Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)最新文献

{"title":"Exploring Short-Acting Hormonal Contraceptives in Endometriosis Care-A Narrative Review and Evidence-Based Practical Considerations.","authors":"M Ángeles Martínez-Zamora, Josep Perelló-Capó, Joaquim Calaf-Alsina, José C Quílez-Conde","doi":"10.1177/26884844261476400","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26884844261476400","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and manifesting with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, fatigue, and infertility. First-line treatment in most patients is hormonal therapy, and among the available options, contraceptives are frequently used. Short-acting contraceptives (SACs) have been employed off-label to manage endometriosis-related symptoms, yet comparative evidence regarding optimal formulations and regimens remains limited. This narrative review, part of the Agnodice Project, aims to synthesize recent evidence on the SAC formulation-specific effectiveness for endometriosis management, and to provide evidence-based practical considerations for endometriosis management.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature search of systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses providing data on non-contraceptive clinical benefits of SAC versus other SAC or SAC vs placebo or no treatment, including the period from 2014 to 2024, was conducted. Information was extracted as individual items related to endometriosis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 86 studies included in the Agnodice Project, 10 systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically addressed endometriosis, yielding 21 comparative items with significant differences. SACs effectively reduced dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and post-operative endometrioma recurrence, among others. Continuous regimens consistently outperformed cyclic schedules for pain control and quality of life. Among formulations, desogestrel monotherapy was superior across multiple outcomes in women with endometriosis. Furthermore, we present practical, expert considerations based on the synthesized evidence.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SACs represent valuable first-line therapeutic options for endometriosis symptom management, with continuous regimens providing optimal symptom control and recurrence prevention. Formulation selection should be individualized based on symptom profile, safety profile, comorbidities, estrogen tolerance, and patient preference.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261476400"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13527365/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148868283","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":"Improving Maternal Vaccination: Analysis of Formative Interviews with Prenatal Health Care Providers.","authors":"Amimah F Asif, Megan C Lindley, Laura A Randall, Elle Chumlongluk, Veronica G Gilliard, Allison M Fisher, Samantha M Olson, Tara C Jatlaoui","doi":"10.1177/26884844261475854","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26884844261475854","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Maternal vaccination rates are low in the United States. Understanding barriers to vaccination for pregnant women from the provider's perspective can help better address these issues. This exploratory study assesses participating prenatal health care providers' beliefs and perspectives regarding maternal vaccination for Tdap, flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative study included 24 virtual in-depth interviews with prenatal health care providers (12 physicians, 12 certified nurse midwives) working in rural and urban areas. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify perceived barriers and challenges to prenatal care, provider perceptions and recommendations on Tdap, flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, vaccination resources shared with pregnant women, and vaccine administration practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most providers reported pregnant women were receptive to vaccination when benefits and risks of prenatal vaccination were explained. Rural providers identified barriers to care that included limited transportation, lack of access to health care, and language barriers. Findings also indicate prenatal health care providers can foster trust, engage in two-way conversations, and navigate patients' cultural influences when addressing vaccination challenges.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Provider communication about maternal vaccination should be grounded in an evidence-based, participatory approach. Building trust, recognizing and addressing cultural barriers and access challenges are key to identifying practical steps to support access to and uptake of maternal vaccinations.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261475854"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13498831/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802828","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 Antenatal Care Visits Among Pregnant Women in Somalia: A Zero-Inflated Poisson Regression Analysis of the First-Ever Somali Health and Demographic Survey 2020 Datasets.","authors":"Hodo Abdikarim, Abdirashid M Yousuf, Mohamed A Hussein, Saralees Nadarajah, Abdisalam Hassan Muse","doi":"10.1177/26884844261478460","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26884844261478460","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antenatal care (ANC) is critical for maternal survival, yet utilization in postconflict Somalia remains among the lowest globally. This study identifies the individual, household, and regional determinants associated with both the initiation and frequency of ANC visits among Somali women.