Women's health (London, England)最新文献

{"title":"A comprehensive treatment algorithm for chronic pelvic pain patients: A perspective review and future guidelines.","authors":"Allyson Shrikhande, Jason Hall, Iris Orbuch, Arnold Advincula, Katherine Wolfrum, Sallie Sarrel, Jessica Drummond, Lolasri Rampally, Julia Gonzalez-Engle, Jasmine Ross, Gautam Shrikhande","doi":"10.1177/17455057261440214","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261440214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic pelvic pain is one of the most prevalent syndromes in family medicine, gynecology, and urology. Chronic pelvic pain patients are often misdiagnosed and have unnecessary prolonged suffering. Both misdiagnosis and delay in treatment negatively impact the health and well-being of chronic pelvic pain patients while additionally creating an economic burden on healthcare systems. This review aims to combine current treatment guidelines for managing chronic pelvic pain into a comprehensive algorithm for healthcare providers, with a focus on early diagnosis and treatment. The algorithm encompasses pathophysiology, assessment, organ system dysfunction management, overlapping pain syndromes, integrative management, pharmacological management, non-operative multidisciplinary care, and surgical interventions for chronic pelvic pain. A review of medical literature using the keyword \"Chronic Pelvic Pain\" between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 2023, was conducted using the PubMed database. Four hundred three articles from the PubMed database were eligible for detailed review. Each publication was evaluated utilizing a grading system adapted from the framework established by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. For guideline development, a panel of experts specializing in pelvic pain determined how physicians can best optimize the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain by integrating current treatment guidelines, best practice recommendations, and available data. The recommendations advocate for a multimodal approach to chronic pelvic pain treatment, emphasizing the importance of early disease recognition, coordinated care, and treatment protocols similar to those commonly employed for well-defined medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.^1-5 This article introduces a comprehensive treatment algorithm designed to address the existing gaps in the management of patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain, as well as decrease the economic burden on the healthcare system that chronic pelvic pain currently places. The algorithm promotes a comprehensive multimodal approach to prevent the prolonged suffering that chronic pelvic pain patients currently must endure.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261440214"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129337/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791853","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":"Rural and urban disparities in postpartum glucose screening rates.","authors":"Lynn E Glenn, Thomas V Joshua, Samantha Brener, Neha Balachandran, Terri Marin","doi":"10.1177/17455057261443143","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261443143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although the overall rate of adherence to postpartum glucose screening is low (less than 50%), the geographical disparities, rural versus urban, in postpartum glucose screening rates for women with gestational diabetes are relatively unknown.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this study was to compare postpartum glucose screening rates between women living in rural versus urban areas. Secondarily, this study evaluated the impact of transfer of maternity care on adherence to postpartum care and glucose screening rates in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Through retrospective chart review, data were collected from records with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes between January 2015 and October 2020.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Subjects were classified as urban or rural residents. The following data were collected: number of prenatal and postpartum care visits, number of prenatal and postpartum glucose testing, infant birthweight, maternal complications, and demographic data, including race, age, and insurance status.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our final sample consisted of 82 women classified as urban and 67 classified as rural. Overall, the number of postpartum glucose tests was lower in the rural group (<i>M</i> = 0.30), compared to the urban group (<i>M</i> = 0.52) and demonstrated statistically significant differences with Poisson regression (coefficient 0.56, Wald chi-square = 4.59, <i>p</i> = 0.03). Women from rural areas, who were referred and transferred maternity care to the Regional Perinatal Health Care Center, had the lowest average postpartum visits (<i>M</i> = 1.00) and postpartum glucose tests (<i>M</i> = 0.22) compared to the women from urban areas who were transferred from other providers with mean postpartum visits (<i>M</i> = 1.46) and mean postpartum glucose tests (<i>M</i> = 0.29).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Rural women received lower postpartum glucose screening than those residing in urban areas. This finding illustrates greater disparities among rural women seeking postpartum care. Larger prospective studies are warranted to examine contributing factors, such as continuity of care and the transition from postpartum care to primary care. The remaining significant need is for healthcare providers to facilitate preventive care following pregnancy, including timely glucose screening and detection of women at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, especially among rural populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261443143"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791905","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":"Reductions in negative mood in minimally versus moderately active women at behavioral obesity intervention start: Assessing floor effects and internal mechanisms of change to inform future treatments.","authors":"James J Annesi, Maliheh Bakhshi, Patricia G Sevene","doi":"10.1177/17455057251414932","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057251414932","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Due to minimal effects, new directions for behavioral (non-pharmacologic/non-surgical) obesity interventions are required. Previous research suggests that physical activity and exercise (PA/exercise) might have considerable merit for weight reduction via impacts on mood and other psychosocial correlates of controlled eating. Although as few as 3 bouts/week of low-moderate intensity PA/exercise are associated with improved mood-with no dose-response effect beyond that frequency-it is unknown if mood improvements may be leveraged when participants already complete ⩾3 bouts/week by treatment start.