{"title":"Evaluation of sexual function changes in female patients before and after cataract surgery.","authors":"Şaban Kılıç, Emre Aydın, Çiğdem Deniz Genç","doi":"10.1186/s12905-025-04061-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-04061-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the changes in sexual function among women before and after cataract surgery, focusing on improvements in specific domains of sexual well-being.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted as a prospective observational study between August 1, 2024, and November 1, 2024, at the Samsun Training and Research Hospital. A total of 66 female participants aged 18 years or older, married, and actively engaging in sexual activities were included. Patients with pre-existing psychiatric or neurological disorders, previous diagnoses of sexual dysfunction, or those who refused to provide consent were excluded. The primary assessment tool was the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which measures domains such as sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. FSFI scores were collected both preoperatively and one month postoperatively. Other clinical parameters included age, BMI, educational level, and comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the participants was 49.5 ± 4.4 years, and the average BMI was 24.0 ± 5.6 kg/m². Significant improvements were observed in all FSFI domains. Sexual desire increased from 2.3 ± 0.7 to 2.7 ± 0.8 (p < 0.001), and arousal improved from 1.9 ± 1.0 to 2.7 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001). Lubrication scores increased from 2.8 ± 1.2 to 3.2 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001), while orgasm scores improved from 1.7 ± 1.4 to 2.3 ± 1.4 (p < 0.001). Satisfaction scores rose from 2.5 ± 1.1 to 3.0 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001), and pain-discomfort scores improved from 1.9 ± 1.5 to 3.3 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001). The total FSFI score significantly increased from 13.0 ± 5.3 to 17.2 ± 5.1 (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cataract surgery not only restores visual function but is also associated with improvements in female sexual function and well-being. Improvements in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction highlight the broader benefits of improved visual health. These findings suggest that addressing visual impairments may contribute to improved sexual function and quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":9204,"journal":{"name":"BMC Women's Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"513"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145367593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pragya Kandel, Siew Lim, Michelle Dever, Prabhat Lamichhane, Helen Skouteris, Sinead Currie, Briony Hill
{"title":"Enablers and barriers to preconception dietary behaviours: a mixed method study with women of reproductive age.","authors":"Pragya Kandel, Siew Lim, Michelle Dever, Prabhat Lamichhane, Helen Skouteris, Sinead Currie, Briony Hill","doi":"10.1186/s12905-025-04071-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-04071-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A healthy diet before conception (preconception) diet is associated with enhanced maternal health, improved cardiometabolic outcomes, reduced risk of pregnancy complications, and effective weight management. Yet, women of reproductive age frequently exhibit suboptimal dietary behaviours before conception. We aimed to examine the enablers and barriers associated with women's adherence to healthy preconception dietary behaviours.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, an online cross-sectional quantitative survey was followed by online qualitative interviews with women of reproductive age (18-45 years). Survey measures included the Healthy Eating Quiz (HEQ), and a pilot-tested new measure, the Preconception Diet Enablers and Barriers Scale (PDEBS) to evaluate barriers and enablers to diet. Linear regression analysed the relationship between Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) and barriers/enablers. Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand the reasons behind women's (non)engagement in healthy dietary habits. A weaving approach, use of joint-display, and the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model were used to integrate and present the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven hundred and eighty-eight non-pregnant women (mean [M] age 32.08 years, SD = 7.31) residing in Australia, India, and the US completed the survey. Qualitative interviews (M duration = 30 min) were conducted with 13 women based in Australia. Women's capability to maintain a healthy preconception diet was influenced by their level of knowledge and awareness of its significance. Opportunities for a healthy preconception diet were shaped by social support, time availability, financial resources, and accessibility. Additionally, motivation to adhere to a healthful preconception diet was influenced by beliefs regarding its potential outcomes, alignment with personal goals, and emotional state.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings advance understanding of the determinants influencing preconception dietary behaviours and provide valuable insights for designing effective interventions to promote healthy preconception dietary habits. By addressing the identified enablers and barriers comprehensively, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers can work together to support women in adopting and maintaining healthy preconception dietary behaviours, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9204,"journal":{"name":"BMC Women's Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"515"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145367637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The prevalence and forms of violence against women in Morocco: an analysis of national surveys and reports from 2009 to 2020.","authors":"Fatima-Ezzahraa Wafqui, Abdelhakim Yahyane, Oumnia Bouaddi, Zineb