Showing papers in "Women & Health in 2013"
TL;DR: An association between perceived stress and postpartum depressive symptoms in mothers is highlighted and new tools should be specifically developed for the perinatal period and further research should be performed to understand better the events and adequacy of social support.
Abstract: The objective of this work was to review published articles on the impact of perinatal stress on mothers' medium- or long-term psychological health and the efficacy of coping strategies, to determine if social support plays a role in the interaction between birth events and mothers' psychological experiences, and to identify the tools used for these measurements. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched for English and French language articles from 2000 through 2010 inclusive. Thirty-seven articles fulfilled the selection criteria. The results of this review highlight an association between perceived stress and postpartum depressive symptoms. However, because perceived stress has been evaluated in a general manner, it was not possible to identify events having more or less relation to postpartum depressive symptoms in mothers. Social support also appeared to be related to mothers' psychological health. Coping strategies were difficult to analyze because of the lack of homogeneity in their definition across studies. The comparison among studies of social support and coping strategies was also difficult due to the diversity of tools used and their lack of specificity. New tools should be specifically developed for the perinatal period, and further research should be performed to understand better the events and adequacy of social support.
140 citations
TL;DR: Prevalence of drug use was highest among white new mothers, followed by blacks and Hispanics, but black new mothers appeared at greater risk for drug use, and no identified studies examined correlates of postpartum drug use beyond race/ethnicity.
Abstract: National survey data suggest that new mothers have high prevalences of alcohol and illicit drug use. Depression correlates with substance use, and new mothers with postpartum depression may be at high risk for substance use. Understanding postpartum substance use and its relationship to postpartum depression can inform future research and intervention. A literature search was conducted resulting in 12 studies published from 1999-2012 examining postpartum alcohol use, drug use, or combined postpartum depression and substance use. Postpartum alcohol (prevalence range 30.1%-49%) and drug use (4.5%-8.5%) were lower than use among not pregnant, not postpartum women (41.5%-57.5%, 7.6%-10.6%, respectively) but higher than use among pregnant women (5.4%-11.6%, 3.7%-4.3%, respectively). Correlates of postpartum problem drinking were being unemployed, unmarried, and a cigarette smoker. Prevalence of drug use was highest among white new mothers, followed by blacks and Hispanics, but black new mothers appeared at greater risk of drug use. No identified studies examined correlates of postpartum drug use beyond race/ethnicity. Postpartum depressive symptoms were prevalent among postpartum substance users and those with a substance use history (19.7%-46%). The postpartum period is a critical time. Prevalent substance use and the scarcity of studies warrant research to identify means to reduce maternal substance use.
92 citations
TL;DR: Psychosocial resources, such as self-esteem, social support, and mastery, along with several lesbian-specific experiences, were all independently associated with greater likelihood of having disclosed to a health care provider and Internalized homophobia and lesbian-related stigma decreased the likelihood of disclosure.
Abstract: Concerns regarding sexual orientation disclosure to health care providers have been suggested as a barrier to care which may account for documented differences in the health care utilization of lesbians relative to heterosexual women. This study explored the correlates of sexual orientation disclosure to health care providers among 934 lesbian women living in urban and non-urban areas of the South. Psychosocial resources, such as self-esteem, social support, and mastery, along with several lesbian-specific experiences (proportion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender friends, access to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender community, degree of being "out"), were all independently associated with greater likelihood of having disclosed to a health care provider. Internalized homophobia and lesbian-related stigma decreased the likelihood of disclosure. Lesbians living in non-urban areas were significantly less likely to have disclosed than women in urban areas, suggesting that disclosure may present a special concern for populations in non-urban areas.
63 citations
TL;DR: Results from multi-level models indicated that living in communities with a high proportion of women who delivered in a health facility was associated with four or more antenatal care visits, and living in high-poverty communities decreased the likelihood of antenatalCare attendance.
