Objective:To identify factors that determine the uptake of in-vitro fertilization(IVF),and to determine the predicting effect of the identified factors on the uptake of IVF among couples attending fertility clinic at ...Objective:To identify factors that determine the uptake of in-vitro fertilization(IVF),and to determine the predicting effect of the identified factors on the uptake of IVF among couples attending fertility clinic at a tertiary health institution in Benin City,Nigeria.Methods:This study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design.A self-structured questionnaire tested was validated and administered to 250 couples who attended fertility clinic.Data were collected from March 2021 to June 2021 and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science(SPSS)version 21.Data were presented and interpreted using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Chi-square,univariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:Among 250 couples,154(61.6%)were willing to adopt IVF.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that catholic religion[odds ratio(OR)0.21,95%confident interval(CI)0.54-0.73],family income(OR 1.50,95%CI 1.10-2.00)and age(OR 1.04,95%CI 1.01-1.10)were the major factors that determined the uptake of IVF,with P-value of<0.001,0.018 and 0.031,respectively.Conclusions:The uptake of IVF could be sustained or improved on,if the government should improve on the cost of living for families,and religious leaders need to be encouraged to pass on the information about IVF to their members to be well guided about the possibilities of IVF.展开更多
Background:Shilajit is mentioned in the“Kama Sutra”as a potent enhancer of sexual desire.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among women...Background:Shilajit is mentioned in the“Kama Sutra”as a potent enhancer of sexual desire.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among women of reproductive age.Methods:Forty-eight reproductive-aged women participated in a placebo-controlled triple-blind clinical trial.The intervention group took oral Shilajit tablets(200 mg)twice daily for 60 days and the control group took the placebo.Data collection tools were Sexual Quality of Life-Female and Female Sexual Function Index.Data were collected before the intervention,30,60,and 90 days after the start of the study.Results:Forty-three women completed the study.The mean score of total sexual function in the intervention group was significantly higher than before the intervention(P<0.001).The mean score of sexual function was 28.93 after 90 days in the intervention group while it was 22.09 in the control group.This finding was observed in most domains of the sexual function index.The mean score of sexual quality of life increased after 60 days of intervention in both groups;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.094).Conclusion:The study indicated that Shilajit,as a complementary therapy,may improve sexual function and most of its domains;while there was no effect on improving the quality of sexual life.展开更多
Background: Despite increased recognition of the need for sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings, evidence focusing on mainstreaming reproductive health services such as maternal, neonatal ...Background: Despite increased recognition of the need for sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings, evidence focusing on mainstreaming reproductive health services such as maternal, neonatal mortality, human immunodeficiency virus transmission and unsafe abortion still remains inadequate. The ability to understand the magnitude of the needs and highlight existing gaps is supported by improved data which is critical to informing effective policies, programming and funding decisions. The purpose of this report is to present the results of a research prioritization exercise on sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings for the WHO Africa region for the next three years. Methods: We adapted the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method in three phases. Experts from the region participated in an online survey to identify key areas for research in sexual and reproductive health and rights. To identify potential areas for research, the experts ensured answerability, effectiveness, deliverability, equity and potential impact of the questions. The research areas they identified were reviewed by World Health Organization technical team from headquarters. In a meeting of 67 participants, the questions were subjected to further review and analysis. Using a modified for scoring criteria, the questions were scored and ranked to provide the top ten priority questions to address sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings. Results: A list of 21 priority research questions on sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings were scored and ranked. Top ten priorities research questions were identified. Those that scored highly by scoring 30 points out of the possible maximum of 30 include: “determining the prevalence and associated factors of unwanted pregnancies and abortions performed in emergency and humanitarian settings”, “evidence on gender-based violence in humanitarian situations and its associated factors” and “defining an optimal model for coordinating sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions and responses in crisis situations”. Conclusions: Top ten research priorities in sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings were identified. The priority research areas have the potential to identify the best areas for programming of services in humanitarian settings. It is our hope that the identified research areas will be prioritized to support programming of services in humanitarian settings based on scientific evidence.展开更多
Background: The use of mobile phones continues to rise rapidly in the provision of health related services. Many countries have adopted the use of mobiles to provide sexual and reproductive health and rights and espec...Background: The use of mobile phones continues to rise rapidly in the provision of health related services. Many countries have adopted the use of mobiles to provide sexual and reproductive health and rights and especially among the adolescents where specific messages are tailored for various audiences with specific messages. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research priority setting exercise on mHealth and innovative strategies. Methods: We adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative methodology to identify and set research priorities on mHealth and innovative strategies that respond to sexual and reproductive health and rights services. General potential research questions were gathered online from multiple stakeholders in the region and sent for consolidation consolidated to technical experts in World Health Organization headquarters. The second phase involved a meeting with experts to review and thematically analyze the questions list of 33 questions producing a list of 22 research questions. The questions were scored against a six point criteria and ranked accordingly. Ten top priority research questions were identified. Results: Lists of 33 priority research questions for mHealth and innovative strategies were proposed for discussions by 67 stakeholders. The questions were reviewed, scored and ranked in a technical meeting by experts. The highest ranking questions at 87% include evaluation of mHealth for data management and sexual and reproductive health and rights decision making, assessment of innovative local financing techniques to support community based sexual reproductive health and rights and evaluation of the role of mobile technologies in referral and counter referral. Conclusions: Information and communication technology is developing drastically and has a great potential in improving health especially in sexual and reproductive health and rights service delivery. This potential must be demonstrated with more relevant and quality research on mHealth and innovative strategies priorities identified.展开更多
