Women's health (London, England)最新文献

{"title":"Uncovering a hidden modulator for women in sports: An exploratory study of menstrual pain and brain connectivity.","authors":"Carina Pohle, Daniel Büchel, Silvana Bucher Sandbakk, Øyvind Sandbakk, Belinda Pletzer, Jochen Baumeister","doi":"10.1177/17455057261456871","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261456871","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe menstrual cycle (MC), the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), and the presence of menstrual pain have long been overlooked factors in female athletes' health. The influence of hormonal fluctuations and pain may not only alter perceived performance and trainability but could also induce changes in brain network connectivity.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate whether resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) differs between phases across the MC and COC cycle, as well as between naturally cycling (NC) subjects and COC users. A secondary goal was to explore associations between menstrual pain as a covariate and rsFC.DesignObservational, longitudinal study.MethodsNC women (n = 24) and COC users (n = 17) underwent a resting-state EEG recording during the early follicular phase (EFP) and pre-ovulatory phase (POV), and the active pill phase (pill phase) and inactive phase (pause), respectively. Mean characteristic path length (mCPL), clustering coefficient (CC), and mean debiased weighted phase lag index (mdWPLI) were computed for 37 participants (NC = 21; COC = 16). Phase and group differences were examined using mixed MANOVA, while mixed MANCOVA assessed the influence of menstrual pain as a covariate.ResultsNo significant differences between MC or COC phases, as well as between groups, were found. Including menstrual pain as a covariate revealed significant phase*pain interactions for mCPL and CC, as well as significant group*pain interactions in mdWPLI. Post-hoc tests revealed a significant increase in mCPL from the pause to the pill phase.ConclusionThe preliminary findings suggest that menstrual pain may influence baseline brain network states, which may have potential implications for performance and injury risk in female athletes. Therefore, considering menstrual pain is crucial in both research and applied sports contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261456871"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13329011/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148371128","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":"Functional need or personal choice: Medical professionals' understanding and framing of performing female genital cosmetic procedures.","authors":"Hannelore Van Bavel, Anne-Mette Hermans","doi":"10.1177/17455057261423384","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261423384","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Female genital cosmetic procedures (FGCPs) are becoming increasingly common but remain highly stigmatised and contested. This raises the question of how healthcare professionals justify performing FGCPs in such a context.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To understand how medical professionals (MPs) justify their involvement in FGCPs within a context of social and professional scrutiny.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Qualitative interview study using discursive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted 11 in-depth interviews with plastic surgeons and gynaecologists performing FGCPs in Belgium and the Netherlands.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MPs employ two main discursive framings to justify performing FGCPs. The <i>women's health</i> framing depicts FGCPs as addressing issues that were considered functional and fulfilling \"genuine\" medical needs, while the <i>women's choice</i> framing emphasises a woman's autonomy to make decisions about her body, even in the absence of functional concerns. Both framings are shaped by and rely on a series of juxtapositions which MP negotiate in their framings: functional versus aesthetic; patient choice versus medical decision-making; and medical versus cultural.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MPs frame FGCPs in terms of women's health and choice, helping to legitimise them as ethical care. These framings, however, obscure key tensions - between function and aesthetics, autonomy and clinical judgement, and medical versus cultural motivations. Examining these discursive dynamics reveals how FGCPs are made acceptable within a contested field.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261423384"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12967370/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147373706","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 mammogram and Papanicolaou testing among Mexican American older women.","authors":"Emma Rowlinson, Soham Al Snih","doi":"10.1177/17455057261421727","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261421727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mammogram and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear tests are essential screening to detect breast and cancer cervical, respectively.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Identify predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with mammography and Paptest screenings among older Mexican American women over time.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Longitudinal study of 912 Mexican American women aged ⩾ 67 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants were assessed five times (1995/1996-2007/2008). Independent variables were based on the Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services, including predisposing factors (e.g., age of menopause), enabling factors (e.g., financial strain), and need factors (e.g., medical conditions). Outcomes included having a mammogram in the past 2 years and a Pap test in the past three. Generalized Estimation Equation models estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for receiving a mammogram, Pap test, or both based on these factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Higher education (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07), physician visits (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.33-2.56), hypertension (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.04-1.51), arthritis (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.07-1.60), and greater handgrip strength (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04) were associated with greater odds of receiving both a mammogram and Pap. Older age and early menopause (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94-0.98 and OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.58-0.89, respectively) were associated with lower odds of receiving both tests. Spanish interview (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.56-0.91) and financial strain (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.70-0.99) were associated with lower odds of receiving a Pap test and mammogram test, respectively over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Language barriers and financial constraints reduce cancer screening rates among Mexican American women. Cultural tailored care and improved access, such as bilingual clinics and mobile screening are needed to address these gaps.