Women's health (London, England)最新文献

{"title":"Intersections of mental health and sexual and reproductive health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study of women and gender-diverse people with disabilities.","authors":"Sidrah K Zafar, Carmela Melina Albanese, Meredith Evans, Alexandra Rego, Keat Welsh, Nkem Ogbonna, Lucy C Barker, Anne Berndl, Janice Du Mont, Yona Lunsky, Amy C McPherson, Sara Rotenberg, Lesley A Tarasoff, Ashley Vandermorris, Hilary K Brown","doi":"10.1177/17455057261466290","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261466290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had significant mental health impacts globally. However, prior studies have not examined the specific mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and gender-diverse people with disabilities, particularly as they intersect with sexual and reproductive health (SRH).ObjectivesOur objective was to examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and access to mental health care among women and gender-diverse people with disabilities, including how mental health intersected with SRH.DesignWe conducted a community-engaged concurrent mixed-methods study in Canada with women and gender-diverse people with physical, sensory, psychiatric, and cognitive disabilities recruited using convenience and purposeful sampling.MethodsBetween May, 2022 and March, 2023, participants completed a survey (including identification of anxiety and depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4) and/or in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using deductive and inductive coding following a constructivist approach.ResultsThe study included 116 survey participants and 61 interview participants, with 50 participants completing both the survey and interview. Twenty-nine per cent of participants rated their mental health as poor during the pandemic (vs. 21.6% before), and 58.3% had symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Participants described social isolation, threat of infection, and ableism as contributing to poor mental health. Over half (54.2%) who sought mental health care reported barriers. Long wait times, inaccessible virtual care, restrictions on support persons at appointments, and economic insecurity impacted access. Mental health and SRH intersected, with pandemic-related psychological distress negatively affecting menstrual health, sexual wellbeing, perinatal health, and menopause. Delays accessing SRH care also contributed to poor mental health.ConclusionThese data show the need for integration of accessible mental health and SRH services and promotion of disability-affirming mental health care during public health emergencies and beyond.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261466290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13458322/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148708839","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 qualitative systematic review of the implications of desexed language in women's healthcare and healthcare literature.","authors":"Abigail Greenfield, Ciara Higley, Naomi Black, Majel McGranahan","doi":"10.1177/17455057261430199","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261430199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Increasing numbers of people identifying as transgender and gender diverse (TGD) have introduced challenges regarding language used in women's healthcare. TGD individuals are defined as those whose gender identity does not align with their sex. This growing patient group has ignited debates over whether language in women's health should be desexed to accommodate TGD individuals, for example, replacing \"mother\" with \"pregnant people.\" Some argue such language is inclusive, while others are concerned it is inaccurate and disrespectful.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the implications of desexed language in women's healthcare and healthcare literature.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Qualitative systematic review synthesising primary research on desexed language in women's healthcare.</p><p><strong>Data sources and methods: </strong>Qualitative studies examining desexed language in women's healthcare, published 2010-2024, were included. A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Risk of bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and data analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six studies were included, with 80 participants, 13 of whom were women who were not TGD. Themes identified: (1) Language and communication - reflecting differing views on desexed language and the importance of consistent definitions of sex and gender identity; (2) Education - gaps in healthcare professionals' confidence highlight the need for improved clinical education on TGD language use; (3) Structural challenges - issues with clinical documentation and environments; and (4) Barriers to care - poor healthcare experiences meaning TGD patients may avoid seeking care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights the need for resources tailored to TGD individuals, clinician education on personalised language use and improvements to clinical documentation to ensure sex is always recorded, with gender identity included if relevant. Insufficient evidence exists to support universal implementation of desexed language in women's healthcare. Findings suggest it is not well understood or accepted by women who are not TGD and research is needed to understand its impact on wider groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261430199"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033060/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147535247","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":"What are women's experiences of gestational breast cancer, and how do they describe their interactions with the healthcare system? An exploratory study.","authors":"Sara Hurren, Marie McAuliffe, Karen Yates, Tracey Ahern, Cate Nagle","doi":"10.1177/17455057261435753","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261435753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gestational breast cancer (GBC) is defined as a breast cancer diagnosis during pregnancy or within 12 months post-partum. The incidence of GBC varies between 1:1000 and 1:3000 pregnancies. Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant tumour in women and the leading cause of cancer-related female mortality worldwide.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The main objective of this study was to better understand the experiences of women diagnosed with GBC and their interactions with the healthcare system. By exploring their perspectives, the study aimed to contribute to further research and knowledge to improve care and outcomes for these women.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A qualitative exploratory study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study involved one-on-one semi-structured interviews conducted in Australia between November 2021 and June 2022. Participants were women diagnosed with GBC. Interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke's (2006) six steps.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six women diagnosed with GBC participated in the study. Analysis determined three central themes. First: <i>My happiness was stolen</i>. Upon receiving a GBC diagnosis, women described feeling terrified, overwhelmed, concerned for their baby, distressed, yet feeling fortunate at the same time. Second: <i>It really knocked me around</i>. Women expressed their unique circumstances and difficulties in comprehending having a cancer diagnosis while being pregnant, the different treatment modalities, limited information on surgical and fertility preservation options, and being unprepared for the side effects. Third: <i>I wanted control</i>; the importance of being able to take charge of their circumstances and decision-making was important to these women, especially as options were frequently restricted due to the urgency to commence treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings provide an understanding of the unique challenges of women diagnosed with GBC. Empowering women through personalised knowledge about their disease, understanding their needs, discussing surgical options, addressing fertility preservation, and providing psychological support is essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261435753"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147576868","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":"Intimate Partner Violence and Early Initiation of Breastfeeding: Evidence from the Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey.","authors":"Jennyfher R Toro-Vera, Jerry K Benites-Meza, Christopher J Alarcón-Toro, Andrea A Aldea-García, Liseth Pinedo-Castillo, Carlos J Zumaran-Nuñez, Percy Herrera-Añazco, Vicente A Benites-Zapata","doi":"10.1177/17455057261424821","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261424821","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Violence against women is a serious human rights violation and a public health problem. In Peru, more than 55% of women have suffered intimate partner violence (IPV), which has a negative impact on their health and breastfeeding.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the association of IPV and early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) in Peruvian women.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) of the period 2018-2022. The population included women of reproductive age (15-49 years). The outcome variable was the EIBF, and the main predictor variable was IPV. Crude prevalence ratios and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated as a measure of association.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We analyzed a final sample of 30,482 women. The prevalence of IPV was 16.25%, while the prevalence of mothers who did not initiate early breastfeeding was 33.37%. It was found that partner violence was associated with a lower likelihood of complying with EIBF.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We identified that women who experienced IPV were less likely to initiate early breastfeeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261424821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12966586/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147367661","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 unmet need for family planning among adolescent and young married women in Pakistan.","authors":"Muhammad Farhan Asif, Salima Meherali, Zohra S Lassi","doi":"10.1177/17455057261463949","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261463949","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundMost adolescent and young married women (AYMW) in Pakistan face challenges with access to contraceptives and associated services despite their high demand.ObjectiveThis research aimed to investigate the determinants of unmet needs for family planning (UMNFP) among AYMW in Pakistan.DesignWe have utilized the cross-sectional data of the 740 AYMW. The data was obtained from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18.MethodsDescriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 24.ResultsThe prevalence of UMNFP among AYMW was 58.9%. The result also showed that UMNFP was significantly higher among AYMW with secondary school education as compared with no education (AOR = 1.278, 95% CI = 1.045, 2.751), belonged to poorer wealth quintiles as compared to those poorest wealth quintiles (AOR = 1.256, 95% CI = 1.044, 2.775), those who faced opposition to using contraceptives from their husband (AOR = 1.433, 95% CI = 1.007, 3.348), who had a fear of contraceptive's side effects (AOR = 1.728, 95% CI = 1.127, 4.335), lack of access to family planning services (AOR = 3.596, 95% CI = 1.528, 5.543), and high cost of contraceptive (AOR = 3.093, 95% CI = 1.813, 4.719).ConclusionWe conclude that fear of side effects for using contraceptives, lack of access to contraceptive services, and the high cost of contraceptive methods are the primary factors of high UMNFP among AYMW in Pakistan. Measures are required to empower women's socio-economic profile, and they need to implement strategies to improve the educational status and instill behavior change regarding contraceptive acceptance and safety in females and men. Based on the empirical evidence, this research proposes a comprehensive policy strategy to meet the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, specifically target 3.7.1, that directly addresses the unmet need for family planning.