Women's health (London, England)最新文献

{"title":"Empowering women can increase modern contraception use among women with no fertility intentions in South Asia.","authors":"Mahmudul Hasan Tonmoy, Raufun Hasan Arnob, Shamima Akter, Md Mosfequr Rahman","doi":"10.1177/17455057261432611","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261432611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The relationship between women's empowerment and modern contraception utilization is well documented; however, they focused on all reproductive-aged women and lacked dimensions of empowerment. Research focusing only on women who have no desire for more children is scarce. Understanding the use of modern contraceptives and their relationship to women's empowerment in this demographic is critical for reducing unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and fertility rates.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the relationship between women's empowerment and the use of modern contraception among South Asian women who have no desire to have more children.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A cross-sectional study design utilizing Demographic and Health Survey data from 2015 to 2022 across five South Asian countries was employed.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This investigation examined aggregated data from 42,573 currently married, fecund, non-sterilized, non-pregnant South Asian (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan) women aged 15-49 who had no desire for additional children. The survey-based women's empowerment composite index was employed to assess empowerment. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was utilized to explore the relationship of interest.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of modern contraception usage among South Asian women without a desire for more children stands at 45.8%, with Pakistan exhibiting the lowest rate at 31.8% and Bangladesh the highest at 67.8%. In South Asia, high empowerment among women regarding attitudes toward violence (adjusted odds ratio: 1.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.25), social independence (adjusted odds ratio: 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.13-1.33), and decision-making (adjusted odds ratio: 1.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.23) is associated with a greater likelihood to utilize modern contraception compared to their less empowered counterparts. A comparable pattern of correlation appeared in specific countries, with few exceptions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The degree of women's empowerment shows a positive correlation with the use of modern contraception in patriarchal and conservative South Asian contexts, a circumstance, that is, pertinent in developing nations with various cultures. Family planning initiatives in South Asia should focus on integrating women's empowerment.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261432611"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033056/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147522863","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":"Structural constraints and migrant agency as intersecting influences on pregnant and parenting asylum-seeking women's sexual, reproductive, and mental health during forced migration: A qualitative study at the Mexico-US border.","authors":"Kaylee Ramage, Ietza Bojorquez, Emma Stirling-Cameron, Isela Martinez SanRoman, Arianna Spata, Nicole Elizabeth Ramos, Shira Goldenberg","doi":"10.1177/17455057251410374","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251410374","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Driven by structural violence experienced during forced migration, including asylum-deterrence policies, asylum-seeking women face health and social inequities related to experiences of pregnancy and motherhood. Little is known about the intersecting relationships between forced migration and motherhood and their respective health consequences.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examined the interplay between the structural constraints and the individual agency on pregnant and parenting asylum-seeking women's sexual, reproductive, and mental health and migration experiences.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Qualitative.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>As part of a community-academic partnership, we thematically analyzed 38 qualitative, semi-structured interviews conducted in Spanish or Haitian Creole with pregnant and parenting asylum-seeking women at the Mexico-US border (July 2022 to April 2023).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Structural violence and agency intersected to affect migrant women's experiences of pregnancy and motherhood. The structural violence experienced during forced migration, including political, legal, and economic violence, constrained women's sexual, reproductive, and mental health during pregnancy and motherhood via barriers to family planning; reduced/delayed access to perinatal care; food, housing, and economic insecurity; and psychosocial stressors (e.g., anxiety around family separation). Concomitantly, women's identity as mothers was a source of agency and resilience amidst forced migration, leading to shifts in migration trajectories and strengthened resolve to build a safer life for their children.