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261421727"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12924983/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146230077","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":"Indigenous mothers' perspectives on improving maternal healthcare in Northwest Territories, Canada: Results from the Maternal and Infant Health Project.","authors":"Rachel Harris, Fariba Kolahdooz, Moutasem Zakkar, Claire Manning, Marie Tarrant, André Corriveau, Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox, Adrian Wagg, Sangita Sharma","doi":"10.1177/17455057261445717","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261445717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundImproving global maternal health is a key goal within the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. In Northwest Territories, Indigenous mothers face significant disparities in maternal healthcare, with higher risks of maternal mortality and healthcare access challenges.ObjectiveTo explore Indigenous mothers' perspectives on opportunities to improve maternal healthcare services in Northwest Territories, Canada, using qualitative data from the Maternal and Infant Health study.DesignQualitative design.MethodsSelf-identifying Indigenous women of childbearing age (17-49 years) who were pregnant at the time of the interview or had given birth within the last three years were invited to participate. A culturally appropriate, interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was utilized for quantitative and qualitative data collection. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsIn total, 156 Indigenous women participated (mean age =29.7 years, SD=6; age range 17-47 years). 93% gave birth in the past three years, and 18% were pregnant. Three themes emerged regarding areas in which to improve maternal healthcare: experiences and challenges with service delivery, support networks, including more connections with Elders, and cultural sensitivity. Specifically, participants reported a preference for childbirth to take place within home communities, aided by midwives and family members and utilizing Indigenous maternal care practices. Participants also voiced the necessity of increasing the provision of mental healthcare, postpartum care, and support group services that incorporate traditional local languages.ConclusionTo improve maternal healthcare services within Indigenous communities, building trusting relationships with healthcare professionals that honour Indigenous practices, improving healthcare accessibility, and increasing the delivery of local healthcare services and support are of priority. This paper contributes to the sparse literature currently available, providing Indigenous-informed evidence to guide the conceptualization, practice, and policy of maternal healthcare in Northwest Territories.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261445717"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847363","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":"Menstrual health and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms: A scoping review.","authors":"Gabriela Kennedy, Megan Baran-Goldwax, Sarah Lippé","doi":"10.1177/17455057261460285","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261460285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundLittle is known about how menstrual health characteristics may influence Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, despite evidence that hormonal fluctuations can affect attention, mood, and behaviour.ObjectiveThis scoping review examined the extent, nature, and quality of the evidence exploring the relationship between menstrual health features and ADHD symptom presentation.Eligibility CriteriaAll primary study designs were considered. Studies were included if they investigated ADHD diagnosis or symptoms in relation to menstrual health factors. Reviews, commentaries, theses, and conference abstracts were excluded.Sources of EvidenceA structured, keyword-based search was conducted on MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), and Web of Science on July 18th, 2025. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened in Covidence.Charting MethodsData were extracted using a standardized form and synthesized narratively according to themes identified during data extraction. A critical appraisal of included studies was conducted using an adapted risk of bias tool.ResultsThe search yielded 691 records. 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Most were published after 2020 and employed non-randomized experimental, cross-sectional, qualitative, or case study designs. Sample sizes ranged from 1-405, with participants aged 13-49. Six themes emerged: (1) comorbid ADHD symptoms in individuals with menstruation-related disorders; (2) menstrual difficulties and ADHD symptoms; (3) menstrual phase-related worsening of ADHD symptoms; (4) menstrual side-effects of stimulant medication; (5) menstrual pain-related attentional interference; and (6) menstruation-tailored interventions. Quality appraisal indicated that half of the studies were rated Very Good. Gaps in reporting sample size justification and measures of gender identity were common.ConclusionsEmerging evidence links menstrual health and ADHD symptoms. Despite growing interest, the field is marked by small samples, heterogeneous methods, and limited attention to gender identity. Future research should justify sample sizes, integrate gender-sensitive measures, and further explore interventions tailored to menstruation-related ADHD symptom fluctuations.