Emmanuel Madira, Anna Grace Auma, Amir Kabunga, Mary Goretti Asiimwe, Andrew Acobi, Beth Namukwana, Ronald Izaruku, Vicky Caroline Acayo, Peter Paul Opio, Dokotum Okaka Opio
{"title":"Utilization of postpartum family planning and associated factors among postpartum women attending five healthcare facilities in a rural district in Northern Uganda.","authors":"Emmanuel Madira, Anna Grace Auma, Amir Kabunga, Mary Goretti Asiimwe, Andrew Acobi, Beth Namukwana, Ronald Izaruku, Vicky Caroline Acayo, Peter Paul Opio, Dokotum Okaka Opio","doi":"10.1177/17455057251374890","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251374890","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Postpartum women worldwide, despite wishing to delay or avoid pregnancies, often resume sexual activity without family planning, contributing to 121 million unintended pregnancies annually, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Postpartum family planning (PPFP) can prevent 71% of unintended pregnancies and reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, uptake in Uganda is low, at 35%, and data on its use are scarce. Sociocultural barriers, limited access to quality healthcare, and systemic inequities further hinder uptake.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the level of utilization of PPFP and the contributing factors among postpartum women attending health facilities in a rural district of Northern Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 women within 12-month postpartum, recruited from 5 randomly selected health facilities between October and November 2022. Quantitative data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17.0, with descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression performed at a 95% confidence interval (CI) to identify predictors of PPFP utilization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The utilization of PPFP was 41.61% (95% CI: 37.17-46.15). Independent predictors or contributing factors to PPFP utilization included education level (primary-adjusted prevalence ratio (APR): 0.753; 95% CI: 0.641-0.883; <i>p</i> = <0.001), partner's age (APR: 1.203; 95% CI: 1.004-1.443; <i>p</i> = 0.05), parity (APR: 0.755; 95% CI: 0.635-0.897; <i>p</i> = 0.001), uncertainty about timing for next pregnancy (APR: 1.994; 95% CI: 1.09-3.646; <i>p</i> = 0.03), and advice from friends about PPFP methods (APR: 1.358; 95% CI: 1.171-1.575; <i>p</i> = <0.001).</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251374890"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12450269/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093192","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":"Premarital examination and counseling: Impact on HIV knowledge among Jordanian women-A national survey analysis.","authors":"Samar Fares, Suhel F Batarseh, Saeed Soliman","doi":"10.1177/17455057251375825","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251375825","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains one of the biggest health challenges facing the world, with approximately 39 million people reported to be living with the virus. Despite low prevalence rates in the Middle East and North Africa region, Jordan faces a growing trend of new infections driven by factors such as refugees, migration, and socioeconomic status. Premarital examination is a requirement for Jordanian couples to get married and would play a role in sexually transmitted disease (STD) awareness and prevention, including HIV.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of premarital examinations on HIV knowledge, attitudes, and stigma in ever-married women aged 15-49 in Jordan.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Cross-sectional design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were retrieved from the most recent Jordan Population and Family Health Survey, a nationally representative survey of health dynamics. Premarital examinations and comprehensive HIV knowledge were assessed by survey modules covering history of premarital examination and tests performed and respondents' understanding of HIV transmission and prevention. Participants were categorized based on their responses to five key statements about HIV/AIDS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, there were 14,689 respondents. The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 34.5 (±8.5) years. Most of them (92%) were currently married. More than half of the respondents underwent premarital medical checkups. However, discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV were high among respondents. Only 8.7% of the respondents showed adequate comprehensive HIV knowledge; their level of understanding regarding modes of transmission and misconceptions about prevention also varied. The adjusted model showed that there was no significant difference in HIV knowledge between those who had a premarital exam and those who had not. However, higher education levels were associated with better HIV knowledge.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate that the level of HIV knowledge among Jordanian women is poor and was not associated with undergoing premarital examination and counseling. This suggests redesigning the mandatory premarital examination and counseling to have stronger STDs and HIV awareness and prevention components. This change may improve knowledge and encourage safer health behaviors, thus helping to combat stigma and misinformed views about HIV in Jordan.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251375825"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12477348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187897","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}
Olivia Hendriks, Jason C McIntyre, Abigail K Rose, Laura Sambrook, Daniel Reisel, Clair Crockett, Louise Newson, Pooja Saini