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Asylum-seeking women faced barriers to healthy pregnancy and motherhood during migration, influenced by structural constraints during forced migration and tempered by their strength and resilience as mothers. There is a need for removal of restrictive immigration policies to address the harmful socio-structural contexts that perpetuate adverse health outcomes among women and their families during forced migration, alongside humanitarian and health services for asylum-seeking women that acknowledge the impacts of structural violence amid current migration policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057251410374"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12924975/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146260410","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":"Trends and projections of overweight and obesity among midlife women in the United States, 1990-2050: A sub‑study of the Global Burden of Disease 2021.","authors":"Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula, Wafa Ali Aldhaleei, Tadesse Melaku Abegaz","doi":"10.1177/17455057261430197","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261430197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Overweight and obesity are rising globally. During perimenopause years, declining estrogen and changes in body composition increase visceral fat and insulin resistance, increasing cardiometabolic risk.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To estimate trends in overweight and obesity among U.S. women aged 40-64 years, examine variations by age and state, and project prevalence to 2050.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Secondary analysis of publicly available body mass index (BMI) data accessed through the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Health Data Exchange, using pooled cross-sectional estimates and hierarchical logistic growth modeling.This sub‑study is not part of the official GBD analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Harmonized data from the GBD Health Data Exchange integrated National Health Interview Survey, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System microdata (1990-2021) for nonpregnant women aged 40-64 years, with calibration of self-reported BMI to measured NHANES data. BMI categories followed WHO cutoffs. Weighted estimates were age-standardized, and hierarchical logistic models projected state-specific trends to 2050. The pooled sample included 150,842 women, representing about 90 million weighted person-years. All data were de-identified and publicly available; ethics approval and consent were not required.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Combined overweight/obesity prevalence increased from 49.2% (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 45.8-52.2; 17.7 million (95% UI 16.5-18.8 million)) in 1990 to 74.2% (95% UI 68.8-79.1; 33.4 million (95% UI 31.0-35.6 million)) in 2021, and projected to reach 83.4% (95% UI 75.5-88.3; 41.7 million (95% UI 37.8-44.2 million)). In 2021, rates ranged from 68.3% in Colorado to 82.8% in Mississippi.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overweight and obesity among midlife women have increased sharply with a continuing shift from overweight to obesity. Menopause-specific preventive strategies and policies promoting physical activity and healthy diet are critical to slow future increases.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261430197"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12979888/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438279","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":"Between legal rights and lived realities: Roma Women's experiences of abortion care analyzed using the WHO conceptual framework for abortion care.","authors":"Sara Rivenes Lafontan, Frode Eick, Karoline Hasle Einang","doi":"10.1177/17455057261458329","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261458329","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAccess to abortion is a core component of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). In Norway and most European countries, abortion is legal on request. Yet, legal entitlement alone does not ensure equitable or person-centered care. Migrant women, including Roma women from Eastern Europe, often face structural and informational barriers when navigating abortion and related services.ObjectivesThis study explored Roma women's experiences of abortion care, counselling, and follow-up in light of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Conceptual Framework for Abortion Care.DesignA qualitative, exploratory design was used.Methods: Seven semi-structured individual interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted with 12 Roma women temporarily residing in Oslo. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsFour interrelated themes were developed:¹ Limited access to information and contraceptive counselling,² Fragmented care and missed opportunities for continuity,³ Bodily integrity and consent, and⁴ Autonomy, values, and the meaning of motherhood. Participants described abortion as medically safe and respectful but constrained by linguistic barriers, reliance on informal networks for information, and a lack of post-abortion counselling or follow-up.ConclusionsThe study shows that Roma women's experiences of abortion care were shaped by limited information, lack of continuity of care, and constrained autonomy. Viewed through the WHO framework, these experiences illustrate how comprehensive abortion care remains unevenly achieved for mobile and marginalized women.