Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
Association of serum vitamin D with symptoms of depression and anxiety in early pregnancy.
Abstract Objective: To evaluate associations between early pregnancy 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations and antepartum depression and anxiety symptoms and potential modifiers thereof. ⋯ Our study provides modest evidence for inverse cross-sectional associations of early pregnancy maternal vitamin D concentrations with antepartum depression symptoms. We also observed that these associations may be modified by physical activity.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
Breast cancer screening practices among first-generation immigrant muslim women.
The purpose of this study was to identify beliefs about breast cancer, screening practices, and factors associated with mammography use among first-generation immigrant Muslim women in Chicago, IL. ⋯ This article sheds light on current screening practices and identifies theory-based constructs that facilitate and hinder Muslim women's participation in mammography screening. Our findings provide insights for reaching out particularly to new immigrants, developing patient education programs grounded in culturally appropriate approaches to address perceived barriers and building women's self-efficacy, as well as systems-level considerations for ensuring access to primary care providers.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and endothelial function in women.
Among women worldwide, major depression (MDD) and heart disease rank first and second, respectively, in burden of disease. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently prescribed, possible inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) function has caused concerns about their effects on protective vascular mechanisms. Our study aimed to determine the effect of SSRIs on flow-mediated vascular dilatation (FMD), platelet aggregation, and platelet NO production among women. ⋯ SSRI treatment had little effect on FMD or platelet aggregation. The health impact of decreased NO production is unclear, particularly in this relatively young group of women without cardiovascular disease, but should be considered in future studies focusing on SSRI safety in patients with cardiovascular disease.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2014
Exploring sex and gender differences in sleep health: a Society for Women's Health Research Report.
Previous attempts have been made to address sleep disorders in women; however, significant knowledge gaps in research and a lack of awareness among the research community continue to exist. There is a great need for scientists and clinicians to consider sex and gender differences in their sleep research to account for the unique biology of women. To understand the role of sex differences in sleep and the state of women's sleep health research, the Society for Women's Health Research convened an interdisciplinary expert panel of well-established sleep researchers and clinicians for a roundtable meeting. ⋯ Differences in sleep behavior and sleep disorders may not only be driven by biological factors but also by gender differences in the way women and men report symptoms. Progress has been made in identifying sex and gender differences in many areas of sleep, but major research gaps in the areas of epidemiology, sleep regulation, sleep quality, diagnosis, and treatment need to be addressed. Identifying the underlying nature of sex and gender differences in sleep research has potential to accelerate improved care for both men and women facilitating better diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately prevention of sleep disorders and related comorbid conditions.
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Journal of women's health · Jun 2014
What midlife women want from gynecologists: a survey of patients in specialty and private practices.
This study characterized the self-reported reason for a gynecology visit among midlife women in three different practice settings. We hypothesized that women seeking specialty care were more likely to report nonvasomotor symptoms potentially related to the menopausal transition. ⋯ Midlife women seeking care in a menopause gynecology practice had significantly more visits for vasomotor and nonvasomotor concerns than did women seeing general gynecologists. Women sought care for a broad range of concerns that are not typically in gynecologists' scope of practice, including sleep disturbances, moodiness, and weight management.