Therapeutic advances in reproductive health最新文献

{"title":"Health-related quality of life and associated factors among mothers attending antenatal care in South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia: multicentered study.","authors":"Hawa Wolie, Ehtenesh Berihun, Missale Kassahun, Sisay Gedamu Addis, Debrnesh Goshiye, Mitaw Girma, Dessalegn Haile, Adane Birhanu Nigat","doi":"10.1177/26334941261441728","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26334941261441728","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pregnancy is a natural physiological process. However, it significantly affects mothers' health-related quality of life through various physical, psychological, social, and environmental changes. Understanding the determinants of health-related quality of life during antenatal care can guide maternal health interventions.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess health-related quality of life and associated factors among mothers attending antenatal care in South Wollo Zone public hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>An institution-based cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Systematic random sampling method was used in five randomly selected hospitals among mothers attending antenatal care from March 1 to 30, 2024. Health-related quality of life was measured using World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS 25 for analysis. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed by selecting variables with a <i>p</i>-value of <0.25 in simple linear regression. Then, variables having <i>p</i>-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval with an unstandardized <i>B</i>-coefficient were considered significant predictors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean scores for physical, psychological, social relationship, and environmental health-related quality of life domains were 71.0, 72.1, 66.1, and 65.7, respectively. Among the participants, 76.1% rated their health-related quality of life as neither poor nor good, and 42.3% reported being neither dissatisfied nor satisfied in terms of their health satisfaction. Physical health was negatively affected by pregnancy-related illness, older age, and depression. Psychological domain declined with depression, rural residence, and perceived social stigma. Depression and perceived social stigma impaired social relationships. Environmental quality of life was lower among depressed participants, rural residents, and those reporting current alcohol use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, participants demonstrated moderate health-related quality of life across all domains, with most perceiving their health status as neutral. Health professionals should follow holistic care, including physical, psychological, social, and environmental interventions. Targeted interventions are needed to address negatively associated predictor variables for all domains of health-related quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261441728"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13110324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791338","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":"Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system treatment for endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer: a systematic review.","authors":"Kristina Rosa Bolling, Elizabeth Suh-Burgmann, Susan D Reed, Shannon Westin, Michael Fassett, Yesmean Wahdan, Eeva Lukkari-Lax, Juliane Schoendorf, Nils Schoof, Carsten Moeller, Livia Delgado, Malia Gill, Maria Lorenzi, Benjamin Feakins, Erika Wissinger, Angie Lee","doi":"10.1177/26334941261433726","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26334941261433726","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS) are considered off-label and investigational in the United States for treating non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia (NAEH), atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH), and early-stage endometrial cancer (EC), though evidence suggests potential benefit.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To summarize the available evidence regarding the use of LNG-IUS, with or without other therapies, for the treatment of NAEH, AEH, and early-stage (FIGO I/IA) EC.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Systematic literature review and meta-analyses.</p><p><strong>Data sources: </strong>MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) were searched from database inception through May 2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from studies reporting complete outcome definitions and study populations that were aligned with the 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) endometrial hyperplasia classification criteria or were defined as FIGO grade 1 stage I/IA EC were extracted and assessed in random-effects meta-analyses. A risk of bias assessment was completed using recommended study-design-specific tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>1085 unique records were reviewed; 80 publications were included, with data from 30 assessed in meta-analyses: NAEH, <i>n</i> = 14; AEH, <i>n</i> = 21; EC, <i>n</i> = 5. Complete response (CR) rates at 12 months were high: 86.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 78.50%-91.55%; n = 342) of patients with NAEH, 83.9% (95% CI: 71.95%-91.34%; <i>n</i> = 196) of patients with AEH, and 51.1% (95% CI: 16.30%-84.90%; <i>n</i> = 20) of patients with EC. LNG-IUS was associated with significantly greater odds of CR at 12 months compared to oral progestins in NAEH and AEH populations, with odds ratios ranging from 2.16 (95% CI: 1.38-3.36) to 4.56 (95% CI: 2.57-8.09). No comparative data were available for EC. Safety information was consistent with that of approved LNG-IUS indications. Risk of bias varied across study designs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that NAEH, AEH, and early-stage (FIGO I/IA) EC can be effectively treated with LNG-IUS, with the evidence being strongest for NAEH and weakest for EC. Greater availability of LNG-IUS treatment could provide meaningful benefit to these patients.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261433726"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13084025/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724951","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":"The obstetric hematology joint clinic in Qatar: experience since 2020.","authors":"Sarah A Elkourashy, Naela Elmallahi, Lawal Bappa, Nurhan Elshafey, Sharon Jacob, Sara Osman Musa, Annamma Mathew, Salwa Abuyaqoub","doi":"10.1177/26334941261435054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26334941261435054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obstetric hematology subspeciality represents unique discipline that combines maternal-fetal medicine and hematology expertise to optimize care for pregnancy-associated and pre-existing hematologic disorders.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe the implementation and clinical experience of the Obstetric Hematology Joint Clinic at the Women's Wellness and Research Center (WWRC), a specialized tertiary women's hospital in Qatar, since August 2020.