African journal of reproductive health最新文献

{"title":"Natalia Kanem: honoring a leadership of courage and commitment.","authors":"Friday Okonofua, Lindsay Edouard","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i8.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i8.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Last month, on 15 July 2025, Dr Natalia Kanem stepped down after two terms from 2017 as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the sexual and reproductive health agency of the United Nations. Given the pre-eminent role that she played in driving the most endearing principles of women and health development at some of the most critical and difficult times, the Journal considers that it is appropriate and befitting to pay tribute to this leading international development entrepreneur and social change advocate.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 8","pages":"11-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144938790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges of parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A quantitative study.","authors":"Alemayehu B Mesfin, Rakgadi G Malapela","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i8.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i8.9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescent - parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues plays a critical role on preventing risky sexual behaviours and associated morbidity and mortality related to sexual practices. The purpose of the study was to identify challenges on parent- adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used among in-school adolescents paired with their parents. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to conduct this quantitative survey. Descriptive, binary and multiple logistic regressions were carried out. The comprehensive level of discussion on sexual and reproductive health issues was found to be 5.7%. Adolescents disclosed that feeling ashamed, embarrassed, lack of knowledge and cultural unacceptability as major barriers for sexual and reproductive health issues communication with their parents. Grade level, religion and knowledge were significantly associated with adolescent-parents' communication about their sexual and reproductive health issues. Designing effective parent-adolescent communication intervention is critical in improving communication about common sexual and reproductive health issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 8","pages":"91-100"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144938715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expression of homeobox B13 gene and metabolomics study in placental tissues of gestational diabetes mellitus.","authors":"Lijuan Guo, Dan Xu, Jianbo Zhou, Yu Geng, Xiaoping Chen, Xinping Ren","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i8.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i8.13","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our study aimed to investigate the expression characteristics of the homeobox B13 (HOXB13) gene in placental tissues of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its impact on placental metabolic function. Placental tissues from 30 GDM patients and normal pregnancy cases were collected. The expression of HOX family genes (including HOXB13 and HOXA2 among seven genes) was screened using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the protein expression of HOXB13 was validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Untargeted metabolomics analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was performed to examine metabolic differences in placental tissues, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment was applied to interpret metabolic regulation networks. The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression of HOXB13 were significantly lower in the GDM placentas compared to the normal pregnancy group. A total of 337 differential metabolites were identified, with the highest proportion being lipids and lipid-like molecules (37.96%). The levels of glucose and galactose in the GDM group were significantly reduced. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that these differential metabolites were enriched in pathways related to steroid hormone biosynthesis, retinol metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. We conclude that HOXB13 is downregulated in GDM placentas, and its expression is closely associated with dysregulated glucose-lipid metabolism and abnormalities in key metabolic pathways. HOXB13 may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for GDM.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Notre étude visait à étudier les caractéristiques d'expression du gène homéobox B13 (HOXB13) dans les tissus placentaires de patients atteints de diabète gestationnel (DG) et son impact sur la fonction métabolique placentaire. Des tissus placentaires de 30 patientes atteintes de DG et de cas de grossesse normale ont été prélevés. L'expression des gènes de la famille HOX (dont HOXB13 et HOXA2 parmi sept gènes) a été criblée par réaction en chaîne par polymérase quantitative, et l'expression protéique de HOXB13 a été validée par Western blot et immunohistochimie. Une analyse métabolomique non ciblée par chromatographie liquide à ultra haute performance couplée à une spectrométrie de masse à temps de vol quadripolaire a été réalisée afin d'examiner les différences métaboliques dans les tissus placentaires. L'enrichissement des voies de signalisation de l'Encyclopédie de Kyoto des gènes et des génomes a été appliqué pour interpréter les réseaux de régulation métabolique. Les résultats ont montré que l'expression de l'ARNm et des protéines de HOXB13 était significativement plus faible dans les placentas atteints de DG que dans le groupe de grossesse normale. Au total, 337 métabolites différentiels ont