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261460285"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13260955/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148221034","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":"Traumatic brain injury associated with altered corpus callosum microstructure in females: Exploring the roles of menopause timing and hormone therapy in UK biobank.","authors":"Goretti España-Irla, Emma M Tinney, Madeleine Perko, Mark C Nwakamma, Stephanie Noble, Timothy P Morris","doi":"10.1177/17455057261485060","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261485060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) has lasting effects on white matter, yet sex-specific factors such as menopause timing and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may modulate these outcomes in females.ObjectivesTo investigate how TBI, menopause timing, HRT use, and reproductive history relate to corpus callosum white matter microstructure in female UK Biobank participants.DesignCross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank diffusion MRI data using propensity score matching to compare females with TBI to controls.MethodsWe analyzed diffusion MRI data from females with and without TBI. Corpus callosum fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and isotropic volume fraction (ISOVF) were assessed. TBI effects were examined across pre- and postmenopausal groups, accounting for HRT use, duration, and reproductive factors.ResultsFemales with TBI (n=363) exhibited widespread corpus callosum alterations compared to propensity-matched controls (n=10,128), with reduced FA and elevated MD across multiple sub-regions (all FDR p<0.05). Among TBI cases, those who sustained injury before menopause (n=30) showed significantly lower splenium FA and higher body MD compared with those injured after menopause (n=333) and controls (n=10,128). HRT use did not modify TBI-related alterations in primary analyses. However, among HRT users (n=3,108), a significant TBI×duration interaction emerged for genu MD (p=0.030), indicating that the effect of HRT duration on white matter microstructure differed between TBI cases and controls. Reproductive factors independently predicted some white matter measures but did not confound TBI, menopause timing, or HRT associations.ConclusionsTBI-associated white matter changes in females are related to menopause timing and hormonal exposure, with HRT effects dependent on duration and injury context. These findings highlight the importance of sex- and hormone-specific approaches in TBI research and the need for longitudinal studies to clarify mechanisms and potential interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261485060"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539003/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148882916","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":"Policy to practice: Translating \"non-directive\" pre-abortion counselling from legal stipulation to healthcare encounters.","authors":"Catriona Ida Macleod, Timalizge Zgambo","doi":"10.1177/17455057261466309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057261466309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe liberalisation of abortion law does not necessarily translate into quality services. The South African Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act includes the requirement of non-mandatory and non-directive pre-abortion counselling. However, pre-abortion counselling in public abortion clinics is often directive, coercive and, at times, anti-abortion. <i>Objectives</i>: We reflect on our attempts to ensure that the legislative requirement of \"non-directive\" pre-abortion counselling is realised in public termination of pregnancy clinics through the nurses' participation in an in-service abortion counselling certificate course (ACCC) based on person-centred and reproductive justice principles. <i>Design</i>: We adopted a qualitative exploratory transfer of training research design, with a goals-focused approach.MethodsUsing stratified purposive sampling, we interviewed eleven (of the 29) nurses who participated in the course about their current consultation/counselling practices and experiences. We analysed the data using template analysis, with the outcomes of the ACCC as <i>a priori</i> themes, supplemented by themes emerging in the analytical process. <i>Results</i>: Participants emphasised that their practice is now person-centred and non-directive. Non-judgmentalism, active listening, empathy, and facilitating autonomous decision-making were all listed as attributes they now bring to their pre-abortion interactions with users. These declarations were, however, interwoven with reference to contraceptive coercion and discomfort with \"repeat\" abortions. Providers also mentioned several institutional and systems challenges that undermined person-centred care. <i>Conclusion</i>: In-service training focused on non-directive, person-centred counselling, such as the ACCC, while necessary, is not sufficient to ensure that legislative or policy requirements for non-directiveness will be met. Two key elements need addressing in addition to person-centred in-service training: (1) gendered understandings of women as always having the agency to prevent pregnancies, as well as primarily responsible for contraceptive use; and (2) structural inadequacies that work against person-centredness and non-directiveness in these encounters.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261466309"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13490823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802797","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":"Postpartum contraceptive plans and fulfillment for pregnant people experiencing incarceration with substance use histories.","authors":"Suzanna Larkin, Mary D Carmody, Isabelle Falk, Sreya Upputuri, Jamie Jackson, Grace A Trompeter, Marcella Boynton, Carolyn B Sufrin, Kavita Shah Arora, Andrea K Knittel","doi":"10.1177/17455057261450180","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261450180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundPregnant patients experiencing incarceration with a history of substance use face complex challenges accessing reproductive health services. Despite research indicating interest in these services, contraception counseling and services are often excluded from routine carceral health services.ObjectivesWe sought to examine the postpartum contraceptive plans and fulfillment of pregnant patients in the North Carolina prison system with histories of substance use.DesignThis is a secondary analysis of a retrospective chart review quantifying the contraceptive plans and fulfillment of pregnant people experiencing incarceration.MethodsWe abstracted chart data from the prenatal records and scanned delivery records of patients experiencing incarceration in the North Carolina state prison