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261463949"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319576/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148347688","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":"Yearning for movement. A qualitative interview study exploring physical activity in the context of endometriosis-associated chronic pain.","authors":"Josefin Larsson, Birgit Heckemann, Emma Varkey, Axel Wolf, Sofia Jonsvik, Karin Sundfeldt, Paulin Andréll","doi":"10.1177/17455057261455291","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261455291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundChronic pain is a common symptom of endometriosis with significant negative impact on physical and social activities. Patients perceive that healthcare professionals lack knowledge about the condition, and that available treatment options provide insufficient pain relief. Physical activity is recommended for endometriosis-associated pain in Swedish guidelines. However, little is known about how patients perceive and engage in physical activity in daily life.ObjectivesTo explore physical activity, self-management strategies and healthcare experiences in individuals with endometriosis-associated chronic pain.DesignA qualitative descriptive design.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 15 participants between December 2021 and September 2022. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe overarching theme identified from the analysis, \"Yearning for movement\", captures both the strong desire to be physically active and the challenges of doing so while living with endometriosis-associated chronic pain. Three categories illuminate the various paths participants took in their efforts to manage physical activity. \"<i>Monitoring and assessing</i>\" describes participants' continuous monitoring of their pain and energy levels and assessment of their ability to participate in social or physical activities. \"<i>Seeking healthcare</i>\" describes the participants' needs for greater support and understanding from healthcare professionals. \"<i>Adapting and trying to take action</i>\" describes the actions the participants took to manage physical activity in daily living.ConclusionIndividuals living with endometriosis-associated chronic pain experience considerable limitations on physical functioning and a continuous time-consuming and laborious monitoring of pain and energy levels. Participants wished for increased knowledge about chronic pain and greater support for physical activity. These results call for improved support from healthcare for individuals suffering from endometriosis-associated chronic pain for both physical activity as well as pain-education.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261455291"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13195239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147990431","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":"Artificial intelligence in maternal and child health: Current applications, translational gaps, and future research priorities.","authors":"Paula Domínguez Del Olmo, Juan D Arévalo, Cecilia Villalaín, Ignacio Herraiz, Alberto Galindo, María Cernada, Julia Kuligowski, Iris Iglesia, Gerardo Rodriguez, Elvira Larque, Judit Platero, Elisa Llurba, Valeria Rolle, Mar Gil, Alex Cahuana, Dolores Gomez-Roig, Oscar Garcia-Algar, Jose L Ayala","doi":"10.1177/17455057261475065","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261475065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, with growing impact on maternal and child health (MCH) through advances in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, generative models, and conversational systems. This article provides a comprehensive synthesis of current AI applications in MCH, structured across six key domains: predictive modeling, image analysis, deep learning and interpretability, generative and multi-omics approaches, conversational AI, and environmental and lifestyle analytics. Drawing on recent literature and the translational experience of the Spanish RICORS-SAMID network, we analyze how these technologies are being integrated into clinical, preventive, and assistive workflows. Across domains, AI demonstrates strong potential for early risk prediction (e.g., preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, neonatal outcomes), automated image interpretation, biomarker discovery, and personalized decision support. However, despite promising performance metrics, most systems remain at the proof-of-concept stage, with limited external validation, scarce prospective evaluation, and incomplete integration into real-world clinical pathways. Key translational gaps include data heterogeneity, lack of interoperability, insufficient explainability, and challenges related to bias, fairness, and regulatory compliance. We argue that the next phase of AI in MCH must shift from static prediction toward longitudinal, mechanism-aware, and clinically actionable systems, supported by robust validation and multidisciplinary collaboration. Particular emphasis is placed on equity, as the benefits of AI must extend to low-resource settings where maternal and neonatal morbidity remains highest. By bridging technical innovation with clinical implementation, coordinated research networks such as RICORS can play a critical role in accelerating the safe, effective, and equitable deployment of AI in maternal and child healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261475065"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13458139/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148708790","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":"Beyond gender and racial bias: Towards pro-justice ethical GenAI use in medicine and health.","authors":"Soumyadeep Bhaumik","doi":"10.1177/17455057261464214","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261464214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Generative artificial intelligence(GenAI) is increasingly being used in the health sector. Much of the current discourse on GenAI is focused on technical accuracy and bias in its outputs. This editorial argues the need to go beyond bias mitigation and take a pro-justice approach for ethical GenAI use in health and medicine: one that actively confronts injustices, addresses structural inequities, and considers our intrinsic intergenerational responsibilities towards nature, humans everywhere , and other species. The piece draws from feminist ethics, justice theories, and decolonial practices to outline four key principles for a pro-justice approach for ethical GenAI use in medicine and health: intersectionality, epistemic justice, environmental justice, and social justice. It highlights the importance of such an approach, particularly for women's health.