Women’s Health Research Round-up (July 1, 2024)

Women’s Health Research Summaries

1. Improving diversity in cardiac surgery clinical trials with ROMA: Women as an exemplar

Research Institution: Various Institutions (Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Temple University)

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This study describes methods to improve the representation of women in cardiac surgery clinical trials. Cardiovascular disease risk among women is high, and surgical outcomes, specifically after coronary artery bypass grafting, are consistently worse among female patients. ROMA: Women is the first cardiac surgery trial to focus solely on women with the goal of addressing underrepresentation. The study highlights strategies such as tailored eligibility criteria and comprehensive communication strategies to improve trust and recruitment.

Conditions Addressed: Cardiac surgery, cardiovascular disease, clinical trial diversity

2. Direct and indirect estimation of adolescent sexual intercourse and contraceptive use in Rajasthan, India: An application of the best friend methodology

Research Institution: Johns Hopkins University, India Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, International Institute for Population Sciences

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This study estimates adolescent sexual and reproductive health behaviors in Rajasthan, India, using direct questions and the best friend approach to reduce social desirability bias. The findings suggest that the best friend approach is effective in estimating sensitive behaviors, revealing higher estimates of sexual activity and contraceptive use among friends compared to direct responses from adolescents.

Conditions Addressed: Adolescent sexual and reproductive health, contraceptive use

3. Contradictions in Indonesia’s Legal Approach to Abortion: A Study of Reproductive Health Law and The Criminal Code

Research Institution: Universitas Udayana Bali

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This research examines the legal conflict between Indonesia’s Criminal Code and the Reproductive Health Law regarding abortion. The study highlights how this contradiction contributes to unsafe abortion practices and adverse health consequences for women. The authors propose legal amendments and policy reforms to align the Criminal Code with the Reproductive Health Law to protect women’s health and rights.

Conditions Addressed: Abortion laws, reproductive health

4. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cervical Insufficiency, Cervical Cerclage, and Preterm Birth

Research Institution: Stanford University

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This retrospective cohort study assesses cervical insufficiency diagnoses and related outcomes across 10 racial and ethnic groups, including disaggregated Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander subgroups. The findings reveal significant disparities, with non-Hispanic Black women experiencing the highest rates of cervical insufficiency and related adverse outcomes.

Conditions Addressed: Cervical insufficiency, racial and ethnic disparities, preterm birth

5. The Role of Pharmacists in the Intersection of Women’s Health and Mental Health

Research Institution: Purdue University

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This chapter discusses the critical role of pharmacists in providing comprehensive medication management and person-centered care, particularly in addressing social determinants of health. The study emphasizes pharmacists’ involvement in interdisciplinary teams to support women’s mental health, especially during pregnancy and in managing opioid use disorder and psychotropic medications.

Conditions Addressed: Women’s health, mental health, medication management

6. Age-related experiences of diverse older women living with HIV: A scoping review protocol informed by intersectionality

Research Institution: University of Toronto, University Health Network

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This scoping review aims to explore the age-related experiences of older women living with HIV, focusing on medical and social challenges and the impact of intersectional identities. The study seeks to fill gaps in understanding these women’s unique experiences to develop tailored treatments and interventions.

Conditions Addressed: HIV, aging, intersectionality

7. Hydroxychloroquine as a potential therapeutic option for preeclampsia prevention among pregnant women with previous preeclampsia: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Research Institution: Assiut University, Egypt

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This pilot randomized controlled trial investigates the role of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in preventing preeclampsia among pregnant women with a history of the condition. The study found that while HCQ may be beneficial, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety as an adjunctive therapy to low-dose aspirin.

Conditions Addressed: Preeclampsia prevention, Hydroxychloroquine

8. Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease in US Women with and without Breast Cancer

Research Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, National Institutes of Health

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This study explores the associations between social determinants of health and cardiovascular risk in women with and without breast cancer. The findings indicate that factors such as rurality, low household income, and non-private insurance are linked to increased cardiovascular risk, with no differential associations based on breast cancer status.

Conditions Addressed: Cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, social determinants of health

9. Unlocking Opportunities to Tackle Perinatal Health Issues in the Netherlands: Complexity Lenses and Systemic Design Framing Equity in Women’s Health

Research Institution: Eindhoven University of Technology

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This study examines perinatal health disparities in the Netherlands, particularly among non-Western women. The authors utilize systemic design and complexity theory to identify deficiencies in the perinatal healthcare system and propose new strategies to address health inequities.

Conditions Addressed: Perinatal health, health equity, systemic design

10. The Study of Gender-Based Violence through a Narrative Approach: Evidence from the European Project IMPROVE

Research Institution: University of Deusto
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This study uses narrative interviews to explore the experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) survivors. The findings provide deep insights into the lives of GBV victims, highlighting the need for improved support services and frontline responder training.

