Women

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between infant feeding and parenting self-efficacy. Mothers (N = 121) receiving home visiting reported on PSE and infant feeding at two times (e.g., longitudinally). Mothers were exclusively formula feeding (46.7%), exclusively breastfeeding (19.8%) or combining breastfeeding and formula (33.1%). Infant feeding was regressed on parenting self-efficacy and relevant demographics using logistic regression. Mothers with higher parenting self-efficacy were more likely to be exclusively formula feeding or combination feeding at Time 1. Continued breastfeeding was not predicted by self-efficacy but rather by working status and earlier supplementation. Results suggest higher parenting self-efficacy associated with formula feeding suggests social reinforcement or feelings of success around the enactment of or choice in infant feeding method. Lower parenting self-efficacy associated with initial breastfeeding suggests unsuccessful enactment (i.e., breastfeeding challenges) or negative social reinforcement. More research is needed to understand infant feeding norms and practices in relationship to parenting self-efficacy to best promote breastfeeding intervention and support maternal mental health. Practitioners should work to extend exclusive breastfeeding through supportive positive reinforcement, while limiting formula supplementation. The importance of parental leave for longer breastfeeding duration should be considered when establishing leave policies. Full article

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient exercise strategy with potential benefits for older adults. However, evidence regarding its effects on functional fitness, body composition, and quality of life in older women remains limited. This randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older women allocated to a HIIT group or a control group. The intervention consisted of a 65-week HIIT program (3 sessions/week), while the control group maintained usual activities. Functional fitness was assessed using standardized field-based tests, body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed under standardized conditions. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA models, with significance set at p < 0.05. Compared with the control group, the HIIT group significantly improved aerobic capacity (2MST: +25.4 vs. −19.6 repetitions; p < 0.001), lower-limb strength (30s CST: +4.8 vs. −2.6 repetitions; p < 0.001), and mobility (TUG: −0.3 vs. +0.4 s; p < 0.001). Body composition improved with reductions in body fat percentage (−1.8% vs. +1.9%; p < 0.001) and visceral fat index (−0.6 vs. +0.3; p < 0.001), alongside increased total body water (+2.3% vs. −1.8%; p < 0.001). Quality of life improved significantly in physical, psychological, and environmental domains (p < 0.001). HIIT was associated with improvements in functional fitness, body composition, and quality of life, with no major adverse events reported. These findings support the use of HIIT as a practical intervention to enhance health and functional independence in aging populations. Full article

Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in infants. Maternal vaccination with the bivalent vaccine Abrysvo^® in the third trimester (24–36 weeks) is an effective strategy to prevent severe respiratory illnesses in newborns. However, the introduction of this new technology faces structural obstacles that amplify inequalities. This rapid literature review sought to map and synthesize evidence on inequalities and inequities in adherence and accessibility to maternal vaccination among Black pregnant women. A rapid literature review was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (narrative synthesis and thematic analysis), following guidelines adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Handbook. The research question was structured using the acronym Population/Problem, Exposure, Comparison, and Outcome, focusing on Black pregnant women, maternal vaccination, comparison with other groups, and barriers/determinants. The search was conducted in databases such as PubMed (via Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Scopus and Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, covering studies published between 2022 and 2025 that presented disaggregated analysis by race. The analysis and interpretation of the findings were guided by Critical Race Theory. The analysis of the twelve included studies (mainly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil) revealed systematic and robust disparities. Black pregnant women had lower vaccination coverage and were less likely to receive timely recommendations compared to White pregnant women. The barriers identified include: institutional distrust (resulting from structural racism), poor access to prenatal care, inadequate communication, and socioeconomic factors. Inequities are structural and multifactorial phenomena. To ensure that the benefits of the vaccine are distributed equitably, strategies such as anti-racist training for healthcare teams, active vaccination outreach, and continuous monitoring of data disaggregated by race are essential. Full article

