Women's health (London, England)最新文献

{"title":"Transgender and gender diverse people with endometriosis: A perspective on affirming gynaecological care.","authors":"Sam Jeffrey, Louis Ashton, Tania Ferfolja, Mike Armour","doi":"10.1177/17455057241251974","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241251974","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Transgender and gender diverse people presumed female at birth experience gynaecological conditions, such as chronic pelvic pain at elevated rates, estimated to impact between 51% and 72% of this population, compared to rates of up to 26.6% in cisgender women. The negative impact of these conditions is likely amplified due to limited access to safe and affirming healthcare. Despite this high prevalence rate, there is limited research investigating the prevalence, presentation or management options for trans and gender diverse people with endometriosis. Cisgender women with endometriosis report barriers to accessing care, with lengthy times to diagnosis and limited treatment options available. However, barriers for trans and gender diverse individuals are enhanced by physician bias and lack of education in gender-affirming care. This is reflected in stories of discrimination and denial of basic healthcare. A healthcare environment built on the presumption that gynaecological patients are women, others trans and gender diverse patients, which can result in avoidance of needed medical care. A lack of knowledge of gender-affirming care alongside healthcare provider bias highlights a need for gender-affirming care and bias reduction training in undergraduate healthcare provider curricula. Research to date assessing current curriculum in Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand) shows limited inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and other related identities content as a whole with gender-affirming care being among the least-frequently addressed topics. This review will detail barriers to accessing gender-affirming healthcare specific to gynaecology, interweaving the experiences of a non-binary individual seeking access to gender-affirming endometriosis care.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241251974"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11095187/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924230","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":"Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its associations with dietary and other lifestyle factors among university female students in Dubai: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Haleama Al Sabbah, Noof Al Mutawa, Enas A Assaf","doi":"10.1177/17455057241260026","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241260026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Premenstrual syndrome is a relatively prevalent condition that affects a significant number of menstruating women worldwide. It can range from mild to severe and may interfere with daily activities.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to investigate the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its associated factors among female university students in Dubai.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This study was designed as a cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The analysis for this study involved 217 female university students (aged ⩾18 years old) who completed a self-reported online questionnaire. Participants were recruited through simple random sampling, and the study received ethical approval from the Zayed University Ethical Committee.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All participants reported that they experienced at least one premenstrual syndrome symptom with different levels of severity. The prevalence rate of psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms was 83.0%, 79.4%, and 76.6%, respectively. The most frequently reported premenstrual psychological symptoms were loss of control (69.6%). Most reported physical premenstrual symptoms included lethargy/fatigue/decreased energy (56.7%); premenstrual syndrome symptoms interfered with participants' daily routines (45.2%). Normal body mass index, no smoking, milk consumption, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, animal foods, fish oil supplements, and no fast-food consumption were all significant factors associated with decreasing premenstrual syndrome.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Premenstrual syndrome is a common menstrual disorder among university students that interferes with their daily routines. Dietary habits and other lifestyle factors were highly related to premenstrual syndrome. Therefore, health promotion programs are highly recommended to encourage healthy diets and lifestyles for females as early as adolescence at the school level.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241260026"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11143812/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141181414","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":"Physical inactivity among American single-female caregivers: An analysis of the 2020 behavioral risk factor surveillance system.","authors":"Johanna M Hoch, Deirdre Dlugonski, Stacey Slone, Rachel Hogg-Graham, Maureen Jones","doi":"10.1177/17455057241265082","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241265082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Many adults in the United States do not reach the recommended levels of activity needed for health benefits. Single-female caregivers present a unique and vulnerable population that is often less active than their partnered peers or single-male caregivers.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The primary objective of this cross-sectional investigation was to identify the prevalence of physical inactivity in single-family, female-led households and determine differences in personal factors and social characteristics between physically active and not physically active single-female caregivers. A secondary objective was to examine associations among the social characteristic variables and physical inactivity in single-female caregiver households. Finally, we examined the odds single-female caregivers who are physically inactive reported chronic health conditions.