Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2011
Multicenter StudySequelae of breast cancer and the influence of menopausal status at diagnosis among rural breast cancer survivors.
Rural women are among the largest medically underserved groups in the nation, yet few studies have evaluated the sequelae of breast cancer in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the physical and psychosocial effects of breast cancer experienced by rural survivors at the time of treatment and currently and to examine differences in these effects between younger and older rural survivors based on menopausal status at diagnosis. ⋯ Negative physical and psychosocial sequelae of breast cancer were common in this rural sample and were significantly worse for premenopausal women. Research and resources are needed for delivering targeted survivorship care to rural women, particularly younger rural women.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2011
Cervical cancer screening and treatment training course in El Salvador: experience and lessons learned.
Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is a simple, low-cost alternative to traditional Pap smears that could greatly benefit the amount of screening and treatment available in low-resource areas, such as rural El Salvador. The objective of this study was to train Salvadoran health providers in VIA and cryotherapy using a week-long competency course. ⋯ The course proved a successful tool for training healthcare providers in methods of cervical cancer screening and treatment. The course is replicable in other low-resource settings in different countries. It also provided trainees with the opportunity to adapt their clinical skills in their realistic work setting.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyPerinatal depressive symptoms in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected women: a prospective study from preconception to postpartum.
Depression is common among HIV-infected women, predicts treatment nonadherence, and consequently may impact vertical transmission of HIV. We report findings from a study evaluating preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum depressive symptoms in HIV-infected vs. at-risk, HIV-uninfected women. ⋯ Elevated perinatal depressive symptoms are common among HIV-infected and at-risk HIV-uninfected women. Depressive symptoms before pregnancy were the strongest predictor of perinatal symptoms. Findings underscore the importance of early and ongoing assessment and treatment to ensure low vertical transmission rates and improving postpregnancy outcomes for mothers and children.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2011
Dietary exposure to brominated flame retardants and abnormal Pap test results.
This study examined a possible association of dietary exposure to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), a brominated flame retardant, and self-reported abnormal Pap test results and cervical dysplasia as a precursor to cervical cancer. ⋯ It remains important to evaluate the potential reproductive health consequences of this class of chemicals as well as other potential predictors of abnormal Pap tests.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2011
Gold diggers, video vixens, and Jezebels: stereotype images and substance use among urban African American girls.
This study sought to examine the relationship of negative stereotype attitudes and endorsement of western standards of beauty (i.e., colorism) on the substance use behavior of low-income urban African American girls. Racial socialization was also examined as a potential moderator to identify any buffering effects of parental messages concerning race. ⋯ Tailored health interventions that consider both gender-specific and race-specific issues may improve risk behaviors, including substance use among adolescent females.