Feature Papers in Women 2024

Gender-based violence (GBV) is an age-long issue plaguing societies all over the globe. Over the years, GBV perpetrated against women has been justified and legitimized by patriarchal and hegemonic masculine structures. This study explored the role of hegemonic masculinities and transnational cultural conflicts in creating a suitable environment for GBV against women newcomers from the continent of Africa. The study gathered perspectives of African immigrants and of the service providers working in immigrant-serving organizations. The paper adopts a qualitative approach and hinges on the transnationalism framework. This framework argues that immigrants maintain connections while transitioning to their destination countries. In such processes, immigrants carry with them their beliefs about cultural norms and hegemonic masculinity, of their country of origin. A total of 13 women immigrants and 20 service providers were purposively recruited to participate in the semi-structured interview. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed thematically and organized using Nvivo version 12. Findings show that African immigrant women in Canada disproportionately bear the burden of GBV due to hegemonic masculinities. The construction of masculinity in immigrant populations is heavily reliant on the communities of origin. As such, the prevailing systems during and post migration such as—unstable residency status, fear of deportation, fear of social and family sanctions and stigmatization, economic dependence on their spouses, and fear of retaliation from their spouses creates an environment that supports toxic masculinity. The study recommends comprehensive and culturally sensitive programmes and services to support African immigrants affected by hegemonic masculinity and GBV. Full article

Midwifery practices are defined as the level of midwifery care in which midwives use their expertise, management, and clinical leadership to provide personalized, evidence-based care to women independently and autonomously. Midwifery care includes antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care, which are defined by the WHO as the care provided by skilled healthcare professionals to pregnant women and adolescent girls to ensure the best health conditions for the mother and baby during the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum period. The aim of this study was to evaluate midwifery practices among registered midwives in selected hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional research design was used to assess and describe midwifery practices among registered midwives in selected hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The population size was 100 registered midwives in the selected hospitals. The sample size of 80 registered midwives was determined using the Slovin formula. Simple random sampling was used to select the sample. A self-developed questionnaire was tested and validated prior to conducting the main study. The findings of the pilot study were used to refine the questionnaire before being used for the main study. Reliability and validity were ensured. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 with the assistance of a statistician. The study revealed inadequate provision of midwifery care during antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods due to lack of resources and equipment. The shortage of midwives and the shorter experience in the clinical setting within the midwifery environment were overwhelming. The study concluded that the practices of registered midwives were inadequate due to some challenges they faced during the provision of midwifery care. Inadequate midwifery practices have serious implications for the health and well-being of mothers and newborns. These practices were influenced by various factors, such as inadequate material and human resources and lack and malfunctioning of available equipment. The study recommended that women have access to a variety of pain relief options during labor, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. In addition, the study recommended implementation of the presence of doulas during labor and childbirth. Full article

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

Anorexia nervosa is classified by the American Psychological Association as an eating-related mental disorder, which affects mostly young adult women and adolescent girls. Although refeeding programs are often used to recover bodyweight in patients with anorexia nervosa, treatment failures are high, and the determinants of the disorder remain unknown. The present paper uses a nutritional epidemiology perspective to examine determinants of anorexia nervosa from the patients’ point of view. A grounded-theory literature-review method was used to search and review research findings from the peer-reviewed literature related to the etiology of anorexia nervosa, including recent qualitative interviews with patients. Unlike a systematic review, a grounded theory method is more appropriate for developing a new theory to explain phenomena like the cause, recovery, and prevention of anorexia nervosa. Reviewed research suggests that anorexia nervosa may be a problematic body-change strategy rather than a mental disorder. Additionally, the present paper proposes that replacing the drive for thinness in anorexia nervosa with a drive for leanness may help patient recovery, especially when guided by easily accessible body-composition estimates. Fat-free mass restoration in the recovery of anorexia nervosa may also be facilitated by resistance training, which improves patients’ psychological status and body composition. Additionally, replacing a dysfunctional dieting strategy in anorexia nervosa with knowledge, skills, and experience in proper weight management has a potential preventive effect against the disorder. More research is needed to investigate the applied effects of the drive for leanness, body-composition assessments, resistance-training programs, and weight-management skills associated with the recovery and prevention of anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, successful application of the information in this paper may be adapted to peer role model programs to prevent anorexia nervosa. Full article

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

Maternal health is a critical public health issue worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) facing severe challenges in maternal mortality and morbidity. Despite global efforts, progress in SSA remains slow. The Sustainable Development Goals highlight the need for urgent action in this area. Value-based healthcare presents a promising approach to enhance maternal health in SSA by maximising health outcomes for mothers and newborns, enriching patient experiences and efficient resource use. However, the impact and implementation of value-based healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa’s maternal health sector are not well studied. To evaluate the effectiveness and value of value-based healthcare interventions in improving maternal health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review was carried out drawing on articles from six databases published between 2000 and 2024. The results suggest that VBHC can significantly improve maternal health, evidenced by successful implementations like obstetric units in Sierra Leone and integrated care in South Africa, which improved outcomes and cost-effectiveness. The success of value-based healthcare interventions hinges on addressing access to quality care, infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers. Further research is essential to confirm value-based healthcare efficacy in SSA and guide policy for better maternal health outcomes. Full article

This protocol lays the groundwork for a community-centered investigation into the intersection between climate change and violence against women and girls. Providing a standardized framework, this paper will enable researchers to collect and analyze data on severe weather patterns and their potential impact on violence within communities. The interlinkage between violence and climate is an emerging field of research. There is a need for a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of these two issues focusing on the manifestations of violence, specific vulnerabilities, and coping strategies. This protocol outlines a qualitative research approach employed in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study will include key informant interviews with community leaders and policymakers, along with focus group discussions with women, adolescent girls, and men. Community engagement is a crucial component of this work as it will ensure that the research is conducted ethically and respectfully and ensure that the findings are relevant and applicable to the community being studied. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between violence against women and girls and climate change, informing policies, interventions, and advocacy efforts and elevating the voices of women and girls to promote gender equity in the face of climate change challenges. Full article