Health and Women's Issues

On the background of efforts to educate women about their body, the paper analyses van de Velde's work "Ideal Marriage" with the aim of determining as to whether his anatomical and physiological explanations can be of value for current pursuits in gynecology, legal medicine, psychology, sexology, and related areas. It is concluded that van de Velde's anatomical and physiological description of the female body, although still incomplete, are more accurate and more suitable for the clinical practice than many other publications in the areas of anatomy and gynecology. The most valuable aspect of Velde's explanations is their relevance for situations of daily-life and for sexuality in matrimonial relationships.

Background: A female genital fistula is an abnormal connection between a woman's reproductive tract and her urinary tract or rectum. While numerous studies have aimed to determine the success rate of obstetric fistula closure in different health settings, there remains a significant scarcity of data on closure success rates and incontinence rates for various types of fistulas at the regional and sub-regional levels. The success rate reflects the continent's healthcare setup in regard to the World Health Organization standards. Thus, this study aims to determine the success of surgical closure and the continence rate of obstetric fistula in Africa. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis review includes studies conducted up to February 2023. Search engines like EMBBASE, Medline, Google, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and ScienceDirect databases were utilized to find articles. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical evaluation checklist was used to evaluate the quality of our review, which was conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria. Heterogeneity was indicated by a p-value for I 2 statistics of less than 0.05. Publication bias was assessed using the Egger regression asymmetry test. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA 16. Result: This review includes 85 studies. A total of 24 countries from East, West, Central, North, and Southern African sub-regions were included. The overall pooled estimated rate of successful obstetric fistula closure is 86.15 (95% CI: 83.88-88.42). Moreover, the pooled estimated rate of successfully closed vesico-vaginal fistulas but with ongoing or residual incontinence (wet) was revealed as 13.41% (95% CI: 11.15-15.68). The pooled estimated rate of successfully closed rectovaginal fistulas and combined VVF and RVF are 91.06% (95% CI: 86.08-96.03) and 62.21% (95% CI: 48.94-75.49), respectively. Conclusions: The rate of successful obstetric fistula closure in Africa is 86.15, which is higher than the WHO target. However, the surgical closure rate of a combined VVF and RVF is 62.2%, which is significantly lower than the WHO target.

Hysterectomy among young women is being raised as a matter of concern by women's health advocates in India. This paper is based on a qualitative study conducted in the state of Maharashtra, which attempts to understand the ways in which women overcome the barriers in accessing health services for reproductive morbidities, the reasons for accepting hysterectomy as ' the' treatment as well as the implications of hysterectomy on women's health. Total 44 in depth interviews were conducted with women, who had undergone hysterectomy and were below 45 years at the time of interview. Fear of cancer, failure of medical treatment, practical difficulties in living with reproductive health problems, fear mongering by the doctors and belief in the hysterectomy as the best treatment, these were some of the reasons for which women accepted hysterectomy. Most of these hysterectomies were conducted in private hospitals. The study indicates the need for further research for explicating the role of private health sector in medicalising different reproductive events occurring in the life of women.

Background and aimPhysical activity levels in older people often decrease and may mean impaired physical functioning leading to an increased fall risk. The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported change in physical activity dose and deterioration in balance performance, gait speed, and self-rated health (SRH) in older women between two time points in a follow-up study.MethodsA cohort of community-living women, aged 69–79 years (n = 351) were evaluated by questionnaire and clinical tests on balance, gait speed, and SRH at baseline. One hundred and eighty-six women were followed-up by these tests 8.5 years after inclusion. The non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–WhitneyUtest were used for the analysis.ResultsThe greatest changes were seen in one-leg standing time (OLST) with eyes closed (− 60%) and eyes open (− 42%). The population was divided into high exercise (HE,n = 49) and low exercise (LE,n = 51) groups. At baseline the HE group had an OLST of 19 s with ...

