Jennifer M. Mongiovi, B. Wallace, McKenzie Goodwin, A. Vitonis, Sarah Karevicius, A. Shafrir, Naoko Sasamoto, A. DiVasta, C. Sieberg, Kathryn L. Terry, S. A. Missmer
{"title":"Differences in characteristics and use of complementary and alternative methods for coping with endometriosis-associated acyclic pelvic pain across adolescence and adulthood","authors":"Jennifer M. Mongiovi, B. Wallace, McKenzie Goodwin, A. Vitonis, Sarah Karevicius, A. Shafrir, Naoko Sasamoto, A. DiVasta, C. Sieberg, Kathryn L. Terry, S. A. Missmer","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1306380","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1306380","url":null,"abstract":"Over four million women in the US alone have been diagnosed with endometriosis. For those living with this disease, surgery and hormonal treatment reduce associated pelvic pain in some, while others continue to experience life impacting pain. Therefore, identification of accessible and cost-effective methods of pain reduction to compliment current treatment is urgently needed. Our objective was to quantify the prevalence of complementary and alternative methods used to manage acyclic pelvic pain and their reported benefit among women of different age groups living with endometriosis.We used baseline questionnaire data from laparoscopically-confirmed endometriosis cases who completed a WERF EPHect compliant questionnaire in the longitudinal cohort of The Women's Health Study: From Adolescence to Adulthood (A2A). Participants with acyclic pelvic pain were asked to indicate specific methods or activities that either helped or worsened their pelvic/lower abdominal pain. Differences among age groups [adolescent (<18 years), young adult (18–25 years), and adult (>25 years)] were assessed using Fisher's exact test.Of the 357 participants included in analysis, sleep for coping was reported more frequently among adolescents (n = 59, 57.3%) compared to young adults (n = 40, 44.0%) and adults (n = 19, 31.1%; p = 0.004). Adolescents also reported more frequent use of music (n = 29, 21.2%) than young adults (n = 10, 7.0%) and adults (n = 7, 9.1%; p = 0.001). Exercise worsened pain most commonly among adolescents (n = 82, 59.9%), followed by younger adults (n = 67, 46.9%), and adults (n = 27, 35.1%; p = 0.002).Our analysis of participants in the A2A cohort showed that the prevalence of complementary and alternative methods used for coping with endometriosis-associated acyclic pelvic pain varied by age group. Future studies should aim to provide information that will further inform decisions in making care plans for managing endometriosis-associated pain that is effective, accessible, and tailored to the preferences of the patient.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"8 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139445922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. Saar-Ryss, Michael Shilo, Michael Friger, L. Grin, Yulia Michailov, S. Meltcer, Svetlana Zaks, J. Rabinson, T. Lazer, Shevach Friedler
{"title":"Is there any truth in the myth that IVF treatments involve weight gain?","authors":"B. Saar-Ryss, Michael Shilo, Michael Friger, L. Grin, Yulia Michailov, S. Meltcer, Svetlana Zaks, J. Rabinson, T. Lazer, Shevach Friedler","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1327110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1327110","url":null,"abstract":"To examine body weight change in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) using antagonist protocol after up to three treatment cycles.A prospective cohort study among IVF patients treated between 2018 and 2019. Each patient underwent weight measurement three times during the treatment cycle: before treatment, at the beginning of the hormonal stimulation, and at the completion of the cycle, on the day of the pregnancy test. Data were also analyzed according to the body mass index (BMI) groups for normal weight, overweight, and obese patients. Finally, weight changes were recorded following altogether 519 treatment cycles, 240, 131, and 148 cycles, for normal weight, overweight, and obese patients, respectively.The change in the patient's weight was clinically non-significant either during the waiting period or during gonadotropin administration, and overall, during the first, second, or third treatment cycles. The recorded mean total weight change of 0.26 ± 1.85, 0.4 ± 1.81, and 0.17 ± 1.7, after the first, second, or third treatment cycles, represent a change of 0.36%, 0.56%, and 0.23% of their initial weights, respectively. This change of less than 1% of the body weight falls short of the clinically significant weight gain of 5%–7%. Analyzing the data for the various BMI groups, the changes observed in body weight were under 1%, hence with no clinical significance.The findings of the study reject the myth that hormone therapy involves clinically significant weight gain, and this can lower the concerns of many patients who are candidates for treatment of assisted reproductive technology.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"59 31","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139446787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Ingold, Paula Andrea Navarro, Renato de Oliveira, Caio Parente Barbosa, José Carlos Sadalla, G. Bedoschi