Conditions Addressed: Gender-based violence, survivor support

11. Women of Reproductive Age’s Use of Maternal Healthcare Services and Associated Factors in Liben District, East Borena Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Research Institution: Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa University

Link: Read More

This community-based cross-sectional study assesses the use of maternal healthcare services and associated factors among women in Ethiopia’s Liben District. The findings indicate low utilization rates and highlight barriers such as distance to health facilities, lack of education, and socioeconomic factors.

Conditions Addressed: Maternal healthcare, Ethiopia

12. Understanding the contexts in which female sex workers sell sex in Kampala, Uganda: A qualitative study

Research Institution: MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

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This qualitative study examines the contexts in which female sex workers in Kampala meet clients, revealing challenges such as stigma, violence, and limited access to healthcare services. The study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions to support sex workers’ health and safety.

Conditions Addressed: Sex work, HIV prevention, healthcare access

13. Chronic endometritis multiplies the recurrence risk of endometrial polyps after transcervical resection of endometrial polyps: A prospective study

Research Institution: Peking University People’s Hospital

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This prospective study investigates the impact of chronic endometritis on the recurrence of endometrial polyps in premenopausal women. The findings suggest that chronic endometritis significantly increases the recurrence risk, with higher recurrence rates associated with CD138 expression in endometrial polyps.

Conditions Addressed: Endometrial polyps, chronic endometritis

14. Histopathologic patterns of female genital tuberculosis with clinical correlation: A 10-year (2013–2022) retrospective cross-sectional study

Research Institution: Addis Ababa University

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This retrospective cross-sectional study examines the histopathologic patterns of female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) and its correlation with clinical presentation. The findings highlight the underdiagnosis of FGTB and its impact on fertility, emphasizing the need for early detection and treatment.

Conditions Addressed: Female genital tuberculosis, infertility

15. Development and Psychometric Properties of the Health Belief Model Scale for Premature Birth Prevention (HBM-PBP) for Women of Childbearing Age

Research Institution: Yonsei University

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This study develops and validates the Health Belief Model scale for premature birth prevention (HBM-PBP), a tool designed to measure health beliefs in women of childbearing age. The findings indicate that the HBM-PBP is a reliable and valid measurement scale that can aid health professionals in tailoring interventions to prevent premature births.

Conditions Addressed: Premature birth, health belief model

16. Navigating Miscarriage Management Post-Dobbs: Health Risks and Ethical Dilemmas

Research Institution: University of Southern California, Brown University

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This commentary explores the impact of the Dobbs decision on miscarriage management, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and health risks associated with restricted access to abortion services. The authors discuss how these restrictions complicate clinical decision-making and patient care, emphasizing the need for policy changes to protect reproductive health.

Conditions Addressed: Miscarriage management, reproductive health, abortion laws

17. Exploring the Experiential Journey of Women with PCOS Across the Lifespan: A Qualitative Inquiry

Research Institution: University of South Carolina

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This qualitative study explores the experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across different life stages. The findings highlight the persistent impact of PCOS on women’s health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychosocial needs throughout their lifespan.

Conditions Addressed: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women’s health

18. The therapeutic potential and application of marine alkaloids in treating breast cancer

Research Institution: Sichuan University

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This review explores the potential of marine alkaloids as anticancer agents for breast cancer treatment. The study discusses various marine alkaloids, their mechanisms of action, and their potential clinical applications, highlighting the need for further research to develop safe and effective therapies.

Conditions Addressed: Breast cancer, marine alkaloids

19. A Reference Ontology for Putting Together Pregnancy and Mental Health

Research Institution: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Universidade Estadual de Campinas

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This study develops the Ontology of Pregnancy and Mental Health (OntoGSM), a conceptual model designed to provide semantic structuring of data related to pregnancy and mental health. The ontology aims to support comprehensive healthcare for pregnant women by integrating diverse data sources and facilitating better understanding and management of their mental health.

Conditions Addressed: Pregnancy, mental health, ontology development

Women’s Health Research Overview

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
   • Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
   • Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.

   The article addresses various conditions and issues related to women’s health, such as cardiac surgery outcomes, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, abortion laws, cervical insufficiency, mental health, HIV, maternal healthcare utilization, sex work, endometrial polyps, female genital tuberculosis, premature birth prevention, miscarriage management, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), breast cancer treatment, and pregnancy-related mental health. These issues are directly connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.

   The article discusses topics related to sexual and reproductive health, including contraceptive use, abortion laws, and access to maternal healthcare services. These issues are directly connected to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: femtechinsider.com