Rhajbal, Mohamed Khalis","doi":"10.1186/s12905-025-03832-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03832-x","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9204,"journal":{"name":"BMC Women's Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"514"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145367608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Linkages of drought and menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent girls and young women: an assessment of 707 districts in India.","authors":"Sujayita Bhattacharjee, Arup Jana, Aparajita Chattopadhyay","doi":"10.1186/s12905-025-03656-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12905-025-03656-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Drought causes severe water scarcity, which might impede sanitation and hygiene practices. India is a drought-prone country and it is also striving to attain better sanitation and hygiene practices. This study explores drought conditions in India and its link with the menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent girls and young women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The drought conditions were explored by computing a Satellite-Based Aridity Index (SbAI) using data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), whereas, the menstrual hygiene practices (absorbent use) were analyzed using the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21, comprising responses collected from adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years (N = 1,22,480), and young women of 20 to 24 years (N = 1,18,700), across the districts of India (N = 707). For assessing the linkages between drought and menstrual hygiene, the study applied spatial autocorrelation, logistic regression, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, and Spatial Lag Model (SLM). Path analysis was performed to examine the direct and indirect effects of drought on menstrual hygiene practices through water availability and sanitation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Approximately 45% of the sampled population was exposed to drought condition. Around 30% lacked access to water on their household premises, and 18% did not have toilet facilities. The western part of India was the most drought-affected area during this period. The study found a strong association between unhygienic menstrual absorbent use and exposure to drought in India (OR = 1.29, CI: 1.27, 1.32). Drought and unhygienic menstrual absorbent use were prevalent in 65 districts, primarily in western and central India. In certain districts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam, despite less drought condition, a large proportion of women were using unhygienic menstrual practices. The study also revealed that drought worsened menstrual hygiene absorbent usage directly and indirectly through lack of water availability and toilet facilities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study emphasizes the need for district-specific policy interventions with distinct takes on districts with high drought and high prevalence of unhygienic menstrual practices, as well as for districts with low drought yet a high prevalence of unhygienic menstrual practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":9204,"journal":{"name":"BMC Women's Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"512"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12548163/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chuan-Rong Yeh, Han T Vo, Cheng-Yu Lin, Heng-Kien Au, Chih-Feng Lai, Sheng-Chih Chen, Tuyen V Duong
{"title":"The association between various menstrual disorders and well-being was mediated by anxiety: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Chuan-Rong Yeh, Han T Vo, Cheng-Yu Lin, Heng-Kien Au, Chih-Feng Lai, Sheng-Chih Chen, Tuyen V Duong","doi":"10.1186/s12905-025-04053-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12905-025-04053-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Menstrual disorders are common health concerns that can negatively impact psychological well-being. This study examined the mediating role of future anxiety in the relationship between various menstrual disorders and well-being.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 399 Taiwanese women aged 18-48 from June 2021 to May 2022. Participants reported their menstrual cycles during the last six months. Individuals suffer from menstrual disorders if they have one of the following symptoms: infrequency, irregularity, abnormal flow volume, intermenstrual bleeding, pain/cramps, premenstrual symptoms, and one or more missed menstrual periods. Anxiety was evaluated using the Dark Future Scale. Well-being was measured using the World Health Organization's Well-being Index.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mediation analysis revealed that premenstrual symptoms were directly associated with well-being (coefficient (B) = -4.39, p = 0.018) and indirectly via future anxiety (B = -2.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-3.77, -0.86]). Additionally, the indirect effect of menstrual pains/cramps on well-being through future anxiety was significant, as the 95% CI did not include zero (B = -2.14, 95% CI [-3.81 to -0.71]). Intermenstrual bleeding between periods and abnormal light bleeding have indirect effects on well-being only via future anxiety (B = -1.84, 95% CI [-3.47, -0.41] and B = -1.58, 95% CI [-3.24, -0.06], respectively). However, for missed, infrequent, or irregular menstrual periods, future anxiety was not a significant mediator. We did not observe a significant relationship between heavy and well-being.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights that future anxiety partially mediates the link between premenstrual symptoms and well-being, suggesting both direct and indirect effects. Intermenstrual bleeding, abnormal light bleeding, and menstrual pains/cramps have no direct impact on well-being but influence well-being only through future anxiety. However, missed, infrequent, or heavy/prolonged bleeding or irregular menstrual periods showed no significant association with well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":9204,"journal":{"name":"BMC Women's Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"508"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12541953/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fumio Yamazaki, Mei Tokunaga, Hibiki Nakahara, Yuzusa Fujii