Abstract: Despite the high maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria, the use of maternal health care services is very poor. Attempts to explain this situation has focused on individual level factors and the influence of community contextual factors have not received much attention. This study examined the relation of community factors to the use of antenatal care in Nigeria, and explored whether community factors moderated the association between individual characteristics and antenatal care visits. Data were drawn from the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey among 16,005 women aged 15-49 years who had had their last delivery in the five years preceding the survey. Results from multi-level models indicated that living in communities with a high proportion of women who delivered in a health facility was associated with four or more antenatal care visits. Residence in high-poverty communities decreased the likelihood of antenatal care attendance. Living in communities with a high proportion of educated women was not significantly related to antenatal care visits. Community factors acted as moderators of the association between educational attainment and antenatal care attendance. Improvement in antenatal care utilization may therefore be enhanced by targeting poverty reduction programs and increasing health facility delivery in disadvantaged communities.
58 citations
TL;DR: Results indicated that participants relied heavily upon interpersonal sources of information, especially family and the father of the baby; rarely used the Internet for health-related information; and desired information beyond infant and maternal health, such as finding jobs and accessing community/government resources.
Abstract: Previous studies have consistently found associations between low income and infant health outcomes. Moreover, although health information-seeking is a maternal behavior related to improved health outcomes, little is known about the health information-seeking behaviors and information needs of low-income pregnant women. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the information needs, information-seeking behaviors, and perceived informational support of low-income pregnant women. Accordingly, the study recruited 63 expectant women enrolled in a subsidized prenatal care program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during two time periods: March-May 2011 and October-December 2011. Results indicated that participants relied heavily upon interpersonal sources of information, especially family and the father of the baby; rarely used the Internet for health-related information; and desired information beyond infant and maternal health, such as finding jobs and accessing community/government resources. Participants who used family members as primary sources of information also had significantly increased levels of perceived informational support and reduced uncertainty about pregnancy. Our findings have implications for the dissemination of pregnancy-related health information among low-income expectant women.
56 citations
TL;DR: Consideration of pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity status may be important when tailoring strategies to overcome barriers to promote initiation and maintenance of physical activity during pregnancy.
Abstract: This study compared perceived benefits and barriers to leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy among women who were insufficiently active or inactive before pregnancy. Eighty-two pregnant women completed questionnaires assessing leisure-time physical activity benefits/barriers, exercise self-efficacy, social support, depressed mood, pre-pregnancy and current physical activity and fatigue. Multivariable regression analyses identified factors associated with exercise benefits/barriers for the two pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity groups. Both pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity groups reported more benefits than barriers to exercise during pregnancy. Previously inactive women reported fewer perceived benefits and greater perceived barriers to leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy. Higher self-efficacy for exercise during pregnancy was significantly associated with greater benefits of leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy for both groups. Less family support for exercise and lower self-efficacy for exercise were significantly related to greater leisure-time physical activity barriers during pregnancy for previously inactive women. Lower self-efficacy for exercise, higher depressed mood scores, and younger age were associated with greater leisure-time physical activity barriers for active women. Findings suggest that the intensities of perceived leisure-time physical activity benefits and barriers during pregnancy differ for women, depending on their pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity status. Consideration of pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity status may thus be important when tailoring strategies to overcome barriers to promote initiation and maintenance of physical activity during pregnancy.
54 citations
TL;DR: The study explored factors that might contribute to this time in personal published accounts, an alternate source for understanding lived experience, and identified four main themes: desire for recovery, positive experiences in treatment, an aspect of life outside work or study, and positive and helpful experiences with new or renewed relationships.
Abstract: Less than half of people with anorexia nervosa achieve full recovery. Previous qualitative research has identified a "tipping point" for change in people who have experienced recovery. The present study's goal was to explore factors that might contribute to this time in personal published accounts, an alternate source for understanding lived experience. Using the 5-stage framework approach for thematic analysis, 31 individual (29 female) accounts were explored. These were purposively sampled from autobiographical accounts (during 1999-2011). In all the accounts a "tipping point" or change in the person's attitude toward treatment and recovery did appear. We identified four main themes: desire for recovery, positive experiences in treatment, an aspect of life outside work or study, and positive and helpful experiences with new or renewed relationships. The themes were a mix of internal and external themes, as well as themes independent of a treatment experience. The findings support other research that indicates experiences, such as personal and spiritual relationships, in addition to specific psychotherapies or treatments, are important in recovery. Further research into how to facilitate and integrate these external factors with formal treatment is indicated in order to improve understanding of outcomes in anorexia nervosa.