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>Single-center descriptive service evaluation using routinely collected data from August 2020 to December 2025, including patient encounters, diagnostic categories, and interventions delivered by the multidisciplinary team.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2,564 patient encounters were recorded over the study period, with steady annual growth. The clinic managed hemoglobinopathies, bleeding and thrombotic disorders, and pregnancy-related anemia and thrombocytopenia. Key interventions included intravenous iron therapy, anticoagulation management, transfusion support, and individualized multidisciplinary birth planning.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The integrated clinic model improves coordinated care, enhances peripartum preparedness, and supports safe management of complex hematologic conditions during pregnancy and postpartum.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261435054"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13071284/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147693994","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":"Companionship care and associated factors among childbirth women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Agerie Mengistie Zeleke, Worku Chekol Tassew, Banchgizie Adane Mengistu, Moges Tadesse Abebe, Worku Getachew Dessie, Getu Amsalu Erqu, Tirukelem Muhabaw Bizuayehu, Yeshiwas Ayale Ferede","doi":"10.1177/26334941261434846","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26334941261434846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Companionship-based care is essential for enhancing maternal and neonatal health services. Despite its importance, studies have shown inconsistent findings regarding the utilization of companionship during childbirth in developing countries, including Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the pooled utilization of companionship and identify the factors influencing this practice among women giving birth.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Data sources and methods: </strong>We conducted our review by searching common databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, and Epistemonikos, between February 1, 2025, and April 1, 2025. In addition, Google Scholar and unpublished theses from Ethiopian university research repositories were included. Data extraction was performed using an Excel data extraction form and subsequently imported into STATA version 11 for analysis. We employed forest plots, Cochran's <i>Q</i> tests, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and meta-regression models to assess the heterogeneity among the included studies. Publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots and Egger's regression tests. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled utilization of companionship.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From the 13 studies analyzed, which included a total of 8100 participants, we found that the utilization of companionship during childbirth was 28.86% (95% CI: 22.23, 35.48). Factors associated with higher utilization included the following: higher education level (prevalence and odds ratio (POR): 2.87, 95% CI: 1.81, 4.57), being primiparous (POR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.82, 2.67), expressing a desire for companionship during delivery (POR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.79, 4.28), having a history of obstetric complications (POR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.79, 4.28), access to comfortable healthcare facilities (POR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.97, 3.59), and possessing good knowledge about companionship care (POR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.41).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The utilization of companionship during childbirth in Ethiopia remains low. The factors influencing this practice include higher education levels, being primiparous, the desire for a delivery companion, experiences of complications during pregnancy and labor, access to adequate healthcare facilities, and awareness of the benefits of having a birth companion. To improve this situation, healthcare management teams and providers should prioritize educating expectant mothers about the advantages of companionship during antenatal care.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>PROSPERO registration: CRD420251020204.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261434846"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058176/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647781","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":"To use or not use lisdexamfetamine in pregnancy and breastfeeding: a case report highlighting ADHD management and maternal-fetal outcomes.","authors":"Tammy H Tran, Marissa L Beal, Melissa F Free, Ritika Baweja","doi":"10.1177/26334941261438664","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26334941261438664","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often treated with amphetamine and methylphenidate agents. There is limited published data to provide established guidelines for stimulant use during pregnancy, and even less data on particular medications. This case study reports maternal-fetal outcomes with lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The patient who received this medication during her second pregnancy experienced significant improvement in her mental well-being compared to her first pregnancy, despite a similar pregnancy course and fetal outcomes, including preterm delivery, neonatal intensive care unit admission, cleft palate, and micrognathia in both pregnancies. In addition, this case demonstrates one instance of successful breastfeeding with maternal use of lisdexamfetamine with no observed side effects in the infant. This report highlights the importance of managing ADHD during pregnancy and the postpartum period and offers an example of breastfeeding without significant side effects or concerns.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261438664"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13051099/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635133","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":"Impact of intrapartum quality improvement interventions on stillbirths: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Preetha Gopinathan, Neha Lakshman, Himanshu Tolani, Vinay Tripathi, Sumant Swain, Eshika Bindal, Manish Prajapat, Jagdish Prasad","doi":"10.1177/26334941261431235","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26334941261431235","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stillbirths are a major global health concern. Improving intrapartum quality of care could reduce stillbirths, but there is no synthesized evidence on the impact of different intrapartum interventions on stillbirths.