Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2021
The Proportion of Women Authors and the Inclusion of Sex and Gender Content Among the American College of Cardiology Clinical Practice Guidelines, 2008-2018.
Background: Sex and gender, two important factors affecting health care, should be routinely taken into consideration in clinical practice. Members of the Sex and Gender Health Collaborative Scholarship Committee reviewed clinical guidelines published by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) from 2008 to 2018 to determine if the number of women authors on the writing committee influenced the presence of sex- and gender-specific content and recommendations in each guideline. Methods: We reviewed 33 ACC clinical guidelines from 2008 to 2018 and determined the number of women authors on the writing committee for each guideline. ⋯ The proportion of women authors was not associated with the presence of sex- and gender-specific content. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate continued gender disparities in authorship, and changes should be made to increase the inclusion of women in clinical practice guideline writing committees. We propose selecting a sex and gender champion for guideline writing committees and/or including a specific section on sex- and gender-related content in each guideline to ensure inclusion of sex- and gender-specific recommendations in clinical guidelines.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialA Randomized Study Evaluating the Effect of Evidence-Based Information on Clinician Attitudes About Moving Oral Contraceptives Over the Counter.
Objective: To assess whether evidence-based information on progestin-only pills (POPs) and over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptives (OCs) increases support among clinicians for bringing a POP or combined oral contraceptive (COC) OTC and to identify concerns clinicians may have about OTC access to OCs. Materials and Methods: In 2018 a survey of 778 clinicians assessed support for bringing a POP and COC OTC before and after receiving evidence-based information, which was pretested through in-depth interviews. Clinicians were randomized into two groups, stratified by clinician type. ⋯ Support for bringing a COC OTC increased marginally for those who received OTC and POP information, while support among those who received only OTC information increased by 12 percentage points (to 50%). Among clinicians opposed to moving a POP OTC after receiving information, top concerns included safety (26%), effectiveness (19%), potential for incorrect use (19%), and loss of preventive screenings (15%). Conclusion: Evidence-based information, particularly around POPs, has the potential to change clinician attitudes and address misconceptions about POPs and OTC access.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2021
Insomnia and Susceptibility to Depressive Symptoms and Fatigue in Diverse Breast Cancer Survivors.
Background: Nearly 40% of breast cancer survivors have insomnia, yet, information how this condition affects their quality of life is lacking. We examined the association between insomnia and depressive symptoms and fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Participants were recruited from a community health plan. ⋯ Ever use of antidepressants or sleep medications post-breast cancer diagnosis was not associated with lower odds of current depressive symptoms or feeling fatigued in those with insomnia symptoms. Conclusion: Current insomnia symptoms were strongly correlated with current depressive symptoms and fatigue. Survivorship care plans should consider incorporating insomnia screening to that may potentially enhance quality of life domains.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2021
Impact of Adenomyosis on Women's Psychological Health and Work Productivity: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.
Background: Quality of life in adenomyosis (AD) patients has been poorly investigated. Previous data suggest that AD has negative impact on the quality of life in these women. Materials and Methods: From September 2018 to December 2019, all consecutive female premenopausal patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with AD by transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) were invited to participate in a comparative cross-sectional study. ⋯ Significant differences (p < 0.001) were also found for the percentages of absenteeism (12.2% vs. 1.1%), presenteeism (31.1% vs. 11.4%), overall work productivity loss (38.2% vs. 12.4%), and activity impairment (55.7% vs. 9.9%). The presence of AD was associated with higher yearly estimated indirect costs of €5161.32 (€7928.0 vs. €2460.8, p < 0.001). Conclusions: AD negatively affects women's health-related quality of life, psychological health, and work productivity, with impairment at work and daily activities, and higher risk for anxiety and depression.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of a Randomized Trial of a Web-Based Intervention on Patient-Provider Communication About Breast Density.
Background: Breast density increases breast cancer risk and decreases mammographic detection. We evaluated a personalized web-based intervention designed to improve breast cancer risk communication between women and their providers. Materials and Methods: This was a secondary outcome analysis of an online randomized trial. ⋯ Conclusions: Despite providing personalized density and risk information, the intervention did not promote density discussions between women and their providers who had not had them previously. This intervention is unlikely to be used clinically to motivate density conversations in women who have not had them before. Clinical trial registration number NCT03029286.