In recent years, there has been a significant increase in research focusing on women’s health, addressing various conditions, and exploring innovative solutions to improve health outcomes. This round-up article presents an overview of the latest studies and their contributions to understanding and advancing women’s health.
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Women’s Health Research Summaries
1. Cervical Cancer Screening Among Female Medicaid Beneficiaries With and Without Schizophrenia
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This retrospective cohort study used US Medicaid data from 44 states between 2002 and 2012 to examine cervical cancer screening rates among female Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia. The study found that women with schizophrenia were less likely to receive cervical cancer screening compared to a control group. Among women with schizophrenia, those who were nonwhite, younger, urban dwellers, or had substance use disorders were more likely to complete screening. The study concluded that cervical cancer screening rates among women with schizophrenia were suboptimal and interventions are needed to prioritize these women who are less engaged with the healthcare system.
Conditions Addressed: Cervical cancer screening, schizophrenia
2. Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Toileting Behaviors, and Pelvic Floor Health Knowledge in Younger and Older Women
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study examined the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), toileting behaviors, and pelvic floor health knowledge in younger and older women. The most common LUTS in younger women included urgency and bladder pain, while older women experienced urgency, frequency of incontinence episodes, and urgency urinary incontinence. Unhealthy toileting behaviors correlated with LUTS in both groups. The study concluded that informative programs on healthy toileting behaviors and pelvic floor health are essential for women of all ages to prevent LUTS.
Conditions Addressed: Lower urinary tract symptoms, pelvic floor health
3. The Global Psychological and Physical Effects of Domestic Abuse and Violence on South Asian Women: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Research Institution: University of Birmingham
Link: Read More
This review systematically analyzed the global academic literature to determine the physical and psychological effects of domestic abuse and violence on South Asian women. The study highlighted the severe mental and physical health consequences of domestic violence and emphasized the significant role of resilience. The findings support future interventions aimed at recognizing signs of abuse and preventing severe psychological and physical consequences.
Conditions Addressed: Domestic abuse and violence
4. Admission Indications, Initial Diagnoses, Interventions, and Patient Outcomes within the Sole Obstetric High-Dependency Unit in Ethiopia
Research Institution: St. Paul’s Hospital, Ethiopia
Link: Read More
This retrospective observational study reviewed the admission indications, initial diagnoses, interventions, and patient outcomes in the obstetric high-dependency unit (HDU) at St. Paul’s Hospital in Ethiopia. The study found that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and obstetric hemorrhage were the leading admission diagnoses. The study concluded that expanding HDUs nationwide is key for mitigating the ICU burden from obstetric admissions and recommended strategies for early prenatal screening and addressing postpartum hemorrhage.
Conditions Addressed: Obstetric high-dependency care, hypertensive disorders, obstetric hemorrhage
5. Urolithiasis Diagnosed with Endovaginal Ultrasound After Vaginal Prolapse Repair Surgery Using Mesh: A Case Report
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This case report highlights the use of endovaginal ultrasound to detect distal ureteral stones after vaginal prolapse repair surgery with mesh. A 72-year-old woman who had undergone mesh-supported prolapse surgery presented with colic pain, and endovaginal ultrasound revealed a ureteral calculus. The study emphasized the importance of examining the entire urogenital system with endovaginal ultrasound during postoperative follow-up to exclude complications like urolithiasis.
Conditions Addressed: Urolithiasis, vaginal prolapse repair surgery
6. Analysis of Pediatric Clinical Practice Guideline Authors by Gender, Race, and Ethnicity
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study analyzed the gender, race, and ethnic composition of authors and subcommittee participants of pediatric clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The study found that women and individuals from minority racial and ethnic groups were underrepresented as authors. The study concluded that medical societies producing CPGs should ensure appropriate authorship diversity to reflect the population they serve.
Conditions Addressed: Authorship diversity in clinical practice guidelines
7. Communication Training and Debriefing After Stillbirth in U.S. Hospitals: A National Survey
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This national survey evaluated stillbirth communication, debriefing, and training for staff in U.S. hospitals. The study found significant variations and gaps in staff communication support and training. Only a third of hospitals had a marker on the medical record for bereaved families, and half had no standard debriefings post-loss. The study concluded that hospitals need to improve staff communication, support, and training to provide respectful stillbirth care.