Background: Many policy makers deliberating on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights services need reliable evidence to make choices that benefit women, adolescents, children and the wider society. W...Background: Many policy makers deliberating on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights services need reliable evidence to make choices that benefit women, adolescents, children and the wider society. While universal health coverage discourse provides an opportunity to expand access through evidence based interventions, many gaps exist. Research prioritization has proved to be very helpful in identifying relevant areas especially in constrained resource settings. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the World Health Organization Africa Region research prioritization for sexual and reproductive health and rights. These priorities hope to guide the region for the next three years. Methods: We used the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach to identify priority questions among many potential areas for research prioritization on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The implementation process was organized in three phases. The first phase involved sending out an online survey to various experts with experience in sexual and reproductive health rights. These questions were received by a technical team from World Health Organization headquarters for review. 634 questions were identified for potential research and grouped into 12 themes. The second phase involved experts who reviewed the questions. The team merged questions with duplications, removed the questions that were out of scope and finally refined the wordings. In the final phase, experts worked in groups to score and rank top ten priority questions for each of the 12 thematic areas. Results: A list of 120 priority questions for sexual and reproductive health and rights were prioritized by 67 participants drawn from 16 organizations. Most of the priority research questions (45%) focused on the theme of gender-based violence, 35% prioritized services in sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings while 15% prioritized preventing unsafe abortion. 5% of the participants prioritized cervical cancer prevalence, prevention and treatment as a thematic area out of the questions in the top 20 research priority questions. Conclusions: Key priority research questions in sexual and reproductive health and rights were identified around five themes. The priority list will be of significance to World Health Organization regional Office for Africa and her stakeholders for the next three years.展开更多
The horticultural sector has undergone tremendous growth in Kenya and is now the second largest foreign income earning sector in the country. Lake Naivasha is the hub of large scale horticultural farming in Kenya. Thi...The horticultural sector has undergone tremendous growth in Kenya and is now the second largest foreign income earning sector in the country. Lake Naivasha is the hub of large scale horticultural farming in Kenya. This growth coupled with increased use of pesticides, may increase the possibility of pesticide exposure and its associated risks to workers and residents of the region. The purpose of this study was to assess the symptoms commonly experienced by residents of Naivasha town and their possible association to pesticide exposure. Purposive sampling of residents from Kamere, Kwa Muia, Kioto and Karagita was performed, as these residential areas have significant numbers of flower farm workers. By random selection, a total of 801 community members were recruited to participate in the study and data was collected by completing the prepared questionnaire and from clinical examinations. Results indicate that several residents exhibited respiratory;skin, joints and bones;and nervous system symptoms. We found a higher frequency of symptoms among planters, weeders, harvesters than in sprayers working in horticultural farms. We recommend training to planters, weeders, harvesters who are mainly women (61.6%) in this study concerning pesticide use as do sprayers;and second, longer reentry times between the last spraying of pesticide and entry of these workers is warranted, particularly in greenhouses. In this regard, reentry times for greenhouses and fields established for specific pesticides in Europe, North America, Japan or Australia should be adapted by Kenya, and these guidelines enforced by the Government of Kenya to reduce exposure to pesticides within this vulnerable work group. These workers should also use protective clothing including gloves and masks at all times while handling chemicals or recently sprayed plants or flowers. It would also be prudent for flower farm owners to introduce an integrated pest management regime to reduce pesticide use andworker exposures. Further research is required both to identify validated biomarkers that can reliably be used to identify pesticide exposure prior to the occurrence of acute toxicity;and to follow up individual cases of known exposures for chronic health effects.展开更多
Low birth weight （LBW） is an important risk factor for neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity in adults.. How- ever, no large scale study on the prevalence of LBW and related maternal risk factors in China has ...Low birth weight （LBW） is an important risk factor for neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity in adults.. How- ever, no large scale study on the prevalence of LBW and related maternal risk factors in China has been published. To explore the effects of maternal factors on LBW for term birth in China, we conducted a hospital-based retrospective study of 55, 633 Chinese pregnancy cases between 2001 and 2008. Maternal sociodemographic data, history of infer- tility and contraceptive use were obtained. Their medical status and diseases during pre-pregnancy were examined by physical examination at the first antenatal care visit. Maternal medical status before childbirth and pregnancy outcomes, including body weight, infant gender, multiple pregnancy and congenital anomalies, were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and linear regression were used to investigate the relationship be- tween maternal factors and term LBW. The general incidence of term LBW was 1.70% in the developed area of China. After preliminary analysis using the univariate model, low primary education, anemia, hypertensive disor- ders, placental previa, oligohydramnios and premature rupture of membrane were predicted as independent factors of term LBW in the multivariate model. Furthermore, the decrease in annual frquencies of these risk factors were major causes of gradual decline in the incidence of LBW （from 2.43% in 2001 to 1.21% in 2008）. The study dem- onstrated that among maternal factors, primary education, anemia and hypertensive disorders could contribute to LBW for term birth even in the most developed area of China.展开更多
BACKGROUND Decreased ovarian reserve function is an ovarian hypofunction disease that occurs in women before 40 years of age,leading to a decline in fertility and perimeno-pausal symptoms,such as irregular menstruatio...BACKGROUND Decreased ovarian reserve function is an ovarian hypofunction disease that occurs in women before 40 years of age,leading to a decline in fertility and perimeno-pausal symptoms,such as irregular menstruation,amenorrhea,infertility,de-creased libido,and autonomic nervous dysfunction.Fenmatong(FMT)is a com-pound mixture of estradiol tablets and estradiol didroxyprogesterone tablets,which can improve ovarian reserve function by supplementation of exogenous estrogen.However,this treatment has also been shown to cause breast pain,gastrointestinal discomfort,irregular vaginal bleeding,and changes in sexual desire.In severe cases,FMT can promote the development of breast cancer,endometrial cancer,and venous embolic disease.AIM To observe the effects of Kuntai capsules and FMT on endocrine indexes and uterine artery blood circulation in patients with decreased ovarian reserve func-tion.METHODS Patients(130)with decreased ovarian reserve function,who were treated in our hospital from May 2018 to May 2020,were divided into two groups:The FMT group,in which patients were treated with FMT,and the observation group,in which patients were treated with Kuntai capsules.Chinese medicine symptom scores,uterine artery blood flow parameters,ovarian ultrasound test indexes,pictorial blood loss assessment chart(PBAC)scores,and hormone levels were recorded,and total effective rates were calculated for both groups.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).After treatment,primary symptoms,including low menstrual volume,delayed menstruation,red color and thick consistency of menses,di-zziness,palpitation,weakness at the waist and knee,insomnia and excessive dreaming,irritability,and dryness and astringency of the pudendal canal in the observation group decreased,and scores for primary and secondary symptoms in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the FMT group(P<0.05).The systolic peak flow rate(PSV),end-diastolic flow rate(EDV),ovarian diameter,sinus follicle count,and resistance index(RI)of the uterine arteries in the observation group and FMT group increased after treatment.Notably,the PSV,EDV,ovarian diameter,and antral follicle count in the observation group were higher than those in the FMT group,whereas the RI in the observation group was lower than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).The PBAC scores in the observation and FMT groups increased after treatment,with that in the ob-servation group becoming significantly higher than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).After treatment,estradiol(E2)and anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)levels increased,whereas follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels decreased in the observation group and FMT group;E2 and AMH levels became significantly higher and FSH levels became significantly lower in the observation group than in the FMT group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with FMT,Kuntai capsules promoted uterine artery blood circulation,improved menstruation,relieved symptoms,regulated endocrine function,and improved curative effects.展开更多