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We analyzed the 2020 Somali Health and Demographic Survey, focusing on 8220 women (ages 15-49) with a live birth in the preceding 5 years. To account for the high proportion of nonvisitors (66%), we evaluated four count regression models. The zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) model was selected based on the Akaike information criterion and parsimony.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Only 34.12% of women attended at least one ANC visit, and just 8% reached the World Health Organization-recommended four-visit minimum. The ZIP model revealed a \"regional lottery\" of care. Nomadic status significantly reduced visit frequency (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-0.80). Wealth was the primary driver of visit frequency (highest quintile IRR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.40-1.74), while higher education (AOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.16-0.63) and mass media exposure (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.44-0.63) were the strongest predictors for breaking the barrier to initial care entry. Physical distance remained a persistent structural barrier to frequent attendance (IRR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.12).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ANC utilization is driven by regional stability, nomadic mobility, and socioeconomic status. To achieve universal coverage, policies must transition from static clinic models to nomadic-sensitive \"tent-based\" mobile units and implement financial protection schemes, such as transport vouchers, to mitigate wealth-based inequities.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261478460"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13487128/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802619","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":"Improving Cervical Cancer Screening Participation Through Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling: A Scoping Review of Evidence in Underserved Populations.","authors":"Yao Doe, Noha Aboelata, Mary Alvarez-Nutting, Donald Golden","doi":"10.1177/26884844261469765","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26884844261469765","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 660,000 new cases and 348,000 deaths in 2022. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of established screening programs, participation remains disproportionately low in underserved populations due to structural, cultural, and personal barriers. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has emerged as a promising strategy to improve access to cervical cancer screening for these groups.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To map and synthesize evidence on the acceptability and implementation of HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening among marginalized populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was conducted. PubMed and Embase were searched for literature published between 2002 and 2025. Studies were eligible if they reported acceptability, feasibility, or participant preferences for HPV self-sampling in at least one defined marginalized population. Data were synthesized narratively. Restriction to two databases is acknowledged as a methodological limitation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten studies spanning eight countries and involving over 6400 participants were included. Acceptance rates ranged from 21% to 98%. Higher acceptance was consistently associated with community-driven implementation models incorporating community health worker involvement, culturally tailored education, and home-visit options. Privacy, autonomy, and convenience were key facilitators; low literacy, fear of results, and health care mistrust were the most common barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>HPV self-sampling can achieve high acceptance in marginalized communities when implemented through culturally sensitive, community-engaged programs with adequate support infrastructure. Integrating education, navigation support, and low-barrier follow-up care offers significant potential for advancing health equity in cervical cancer prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261469765"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13487114/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802794","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":"Toward an Equity-Based Response to Endometriosis.","authors":"Amanda Cordova-Gomez, Gitau Mburu, Ezekiel O Mecha, Yasmine Candau, Lianne Gonsalves, Pascale Allotey","doi":"10.1177/26884844261469734","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26884844261469734","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261469734"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13469512/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148764239","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":"Does Folic Acid Intake Play Role as a Potential Indicator of Modifiable Maternal Risk Factors in Preconception Period?: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Dong Won Hwang, Kyoung-Chul Chun, Young Ah Kim, Jae Whoan Koh, Jung Yeol Han","doi":"10.1177/26884844261472210","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26884844261472210","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects and for normal fetal development. This study aims to evaluate the rate and trends of folic acid intake among women completing the questionnaire to enroll in the preconception care program and examine its role as a potential indicator associated with modifiable biomedical, behavioral, and social health risk factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 42,730 women seeking to enroll in preconception care program of Seoul City, Korea, between Nov. 2017 and Dec. 2023. Folic acid intake among women planning pregnancy and modifiable risk factors, including biomedical, behavioral, and social risks, were obtained from an organized questionnaire on online. We exclude cases having incomplete data for analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The