Conditions Addressed: Stillbirth communication and support
8. Research Progress of PALB2 as a Susceptibility Gene for Breast Cancer
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This review discusses the role of PALB2 as a breast cancer susceptibility gene, highlighting its involvement in DNA homologous recombination repair along with BRCA1 and BRCA2. The study also explored the potential of PARPi as a treatment and the implications of PALB2 in other cancers such as ovarian, pancreatic, and lung cell carcinoma. The review concluded that further research is needed to understand the specific resistance mechanisms and the role of PALB2 in various cancers.
Conditions Addressed: Breast cancer, PALB2 gene
9. Menorrhagia and the Menopausal Transition
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This chapter discusses the prevalence and type of bleeding disturbances during the menopausal transition, revealing that bleeding is usually associated with acceptable estrogen levels while amenorrhea is linked to low estrogen. The study emphasized the need for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, including hormonal treatments and surgery for anovulatory bleeding.
Conditions Addressed: Menorrhagia, menopausal transition
10. Endometrial Malignancy and Hyperplasia as Causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Research Institution: University of Pisa, Italy
Link: Read More
This chapter discusses the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), including endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. The study emphasized the importance of histological diagnosis for planning clinical care and highlighted various endometrial sampling methods. The study concluded that office-based endometrial sampling devices like Pipelle are effective for diagnosing endometrial cancer.
Conditions Addressed: Abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer
11. Determining Relevant Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Research Institution: Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
Link: Read More
This study identified the most relevant risk factors for breast cancer using the Knowledge Discovery in Databases process. The study implemented feature selection methods and classifiers to validate the results, identifying age, menopausal status, hormonal therapy, and type of menopause as significant risk factors.
Conditions Addressed: Breast cancer risk factors
12. Enhancing Client Engagement and Alleviating Period Product Insecurity: A Cross-Sectional Study of Community-Based Period Supply Banks
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study assessed the benefits of community-based organizations distributing period products through period supply banks. The findings showed that providing period products increased client engagement and access to other agency services. The study concluded that addressing unmet needs requires policies and additional funding to ensure universal access to essential hygiene supplies.
Conditions Addressed: Period product insecurity
13. Enhancing Cervical Cancer Knowledge Among Women of Reproductive Age: A Dialogue-Based Community Health Education Intervention in Rural Kisumu County, Kenya
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This longitudinal study evaluated the effectiveness of dialogue-based community health education in improving cervical cancer knowledge among women of reproductive age in rural Kisumu County. The intervention significantly improved participants’ knowledge about cervical cancer and screening options. The study concluded that dialogue-based educational interventions can effectively address knowledge gaps and improve screening rates in low-resource settings.
Conditions Addressed: Cervical cancer awareness and screening
14. Racial Disparities in Maternal Health: The Role of Preexisting Health Conditions
Research Institution: University of Houston
Link: Read More
This study analyzed Texas hospital discharge data to investigate racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) between Black and White women. The findings indicated that preexisting health conditions explained up to 78% of the Black-White SMM gap. The study emphasized the need to prioritize women’s health before childbirth to address these disparities.
Conditions Addressed: Maternal health, racial disparities, severe maternal morbidity
15. Neighborhood Racialized Economic Polarization, Home Visiting Coverage, and Adverse Birth Outcomes in a Medicaid-Eligible Population
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study examined the impact of neighborhood racialized economic polarization on birth outcomes and the coverage of home visiting programs in Michigan. The findings showed that home visiting programs achieved higher coverage in deprived neighborhoods and mitigated the negative relationship between neighborhood polarization and adverse birth outcomes, particularly among Black birthing individuals.
Conditions Addressed: Birth outcomes, economic polarization, home visiting programs
16. Perceived Barriers to Pap Screening Influence Adherence to Screening Recommendations Among Black Women
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study explored the Health Belief Model constructs associated with Pap screening adherence among African American and sub-Saharan African immigrant women in Kentucky. The study found that perceived barriers, such as lack of knowledge and time, significantly decreased the likelihood of being up-to-date with Pap screenings. The study concluded that efforts to address and reduce perceived barriers are essential to improve screening adherence among Black women.
Conditions Addressed: Pap screening adherence, perceived barriers
17. Understanding Women’s Transitions from Military to Department of Veterans Affairs Care
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study interviewed women veterans with musculoskeletal injuries about their transition from Department of Defense (DoD) to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care. The findings revealed challenges such as stigma, limited transition assistance, and childcare burdens. The study recommended that DoD and VA develop programs to support women veterans during this transition and consider peer support services for ongoing health maintenance.