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Cross-sectional survey design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. Participants were selected based on pre-determined criteria for inclusion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a 39.3% prevalence of physical inactivity among single-female caregivers in the sample. Single-female caregivers who were physically inactive had greater odds of having a history of multiple chronic health conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Healthcare providers and other community stakeholders should explore existing physical activity promotion strategies to increase physical activity in single-female caregivers. Future research should employ more rigorous, prospective research designs to determine if these chronic conditions and various social characteristics are caused by physical inactivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241265082"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141857296","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":"Epigenetic changes produced in women victims of intimate partner violence: A systematic review.","authors":"Coral González-Martínez, Christian Haarkötter, Elena Carnero-Montoro, Jose A Lorente, Miguel Lorente","doi":"10.1177/17455057241290335","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241290335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent form of violence against women that encompasses physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as controlling behaviors by intimate partners, and predisposes the victims to multiple diseases.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This systematic review aims to identify epigenetic marks associated with IPV and the resultant stress experienced by victims.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This study is a systematic review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The review includes a comprehensive search and analysis of relevant literature to identify epigenetic changes associated with IPV.</p><p><strong>Data sources and methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest, using keywords related to IPV and epigenetics. The inclusion criteria were studies published in scientific journals with an experimental approach, focused on female survivors of gender-based violence, and providing information on epigenetic changes. The review included studies published up to June 15, 2024, with no time limits imposed, focusing on female victims of IPV. The inclusion criteria were studies published in scientific journals with an experimental approach, focused on female survivors of gender-based violence, and providing information on epigenetic changes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed that epigenetic changes associated with IPV predominantly affect genes related to the glucocorticoid receptor, insulin-like growth factors, BDNF, and CPLX genes. These observations suggest that IPV is linked to significant epigenetic modifications in both victims and their offspring.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It is concluded that IPV is associated with epigenetic changes both in the woman and in her offspring. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the biological embedding of IPV through epigenetic research to better address the long-term health consequences for women. However, more studies are necessary to validate these results.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241290335"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11580075/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142683376","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":"Repeat adolescent pregnancies in Southwestern Uganda: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Rupa Ramachandran, Shakillah Namatovu, Daniel Atwine, Jackline Tumuhairwe, Viola Nilah Nyakato, Elizabeth Kemigisha, Olena Ivanova","doi":"10.1177/17455057241302449","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241302449","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pregnancy in adolescents continues to remain a significant public health challenge, with repeat pregnancies in this age group often receiving insufficient attention. In Uganda, repeat adolescent pregnancy varies between 26.1% and 55.6%. Evidence shows that repeat pregnancy in adolescence is more common in settings of high poverty, low educational attainment and low use of long-acting reversible contraceptives among others.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The main aim of this study is to determine the underlying risk and protective factors of repeat adolescent pregnancy in Uganda.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study among adolescent girls and young women aged between 13 and 22 years with single and repeat pregnancies in four districts in Southwestern Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The questionnaire was administered on a portable PC to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, pregnancy outcome, experience of violence and mental health. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 115 girls with single and 93 with repeat pregnancies participated in the survey. Of these, 42 (20.2%) were 18 years and younger. The majority (92%) had dropped out of school, having achieved primary-level education (67%). The mean age of sexual debut (15.6 versus 16.4 years) and the mean age at first pregnancy (16.4 versus 17.3 years) were lower among those in repeat-pregnancy group compared to those in single-pregnancy group. The odds of having repeat pregnancy were higher among participants who engaged in risky behaviour (AOR 3; 95% CI (1.28-7.37)) and experienced any form of violence (AOR 4.67; 95% CI (1.5-16.56)). Being single, having the first pregnancy in older age (16 and above) and having a positive first pregnancy outcome (live birth) served as protective factors for repeat pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Adolescents with repeat pregnancies have significantly more SRH risks compared to those with single pregnancies. These findings underscore the importance of multi-faceted and timely interventions for adolescent girls in this setting, with an emphasis on the mitigation of violence, and enhancing access to comprehensive sexuality education, and SRH services.