Objective To analyze the status of parent-child communication on sexual matters and its relationship to the sexual behaviors of adolescents. Methods The data were obtained from a study which was conducted in Changchun...Objective To analyze the status of parent-child communication on sexual matters and its relationship to the sexual behaviors of adolescents. Methods The data were obtained from a study which was conducted in Changchun city of China in 2001, Unmarried adolescents aged 15-19 years old（322 males and 360females） were selected for this analysis. Results Ten percent of adolescents reported having experience of sexual intercourse （16% of male and 5% of female）. The percentages of adolescents communicating with peers, mothers and fathers were 35%, 30% and 17%, respectively, Males were more likely to talk about sexual issues with peer, while females were more likely to talk with mothers. Significant difference was also noted between the ratio of communication on sexual matters and having a girl/boyfriend with peers and with parents, There was a statistically significant relationship between sexual experience and communication with fathers among male adolescents＇, Despite the fact that parents are the most closest care providers, adolescents obtained most of the sex information from ＂reading materials＂ and from ＂teachers＂, but not from their parents. There was an age difference in the main source of obtaining sexual information. Younger adolescents obtained sexual information mainly from teachers while older adolescents mainly from reading materials. Conclusion In addition to schools and reading materials, parents should serve as an important source of information on sexual education as well.展开更多
Background: HIV-positive pregnant women are at an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, data on birth outcome among HIV-infected women are limited in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to identify the...Background: HIV-positive pregnant women are at an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, data on birth outcome among HIV-infected women are limited in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to identify the adverse birth outcomes and associated factors of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery (PD) among HIV-infected women. Methods: A hospital based retrospective cohort study was conducted. All deliveries from HIV-infected women from September 1, 2009 to April 30, 2012 were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore the potential risk factors for LBW and PD. Result: Out of 416 singleton infants born to HIV-infected mothers, the prevalence of LBW and PD was 89 (21.4%) and 69 (16.6%), respectively. The baseline maternal CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm3, maternal body mass index (BMI) below 18.5, maternal anemia and maternal exposure to Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) were factors significantly associated with LBW. On the other hand, a baseline maternal CD4 level below 200/ mm3, having no Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) intervention during pregnancy, maternal BMI less than 18.5, maternal Eclamsia during pregnancy, and mothers being on HAART before pregnancy were factors associated with preterm delivery. Conclusion: There was a significant prevalence of low birth weight and preterm delivery among infants born to HIV-positive mothers. The programme for PMTCT services should maximize the need for an early identification of those mothers with predicted complications.展开更多
Objective: To compare the effect of shallomin (pure fraction of Allium hirtifolium) with podophyllin 25% solution on external genital human papillomavirus warts in women. Methods: This study was a randomized controlle...Objective: To compare the effect of shallomin (pure fraction of Allium hirtifolium) with podophyllin 25% solution on external genital human papillomavirus warts in women. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial which was performed on two groups of 25 Iranian women with external genital warts at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran. In the first group, shallomin was used once a day for six weeks at home. In the second group, 25% podophyllin solution, was applied on the lesion once weekly for six weeks. Results: Shallomin and podophyllin resulted in wart clearance in 13/23 (56.5%), and 12/24 (50%) of patients, respectively. The clearance rate for shallomin was not significantly different from that of podophyllin (P=0.082). Six weeks after the treatment, the sizes of the lesions in the shallomin group and the podophyllin group decreased by (1.43±0.53) mm and (1.64±0.70) mm, respectively. Conclusion: Shallomin is an effective treatment for genital warts, with similar efficacy to that of podophyllin.展开更多
Effective communication and emotional support of parturient women improve the outcome of childbirth. Reduction in Duration of labor, cesarean rate, use of anesthesia, and 5 minute Apgar Score less than 7 can achieve. ...Effective communication and emotional support of parturient women improve the outcome of childbirth. Reduction in Duration of labor, cesarean rate, use of anesthesia, and 5 minute Apgar Score less than 7 can achieve. This study was a part of a large mixed method study during 2013-2014. In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 32 participants (16 mother and 16 midwife), using semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited by pur-posive sampling with maximum diversity in terms of age, occupation, education and etc. Educational hospital of Arak University of Medical Sciences was considered as the setting. Each interview was conducted at a private and convenient location and took about 30 to 45 minutes. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis was done for data analysis. Interviews continued until data saturation was obtained. Data were coded in MAXQDA software (version 11). The main category emerged as “outcome” of midwife-mother relationship. Facilitating childbirth, positive experience, mental health promotion and improvement in quality of life were derived as subcategories. Good midwife-mother relationship could promote positive outcome in labour. Results could assist midwives in providing holistic quality care to mothers during labour, thus providing positive consequence in child birth. Also, results could provide a framework and guidance for policymakers to create appropriate context for the midwife-mother relationship in maternity care.展开更多
Background and Aims: Infant massage could potentially benefit both physiological and psychological health. This study aims to determine the effect of massage with oils on the growth of full-term infants, which is give...Background and Aims: Infant massage could potentially benefit both physiological and psychological health. This study aims to determine the effect of massage with oils on the growth of full-term infants, which is given by their mothers. Study Design: This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial which was conducted on full term infants visited in the nine Public Health Centers of Shahrekord, Iran in 2010. Material and Methods: This study included 217 infants. Inclusion criteria for the infants were age scale between 10 to 15 days, full term gestation, birth weight of 2500 grams at least, Apgar score of 7 or above, no resuscitation after the birth, exclusive breastfeeding during the study, medically stable condition without any need for drugs, nulliparous. The infants were randomized into four groups: massage with sunflower oil, massage with sesame oil, massage without oil, and no massage (control group). Massage was given by mothers twice a day for 4 weeks, starting from the 10 - 15th day of life. Weight and height were measured weekly. At last, Repeated Measures Analysis of Covariance was employed to analyze the data. Birth weight (height) as well as mean frequency of breastfeeding during the study was deemed as covariates. Results: The findings showed that the mean of weight and height was significantly different between groups over time, respectively (P = 0.005, P < 0.001). The infants’ mean weight in sunflower oil massage group increased significantly compared with other three groups (P = 0.005). In addition, infants’ height gain in sunflower and sesame oil massage group were significantly higher than message-only and control groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Massage with oil, especially sunflower oil is an inexpensive, simple, and effective intervention which improved weight and height gain in selected samples. Further studies are needed to evaluate the serious adverse effects, if any, to notify midwives and health care staff.展开更多
Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects women’s health and self-confidence, and infant’s social, emotional, cognitive and even physical development. Studies show that parents of preterm infants frequently ...Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects women’s health and self-confidence, and infant’s social, emotional, cognitive and even physical development. Studies show that parents of preterm infants frequently experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Women with unintended pregnancy are subjected to more risk of depression than women with planned pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy may lead to increased maternal exposure to psychosocial stressors, reduced social support by the spouse, increased levels of depressive symptoms and decreased life satisfaction. Findings: No significant difference was observed between term and preterm infants’ mothers (p = 0.85) in terms of postpartum depression. However, two groups of fathers in terms of depression showed a significant difference (p = 0.045). McNemar’s test showed that parents of term infants (K = 0.322, p = 0.077), and parents of preterm infants (k = 0.17, p = 0.144) agreed with each other on unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: Fathers of preterm infants are at higher risk for mental disorders than fathers of term infants and they need more attention in future studies.展开更多
BACKGROUND There are three main forms of leishmaniasis in humans:cutaneous leishmaniasis(CL),visceral leishmaniasis(VL),and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.The prevalence of human leishmaniasis varies widely in different ...BACKGROUND There are three main forms of leishmaniasis in humans:cutaneous leishmaniasis(CL),visceral leishmaniasis(VL),and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.The prevalence of human leishmaniasis varies widely in different countries and different regions of the same country.To date,there is no overall estimation of the prevalence of human leishmaniasis in Sudan.AIM To determine the pooled prevalence of human leishmaniasis and the disease risk factors among Sudanese citizens.METHODS From all articles written in English or Arabic languages conducted before the 4th of August 2021 from[Scopus,Web of Science,PubMed,and MEDLINE,African Journals Online(AJOL),ResearchGate,direct Google search,Google Scholar,and universities websites], just 20 articles with a total of 230960 participants were eligible for thisstudy. Data synthesis and analysis were done using STATA software, version 16. EndNotecitation manager version X9.3.3 and Reference Citation Analysis (RCA) were used to remove theduplicated studies and manage the citation respectively.RESULTSThe overall pooled prevalence of human leishmaniasis in Sudan was 21% (with confidence interval12%-30%). CL was the most common type of leishmaniasis in Sudan, with a pooled prevalence of26% followed by VL (18%). Nevertheless, the pooled prevalence of human leishmaniasis in Sudanwas higher in males compared with females (60% vs 40%). The current results revealed that thepeople in the age group between 15 and 44 were the most affected group (60%), and central Sudanhas the highest pooled prevalence of human leishmaniasis (27%) compared with other regions ofSudan. Finally, the prevalence of human leishmaniasis seems to decrease with time.CONCLUSIONThis study showed that human leishmaniasis infection is still endemic in many regions in Sudanand highly prevalent in central and eastern Sudan, and CL is the most prevalent in the country.Males and adults were more susceptible to infection compared with females and children.However, the human leishmaniasis prevalence decreased relatively over time.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the quality of life of infertile couples who seek in vitro fertilizations(IVFs)by gender in the Gaza Strip,Palestine.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted,from February 2019 to Novembe...Objective:To investigate the quality of life of infertile couples who seek in vitro fertilizations(IVFs)by gender in the Gaza Strip,Palestine.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted,from February 2019 to November 2019,among 383 infertile couples selected through convenient sampling.A valid and reliable Arabic version of the fertility quality of life questionnaire(FertiQoL)was used in data collection.One way analysis of variance and independent t-test were applied to compare between males and females.Results:The mean age of males and females was(34.54±8.54)years and(29.28±6.71)years,respectively.More than half of them had university degree(64%and 60%,respectively).The mean duration of infertility was(5.66±3.54)years.The mean males’scores of FertiQoL and its subscales(emotion,mind/body,social,core,tolerability,and treatment)were significantly higher than females’scores(P<0.05).Conclusions:Males have higher scores of FertiQoL and its subscales than females.The mean score of FertiQoL increases with better education,but decreases with increase of age,duration of marriage,duration of infertility and number of IVF attempts.Routine psychological assessment and counseling are necessary for infertile women taking into considerations factors affecting their quality of life.展开更多
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress, antioxidant power, and antioxidant potential of breastmilk of breast-feeding mothers from the early postpartum period to the first 3 months postpart...Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress, antioxidant power, and antioxidant potential of breastmilk of breast-feeding mothers from the early postpartum period to the first 3 months postpartum, and to examine the dynamics and the relationships among them. Method: For 47 pu-erperant women who gave vaginal birth without any pregnancy complications, the oxidative stress levels (d-ROMs levels) and antioxidant power (BAP levels) in the maternal plasma as well as antioxidant potential of breastmilk (BAP levels in breastmilk) were measured 3 times, i.e., in the early puerperium (4 or 5 days after giving birth), one month after giving birth, and 3 months after giving birth. Results: The d-ROMs levels in the maternal plasma were significantly high in the early puerperium (p p p p p p < 0.05). Discussion: Regarding the oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system of breast-feeding mothers, the d-ROMs level was highest and the BAP level was lowest in the early puerperium. The BAP level then showed a clear tendency to recover in the first 3 months after giving birth. Conclusion: When the maternal antioxidant potential remains at a low level after giving birth, careful consideration should be given to the mother’s health and wellbeing because there is a possibility that it might affect the antioxidant potential of breastmilk.展开更多
AIM: To explore lay perceptions of causes, severity, presenting symptoms and treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: In October-November 2012, we recruited men and women(18 years and older) from households and health fac...AIM: To explore lay perceptions of causes, severity, presenting symptoms and treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: In October-November 2012, we recruited men and women(18 years and older) from households and health facilities in three different parts of Western Kenya, chosen for variations in their documented burdens of breast cancer. A standardized and validated tool,the breast cancer awareness measure(BCAM), was administered in face-to-face interviews. Survey domains covered included socio-demographics, opinions about causes, symptoms, severity, and treatment of breast cancer. Descriptive analyses were done on quantitative data while open-ended answers were coded, and emerging themes were integrated into larger categories in a qualitative analysis. The open-ended questions had been added to the standard BCAM for the purposes of learning as much as the investigators could about underlying lay beliefs and perceptions. RESULTS: Most respondents were female, middle-aged(mean age 36.9 years), married, and poorly educated. Misconceptions and lack of knowledge about causes of breast cancer were reported. The following(in order of higher to lower prevalence) were cited as potential causes of the condition: Genetic factors or heredity(n = 193, 12.3%); types of food consumed(n = 187, 11.9%); witchcraft and curses(n = 108, 6.9%); some family planning methods(n = 56, 3.6%); and use of alcohol and tobacco(n = 46, 2.9%). When asked what they thought of breast cancer's severity, the most popular response was "it is a killer disease"(n = 266, 19.7%) a lethal condition about which little or nothing can be done. While opinions about presenting symptoms and signs of breast cancer were able to be elicited, such as an increase in breast size and painful breasts, earlystage symptoms and signs were not widely recognized. Some respondents(14%) were ignorant of available treatment altogether while others felt breast cancer treatment is both dangerous and expensive. A minority reported alternative medicine as providing relief to patients. CONCLUSION: The impoverished knowledge in these surveys suggests that lay education as well as better screening and treatment should be part of breast cancer control in Kenya.展开更多