{"title":"Menopause and suicide: A systematic review.","authors":"Olivia Hendriks, Jason C McIntyre, Abigail K Rose, Laura Sambrook, Daniel Reisel, Clair Crockett, Louise Newson, Pooja Saini","doi":"10.1177/17455057251360517","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251360517","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The menopausal transition is a critical phase in a woman's life marked by hormonal fluctuations that can result in a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms vary in strength and their negative impacts on women's health and well-being. One of the most severe impacts of (peri)menopause is increased vulnerability to suicidality in some women, yet no systematic review has examined the holistic relationship regarding this potential link.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To examine the relationship between the menopausal transition and suicidality, and identify menopause-related factors contributing to increased suicide risk.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.</p><p><strong>Data sources: </strong>MedLine, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for studies addressing both menopause and suicidality. Studies were screened independently by two reviewers. Data extraction focused on suicidal ideation, attempts, and completed suicide among menopausal women. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nineteen studies published between 1987 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Of the 19 studies, 16 (84%) reported an association between the menopausal transition and increased suicidality, with 7 studies specifically noting this association in perimenopausal women. Hormonal changes, pre-existing mental health conditions, physical symptoms, and limited social support emerged as key factors associated with increased suicide risk. Three studies did not find a significant link.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is some evidence of an association between the menopausal transition and suicidality, particularly during perimenopause, though conclusions are limited by study design and heterogeneity. The review highlights the importance of integrating mental health support within menopause care and suggests further research to clarify the mechanisms underpinning suicide risk during the menopausal transition. Enhanced screening and supportive interventions may benefit menopausal women experiencing suicidality.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251360517"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12515336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254006","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}
Fizza Amir, Bakhtawar M Hanif Khowaja, Faiza Sattar, Amir Raza, Ramsha Zafar, Raheel Sikandar, Fahmida Parveen, Naheed Parveen, Shazia Rani, Lumaan Sheikh, Sheikh Irfan Ahmed
{"title":"Incidence of maternal infection and its related outcomes in a public sector hospital in Pakistan.","authors":"Fizza Amir, Bakhtawar M Hanif Khowaja, Faiza Sattar, Amir Raza, Ramsha Zafar, Raheel Sikandar, Fahmida Parveen, Naheed Parveen, Shazia Rani, Lumaan Sheikh, Sheikh Irfan Ahmed","doi":"10.1177/17455057251387427","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057251387427","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal infections are responsible for maternal mortality and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth, maternal sepsis, and spontaneous abortion as well as dire outcomes for the neonate. The impact of obstetric infections is largely felt in low- and middle-income countries, with Pakistan being one such country.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the frequency of maternal infections, the common sources responsible for their progression and their resulting impact on pregnancy, maternal, and neonatal health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care, public sector hospital in Pakistan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 439 women, either antenatal or postnatal, with symptoms of infection were enrolled. Case report forms were used to collect data on clinical characteristics, type of infection, investigational and diagnostic profile, and pregnancy, maternal, and neonatal outcomes. Frequency and percentages were computed for categorical variables. Comparisons of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were analyzed by the chi-square test or Fisher's exact through categorization of patients as per the severity of their condition.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The observed frequency of maternal infections was 12% in pregnant or recently pregnant women admitted during the study period. Respiratory tract infection (16.9%) and chorioamnionitis (14.4%) were more prevalent among antenatal women, whereas wound/skin infection (15.5%) and puerperal/genital tract infection (12.3%) were the most common infections observed in postnatal women. Blood transfusion was the most common complication observed in the included women (26.9%). Among the study population, 13.9% had organ dysfunction, primarily cardiovascular (42.6%) and neurological dysfunction (40.9%). Women with severe infection had adverse pregnancy outcomes such as a high number of still births (17.5%). The total number of maternal deaths recorded was 19 (4.32%). Regarding neonatal outcomes, APGAR score, suspicion of infection, and low birth weight were significant across the severity groups. There was no significant difference for neonatal deaths across the three groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Infections from various sources contribute significantly toward adverse maternal, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. Enforcing infection prevention measures, equipping primary healthcare units with adequate resources and emphasizing antenatal and postnatal care can prevent infections and their related complications. Early detection and management of maternal infections is equally necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251387427"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145350357","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}