{"title":"Feasibility and safety of combined laparoscopic and transvaginal oocyte retrieval in a woman with vaginal recurrence of cervical adenocarcinoma: a case report","authors":"C. Ingold, Paula Andrea Navarro, Renato de Oliveira, Caio Parente Barbosa, José Carlos Sadalla, G. Bedoschi","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1295939","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1295939","url":null,"abstract":"Oocyte cryopreservation is an established technique for fertility preservation in women diagnosed with cancer. However, some clinical scenarios may preclude the commonly used transvaginal approach to oocyte retrieval. In such cases, a laparoscopic approach may be required. Here, we report the feasibility and safety of a combined laparoscopic and transvaginal approach for oocyte retrieval in a woman with vaginal recurrence of cervical adenocarcinoma. This approach allowed for oocyte cryopreservation prior to cancer treatment, representing a novel application in this clinical context.A 31-year-old woman with endocervical adenocarcinoma underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. She presented with vaginal recurrence and was referred for fertility preservation by oocyte cryopreservation before chemotherapy and radiotherapy/brachytherapy. Ovarian stimulation was initiated with a gonadotropin antagonist protocol combined with aromatase inhibitors, and oocyte retrieval was performed with a combined laparoscopic and transvaginal approach.A total of 18 oocytes were retrieved and 10 mature oocytes were cryopreserved. Peritoneal fluid cytology was negative for malignancy. The patient underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy/brachytherapy and was disease-free after oocyte retrieval.The combined laparoscopic and transvaginal approach for oocyte retrieval emerges as a practical and efficacious method for fertility preservation in cases of cervical adenocarcinoma with vaginal recurrence. Further comprehensive studies are warranted to establish the reproducibility, safety, and long-term outcomes associated with this innovative approach.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"52 35","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139447425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. W. Whitworth, I. Moussa, H. M. Salihu, A. Chardon Fabien, M. Suter, K. M. Aagaard, E. Symanski
{"title":"Environmental justice burden and Black-White disparities in spontaneous preterm birth in Harris County, Texas","authors":"K. W. Whitworth, I. Moussa, H. M. Salihu, A. Chardon Fabien, M. Suter, K. M. Aagaard, E. Symanski","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1296590","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1296590","url":null,"abstract":"Given limited evidence of previous studies, we evaluated the role of environmental justice (EJ) burden (i.e., a neighborhood characterized by both increased environmental burden and socioeconomic deprivation) in Black-White disparities in spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in Harris County, Texas and compared results that evaluated neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation alone.We conducted a retrospective analysis using PeriBank, a database and biospecimen repository of gravidae giving birth at two hospitals in the Texas Medical Center. We included 3,703 non-Hispanic Black and 5,475 non-Hispanic white gravidae who were U.S.-born, delivered from August 2011-December 2020, and resided in Harris County, TX. We used data from the U.S. EPA EJScreen to characterize the EJ burden of participant's zip code of residence from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, and proximity to National Priorities List (NPL) sites and calculated zip-code level Area Deprivation Index (ADI). We assessed the contribution of neighborhood-level variables to the Black-White disparity in sPTB by evaluating attenuation of the odds ratio (OR) representing the effect of race in multivariable logistic regression models, controlling for individual-level characteristics. We also conducted race-stratified analyses between each neighborhood variable and sPTB. Exposure indices were treated as continuous variables; in stratified models, ORs and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) are presented per 10-unit increase in the neighborhood variable.Accounting for individual-level variables, Black gravidae had 79% higher odds of sPTB than white gravidae (OR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.32, 2.44); the disparity was moderately attenuated when accounting for EJ burden or ADI (ORs ranged from 1.58 to 1.69). Though we observed no association between any of the EJ burden indices and sPTB among white gravidae, we found increased risks among Black gravidae, with ORs of similar magnitude for each EJ variable. For example, Black gravidae experienced 17% increased odds of sPTB associated with a 10-unit increase in the EJ burden index for PM2.5 (OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 0.97, 1.40). No racial differences were observed in the association of ADI with sPTB.Though we observed limited evidence of the contribution of living in EJ neighborhoods to the Black-White disparity in sPTB, our study suggests living in an EJ neighborhood may differentially impact Black and white gravidae.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":" 1176","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138960163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cory J Cascalheira, Tyler H Pugh, Chenglin Hong, Michelle Birkett, Kathryn Macapagal, Ian W Holloway
