PLoS medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Analysis of bacterial vaginosis, the vaginal microbiome, and sexually transmitted infections following the provision of menstrual cups in Kenyan schools: Results of a nested study within a cluster randomized controlled trial.
Nonhygienic products for managing menstruation are reported to cause reproductive tract infections. Menstrual cups are a potential solution. We assessed whether menstrual cups would reduce bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal microbiome (VMB), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as studies have not evaluated this. ⋯ Menstrual cups with BV and STI testing and treatment benefitted adolescent schoolgirls through lower occurrence of BV and higher L. crispatus compared with only BV and STI testing and treatment during the 30 months of a cluster randomized menstrual cup intervention.
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Many women experience suboptimal gestational weight gain (GWG) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but our understanding of risk factors associated with GWG in these settings is limited. We investigated the relationships between demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, and clinical factors and GWG in prospectively collected data from LMICs. ⋯ Inadequate GWG is a significant public health concern in LMICs. We identified diverse nutritional, behavioral, and clinical risk factors for inadequate GWG, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to optimizing GWG in LMICs. The prevalence of excessive GWG suggests that attention to the emerging burden of excessive GWG in LMICs is also warranted.
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Comment Meta Analysis
Understanding the impact of antimicrobial resistance on outcomes of bloodstream infections in low- and middle-income countries.
Marlieke de Kraker discusses a systematic review and meta-analysis reporting the magnitude and consequences of bloodstream infections in low- and middle-income countries.
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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004186.].