51 citations
TL;DR: Chinese and Korean immigrant women in Australia reported preference for fair skin, a tradition of covering skin when outdoors, and no sunbathing culture, which may provide some reasons for vitamin D deficiency previously reported in these populations.
Abstract: In this qualitative study, researchers examined cultural and attitudinal factors that might be related to sun-exposure behaviors among East Asian women living in Australia. Researchers asked Chinese (n = 20) and Korean (n = 16) immigrant women who participated in a larger cross-sectional quantitative study of vitamin D blood levels to volunteer to participate in an in-depth interview in 2010. These women reported a number of cultural factors related to their attitudes and behaviors with regard to sun exposure. They expressed preference for fair skin, a tradition of covering skin when outdoors, and no sunbathing culture. They believed that fair skin was more beautiful than tanned skin. They reported that beauty was the reason for active avoidance of sunlight exposure. Although they reported knowledge of the need for sun avoidance due to skin cancer risk, few reported knowledge about the benefits of sun exposure for adequate vitamin D levels. These findings may provide some reasons for vitamin D deficiency previously reported in these populations. Thus, researchers recommend that these attitudes of excessive sun protection and limiting sun exposure be further investigated as they may have implications for planning and delivery of health promotion programs to this growing population of immigrants in Australia.
45 citations
TL;DR: To understand better whether and why waterpipe smoking is a more acceptable form of tobacco use than cigarettes for women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and to understand whether the strategies used by multi-national corporations to attract women to cigarette smoking were perceived to be relevant in the context of waterpipe tobacco use.
Abstract: The prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing worldwide, despite evidence indicating its adverse health effects. Women and young people seem more likely to be choosing waterpipe tobacco smoking over cigarettes. The objective of this qualitative study was to understand better whether and why waterpipe smoking is a more acceptable form of tobacco use than cigarettes for women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and to understand whether the strategies used by multi-national corporations to attract women to cigarette smoking were perceived to be relevant in the context of waterpipe tobacco use. Focus groups (n = 81) and in-depth interviews (n = 38) were conducted with adults in Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine, and Syria. Discussions were thematically analyzed and recurrent themes identified. One of the themes which emerged was the negative image of women smoking waterpipes. Moreover, the sexual allure conveyed through waterpipe smoking as well as waterpipe tobacco smoking as a symbol of emancipation w...
44 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the epidemiology of menstruation and menstrual disorders is described, including normal variation in menstrual cycle length, duration and amount of menstrual bleeding and in the probability of ovulation across the reproductive lifespan.
Abstract: This chapter describes the epidemiology of menstruation and menstrual disorders. First we describe normal variation in menstrual cycle length, in the duration and amount of menstrual bleeding and in the probability of ovulation across the reproductive lifespan, as well as what is known about how these patterns differ by geographic region, ethnicity, socio-economic status, body mass index, lifestyle and environmental factors. Then, we define menstrual dysfunction and describe what is known about the population frequency of and risk factors for specific conditions. The chapter concludes with a discussion of methodological issues in the measurement of menstrual function, challenges in the design and analysis of studies of menstrual function, and priorities for future research.
43 citations
TL;DR: Overall, the female migrant sex workers engaged in HIV risk behaviors and practiced inadequate HIV protection with their clients and were shaped by gender and power factors in the realms of labor, behavior, and cathexis.
Abstract: This study aimed to build formative knowledge regarding HIV risks in female migrant sex workers in Moscow, focusing on gender and power. This was a collaborative ethnographic study, informed by the theory of gender and power, in which researchers conducted minimally structured interviews with 24 female sex workers who were migrants to Moscow and who provided sexual services to male migrant laborers. Overall, the female migrant sex workers engaged in HIV risk behaviors and practiced inadequate HIV protection with their clients. These behaviors were shaped by gender and power factors in the realms of labor, behavior, and cathexis. In the labor realm, because some female migrants were unable to earn enough money to support their families, they were pushed or pulled into sex work providing service to male migrants. In the behavior realm, many female migrant sex workers were intimidated by their male clients, feared violence, and lacked access to women's health care and prevention. In the cathexis realm, many had a sense of shame, social isolation, emotional distress, and lacked basic HIV knowledge and prevention skills. To prevent HIV transmission requires addressing the gender and power factors that shape HIV/AIDS risks among female migrant sex workers through multilevel intervention strategies.
