerations aligned with individual preferences. This study evaluated childbirth options for women with obesity across obstetric scenarios by integrating multidimensional goals of care and stakeholder preferences with empirical evidence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;We employed multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) using multi-attribute value theory (MAVT). The study population included women with obesity and term, singleton, cephalic pregnancies without compelling indications for cesarean birth. Options encompassed vaginal birth and intrapartum cesarean birth, each with either standard hospital care or continuous midwifery care, and prelabor cesarean birth. Stakeholder-informed goals related to biomedical safety, physiological processes, psychosocial care experience, physical strain for care providers, care setting resource use, and direct healthcare costs. Scenarios accounted for cesarean birth history and maternal comorbidities. We estimated the goal performance of the options using Swiss hospital inpatient data from 22,464 childbirths among women with obesity and assessments from experienced experts. To illustrate how stakeholder preferences may influence person-centered decision-making, we considered four hypothetical extreme and three real preference profiles. All data were aggregated into the options' overall values using a non-additive MAVT model. Sensitivity analyses addressed preference uncertainty. Direct healthcare costs were mapped onto the aggregated value of all other goals in cost-benefit visualizations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Vaginal birth with standard hospital care or continuous midwifery care achieved similar or higher overall values compared to cesarean birth across a wide range of preference profiles. Prelabor and intrapartum cesarean birth generally achieved lower or comparable overall values, with greater variability depending on stakeholder preferences. Cost-benefit visualizations showed that vaginal birth provided good value at the lowest costs. Findings were largely consistent across obstetric scenarios.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;This study highlights the importance of integrating multidimensional goals and stakeholder preferences into decision-making on childbirth options, alongside empirical data. In doing so, vaginal birth with either model of care performed well across the considered scenarios and preference profiles, though the findings should not be interpreted as prescriptive. This MCDA approach offers a novel framework to support evidence-based and person-centered decision-making deliberations on high-quality childbirth care for w","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1822385"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13415362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622872","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":"Barriers and facilitators in identifying and addressing perinatal mood disorders: a healthcare provider perspective.","authors":"Kayleigh Gregory, Aubrey Jones, Lindsay Thompson, Karli Adams, Madelyn Hill, Mastano N Dzimbiri","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1880598","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1880598","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD's) are the leading cause of maternal mortality, and one of the most common medical complications identified during the perinatal experience. Research indicates that the early identification of PMADs can result in more effective management of mental health conditions. By examining healthcare professionals' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to these conversations, we can identify what helps or hinders effective dialogue. This understanding not only informs training and practice but also strengthens the use of screening tools, ensuring they are applied in ways that are meaningful, accessible, and responsive to patient needs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used a purposive sampling technique to recruit 19 providers who work in the United States; specifically, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended interview questions were conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and main themes emerged from the transcripts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four major themes were identified regarding screening barriers and facilitators for mental health care observed in OBGYN practice in the Midwest area: (1) Approaches to Screening and Assessment, (2) Provider Responses and Interventions, (3) Facilitators of Engagement and, (4) Barriers at Multiple Levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Study findings provide a comprehensive view of the screening barriers and facilitators perceived by these healthcare professionals during the perinatal period. These findings offer insight into how provider perspectives influence the implementation of mental health screening practices. Overall, results may offer evidence for improving screening protocols, provider training, and patient-centered approaches to perinatal mental health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1880598"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13416691/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622886","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":"Detection of dating violence among university students in health sciences: a multicentric cross-sectional study in Spain and Colombia.","authors":"Montserrat Puig-Llobet, Maria Aurelia