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261458329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13247287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148207217","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":"Exploring access to desired and appropriate contraception during incarceration: A qualitative description of the experiences of women in custody in Ontario, Canada.","authors":"Emily Norris, Jessica Gaber, Julia Zhu, Lindsay Jennings, Meredith Vanstone, Jessica Liauw, Jessica Jurgutis, Katherine E McLeod, Fiona G Kouyoumdjian","doi":"10.1177/17455057261432612","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261432612","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women who experience incarceration lack equitable access and often face barriers to reproductive healthcare, including unmet needs for contraception. Previous studies have demonstrated that women who experience incarceration may want access to contraception and that providing contraception in prisons is feasible; however, it is unclear how this population wants to access contraception, and what their preference is for different forms of contraception.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We aimed to explore whether and how people with the capacity for pregnancy would like to access contraceptive education and services while incarcerated in provincial correctional facilities in Ontario.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>We used a qualitative descriptive methodology using a qualitative content analysis approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted five focus groups with people aged 18-49 with the capacity for pregnancy and with current or prior experience of incarceration at an Ontario provincial correctional facility. Four groups were held at a provincial correctional facility for women, and one was held over Zoom for community-based participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants expressed a desire for contraception education and access during the incarceration period, including at intake, discharge, and throughout incarceration. They identified interests in accessible information about contraception, including through pamphlets, posters, and programs, and for care to be provided by a qualified women's health clinician, who preferably was not employed by the jail. Participants felt that there were several barriers to accessing contraception while incarcerated, including long wait times, health care provider and other correctional staff attitudes, and lack of information on contraception options.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study identifies concrete strategies to address unmet needs for contraceptive care for women in custody. Study findings could inform the development of programs to support equitable contraceptive care access and reproductive health.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261432612"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147461331","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":"Combating sexually transmitted infections in U.S. active-duty servicewomen: A social-ecological view of sociodemographic risk factors.","authors":"Grace Smolen, Julia Donavant, Karen Grigg, Ellison Henry, Korie Rice, Minzhi Xing","doi":"10.1177/17455057261438734","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261438734","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant health issue among U.S. military personnel. Active-duty servicewomen (ADSW) make up <20% of the U.S. military yet account for more than 33% of all military STI diagnoses. STI prevention is critical to military health and readiness.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This review sought to (1) examine STI prevalence and risk factors among ADSW, (2) identify disparities by age, race, and rank, and (3) evaluate barriers to STI prevention and care. It also summarized evidence-based interventions to guide military public health strategies.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This systematic review of peer-reviewed articles and military health reports examined how demographic factors affect STI rates.</p><p><strong>Data sources and methods: </strong>Four databases were searched with a medical librarian's guidance using STI- and military-related terms. Two reviewers independently screened 1833 records, selecting 17 studies (1996-2025) that met inclusion criteria. Data were narratively synthesized. Risk of bias was assessed using Covidence's standard domains.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 1833 articles and reports screened from databases including PubMed and ProQuest, 17 were included. Preliminary analysis showed that ADSW have higher STI rates than servicemen. STI rates were highest among those who were young, junior enlisted, Black, and reported binge drinking. ADSW <25 years have the highest STI rates, with those aged 17-24 accounting for over 60% of chlamydia cases. Racial disparities exist within STI incidence rates; Black ADSW <25 years old experience the highest chlamydia rates (10,500 per 100,000), twice as high as White ADSW. Confidentiality concerns, stigma and limited access to healthcare services hinder care. Proposed interventions include enhancing military-specific sexual health education, expanding access to sexual health care, and implementing risk reduction programs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High STI rates among young ADSW highlight the need for targeted interventions. Prioritizing ADSW's health helps achieve the nation's public health goals, strengthening population health and force sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261438734"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13051089/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147610877","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":"Psychological risk and resiliency in female and male military medical personnel across the deployment cycle.","authors":"Chelsea J Sterne, Sarah E Zwetzig, Sarah