proportion of participants taking folic acid is 35.1% (15,003/42,730).Factors associated with greater folic acid use included advanced maternal age, higher body mass index, greater gravidity, previous spontaneous abortion, previous artificial abortion, regular exercise, and higher family income. Conversely, factors associated with less folic acid use included depression, insomnia, bulimia, social drinking, positive screening for risky drinking, cigarette smoking, unmarried status, and white-collar employment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study found that folic acid intake during the preconception period remains low at 35.1%. Annual trends show the modest improvement but remain insufficient. And preconception folic acid intake was significantly associated with greater or lesser likelihoods of several modifiable biomedical, behavioral, and social risk factors. Therefore, folic acid use may serve as a surrogate marker of health awareness and engagement in preconception care. Future studies should assess folic acid as a marker of preconception care effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261472210"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13462498/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148727477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Hidden Burden: Global, Regional, and National Trends in Indirect Cause of Maternal Mortality from 1980 to 2021: A Global Analysis Using the Global Burden of Disease 2021 Data.","authors":"Abebaw Alamrew, Chalie Mulugeta, Ayinalem Yetwale, Tadele Emagneneh, Mulat Ayele, Eyob Shitie Lake, Esuyawkal Mislu","doi":"10.1177/26884844261475865","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26884844261475865","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Worldwide, lowering maternal mortality is a top priority. While significant efforts have been made to address direct obstetric complications, indirect causes such as pre-existing medical conditions that are aggravated by pregnancy remain a major cause of mortality but are often unrecognized. Understanding indirect maternal mortality prevalence and patterns is crucial for creating focused interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were explored from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. Maternal mortality ratio (MMR), maternal mortality rate (MM Rate), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and years of life lost (YLLs) were extracted and analyzed. Age-standardized rates and estimated annual percentage change were calculated to evaluate temporal trends. Data visualization and trend analysis were conducted using GBD Compare, Cause of Death Visualization, and GBD Foresight Visualization tools. Microsoft Excel was used for additional data organization and statistical summarization.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The analysis revealed a global declining trend in indirect maternal mortality, as measured by the MM Rate, MMR, DALYs, and YLLs. The MM Rate decreased from 3.59 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 3.11, 4.14) per 100,000 women of reproductive age in 1980 to 0.97 (95% UI: 0.83, 1.13) in 2021, while the MMR declined from 31.49 (95% UI: 27.23, 36.24) to 14.67 (95% UI: 12.64, 17.07) per 100,000 live births over the same period. Indirect maternal deaths and DALYs were most prominent among women aged 25-29 and 30-34 years. The death rates in these age groups were 1.3 and 1.28 per 100,000 women, respectively, with corresponding DALY rates of 81.87 (95% UI: 70.2, 96.15) and 73.89 (95% UI: 63.03, 85.58).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This analysis demonstrates a significant global decline in indirect maternal mortality from 1980 to 2021, reflected in reductions in the MMR, MM Rate, DALYs, and YLLs. Although global maternal mortality has declined, substantial variation continues across countries and regions, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries. Notably, some high-income countries have experienced increases since 1980. This signals a global health concern that demands urgent attention.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261475865"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13452942/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148702864","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":"Workplace-Integrated Brief Health Behavior Counseling for Menopausal Symptoms and Work Productivity: A Prospective Study in Perimenopausal Employees.","authors":"Yuki Yasui, Aasa Shimizu, Mari Tanabe, Nyamradnaa Byambadorj, Kotaro Ezure, Kosuke Endo, Mahiru Kawano, Tsuyoshi Sekitani, Michiko Kodama, Kenjiro Sawada","doi":"10.1177/26884844261476393","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26884844261476393","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Menopause-related symptoms are an important occupational health concern; however, despite experiencing such symptoms, many women delay seeking medical attention due to work-related demands or other reasons. We evaluated the effects of the gynecologist-delivered brief health behavior counseling approach on menopausal symptoms and work productivity among untreated perimenopausal working women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective interventional study, 55 perimenopausal employees with menopausal symptoms completed baseline questionnaires and received a gynecologist-delivered counseling session. Follow-up assessments were conducted 1 month later. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI), and work productivity was evaluated using the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (WHO-HPQ). Outcomes were analyzed both overall and according to baseline symptom severity (SMI <51 vs. ≥51).