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Healthcare
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Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges
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Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Women's Health Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 9609

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Yashuhiko Ebina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Midwiferry, Maternal Nursing and Women’s Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0600812, Japan
Interests: obstetrics and gynaecology; women’s mental health; cancer prevention and awareness; pregnant women at high social risk; gynecologic oncology; cytodiagnostics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute to our Special Issue on research related to women's health and the furthering of evidence for women’s life-long wellbeing.

Health issues involving women include mental health problems, particularly postpartum depression, and cervical cancer, a leading cause of death in young women. Currently, we are seeking ways to solve these problems through the framework of health science rather than medicine.

In this Special Issue, we would like to highlight a wide range of research achievements on health issues concerning women. In particular, we invite wide-ranging submissions not only from the medical scientists but also from researchers related to the nursing profession and healthcare. Research related to multi-profession is particularly desirable.

Prof. Dr. Yashuhiko Ebina
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • women’s health
  • mental health
  • high-risk pregnancy
  • postpartum depression
  • perimenstrual syndrome
  • menopausal disorders
  • cancer prevention
  • HPV vaccine
  • puberty
  • sex education

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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20 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
Gender Differential Morbidity in Quality of Life and Coping Among People Diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety Disorders
by Elisabet Torrubia-Pérez, Maria-Antonia Martorell-Poveda, José Fernández-Sáez, Mónica Mulet Barberà and Silvia Reverté-Villarroya
Healthcare 2025, 13(7), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070706 - 23 Mar 2025
Viewed by 347
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Psychosocial and cultural determinants have a special influence on the development, manifestation and prognosis of common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. The objectives of this study were to define the psychosocial profile of the people most vulnerable to the development [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Psychosocial and cultural determinants have a special influence on the development, manifestation and prognosis of common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. The objectives of this study were to define the psychosocial profile of the people most vulnerable to the development of these health problems, analyse the symptomatology and health determinants that may influence these from a gender perspective, and evaluate the quality of life and coping strategies among the adult population with this diagnosis in a rural area of Catalonia (Spain). Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted on 180 people diagnosed with anxiety or depression. Patients completed an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Checklist (LSB-50), the Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D-5L) and the Brief Cope Inventory (COPE-28). Results: Women aged 45–64 with a low socioeconomic profile may be more vulnerable to common mental disorders, although psychiatric symptomatology was more pronounced in men. Women were more likely to have problems with mobility (aOR= 2.93, p = 0.039) and daily activities (aOR = 2.75, p = 0.033), as well as lower self-perceived health scores (p = 0.002). Women used active coping, venting and seeking social support as coping strategies, while men used behavioural disengagement. Conclusions: It has been observed that the people most susceptible to developing depression and anxiety disorders may have a specific profile. Although a greater number of women have these common mental disorders, men tend to have more noticeable symptomatology. The coping strategies most used also differ according to gender. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
16 pages, 1055 KiB  
Article
The Effects of the Mamanet Cachibol League Intervention Program on Perceived Health Status, Mental Health, and Healthy Lifestyle Among Arab Women
by Karin Eines, Riki Tesler, Ruth Birk, Ariela Giladi, Ayelet Dunsky, Nada Alian, Limor Gonen and Sharon Barak
Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020169 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 778
Abstract
Background: The Israeli Mamanet Cachibol League (MCL) is a community-oriented athletic program serving mothers through non-competitive recreational sports participation. This study aimed to assess the effects of the MCL on perceived health status, mental health (happiness, depression, social capital), and healthy lifestyle behaviors [...] Read more.
Background: The Israeli Mamanet Cachibol League (MCL) is a community-oriented athletic program serving mothers through non-competitive recreational sports participation. This study aimed to assess the effects of the MCL on perceived health status, mental health (happiness, depression, social capital), and healthy lifestyle behaviors (physical activity and nutrition). Methods: This is an experimental study with a sample of 231 women (174 in the experimental group and 57 in the control). Participants completed questionnaires in November 2023 (T1) and then in August 2024 (T2). The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived health status, mental health (happiness, depression, social capital), and healthy lifestyle behaviors (physical activity and nutrition). Results: At T1, the MCL participants reported better mental health (higher subjective happiness and social capital and lower depressive symptoms) than the control group. Over time, participation in the MCL led to significant improvements in mental health (reductions in depression and increases in subjective happiness and social capital). The participants showed substantial improvements in healthy lifestyle behaviors, with moderate effect sizes (effects size > 0.5) observed across these areas. Sociodemographic factors influenced the outcomes, with variations in health perception and physical activity linked to marital status and education level. Conclusions: Participation in the MCL program was associated with better mental health at baseline and significantly improved over time compared to the control group. The MCL participants also showed gains in healthy lifestyle behaviors, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
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10 pages, 229 KiB  
Article
Burden of Medical Costs Associated with Severe Maternal Morbidity in South Korea
by Jin Young Nam and Soojeong Shim
Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2414; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232414 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 948
Abstract
Background: Adverse maternal health outcomes lead to health loss and unnecessary medical costs. However, few have explored how severe maternal morbidity (SMM) affects medical costs separately from blood transfusion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the delivery-related costs of healthcare [...] Read more.