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241302449"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11660276/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142866531","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":"When fatigue postpartum is also prodromal.","authors":"Alexandra Balshi, Riley Bove","doi":"10.1177/17455057241309495","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241309495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postpartum fatigue (PPF) is a common issue affecting mothers, characterized by reduced capacity for physical and mental activity in the weeks to months following delivery. While often attributed to the demands of infant care, severe or atypical PPF can signal an underlying medical condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this narrative review, guidance is provided to clinicians on recognizing signs of severe or atypical PPF, differentiating it from MS-associated fatigue. Patients' qualitative descriptions of fatigue, its intensity, and specific triggers can be particularly informative, as MS fatigue is severe, recurrent, often refractory to rest, and/or exacerbated by high temperatures. By identifying such cases early, healthcare providers can support timely diagnosis and intervention, ultimately improving outcomes for women who may be at risk for MS.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241309495"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11686626/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142901054","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":"Dispensing patterns of antidepressant and antianxiety medications for psychiatric disorders after benign hysterectomy in reproductive-age women: Results from group-based trajectory modeling.","authors":"Ryota Ishiwata, Abdelrahman AlAshqar, Mariko Miyashita-Ishiwata, Mostafa A Borahay","doi":"10.1177/17455057241272218","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241272218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women with gynecologic disorders requiring a hysterectomy often have co-existing psychiatric diagnoses. A change in the dispensing pattern of antidepressant (AD) and antianxiety (AA) medications around the time of hysterectomy may be due to improvement in gynecologic symptoms, such as pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, or the emotional impact of the hysterectomy. Unfortunately, these dispensing patterns before and after hysterectomy are currently undescribed.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To model the dispensing patterns of AD and AA medications over time among women with psychiatric disorders before and after benign hysterectomy for endometriosis and uterine fibroids; and to characterize clusters of patients with various dispensing behaviors based on these patterns.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a study of women who underwent a benign hysterectomy using data from the Merative MarkertScan® Research Databases (Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Inclusion criteria were reproductive-aged women (18-50 years), diagnosis of at least one mood or anxiety disorder, and at least one dispensing of AD or AA medications. We measured monthly adherence and persistence of AD/AA medication use over 12 months after hysterectomy. Group-based-trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify trajectory groups of monthly AD/AA medication dispensing over the study period. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with individual dispensing trajectory patterns.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For a total of 11,607 patients, 6 dispensing trajectory groups were identified during the study period: continuously high (27.0%), continuously moderate (21.9%), continuously low (17.9%), low-to-high (10.0%), moderate-to-low (9.8%), and low-to-moderate (13.4%). Compared with the continuously high group, younger age, no history of a mood disorder, and uterine fibroids were clinical predictors of low dispensing. The discontinuation rate at 3 months after hysterectomy was higher at 88.6% in the continuously low group and at 66.5% in the continuously low-to-moderate group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrates that GBTM identified six distinct trajectories of AD/AA medication dispensing in the perioperative period. Trajectory models could be used to identify specific dispensing patterns for targeting interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241272218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11339748/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142010081","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 barriers and enablers to accessing sexual health and sexual well-being services for midlife women (aged 40-65 years) in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review.","authors":"Kiersten Simmons, Carrie Llewellyn, Stephen Bremner, Yvonne Gilleece, Claire Norcross, Collins Iwuji","doi":"10.1177/17455057241277723","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241277723","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Midlife, beginning at 40 years and extending to 65 years, a range that encompasses the late reproductive to late menopausal stages, is a unique time in women's lives, when hormonal and physical changes are often accompanied by psychological and social evolution. Access to sexual health and sexual well-being (SHSW) services, which include the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and the support of sexual function, pleasure and safety, is important for the health of midlife women, their relationships and community cohesion. The objective was to use the socio-ecological model to synthesise the barriers and enablers to SHSW services for midlife women in high-income countries. A systematic review of the enablers and barriers to women (including trans-gender and non-binary people) aged 40-65 years accessing SHSW services in high-income countries was undertaken. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed publications. Findings were thematically extracted and reported in a narrative synthesis. Eighty-one studies were included; a minority specifically set out to study SHSW care for midlife women. The key barriers that emerged were the intersecting disadvantage of under-served groups, poor knowledge, about SHSW, and SHSW services, among women and their healthcare professionals (HCPs), and the over-arching effect of stigma, social connections and psychological factors on access to care. Enablers included intergenerational learning, interdisciplinary and one-stop women-only services, integration of SHSW into other services, peer support programmes, representation of minoritised midlife women working in SHSW, local and free facilities and financial incentives to access services for under-served groups. Efforts are needed to enhance education about SHSW and related services among midlife women and their healthcare providers. This increased education should be leveraged to improve research, public health messaging, interventions, policy development and access to comprehensive services, especially for midlife women from underserved groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241277723"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11418360/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142303044","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 scoping review of qualitative studies on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Uganda: Exploring factors at multiple levels.","authors":"Julie M Buser, Edward Kumakech, Ella August, Gurpreet K Rana, Rachel Gray, Anna Grace Auma, Faelan E Jacobson-Davies, Tamrat Endale, Pebalo Francis Pebolo, Yolanda R Smith","doi":"10.1177/17455057241285193","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241285193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Uganda is burdened by high unintended and teen pregnancies, high sexually transmitted infections, and harm caused by unsafe abortion.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Explore factors influencing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Uganda by synthesizing evidence from qualitative studies using a scoping review.</p><p><strong>Eligibility criteria: </strong>Original qualitative peer-reviewed research studies published between 2002 and 2023 in any language exploring factors influencing SRHR in Uganda.</p><p><strong>Sources of evidence: </strong>Eight databases searched using qualitative/mixed methods search filters and no language limits.</p><p><strong>Charting methods: </strong>Information extracted included author, article title, publication year, study aims, participant description, data collection type, sample size, main findings, factors at the individual, interpersonal, community, and policy levels, implications for SRHR in Uganda, and study limitations. Quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred seventy-three studies met inclusion criteria. At the individual level, knowledge and attitudes toward SRHR, risky sexual behavior, and access to maternal SRHR services were identified as critical factors influencing health outcomes. Interpersonal factors included communication with sexual partners and relationships with family, school, and community members. Healthcare organization factors included adolescent access to education, SRHR services, and HIV prevention. Cultural and social factors included gendered norms and male involvement in SRHR. Policy-level factors included the importance of aligning policy and practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Multiple factors at individual, interpersonal, community, healthcare, cultural, and policy levels were found to influence SRHR in Uganda. The findings suggest that interventions targeting multiple levels of the socio-ecological system may be necessary to improve SRHR outcomes. This review highlights the need for a holistic approach that considers the broader socio-ecological context. Reducing identified gaps in the literature, particularly between policy and practice related to SRHR, is urgently needed in Uganda. We hope this review will inform the development of policies and interventions to improve SRHR outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241285193"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11452882/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142334100","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":"Women veteran transition mental health and well-being support group programs: A scoping review.","authors":"Sharon Lawn, Elaine Waddell, Louise Roberts, Liz McNeill, Pilar Rioseco, Ben Wadham, Tiffany Sharp, Tiffany Beks, Jon Lane, Miranda Van Hooff, Leila Mohammadi","doi":"10.1177/17455057241275441","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057241275441","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The military is a male-dominated environment and culture in which women veterans can experience significant institutional prejudice. Transition can be confusing and isolating for women veterans. Group programs are an important source of transition support. However, we know little about the specific group program needs of women veterans.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To examine mental health and well-being support group programs delivered to women veterans, to understand what they value and find most helpful.</p><p><strong>Eligibility criteria: </strong>Women military veterans (all types); empirical studies using any design; published between 1990 and 2022; group programs focused on transition issues (such as housing, employment, education, physical health, mental health).</p><p><strong>Sources of evidence: </strong>Peer-reviewed journals and theses.</p><p><strong>Charting methods: </strong>Six databases searched: Medline (via Ovid SP), PsycINFO (via Ovid SP), EmCare (via Ovid SP), CINAHL, Scopus, and ProQuest.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was significant heterogeneity across 35 included studies in type of groups, program content and structure, length of sessions, measurement of impact, follow-up, and so forth. Most programs were delivered face to face. Physical health and preventative healthcare were important topics for women veterans, particularly reproductive health, mental health, and chronic pain. Groups that included physical activity, creative arts, and alternative therapies were beneficial to women's physical and mental health. Strengths-based women-only groups, facilitated by women, that created safe spaces for women veterans to share their experiences, enhanced self-expression, agency, and self-empowerment. This was particularly important for women who had experience military sexual trauma.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review found a small but diverse range of group programs available for women veterans. Many program evaluations were of moderate or low quality and lacked sufficient information to determine whether benefits were sustained over time. No studies involved Australian women veterans. Despite these concerns, this review highlighted several useful lessons that could help inform improved design, delivery, and evaluation of group programs for women veterans.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"20 ","pages":"17455057241275441"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378233/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142141983","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}