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The present research addressed gaps in the available PA/exercise-psychosocial change-weight management research.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This study combined group contrasts with mediation analyses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Women participating in a community-based cognitive-behavioral obesity treatment emphasizing the increase of PA/exercise and exercise-related self-regulation and self-efficacy (<i>N</i> = 99) were divided for separate analyses into groupings of <3 bouts/week, and ⩾3 bouts/week, of light (e.g., easy walking) and moderate (e.g., fast walking) PA/exercise regularly completed prior to treatment start. The participants were assessed on psychosocial and PA/exercise changes from baseline to month 3.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Reductions in total mood disturbance (TMD), depression, and anxiety scores were overall significant, with no significant difference by exercise-frequency grouping. PA/exercise increases were significantly greater in the <3 bouts/week groupings. Change in self-regulatory skills usage mediated relations between groupings and changes in TMD, depression, and anxiety. In subsequent serial mediation models, significant paths from grouping → self-regulation change → self-efficacy change → TMD and depression changes were found.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Whether or not ⩾3 bouts/week of PA/exercise are completed at intervention start, TMD, depression, and anxiety may be reduced through treatment foci on increasing PA/exercise, self-regulation, and self-efficacy. Findings might be useful for informing scalable obesity treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057251414932"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12835511/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146055385","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":"Integrating psychological support into gestational diabetes self-management: Development of a user-centred digital mindfulness programme.","authors":"Prabhadini Godage, Oonagh M Giggins, Julie Doyle, Anita Byrne","doi":"10.1177/17455057261473448","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261473448","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents significant psychological and behavioural challenges, with diagnosis often triggering stress, anxiety, and fear. Despite these burdens, structured psychosocial support remains limited within existing GDM care. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise for reducing distress in perinatal contexts, but few are tailored to the unique needs of individuals with GDM, and digital delivery remains rare.ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a digitally delivered mindfulness programme tailored to the psychological needs of individuals with GDM using a user-centred, multi-phase design approach.DesignA qualitative, multi-phase participatory design study involving needs assessment and co-design workshops, guided by the Obesity-Related Behavioural Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model for behavioural intervention development and Loucks et al.'s evidence-based adaptation framework for Mindfulness-Based Programmes (MBPs).MethodsA qualitative needs assessment was conducted through focus groups with individuals with GDM (n=11) and healthcare professionals (n=4) to identify psychological experiences, mental health support, and the feasibility of a digital mindfulness intervention. Findings informed the initial mindfulness programme framework, which was further refined through participatory co-design workshops (n=10) and iterative tailoring of scripts and multimedia content.ResultsParticipants reported high levels of emotional distress following GDM diagnosis, citing a strong desire for brief, flexible, and supportive psychosocial interventions. Co-design feedback highlighted preferences for short audio-guided sessions, soft and calming voice characteristics, and seamless integration into daily routines. The final one-month programme comprised 20 mindfulness exercises, delivered via audio and video for integration within a holistic GDM self-management app.ConclusionA systematically developed, contextually relevant digital mindfulness programme may address critical gaps in GDM care, supporting psychological well-being and self-management.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261473448"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13469537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148726546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the factors of premenstrual tension syndrome and their influence on academic performance among female university students in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Md Rayhan Kabir, Moinur Rahman, Afrida Tasnim, Niha Rani Debi, Maria Tasnim, Syeda Nujhat Nowshin, Md Moyazzem Hossain","doi":"10.1177/17455057261429272","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261429272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Premenstrual tension (PMT) syndrome is a combination of a disruptive set of physical and emotional symptoms that women experience cyclically before the start of each menstrual period. It may impede day-to-day activities and can vary in severity.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to investigate the factors associated with PMT and explore their influences, along with family support, on the academic performance of female university students in Bangladesh.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This study used a cross-sectional design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study is based on primary data collected from 765 female students of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. A well-structured questionnaire, having sociodemographic information, PMT rating scale, and APGAR family function scale. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, Monte Carlo approximation test, multivariable logistic regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that 115 (15.03%) respondents demonstrated significant PMT symptoms, of which 54% reported that PMT had an impact on their academic performance, and 67% reported experiencing physical issues. This study also found that family support negatively influences PMT (standardized path coefficient = -0.23). The SEM path analysis indicates that all hypothesized relationships are statistically significant at the 5% level, leading to the rejection of the corresponding null hypotheses. PMT is positively associated with academic performance and is statistically significant (β = 0.505, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Moreover, family support is positively related to academic performance, exhibiting a weak but significant effect (β = 0.083, <i>p</i> = 0.045). Students with PMT were 53% less likely to belong to lower dysfunctional families (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.66, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Students with chronic illnesses were less likely to belong to lower dysfunctional families (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33-0.87).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate that strong family support can help alleviate PMT, potentially benefiting students' academic performance. PMT is also associated with family dysfunction and chronic illness. Overall, family care and health awareness play an important role in supporting students' academic success and overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261429272"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988308/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147446106","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 3D-printed bra with an incorporated prosthesis for post-mastectomy women.","authors":"Maayan Kinsbursky, Yoav Sterman","doi":"10.1177/17455057261433681","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261433681","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women who have undergone mastectomy and do not undergo reconstruction often face challenges with existing bras and prostheses. Mismatches between generic prostheses and individual mastectomy cases result in physical and mental discomfort, such as pain, sweating, asymmetry, and concerns about prosthesis movement. Existing solutions are limited in their ability to address these challenges effectively.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to develop a workflow for designing and fabricating a lightweight post-mastectomy bra with an incorporated prosthesis to improve fit, symmetry, and comfort.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>We developed a customization and fabrication workflow based on a three-dimensional (3D) scan and the manipulation of its geometry to achieve fit and symmetry. We leverage the 3D-printed spacer fabric technique to produce a lightweight, breathable structure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted mechanical tests to determine printing parameters and evaluate the compression properties of the prosthesis and the bra materials. Additionally, we conducted a wear test for 10 women who underwent a mastectomy. A personalized bra was printed for each, and their feedback on fit and comfort was collected weekly over a 3-week test period.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The printed bras were lightweight (150-250 g), breathable, and provided improved symmetry. The mechanical tests confirmed comparable softness to silicone prostheses at significantly lower weight. The user study results show that the custom bras offer several advantages, including reduced weight and improved symmetry, though some participants noted mild fit and texture issues.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Integrating the prosthesis into a 3D-printed bra offers a promising personalized solution for post-mastectomy women. This approach enhances comfort, symmetry, and emotional well-being, however, further improvements need to be made to improve the material and tactility.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261433681"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010010/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505689","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":"Efficacy and safety of estrogen therapy for prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.","authors":"Frank Z Stanczyk, Sharon Winer, Intira Sriprasert, Adriana Wong, Donna Shoupe, Richard Paulson","doi":"10.1177/17455057261459264","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261459264","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple randomized controlled trials and observational studies have demonstrated that estrogens reduce the risk of osteoporotic-related fractures, including hip and vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, in postmenopausal women. However, many clinicians have concerns about adverse effects of estrogen, particularly those related to breast cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was concerned about the negative impact that their \"black box warning\" was having on the use of estrogen products. In November 2025, the FDA removed the \"black box warning\" on estrogen products, arguing that in 30 trials with 26,708 women participants, menopausal hormone therapy (HT) was not associated with increased cancer mortality. In fact, women who start HT before age 60 appear to have a decreased mortality risk. The present manuscript discusses the biologic effects of estrogens on bone, and its efficacy and safety. Although it is generally accepted that knowing the circulating estradiol (E₂) concentration in a patient is not essential to initiate treatment for osteoporosis prevention, E₂ testing can still play an important role in the treatment process. A number of studies have reported threshold E₂ concentrations for preventing postmenopausal bone loss and osteoporosis. However, most studies that have reported these threshold concentrations utilized inaccurate E₂ assay methodology and, therefore, the conclusions are not valid. An accurate representation of the risk and benefits of estrogen therapy to women in menopausal transition and postmenopausal women is fundamental to improving their care, quality of life, and health.