TL;DR: The Pilates-based exercise enhanced some parameters of the postural alignment of women, as measured by frontal aligned of the shoulder and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis, as well as the experimental group, at 6 months.
Abstract: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of Pilates-based exercise on postural alignment. Seventy-four adult women (mean age ± SD, 34.9 ± 16.4 years) were randomized to a Pilates-based mat class (n = 40) or a control group (n = 34). Pilates-based exercise participants were taught the Initial Mat of Body Control Pilates for 6 months, twice a week, for 60 minutes per session; the control group received no exercise intervention. Repeated measurements were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of the frontal alignment of the thoracolumbar spine, shoulder, and pelvis, and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis. No differences were found in either group, over time, on frontal alignment of the thoracolumbar spine and pelvis. The experimental group showed significant improvements in frontal alignment of the shoulder and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis at 6 months. The Pilates-based exercise enhanced some parameters of the postural alignment of women, as measured by frontal alignment of the shoulder and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis. The significant improvement in sagittal alignment of the head may imply that 6 months of Pilates-based exercise enhances sagittal alignment of the cervical or thoracic spine.
TL;DR: A systematic, critical review of the literature indicated that female veterans were at an increased risk of homelessness relative to their male veteran and female non-veteran counterparts and additional research is needed to develop and implement effective, evidence-based programs to prevent and end homelessness among women veterans.
Abstract: The authors conducted a systematic, critical review of the literature to assess and summarize existing research on homelessness among female veterans. They searched seven electronic databases (ERIC, Proquest Dissertations and Theses, PsycINFO, PubMed, Social Services Abstracts, Social Science Citation Index, and Sociological Abstracts), websites of several government and research organizations, and reference lists of prior studies. They abstracted data on study design, funding source, and topic from studies meeting inclusion criteria and classified each study into one of the following categories: epidemiology, health and other services utilization, and interventions. The authors included both experimental and observational studies of interventions in the review and performed a narrative synthesis for each of the 26 studies identified. No studies were experimental, 20 were observational, and the remainder were either qualitative or descriptive. Of the 26 identified studies, 14 were epidemiologic, 7 focused on the health and additional service utilization, and 5 were intervention studies. Findings provided important baseline epidemiologic information about homelessness among female veterans and indicated that female veterans were at an increased risk of homelessness relative to their male veteran and female non-veteran counterparts. Additional research is needed to develop and implement effective, evidence-based programs to prevent and end homelessness among women veterans.
TL;DR: The study results show that female genital mutilation is a frequent practice in Iraqi Kurdistan and attention and intervention is needed to address this aspect of the well-being of girls and women.
Abstract: The high prevalence of female genital mutilation has been a concern in Iraqi Kurdistan. This study was undertaken to estimate its prevalence and describe factors associated with its occurrence. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken from March to April 2011 of females aged up to 20 years using interviews and clinical examination. The survey included 1,508 participants with mean age of 13.5 years (SD 5.6). Overall female genital mutilation prevalence was 23%, and the mean age at which it had been performed was 4.6 years (SD 2.4). Type I (partial or total removal of the clitoris) comprised 76% of those who had had female genital mutilation; in 79% of cases the decision to perform it was made by the mother; and in 54% of cases it was performed by traditional birth attendants/midwives. Women aged 16 years and over were more likely to have had female genital mutilation compared to children aged below 6 years (OR 11.9, p < .001). Children of uneducated mothers were eight times as likely to have had genital mut...
TL;DR: Researchers conducted a study in a Taiwanese medical center from June 2009 to June 2011 to investigate the relations of perceived stress and lifestyle to breast cancer, finding that perceived stress, when combined with potentially risky lifestyle behaviors, may be a contributing factor.