{"title":"Developing technology-based interventions for infectious diseases: ethical considerations for young sexual and gender minority people.","authors":"Cory J Cascalheira, Tyler H Pugh, Chenglin Hong, Michelle Birkett, Kathryn Macapagal, Ian W Holloway","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1303218","DOIUrl":"10.3389/frph.2023.1303218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, young sexual and gender minority (YSGM) people are more likely to contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs; e.g., HIV) and to face adverse consequences of emerging infections, such as COVID-19 and mpox. To reduce these sexual health disparities, technology-based interventions (TBIs) for STIs and emerging infections among YSGM adolescents and young adults have been developed. In this Perspective, we discuss ethical issues, ethical principles, and recommendations in the development and implementation of TBIs to address STIs and emerging infections among YSGM. Our discussion covers: (1) <i>confidentiality, privacy, and data security</i> (e.g., if TBI use is revealed, YSGM are at increased risk of discrimination and family rejection); (2) <i>empowerment and autonomy</i> (e.g., designing TBIs that can still function if YSGM users opt-out of multiple features and data collection requests); (3) <i>evidence-based and quality controlled</i> (e.g., going above and beyond minimum FDA effectiveness standards to protect vulnerable YSGM people); (4) <i>cultural sensitivity and tailoring</i> (e.g., using YSGM-specific models of prevention and intervention); (5) <i>balancing inclusivity vs. group specificity</i> (e.g., honoring YSGM heterogeneity); (6) <i>duty to care</i> (e.g., providing avenues to contact affirming healthcare professionals); (7) <i>equitable access</i> (e.g., prioritizing YSGM people living in low-resource, high-stigma areas); and (8) <i>digital temperance</i> (e.g., being careful with gamification because YSGM experience substantial screen time compared to their peers). We conclude that a community-engaged, YSGM-centered approach to TBI development and implementation is paramount to ethically preventing and treating STIs and emerging infections with innovative technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"5 ","pages":"1303218"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10759218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139089617","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}
A. Polyakov, G. Rozen, Chris Gyngell, Julian Savulescu
{"title":"Novel embryo selection strategies—finding the right balance","authors":"A. Polyakov, G. Rozen, Chris Gyngell, Julian Savulescu","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1287621","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1287621","url":null,"abstract":"The use of novel technologies in the selection of embryos during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has the potential to improve the chances of pregnancy and birth of a healthy child. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and unintended consequences that may arise from the premature implementation of these technologies. This article discusses the ethical considerations surrounding the use of novel embryo selection technologies in IVF, including the growing uptake of genetic testing and others, and argues that prioritising embryos for transfer using these technologies is acceptable, but discarding embryos based on unproven advances is not. Several historical examples are provided, which demonstrate possible harms, where the overall chance of pregnancy may have been reduced, and some patients may have missed out on biological parenthood altogether. We emphasise the need for caution and a balanced approach to ensure that the benefits of these technologies outweigh any potential harm. We also highlight the primacy of patients' autonomy in reproductive decision-making, especially when information gained by utilising novel technologies is imprecise.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"24 95","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138999047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Firuza Parikh, A. Athalye, P. Madon, Meenal S. Khandeparkar, Dattatray J. Naik, Rupesh R. Sanap, Anuradha Udumudi
