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Women, Volume 4, Issue 1 (March 2024) – 8 articles

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11 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
The Benefits and Barriers of Providing Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief to Women in Labour during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Midwives in South Africa
by Limakatso Elizabeth Parkies, Daphne Murray and Uchenna Benedine Okafor
Women 2024, 4(1), 105-115; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010008 - 19 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2590
Abstract
Pregnancy is an exceptional event in a woman’s life. As a result of the intense pain associated with childbirth, women require encouragement and support during this crucial phase. Midwives play a crucial role in the maternal care paradigm, managing labour pain alongside ensuring [...] Read more.
Pregnancy is an exceptional event in a woman’s life. As a result of the intense pain associated with childbirth, women require encouragement and support during this crucial phase. Midwives play a crucial role in the maternal care paradigm, managing labour pain alongside ensuring the mother and baby’s safety during the labour process. This study explored midwives’ perspectives concerning the utilisation and barriers of non-pharmacological labour pain reduction methods during COVID-19 in Matjhabeng Municipality hospitals in South Africa’s Free State Province. Ten midwives participated in a semi-structured interview wherein the audio was recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using Tesch’s approach for open-coding data analysis. Midwives’ experiences with non-pharmacological therapeutic options for relieving labour pain were varied. They used mobilisation techniques, warm bathing, deep breathing exercises, back massaging, and psychological support. Midwives affirmed that non-pharmacological labour pain interventions were poorly implemented because of staff shortages, heavy workload, and COVID-19 regulations at the time. In efforts to address the obstacles in managing labour pain and alleviate the pain of women during labour, midwives recommended the provision of education and advocacy, the employment of additional midwives and auxiliary staff, and improvement in hospital infrastructure. Due to staff shortages, heavy workloads, and COVID-19 restrictions that limit birth companions, non-pharmacological pain reduction methods are not properly implemented. Health education; employing additional midwives, professional doulas, and students; and improving health infrastructure are midwives’ concerns. Prioritising midwife training in non-pharmacological labour pain management is crucial for delivering the best possible care during childbirth. Full article
19 pages, 3036 KiB  
Article
An Increase in Prominent Probiotics Represents the Major Change in the Gut Microbiota in Morbidly Obese Female Patients upon Bariatric Surgery
by Ann-Kathrin Kissmann, Frederike Paß, Hans-Maximilian Ruzicka, Isabel Dorst, Kai R. Stieger, Tanja Weil, Adrian Gihring, Leonard Elad, Uwe Knippschild and Frank Rosenau
Women 2024, 4(1), 86-104; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010007 - 18 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1573
Abstract
The global increase in obesity carries inherent health implications, with an increased BMI being a known risk factor for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or different cancer types. The long-term effectiveness of diet therapy in addressing morbid obesity is extremely [...] Read more.
The global increase in obesity carries inherent health implications, with an increased BMI being a known risk factor for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or different cancer types. The long-term effectiveness of diet therapy in addressing morbid obesity is extremely limited, with no adequate pharmaceutical agents available as treatment options, resulting in bariatric surgery being the only viable option to achieve and maintain significant long-term weight loss. Something that plays an important role in overall human health is the gut microbiome and its complex composition, which is usually altered and reduced in complexity/diversity in severely obese patients. In this study, the influence of bariatric surgery and the resulting weight loss on the gut microbiome composition of twelve morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40) adult female central European patients was investigated by comparing the relative abundances of the major microbial phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria pre- and post-surgery. We also aimed to give insight into the major changes in individual prominent and promising future probiotic bacteria characterized by an overall increase in abundance accompanied by a switch of enterotypes. Identifying specific microbial alterations associated with successful weight-loss outcomes may contribute to the development of future therapeutic interventions by supplementation with next-generation probiotics. Full article
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13 pages, 244 KiB  
Article
Exploring Perceptions of Cesarean Sections among Postpartum Women in Nigeria: A Qualitative Study
by Turnwait Otu Michael, Richard Dele Agbana and Kammila Naidoo
Women 2024, 4(1), 73-85; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010006 - 15 Mar 2024
Viewed by 2314
Abstract
Cesarean sections have become increasingly common globally, including in Nigeria. This qualitative study explores the perceptions and experiences of postpartum women who underwent cesarean sections within the distinct contexts of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted [...] Read more.