Abstract: Researchers conducted a study in a Taiwanese medical center from June 2009 to June 2011 to investigate the relations of perceived stress and lifestyle to breast cancer. A total of 157 cases and 314 controls completed a structured questionnaire. Using multiple logistic regression models, high perceived stress (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.47), less than 1,000 kcal of physical activity expenditure per week (AOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.39-3.39), and high intake of fried and stir-fried food (AOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.24-2.77) were positively associated with breast cancer. Breast cancer was related to joint interactions between high perceived stress and alcohol intake of 11.0 g or more per day (AOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.23-6.86), smoking at least one cigarette per day (AOR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.16-5.47), intake of less than 100 ml of green tea per day (AOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.40-4.38), physical activity of less than 1,000 kcal per week (AOR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.77-6.36), high fried and stir-fried food intake (AOR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.79-5.63), and high meat and seafood intake (AOR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.09-3.27). Perceived stress, when combined with potentially risky lifestyle behaviors, may be a contributing factor to breast cancer.
TL;DR: Pregnancy represented a critical time period to screen for suicide and to establish treatment for the mothers in the study, and interview themes suggested that in this small sample, suicidal ideation among perinatal women was high.
Abstract: Introduction: Perinatal suicidality (i.e., thoughts of death, suicide attempts, or self-harm during the period immediately before and up to 12 months after the birth of a child) is a significant public health concern. Few investigations have examined the patients' own views and experiences of maternal suicidal ideation. Methods: Between April and October 2010, researchers identified 14 patient participants at a single university-based medical center for a follow-up, semi-structured interview if they screened positive for suicidal ideation on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) short form. In-depth interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide. Researchers transcribed all interviews verbatim and analyzed transcripts using thematic network analysis. Results: Participants described the experience of suicidality during pregnancy as related to somatic symptoms, past diagnoses, infanticide, family psychiatric history (e.g., completed suicides and family member attempts), and pregnancy complicatio...
TL;DR: Health care providers involved in HIV prevention and sexual risk reduction interventions need to address IPV and, more specifically, fear of IPV when negotiating safer sex as part of their services for providing more comprehensive care to the women they serve.
Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been associated with risk for HIV infection. This cross-sectional study tested the hypothesis that fear of violent consequences when negotiating condom use mediated the relation between IPV and condom use. Participants (n = 478) were recruited between March 1, 2004 and June 30, 2006 from a public clinic that treats sexually transmitted diseases in upstate New York as part of a randomized controlled trial. They completed an audio, computer-assisted, self-administered questionnaire with items on risky sexual behavior, intimate relationships, and related covariates and confounding variables. Seventeen percent of the sample reported IPV in the past three months. Recent IPV was associated with fear of violent consequences to requests for condom use, and such fear was associated with inconsistent condom use. Women who reported IPV also reported greater difficulties in negotiating safer sex behaviors with their abusers. So fear of violent consequences appeared to hinder their ...
TL;DR: The majority of women perceived their health to be worse than men's and attributed this to their childbearing, domestic and care-giving roles, restrictions on their mobility, poverty and psychological stress related to their responsibilities for children, and marital conflict.
Abstract: This study aimed to explore Saudi Arabian women's perceptions of how gendered social structures affect their health by understanding their perceptions of these influences on their health relative to those on men's health. Qualitative methods, including focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 66 married women in Riyadh, the capital city. Participants were purposively sampled for maximum variation, including consideration of socio-economic status, age, educational level, health status and the use of healthcare. The majority of women perceived their health to be worse than men's and attributed this to their childbearing, domestic and care-giving roles, restrictions on their mobility, poverty and psychological stress related to their responsibilities for children, and marital conflict. A minority of participants felt that men's health was worse than women's and related this to their gendered roles as "breadwinners," greater mobility and masculine norms and identities. Gender equity should be a health policy priority to improve women's health.