system who accessed prenatal care. We categorized substance use as licit (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis) or illicit (e.g., opioids, amphetamines). We assessed postpartum contraceptive plan documentation and contraception type provided at delivery overall and across type of pre-incarceration substance use.ResultsOf the 890 patients that met eligibility criteria, the majority (90.9%) reported the use of at least one type of substance during pre-incarceration and 72.1% reported use of multiple substances. Among patients with either licit or illicit substance use, 167 (20.6%) had a documented plan for long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC), 119 (14.7%) for permanent contraception, 107 (13.2%) for a non-LARC method, 50 (6.2%) with a documented plan for no method or plan to be abstinent, and 366 (45.2%) had no documented contraception plan. Among the patients who delivered while incarcerated, 17.6% of patients received a non-LARC method, 9.5% received a LARC, 5.3% of patients received permanent contraception, three participants (0.6%) received no contraceptive method, and 316 (66.9%) had no documentation of receiving postpartum contraception. The proportion of patients receiving each postpartum contraceptive method type did not differ by pre-incarceration substance use type.ConclusionPostpartum contraceptive preferences of pregnant patients experiencing incarceration may not be adequately prioritized. Our findings indicate a potential unmet need for contraceptive services for pregnant and postpartum people with history of substance use experiencing incarceration.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261450180"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944075","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 bleeding shame: Period poverty, stigma and menstrual equity in a regional Australian university setting.","authors":"Elizabeth Smith, Tracey Parnell, Jessica Biles","doi":"10.1177/17455057261481006","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261481006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundPeriod poverty, defined as inadequate access to menstrual products, education and supportive infrastructure, is recognised as a public health, equity and human rights issue in both low- and high-income settings.ObjectivesTo examine the extent and impact of period poverty among students at a regional Australian university, explore their lived experiences, coping strategies and the role of menstrual stigma, and evaluate awareness and use of Dignity Vending Machines (DVMs).DesignExploratory descriptive mixed-methods study.Study durationOctober 2023 to March 2024.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was administered to students at a regional Australian university. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Semi-structured interviews and open-ended survey responses were analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke's framework.ResultsAmong survey respondents, 69.2% reported at least occasional difficulty affording menstrual products, with 14.4% reporting frequent or chronic difficulty. This lack of access led to missed classes (55.1%), work absence (31.9%) and avoidance of sporting or leisure activities (72.5%). Coping strategies included switching to cheaper products (75.5%), extending wear time (68.4%) and improvising with other materials (43.9%). Over half of respondents (58.3%) were unaware of DVMs, and operational problems reduced trust and usability. Qualitative analysis identified three themes: financial precarity and undignified coping; the emotional and psychological toll of menstrual stigma; and the imperative for normalisation and educational advocacy.ConclusionPeriod poverty is a complex biopsychosocial issue among regional Australian university students, disrupting education, work and social participation. Free product provision via DVMs is valued but underutilised. Universities should adopt strategies that combine reliable free access to products with menstrual health literacy, stigma reduction, and efforts to address financial hardship and social exclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261481006"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13554685/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901685","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":"Period and prejudice: Cultural differences in menstrual health between South Asian and White British women.","authors":"Michèle D Birtel, Lucia Volpi, Aisha Mirza, Laura M König","doi":"10.1177/17455057261478339","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261478339","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAttitudes towards menstruation are shaped by cultural and social norms and can result in misperceptions, impacting women's health. Yet, research on cultural differences in menstrual health remains limited.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine whether South Asian and White British women living in the UK differ in menstrual health, with a focus on menstrual experiences, menstrual literacy, stigma-related factors, and ethnic microaggressions in the healthcare context.DesignWhite British (<i>n</i> = 153) and South Asian (<i>n</i> = 153) menstruating women living in the UK participated in a preregistered cross-sectional online survey.MethodsMenstrual experiences were assessed via menstrual distress, symptom management, and hygiene behaviors. Menstrual stigma was measured through affective internalized stigma, internalized stigma of seeking help, secrecy, and avoidance behaviors.ResultsIn addition to differences in menstrual experiences (menstrual pain, symptom management, hygiene behaviors), South Asian women reported lower menstrual literacy than White British women. South Asians also reported greater secrecy as well as stronger avoidance behaviors related to discussing menstruation and engaging in daily activities while menstruating, but also more positive emotions towards menstruation. Additionally, they experienced more ethnic microaggressions in healthcare. Secrecy and microaggressions mediated the effect of cultural group on self-stigma of seeking help.ConclusionOur findings suggest cultural differences in menstrual health, emphasizing the need for inclusive health education and stigma-reduction interventions. Addressing menstrual literacy gaps and tackling stigma in families and microaggressions in healthcare settings may improve support for South Asian women in the UK.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261478339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149070779","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}