Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Understanding the Needs of Individuals Who Have Experienced Pregnancy Loss: A Retrospective Community-Based Survey.
Background: Pregnancy loss is the most common complication of pregnancy and understanding the needs of individuals experiencing pregnancy loss will help the medical team provide patient-centered care. Few studies address differences in needs of individuals regarding timing of pregnancy losses and number of losses. Methods: An anonymous nine-question survey assessing the experience and immediate needs of individuals who have had pregnancy loss. ⋯ Conclusion: Our survey highlights the overwhelming importance to individuals who have had pregnancy loss of finding a cause for their loss, regardless of gestational age/multiple losses. Referral to a dedicated pregnancy loss provider/team is highly desired. Finally, patients value sensitivity, compassion, and emotional support from their physicians and their staff.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialThe Association Between Acculturation and Diet and Physical Activity Among Pregnant Hispanic Women with Abnormal Glucose Tolerance.
Background: Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), yet few studies have assessed the impact of acculturation on health behaviors that may reduce GDM risk. Materials and Methods: We assessed relationships between acculturation and meeting American Diabetes Association guidelines for macronutrient intake and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for physical activity (PA) using baseline data from Estudio Project Aiming to Reduce Type twO diabetes, a randomized trial conducted in Massachusetts (2013-2017) among 255 Hispanic pregnant women with hyperglycemia. Acculturation was assessed via the Psychological Acculturation Scale, duration of time and generation in the continental United States, and language preference; diet with 24-hours dietary recalls; and PA with the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). ⋯ Conclusions: In summary, higher acculturation was associated with lower likelihood of meeting dietary guidelines but greater likelihood of meeting PA guidelines during pregnancy. Interventions aimed at reducing GDM in Hispanics should be culturally informed and incorporate acculturation. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT01679210.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Lumbopelvic Pain in Pregnancy in a Diverse Urban Patient Population: Prevalence and Risk Factors.
Objective: Pregnancy lumbopelvic pain (PLPP) is a common ailment during pregnancy with physical, psychosocial, and economic consequences. Prior literature has focused on majority Caucasian patient populations; none have focused on Hispanic populations, especially in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of pregnant people who experience PLPP in mostly Hispanic population. ⋯ Conclusions: In a cohort of majority Hispanic people, we found that 63% of respondents had PLPP. Our study found that a higher PMI score and financial instability were factors influencing PLPP. Clinicians should be alert to pregnant people who express their difficulties with activities of daily living as they may be at risk of PLPP, and could benefit from further evaluation and treatment.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Age-Related Changes, Influencing Factors, and Crosstalk Between Vaginal and Gut Microbiota: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study of Pre- and Postmenopausal Women.
Objective: The ideal vaginal environment is maintained by Lactobacillus species, which keep the vagina clean and free of infections, boost fertility and immunity. Age-related decline in estrogen affects Lactobacillus population, leading to dominance of nonoptimal species and increased diversity in vaginal microbiota. In this study, we compared the differences between the vaginal microbiota of pre- and postmenopausal women. ⋯ Conclusion: Postmenopausal women had significantly low Lactobacillus and high nonoptimal species in their vaginal flora, whereas such age-related differences were not identified in gut microbiota. Urinary equol concentration had significant correlation with gut microbiota in postmenopausal women only. This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trial Registry (Trial registration No.: UMIN000043944).
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2022
Recommendations for Improving Women's Bone Health Throughout the Lifespan.
Osteoporosis is a common condition in which deteriorating bone tissue results in an increased risk of low trauma fracture. Influenced by the role of estrogen in building and maintaining bone mineral density, women have different patterns of bone accrual and loss compared with men, resulting in a lower peak bone mass and a greater lifetime fracture risk. Moreover, fracture risk increases significantly in postmenopausal women who have depleted estrogen levels. ⋯ The Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) convened an interdisciplinary Bone Health Working Group to review the current state of science and practice concerning women's bone health and osteoporosis care and to explore strategies to address gaps in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of bone disease in women. Women's bone health care must shift its paradigm from one of postmenopausal and post-fracture care to a preventive model that engages touchpoints throughout the lifespan. To achieve this paradigm shift, the Working Group recommends prioritizing efforts to build public awareness and clinical education of preventive bone health care for women, increase access to screening tools, improve patient-provider communication, and treat osteoporosis using a broader risk stratification approach.