{"title":"The relationship between cold sensitivity and menstrual cycle in Japanese women under normothermic conditions.","authors":"Fumio Yamazaki, Mei Tokunaga, Hibiki Nakahara, Yuzusa Fujii","doi":"10.1186/s12905-025-04050-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12905-025-04050-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9204,"journal":{"name":"BMC Women's Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"511"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12541946/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Can Thi Nguyen, Chuong Van Thai, Nhung Nguyen Thi Hong, Thien Dang Huu, Randa Elsheikh, Habib Olatunji Alagbo, Abdelrahman M Makram, Nguyen Tien Huy
{"title":"Clinical manifestations and quality of life of postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis: a cross-sectional study on the Vietnamese population.","authors":"Can Thi Nguyen, Chuong Van Thai, Nhung Nguyen Thi Hong, Thien Dang Huu, Randa Elsheikh, Habib Olatunji Alagbo, Abdelrahman M Makram, Nguyen Tien Huy","doi":"10.1186/s12905-025-04056-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12905-025-04056-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteoporosis, a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and micro-architectural deterioration, significantly increases fracture risk. Postmenopausal women are particularly susceptible due to estrogen deficiency, which accelerates bone resorption. This study evaluates the clinical manifestations and quality of life (QoL) of Vietnamese women with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis using the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (Qualeffo-41).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023 at Nghe An Friendship General Hospital, Vietnam. Seventy-one postmenopausal women aged 48-94 years with severe osteoporosis (BMD T-score ≤ -2.5 SD and history of fracture) were included. Exclusion criteria encompassed secondary osteoporosis, invasive procedures, and the inability to complete the questionnaire. Clinical data and QoL were assessed using the Vietnamese version of the Qualeffo-41 questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants had an average age of 70 years and an average BMI of 19.99 ± 2.80 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. The mean menopause age was 47.18 ± 3.97 years, with an average of 23.48 ± 8.79 years since menopause. Fractures were primarily reported at the lumbar spine (97.2%) and femoral neck (57.8%), with an average T-score of -3.67 ± 0.76 SD and -2.69 ± 1.01 SD, respectively. The most common symptom was bone pain (47.9%). QoL scores revealed the lowest domain as body function (85.09 ± 14.49), while general health perception was the highest. Women with fractures reported significantly lower QoL compared to those without. Regression analysis indicated significant associations between overall Qualeffo-41 scores and the number of fractures (β = 12.296) and lumbar spine T-scores (β = -8.208, p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the substantial impact of severe osteoporosis on QoL in Vietnamese postmenopausal women, emphasizing the critical role of fracture prevention and BMD management. Future research should explore targeted interventions to mitigate these burdens and enhance patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9204,"journal":{"name":"BMC Women's Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"509"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12542133/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oluwafunto Adepeju Aladekomo, Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe
{"title":"Performances of bayesian structured additive regression and logistic models in assessing factors associated with modern contraceptive use among ever-in-union women in Nigeria.","authors":"Oluwafunto Adepeju Aladekomo, Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe","doi":"10.1186/s12905-025-04059-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-04059-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Modern contraceptive use plays a key role in reducing unintended pregnancies, improving maternal health, and curbing rapid population growth. In Nigeria, despite growing awareness and government-led interventions, usage remains low and unevenly distributed across regions. While most studies focus on individual-level determinants, limited attention has been paid to how geographic and spatial differences influence contraceptive behavior. This study compared the performance of Bayesian structured additive regression with frequentist logistic regression in identifying factors associated with modern contraceptive use among ever-in-union women in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study used data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) of ever-in-union women aged 15-49 years. Bayesian structured additive regression and frequentist logistic regression models were applied. The deviance information criterion (DIC) was used for model evaluation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Modern contraceptive prevalence was 11.5% among 31,152 ever-in-union women. Strong north-south disparities were identified, with higher uptake in urban and southern regions. A nonlinear relationship was observed between age at first marriage and contraceptive use, with 20.9% of women marrying before age 15years. Women with more than three children alive had 48% higher odds of contraceptive use (aOR = 1.48; 95% CrI: 1.24-1.66). Working women (aOR = 1.91; 95% CrI: 1.89-2.23) and those knowledgeable about modern methods (aOR = 1.78; 95% CrI: 1.66-2.25) also had higher odds.</p>","PeriodicalId":9204,"journal":{"name":"BMC Women's Health","volume":"25 1","pages":"504"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}