{"title":"Genetic counseling for pre-implantation genetic testing of monogenic disorders (PGT-M)","authors":"Firuza Parikh, A. Athalye, P. Madon, Meenal S. Khandeparkar, Dattatray J. Naik, Rupesh R. Sanap, Anuradha Udumudi","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1213546","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1213546","url":null,"abstract":"Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) is a vital tool in preventing chromosomal aneuploidies and other genetic disorders including those that are monogenic in origin. It is performed on embryos created by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Genetic counseling in the area of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has also evolved along with PGT and is considered an essential and integral part of Reproductive Medicine. While PGT has the potential to prevent future progeny from being affected by genetic conditions, genetic counseling helps couples understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, familial and social implications of the genetic contribution to disease. Genetic counseling is particularly helpful for couples with recurrent miscarriages, advanced maternal age, a partner with a chromosome translocation or inversion, those in a consanguineous marriage, and those using donor gametes. Partners with a family history of genetic conditions including hereditary cancer, late onset neurological diseases and with a carrier status for monogenic disorders can benefit from genetic counseling when undergoing PGT for monogenic disorders (PGT-M). Genetic counseling for PGT is useful in cases of Mendelian disorders, autosomal dominant and recessive conditions and sex chromosome linked disorders and for the purposes of utilizing HLA matching technology for creating a savior sibling. It also helps in understanding the importance of PGT in cases of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and variable penetrance. The possibilities and limitations are discussed in detail during the sessions of genetic counseling.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"60 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138997702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wondu Belayneh, Z. Kassaye, T. Arusi, Netsanet Abera, Admassu Hantalo, Biruk Melkamu, M. Gutulo
{"title":"Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and associated factors and its effect on daily academic activities among female undergraduate students of Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Ethiopia","authors":"Wondu Belayneh, Z. Kassaye, T. Arusi, Netsanet Abera, Admassu Hantalo, Biruk Melkamu, M. Gutulo","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1244540","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1244540","url":null,"abstract":"Dysmenorrhea is pain during menstrual flow and is the most common gynecologic complaint in reproductive-age girls. The severity of dysmenorrhea ranges from mild to severe pain during menstruation, which affects their academic activities.To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of dysmenorrhea and its effects on academic activities among Hawassa University students from April 1–30/2021.A cross-sectional study was conducted and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select 348 study participants. Standardized self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain relevant data. The severity of pain was assessed using a verbal multidimensional scoring system and Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) methods. The collected data was entered into Epi info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis and then descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed.The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 80% (277). Of those affected by dysmenorrhea, using the verbal multidimensional scoring system, 47.6% (132) were found to have mild pain, 39.7% (110) had moderate pain, and 12.6% (35) had severe pain. However, using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), 21.7% (60) were found to have mild pain, 33.2% (92) had moderate pain, 37.5% (104) had severe pain, and 7.6% (21) had very severe pain. It was found to have a negative effect on academic activity, such as loss of concentration in class (p = 0.00), disruption of study time (p = 0.00), sleep disturbances (p = 0.00), issues in personal relationships (p = 0.00), and absenteeism (p = 0.00). Associated factors included being sexually active, having a family history of dysmenorrhea, and the presence of depression.Dysmenorrhea is prevalent in this study and has a significant impact on academic activities. Family history of dysmenorrhea, being sexually active, and the presence of depression are associated factors.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"285 S9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138997088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdelrahman Yousif, Mary DePari, A. Vitonis, Holly R. Harris, A. Shafrir, Kathryn L. Terry, Stacey A. Missmer, Naoko Sasamoto
