Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2019
Field Test Results of Sex- and Gender-Specific Health Multimedia Case-Based Learning Modules.
Background: The sex- and gender-specific health (SGSH) multimedia case-based learning modules (MCBLMs) were developed to address the absence of validated or peer-reviewed material that incorporates topics of sex and gender differences into medical curricula. This article provides the methodology for development of the modules and reports the results of a field test of the modules in different medical educational settings. Methods: MCBLMs were created by a multidisciplinary committee of scientists, health profession educators, and students. Two modules, osteoporosis and diabetes, were tested in various settings based on the curricular needs at each of the five accredited institutions. ⋯ For the 194 who completed the osteoporosis module, the post-test scores (M = 13.71, standard deviation [SD] = 2.09) were significantly higher than the pretest scores (M = 10.54, SD = 2.41), p < 0.001. Post-test scores for the 285 who completed the diabetes module (M = 16.55, SD = 2.46) were also significantly higher than the pretest scores (M = 13.71, SD = 2.09), p < 0.001. The postmodule survey showed positive acceptance of the format with an average score of 3.54/4 for osteoporosis and 3.45/4 for diabetes. Conclusion: The SGSH MCBLM field testing results show that the modules have a positive effect on content knowledge in multiple settings and are well accepted by learners.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2019
Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Women's Attitudes, Willingness, and Barriers to Donation of Menstrual Blood.
Background: Menstrual blood contains mesenchymal stem cells (MenSC), considered a potential "off-the-shelf" treatment for a range of diseases and medical conditions. Samples of menstrual blood can be collected painlessly, inexpensively, and as frequently as every month for cell therapy. ⋯ No significant relationship was recognized between willingness to donate menstrual blood with age, history of childbirth or blood donation, menstruation perception, and preferred menstrual hygiene product. Women rated their period experience better after being made aware of the ability to donate menstrual blood, meaning MenSC therapy can be beneficial for donors as well as patients. Conclusions: Considering women's attitudes to MenSC and donation of menstrual blood, the future of MenSC therapy is positive; women are generally willing to donate menstrual blood, independent of age, perception of periods, and history of childbirth and blood donation.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2019
Intrauterine, Infant, and Childhood Factors and Ovarian Reserve in Young African American Women.
Background: Ovarian toxic exposures during early development may contribute to reduced ovarian reserve in adulthood. Materials and Methods: We explored a range of intrauterine, infant, and childhood factors in relation to a biomarker of ovarian reserve, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, in adulthood. We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study of 1600 African American women 23-35 years of age residing in the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area, who had serum AMH measurements (Ansh Labs PicoAMH enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and no previous polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosis. ⋯ Participants whose mothers lived or worked on a farm (vs. neither lived nor worked on a farm) when pregnant with the participant had 42% lower AMH concentrations (95% CI = -62 to -9). Among participants whose mothers lived in Michigan when pregnant with the participant (n = 1238), maternal residence in Detroit for at least a month was associated with 22% lower AMH concentrations (95% CI = -34 to -8) in the participant. Conclusions: Further research is merited to replicate our findings and identify the aspects of maternal farm exposure and Detroit residence that may be associated with lower AMH concentrations.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2019
Neighborhood Income and Cesarean Section Rates at a Tertiary Care Center in Canada.
Background: With rising rates of cesarean sections (CSs) in Canada and worldwide, nonclinical factors for CS warrant consideration. Objective: To determine the association between a primigravid woman's neighborhood income and rates of CSs. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at an Ontario tertiary care center from January 2003 to December 2013. Rates of CSs were determined using data collected from the Discharge Abstract Database. Women with singleton live births were included. ⋯ Following adjustment for important confounders, there was no longer an association between the neighborhood income and CS rate (adjusted RR 1.00, 95% CI [0.99-1.01]). Women in the highest quintile were more likely to have greater maternal age (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Although differences in CS rates are seen by the neighborhood income quintile, they appear to be mediated through a combination of maternal age and other clinical factors. Neighborhood income does not appear to be an independent predictor of CS.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2019
Factors Associated with Preventive Dental Visits Before and During Pregnancy.
Objective: Poor prenatal oral health has implications for maternal, fetal, and infant health. Studies have shown an association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with preventive dental visits before and during pregnancy and examine the relationship of dental insurance with those visits among Virginia women. Methods: The Virginia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2012-2014) cross-sectional data were used to explore the use of dental cleaning visit among women. ⋯ Dental insurance (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 2.17-5.67) and oral health knowledge (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.42-5.48) were associated with before pregnancy dental visit. During pregnancy dental visit was strongly associated with dental insurance (OR = 5.8; 95% CI = 2.80-11.97), before pregnancy dental visit (OR = 20.72, 95% CI = 11.14-38.54), and oral health promotion by health provider (OR = 12.37, 95% CI = 7.31-20.93). Conclusions: Overall, the use of a preventive dental visit before and during pregnancy was low among Virginia women. Improving the use of routine dental visits before pregnancy, increasing access to dental insurance, and engaging health care providers to promote oral health can impact the use of dental care during pregnancy.