TL;DR: Light is shed on factors that may influence HPV vaccination acceptance and uptake in Malawi and how women's knowledge and beliefs about HPV, cervical cancer, and vaccination, and their social-ecological contexts were explored.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to elucidate potential barriers and facilitators to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Malawi, a sub-Saharan country. In Malawi, approximately 31 out of every 100,000 women develop cervical cancer annually, and 80% of those affected die from this malignancy. HPV vaccination may provide a feasible strategy for cervical cancer prevention in Malawi. However, important questions and concerns regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination acceptance among individuals and their communities must be considered prior to vaccine delivery. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 Malawian mothers aged 18-49 years from Chiradzulu District. Women's knowledge and beliefs about HPV, cervical cancer, and vaccination, and their social-ecological contexts were explored in-depth. Thematic analyses revealed that despite women's limited knowledge, cervical cancer was perceived to be a serious disease. Participants believed that as women, they were responsible for their children's health. Women unanimously reported that they would vaccinate their children against HPV, especially if a health professional recommended it. Malawi's health care infrastructure could present challenges to HPV vaccine programs; however, participants did not typically report this to be a barrier to vaccination. These data shed light on factors that may influence HPV vaccination acceptance and uptake in Malawi.
TL;DR: The results suggest that PBI and a desire to be thinner were strongly related to BID and that thinness is becoming more desired in Kuwaiti society than the plump body image of the past.
Abstract: The associations between body image and attitudes toward obesity and thinness and their associations with measured body mass index (BMI) among female students of Kuwait University (n = 137) was examined in 2008. The body image perceptions were assessed using nine female silhouettes figures. The difference between current perceived body image (PBI) and ideal body image (IBI) was used as a measure of body image dissatisfaction (BID). Students tended to have a bigger PBI and smaller IBI than would be expected from their BMI category, leading to high levels of BID in each BMI category. PBI, IBI, BID, RBI were highly correlated with each other, and BMI was significantly correlated with each of them. The coefficients of these associations were not significantly altered in multiple regression analysis by the addition of potential confounding variables, such as age, marital status, physical activity, dieting behavior, parental education, and family size. These results suggest that PBI and a desire to be thinner were strongly related to BID and that thinness is becoming more desired in Kuwaiti society than the plump body image of the past.
TL;DR: Overall, unmarried mothers were less physically active when compared to married mothers and non- mothers, and future studies should explore the correlates and health outcomes associated with physical activity among unmarried mothers.
Abstract: Single motherhood has been associated with negative health consequences, such as increased risk for cardiovascular disease and depression, which might be accompanied by reduced levels of physical activity. This pilot study aimed to compare the magnitude of differences in physical activity between unmarried mothers, married mothers, and non-mothers. Participants (N = 66) in three equal-sized groups (n = 22) completed a battery of physical activity questions and wore an accelerometer for one week in March to May of 2012. Analyses of covariance controlling for group differences in demographic characteristics and Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons were conducted to detect differences in physical activity between groups. Compared to unmarried mothers, married mothers and non-mothers had significantly greater leisure time activity as measured by the Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire (F(2,61) = 6.11, p = .004), overall activity in the previous year measured by the modifiable activity questionnaire scores (F(2, 61) = 8.65, p = .001), and minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from the accelerometer (F(2,58) = 4.39, p = .02). No statistically significant differences were observed among groups for international physical activity questionnaire scores or accelerometer activity and step counts. Overall, unmarried mothers were less physically active when compared to married mothers and non-mothers. Future studies should explore the correlates and health outcomes associated with physical activity among unmarried mothers.
TL;DR: A systematic literature search using PubMed Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO of publications from 1993 to 2012 were conducted using the following keywords: inflammation, cytokine, exercise, physical training, aerobic training, cardiovascular training, strength training, resistance training, interval training, cardiac rehabilitation, and therapeutic lifestyle modification/management as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Overwhelming data support the relationship between physical inactivity and inflammatory processes underlying metabolic disorders. The aim of this review was to assess critically the body of evidence for the relationships between exercise protocols and levels of inflammatory biomarkers in women. Systematic literature searches using PubMed Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO of publications from 1993 to January 2012 were conducted using the following keywords: inflammation, cytokine, exercise, physical training, aerobic training, cardiovascular training, strength training, resistance training, interval training, cardiac rehabilitation, and therapeutic lifestyle modification/management. Three studies reported no significant changes in inflammatory status, one documented an increase in inflammatory biomarkers, and 12 articles reported decreased inflammatory biomarkers associated with exercise. Secondary lifestyle characteristics, such as strenuous physical labor or smoking, were correlated with levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Integrative interventions, including diet, moderate aerobic (60% to 80% of maximum heart rate, or 50% to 60% of VO2max) and circuit resistance training (8 to 10 exercises, 8 to 12 repetitions), health education, and counseling, used together, appeared to be effective strategies to improve inflammatory biomarkers in women.