Conditions Addressed: Transition from military to VA care, musculoskeletal injuries
18. Comorbid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study evaluated the associations between inattention, impulsivity, and ADHD in women with PMDD across the menstrual cycle. The findings indicated that women with PMDD were more likely to have comorbid ADHD and higher levels of inattention and impulsivity, especially during the late luteal phase. The study concluded that ADHD comorbidity should be assessed when addressing inattention and impulsivity in women with PMDD.
Conditions Addressed: PMDD, ADHD
19. Women Living with Infertility in Iran: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Perception of Dignity
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This qualitative study explored the dignity of women living with infertility in Iran through in-depth interviews. The analysis identified themes of overcoming identity crises, respect for personal identity, and the need for compassion-focused therapy. The study concluded that preserving the dignity of women living with infertility requires a supportive clinical environment that addresses these aspects.
Conditions Addressed: Infertility, dignity
20. Ospemifene for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Patient Selection
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This article discusses the use of ospemifene, a non-hormonal therapy, for managing vulvar vaginal atrophy (VVA) in postmenopausal women. The study highlighted ospemifene’s targeted approach, favorable safety profile, and effectiveness in relieving symptoms such as vaginal pain and dryness. The study recommended tailored treatment plans considering individual preferences and health circumstances.
Conditions Addressed: Vulvar vaginal atrophy
21. Oil-Soluble Contrast Medium Bathing Attenuated Endometrial Inflammation and Improved Endometrial Receptivity in Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Descriptive Study
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This descriptive study assessed the impact of oil-soluble contrast medium bathing on endometrial inflammation and receptivity in women with recurrent implantation failure. The findings showed decreased CD138-positive cells and increased ανβ-3 expression, suggesting enhanced endometrial receptivity. The study concluded that oil-soluble contrast medium bathing could improve fertility outcomes during frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.
Conditions Addressed: Recurrent implantation failure, endometrial receptivity
22. Key Barriers to the Provision and Utilization of Maternal Health Services in Low-and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This scoping review identified key barriers to the provision and utilization of maternal health services in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The main challenges included knowledge barriers, resource constraints, and process defects in service provision. The study recommended comprehensive policies to address these interrelated barriers and improve maternal health service delivery.
Conditions Addressed: Maternal health services
23. Choline—An Underappreciated Component of a Mother-to-Be’s Diet
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This narrative review highlighted the importance of adequate choline intake during the periconceptional period, pregnancy, and lactation. Choline plays a key role in cell membrane biosynthesis, liver function, neurotransmission, and brain development. The review emphasized the need for educating mothers-to-be about the benefits of choline for maternal and child health.
Conditions Addressed: Maternal nutrition, choline intake
24. Provoked Vulvodynia from a Patient Perspective—Physiotherapy Made a Difference
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study investigated the experiences of women with provoked vulvodynia (PVD) and the impact of physiotherapy. The findings revealed that physiotherapy significantly improved the quality of life for women with PVD by helping them understand their bodies and manage pain. The study concluded that patient-specific physiotherapy is essential for treating PVD effectively.
Conditions Addressed: Provoked vulvodynia
25. Empowering Patients Across the Maternal-Newborn Care Continuum: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Testing a Digital Health Platform in Kenya
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This cluster randomized controlled trial evaluated a digital health platform (PROMPTS) designed to improve maternal and newborn care in Kenya. The study found that the platform significantly enhanced patient knowledge, preparedness, routine care seeking, and newborn care. The study concluded that digital health tools can fill gaps in maternal and newborn care and empower patients to seek recommended care.
Conditions Addressed: Maternal and newborn care
26. Survival Benefits of Postoperative Radiotherapy in Patients with cT1–2N1M0 Breast Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A SEER-Based Population Study
Research Institution: Various Institutions
Link: Read More
This study used SEER data to explore the impact of postoperative radiotherapy (RT) on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in women with cT1–2N1M0 breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The findings showed that postoperative RT significantly improved OS but did not significantly benefit CSS. Subgroup analysis revealed that postoperative RT improved OS and CSS in patients with right-sided breast cancer.
Conditions Addressed: Breast cancer, postoperative radiotherapy
27. Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Precancerous and Cancerous Cervical Lesions Among HIV-Infected Women in University of Gondar Specialized Comprehensive Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Research Institution: University of Gondar, Ethiopia
Link: Read More
This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women attending the Adult ART clinic at the University of Gondar Hospital. The study found a high prevalence of precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions, with 24.48% of women having positive visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) results. The study concluded that HIV-positive women have a high rate of premalignant lesions, highlighting the need for regular screening and early intervention.
Conditions Addressed: Cervical cancer, HIV
