Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2023
Identifying Variables Associated with Menopause-Related Shame and Stigma: Results from a National Survey Study.
Background: Despite the significance of menopause as a natural biological milestone experienced by approximately half the population, few studies have evaluated factors associated with menopause-related shame and stigma. Given previous research indicating increased shame and stigma are associated with negative outcomes that directly impact health (e.g., reduced access to health care), it is critical to identify variables associated with menopause-related shame and stigma. Materials and Methods: As part of a larger, national survey, 214 perimenopausal (n = 111) and postmenopausal (n = 103) individuals completed self-report questionnaires assessing demographics and menopause-related symptoms, shame, and stigma. ⋯ Regression analyses identified several significant predictor variables; in particular, more severe psychosocial and urogenital symptoms, higher education level, and younger age were significantly associated with greater odds of reporting shame and stigma. Conclusions: Overall, findings suggest that even though menopausal individuals report feeling their symptoms are similar to their peers, shame and stigma are significantly associated with these symptoms, which may be impacted by symptom severity and socioeconomic factors. Results suggest that younger individuals (i.e., those just entering perimenopause) with more education may be more likely to feel shame and stigma, which could inform interventional strategies and improve clinical outcomes.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2023
Is Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain Reported to Health Care Providers?
Background: Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain (PLPP) is a common ailment during pregnancy with physical, psychosocial, and economic consequences. Despite being common, prior literature has found that this symptom is widely underreported and therefore undertreated, especially in the United States. The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of pregnant women who report PLPP during pregnancy to their health care providers (HCPs) and to determine what contributing factors for reporting exist. ⋯ Factors that increased the likelihood of informing HCPs about PLPP were difficulty with daily mobility and a greater week of gestation. Conclusions: HCPs should inquire about PLPP throughout pregnancy. Any level of PLPP should be reported and monitored by a patient's HCP, and if it is interfering with activities of daily living, sleeping, or quality of life, it should be treated.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2023
Age-Dependent Sex Differences in the Prevalence of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.
Background: Antidepressants are among the most prescribed medications in the United States. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of antidepressant prescriptions and investigate sex differences and age-sex interactions in adults enrolled in the Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time: Using Genomic Data to Individualize Treatment (RIGHT) study. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the RIGHT study. ⋯ There are important limitations to consider in this study. Electronic prescription data were cross-sectional; information on treatment duration or adherence was not collected; this cohort is not nationally representative; and enrollment occurred over a broad period, introducing confounding by changes in temporal prescribing practices. Conclusions: Underscored by the significant interaction between age and sex on odds of SSRI prescription, our results warrant age to be incorporated as a mediator when investigating sex differences in mental illness, especially mood disorders and their treatment.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2023
Gender Differences in Academic Rank, Leadership, and Awards Among NIH Grant Recipients in Diagnostic Radiology.
Objective: Females have been traditionally underrepresented in academia across multiple medical specialties, including radiology. The present study investigated primary investigators (PIs) who received National Institutes of Health (NIH) radiology funding between 2016 and 2019 to establish if there was a correlation between NIH grants, gender, academic rank, first and second tier leadership positions, geographic location, and professional awards. Materials and Methods: Funding information was obtained from the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditure and Results (RePORTER) website for 2016-2019. ⋯ Between genders, there was no significant difference in first and second tier leadership positions (p = 0.497, p = 0.116), and postgraduate honors and awards (p = 0.149). The greatest proportion of grants was awarded in the setting of sole male PIs (55%) and the least proportion of grants were awarded when the contact PI and other project leader were female (1%). Conclusion: Despite having similar academic credentials, including number of leadership positions and postgraduate honors and awards, female radiology PIs who have received NIH grants continue to be underrepresented in higher academic ranks.
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Journal of women's health · Nov 2023
Consent Policies for Pelvic Exams Under Anesthesia Performed by Medical Students: A National Assessment.
Background: Medical students report low confidence in their ability to perform pelvic exams. Pelvic exams under anesthesia (EUA) are one way for students to practice the exam, but this needs to be balanced with patients' bodily autonomy through explicit disclosure and consent. This study seeks to characterize U. ⋯ Conclusions: The pelvic EUA is a necessary part of both surgical care and medical education but patient dignity must be protected too. Most MSAH have consent policies for students to perform pelvic EUA. Still, these policies need to be further strengthened and standardized across institutions to protect patients' rights while continuing to teach students the pelvic exam.