Background: Adverse maternal health outcomes lead to health loss and unnecessary medical costs. However, few have explored how severe maternal morbidity (SMM) affects medical costs separately from blood transfusion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the delivery-related costs of healthcare services in patients with and without SMM as well as blood transfusion. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Delivery Cohort database in South Korea. We included all delivering mothers in South Korea from 2016 to 2021, except those with incomplete data, totaling 1,517,773 participants. The measured outcomes included delivery-related medical costs associated with SMM. A generalized estimating equation model with a log link, gamma distribution, and robust standard errors was used to estimate the mean delivery-related medical costs of SMM. Results: SMM occurred in 2.2% of the cohort. The adjusted mean delivery-related medical costs were approximately 2.1- and 1.4-fold higher in cases with SMM without blood transfusion and only blood transfusion than in those without SMM, respectively ($2005, 95% CI: $1934–2078 and $1339, 95% CI: 1325–1354, respectively). The adjusted mean delivery-related medical costs were 1.5-fold higher in cases with SMM with blood transfusion than in those without SMM (SMM $1539, 95% CI: $1513–$1565). Conclusions: Medical costs associated with delivery-related SMM with or without blood transfusion were significantly higher than those of normal deliveries, with excess costs varying according to existing healthcare policies. Policymakers should consider supporting programs to prevent high medical costs by improving maternal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
14 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Women’s Experiences Regarding Maternity Care in a Selected Hospital in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province: A Qualitative Approach
by Tshiembe Masibigiri, Azwinndini Gladys Mudau and Duppy Manyuma
Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2341; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232341 - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 836
Abstract
Introduction: A pregnant woman’s life and that of her child largely depend on the care they receive during the critical stage of pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period. Some women question their decisions regarding future pregnancies as well as where and from whom [...] Read more.
Introduction: A pregnant woman’s life and that of her child largely depend on the care they receive during the critical stage of pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period. Some women question their decisions regarding future pregnancies as well as where and from whom they will receive their pregnancy care because of negative experiences that they have had. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of women regarding maternity care services in a selected hospital in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods: A qualitative approach using a phenomenological research design was adopted in this study. The study population included pregnant women who were admitted to the maternity ward of the selected hospital. A total of 18 participants and 1 hospital were purposively sampled. Pre-testing was conducted to check if the central question was clear and to test the researcher’s interviewing skills. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with all sampled participants in April and May 2024. Interpretive analysis was used to analyze the data collected from the participants. Results: Four themes emerged during data analysis: women’s experiences regrading the provision of maternal healthcare; environmental factors affecting maternal health services; lack of resources; and the attitude of nurses towards patients. Conclusions: This study concludes that the majority of the women stated that they were not happy about the maternity care services provided at the selected hospital. Issues such as trained nurses being verbally and physically abusive towards women in labour, as well as the infrastructure and lack of resources of the hospital contributed towards women not being happy about the provision of maternity care services being provided. This study recommends that in order for maternity care services to improve at the selected hospital, there should be workshops for staff on how to improve patient care principles and improvements in the standard of cleanliness in and around the selected hospital. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
14 pages, 622 KiB  
Article
Patient Navigation in Mothers at Risk for and Surviving with Breast/Ovarian Cancer: The Role of Children’s Ages in Program Utilization and Health Outcomes
by Talia Zamir, Muriel R. Statman, Marcelo M. Sleiman, Jr., Adina Fleischmann, Elana Silber and Kenneth P. Tercyak
Healthcare 2024, 12(22), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12222317 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1048