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261464214"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13305507/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148310545","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":"Development of a menopause-specific questionnaire: Content and face validation using a modified Delphi technique.","authors":"Amanda Calvin, Camilla Udo, Kerstin Erlandsson","doi":"10.1177/17455057261476566","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261476566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundMenopause is a universal life stage, yet many women face persistent knowledge gaps, misconceptions, and unequal access to care. Existing instruments assess isolated aspects of menopause but do not capture women's access to the conditions necessary for making informed choices about their health.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and establish content and face validity of a menopause-specific questionnaire designed to assess women's access to the preconditions for making informed choices about their health during the menopausal transition and beyond, using a modified Delphi technique.DesignA modified Delphi study.MethodsFive Delphi rounds were conducted in 2025 involving an expert group (n = 9), a Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) group (n = 7), and a pilot test group (n = 48). Experts reviewed and refined an initial 39-item draft, the PPI group assessed face validity and readability, and experts conducted item prioritization using predefined consensus thresholds. Pilot testing evaluated usability and respondent burden. Final consensus required ≥80% expert agreement. The study followed CREDES guidelines.ResultsFollowing content and face validation, the final instrument comprised 29 items. Expert review informed revisions to terminology, neutrality of menopausal hormone therapy items, and language accessibility. PPI contributors highlighted readability challenges and supported clearer wording. Nine items were removed, five merged into two, and one item added. Pilot testing confirmed acceptable usability and respondent burden. Final expert consensus reached 87.5%.ConclusionA consensus-based, user-informed questionnaire was developed, following content and face validation, to assess women's access to conditions for informed choice during menopause. The instrument may support the identification of barriers and facilitators to informed decision-making in menopause-related care and research.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261476566"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13438354/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148671509","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":"Recent obstetrical and gynaecological care experiences and their sociodemographic and mental health correlates: A latent class analysis.","authors":"Léa Jeanne Séguin, Sylvie Lévesque, Arianne Jean Thorn, Isabelle Boucoiran, Sarah Landry, Natacha Godbout","doi":"10.1177/17455057261455494","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261455494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHigh-quality obstetrical and gynaecological care is vital for physical, psychological, and sexual health. However, research has documented widespread patterns of dehumanized and discriminatory care, with marginalized groups disproportionately impacted. Such care can cause lasting harm, underscoring the need for a trauma-informed and person-centred research to better understand and address these experiences.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to: (1) identify profiles of recent obstetrical and gynaecological patient-provider interactions in Québec, Canada, and (2) examine their links to sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and sexual wellbeing.DesignThe current study is cross-sectional.MethodsA community sample (<i>n</i> = 1490) having received gynaecological or obstetric care in the last seven years in Québec completed an online survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics, mental health and sexual wellbeing indicators, as well as provider mistreatment, perceived discrimination, and decisional autonomy during the most recent care experience.ResultsLatent class analyses (LCA) identified a four-class solution. <i>Humanizing care</i> (39.7%) featured high decisional autonomy and no mistreatment or perceived discrimination. <i>Subpar care</i> (30.7%) showed moderate autonomy with provider neglect, but no discrimination or provider aggression. <i>Dehumanizing care</i> (17.7%) and <i>patronizing care</i> (11.8%;) involved discrimination and neglect, with the former also facing judgement, aggression, and rights infringements, and the latter, low autonomy but no provider aggression. <i>Dehumanizing care</i> class participants were the youngest and most likely to be socially marginalized (e.g., gender- and sexually diverse, racialized, less educated) and to report poor mental health and poor sexual wellbeing. <i>Humanizing care</i> participants were predominantly older and cisheterosexual and were the least likely to report poor mental health and sexual wellbeing. <i>Subpar care</i> and <i>patronizing care</i> classes included more gender- and sexually diverse individuals and intermediate levels of poor mental health and sexual wellbeing.ConclusionThis study reveals systemic mistreatment in medical care and urges structural reforms, including anti-Black racism training and culturally competent, inclusive practices in gynaecology and obstetrics.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261455494"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13305653/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321245","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}