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The broad aim was to assess whether intrapartum quality improvement packages and related facility-based clinical, technological and health system interventions at maternity units of health facilities led to a reduction of stillbirths.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental and analytical studies.</p><p><strong>Data sources and methods: </strong>This systematic review is reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched during July-August 2024. A comprehensive search strategy was developed using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords. We conducted database scanning, article screening and data extraction and included experimental, cohort or case-control designs. Risk of bias was assessed using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP), ROBINS-I and RoB 2 checklists. A random-effects model was used to account for between-study variability. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's <i>Q</i> test, tau-squared (<i>τ</i> ²) and quantified using the <i>I</i> ² statistic followed by exploration through sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The final selection included 24 articles involving 4,647,555 intrapartum women for the systematic review and 17 studies for the meta-analysis. Quality improvement intrapartum interventions of foetal heart rate monitoring, capacity building and mentoring of providers and clinical practice improvement seemed to be beneficial in reducing stillbirths. The pooled estimate on meta-analysis yielded an odds ratio of 0.25 (95% CI: 0.06-1.10), suggesting a 75% reduction in the odds of stillbirth with intrapartum interventions, but not statistically significant. Diverse study settings enhanced the generalizability of findings, but the marked heterogeneity and variable methodological quality of the studies call for caution in making conclusions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Comprehensive quality improvement programmes during intrapartum period suggest potential benefits in reduction of stillbirths and can impact intrapartum care practices globally, particularly in low-resource settings. Heterogeneity in study design, study quality and contextual factors underscored the necessity for further research.</p><p><strong>Review registration: </strong>PROSPERO CRD42024503854.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261431235"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13031727/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147576844","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":"Knowledge, role and perceptions of male partners on pre-eclampsia in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies.","authors":"Christiana Asiedu, Emmanuella Florence Odi Asiedu, Eunice Johnson, Sarah Esi Bilson","doi":"10.1177/26334941261432063","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26334941261432063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and a major cause of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review synthesised evidence on how men engage with pre-eclampsia in the region.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This systematic review included qualitative designs and cross-sectional studies.</p><p><strong>Data sources and methods: </strong>Search was done across five primary databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science). Additional searches were carried out in online sources like institutional repositories, HINARI, Dimensions AI and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2025. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework. Data were appraised using JBI tools and synthesised thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve studies from Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Mozambique were included. Knowledge of pre-eclampsia varied widely; that is, only 24.8% of men demonstrated high awareness, while misconceptions, such as attributing the condition to stress, cold or supernatural forces, were common. Men's roles spanned financial provision, decision-making, emotional and household support and information sharing, but overall involvement was moderate. Perceptions were shaped by cultural, social and spiritual narratives, while health system barriers such as unclear roles and exclusionary practices reduced engagement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Male partners' knowledge, perceptions and roles significantly affect maternal outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings show the need for targeted education, culturally sensitive interventions and health system reforms that encourage male participation. Strengthening men's engagement could reduce delays in care-seeking, improve antenatal care utilisation and contribute to lowering maternal and neonatal mortality.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Open Science Framework with the DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WHB93.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261432063"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13009872/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147517401","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":"Robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of isthmoceles: the feasibility of operative treatment and recommendations for patient selection.","authors":"Sa'ed Almasarweh, Rainer Kimmig, Anna Magdalena Jakob, Anika Hüser, Paul Buderath, Roland Csorba, Angela Köninger, Antonella Iannaccone","doi":"10.1177/26334941261426108","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26334941261426108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Uterine niches (isthmoceles) are myometrial defects commonly occurring after caesarean sections and may lead to abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and impaired fertility. Robotic-assisted surgical approaches have emerged as a minimally invasive option for their management, yet data on their efficacy remain limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the efficacy of robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of uterine niches in improving clinical symptoms and fertility outcomes.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary university hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>All patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of uterine niches between 2013 and 2023 were included. Preoperative assessments included transvaginal ultrasound and hysterosalpingo-ultrasonography to evaluate residual myometrial thickness (RMT) and niche morphology. The surgical procedure entailed isthmocele resection followed by double-layer myometrial suturing using the Da Vinci Robotic System®. Pre- and postoperative RMT measurements were compared to assess myometrial restoration. Symptom resolution and postoperative fertility outcomes were also evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-one patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair during the study period. The mean RMT significantly increased from 1.75 ± 1.4 mm preoperatively to 4.9 ± 3.4 mm postoperatively (<i>p</i> < 0.001). While niche diameter reduction was not statistically significant, the healing ratio demonstrated a significant improvement (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Among symptomatic patients with postoperative symptom assessment (<i>n</i> = 28), 20 (71.4%) reported complete or partial symptom resolution. Among patients desiring conception postoperatively (<i>n</i> = 36), 26 conceived; among pregnancies, 17/26 (65.4%) resulted in live birth, 1/26 (3.8%) was ongoing at last follow-up and 3/26 (11.5%) had an unknown outcome.