Objective To understand the situations of childhood sexual abuse （CSA） and to examine associations of CSA with demographic factors and with later risk behaviors among university students in Shanghai, China. Methods ...Objective To understand the situations of childhood sexual abuse （CSA） and to examine associations of CSA with demographic factors and with later risk behaviors among university students in Shanghai, China. Methods A two-stage random sampling method was adopted to conduct the survey anomalously using electronic questionnaire and computer-assisted-structured-interview method. Results About 15.1% （10.2% among male, 18.2% among female） university students reported having had experienced CSA before age 14, 1.2% university students reported having had experienced abuse of attempted vaginal or anal intercourse and 0.8% university students experienced abuse of forced vaginal or anal intercourse. The perpetrators were mainly strangers （accounting for 40.3%） and classmates or friends of the victims （23.9%）. Family members or relatives accounted for 11.3% of the perpetrators. Female students who came from cities （21.9%） reported more CSA experiences than those who came from townships （10.1%） or rural areas （8.2%）. Association between CSA experiences of victims and their parents education levels was not found. Those respondents who had ever experienced CSA before age 14 had reported more later risk behaviors than those who had not experienced CSA： males with CSA reported more experiences of ever fighting and more often involved in forced sexual intercourse than those without CSA, while females with CSA reported more experiences of smoking, running away from home, ever fighting, watching pornography and more unmarried sexual intercourse than those without CSA. Conclusion CSA is not rare among university students and associated with later risk sexual behaviors. It is important and urgent to pay attention to the issue of CSA and take prevention measures to protect children.展开更多
文摘Objective:To identify factors that determine the uptake of in-vitro fertilization(IVF),and to determine the predicting effect of the identified factors on the uptake of IVF among couples attending fertility clinic at a tertiary health institution in Benin City,Nigeria.Methods:This study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design.A self-structured questionnaire tested was validated and administered to 250 couples who attended fertility clinic.Data were collected from March 2021 to June 2021 and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science(SPSS)version 21.Data were presented and interpreted using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Chi-square,univariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:Among 250 couples,154(61.6%)were willing to adopt IVF.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that catholic religion[odds ratio(OR)0.21,95%confident interval(CI)0.54-0.73],family income(OR 1.50,95%CI 1.10-2.00)and age(OR 1.04,95%CI 1.01-1.10)were the major factors that determined the uptake of IVF,with P-value of<0.001,0.018 and 0.031,respectively.Conclusions:The uptake of IVF could be sustained or improved on,if the government should improve on the cost of living for families,and religious leaders need to be encouraged to pass on the information about IVF to their members to be well guided about the possibilities of IVF.
基金received financial support from Tarbiat Modares University and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,Iran。
文摘Background:Shilajit is mentioned in the“Kama Sutra”as a potent enhancer of sexual desire.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among women of reproductive age.Methods:Forty-eight reproductive-aged women participated in a placebo-controlled triple-blind clinical trial.The intervention group took oral Shilajit tablets(200 mg)twice daily for 60 days and the control group took the placebo.Data collection tools were Sexual Quality of Life-Female and Female Sexual Function Index.Data were collected before the intervention,30,60,and 90 days after the start of the study.Results:Forty-three women completed the study.The mean score of total sexual function in the intervention group was significantly higher than before the intervention(P<0.001).The mean score of sexual function was 28.93 after 90 days in the intervention group while it was 22.09 in the control group.This finding was observed in most domains of the sexual function index.The mean score of sexual quality of life increased after 60 days of intervention in both groups;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.094).Conclusion:The study indicated that Shilajit,as a complementary therapy,may improve sexual function and most of its domains;while there was no effect on improving the quality of sexual life.
文摘Background: Despite increased recognition of the need for sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings, evidence focusing on mainstreaming reproductive health services such as maternal, neonatal mortality, human immunodeficiency virus transmission and unsafe abortion still remains inadequate. The ability to understand the magnitude of the needs and highlight existing gaps is supported by improved data which is critical to informing effective policies, programming and funding decisions. The purpose of this report is to present the results of a research prioritization exercise on sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings for the WHO Africa region for the next three years. Methods: We adapted the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method in three phases. Experts from the region participated in an online survey to identify key areas for research in sexual and reproductive health and rights. To identify potential areas for research, the experts ensured answerability, effectiveness, deliverability, equity and potential impact of the questions. The research areas they identified were reviewed by World Health Organization technical team from headquarters. In a meeting of 67 participants, the questions were subjected to further review and analysis. Using a modified for scoring criteria, the questions were scored and ranked to provide the top ten priority questions to address sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings. Results: A list of 21 priority research questions on sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings were scored and ranked. Top ten priorities research questions were identified. Those that scored highly by scoring 30 points out of the possible maximum of 30 include: “determining the prevalence and associated factors of unwanted pregnancies and abortions performed in emergency and humanitarian settings”, “evidence on gender-based violence in humanitarian situations and its associated factors” and “defining an optimal model for coordinating sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions and responses in crisis situations”. Conclusions: Top ten research priorities in sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings were identified. The priority research areas have the potential to identify the best areas for programming of services in humanitarian settings. It is our hope that the identified research areas will be prioritized to support programming of services in humanitarian settings based on scientific evidence.
文摘Background: The use of mobile phones continues to rise rapidly in the provision of health related services. Many countries have adopted the use of mobiles to provide sexual and reproductive health and rights and especially among the adolescents where specific messages are tailored for various audiences with specific messages. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research priority setting exercise on mHealth and innovative strategies. Methods: We adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative methodology to identify and set research priorities on mHealth and innovative strategies that respond to sexual and reproductive health and rights services. General potential research questions were gathered online from multiple stakeholders in the region and sent for consolidation consolidated to technical experts in World Health Organization headquarters. The second phase involved a meeting with experts to review and thematically analyze the questions list of 33 questions producing a list of 22 research questions. The questions were scored against a six point criteria and ranked accordingly. Ten top priority research questions were identified. Results: Lists of 33 priority research questions for mHealth and innovative strategies were proposed for discussions by 67 stakeholders. The questions were reviewed, scored and ranked in a technical meeting by experts. The highest ranking questions at 87% include evaluation of mHealth for data management and sexual and reproductive health and rights decision making, assessment of innovative local financing techniques to support community based sexual reproductive health and rights and evaluation of the role of mobile technologies in referral and counter referral. Conclusions: Information and communication technology is developing drastically and has a great potential in improving health especially in sexual and reproductive health and rights service delivery. This potential must be demonstrated with more relevant and quality research on mHealth and innovative strategies priorities identified.