été identifiés, la proportion la plus élevée étant des lipides et des mo","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 8","pages":"131-141"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144938713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review of self-care deficit theory to sexual reproductive health and rights on adolescents and young people living with HIV.","authors":"Bandile E Ndlazi, David D Mphuthi","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.14","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.14","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) face unique challenges in managing their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), influenced by social, cultural and structural factors. This narrative review explores the application of Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory in SRHR programs targeting AYPLHIV. Drawing on various regional and country contexts, the review synthesizes literature to examine how theory's core concepts: person, health, environment and nursing can be used to understand and address the self-care needs and SRHR outcomes of this vulnerable population. By using the fundamental principles of Orem's theory to guide analysis and discussion, this review highlights the importance of theory-informed interventions that foster autonomy and effectively address the healthcare needs of this vulnerable population and fostering self-care.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 7","pages":"148-157"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of anti-adhesion gel after hysteroscopy for the treatment of female infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yanfang Wu, Juan Lu, Liping Lin","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.15","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.15","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of anti-adhesion gels in preventing intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and improving reproductive outcomes following hysteroscopic procedures. Twelve randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1709 patients were included. The results indicated that anti-adhesion gels significantly reduced both the incidence and recurrence of IUA and were associated with a lower American Fertility Society (AFS) score. Furthermore, their use was linked to improved pregnancy and live birth rates. However, no significant effects were found on menstrual improvement or pregnancy loss rates. These findings suggest that anti-adhesion gels may be beneficial in enhancing postoperative reproductive outcomes and reducing adhesion-related complications after hysteroscopy. Further research is needed to clarify the role of anti-adhesion in menstrual recovery and miscarriage prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 7","pages":"158-174"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phubbing and human reproduction: The silent saboteur of intimacy and evolution.","authors":"Namratha Ss, Arulchelvan Ss","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.12","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.12","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Phubbing-phone snubbing-disrupts human intimacy by reducing face-to-face attention, emotional closeness, sexual desire, and reproductive intent. This study examines how persistent phubbing weakens partner communication, bonding behaviors, and relationship satisfaction, potentially contributing to declining reproduction rates. Drawing on behavioral psychology and evolutionary theory, we surveyed 300 adults in committed relationships using standardized measures of relationship satisfaction, emotional closeness, sexual activity, and perceived partner phubbing. Although direct biochemical analysis was not possible, oxytocin-related effects were inferred from bonding indicators like affectionate gestures and eye contact. Qualitative interviews enriched these findings. Results reveal strong negative correlations between phubbing and emotional closeness (r = -0.61), sexual activity (r = -0.48), and relationship satisfaction (r = -0.65). Participants reporting high partner phubbing were three times more likely to express disinterest in having children. Interviews highlighted themes of emotional distance and relational fatigue, with phones described as \"invisible walls\" obstructing intimacy. These findings suggest that phubbing erodes the emotional foundation of relationships, indirectly reducing reproductive motivation. Understanding phubbing's impact is crucial as technology increasingly shapes human interaction and demographic trends.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 7","pages":"129-136"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Premenstrual and menstrual symptom relief-seeking behaviours among employed women.","authors":"Su-Ying Tsai","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.6","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many women experience premenstrual symptoms and menstrual pain that can adversely affect their work performance and productivity. This study explores employed women's behavior in seeking relief for these symptoms in a large electronics manufacturing company in Taiwan. Questionnaires collected data on demographics, menstrual status, pain scores, and self-reported symptoms, with 7,193 participants. Among them, 49.3% had a gynecological examination in the past two years. Moderate or severe premenstrual symptoms were associated with seeking relief behavior. Women experiencing work-impacting menstrual pain and higher pain scores were more likely to use hot compress bags and analgesics. Those with menstrual disruption for three or more days were more likely to have undergone a recent gynecological examination and use hot compress bags and analgesics for relief. Participants included two major groups of workers: office staff and clean room workers. Significant differences in relief-seeking behaviors were observed between them. Clean room workers were less likely to have gynecological examinations but more likely to take analgesics to manage menstrual discomfort. This information can assist environmental health nurses in understanding seeking relief patterns and guiding effective interventions to enhance the quality of life for employed women with menstrual discomfort.