TL;DR: An improved understanding of cancer screening patterns plus the barriers underlying lack of screening may move researchers closer to developing effective interventions that facilitate women's use of screening.
Abstract: Breast and cervical cancer account for nearly one-third of new cancer cases and one-sixth of cancer deaths. Cancer, the second leading cause of all deaths in the United States, will claim the lives of nearly 800,000 women this year, which is particularly unfortunate because effective modes of early detection could significantly reduce mortality from breast and cervical cancer. Researchers examined patterns of non-screening among Appalachian women. In-person interviews were conducted with 222 Appalachian women who fell outside of screening recommendations for timing of Pap tests and mammograms. These women, from six Appalachian counties, were participating in a group-randomized, multi-component trial aimed at increasing adherence to cancer screening recommendations. Results indicated that participants who were rarely or never screened for breast cancer were also likely to be rarely or never screened for cervical cancer. In addition, four key barriers were identified as independently and significantly associated with being rarely or never screened for both cervical and breast cancer. An improved understanding of cancer screening patterns plus the barriers underlying lack of screening may move researchers closer to developing effective interventions that facilitate women's use of screening.
TL;DR: Overall counts per minute and moderate to vigorous physical activity increased from baseline to 10 months later, although the absolute levels were modest and more intensive interventions are needed to help postpartum women integrate physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.
Abstract: Few studies have assessed physical activity at multiple time points in the postpartum period or used both self-reported and objective measures of assessment. The purpose of this study was to describe physical activity and sedentary behavior at two time points in a cohort of overweight or obese postpartum women using both self-reported and objective measures. In total, 132 women completed physical activity assessments at a median of 24 weeks postpartum and again approximately 10 months later. At both time points, women wore an Actical accelerometer for one week and completed the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey. Adjusted Poisson regression models were used to determine whether physical activity changed over time for the cohort. Overall counts per minute and moderate to vigorous physical activity increased from baseline to 10 months later, although the absolute levels were modest (median 6.9 to 8.8 minutes/day). A median of 64%-71% at baseline and 63%-67% at follow-up of their monitored times were sedentary. More intensive interventions are needed to help postpartum women integrate physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. [Supplementary material is available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Women & Health for the following resource: three figures that show the distribution of physical activity and sedentary behavior by study periods among control participants].
TL;DR: Canonical correlation analyses revealed that participants who perceived a predominately caring, task-involving climate reported higher interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, effort/importance, and commitment to exercise, as well as lower tension/pressure.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between female college students' perceptions of the motivational climate in their aerobics classes to their adaptive exercise responses. Data were collected from university group exercise classes in spring 2008. The participants (N = 213) responded to a questionnaire measuring perceptions of the climate (i.e., caring, task-, and ego-involving), correlates of intrinsic motivation (i.e., interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, effort/importance, and tension/pressure), commitment to exercise, and reasons for exercising. Canonical correlation analyses revealed that participants who perceived a predominately caring, task-involving climate reported higher interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, effort/importance, and commitment to exercise, as well as lower tension/pressure. Further, those who perceived a high caring, task-involving, and low ego-involving climate were also more likely to report more health-related reasons for exercise versus appearance-focused reasons. Results suggested that important motivational benefits might exist when women perceive caring, task-involving climates in their aerobics class settings. Aerobics class instructors who intentionally create caring, task-involving climates may promote more adaptive motivational responses among their female participants.
TL;DR: The exercise program not only alleviated the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia, but social interactions within the group helped to counteract the isolation, frustration, and depression often associated with this chronic condition.
