Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2011
Review Comparative StudyTobacco use and cessation among women: research and treatment-related issues.
The prevalence of tobacco use in women has increased over the past century. This has resulted in dramatic increases in smoking-related lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. There is growing literature suggesting that women may be more susceptible than men to the effects of tobacco and to the development of COPD. ⋯ This article addresses possible differences in lung function decline and nicotine metabolism in women compared to men. Differences in COPD between the sexes are discussed. Finally, barriers to smoking cessation in women are presented.
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2011
Patient Barriers to Mammography Identified During a Reminder Program.
Background: Patient mammogram reminders are effective at increasing screening, but patient barriers remain. We evaluated patient characteristics and reported barriers for their association with mammogram completion after a reminder program. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from electronic records and a subgroup survey. ⋯ Pain mediated the relationship between obesity and mammogram completion rates (indirect effect = -0.111, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Important barriers to mammogram completion remain even after an effective mammogram reminder system among insured patients. Tailored interventions are necessary to overcome these barriers.
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2011
Time Trends and Racial Differences in Female Breast Cancer Incidence in Pennsylvania, 1985-2004.
Background: Differences in breast cancer incidence time trends can result from changes in ascertainment, new diagnostic codes, or possibly changes in underlying risk factors. Methods: Female breast cancer incidence data between 1985 and 2004 were obtained from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry. Joinpoint regression was applied to characterize time trends of age-specific, race-specific, and histology-specific breast cancer incidence. ⋯ Young black women had a higher incidence of both invasive breast carcinoma and breast carcinoma in situ compared to young white women. Conclusions: Although the increase in breast carcinoma in situ is partly explained by improved diagnosis and screening, other risk factors should be considered. In addition, factors responsible for higher breast cancer rates among younger black women and women living in urban areas should be carefully assessed.
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2011
Comparative StudyChlorhexidine and alcohol versus povidone-iodine for antisepsis in gynecological surgery.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) cause severe morbidity and are associated with tremendous health costs. Skin antisepsis (cleansing) with chlorhexidine and alcohol solutions has demonstrated superiority to povidone-iodine in a variety of surgical interventions. Our objective was to determine if chlorhexidine and alcohol antisepsis protocol reduces the rate of SSIs in elective gynecological laparotomies compared with povidone-iodine antisepsis. ⋯ This retrospective study demonstrates that antisepsis with chlorhexidine and alcohol was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of SSIs compared to povidone-iodine antisepsis in patients undergoing elective gynecological laparotomies. This is of extreme clinical importance, as a change in antisepsis protocol can significantly reduce the morbidity and healthcare costs associated with patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery.
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Violence against women (VAW), including intimate partner violence (IPV) in its various forms (sexual, physical, or stalking), and childhood violence (sexual or physical) are common and are associated with depressive symptoms. We examined the association between these violence exposures and self-reported history of postpartum depression (PPD). ⋯ Adult VAW is associated with self-reported history of PPD. With an increase in the number of types of abuse experienced, this association became stronger. Our findings highlight the need for thorough VAW screening in obstetrical populations.