Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2019
Gender Differences in Outcomes Following a Pain-Free, Home-Based Exercise Program for Claudication.
Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common cardiovascular pathology that affects mobility. In previous research, supervised exercise, a recommended treatment for claudication, was less effective in women. This study retrospectively investigated whether functional outcomes exhibit sex differences following a pain-free, home-based exercise program for PAD patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with PAD and claudication enrolled to a structured home-based program from 2003 to 2016 were studied. ⋯ At baseline, compared to men, women exhibited similar ABI values but lower PTS and PFWD values (p < 0.001). At discharge, with similar adherence (score 3/4 ± 1 each) in both groups, superimposable improvements were observed for PTS (0.8 ± 0.8 km/h each), Smax (0.4 ± 0.5 km/h each), PFWD (women 95 ± 100; men 86 ± 104), 6MWD (women 32 ± 65; men 35 ± 58), and ABI (women 0.07 ± 0.12; men 0.06 ± 0.11) without between-group differences (confirmed after propensity analysis). Conclusion: A personalized, structured pain-free exercise program for PAD patients performed inside the home for a few minutes a day was equally effective in both sexes. Programs favoring adherence and functional outcomes in women should be tested in prospective studies.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2019
Pregnant Women Become Sweeter: A Population-Based Study of Trends in Glucose Challenge Test Results Over a Decade.
Background: Glucose challenge tests (GCTs) are widely used to screen for gestational diabetes mellitus. Women with high normal GCT results may be at increased risk for immediate obstetric complications and future diabetes. We analyzed the ∼10-year trend in mean GCT results and incidence of high normal (125-140 mg/dL) and abnormal GCT results (>140 mg/dL) in a large cohort of women in Israel. Materials and Methods: Data on all GCTs performed between 2005 and 2016 were gathered from the computerized database of the Central District of Clalit Health Services, the largest Health Maintenance Organization in Israel. ⋯ Over the study period, mean maternal age increased from 28.7 ± 5.1 to 30.1 ± 5.1 years and mean GCT results from 101.7 to 114.6 mg/dL (p < 0.001, for both), whereas the incidence of women with abnormal GCT (>140 mg/dL) increased from 10.6% to 18.1% (p < 0.001) and of those with high normal GCT (>125 mg/dL) from 20.2% to 31.3% (p < 0.001). A multivariable logistic model revealed that later years were associated with an increased risk for abnormal GCT result, while adjusting for maternal age and BMI (adjusted odds ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.08). Conclusions: Over ∼10 years, mean GCT results and high GCT incidence have significantly increased. These findings are in line with the worldwide diabetes epidemic and demonstrate the worsening in glucose metabolism also in relatively young women.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2019
The Association Between Multiple Abortions Within 1 Year and Previous Postabortal Desired Contraception at an Urban, Public Hospital.
Objectives: To determine the proportion of women undergoing multiple abortions within 1 year at an urban, public hospital and the association with desired contraception after the index abortion. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all women undergoing abortion up to 13 weeks and 6 days gestation at Stroger Hospital from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2014. We examined the proportion of women with additional abortions up to 1 year after the index abortion and contraception desired at the index abortion. We also collected data about Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhea (GC) infection in surgical abortion patients, to assess suitability for intrauterine device insertion immediately postabortion. Results: Of the 5,104 women with an abortion in the study period, 720 (14.1%) had at least one additional abortion within 1 year. ⋯ The contraception desired at the index abortion did not differ significantly between women with and without subsequent abortions (p = 0.107). CT/GC coinfection and CT infection alone were associated with having multiple abortions over the 1-year period (p = 0.020 and p = 0.006). Conclusions: Among women presenting for abortion at an urban, public hospital, desired contraception did not differ significantly between women with multiple abortions versus one abortion within 1 year, but prevalence of CT/GC did. Women at high risk for multiple abortions may benefit from immediate postabortion IUD insertion to avoid unintended pregnancy, provided risk of infection is carefully evaluated.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2019
Factors Affecting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Implementation for Women in the United States: A Systematic Review.
Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective pill that HIV-negative individuals can take once daily to prevent HIV infection. Although PrEP is a private, user-controlled method that empowers women to protect themselves without relying on a partner's behavior, women's PrEP use has been extremely low. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify and summarize factors that may be affecting PrEP implementation for women in the United States. ⋯ However, women and providers generally have positive views when aware of PrEP, including a willingness to use or prescribe PrEP to women. Most of the implementation barriers highlighted in studies were social or structural factors (e.g., access). Additional studies are needed to address research gaps, including studies of PrEP adherence and discontinuation.