Abstract: Numerous quantitative studies have illustrated the potential usefulness of exercise programs for women with fibromyalgia. However, a deeper understanding of the physical and especially psychosocial benefits of exercise therapy from the subjective perspective of this population is still needed. This study was conducted with 25 women who had fibromyalgia and were participating in a nine-month, group-based exercise program. The aim was to provide an in-depth description and analysis of the perceived physical and psychosocial benefits of participation. Qualitative data were collected through observation, interviews, and focus groups. The exercise program not only alleviated the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia, but social interactions within the group helped to counteract the isolation, frustration, and depression often associated with this chronic condition. The data from this study may contribute to a deeper understanding of the benefits of exercise for women with fibromyalgia and might be useful for the improvement of future exercise programs for this population.
TL;DR: Overall, the participants expressed the need for more attention to the personal lifestyle factors they viewed as obstacles to managing diabetes.
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the challenge of self-management of diet in African-American women living with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the women were asked to talk about dietary challenges of managing diabetes in the context of their personal lifestyle factors, such as daily routines, family responsibilities, and individual needs. Using a phenomenological approach, a descriptive, exploratory design was implemented using four facilitated focus groups. A convenience sample of 24 African-American women was recruited from a Family Practice Center in the Midwest. Data from each of the four focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Themes were compared and contrasted within and across each of the four focus groups until consensus was reached. Four themes were identified: frequent difficulties in changing dietary habits, need for individual guidance, support, and misinformation gaps. Overall, the participants expressed the need for more attention to the personal lifestyle...
TL;DR: A subset of women who had higher education, more income, and lower substance use reported lower parenting stress at year one despite abortion consideration in pregnancy, despite initial abortion consideration.
Abstract: This study examined demographic characteristics, available resources, and mental health outcomes of women who did and did not consider abortion in pregnancy. Using data collected between 1998 and 2000 from 2,937 mothers recruited for the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study, this study examined whether women who did and did not consider abortion differed in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and resources at the birth of their children and mental health outcomes when their children were one year old. This study further examined protective factors associated with low parenting stress at one year postpartum, despite initial abortion consideration. Compared to women who did not consider abortion, women who did consider abortion tended to be younger, have less education and lower income, and report higher levels of substance use, higher perceived support, and lower received support. A subset of women who had higher education, more income, and lower substance use reported lower parenting stress at year one despite abortion consideration in pregnancy. Promotion of education and employment assistance may be particularly important among women experiencing unplanned pregnancies as these services may contribute to lower parenting stress and improved child outcomes.
TL;DR: It is suggested that endorsement of complimentary sexual stereotypes by African American women can lead to increased risk behavior, particularly relating to possible infection with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Abstract: Although negative racial stereotypes may affect the mental and physical health of African Americans, little research has examined the influence of positive or complimentary racial stereotypes on such outcomes. More specifically, this study explored the relationship between African American women's endorsement of complimentary stereotypes about their sexuality and attitudes/behaviors that have been associated with sexual risk. Data were gathered from 206 African American women as part of the Black Women in the Study of Epidemics project. Multivariate regression models were used to examine associations between women's endorsement of complimentary stereotypes about their sexuality and selected sex-related attitudes and behaviors. Participants' endorsement of complimentary sexual stereotypes was significantly positively associated with beliefs that having sex without protection would strengthen their relationship (B = .28, SE = .10, p < .01) and that they could use drugs and always make healthy choices about ...
TL;DR: Results emphasized the importance of decreasing the frequency of discrimination for positive mental health and underscored the need for more systematic research on discrimination and health among Black women of higher socioeconomic status, a growing sub-population in the United States.
Abstract: This study examined the association between perceived discrimination, workplace racial composition, and three outcomes—psychological distress, life dissatisfaction, and job dissatisfaction—among a sample of Black (n = 72) and White (n = 74) professional women. As a comparison, these relationships were analyzed to determine if they varied from those observed in more traditionally studied populations: Whites and non-professional Blacks, using data from a population of working women in the 1995 Detroit Area Study (N = 533). Perceived discrimination was associated with differences in psychological distress and job dissatisfaction but not with life dissatisfaction. The correlation between perceived discrimination and psychological distress was larger for White professional women than for Black professional women (White women odds ratio [OR]: 1.99; Black women OR: 0.80). A larger correlation between race and job dissatisfaction was observed for Black professional women than for Black non-professional women. The...