Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2024
Number of Pregnancies and Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES from 1999 to 2018.
Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the most common cause of death in women. Pregnancy is an exposure unique to women leading to significant changes in maternal cardiovascular function. However, studies of the relationship between the number of pregnancies and ASCVD are rare. ⋯ Across the full population, every model that accounted for these variables consistently indicated that with an increasing number of pregnancies, we observed higher ORs for ASCVD risk (all p values <0.05). Conclusions: A higher number of pregnancies was associated with a higher risk of ASCVD after menopause, especially among women aged 45-64 years. Moreover, this association is particularly significant in the risk of stroke, cardiovascular heart disease, and heart attack.
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2024
Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Preconception Health Risk Factors and Access to Care.
Background: Black birthing people have significantly higher risks of maternal mortality and morbidity compared with White people. Preconception chronic conditions increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet little is known about disparities in preconception health. This study applies an intersectional framework to examine the simultaneous contributions of racial marginalization and economic deprivation in determining disparities in preconception risk factors and access to care. ⋯ White respondents had higher probabilities of utilizing preconception care across all income levels, despite similar probabilities of insurance coverage. Conclusions: Higher income does not protect against the risk of preconception obesity and other preconception risk factors for Black birthing people as it does for White birthing people. Results point to the need to consider multiple forms of intersecting structural factors in policy and intervention research to improve preconception and maternal health.
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2024
Accuracy of Maternal Self-Report of Recent Preeclampsia among Healthy Women.
Background: Preeclampsia history signals a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, but its value as a risk marker relies primarily on self-report. To identify the accuracy of maternal self-reports of recent preeclampsia, we conducted a validation study among women recruited to a web-based trial. Methods: Women with preeclampsia in the past 5 years were recruited to Heart Health 4 Moms. ⋯ Conclusions: In this validation study of U. S. women, the majority accurately self-reported their preeclampsia diagnosis based on medical record review. A higher proportion of self-reports validated by clinician diagnosis than ACOG criteria, suggesting women remember the diagnosis given by their provider and providers may not always follow or document criteria when making a diagnosis.
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2024
Multicenter StudyFertility Knowledge and Educational Experiences of Graduating Medical Students: A Multi-Institution Survey.
Objective: Our goal was to assess the fertility knowledge and educational experiences of graduating U. S. medical students to evaluate areas of improvement for future educational interventions. Design: Web-based cross-sectional survey. ⋯ Conclusions: There is a need and an opportunity for medical education programs to enhance fertility education. Giving students and trainees the knowledge required to make informed decisions for their family-building purposes and improving their ability to counsel patients adequately should be a goal of future educational endeavors. The data collected in this study will serve as a guide for the development of fertility-related learning modules for medical students and trainees.