文摘Background: Many policy makers deliberating on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights services need reliable evidence to make choices that benefit women, adolescents, children and the wider society. While universal health coverage discourse provides an opportunity to expand access through evidence based interventions, many gaps exist. Research prioritization has proved to be very helpful in identifying relevant areas especially in constrained resource settings. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the World Health Organization Africa Region research prioritization for sexual and reproductive health and rights. These priorities hope to guide the region for the next three years. Methods: We used the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach to identify priority questions among many potential areas for research prioritization on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The implementation process was organized in three phases. The first phase involved sending out an online survey to various experts with experience in sexual and reproductive health rights. These questions were received by a technical team from World Health Organization headquarters for review. 634 questions were identified for potential research and grouped into 12 themes. The second phase involved experts who reviewed the questions. The team merged questions with duplications, removed the questions that were out of scope and finally refined the wordings. In the final phase, experts worked in groups to score and rank top ten priority questions for each of the 12 thematic areas. Results: A list of 120 priority questions for sexual and reproductive health and rights were prioritized by 67 participants drawn from 16 organizations. Most of the priority research questions (45%) focused on the theme of gender-based violence, 35% prioritized services in sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings while 15% prioritized preventing unsafe abortion. 5% of the participants prioritized cervical cancer prevalence, prevention and treatment as a thematic area out of the questions in the top 20 research priority questions. Conclusions: Key priority research questions in sexual and reproductive health and rights were identified around five themes. The priority list will be of significance to World Health Organization regional Office for Africa and her stakeholders for the next three years.
文摘The horticultural sector has undergone tremendous growth in Kenya and is now the second largest foreign income earning sector in the country. Lake Naivasha is the hub of large scale horticultural farming in Kenya. This growth coupled with increased use of pesticides, may increase the possibility of pesticide exposure and its associated risks to workers and residents of the region. The purpose of this study was to assess the symptoms commonly experienced by residents of Naivasha town and their possible association to pesticide exposure. Purposive sampling of residents from Kamere, Kwa Muia, Kioto and Karagita was performed, as these residential areas have significant numbers of flower farm workers. By random selection, a total of 801 community members were recruited to participate in the study and data was collected by completing the prepared questionnaire and from clinical examinations. Results indicate that several residents exhibited respiratory;skin, joints and bones;and nervous system symptoms. We found a higher frequency of symptoms among planters, weeders, harvesters than in sprayers working in horticultural farms. We recommend training to planters, weeders, harvesters who are mainly women (61.6%) in this study concerning pesticide use as do sprayers;and second, longer reentry times between the last spraying of pesticide and entry of these workers is warranted, particularly in greenhouses. In this regard, reentry times for greenhouses and fields established for specific pesticides in Europe, North America, Japan or Australia should be adapted by Kenya, and these guidelines enforced by the Government of Kenya to reduce exposure to pesticides within this vulnerable work group. These workers should also use protective clothing including gloves and masks at all times while handling chemicals or recently sprayed plants or flowers. It would also be prudent for flower farm owners to introduce an integrated pest management regime to reduce pesticide use andworker exposures. Further research is required both to identify validated biomarkers that can reliably be used to identify pesticide exposure prior to the occurrence of acute toxicity;and to follow up individual cases of known exposures for chronic health effects.
基金supported by National Basic Research Program of China (No.2009CB941701)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30972508)+1 种基金Environmental Protection Research Special Funds for Public Welfare Projects (No.200909054)a project funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD),China
文摘Low birth weight （LBW） is an important risk factor for neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity in adults.. How- ever, no large scale study on the prevalence of LBW and related maternal risk factors in China has been published. To explore the effects of maternal factors on LBW for term birth in China, we conducted a hospital-based retrospective study of 55, 633 Chinese pregnancy cases between 2001 and 2008. Maternal sociodemographic data, history of infer- tility and contraceptive use were obtained. Their medical status and diseases during pre-pregnancy were examined by physical examination at the first antenatal care visit. Maternal medical status before childbirth and pregnancy outcomes, including body weight, infant gender, multiple pregnancy and congenital anomalies, were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and linear regression were used to investigate the relationship be- tween maternal factors and term LBW. The general incidence of term LBW was 1.70% in the developed area of China. After preliminary analysis using the univariate model, low primary education, anemia, hypertensive disor- ders, placental previa, oligohydramnios and premature rupture of membrane were predicted as independent factors of term LBW in the multivariate model. Furthermore, the decrease in annual frquencies of these risk factors were major causes of gradual decline in the incidence of LBW （from 2.43% in 2001 to 1.21% in 2008）. The study dem- onstrated that among maternal factors, primary education, anemia and hypertensive disorders could contribute to LBW for term birth even in the most developed area of China.
文摘BACKGROUND Decreased ovarian reserve function is an ovarian hypofunction disease that occurs in women before 40 years of age,leading to a decline in fertility and perimeno-pausal symptoms,such as irregular menstruation,amenorrhea,infertility,de-creased libido,and autonomic nervous dysfunction.Fenmatong(FMT)is a com-pound mixture of estradiol tablets and estradiol didroxyprogesterone tablets,which can improve ovarian reserve function by supplementation of exogenous estrogen.However,this treatment has also been shown to cause breast pain,gastrointestinal discomfort,irregular vaginal bleeding,and changes in sexual desire.In severe cases,FMT can promote the development of breast cancer,endometrial cancer,and venous embolic disease.AIM To observe the effects of Kuntai capsules and FMT on endocrine indexes and uterine artery blood circulation in patients with decreased ovarian reserve func-tion.METHODS Patients(130)with decreased ovarian reserve function,who were treated in our hospital from May 2018 to May 2020,were divided into two groups:The FMT group,in which patients were treated with FMT,and the observation group,in which patients were treated with Kuntai capsules.Chinese medicine symptom scores,uterine artery blood flow parameters,ovarian ultrasound test indexes,pictorial blood loss assessment chart(PBAC)scores,and hormone levels were recorded,and total effective rates were calculated for both groups.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).After treatment,primary symptoms,including low menstrual volume,delayed menstruation,red color and thick consistency of menses,di-zziness,palpitation,weakness at the waist and knee,insomnia and excessive dreaming,irritability,and dryness and astringency of the pudendal canal in the observation group decreased,and scores for primary and secondary symptoms in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the FMT group(P<0.05).The systolic peak flow rate(PSV),end-diastolic flow rate(EDV),ovarian diameter,sinus follicle count,and resistance index(RI)of the uterine arteries in the observation group and FMT group increased after treatment.Notably,the PSV,EDV,ovarian diameter,and antral follicle count in the observation group were higher than those in the FMT group,whereas the RI in the observation group was lower than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).The PBAC scores in the observation and FMT groups increased after treatment,with that in the ob-servation group becoming significantly higher than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).After treatment,estradiol(E2)and anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)levels increased,whereas follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels decreased in the observation group and FMT group;E2 and AMH levels became significantly higher and FSH levels became significantly lower in the observation group than in the FMT group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with FMT,Kuntai capsules promoted uterine artery blood circulation,improved menstruation,relieved symptoms,regulated endocrine function,and improved curative effects.
