Journal of women's health
-
The Clinical Update series is intended to help busy clinicians stay up to date with recently published important and potentially practice-changing articles on topics pertinent to the care of women. In this update on sexual health, we review studies on use of vaginal dilators for vaginal stenosis in gynecologic cancer survivors, sexual dysfunction in transgender people, as well as studies evaluating the effect of physical activity and infertility on female sexual health.
-
Journal of women's health · Jan 2023
Randomized Controlled Trial2gether: A Clinic-Based Intervention to Increase Dual Protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections and Pregnancy in Young African American Females.
Background: To determine whether the 2gether intervention increases use of a dual protection (DP; concurrent prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections [STIs]) strategy and decreases pregnancy and STIs among young African American females, who disproportionately experience these outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing the 2gether intervention to standard of care (SOC). Participants were self-identified African American females aged 14-19 years who were sexually active with a male partner in the past 6 months. ⋯ Implementation of this intervention in clinical settings serving young people with high rates of pregnancy and STIs may be beneficial. ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02291224 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02291224?term=2gether&draw=2&rank=5).
-
Journal of women's health · Jan 2023
ReviewPerinatal (Re)experiencing of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: An Integrative Review.
This integrative review aimed to synthesize both qualitative and quantitative research on the (re)experiencing of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the perinatal period for childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors. Whittemore and Knafl's framework, which includes problem identification, literature review, data evaluation, data analysis, and results dissemination, was used. A search in four databases (i.e., PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis Global) yielded an initial sample of 3420 articles. ⋯ CSA survivors are at increased risk of (re)experiencing PTSD symptoms throughout the perinatal period, which may be due to several internal and external triggers. Further research is needed to understand external triggers outside of medical care, and how the unique context of pregnancy may differ from other life contexts for survivors of CSA. Findings point to the relevance of adopting trauma-informed practices with CSA survivors during their perinatal period.
-
Journal of women's health · Jan 2023
Behaviors Related to Medication Safety and Use During Pregnancy.
Background: Most women take medication during pregnancy despite limited scientific evidence on safety. We investigated medication use, including changes in and reasons for changes in use during pregnancy, with attention to medication use in pregnant women with chronic conditions. Materials and Methods: We conducted an online survey of pregnant women aged ≥18 years (n = 1,226). ⋯ Odds of medication change were higher for women with chronic conditions: digestive conditions-starting (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-2.7), stopping (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.4-3.3), and lowering (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.7-3.3) medication; mental health conditions-starting (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.2), stopping (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.3-4.0), or missing (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.6-2.8) medication; pain conditions-stopping (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 2.0-4.2); and respiratory conditions-starting (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3-3.1), stopping (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.6), and missing (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.4-3.4) medication. Conclusions: Most pregnant women take medication and many, including those with chronic conditions, change their medication use during pregnancy. Medication change may occur independent of health care provider advice and due to women's safety concerns.
-
Journal of women's health · Jan 2023
Postpartum Hospital Readmissions Among Massachusetts Women Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Objectives: Deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) women are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes compared with other women. However, little is known about postpartum outcomes among DHH women. The objective was to compare the risk of postpartum hospitalizations for DHH compared with non-DHH women and the leading indications for postpartum admissions. ⋯ The leading indications for readmission among DHH women included: conditions complicating the puerperium/hemorrhage and soft tissues disorders. Conclusion: Compared with other women, DHH women had significantly higher readmissions across all postpartum periods and for repeated admissions >42 days. Leading postpartum indications were distinct from those of non-DHH women.