Nicola Jones, Sarah Bekaert, Dianne Regisford, Nicole Jameelah Shodunke
{"title":"Breaking barriers: A qualitative study exploring the social and cultural factors that influence HIV awareness and uptake of HIV prevention among women of African and Caribbean heritage in England.","authors":"Nicola Jones, Sarah Bekaert, Dianne Regisford, Nicole Jameelah Shodunke","doi":"10.1177/17455057251385798","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057251385798","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There have been impressive advancements made in preventing and treating HIV. However, the impacts have not been experienced equally across demographics in England. African born persons, in particular women of Black African ethnicity, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. HIV prevention campaigns have often overlooked social, cultural, and structural factors that shape access to HIV prevention.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This paper explores how women of African and Caribbean heritage understand HIV within their social networks, and how they perceive HIV and sexual health services. This insight is needed to develop more inclusive and effective approaches to HIV prevention.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This study adopted a participatory action research framework, acknowledging lived experience as a basis of knowledge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Focus groups and one-to-one interviews were used to collect qualitative data from a local community women's group between June 2021 and November 2021. In total, 23 women of African and Caribbean heritage participated in this study. Four women opted to take part in a one-to-one interview, and 19 women participated in one of five focus groups. Data were analysed using an applied thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three key themes emerged from the data. <i>Enduring fear of HIV rooted in past lived experiences:</i> Fear of HIV derives from traumatic lived experiences, which have shaped trust in health care services in England and limited the acceptance of information about HIV treatment, such as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). <i>Responsibility for HIV transmission and prevention:</i> There was a low perception of HIV acquisition risk, shaped by personal circumstances and stigmatising beliefs. For those acknowledging they may be at risk of HIV acquisition attributed this to the behaviour of their male partners. <i>Motivation to change attitudes and reduce stigma:</i> Participating in this study provided a safe space for women to share their experiences of HIV, ask questions, and learn new information, revealing focus groups as an effective method of raising awareness and reducing stigma.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Multiple factors shape the understanding of HIV and uptake of HIV prevention among women of African and Caribbean heritage. Local, community-specific, and participatory HIV prevention interventions are needed to understand and respond to these factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251385798"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145350377","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":"Burden of intimate partner violence, mental health issues, and help-seeking behaviors among women in Nepal.","authors":"Monna Kurvinen, Anna Mia Ekström, Keshab Deuba","doi":"10.1177/17455057251326416","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251326416","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common form of violence, presenting a significant public health concern, especially for women and girls. Help-seeking can reduce future IPV and mitigate adverse health outcomes, including mental health issues.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study is the first national assessment on IPV, mental health consequences, and associated help-seeking behaviors in Nepal.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using secondary data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, this study includes 5178 women aged 15-49 and employs multivariate regression analysis to explore the association between IPV and mental health problems, as well as factors influencing help-seeking behavior for both issues.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among participants, 31.4% reported ever experiencing IPV, and most (29.4% of all women) in the past 12 months. Of those ever experiencing IPV, 72.0% had not sought help for IPV, and 92.2% of those who did, opted for informal support. A total of 27.6% (<i>n</i> = 1427) of female interviewees reported anxiety symptoms, 21.5% (<i>n</i> = 1110) depressive symptoms, and 7.1% (<i>n</i> = 368) suicidal ideation within the past 2 weeks. These rates were higher among women who had experienced IPV in the past 12 months, with 41.1% reporting anxiety, 33.2% depression symptoms, and 14.1% suicidal ideation. Of the 4194 respondents with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation who were asked about help-seeking for mental health issues, 19.4% (<i>n</i> = 812) had sought help, primarily from informal sources (93.4%, <i>n</i> = 759). Emotional IPV in the past 12 months increased the odds of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.08-4.31), depression (aOR 3.09, 95% CI 2.19-4.37), and suicidal ideation (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.20-3.04). Sexual IPV increased the odds of anxiety (aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.67-4.95) and depression (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.32-3.41), while controlling behavior heightened the odds of depression (aOR 2.42, 95% CI 2.02-2.89) and suicidal ideation (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.25-4.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This nationwide study reveals a high prevalence of IPV and related mental health problems among women in Nepal and a low rate of help-seeking behavior, in particular to formal support structures. Stronger health system responses and empowering informal support are essential to improve referrals and raise awareness for violence survivors.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251326416"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11921001/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143659994","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}
