Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2014
Comparative StudySexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infections in a nationally representative sample of women veterans and nonveterans.
Women veterans are a growing population with unique characteristics and documented health disparities. Few studies have examined their sexual behaviors and rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and none have compared women veterans to nonveterans to identify potential sexual health disparities. ⋯ Women veterans reported higher rates of sexual activity and STIs than nonveterans. Future research is needed to assess high-risk behaviors and determine what factors may underlie these associations. Providers should ensure thorough screening and intervention services are provided for this growing population.
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialOverview of the CDC Cervical Cancer (Cx3) Study: an educational intervention of HPV testing for cervical cancer screening.
The recommended screening interval when using the Papanicolaou (Pap) and human papillomavirus (HPV) test (co-testing) is 5 years. However because providers are reluctant to extend the screening interval, we launched a study to identify barriers to appropriate use of the co-test and to implement an educational intervention to promote evidence-based screening practices. This article provides an overview of the study including the multi-component intervention and participant demographics. ⋯ Materials from this study can be adapted to educate providers and patients on appropriate use of the co-test and encourage extended screening intervals as a safe and effective practice.
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2014
ReviewThe role of Violence Against Women Act in addressing intimate partner violence: a public health issue.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as violence committed by a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend, spouse or ex-spouse. Each year, 1.3 to 5.3 million women in the United States experience IPV. The large number of individuals affected, the enormous healthcare costs, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach make IPV an important healthcare issue. ⋯ VAWA 2013 contains much needed new provisions for Native Americans; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gay, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals; and victims of human trafficking but does not address the large amount of intimate partner violence in America's immigrant population. There are important remaining issues regarding intimate partner violence that need to be addressed by future legislation. This review examines the role of legislation and addresses proposals for helping victims of IPV.
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2014
Predictors of improvement in endothelial function after exercise training in a diverse sample of postmenopausal women.
Endothelial dysfunction measured via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is associated with greater risk of future hypertension and cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women. Aerobic exercise training has been shown to improve endothelial function in Caucasian populations, but has not been evaluated specifically in African Americans. This has clinical importance due to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in African Americans. ⋯ The benefits of aerobic exercise training on endothelial function in postmenopausal women are most pronounced in women with endothelial dysfunction prior to training and do not appear to be affected by race.
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Journal of women's health · Mar 2014
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and cancer screening among female Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare covers several cancer screening tests not currently recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force). In September 2002, the Task Force relaxed the upper age limit of 70 years for breast cancer screening recommendations, and in March 2003 an upper age limit of 65 years was introduced for cervical cancer screening recommendations. We assessed whether mammogram and Pap test utilization among women with Medicare coverage is influenced by changes in the Task Force's recommendations for screening. ⋯ Although there is evidence that many Medicare beneficiaries adhere to screening guidelines, some women may be receiving non-recommended screening services covered by Medicare.