Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2014
Is chronic stress during childhood associated with adult-onset vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is an unexplained chronic vulvar pain condition. Case-control studies provide opportunities to examine potential mechanisms by which vulvodynia may develop. Findings inform etiological models that can be tested in subsequent prospective studies. ⋯ Our findings suggest that affect-based chronic stressors may be important to the psychobiological mechanisms of vulvodynia. Prospective studies are recommended to test biopsychosocial models of the etiology of vulvodynia.
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2014
Evaluating universal education and screening for postpartum depression using population-based data.
In 2006, New Jersey was the first state to mandate prenatal education and screening at hospital delivery for postpartum depression. We sought to evaluate provision of prenatal education and screening at delivery, estimate the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms, and identify venues where additional screening and education could occur. ⋯ Prenatal education and screening for depression at hospital delivery is feasible and results in the majority of women being educated and screened. However, missed opportunities for education and screening exist. More information is needed on how to utilize WIC, NICU, and well baby and postpartum encounters to ensure effective education, accurate diagnosis, and treatment for depressed mothers.
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2014
Contraceptive counseling by general internal medicine faculty and residents.
Almost half of US pregnancies are unintended, resulting in many abortions and unwanted or mistimed births. Contraceptive counseling is an effective tool to increase patients' use of contraception. ⋯ In prevention-focused visits with reproductive-age women, a minority of internal medicine faculty and residents reported routine contraceptive counseling. Future efforts to increase contraceptive counseling among internists should include interventions that increase provider contraceptive counseling self-efficacy and ensure that providers obtain an abbreviated sexual history.
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2014
Association between individual and geographic factors and nonadherence to mammography screening guidelines.
This study investigates factors that are associated with nonadherence to mammography screening guidelines in Utah, a state where mammography screening rates have remained consistently lower than national averages. ⋯ Mammography screening efforts in Utah should focus on improving access to insurance or a regular source of health care. Future research should also consider how best to address extreme time demands and competing priorities that present potential barriers for women with large families, resulting in lower screening levels among these women.