Sánchez-Ortega, Marta Prats-Arimon, Zaida Agüera, Dolors Rodríguez-Martín, Carmen Moreno Arroyo, Elena Maestre, Maria Teresa Lluch-Canut, Juan F Roldán Merino, Antonio Moreno-Poyato, Maria Angeles Saz Roy, Susana Mantas-Jiménez, Pepita Giménez-Bonafé, Núria Vergés Bosch, Núria Ferran Ferrer, Adrien Faure-Carvallo, Cristina Manzanares Cespedes, Wilson Astudillo-Rozas, Núria Rodríguez Ávila, Cristina Casanovas-Cuellas, Ariadna Huertas-Zurriaga, Elisabet Torrubia-Pérez, Gerard Mora-López, Judit Vives-Espelta, Montserrat Sanromà-Ortiz, Judith Roca, Zuleima Cogollo, Rafael Tuesca-Molina, Sara Sanchez-Balcells","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1831359","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1831359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dating violence (DV) represents a critical public health challenge that disproportionately affects adolescents and young people. Among Health Sciences students, early detection is doubly important, both for their personal wellbeing and for their future role as frontline professionals in the identification of victims. The aim is to determine the prevalence and dynamics of dating violence (DV) among Health Sciences university students in Spain and Colombia, analyzing patterns of victimization and perpetration.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>This multicenter cross-sectional study included 511 Health Sciences students from eight universities in Spain and Colombia. DV was assessed using the Multidimensional Dating Violence Scale (EMVN) developed by García-Carpintero et al. (2018). The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committees of all participating institutions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings reveal that control and surveillance, together with sexual violence, are the predominant dimensions, far exceeding physical violence. Digital control behaviors (\"persistently sending messages through social media\") and subtle grooming behaviors (\"giving unsolicited gifts or favors\") emerged as the most frequently reported indicators. The bivariate analysis revealed critical gaps: men reported significantly higher levels of perpetration of physical and sexual violence. In addition, the geographical context proved to be a determining factor, showing significant cultural variations in how the phenomenon manifests.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results highlight that dating violence in this population is predominantly psychological and related to control. It is imperative to integrate education on equality and awareness of \"warning signs\" into the academic curriculum to transform these students into professionals capable of breaking the cycle of violence.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>This pioneering study provides an international perspective on the vulnerability and perceptions of future health professionals. Its multicenter nature makes it possible to design intervention strategies adapted to specific sociocultural contexts, thereby strengthening the response capacity of health systems to gender-based violence.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1831359"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13408377/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622896","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":"Diagnostic yield of endoscopy in women under 50 with iron deficiency anemia: a retrospective cohort study from Jordan.","authors":"Awni Abu Sneineh, Sara Haj Ali, Bashar Quteishat, Neebal Musleh, Dana Aldabas, Mai Awad, Suleiman Alatiyat, Rahaf Salah, Laith Deeb, Tala Ghunim, Leen Albassoumi, Nada Khraisat, Rasha Ali","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1805913","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1805913","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Iron deficiency anemia is a serious health issue that is largely prevalent, especially in premenopausal women. Guidelines recommend endoscopic evaluation of these patients even in the absence of symptoms. However, the evidence for this recommendation is weaker than that for postmenopausal women. Our study aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of endoscopic evaluation of women under 50 years with iron deficiency anemia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed a dual-center retrospective cohort study over a period of three years. Consecutive females aged 18-49 years with Hb <12 g/dL and ferritin <45 ng/mL who underwent upper and/or lower endoscopy for iron deficiency anemia were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We included 300 women [median age 39.0 years (Interquartile range 29.0-45.0) and median Hb of 10.7 g/dL (Interquartile range: 9.3-11.6)]. The vast majority (82.7%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms. Upper endoscopy revealed abnormalities in 79.4% of patients, most commonly gastritis (57.0%). Colonoscopy showed abnormalities in 48.6%, primarily internal hemorrhoids (32.6%). Significant findings were identified in 19.3% of patients, with older age being the only significant predictor. The prevalence of specific diagnoses was 2.0% for celiac disease, 1.7% for inflammatory bowel disease, and 1.3% for colorectal cancer. No clinical variables predicted these specific diagnoses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Endoscopic evaluation of young women with iron deficiency anemia identifies a high burden of gastrointestinal pathology, predominantly in the upper tract. The inability of symptoms or other clinical features to predict significant