文摘Objective To analyze the status of parent-child communication on sexual matters and its relationship to the sexual behaviors of adolescents. Methods The data were obtained from a study which was conducted in Changchun city of China in 2001, Unmarried adolescents aged 15-19 years old（322 males and 360females） were selected for this analysis. Results Ten percent of adolescents reported having experience of sexual intercourse （16% of male and 5% of female）. The percentages of adolescents communicating with peers, mothers and fathers were 35%, 30% and 17%, respectively, Males were more likely to talk about sexual issues with peer, while females were more likely to talk with mothers. Significant difference was also noted between the ratio of communication on sexual matters and having a girl/boyfriend with peers and with parents, There was a statistically significant relationship between sexual experience and communication with fathers among male adolescents＇, Despite the fact that parents are the most closest care providers, adolescents obtained most of the sex information from ＂reading materials＂ and from ＂teachers＂, but not from their parents. There was an age difference in the main source of obtaining sexual information. Younger adolescents obtained sexual information mainly from teachers while older adolescents mainly from reading materials. Conclusion In addition to schools and reading materials, parents should serve as an important source of information on sexual education as well.
文摘Background: HIV-positive pregnant women are at an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, data on birth outcome among HIV-infected women are limited in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to identify the adverse birth outcomes and associated factors of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery (PD) among HIV-infected women. Methods: A hospital based retrospective cohort study was conducted. All deliveries from HIV-infected women from September 1, 2009 to April 30, 2012 were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore the potential risk factors for LBW and PD. Result: Out of 416 singleton infants born to HIV-infected mothers, the prevalence of LBW and PD was 89 (21.4%) and 69 (16.6%), respectively. The baseline maternal CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm3, maternal body mass index (BMI) below 18.5, maternal anemia and maternal exposure to Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) were factors significantly associated with LBW. On the other hand, a baseline maternal CD4 level below 200/ mm3, having no Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) intervention during pregnancy, maternal BMI less than 18.5, maternal Eclamsia during pregnancy, and mothers being on HAART before pregnancy were factors associated with preterm delivery. Conclusion: There was a significant prevalence of low birth weight and preterm delivery among infants born to HIV-positive mothers. The programme for PMTCT services should maximize the need for an early identification of those mothers with predicted complications.
文摘Objective: To compare the effect of shallomin (pure fraction of Allium hirtifolium) with podophyllin 25% solution on external genital human papillomavirus warts in women. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial which was performed on two groups of 25 Iranian women with external genital warts at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran. In the first group, shallomin was used once a day for six weeks at home. In the second group, 25% podophyllin solution, was applied on the lesion once weekly for six weeks. Results: Shallomin and podophyllin resulted in wart clearance in 13/23 (56.5%), and 12/24 (50%) of patients, respectively. The clearance rate for shallomin was not significantly different from that of podophyllin (P=0.082). Six weeks after the treatment, the sizes of the lesions in the shallomin group and the podophyllin group decreased by (1.43±0.53) mm and (1.64±0.70) mm, respectively. Conclusion: Shallomin is an effective treatment for genital warts, with similar efficacy to that of podophyllin.
文摘Effective communication and emotional support of parturient women improve the outcome of childbirth. Reduction in Duration of labor, cesarean rate, use of anesthesia, and 5 minute Apgar Score less than 7 can achieve. This study was a part of a large mixed method study during 2013-2014. In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 32 participants (16 mother and 16 midwife), using semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited by pur-posive sampling with maximum diversity in terms of age, occupation, education and etc. Educational hospital of Arak University of Medical Sciences was considered as the setting. Each interview was conducted at a private and convenient location and took about 30 to 45 minutes. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis was done for data analysis. Interviews continued until data saturation was obtained. Data were coded in MAXQDA software (version 11). The main category emerged as “outcome” of midwife-mother relationship. Facilitating childbirth, positive experience, mental health promotion and improvement in quality of life were derived as subcategories. Good midwife-mother relationship could promote positive outcome in labour. Results could assist midwives in providing holistic quality care to mothers during labour, thus providing positive consequence in child birth. Also, results could provide a framework and guidance for policymakers to create appropriate context for the midwife-mother relationship in maternity care.
文摘Background and Aims: Infant massage could potentially benefit both physiological and psychological health. This study aims to determine the effect of massage with oils on the growth of full-term infants, which is given by their mothers. Study Design: This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial which was conducted on full term infants visited in the nine Public Health Centers of Shahrekord, Iran in 2010. Material and Methods: This study included 217 infants. Inclusion criteria for the infants were age scale between 10 to 15 days, full term gestation, birth weight of 2500 grams at least, Apgar score of 7 or above, no resuscitation after the birth, exclusive breastfeeding during the study, medically stable condition without any need for drugs, nulliparous. The infants were randomized into four groups: massage with sunflower oil, massage with sesame oil, massage without oil, and no massage (control group). Massage was given by mothers twice a day for 4 weeks, starting from the 10 - 15th day of life. Weight and height were measured weekly. At last, Repeated Measures Analysis of Covariance was employed to analyze the data. Birth weight (height) as well as mean frequency of breastfeeding during the study was deemed as covariates. Results: The findings showed that the mean of weight and height was significantly different between groups over time, respectively (P = 0.005, P < 0.001). The infants’ mean weight in sunflower oil massage group increased significantly compared with other three groups (P = 0.005). In addition, infants’ height gain in sunflower and sesame oil massage group were significantly higher than message-only and control groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Massage with oil, especially sunflower oil is an inexpensive, simple, and effective intervention which improved weight and height gain in selected samples. Further studies are needed to evaluate the serious adverse effects, if any, to notify midwives and health care staff.
文摘Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects women’s health and self-confidence, and infant’s social, emotional, cognitive and even physical development. Studies show that parents of preterm infants frequently experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Women with unintended pregnancy are subjected to more risk of depression than women with planned pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy may lead to increased maternal exposure to psychosocial stressors, reduced social support by the spouse, increased levels of depressive symptoms and decreased life satisfaction. Findings: No significant difference was observed between term and preterm infants’ mothers (p = 0.85) in terms of postpartum depression. However, two groups of fathers in terms of depression showed a significant difference (p = 0.045). McNemar’s test showed that parents of term infants (K = 0.322, p = 0.077), and parents of preterm infants (k = 0.17, p = 0.144) agreed with each other on unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: Fathers of preterm infants are at higher risk for mental disorders than fathers of term infants and they need more attention in future studies.