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Total SMI scores showed an overall trend toward improvement after the intervention, with significant reductions observed among participants with baseline SMI ≥51. Improvements in WHO-HPQ absolute presenteeism scores were also observed. Baseline SMI and WHO-HPQ scores were not significantly correlated. Changes in menopausal symptoms were positively associated with changes in work productivity. No significant differences were observed between in-person and web-based counseling delivery.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Gynecologist-delivered brief health behavior counseling improved menopausal symptoms and work productivity among untreated symptomatic perimenopausal working women. Introducing such a gynecologist-led intervention into workplace-based menopause care may help prevent women from leaving the workforce due to menopausal symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261476393"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443234/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148686881","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":"Gender Disparities in Physician Employment, Leadership, and Parental Leave in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.","authors":"Miwa Komori, Mikihiro Shimizu, Chizuko Yaguchi, Katsuya Yamauchi, Hiroki Kaneko","doi":"10.1177/26884844261471761","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26884844261471761","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gender disparities in physicians' employment and leadership remain a persistent challenge in Japan, and regional variation has been less well examined. We investigated sex differences in employment type, senior leadership representation, and parental leave uptake among physicians in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, a microcosm of the country in demographic and socioeconomic structure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed records for 4809 physicians from 80 medical institutions in Shizuoka Prefecture (2023). Employment type (full-time vs. part-time), sex distribution in senior positions (administrator, vice director, and department/section chief), and parental leave uptake (2021-2023) were assessed. Sex differences and regional comparisons were evaluated using chi-square tests and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Trends in parental leave uptake were examined using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Part-time employment did not differ significantly between women (24.0%) and men (26.6%) (<i>p</i> = 0.123). The Eastern region showed higher part-time employment for both sexes than the Central and Western regions (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). Women were less represented in senior positions (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). Male physicians' parental leave uptake increased significantly from 2021 to 2023 (<i>p</i> = 0.0098), whereas female uptake remained stable.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Gender disparities among physicians in Shizuoka Prefecture appear to be shaped by regional and institutional factors, underscoring the need for region-specific strategies and workplace reforms. These disparities included substantially higher part-time employment in the Eastern region for both sexes, persistent male dominance in senior leadership, and increasing parental leave uptake among male physicians.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261471761"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148686740","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":"Advancing Medical Education in Sex- and Gender-Based Mechanisms of Disease: Current Educator Knowledge and Future Directions.","authors":"Mina Al-Badri, Mohammed Dheyaa Marsool, Ann Rydberg, Joseph G Hentz, Matthew R Buras, Jaxon K Quillen, Juliana M Kling","doi":"10.1177/26884844261473350","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26884844261473350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sex and gender influence disease mechanisms and outcomes, yet their integration into medical curricula remains limited. Faculty knowledge and confidence are essential for effective incorporation. This study assessed baseline sex- and gender-specific health (SGSH) knowledge, attitudes, and comfort among medical school educators and delivered a multi-format faculty development intervention. A survey adapted from prior SGSH assessments was distributed to medical school block leaders before the intervention, measuring SGSH knowledge, comfort differentiating sex and gender, awareness of SGSH resources, and readiness to integrate SGSH content. The intervention included virtual and in-person grand rounds, distribution of <i>How Sex and Gender Impact Clinical Practice</i>, and a screening of <i>Ms. Diagnosed</i>. Of the 103 invited to participate, 68 educators (66% response rate) completed the baseline survey. Forty percent reported no prior SGSH training, and only 13.2% felt very comfortable with SGSH concepts. Although 94.1% correctly identified gender as a social construct and sex assignment at birth, 22% remained uncomfortable distinguishing the two. More than 80% were neutral or uncomfortable identifying SGSH resources. Comfort with curriculum integration varied: 45.6% felt comfortable, 32.4% neutral, and 22.1% uncomfortable, with differences observed across specialties. These findings reveal significant gaps in medical educators' SGSH knowledge and comfort regardless of experience, with SGSH content narrowly confined to reproductive health topics. Simply providing resources is insufficient; educators need structured guidance on integration. By outlining baseline gaps and an intervention model, this study offers a framework for institutions seeking to enhance SGSH integration through interactive, longitudinal, multi-format faculty development approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":75329,"journal":{"name":"Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)","volume":"7 ","pages":"26884844261473350"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443235/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148686229","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}