Cesarean sections have become increasingly common globally, including in Nigeria. This qualitative study explores the perceptions and experiences of postpartum women who underwent cesarean sections within the distinct contexts of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 24 postpartum women in selected health facilities in urban and rural areas. A diverse sample was purposively selected to capture a range of experiences based on age, residence, education, and cultural backgrounds. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and themes within the data. The findings revealed diverse emotional responses among participants, ranging from relief and gratitude to disappointment and feelings of loss for not experiencing a vaginal birth. Societal pressures and cultural expectations played a significant role in influencing women’s perceptions and experiences of cesarean sections. Future childbirth preferences and support systems, including healthcare provider–patient relationships and community support, were identified as crucial factors impacting postoperative recovery. This study contributes to the understanding of women’s perceptions of cesarean sections within the local context of Ibadan, Nigeria. The findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare practices, clear communication, and support systems to enhance the birthing experiences of women undergoing cesarean sections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Women 2024)
20 pages, 281 KiB  
Review
Support Mechanisms for Women during Menopause: Perspectives from Social and Professional Structures
by Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Adam Gilmour and Daniel Atkinson
Women 2024, 4(1), 53-72; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010005 - 8 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5432
Abstract
Approximately one billion women globally have undergone menopause, occurring at an age of around 51 years and typically between ages 45 and 54. As life expectancy increases, women are projected to spend at least one-third of their lives in postmenopause, emphasising the growing [...] Read more.
Approximately one billion women globally have undergone menopause, occurring at an age of around 51 years and typically between ages 45 and 54. As life expectancy increases, women are projected to spend at least one-third of their lives in postmenopause, emphasising the growing importance of menopause as a critical public health issue. In this context, this paper aims to offer updated insights into the increasing societal and political interest in menopause. It underscores the impact of support mechanisms encompassing familial, workplace, medical, technological, and government support on women’s attitudes and experiences around menopause. Furthermore, the study aims to identify key gaps in research, practice, or legislation concerning support systems for menopausal women and provide recommendations for enhancing familial, workplace, medical, technological, and government support. Full article
11 pages, 578 KiB  
Review
History of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination with a Focus on Italy
by Giovanni Gabutti and Matilde Ogliastro
Women 2024, 4(1), 42-52; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010004 - 6 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2392
Abstract
The Italian National Immunization Plan (NIP) states that public health today aims at immunizing adolescents of both sexes for maximum protection against all HPV-related vaccine-preventable diseases. Nowadays, the vaccination offer to primary cohorts is reaffirmed with continued free vaccination up to at least [...] Read more.
The Italian National Immunization Plan (NIP) states that public health today aims at immunizing adolescents of both sexes for maximum protection against all HPV-related vaccine-preventable diseases. Nowadays, the vaccination offer to primary cohorts is reaffirmed with continued free vaccination up to at least 26 years of age for females and up to at least 18 years of age for males. The Italian NIP 2023–2025 recommends HPV vaccination for at-risk categories, including individuals with HIV, men who have sex with men (MSM), women treated for intermediate- or high-grade lesions, and travelers. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for women at least up to 26 years of age, also using the appropriate occasion of the call for the first screening for the prevention of cervical cancer as an opportunity for vaccination, and for men at least up to and including 18 years of age if they have not been previously vaccinated or have not completed the vaccination cycle. In summary, the Italian vaccination offer has been extended to additional cohorts in order to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases and to improve vaccination coverage of the Italian population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Women 2024)
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20 pages, 767 KiB  
Article
Navigating the Maze: Facilitators and Barriers to Substance Use Treatment for Pregnant and Parenting Women in Mississippi
by Katherine Klee, John P. Bartkowski, Caroline Newkirk, Jan Dawson and Jonathan Hubanks
Women 2024, 4(1), 22-41; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010003 - 4 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1256
Abstract
There are significant hurdles to placing pregnant and parenting women (PPW) with a substance use disorder into treatment programs. This study uses qualitative analysis of case notes collected by a linkage to care expert (patient navigator) from over 50 Mississippi PPW client cases. [...] Read more.
