Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2009
Exploring health by reproductive status: an epidemiological analysis of preconception health.
Recently published preconception health guidelines promote maternal health, yet adherence to those guidelines has not been documented. We hypothesized that pregnant women engaged in a healthier lifestyle than nonpregnant women, although this may vary by pregnancy intention and birth control method. ⋯ Preconceptional health goals are not being met. Pregnancy risk, as delineated by contraceptive use, can inform interventions designed to prevent adversely exposed pregnancies.
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2009
The impact of race and ethnicity on receipt of family planning services in the United States.
This study sought to examine the independent effect of patient race or ethnicity on the use of family planning services and on the likelihood of receiving counseling for sterilization and other birth control methods. ⋯ Minority women were more likely to receive counseling about sterilization and other birth control methods. However, there were no differences in access to family planning services by race or ethnicity. Future studies are needed to examine the quality and content of contraceptive counseling received by minority compared with nonminority women.
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2009
Maternal serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor levels and spontaneous preterm birth.
Preterm birth (PTB) remains a cause of substantial morbidity with an elusive etiology. Previous studies suggested an association of PTB with elevated serum levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) at 28 weeks gestation. G-CSF, a hematopoietic cytokine, mediates the increase in leukocytes in pregnancy and may play a role in placentation. We evaluated the association between maternal serum G-CSF in the first and second trimesters and PTB. ⋯ Acute effects of G-CSF on PTB have been suggested. In our study we observed an association of higher serum G-CSF levels early in the second trimester with PTB, suggesting PTB as the culmination process beginning early in, if not before, pregnancy.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2008
Internal medicine residents' perceived ability to direct patient care: impact of gender and experience.
Physicians are expected to effect patient care by giving orders to members of a healthcare team. Because women are socialized to be less directive than men, the assertive behavior required of new physicians may be experienced differently by male and female residents. We sought to explore the effects of gender and year of training on residents' experiences and perceived ability to direct patient care. ⋯ When compared with male peers, female residents reported more gender issues in residency and chose less assertive behaviors in clinical scenarios. Experience mitigated some gender differences. Our findings suggest that discussion of the existing research on prescriptive gender norms for behavior and leadership may be warranted in resident orientation.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2008
Comparative StudyAlcohol abuse risk factors and psychiatric disorders in pregnant women with a history of infertility.
To determine if a history of infertility is associated with alcohol abuse risk factors, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. ⋯ Pregnant women with a history of infertility are at increased risk for alcohol abuse and are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric disorders than women without such history. Special attention to these issues is warranted when caring for pregnant women who were previously infertile.