{"title":"Visualized peritoneal fluid variation in adolescents and young adults with endometriosis: is there more to it?","authors":"Abdelrahman Yousif, Mary DePari, A. Vitonis, Holly R. Harris, A. Shafrir, Kathryn L. Terry, Stacey A. Missmer, Naoko Sasamoto","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1297907","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1297907","url":null,"abstract":"Peritoneal fluid is a medium for endometriosis-associated biomarker discovery from which the local peritoneal environment and pathophysiologic pathways are often inferred. Therefore, we evaluated the associations between peritoneal fluid color and volume at time of endometriosis-related laparoscopic surgery with patient characteristics, endometriosis type and lesion location in adolescents and young adults with endometriosis.We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 545 patients undergoing surgery for endometriosis who enrolled in the Women's Health Study: from Adolescence to Adulthood cohort study. Patient characteristics, surgically visualized endometriosis phenotypes, and gross characteristics of peritoneal fluid were collected in compliance with World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonization Project (EPHect) tools. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were applied to test for differences across categories.Most of the patients were adolescents or young adults (86% age <25 years) of white race (89%), with only superficial peritoneal lesions and rASRM stage = I/II observed at surgery (both 95%). We observed variation in peritoneal fluid color across different menstrual cycle phases at time of surgery (p = 0.006). Among those who were cycling at time of surgery, endometriosis patients with red peritoneal fluid were most likely to be in the proliferative phase (49%) compared to the secretory phase (27%), while those with yellow or orange peritoneal fluid were most likely to be in the secretory phase (57% and 86% respectively). Yellow color was significantly less common in those taking combined oral contraceptives but much more common with progesterone only formulation exposure (p = 0.002). Peritoneal fluid volume did not differ by cycle phase but was more likely to be low (≤6 ml) for those exposed to hormones at time of surgery (p = 0.01). Those with acyclic pelvic pain were less likely to have red peritoneal fluid (p = 0.001) but had greater volume (p = 0.02) compared to those without.Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for menstrual cycle phase and hormonal exposures when designing research using peritoneal fluid samples and inferring from biomarker results intended to advance our understanding of endometriosis and associated symptom pathophysiology.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"9 17","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139000187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sexual and reproductive health experiences, access to services, and sources of information among university students in Ethiopia","authors":"Bekalu Mossie Chekol, Grace Sheehy, Y. Siraneh","doi":"10.3389/frph.2023.1271685","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2023.1271685","url":null,"abstract":"Adolescence and youth are times of major growth and change that can place young people at elevated risk of poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, particularly when they are living away from home for the first time. Understanding the barriers that young people face when accessing SRH services and information is imperative for addressing their SRH needs; our study explored this topic among university students in Ethiopia. Specifically, we explore university students' SRH experiences, access to services, and preferred sources of information.We draw on mixed-methods research conducted in four public universities across Ethiopia in early 2020. A random sample of 822 male and female students completed a cross-sectional survey that explored SRH knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and sources of information. We also conducted 8 focus group discussions with students and 8 key informant interviews across the four universities. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and we used structural coding and inductive analysis to analyze qualitative data.The survey data demonstrated that condoms and emergency contraceptive pills were the most used contraceptive methods. Nearly 18% of female students had experienced an unwanted pregnancy, and 14% reported having had an abortion. Approximately one-third of students reported encountering gender-based violence in the past 6 months. Most students preferred receiving SRH information from mass media, and male students were more likely than female students to seek information from friends. Our qualitative findings highlight a lack of comprehensive SRH care available on university campuses, and services that are available are often of poor quality; participants described a lack of privacy, confidentiality and respect when accessing SRH care at school. University students also lack regular opportunities to learn about SRH while on campus, and their preferred sources of information varied widely.Ethiopian university students have considerable unmet demand for SRH services and often face significant barriers to accessing high-quality information and services on campus. Consistent commitment and investment by universities and the government is vital to meeting the SRH needs of young people during this potentially vulnerable time.","PeriodicalId":73103,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in reproductive health","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138971736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}