There are significant hurdles to placing pregnant and parenting women (PPW) with a substance use disorder into treatment programs. This study uses qualitative analysis of case notes collected by a linkage to care expert (patient navigator) from over 50 Mississippi PPW client cases. The analysis identified facilitators and barriers in the referral to treatment process. We group the observed patterns into three general categories: (1) individual factors such as motivation to change and management of emotions; (2) interpersonal relationships such as romantic partner support or obstruction; and (3) institutional contexts that include child welfare, judicial, and mental health systems. These factors intersect with one another in complex ways. This study adds to prior research on gender-based health disparities that are often magnified for pregnant and parenting women. Full article
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9 pages, 781 KiB  
Article
Safety and Effectiveness of Naproxen 220 mg + Paracetamol 300 mg + Pamabrom 25 mg Fixed Dose Combination in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: A Post-Marketing, Open-Label, Uncontrolled, Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study
by Álvaro E. Peña-Jiménez, Omar Benitez-Aguilar, Jesús E. Villegas, Mario González-de la-Parra and Livan Delgado-Roche
Women 2024, 4(1), 13-21; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010002 - 24 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1729
Abstract
Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by pain and related symptoms that negatively affect women’s quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a specific oral fixed dose combination of naproxen 220 mg + paracetamol 300 mg + pamabrom 25 [...] Read more.
Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by pain and related symptoms that negatively affect women’s quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a specific oral fixed dose combination of naproxen 220 mg + paracetamol 300 mg + pamabrom 25 mg in tablet form. A prospective, open-label, multicenter, uncontrolled, observational post-marketing study was conducted from December 2017 to December 2019 consisting of 270 women over 18. The primary outcome was the number and severity of adverse effects. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity, number and intensity of other premenstrual symptoms, and the proportion of patients with a pain score reduction of at least 50%. The mean age of participants was 28.9 ± 8.8 years. We found that 8 women (3%) experienced adverse events, namely headache (5/8), gastritis (2/8) dyspepsia (1/8), diarrhea (1/8), and nausea (1/8). In three of the eight women, the study was discontinued due to adverse effects. Pain intensity was reduced (−4.5, 95%CI; −5, −4, p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with pain reduction of at least 50% was 70.7%. The study results suggest that the combination of drugs used in this formulation is safe and effective for premenstrual symptoms. Full article
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12 pages, 284 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation among Pregnant Women in Gran Canaria
by María del Amor Santana-González, María Granada Vázquez-Núñez, Mar Miranda-Sánchez, Héctor González-de la Torre, Jesús María González-Martín, Julia Jeppesen-Gutiérrez and Iraya Monagas-Agrelo
Women 2024, 4(1), 1-12; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010001 - 28 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1495
Abstract
Suicidal ideation represents a significant predictor of completed suicide. Recent research indicates that it is the leading cause of maternal mortality during pregnancy in industrialized countries, as well as in the 12 months following childbirth, with prevalence rates among pregnant women ranging from [...] Read more.
Suicidal ideation represents a significant predictor of completed suicide. Recent research indicates that it is the leading cause of maternal mortality during pregnancy in industrialized countries, as well as in the 12 months following childbirth, with prevalence rates among pregnant women ranging from 3% to 33%. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation among pregnant women in Gran Canaria. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was conducted at the University Hospital Complex Insular Materno-Infantil of Gran Canaria (CHUIMI). Consecutive non-probabilistic sampling was employed among pregnant women in their 20th to 22nd week of pregnancy. Participants completed the PHQ-9 questionnaire, the Paykel Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire to assess associated risk factors. A total of 9.57% of pregnant women reported experiencing some level of suicidal ideation. Factors that increased the risk of suicidal ideation included employment status (p-value = 0.031), prior abortions/miscarriages (p-value < 0.001), educational level (p-value = 0.005), and having living children (p-value = 0.018). This study suggests that the prevalence of suicidal ideation among pregnant women in Gran Canaria may be higher than previously reported in the literature. Therefore, early identification of suicidal ideation is crucial for timely intervention. Full article
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