Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
Multicenter StudyEffect of stress echocardiography testing on changes in cardiovascular risk behaviors in postmenopausal women: a prospective survey study.
We evaluated the impact of contrast stress echocardiography (CSE) testing results on cardiovascular (CV) risk behaviors in postmenopausal women presenting with chest pain symptoms. This was a substudy of the Stress Echocardiography in Menopausal Women at Risk for Coronary Artery Disease (SMART) trial. ⋯ We observed an association of lifestyle changes with CSE test results in postmenopausal women.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialThe influence of oral contraceptive knowledge on oral contraceptive continuation among young women.
Using a multidimensional approach, we assessed young women's knowledge of oral contraceptives (OC) and its influence on OC continuation rates. ⋯ OC knowledge, which was low among young women in our study, was associated with OC continuation and common reasons for discontinuation. Continued efforts to characterize relationships between OC knowledge and behavior and to test the effectiveness of different components of interventions aimed at increasing knowledge, addressing side effects, and improving use of OCs are warranted.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
ReviewOsteoporosis prevention, screening, and treatment: a review.
Osteoporosis, defined as low bone mass leading to increased fracture risk, is a major health problem that affects approximately 10 million Americans. The aging U. S. population is predicted to contribute to as much as a 50% increase in prevalence by 2025. ⋯ Moreover, optimization of bone health throughout life can help prevent osteoporosis. Current guidelines recommend screening women by age 65 years, but because no guidelines for screening intervals exist, decisions are made on the basis of clinical judgment alone. Although the recent literature provides some guidance, this review further explores current recommendations in light of newer evidence to provide more clarity on prevention, screening, and management strategies for patients with osteoporosis in the primary care setting.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
Gender differences in awareness and outcomes during acute traumatic brain injury recovery.
Recent literature on traumatic brain injury (TBI), though mixed when reporting outcomes, seems collectively to suggest possible gender advantage for women in postinjury recovery, especially in executive functions. Hormonal neuroprotection, through female reproductive hormones, is often proposed as an underlying factor in these results. We explored potential gender differences in an aspect of executive functions, self-awareness (SA), which is often impaired after TBI, limits patient effort in critical rehabilitation, and increases caregiver burden. ⋯ Mixed findings in this study mirror the pattern of results that dominate the published literature on gender and TBI. Gender differences in executive dysfunction may not be as large or robust as some researchers argue. In addition, complex interplays of socialization, gender-role expectations, naturally occurring male and female ability differences, and differences in access to postinjury rehabilitation are understudied potential moderators.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
Association of serum vitamin D with symptoms of depression and anxiety in early pregnancy.
Abstract Objective: To evaluate associations between early pregnancy 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations and antepartum depression and anxiety symptoms and potential modifiers thereof. ⋯ Our study provides modest evidence for inverse cross-sectional associations of early pregnancy maternal vitamin D concentrations with antepartum depression symptoms. We also observed that these associations may be modified by physical activity.