findings supports a broad referral strategy for endoscopic investigation in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1805913"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13408378/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622917","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":"Establishing trimester-specific reference intervals of vitamin K-dependent protein C, protein S, and antithrombin and exploring the impacts of abnormal anticoagulation tests on adverse perinatal complications or outcomes.","authors":"Lei Li, Zhengwen Xu, Jiazi Zeng, Hongyuan Zhu, Lin Liu, Yifei Chen, Jingnan Zhang, Huihui Yan, Jingyi Niu, Yue Zhang, Shaofei Su, Yanhong Zhai, Zheng Cao","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1793289","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1793289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Owing to complex physiological changes that take place in the anticoagulation system during pregnancy, reference intervals (RIs) based on non-pregnant women are not optimal for clinical diagnosis and treatment. In this cohort study, we aimed to establish trimester-specific RIs of vitamin K-dependent protein C (PC), protein S (PS), and antithrombin (AT) in singleton pregnancies and assess the risks of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using the nonparametric approach, the first- (<i>n</i> = 276), second- (<i>n</i> = 124), and third- (<i>n</i> = 182) trimester PC, PS, and AT testing results of healthy singleton pregnant women from January 2017 and December 2020 were included to establish the trimester-specific RIs. The retrospective associations between the anticoagulation tests of singleton pregnant women (<i>n</i> = 6,090) and pregnancy complications as well as perinatal outcomes were assessed by logistic regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The trimester-specific RIs for the PS and AT showed decreasing trends over the entire pregnancy (<i>p</i> < 0.05), which was closely associated with metabolism and changes in demand of vitamin K. However, the level of PC was slightly increased from the first to the second trimester and dropped in the third trimester (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In the subsequent risk analysis, AT displayed negative associations between its plasma level and the odds of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>With the established trimester-specific RIs of vitamin K-dependent PC, PS, and AT, our study sheds light on the potential application of these tests in identifying women with increased risks of developing various pregnancy complications and adverse postpartum outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1793289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13407839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148610385","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":"Rituals and knowledge of Andean midwives in maternal and neonatal care.","authors":"Edgar Gutiérrez-Gómez, Yolanda Justina Soliz-Yaranga, Rubén Darío Alania-Contreras, Daniela Isabel Dayan Ortega-Révolo, Wilfredo Bazán-Ramírez, Aldo Bazán-Ramírez","doi":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1857301","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fgwh.2026.1857301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study examines the persistence of the knowledge and rituals of Andean midwives within a context of medicalization that has progressively delegitimized ancestral knowledge systems and traditional forms of maternal and neonatal care among rural Quechua-speaking populations in Ayacucho, Peru. The study is framed within the contemporary challenges of global maternal health and intercultural healthcare in Indigenous communities.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To analyze how the knowledge and ritual practices of Andean midwives shape maternal and neonatal care and how these practices are articulated with biomedicine.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative ethnographic approach was employed, based on in-depth interviews with 20 participants: 8 traditional birth attendants, including seven women and one man, 7 mothers, and 5 community actors involved in maternal and neonatal care. Data collection also included participant observation and field notes conducted in rural communities of Ayacucho.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings reveal a therapeutic system grounded in thermal-body balance, the use of medicinal plants, family accompaniment, ritual practices, and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Tensions with the biomedical system were identified, characterized by processes of partial delegitimization, communication barriers, and selective adaptation between traditional and institutional healthcare systems.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The knowledge of Andean midwives constitutes a living system of care that ensures comprehensive attention, cultural continuity, and community trust during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Their recognition and integration into intercultural health policies are essential for reducing healthcare disparities and strengthening maternal and neonatal care in rural Indigenous societies.</p>","PeriodicalId":73087,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in global women's health","volume":"7 ","pages":"1857301"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13408237/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622942","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}