Obasanjo Bolarinwa, Aliu Mohammed, Victor Igharo, Sinegugu Shongwe
{"title":"Leveraging artificial intelligence for inclusive maternity care: Enhancing access for mothers with disabilities in Africa.","authors":"Obasanjo Bolarinwa, Aliu Mohammed, Victor Igharo, Sinegugu Shongwe","doi":"10.1177/17455057251326675","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251326675","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Women with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing maternal healthcare, which increases their risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in Africa, where resources are limited. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a unique opportunity to improve inclusivity and accessibility to antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and postnatal care for these women. This paper explores the potential of AI to address the socio-economic, physical, and institutional barriers that limit the utilisation of maternal healthcare services by women with disabilities. AI-driven technologies, such as virtual assistants, predictive analytics, and wearable devices, can enhance maternal health outcomes by improving monitoring during pregnancy, providing real-time health data, and facilitating access to skilled care. However, the successful implementation of AI in maternal healthcare in Africa faces challenges, including technological infrastructure, data quality, and ethical concerns. Collaborative efforts between governments, healthcare providers, and AI developers are necessary to overcome these challenges and ensure AI tools are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and accessible. Integrating AI into maternal healthcare services could lead to improved maternal outcomes, reduce mortality rates, and promote equity for women with disabilities in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251326675"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11910734/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143634918","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":"Determinants of cesarean section in urban areas of Bangladesh: Insights from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey-2022.","authors":"Md Sazzad Hossan Sujon, Imran Hossain Sumon, Junayed Ahmmad, Md Shahanewaj Asif, Md Moyazzem Hossain","doi":"10.1177/17455057251356806","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251356806","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cesarean section delivery is a surgical way to safeguard maternal and neonatal health when medical risk is associated with delivering babies. Its rates have been increasing globally over the past few decades, with a significant rise recorded in low- and middle-income countries, which leads cesarean section to crucial public health concerns due to unnecessary surgical interventions and associated risks for maternal and neonatal.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to identify the socioeconomic and demographic determinants contributing to the higher likelihood of cesarean section deliveries among Bangladeshi mothers residing in urban areas.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>The initial survey employed a cross-sectional design to collect data.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This research examined the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) dataset to identify the cesarean section among urban mothers. It utilized the chi-square test to measure associations, the Boruta algorithm, and a multivariable logistic regression model with a forest plot.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study pointed out that urban mothers belonging in richer and richest families (adjusted odds ratio: 2.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.88-4.26 and adjusted odds ratio: 4.79, 95% confidence interval: 3.13-7.34) and higher educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio: 1.89, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.99) are significantly correlated with cesarean section. Divisional differences are also robust with the significance of Sylhet (adjusted odds ratio: 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.47) and Chottogram (adjusted odds ratio: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.30-0.83) divisions. Media exposure (adjusted odds ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-1.87) and mothers gave birth at the age 20-24 and 25-34 (adjusted odds ratio: 1.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-2.14 and adjusted odds ratio: 3.15, 95% confidence interval: 2.03-4.89) are also highly significantly associated with the likelihood of cesarean section. Moreover, mothers working status (adjusted odds ratio: 0.53, 95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.65) and religion (adjusted odds ratio: 2.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.60-3.38) are also correlated with cesarean section.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study reveals socioeconomic and sociodemographic reasons associated with the increase in cesarean section rates among urban mothers in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate cesarean section rates and improve maternal and neonatal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251356806"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12340205/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144818613","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}