During the COVID-19 pandemic, women have had to face different psychosocial problems. For this reason, psychoeducational interventions based on web-based resources have been developed to address their mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the pilot of a psycho-emotional support web platform based on elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy in Mexican women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a pre-experimental design with pre-test and post-test evaluations, 73 women between 18 and 68 years old (M = 43.42 years, SD = 12.40) had access to this platform for one month, which contained four thematic modules (stress, anxiety, depression and violence). They also received two complementary three-hour synchronous sessions. All participants reported similar levels of emotional symptoms (p > 0.05), as well as perceiving violence exerted by their partners (p > 0.05). The web platform and its psychoeducational content turned out to be quality informative resources; however, no statistically significant changes were observed in the psychological variables in question. Web platforms and emotional support applications should be developed according to the needs and characteristics of the population for which they are designed; this will promote greater satisfaction and reduce therapeutic abandonment. Full article

Social capital has been well established to have beneficial effects on a variety of behavioral, developmental, and health outcomes across the life course. In particular, social capital has been proven to be a protective factor benefiting health, particularly among young people. However, we know little about whether or how social capital might provide a protective effect against a very specific mental health challenge of young and mid-adult life: experiencing postpartum depression. Using linear regression models and restricted-use data from the National Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (five waves conducted beginning in 1995 when respondents were in grades 7–12 and following them into adulthood) on women who gave birth during early adulthood, and controlling for a variety of demographic factors (such as race, parental and partner social capital, SES), we aim to understand potential associations between social capital derived from families and romantic partners and postpartum depression symptomology. Our findings suggest the need for approaches that help pregnant women build and maintain key social connections and resources with fathers and partners. Full article

Sexual harassment remains a widespread issue in higher education, with serious consequences, especially for women within the university setting. In this research, we explored the mediating role of psychological distress in the link between sexual harassment and coping strategies among women in higher education. In total, 637 women from the university community participated in this study, of whom 100 were victims of sexual harassment at their university. In Study 1, sexual harassment was found to predict higher levels of anxiety and depression, which were in turn associated with greater use of coping strategies focused on self-criticism, wishful thinking, and social withdrawal. In Study 2, sexual harassment predicted increased negative affect, which was subsequently associated with a stronger reliance on rumination. Taken together, the findings could suggest that the psychological distress women experience due to sexual harassment may determine their coping strategies. These results underscore the importance of adopting institutional measures that not only address the psychological impact of sexual harassment but also promote more adaptive coping strategies to reduce its long-term impact on women in higher education. Full article

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) are commonly used by reproductive-aged women with overweight or obesity, but their metabolic effects remain understudied. This pilot study examined the feasibility of recruiting and retaining women with overweight or obesity initiating COCPs and evaluated changes in body weight, body composition, energy intake (EI), eating behaviors, and cardiometabolic markers. Premenopausal women aged 18–40 years with a body mass index between 25 and 45 kg/m² initiating COCPs (n = 10) or using nonhormonal contraception (NHC; n = 10) were followed for six months. Outcome measures included body weight, body composition, EI, eating behavior questionnaires, ecological momentary assessment of appetite and satiety, and fasting laboratory measures. There were no between-group differences in changes in weight, EI, or appetite. Binge-eating severity decreased in COCP users and increased in NHC users, though the within-group change in COCP users was not statistically significant. Exploratory analyses demonstrated increases in hemoglobin A1c and triglycerides among COCP users compared to NHC users, while bioavailable testosterone decreased in COCP users only. This study demonstrates high retention and feasibility among women with overweight/obesity undergoing intensive dietary and metabolic monitoring. Although weight outcomes were similar between groups, these preliminary findings identify potential metabolic signals warranting confirmation in adequately powered studies. Full article

This study analyzes the evolution and spatial distribution of cervical cancer mortality. Furthermore, it develops a dynamic simulation model for estimating the evolution of the disease up to 2040. This manuscript details an ecological and retrospective study that analyzed official mortality, morbidity, and population data from the 58 municipalities that constitute the state of San Luis Potosi. We used Moran’s index, linear correlation, structural equation modeling, Excel predictions, and Vensim PLE x64 simulation software to conduct this study. The evolution of deaths from cervical cancer shows a downward trend; mortality follows a clustered distribution pattern, and it is not random. The structural model showed standardized regression coefficients of 0.68 between syphilis cases and cervical cancer cases, with a coefficient of 0.35 for deaths; candidiasis cases with cervical cancer at a coefficient of 0.25 and with deaths from the same disease at a coefficient of 0.46. The coefficients of determination for cervical cancer cases and deaths were 0.74 and 0.91, respectively. This shows that these co-infections—syphilis and candidiasis—are a risk factor for cervical cancer mortality. The estimated mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants for 2025, 2030, 2035, and 2040 were 5.5, 5.1, 4.8, and 4.4, respectively. The prediction indicates an increase in the number of CC cases and deaths from this cause. Full article