文摘BACKGROUND There are three main forms of leishmaniasis in humans:cutaneous leishmaniasis(CL),visceral leishmaniasis(VL),and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.The prevalence of human leishmaniasis varies widely in different countries and different regions of the same country.To date,there is no overall estimation of the prevalence of human leishmaniasis in Sudan.AIM To determine the pooled prevalence of human leishmaniasis and the disease risk factors among Sudanese citizens.METHODS From all articles written in English or Arabic languages conducted before the 4th of August 2021 from[Scopus,Web of Science,PubMed,and MEDLINE,African Journals Online(AJOL),ResearchGate,direct Google search,Google Scholar,and universities websites], just 20 articles with a total of 230960 participants were eligible for thisstudy. Data synthesis and analysis were done using STATA software, version 16. EndNotecitation manager version X9.3.3 and Reference Citation Analysis (RCA) were used to remove theduplicated studies and manage the citation respectively.RESULTSThe overall pooled prevalence of human leishmaniasis in Sudan was 21% (with confidence interval12%-30%). CL was the most common type of leishmaniasis in Sudan, with a pooled prevalence of26% followed by VL (18%). Nevertheless, the pooled prevalence of human leishmaniasis in Sudanwas higher in males compared with females (60% vs 40%). The current results revealed that thepeople in the age group between 15 and 44 were the most affected group (60%), and central Sudanhas the highest pooled prevalence of human leishmaniasis (27%) compared with other regions ofSudan. Finally, the prevalence of human leishmaniasis seems to decrease with time.CONCLUSIONThis study showed that human leishmaniasis infection is still endemic in many regions in Sudanand highly prevalent in central and eastern Sudan, and CL is the most prevalent in the country.Males and adults were more susceptible to infection compared with females and children.However, the human leishmaniasis prevalence decreased relatively over time.
文摘Objective:To investigate the quality of life of infertile couples who seek in vitro fertilizations(IVFs)by gender in the Gaza Strip,Palestine.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted,from February 2019 to November 2019,among 383 infertile couples selected through convenient sampling.A valid and reliable Arabic version of the fertility quality of life questionnaire(FertiQoL)was used in data collection.One way analysis of variance and independent t-test were applied to compare between males and females.Results:The mean age of males and females was(34.54±8.54)years and(29.28±6.71)years,respectively.More than half of them had university degree(64%and 60%,respectively).The mean duration of infertility was(5.66±3.54)years.The mean males’scores of FertiQoL and its subscales(emotion,mind/body,social,core,tolerability,and treatment)were significantly higher than females’scores(P<0.05).Conclusions:Males have higher scores of FertiQoL and its subscales than females.The mean score of FertiQoL increases with better education,but decreases with increase of age,duration of marriage,duration of infertility and number of IVF attempts.Routine psychological assessment and counseling are necessary for infertile women taking into considerations factors affecting their quality of life.
文摘Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress, antioxidant power, and antioxidant potential of breastmilk of breast-feeding mothers from the early postpartum period to the first 3 months postpartum, and to examine the dynamics and the relationships among them. Method: For 47 pu-erperant women who gave vaginal birth without any pregnancy complications, the oxidative stress levels (d-ROMs levels) and antioxidant power (BAP levels) in the maternal plasma as well as antioxidant potential of breastmilk (BAP levels in breastmilk) were measured 3 times, i.e., in the early puerperium (4 or 5 days after giving birth), one month after giving birth, and 3 months after giving birth. Results: The d-ROMs levels in the maternal plasma were significantly high in the early puerperium (p p p p p p < 0.05). Discussion: Regarding the oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system of breast-feeding mothers, the d-ROMs level was highest and the BAP level was lowest in the early puerperium. The BAP level then showed a clear tendency to recover in the first 3 months after giving birth. Conclusion: When the maternal antioxidant potential remains at a low level after giving birth, careful consideration should be given to the mother’s health and wellbeing because there is a possibility that it might affect the antioxidant potential of breastmilk.
基金Supported by The Walther Cancer Foundation of Indianapolis,Indiana,United States
文摘AIM: To explore lay perceptions of causes, severity, presenting symptoms and treatment of breast cancer. METHODS: In October-November 2012, we recruited men and women(18 years and older) from households and health facilities in three different parts of Western Kenya, chosen for variations in their documented burdens of breast cancer. A standardized and validated tool,the breast cancer awareness measure(BCAM), was administered in face-to-face interviews. Survey domains covered included socio-demographics, opinions about causes, symptoms, severity, and treatment of breast cancer. Descriptive analyses were done on quantitative data while open-ended answers were coded, and emerging themes were integrated into larger categories in a qualitative analysis. The open-ended questions had been added to the standard BCAM for the purposes of learning as much as the investigators could about underlying lay beliefs and perceptions. RESULTS: Most respondents were female, middle-aged(mean age 36.9 years), married, and poorly educated. Misconceptions and lack of knowledge about causes of breast cancer were reported. The following(in order of higher to lower prevalence) were cited as potential causes of the condition: Genetic factors or heredity(n = 193, 12.3%); types of food consumed(n = 187, 11.9%); witchcraft and curses(n = 108, 6.9%); some family planning methods(n = 56, 3.6%); and use of alcohol and tobacco(n = 46, 2.9%). When asked what they thought of breast cancer's severity, the most popular response was "it is a killer disease"(n = 266, 19.7%) a lethal condition about which little or nothing can be done. While opinions about presenting symptoms and signs of breast cancer were able to be elicited, such as an increase in breast size and painful breasts, earlystage symptoms and signs were not widely recognized. Some respondents(14%) were ignorant of available treatment altogether while others felt breast cancer treatment is both dangerous and expensive. A minority reported alternative medicine as providing relief to patients. CONCLUSION: The impoverished knowledge in these surveys suggests that lay education as well as better screening and treatment should be part of breast cancer control in Kenya.
基金supported by World Health Organization (project number A65308)
文摘Objective To understand the situations of childhood sexual abuse （CSA） and to examine associations of CSA with demographic factors and with later risk behaviors among university students in Shanghai, China. Methods A two-stage random sampling method was adopted to conduct the survey anomalously using electronic questionnaire and computer-assisted-structured-interview method. Results About 15.1% （10.2% among male, 18.2% among female） university students reported having had experienced CSA before age 14, 1.2% university students reported having had experienced abuse of attempted vaginal or anal intercourse and 0.8% university students experienced abuse of forced vaginal or anal intercourse. The perpetrators were mainly strangers （accounting for 40.3%） and classmates or friends of the victims （23.9%）. Family members or relatives accounted for 11.3% of the perpetrators. Female students who came from cities （21.9%） reported more CSA experiences than those who came from townships （10.1%） or rural areas （8.2%）. Association between CSA experiences of victims and their parents education levels was not found. Those respondents who had ever experienced CSA before age 14 had reported more later risk behaviors than those who had not experienced CSA： males with CSA reported more experiences of ever fighting and more often involved in forced sexual intercourse than those without CSA, while females with CSA reported more experiences of smoking, running away from home, ever fighting, watching pornography and more unmarried sexual intercourse than those without CSA. Conclusion CSA is not rare among university students and associated with later risk sexual behaviors. It is important and urgent to pay attention to the issue of CSA and take prevention measures to protect children.