Maria Vega-Sanz, Sofía Goñi-Dengra, Amaia Halty, Ana Berástegui, Alvaro Sanchez-Lopez
{"title":"An analysis of key factors related to adaptation during pregnancy that contribute to the risk of perinatal depression.","authors":"Maria Vega-Sanz, Sofía Goñi-Dengra, Amaia Halty, Ana Berástegui, Alvaro Sanchez-Lopez","doi":"10.1177/17455057251340822","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251340822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The third trimester of pregnancy involves multiple changes to which women need to adapt. When such adaptation to pregnancy is unsuccessful, this can increase the risk to suffer perinatal depression. Yet, an integrative analysis of different forms of adaptation to pregnancy and their specific contributions to perinatal depression is still missing.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study thus aimed to advance knowledge on the role of specific indicators of adaptation to pregnancy as predictors of risk for or protection against perinatal depression.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>A randomized non-discriminatory exponential chain methodology was used to recruit a sample of 594 women in their third trimester of pregnancy. The participants completed online assessments, including sociodemographic data and psychological measures. A backward binary logistic regression was conducted to determine which dimensions of problems of adaptation to pregnancy accounted for higher risk to categorize women with clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The proposed model accounted for 17% of the variability in the occurrence of perinatal depression symptoms. Specific indicators of adjustment to pregnancy, such as a having lower positive views of the future with the baby, acceptance of the news of pregnancy, talking with the partner about the future baby, and acceptance of physical discomfort, emerged as protective factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study identifies key protective factors against perinatal depression in the third trimester, including imagining a positive future with the baby, a positive reaction to pregnancy confirmation, discussing the baby with a partner, and positively experiencing physical discomfort during pregnancy. This study provides a deeper understanding of key aspects of pregnancy adaptation that should be strengthened in clinical practice to reduce the development of depressive symptoms in late pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251340822"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12304638/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144735990","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":"Dietary intakes, diet quality and physical activity levels from preconception to late pregnancy: Prospective assessment of changes and adherence to recommendations.","authors":"Audrey St-Laurent, Anne-Sophie Plante, Stéphanie Harrison, Simone Lemieux, Julie Robitaille, Stephanie-May Ruchat, Anne-Sophie Morisset","doi":"10.1177/17455057251341999","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251341999","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prospective nutritional and physical activity data are lacking throughout preconception and pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate (1) intakes of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients, diet quality and physical activity levels in preconception and in each trimester of pregnancy and (2) adherence to recommendations.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Prospective study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ninety individuals planning a pregnancy in the next year (Quebec, Canada) took part in four online assessments that occurred before conception and during each trimester of pregnancy (T1, T2 and T3). At each assessment, dietary intakes were derived from at least two web-based 24-h recalls, and supplements use was obtained from a web questionnaire. Diet quality was measured via the Healthy Eating Food Index 2019. Physical activity levels were evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preconceptionally, participants (30.5 ± 3.6 years) had a mean body mass index of 23.5 ± 3.4 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. Energy intakes (kcal/day) increased over time (preconception: 2172 ± 457; T1: 2284 ± 557; T2: 2382 ± 501; T3: 2434 ± 549; p < 0.0001), while Healthy Eating Food Index 2019 total score remained stable (p = 0.10). Although dietary fiber intake (g/day) increased from preconception to T3 (preconception: 23 ± 9; T1: 25 ± 9; T2: 26 ± 10; T3: 27 ± 9; p < 0.0001), more than 80% of individuals had daily dietary fiber intakes below 14 g/1000 kcal at each assessment. From preconception to T3, total intakes (foods + supplements) increased for iron, folate and vitamin D (p < 0.01), especially from preconception to T1. These intakes came mainly from dietary supplements and met recommendations for most individuals (>52%) at each assessment. Physical activity levels (METs - min/week) decreased from preconception to T3 (preconception: 1754 ± 1431; T1: 1518 ± 1124; T2: 1562 ± 1214; T3: 1258 ± 1218; p < 0.0001), whereas most individuals (64%-82%) complied with the physical activity recommendations at each assessment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Changes in dietary intakes and physical activity levels are observed from preconception to the end of pregnancy. The recommendations are met for most individuals, except for dietary fiber intakes. These results need to be confirmed in a larger, more heterogeneous sample.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"21 ","pages":"17455057251341999"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487410","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}