Vacek, Kiara H Buccellato, Casey L Straud, Monty T Baker, Alyssa R Ojeda Rogers, Willie J Hale, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Brian A Moore, Cynthia L Lancaster, Richard J McNally, William C Isler, Brett T Litz, Lauren M Koch, Jim Mintz, Alan L Peterson","doi":"10.1177/17455057261492007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057261492007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDespite the increasing number of female service members in the US and internationally, previous studies examining gender-specific deployment outcomes are limited due to disproportionate sample sizes. Military medical personnel serve as a promising population to better understand gender-specific military psychological outcomes across a deployment cycle.ObjectivesTo evaluate differences in risk factors and psychological health in female and male medical personnel across a combat deployment.DesignA cross sectional cohort study of medical personnel (48% female) in the United States Air Force deployed to Iraq between 2004 and 2011 assessed predeployment (N = 759), middeployment (N = 902), and postdeployment (N = 270).MethodsSelf-reports of traumatic life events, attitudes about deployment experiences, resilience, posttraumatic growth, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety were collected.ResultsAt predeployment, females reported greater exposure to traumatic events (<i>t</i> = -3.19, <i>d</i> = -0.23, <i>P</i> < .001), more negative attitudes about the military (<i>t</i> = 3.94, <i>d</i> = 0.29, <i>P</i> < .001), higher symptoms of depression (<i>t</i> = -2.83, <i>d</i> = -0.21, <i>P</i> = .005), and lower resilience (<i>t</i> = 2.41, <i>d</i> = 0.18, <i>P</i> = .016). At middeployment, females reported more negative military experiences (<i>t</i> = 3.51, <i>d</i> = 0.58, <i>P</i> < .001). At postdeployment, females reported more negative military experiences (<i>t</i> = 2.49, <i>d</i> = 0.53, <i>P</i> = .015), greater exposure to military healthcare stressors (<i>t</i> = -2.66, <i>d</i> = 0.57, <i>P</i> = .009), greater severity of posttraumatic stress (<i>t</i> = -3.48, <i>d</i> = 0.74, <i>P</i> < .001) and depression symptoms (<i>t</i> = -3.79, <i>d</i> = -0.81, <i>P</i> < .001).ConclusionsFemale and male medical personnel responded similarly for most deployment-related outcomes. However, some psychological sequalae are higher for females, possibly due to a reduced sense of resiliency prior to deployment and less positive outlook towards the military mission.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261492007"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149018958","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":"A pilot randomized controlled trial of <i>PrEP Zingisa</i>: Protocol for an adherence intervention that addresses transdiagnostic psychological barriers to consistent PrEP use during pregnancy and the postpartum transition among women in Cape Town, South Africa.","authors":"Amelia M Stanton, Stephan Rabie, Hyo Jin Jenny Shin, Katherine E Kabel, Lindokuhle Tyelo, Devisi A Ashar, Yolisa Jakavula, Madison R Fertig, John A Joska, Christina Psaros, Conall O'Cleirigh","doi":"10.1177/17455057261474454","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261474454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundSouth Africa has the largest HIV epidemic globally, and pregnant and postpartum individuals face high risk for new infections. Although daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV, adherence during pregnancy and postpartum is often compromised. Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), common in this population, can interfere with PrEP use. Evidence-based approaches addressing psychological barriers are needed to improve PrEP adherence and persistence during this high-risk period.ObjectivesThis paper describes the protocol for a pilot trial to examine the feasibility and acceptability of <i>PrEP Zingisa</i>, a cognitive behavioral intervention targeting transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying depression/PTSD.DesignIn a randomized controlled trial, 70 pregnant individuals aged 15 and older who have recently initiated PrEP or experienced adherence challenges with moderate to severe depression and/or PTSD will be randomized to <i>PrEP Zingisa</i> or enhanced wait list control (WLC).Methods<i>PrEP Zingisa</i> consists of four sessions focused on PrEP adherence skills and cognitive behavioral strategies to reduce withdrawal and avoidance. Sessions are delivered individually or in groups by a non-specialist provider. The WLC condition includes a PrEP education handout and mental healthcare referrals; WLC participants will be offered <i>PrEP Zingisa</i> LITE, a single-session version of the intervention. Primary outcomes include feasibility (interventionist fidelity, attendance, retention) and acceptability (participant/provider feedback), assessed two months post-baseline. Secondary outcomes include self-reported PrEP adherence, PrEP persistence, and depression/PTSD symptoms two months post-baseline and three months postpartum. Logistic and generalized linear mixed models will examine intervention effects and potential mediators.ResultsThis is a protocol paper, therefore results are not yet available.ConclusionThis trial will provide insight on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of integrating a mental health-informed adherence intervention into routine antenatal and PrEP services. Findings will be disseminated through publications, presentations, and community partner engagement.