Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2010
Comparative StudyEmergency department arrival times, treatment, and functional recovery in women with acute ischemic stroke.
Sex disparities have been well documented in patients with ischemic stroke. Previous studies have suggested that female sex is a risk factor for delay in arrival time to the emergency department (ED) and may contribute to ineligibility for thrombolytic therapy. With the increase in education efforts targeting women, we investigated whether ED arrival times, rates of thrombolytic use, and functional outcomes continue to differ in men and women with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). ⋯ Women arrive at the ED at equivalent speed as men after AIS. Women had greater functional impairments at 3 months and 12 months poststroke despite equivalent prestroke MBI and admission NIHSS. Female sex contributes to poorer chronic functional outcomes after AIS.
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2010
Comparative StudyHierarchy as a barrier to advancement for women in academic medicine.
Research on barriers to professional advancement for women in academic medicine has not adequately considered the role of environmental factors and how the structure of organizations affects professional advancement and work experiences. This article examines the impact of the hierarchy, including both the organization's hierarchical structure and professionals' perceptions of this structure, in medical school organization on faculty members' experience and advancement in academic medicine. ⋯ The hierarchical structure of academic medicine has a significant impact on faculty work experiences, including advancement, especially for women. We suggest that medical schools consider alternative models of leadership and managerial styles, including fixed terms for chairs with a greater emphasis on inclusion. This is a structural reform that could increase opportunities for advancement especially for women in academic medicine.
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2010
Comparative StudyFemale Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan seeking care from VA specialized PTSD Programs: comparison with male veterans and female war zone veterans of previous eras.
Differences in the characteristics and mental health needs of female veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan war compared with those of veterans of other wars may have useful implications for VA program and treatment planning. ⋯ There appear to be sufficient differences within women reporting service in different war eras and between women and men receiving treatment in VA specialized treatment programs for PTSD that consideration should be given to program planning and design efforts that address these differences in every program treating female veterans reporting war zone service.
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2010
Comparative StudyPrematurity and low birth weight as potential mediators of higher stillbirth risk in mixed black/white race couples.
Although births of multiracial and multiethnic infants are becoming more common in the United States, little is known about birth outcomes and risks for adverse events. We evaluated risk of fetal death for mixed race couples compared with same race couples and examined the role of prematurity and low birth weight as potential mediating risk factors. ⋯ Mixed race black and white couples face higher odds of prematurity and low birth weight, which appear to contribute to the substantially higher demonstrated risk for stillbirth. There are likely additional unmeasured factors that influence birth outcomes for mixed race couples.
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2010
Frequency of cervical cancer and breast cancer screening in HIV-infected women in a county-based HIV clinic in the Western United States.
Women's primary-care services are frequently dispensed to HIV-infected women through HIV specialty clinics. Our objective was to evaluate cervical cancer and breast cancer screening practices in a county-based HIV clinic in San Mateo, California. ⋯ Based on the results of this study, the majority of HIV-infected women at this clinic received cervical and breast cancer screening at some point during their care. Only two-thirds of abnormal pap smear results had followup pap smear screening within a year. With the increased risk of cervical cancer in HIV-infected women, efforts should be made to promote cervical cancer screening, particularly in high-risk women.