Women's health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health
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Womens Health Issues · Jan 2016
Patient and Provider Perceptions of Weight Gain, Physical Activity, and Nutrition Counseling during Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study.
This study investigated patient and provider perceptions of weight gain, physical activity, and nutrition counseling during prenatal care visits. ⋯ Providers discussed weight gain, physical activity, and nutrition during prenatal care visits and patients accurately recalled this advice. However, counseling was limited and not fully consistent with guidelines. Future studies are needed to develop and evaluate the efficacy of interventions to help providers overcome perceived barriers and more effectively counsel women on weight and healthy lifestyles during pregnancy.
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Womens Health Issues · Jan 2016
Risk of Undetected Cancer at the Time of Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy and Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Implications for the Use of Power Morcellation.
Power morcellation during gynecological procedures may cause seeding of undiagnosed cancers. We used a national database to determine the prevalence of malignant and premalignant conditions that were present but undetected at the time of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and laparoscopic myomectomy, surgeries in which morcellation is commonly used. ⋯ Approximately 1 in 350 women undergoing laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy had an undiagnosed uterine cancer, with higher risks among older women. Approximately one-half of women had endometrial biopsies documented before hysterectomy. Safer alternatives, such as contained morcellation, should be evaluated to reduce the risk of complications after morcellation procedures.
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Womens Health Issues · Nov 2015
The Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Alcohol Use during Pregnancy in a Representative Sample of Adult Women.
The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult alcohol consumption is well-established, but little is known about the association with alcohol use during pregnancy. ⋯ We found evidence of a dose-response relationship between ACEs and alcohol use during pregnancy that remained even after controlling for prepregnancy drinking and other covariates. Screening women of childbearing age as well as pregnant women for ACEs may be an effective way to identify and address many of the emotional, behavioral, and physical sequelae of childhood adversity.
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Womens Health Issues · Nov 2015
Women Veterans' Pathways to and Perspectives on Veterans Affairs Health Care.
We examined Veterans Affairs (VA) health care experiences among contemporary women veteran patients receiving care at a VA medical center. Specifically, we examined women veteran patients' satisfaction with VA care along dimensions in line with patient-centered medical home (patient-aligned care teams [PACT] in VA) priorities, and pathways through which women initially accessed VA care. ⋯ Findings highlight convergence of women's preferences with PACT priorities of timely access to care, provider communication, and coordination of care, and suggest areas for improvement. Outreach is needed to address gaps in knowledge and negative perceptions. Initiatives to enhance women veterans' social networks may provide an information-sharing resource.
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Womens Health Issues · Sep 2015
A Qualitative Exploration of Low-Income Women's Experiences Accessing Abortion in Massachusetts.
At a time when most states are working to restrict abortion, Massachusetts stands out as one of the few states with multiple state-level policies in place that support abortion access for low-income women. In 2006, Massachusetts passed health care reform, which resulted in almost all residents having insurance. Also, almost all state-level public and subsidized insurance programs cover abortion and there are fewer restrictions on abortion in Massachusetts compared with other states. ⋯ This study provides important, novel information about the need for state-level policies that support access to health insurance and comprehensive abortion coverage. Such policies, along with a well-functioning health care environment, help to ensure that low-income women have access to abortion. However, not all abortion access challenges have been resolved in Massachusetts. More work is needed to ensure that all women can access affordable, confidential care that is responsive to their specific needs and preferences.