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261474454"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13519238/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148820501","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":"Initial insights into the menstrual disc and considerations for implementation among female sex workers in Kenya.","authors":"Elish McCullough, Garazi Zulaika, Edyth A Osire, Cynthia Akinyi, Fredrick O Otieno, Penelope A Phillips-Howard, Supriya D Mehta, Linda Mason","doi":"10.1177/17455057261465644","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261465644","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundFemale sex workers (FSWs) in Kenya face high risks of sexually transmitted infections, violence, and economic insecurity, and often continue sex work for livelihood during menstruation despite limited safe and hygienic menstrual management options. Menstrual cups that can be worn during sex (also known as menstrual discs) may offer a discreet solution to improving menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) and reducing health risks from harmful practices.ObjectiveTo explore FSWs' initial perceptions of menstrual discs, anticipated barriers to use, and their potential impacts on livelihood and client interactions prior to receiving and testing them.DesignQualitative descriptive study.MethodsBetween June and September 2023 seven focus group discussions (FGDs) among 57 FSWs were conducted in Kisumu, western Kenya. During each session, a menstrual disc was passed around for inspection and handling. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes.ResultsMost participants had no prior experience with menstrual discs. Initial concerns included disc displacement or leakage during sex, discomfort with insertion or removal, potential detection by clients, and challenges using discs while consuming alcohol. Despite these concerns, participants expressed strong interest in using menstrual discs, highlighting benefits such as discretion, reduced reliance on disposable products, decreased physical discomfort, and the ability to continue working during menses. Views on disclosing disc use to clients varied, with most preferring not to inform them. Effective implementation was anticipated to require education, peer-led demonstrations, and guidance to prevent sharing or theft. Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities at sex work venues were highlighted as a key barrier to safe use, particularly for street-based FSWs.ConclusionMenstrual discs designed for use during sex appear acceptable to FSWs and could support safer, more comfortable menstrual management while enabling continued sex work. These findings provide actionable insights for designing MHH interventions that address the unique needs of FSWs.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261465644"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13542531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148889755","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":"Cesarean section rates in Lucas do Rio Verde, Brazil: Assessing the impact of socioeconomic status and maternal and neonatal outcomes.","authors":"Ramya Vemulapalli, Roni Arienti, Linder Wendt, Jay Brooks Jackson, Mary B Rysavy, Kimberly A Kenne","doi":"10.1177/17455057261446937","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261446937","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundBrazil is globally known for its high rate of cesarean section despite endorsing the WHO's current recommendation of 15%.ObjectivesDetermine if socioeconomic status correlated with the rate of cesarean section (CS) at a mixed private and public hospital in the west-central region of Brazil. Describe the maternal and neonatal outcomes by mode of delivery (MOD) in the same population.DesignCohort studyMethodsData from all delivering patients at São Lucas Hospital were collected during an 18-month period and analyzed. Demographics, baseline maternal health status, pregnancy and delivery information, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were entered into a secure database.ResultsData from 2,103 women who delivered at São Lucas Hospital were collected. 75% of women delivered via CS. 53.7% were elective in nature. Women who had ≥ 8 prenatal visits (OR1.36, 95% CI 1.06- 1.72, p= 0.013) and had insurance type plan (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.43-2.50, p<0.001) were more likely to undergo CS. Women who worked in the commercial sector were less likely to undergo CS (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.90, p= 0.015). Women who were older (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07, p <0.001) and had a high BMI (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08-1.13, p<0.001) were more likely to undergo CS. When examining women who underwent CS those women who were white (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.11-1.78, p=0.005), were older (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03-1.06, p<0.001), worked in agriculture (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.22-3.57, p=0.008), and had insurance type private (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.22-2.65, p=0.003) or plan (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.92-3.19, p<0.001) were more likely to have an elective CS. MOD was not associated with maternal or neonatal outcomes.ConclusionCS rates at São Lucas Hospital are high. Socioeconomic factors and maternal demographics were predictive of MOD. Maternal and neonatal outcomes in term deliveries did not differ by MOD.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261446937"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145035/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791873","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}