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261459264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13264665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148254734","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":"Negotiating the borderlands of agency: A narrative inquiry into voice and resilience among IPV survivors in Saskatchewan.","authors":"April Mackey","doi":"10.1177/17455057261464217","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261464217","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health and human rights issue, yet survivors' agency is often framed narrowly within linear victim-survivor narratives that overlook how intersecting identities and structural constraints shape their options and responses. Objectives: To explore how women who have experienced IPV negotiate agency and reclaim voice within intersecting social, cultural, and personal borderlands of experience.DesignQualitative narrative inquiry informed by intersectionality and borderlands theory.MethodsTwo women living in a Canadian city, who self -identified as having experienced IPV and had been out of violent relationships for at least three years, participated in biweekly narrative conversations from August to December 2023. Analysis attended to intersecting social locations (including Indigeneity, sexuality, socioeconomic position, and professional roles) and to liminal in-between moments of safety and danger, love and abuse, dependence and resistance, silence and voice.ResultsAnalysis identified three interrelated movements in women's agency over time, regressive transformation, hibernation, and progressive transformation, operating simultaneously rather than sequentially. For example, Aila's parenting decisions revealed agency constrained by child welfare surveillance yet oriented toward intergenerational change, while Artemisia rediscovered her pre-abuse self through old journals and art, illustrating hibernated agency gradually re-emerging.ConclusionThis study challenges linear victim-survivor models of recovery by conceptualizing agency as a dynamic, relational process shaped by intersectional locations and borderland spaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261464217"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13305913/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148310563","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":"Navigating midlife: Priorities and program needs of women in British Columbia.","authors":"Shabnam Ziabakhsh, Astrid Christoffersen-Deb, Ann Pederson, Allie Cui, Caylee Raber, Nadia Beyzaei, Phyllis With","doi":"10.1177/17455057261419909","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261419909","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study explored the health priorities and challenges of midlife women (ages 45-70) in British Columbia, Canada, to identify key elements for a comprehensive, dedicated midlife care program.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed methods online survey using convenience, non-probability sampling.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online survey (<i>N</i> = 980) assessed health priorities and concerns, care sources, and preferences for a dedicated midlife health program.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Staying physically fit was the top priority, followed by weight management, brain health, and mental wellness, with variations noted: Younger women prioritized weight and mental health, while older participants focused on brain and bone health. Respondents relied on family physicians or walk-in clinics for care, but reported unmet needs across services, including access barriers, care quality, and information gaps. Key components for a midlife program identified in this study were as follows: (1) integrated, whole-person care support; (2) preventative care and early detection; (3) mental health as a priority; (4) access that fits women's lives; (5) relational, personalized, and competent care; (6) accessible information and navigation; and (7) community and peer connection.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings offer insights for developing a midlife women's health program that responds to varied and evolving health priorities through holistic, accessible, and patient-centered approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261419909"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12917179/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146208332","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":"Empowering women can increase modern contraception use among women with no fertility intentions in South Asia.","authors":"Mahmudul Hasan Tonmoy, Raufun Hasan Arnob, Shamima Akter, Md Mosfequr Rahman","doi":"10.1177/17455057261432611","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261432611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The relationship between women's empowerment and modern contraception utilization is well documented; however, they focused on all reproductive-aged women and lacked dimensions of empowerment. Research focusing only on women who have no desire for more children is scarce. Understanding the use of modern contraceptives and their relationship to women's empowerment in this demographic is critical for reducing unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and fertility rates.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the relationship between women's empowerment and the use of modern contraception among South Asian women who have no desire to have more children.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A cross-sectional study design utilizing Demographic and Health Survey data from 2015 to 2022 across five South Asian countries was employed.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This investigation examined aggregated data from 42,573 currently married, fecund, non-sterilized, non-pregnant South Asian (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan) women aged 15-49 who had no desire for additional children. The survey-based women's empowerment composite index was employed to assess empowerment. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was utilized to explore the relationship of interest.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of modern contraception usage among South Asian women without a desire for more children stands at 45.8%, with Pakistan exhibiting the lowest rate at 31.8% and Bangladesh the highest at 67.8%. In South Asia, high empowerment among women regarding attitudes toward violence (adjusted odds ratio: 1.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.25), social independence (adjusted odds ratio: 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.13-1.33), and decision-making (adjusted odds ratio: 1.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.23) is associated with a greater likelihood to utilize modern contraception compared to their less empowered counterparts. A comparable pattern of correlation appeared in specific countries, with few exceptions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The degree of women's empowerment shows a positive correlation with the use of modern contraception in patriarchal and conservative South Asian contexts, a circumstance, that is, pertinent in developing nations with various cultures. Family planning initiatives in South Asia should focus on integrating women's empowerment.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261432611"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033056/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147522863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}