Articles: health.
-
Female sterilization is a common form of contraception in the United States. On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court eliminated the federal standard protecting a woman's right to abortion via Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Since that time, there have been anecdotal increases in sterilization requests across the country, although there are no publications demonstrating this change. This study hypothesized that there would be increased female sterilization rates at a Texas military hospital post-Dobbs decision due to state restrictions as compared with a Washington military hospital. ⋯ The reproductive health of military medical beneficiaries at one military hospital was significantly impacted by the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision. Rates of female sterilization increased significantly. In addition, patients choosing permanent sterilization were younger and were less likely to use alternative, reversible contraceptive methods prior to surgery. This study demonstrates a significant change in contraceptive choices toward methods that incur greater surgical risks and potential for regret, as well as greater financial costs to the military health system.
-
Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DDs) encounter barriers to vaccine access, uptake, and confidence, leading to health inequities. These include barriers related to healthcare provider capacity to effectively address the social determinants of health, provide accessible needle procedures, and translate and disseminate inclusive public health information. The current study aimed to test the preliminary effectiveness of a virtual continuing medical education (CME) course on enhancing healthcare provider capacity to address these barriers. ⋯ Following CME completion, learners were significantly more likely to report higher understanding, confidence, and abilities in responding to the social determinants of health (Module 1); addressing barriers to vaccine access/uptake/confidence (Module 2); and engaging in effective public health communication (Module 3). Findings support the utility of short-term healthcare provider trainings on this topic. Future research should evaluate longer-term impacts and identify opportunities to create standardized medical curricula for this population.
-
Pubic hair removal (PHR) is a common practice, and many seek PHR from a skincare professional, or esthetician. Estheticians occupy a unique role in which they often have deep, trusting relationships and well-established rapport with their clientele, whereby they could serve as trusted providers of skin and beauty expertise, but also health promotion partners/facilitators. The purpose of this study is to explore the frequency of esthetician involvement regarding 7 potentially concerning health-related symptoms on their clients' skin and examine estheticians' comfort engaging in discussions about health, knowledge regarding these health issues, and interest in being more formally involved in their clients' health. ⋯ This is a prime opportunity to aid in the facilitation of estheticians directly improving health and well-being beyond the skin of their clients.