Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyPerinatal depressive symptoms in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected women: a prospective study from preconception to postpartum.
Depression is common among HIV-infected women, predicts treatment nonadherence, and consequently may impact vertical transmission of HIV. We report findings from a study evaluating preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum depressive symptoms in HIV-infected vs. at-risk, HIV-uninfected women. ⋯ Elevated perinatal depressive symptoms are common among HIV-infected and at-risk HIV-uninfected women. Depressive symptoms before pregnancy were the strongest predictor of perinatal symptoms. Findings underscore the importance of early and ongoing assessment and treatment to ensure low vertical transmission rates and improving postpregnancy outcomes for mothers and children.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2011
Dietary exposure to brominated flame retardants and abnormal Pap test results.
This study examined a possible association of dietary exposure to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), a brominated flame retardant, and self-reported abnormal Pap test results and cervical dysplasia as a precursor to cervical cancer. ⋯ It remains important to evaluate the potential reproductive health consequences of this class of chemicals as well as other potential predictors of abnormal Pap tests.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2011
Gold diggers, video vixens, and Jezebels: stereotype images and substance use among urban African American girls.
This study sought to examine the relationship of negative stereotype attitudes and endorsement of western standards of beauty (i.e., colorism) on the substance use behavior of low-income urban African American girls. Racial socialization was also examined as a potential moderator to identify any buffering effects of parental messages concerning race. ⋯ Tailored health interventions that consider both gender-specific and race-specific issues may improve risk behaviors, including substance use among adolescent females.
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Journal of women's health · Aug 2011
ReviewReproductive Health Assessment After Disaster: introduction to the RHAD toolkit.
This article reviews associations between disaster and the reproductive health of women, describes how Hurricane Katrina influenced our understanding about postdisaster reproductive health needs, and introduces a new toolkit that can help health departments assess postdisaster health needs among women of reproductive age.