Eating disorders (EDs) disproportionately affect women and are associated with substantial morbidity, chronicity, and mortality. While established psychological models focus on the content of maladaptive cognitions related to body weight, shape, and eating behaviors, growing evidence suggests that additional process-level mechanisms contribute to symptom persistence and treatment resistance. Metacognitive models emphasize how individuals relate to their thoughts, emotions, and internal experiences, highlighting maladaptive beliefs about thinking and the resulting cognitive–attentional patterns (e.g., repetitive negative thinking, self-focused attention, and inflexible attentional control) as potential maintaining factors across psychopathology. This narrative review synthesizes the theoretical and empirical literature on metacognitive dysfunction in EDs, with a focus on mechanisms that may be particularly relevant for women. We integrate epidemiological data and gender-sensitive frameworks, and review evidence on metacognitive beliefs and cognitive–attentional syndrome (CAS)-related processes across anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Overall, studies indicate that dysfunctional beliefs about the uncontrollability and danger of thoughts, alongside perseverative cognitive styles, are associated with greater ED symptom severity. We discuss diagnosis-relevant patterns as clinically useful heuristics, interactions with sociocultural and emotional vulnerability factors, and implications for assessment, treatment integration, and prevention. The evidence base is largely correlational and derived from predominantly female samples, underscoring the need for longitudinal research and studies that explicitly test sex/gender as a moderator. Full article

Body dissatisfaction and eating disorder (ED) risk indicators can persist into later life but are less frequently assessed in routine care for older women. Among women aged 50 years and older, attendance on dietary care pathways in clinical settings may offer a pragmatic opportunity for early identification (screening) of ED risk indicators and related psychological distress, particularly during the menopausal transition. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare body dissatisfaction and ED risk indicators in older women attending dietary treatment versus those not following a dietary regimen. This cross-sectional study compared women aged ≥50 years without a prior ED diagnosis who were receiving medically supervised dietary treatment (DTG; n = 42) with peers not following any dietary regimen (NDG; n = 40) in Cádiz (Spain). Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 Referral Form (EDI-3RF), AF-5 Self-Concept Questionnaire, List of Brief Symptoms (LBS-50), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and underwent anthropometric assessment. Compared with those women in the NDG, those in the DTG had a higher body mass index (p = 0.002), higher drive for thinness (p < 0.001) and body dissatisfaction (p < 0.001), lower physical self-concept (p = 0.001), and higher total EDI-3RF scores (p < 0.001). Based on the EDI-3RF, 11.9% of the DTG met clinical referral criteria versus none in the NDG (p = 0.031). These findings indicate that, in this sample of women aged ≥ 50 years, women attending dietary care pathways exhibited a higher ED risk profile, higher psychopathological symptom levels, and lower physical self-concept than women not following a dietary regimen. Given the cross-sectional design, results should be interpreted as associations and may reflect pre-existing differences among women who enter dietary care; nonetheless, dietary care pathways may represent a practical opportunity to incorporate brief screening for body image concerns and ED risk indicators in older women. Full article

Eating disorders are multifactorial mental health conditions that predominantly affect adolescent girls and young women and constitute a major public health concern due to their severe and often chronic impact on physical, psychological, and psychosocial functioning. Although existing research suggests that gender-related constructs and traditional gender roles may be associated with the development and expression of eating disorders, empirical evidence using validated measures remains limited. Accordingly, the present study examines health-related variables from a gender-sensitive perspective in a clinical sample of women diagnosed with an eating disorder. Forty women aged 14 to 50 years completed an assessment protocol including measures of gender norms, eating disorder symptoms, mental health, and self-perceived overall health. Results indicated that poorer mental health and self-perceived overall health were significantly associated with higher levels of eating disorder symptomatology. In an exploratory hierarchical regression analysis, overall conformity to traditional feminine gender norms was associated with eating disorder symptomatology after accounting for health-related variables. Exploratory analyses of individual gender norm dimensions indicated that only a small number of associations remained statistically significant after applying a false discovery rate correction. In sum, within the limitations of a modest and heterogeneous clinical sample, the findings suggest that conformity to traditional feminine gender norms is associated with less favorable health indicators and greater eating disorder symptomatology among women with EDs. These results underscore the potential value of incorporating gender-informed perspectives into future research and clinical reflection, while highlighting the need for replication in larger and longitudinally designed studies. Full article