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Many women at risk for and surviving with breast/ovarian cancer are simultaneously raising children. These women often experience unique challenges due to concurrent demands as both parents and patients with cancer. Community-based cancer control organizations offer vital patient navigation (PN), including psychoeducational [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Many women at risk for and surviving with breast/ovarian cancer are simultaneously raising children. These women often experience unique challenges due to concurrent demands as both parents and patients with cancer. Community-based cancer control organizations offer vital patient navigation (PN), including psychoeducational services. Yet, little is known about how PN addresses these mothers’ comprehensive care needs. Methods: We examined PN program data from N = 1758 women served by a national cancer organization. Results: Out of the 69% of navigated women who were mothers, most were raising adult children only (age ≥ 18; 56%); however, 31% were mothers with young children only (age < 18), and 13% were mothers with both adult and young children (χ2 = 341.46, p < 0.001). While mothers with adult children reported poorer quality of life (QoL) than mothers with young children (physically unhealthy days, t = −2.2, df = 526, p < 0.05; total unhealthy days, t = −1.2, df = 533, p < 0.05), there were no significant differences in their PN experiences. For mothers with young children, a better QoL was associated with a lower genetic risk for cancer (r = −0.12) and a stronger sense of psychosocial empowerment (r = 0.10) (all p’s < 0.05). In an adjusted multivariate regression model of QoL, as empowerment increased, the influence of PN quality decreased (ß = −0.007, SE of ß = 0.00, p = 0.02), suggesting that strengthening mothers of young children’s sense of agency over their breast/ovarian cancer is critical to achieving overall well-being. Conclusions: CBO-led cancer control programming that supportively cares for mothers across their cancer journey can be essential to their QoL, especially for those who are raising minors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
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16 pages, 1399 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of the Midwifery Interventions Classification for a Salutogenic Approach to Maternity Care: A Delphi Study
by Giulia Maga, Arianna Magon, Rosario Caruso, Lia Brigante, Marina Alice Sylvia Daniele, Silvia Belloni and Cristina Arrigoni
Healthcare 2024, 12(22), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12222228 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1542
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aims to develop and validate a Midwifery Interventions Classification (MIC), which is an evidence-based, standardized taxonomy and classification of core midwifery interventions based on a salutogenic perspective for maternity care. Methods: This study described the consensus process up to the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aims to develop and validate a Midwifery Interventions Classification (MIC), which is an evidence-based, standardized taxonomy and classification of core midwifery interventions based on a salutogenic perspective for maternity care. Methods: This study described the consensus process up to the results regarding the validation of the MIC through a two-round Delphi survey involving three panels of stakeholders: Midwives, Healthcare Researchers, and Maternity Service Users. Results: The resulting MIC comprises 135 core midwifery interventions classified into Direct Midwifery care (n = 80 interventions), Indirect Midwifery Care (n = 43 interventions), and Community Midwifery Care (n = 12 interventions), reaching an overall consensus rate among experts equal to 87%. These interventions were, therefore, adapted specifically for the Italian midwifery care context, with potential for international transferability, implementation, and scalability. Conclusions: The MIC is pivotal to boosting quality improvement, education, and comparable data collection for research, sustaining midwives’ role in promoting optimal health for women, newborns, and families at large. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
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14 pages, 839 KiB  
Article
Identifying Predictor Variables for a Composite Risk Prediction Tool for Gestational Diabetes and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Modified Delphi Study
by Stephanie Cowan, Sarah Lang, Rebecca Goldstein, Joanne Enticott, Frances Taylor, Helena Teede and Lisa J. Moran
Healthcare 2024, 12(13), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131361 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1768
Abstract
A composite cardiometabolic risk prediction tool will support the systematic identification of women at increased cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy to enable early screening and intervention. This study aims to identify and select predictor variables for a composite risk prediction tool for cardiometabolic risk [...] Read more.