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 7","pages":"59-69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of bevacizumab maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer.","authors":"Qing Han, Aiqin He, Haibo Xu, Can Zhang, Yunfen Qiu, Yong Li","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.10","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer and its impact on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) pathway. A total of 126 patients were enrolled, divided into two groups: control (n=62) and study (n=64). The control group received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor debulking surgery, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The research group received postoperative bevacizumab maintenance therapy in addition to standard treatment. Results showed that the research group had significantly improved disease control rates (43.75% vs. 24.19%, P=0.0206), objective response rates (76.56% vs. 48.39%, P=0.0011), overall survival (30.45±7.69 months vs. 22.92±7.26 months, P<0.0001) and progression-free survival (16.08±2.46 months vs. 12.08±2.25 months) compared to controls. Bevacizumab also led to lower levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression. This therapy demonstrated safety and efficacy, significantly prolonging progression-free survival and overall survival.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 7","pages":"107-116"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the factors contributing to contraceptive stock-outs at primary health care clinics in North-Eastern Namibia: A qualitative descriptive study.","authors":"Daniel O Ashipala, Alice Lifalaza","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.4","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Millions of women face barriers to accessing contraception due to supply-side issues, including limited health facility access and contraceptive stockouts. Research on the causes of stock-outs remains scarce. This study explored contributing factors within primary health care clinics in north-eastern Namibia using a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual approach. Semi structured interviews were conducted with sixteen participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. The analysis revealed three main themes: contraceptive stock-outs, contraceptive supply and demand challenges, and strategies for ensuring consistent availability of contraceptives. The findings revealed that poor contraceptive stock management, theft, and supply-demand discrepancies are significant factors contributing to stock-outs. The critical issue identified was the limited pharmaceutical knowledge among staff which leads to sporadic contraceptive availability. Pharmaceutical knowledge of contraceptive procurement and supply management is needed to prevent stock out of contraceptive. The study highlights the urgent need for training healthcare personnel involved in contraceptive procurement and supply management. These insights gained from this study can assist the Ministry of Health and Social Services and stakeholders to develop targeted strategies to prevent stock-outs and improve contraceptive access in Namibia and similar settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 7","pages":"36-47"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of postpartum visits on breastfeeding among traditional market traders in North Sumatera, Indonesia.","authors":"Peny Ariani, Nur Indrawaty Lipoeto, Eva Chundrayetti, Hema Malini, Adang Bachtiar, Delmi Sulastri, Mayetti Mayetti, Meri Neherta, Jekson Martiar Siahaan","doi":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.11","DOIUrl":"10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postpartum visits support breastfeeding success among informal sector workers, such as market vendors. While the government has implemented policies, facilities, education, and community support to enhance breastfeeding coverage, execution remains inadequate. Market vendors face significant challenges in breastfeeding their newborns and require comprehensive support from their families, communities, and healthcare providers. This study aims to investigate factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among traditional market traders using an observational cross-sectional design. Conducted in three North Sumatran regencies-Deli Serdang, Serdang Bedagai, and Langkat-it involved 157 participants selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected via a validated 20-question breastfeeding questionnaire, with reliability confirmed (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.6). Logistic regression analysis identified 10 significant determinants of exclusive breastfeeding: postpartum visits, maternal education, maternal employment, family support, healthcare access, breastfeeding knowledge, infant birth weight, mode of delivery, parity, and socio economic status. Among these, postpartum visits were the most influential (B = 4.137, Exp(B) = 62.608, p = 0.001). The results indicate the critical role of postpartum visits in supporting breastfeeding among market traders, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to assist them in maintaining optimal breastfeeding practices despite workplace challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":7551,"journal":{"name":"African journal of reproductive health","volume":"29 7","pages":"117-128"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}