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between the level of physical activity and the severity of depressive symptoms in adult women, taking into account the mediating role of perceived stress and differences in this relationship across levels of depressive symptom severity. The study included 200 women aged 18–65 years. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), depressive symptom severity was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and perceived stress was evaluated using a standardized stress scale. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, hierarchical regression, mediation analysis with bootstrapping, and quantile regression (Q25, Q50, Q75) were applied, controlling for selected sociodemographic variables. The results showed that perceived stress was the strongest predictor of depressive symptom severity. Physical activity was not a significant independent predictor of depression after adjustment for stress; however, it demonstrated a significant indirect effect through stress reduction. Quantile regression analysis revealed that the protective effect of physical activity was more pronounced in the lower and middle quantiles of depressive symptom severity and attenuated at higher levels of severity. These findings indicate that the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms is predominantly indirect and conditional, supporting the integration of physical activity promotion with stress-reduction–focused interventions. Full article

This study aimed to assess maternal health profiles related to diet, pregnancy, and breastfeeding practices among 437 mothers with children under 24 months in a rural village in Madagascar, and to examine their association with maternal educational attainment using interviews and anthropometric data. Bivariate statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between maternal education level and all studied variables. Multivariate analyses were also conducted but did not yield reliable results and are therefore not presented. The findings showed that higher maternal education was strongly associated with better socioeconomic conditions; improved access to essential resources like food, clean water, and healthcare facilities; and greater dietary diversity. More educated women reported consuming a wider range of foods, reflecting better nutritional quality and potential benefits for maternal health. In contrast, education level did not significantly affect pregnancy-related care or breastfeeding practices as recommended by the WHO. This suggests that while education enhances women’s ability to access and choose nutritious diets, broader cultural or systemic factors may shape maternal care behaviors. Women with higher educational attainment had greater access to diverse and sufficient diets, which may contribute to improved maternal nutritional status. Sustainable interventions aimed at improving women’s education and nutritional literacy are needed to support informed dietary choices and improve maternal and child health outcomes. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting about 190 million women of reproductive age worldwide. It represents a major health challenge due to its broad impact on physical, reproductive, and psychological well-being and is clinically characterized by pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. This narrative review synthesized current evidence on the relationship between adiposity, metabolic and inflammatory markers, and endometriosis from a biopsychosocial and intersectional perspective. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies published in English over the past decade.: Results pointed out that endometriosis significantly affects inflammatory activity within adipose tissue, especially in visceral adipose tissue. Studies also reported reduced adipocyte size and altered adipose tissue function. The endometriosis cytokine profile exhibited a pattern of systemic and tissue-specific inflammatory activation (i.e., elevated levels of interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). Sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and educational level) also play a significant role in differences in symptomatology, disease course, and healthcare access. To sum up, endometriosis need to be considered as a multisystem condition related to metabolic, inflammatory, and psychosocial factors. It is necessary to adopt a biopsychosocial and intersectional perspective to improve diagnosis and support more equitable and personalized therapeutic approaches. Full article

Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential oils, is increasingly recognized as a complementary approach to women’s mental health, particularly during hormonally sensitive life stages such as menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Concerns about the side effects of pharmacological treatments during these periods have driven interest in non-pharmacologic interventions. This narrative review synthesizes current clinical evidence on the efficacy of aromatherapy in alleviating psychological distress in women. A comprehensive literature review between 2000 and 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 47 studies focusing on essential oils for anxiety, depression, or stress in female populations. The most substantial evidence supports the use of lavender, bergamot, rose, chamomile, clary sage, and ylang-ylang, with inhalation and massage as the most frequently studied delivery methods. Outcomes include reductions in cortisol, heart rate, and subjective stress, along with improvements in mood and emotional regulation. Aromatherapy demonstrates particular promise in postpartum and perimenopausal care. However, methodological heterogeneity and variability in oil composition limit generalizability. Despite these challenges, the evidence suggests that aromatherapy may serve as a safe, low-cost adjunct for managing mood disorders and stress in women, particularly when integrated into personalized, holistic care strategies. Full article

