Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Oct 2006
Comparative StudyPhysical activity patterns during pregnancy in a diverse population of women.
Participation in physical activity during pregnancy may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia and help prevent excess maternal weight gain. However, studies describing patterns and correlates of activity during pregnancy are sparse. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe total physical activity (household/caregiving, occupational, leisure, sports/exercise, and transportation) and correlates of total physical activity in a racially and economically diverse sample of 233 prenatal care patients. ⋯ Results from this study highlight the importance of including household/caregiving and occupational activities in addition to sports/exercise activities in the assessment of total energy expenditure during pregnancy.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialHealthy women with a family history of breast cancer: impact of a tailored genetic counseling intervention on risk perception, knowledge, and menopausal therapy decision making.
Women with a family history of breast cancer have several menopausal therapy options, including tamoxifen, hormone therapy (HT), alternative medications, or no treatment. This complex decision should be based on each woman's risk to develop breast cancer, menopausal symptoms, preferences, and risks for other conditions. The authors determined the effects of a personalized risk assessment and genetic counseling intervention on knowledge, risk perception, and decision making in a group of healthy women who had a first-degree relative with breast cancer. ⋯ A personalized risk assessment and genetic counseling intervention improves patient knowledge and risk perception; however, it is unclear that the intervention influenced menopausal treatment decisions.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2006
Comparative StudyOlder women's attitudes, behavior, and communication about sex and HIV: a community-based study.
To examine the effects of race and marriage on the sexual attitudes, behavior, and patient-physician communication about sexuality and HIV/AIDS among older women. ⋯ Older women in this sample were sexually active, engaged in potentially risky sexual behavior, and believed that physicians should address issues of sexuality. Older African American women were significantly more likely than white women to report HIV-related changes in their behavior and to discuss sex with a physician. This community-based study corroborates clinical research and suggests both a gap and a disparity in older women's dialogue with physicians. It also indicates the need for more broadly generalizable data on issues pertinent to older women's sexual health.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2006
Relationship between English language use and preferences for involvement in medical care among Hispanic women.
To assess how English language use by Hispanic women affects their preferences for participating in decision making and information seeking regarding medical care. ⋯ Increased use of English language may influence Hispanic women's preferences for participating in medical decisions and their information-seeking behavior.