A composite cardiometabolic risk prediction tool will support the systematic identification of women at increased cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy to enable early screening and intervention. This study aims to identify and select predictor variables for a composite risk prediction tool for cardiometabolic risk (gestational diabetes mellitus and/or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy) for use in the first trimester. A two-round modified online Delphi study was undertaken. A prior systematic literature review generated fifteen potential predictor variables for inclusion in the tool. Multidisciplinary experts (n = 31) rated the clinical importance of variables in an online survey and nominated additional variables for consideration (Round One). An online meeting (n = 14) was held to deliberate the importance, feasibility and acceptability of collecting variables in early pregnancy. Consensus was reached in a second online survey (Round Two). Overall, 24 variables were considered; 9 were eliminated, and 15 were selected for inclusion in the tool. The final 15 predictor variables related to maternal demographics (age, ethnicity/race), pre-pregnancy history (body mass index, height, history of chronic kidney disease/polycystic ovarian syndrome, family history of diabetes, pre-existing diabetes/hypertension), obstetric history (parity, history of macrosomia/pre-eclampsia/gestational diabetes mellitus), biochemical measures (blood glucose levels), hemodynamic measures (systolic blood pressure). Variables will inform the development of a cardiometabolic risk prediction tool in subsequent research. Evidence-based, clinically relevant and routinely collected variables were selected for a composite cardiometabolic risk prediction tool for early pregnancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
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22 pages, 3475 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions on Health-Related Outcomes in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Diying Liao, Lili Mo and Maowei Chen
Healthcare 2025, 13(8), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13080881 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 456
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dance intervention, as a non-pharmacological therapy, has shown promising potential in alleviating menopausal symptoms among perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. However, a systematic evaluation of its overall effectiveness based on existing trials remains unavailable. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dance intervention, as a non-pharmacological therapy, has shown promising potential in alleviating menopausal symptoms among perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. However, a systematic evaluation of its overall effectiveness based on existing trials remains unavailable. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of dance intervention on health-related outcomes in perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This study systematically searched the relevant databases on 18 October 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4. software. For results unsuitable for meta-analysis, narrative synthesis was conducted. The study was registered in PROSPERO (number: CRD42024613134). Results: Meta-analysis demonstrated significant positive effects of dance intervention on psychological symptoms, including depression (I2 = 87%, p < 0.001), anxiety (I2 = 90%, p = 0.01), vitality (I2 = 0%, p = 0.03), interpersonal relationships (I2 = 0%, p < 0.001), and somatization (I2 = 85%, p = 0.01), in menopausal women, but no significant impact was observed on psychotic symptoms (I2 = 89%, p = 0.33). However, the high heterogeneity suggests the presence of potential confounding factors among studies. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the flexibility of the intervention protocol and intra-group differences among participants may have been the main sources of heterogeneity. Further subgroup analysis revealed that interventions conducted less than three times per week had significant effects on depressive symptoms (SMD = −1.93), while a total intervention duration of ≤1800 min significantly improved anxiety symptoms (SMD = −2.15). Conclusions: Dance interventions have significant positive effects on health-related outcomes in perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women, except for psychotic symptoms, offering a promising intervention option for clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
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16 pages, 930 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Critical Advantage of Hypnobirthing to Ameliorate Antenatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Feni Betriana, Sunarno Sunarno, Wiwit Nurwidyaningtyas and Amelia Ganefianty
Healthcare 2025, 13(7), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070705 - 23 Mar 2025
Viewed by 539
Abstract
Background: Pregnant women are likely to experience depression due to various factors. Hypnobirthing is a non-invasive therapy that can be used to treat depression during pregnancy. This study aims to systematically review the effect of hypnobirthing on antenatal depression. Methods: This study employs [...] Read more.
Background: Pregnant women are likely to experience depression due to various factors. Hypnobirthing is a non-invasive therapy that can be used to treat depression during pregnancy. This study aims to systematically review the effect of hypnobirthing on antenatal depression. Methods: This study employs a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and hand searches. Articles were included for review if they met the following inclusion criteria: (1) published in the last ten years (2014–2024); (2) the articles published in English; (3) article types are original research articles and reviews; (4) the full text can be retrieved; and (5) the findings of the selected articles should discuss the effect of hypnobirthing or hypnosis for birth. Articles were critically appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Results: The initial search yielded 7603 records; nine studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, and four studies for meta-analysis. The articles were analyzed, and findings were presented in narrative ways and categorized into three themes: the effect of therapy, the administration of the therapy, and the mechanism of the therapy. The therapy was performed by different methods, involving hypnosis, daily relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, the J-breathing technique, meditation, visualization, and ego strengthening. Additionally, participants were encouraged to do self-practice at home and were followed up by personal visits, phone calls, or text messages. Conclusions: The majority of the studies found that hypnobirthing ameliorated antenatal depression, despite the variation in initial administration and the duration of therapy. Further research is needed to standardize therapy protocols and explore long-term outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Health Care: State of the Art and New Challenges)
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