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which includes vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and other bothersome genitourinary symptoms, affects over half of postmenopausal women and has a considerable impact on quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an injectable combination of hyaluronic acid and amino acids for treating GSM-related symptoms. In this prospective, multicenter study, 84 women aged 46–60 with moderate to severe VVA confirmed by gynecological examination received three intradermal treatments at 21-day intervals, targeting the vestibule, introitus, lower vaginal wall, and labia majora. Symptom severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), while tolerability and satisfaction were evaluated via a five-point Likert scale. Quality of life was measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Assessments were conducted at baseline, after each injection, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. After three months, significant improvements were noted in vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia (all p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction increased from 59.0% to 80.7%, and SWLS scores rose from 4.57 ± 1.76 to 6.53 ± 1.10, reflecting enhanced quality of life. The treatment was well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that this injectable formulation may represent an effective, non-hormonal option for women with VVA, particularly those who are not candidates for hormone therapy. Full article

Cervical cancer remains the main etiology of high morbidity and mortality among women in developing world despite the screening plans. In South Africa, screening policies are low. Attitude, knowledge, and practices (AKP) play a pivotal role in diagnosis, prevention and screening. The review explores AKP towards cervical cancer and screening including global and regional burden, and determinants of screening uptake. Previous empirical studies identifying factors influencing adherence to screening services were identified. Studies from 2020–2025 were searched using PubMed and Google databases. Identified terms and topics were combined using Boolean Operators and PRISMA guidelines. Keywords were “attitudes”, “knowledge”, “practice”, “current cervical cancer screening”, AND “South Africa”, “global”, “regional”, “burden”, “cervical cancer”, “screening uptake determinants ” and “cervical cancer screening”, “factors influencing adherence”, and “cervical cancer screening”, “practices and pap smear tests”, “strengths”, “limitations”, “future research”, AND (“cervical cancer screening”). Key findings: many women know cervical cancer or Pap smears but lack detailed knowledge about risk factors and screening protocols, actual Pap smear uptake is low. Fear of outcome of procedure, pain, or embarrassment are primary barriers, and lack of service access. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, government and non-governmental organizations is crucial in addressing gaps in cervical cancer screening. Full article

African American (AA) women often experience earlier onset and more severe menopause symptoms, especially vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) like hot flashes, compared to other groups. However, limited research has examined the effectiveness and acceptability of menopause treatments in this population. This scoping review synthesized evidence on pharmacological (e.g., hormone replacement therapy [HRT], SSRIs, venlafaxine, nitroglycerin) and holistic (e.g., dietary changes, physical activity [PA], supplementation) approaches for managing menopause symptoms in AA women. Using Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted, guided by the PCC framework. Four databases (CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus) were searched for English-language studies (2010–2025) involving AA women aged 40–65. Eligible studies included RCTs and observational designs with ≥10% AA participants. Data were charted and synthesized descriptively. Fourteen U.S.-based studies (11–53% AA representation) were included. Pharmacological treatments—especially HRT and SSRIs—were effective for VMSs and mood symptoms. Holistic approaches showed mixed outcomes; PA and magnesium offered modest benefit, while phytoestrogens sometimes worsened memory. Race-specific results were rarely reported. Effective pharmacological options exist, but evidence tailored to AA women is lacking. Future research must ensure greater AA representation and culturally responsive approaches to menopause care. Full article

This study discusses the challenges encountered in breast cancer screening coverage in Brazil. The aim was to verify mammography coverage in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out using data provided by the Ministry of Health verifying the following information: method of detection, analysis of coverage, clinical and sociodemographic variables of breast cancer. We observed significant differences in the number of mammograms performed between Brazilian regions and between levels of education, which may be determining factors for adherence to the examination, as well as differences related to the collection period analyzed. Raising awareness among the population about the importance of mammography and training health professionals are fundamental to increasing coverage. It is necessary to invest in awareness-raising strategies and in a health care network prepared to welcome women with suspicious signs and symptoms, ensuring investigation and treatment. Full article