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair was associated with improvement in symptoms related to uterine niches. The technique significantly improves myometrial thickness and supports favourable reproductive outcomes. Further prospective studies are warranted to establish standardised treatment guidelines and assess long-term efficacy.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261426108"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12961102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147380014","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":"Factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization among postpartum adolescent girls and young women in rural Mara, Tanzania: facility-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Magnus Michael Sichalwe, Grace Tavengana, Manas Ranjan Behera, Fiaz Ul Haq, Johnpaul Otuomasiri Egbobe, Shafee Ullah, Regnald Raymond Kimaro, Abdul Basit","doi":"10.1177/26334941261426086","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26334941261426086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Modern contraceptives are effective in preventing unintended pregnancies, which may consequently reduce the risk of unsafe abortions. However, their use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Tanzania remains low. Despite various national strategies, the fertility rate in the Mara region remains high at 6.1.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The first objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of modern contraceptive use among postpartum AGYW in rural Mara, Tanzania. The second objective was to identify factors influencing modern contraceptive use among postpartum AGYW.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted to assess modern contraceptive use among postpartum AGYW in rural Mara, Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A random multistage sampling technique was used to select 614 AGYW aged 15-24 years from rural Mara. Data were collected from January 5 to February 27, 2024, using a structured Swahili questionnaire. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis to examine associations between categorical variables, and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive use (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Modern contraceptive use was reported by 21.7% (95% CI: 18.5%-25.0%) of postpartum AGYW. Women who had primary education were 4.83 times more likely to use contraceptives than those with no or incomplete primary education (AOR = 4.83, 95% CI: 2.61-8.91, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Women in the middle and highest wealth categories had significantly higher odds of contraceptive use (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.72-4.72; <i>p</i> = 0.04), representing an 83% increase compared to those in the lowest wealth category. In contrast, participants with two to three children were 60% less likely to use contraceptives compared to those with one child (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.22-0.72; <i>p</i> = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Modern contraceptive use among AGYW remains low. Education level, wealth status, and number of children significantly influence uptake, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and informed choice.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261426086"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12932885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147313300","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":"A mixed-method analysis of health literacy and indicators of well-being in women with polycystic ovary syndrome across the lifespan.","authors":"Crystal C Douglas, Ahmar Hashmi, Alexis Mclain, Emily J Arentson-Lantz","doi":"10.1177/26334941261426089","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26334941261426089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the severe, chronic nature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), relatively little is known about the lived experience of women with this condition, especially as they transition through menopause.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This mixed-methods study investigated the lived experience of women with PCOS before and after the menopause transition to understand their health literacy, barriers to healthcare management, and desired resources to improve their health and well-being.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This was a convergent-parallel mixed-methods study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-four participants completed semi-structured interviews and electronic surveys between April 2023 and August 2024. Qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive open-ended approach for thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants, including 17 pre-menopausal (30.1 ± 4.8 years) and 7 post-menopausal (58.6 ± 6.0 years), self-reported clinical symptoms of PCOS (irregular cycles, hirsutism, and acne) and higher than average anxiety symptoms (pre-menopausal only). Both pre- and post-menopausal women were knowledgeable about the impact of PCOS on their fertility, and expressed low to moderate health literacy to successfully manage the PCOS-related symptoms. Few participants expressed understanding of long-term chronic disease risk. Pre-menopausal participants sought resources for managing symptoms but reported dissatisfaction with provider education and overall patient care. Post-menopausal participants did not view a PCOS diagnosis as a health concern following menopause and internalized PCOS-related health issues as something to be endured. Both pre- and post-menopausal women expressed desires for improved personalized care, life-stage-specific support groups, and better patient-facing resources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with PCOS exhibit low health literacy about the potential impact of PCOS on metabolic health. Primary care providers should be trained in how to educate women with PCOS, with an emphasis on the impact of the disease beyond reproductive health and through the lifespan. In addition, creating patient-centered resources supporting women throughout the lifespan is needed.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT05769426.</p>","PeriodicalId":75219,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in reproductive health","volume":"20 ","pages":"26334941261426089"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12926541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286710","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}