Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2021
Biomarkers of Toxicant Exposure and Inflammation Among Women of Reproductive Age Who Use Electronic or Conventional Cigarettes.
Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally have a more favorable toxicant profile than conventional cigarettes; however, limited information exists for women of reproductive age (WRA). Our aim was to compare biomarkers of toxicant exposure, inflammation, and oxidative stress among WRA who self-report exclusive e-cigarette use, exclusive cigarette smoking, or never tobacco use (controls). Methods: Multivariable linear regression models were used to compare the geometric means of urinary biomarkers of toxicant exposure and their metabolites, serum markers of inflammation [highly sensitive C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), interleukin 6, fibrinogen], and a measurement of oxidative stress [prostaglandin F2a-8-isoprostane (F2PG2a)] among WRA from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health survey. ⋯ There were no significant differences in the levels of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress between e-cigarette users and controls. E-cigarette users and controls had lower levels of sICAM and F2PG2a than cigarette smokers. Conclusion: WRA who use e-cigarettes had lower levels of some of the evaluated urinary biomarkers of toxicant exposure and serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress than those who smoke cigarettes, but higher lead, nicotine metabolites, and some VOCs than controls, which can increase health risks.
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2021
A Menopause Strategies-Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) Investigation of Self-Reported Menopausal Palpitation Distress.
Background: Study to describe the degree of menopausal palpitation distress and its demographic, clinical, symptom, and quality-of-life (QOL) correlates. Analysis of existing, baseline, data from peri- and postmenopausal women, 42 to 62 years of age, who participated in the Menopause Strategies-Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) clinical trials testing interventions for vasomotor symptoms (n = 759). Up to 46.8% of menopausal women report having palpitations, yet the symptom is relatively understudied. ⋯ The odds of reporting palpitation distress was higher with every five point more severe insomnia (OR = 1.28 [1.05-1.54]), five point worse depressive symptoms (OR = 1.47 [1.11-1.95]), five point worse perceived stress (OR = 1.19 [1.01-1.39]), and one point worse menopausal QOL (OR = 1.29 [1.06-1.57]). Conclusions: Menopausal palpitation distress is common and associated with demographic, clinical, symptom, and QOL factors. Findings can be used for screening in clinical practice and to justify additional research on this understudied symptom.
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2021
Risk Behaviors Correlate with Higher Prevalence of Papanicolaou, Human Papillomavirus, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening Among Women in the United States.
Introduction: This study assesses whether women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior have higher Papanicolaou (Pap), human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV testing, and whether the level of selected variables associated with HIV risk behavior correlate with greater testing. Association between HIV risk situations and HPV vaccination is also evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional assessment was performed in women at age 18 years and older completing the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. ⋯ Conclusions: Women with HIV risk behavior are more likely to pursue Pap, HPV, and HIV testing. The significant positive associations are largest for HIV testing and smallest for Pap testing, after adjustment for the selected variables. HIV risk behavior is not associated with HPV vaccination.
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2021
Gender Differences in Patient Perceptions of Physicians' Communal Traits and the Impact on Physician Evaluations.
Background: Communal traits, such as empathy, warmth, and consensus-building, are not highly valued in the medical hierarchy. Devaluing communal traits is potentially harmful for two reasons. First, data suggest that patients may prefer when physicians show communal traits. ⋯ These results were robust to inclusion of controls. Conclusions: Female physicians are more likely to be perceived as communal. Being perceived as communal is associated with higher quantitative ratings, including likelihood to recommend. Our study indicates a need to reevaluate what types of behaviors academic hospitals reward in their physicians.
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Journal of women's health · Apr 2021
Availability Versus Utilization of Supplemental Breast Cancer Screening Post Passage of Breast Density Legislation.
Objective: Despite the lack of evidence that supplemental screening in women with dense breasts reduces breast cancer mortality, 38 states have passed breast density legislation, with some including recommendations for supplemental screening. The objective of this study is to compare the availability versus use of supplemental breast cancer screening modalities and determine factors driving use of supplemental screening in rural versus urban settings. Methods: A 50-item mailed survey using the Tailored Design Method was sent to American College of Radiology mammography-accredited facilities in North Carolina in 2017. ⋯ Facilities reported using supplemental screening based on patient breast density (48.3%), referring physician recommendation (63.3%), reading radiologist recommendation (63.3%), breast cancer risk factors (48.3%), and patient request (40.0%). Urban facilities were more likely than rural facilities to base supplemental screening on breast cancer risk factors (62.5% vs. 32.1%; p-value = 0.019), referring physician (75.0% vs. 50.0%; p-value = 0.045), and reading radiologist (78.1% vs. 46.4%; p-value = 0.011). Conclusion: In our study, supplemental screening modalities were widely available, with facilities more likely to use DBT for supplemental screening compared to other modalities.