Mental health issues among women are influenced by a combination of social, economic, and gender-specific stressors that uniquely impact their well-being. This paper explores the role of gender socioeconomic stressors in contributing to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women. By examining factors such as societal expectations, financial insecurity, caregiving responsibilities, and workplace discrimination, the paper highlights the intersectionality of these stressors and their disproportionate impact on women. The analysis also discusses the compounded effects of these stressors across various life stages, focusing on marginalized women. Finally, policy recommendations are presented to address these challenges, improve mental health outcomes, and promote gender equality. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive social and economic policies that alleviate these stressors and provide better mental health support for women.

एक महिला के रूप में मेरे पास कोई देश नहीं है। एक महिला के रूप में मुझे कोई देश नहीं चाहिए। एक महिला के रूप में, मेरा देश पूरी दुनिया है। -वर्जीनिया वूल्फ कोरोना काल के दौरान देश की अर्थव्यवस्था को काफी नुकसान पहुंचा है। लॉकडाउन के चलते काफी अरसे तक दुकानों और फैक्ट्रियों के बंद रहने से व्यापर पूरी तरह से ठप हो गया था। वक्त के साथ हालात में सुधार हो रहे हैं, लेकिन अभी तक गाड़ी पूरी तरह से पटरी पर नहीं लौट सकी है। इन दिनों सबसे ज्यादा नुकसान महिला उद्यमियों को हुआ है। क्योंकि ज्यादातर महिलाएं अपनी जमापूंजी इकट्ठा करके कुटीर उद्योग चलाती थीं, लेकिन लॉकडाउन के बाद से इनका काम चौपट हो गया है। इस बात की पुष्टि एक सर्वे में भी हुई है। ग्लोबल अलायंस फॉर मास इंटरप्रेन्योरशिप और क्रेया यूनिवर्सिटी की लीड संस्था (नॉन प्रॉफिट रिसर्च ऑर्गेनाइजेशन) के सहयोग से हुए सर्वे में पता चला कि कोरोना काल में महिलाओं द्वारा चलाए जा रहे करीब 43 प्रतिशत इंटरप्राइजेस को सबसे ज्यादा नुकसान हुआ है। इस दौरान उन्हें हर महीने 10,000 से भी कम का फायदा हुआ है। चूंकि महिलाओं की ओर से बनाए गए उत्पाद पर पहले से ही बहुत कम मार्जिन के साथ बाजार में बेचा जाता है। ऐसे में लॉकडाउन में हुई कम बिक्री से उनका प्रोफिट बहुत कम हो गया है। कई की तो हालत ऐसी है कि उनका लागत निकल पाना भी काफी मुश्किल है। संस्था की ओर से सर्वे की शुरुआत मई 2020 में की गई थी। इसमें उन्होंने जुलाई से अगस्त के बीच लगभग 1,800 उद्योगों के डाटा का अध्ययन किया। इसमें दिल्ली, हरियाणा, पंजाब, उत्तर प्रदेश, तमिलनाडु, गुजरात, महाराष्ट्र और राजस्थान को शामिल किया गया। ये सर्वे जनवरी 2021 तक जारी रखा जाएगा जिससे स्थिति और ज्यादा स्पष्ट हो सके। इस पेपर में वैश्विक संकट के दौर में भी महिलाओं एवं बच्चों को किन स्थितियों एवं हालातों का सामना करना पड़ रहा है, सामने लाना है।

Reproductive health is concerned with the people’s ability to have a satisfyingand safe sex life ensuring their capability to reproduce with a liberty of making a decision that if,when and how often they have to do so. In Pakistan, culturally females are married at a youngage; become mothers and are at risk of health complications i.e. HIV/ STD and STI. There isless utilization of reproductive health services throughout Pakistan that ultimately affects healthstatus of people at very young age. Most of the communities are not aware of reproductivehealth services, thus not availing these facilities. Objective: So the present study was designedto examine the females perceptions, attitude and practices about reproductive health servicesas well as to determine the level of their empowerment to take decisions and make choicesregarding their own reproductive health besides determining the level of the quality, availabilityand accessibility of reproductive health services and to suggest som...

The domestic violence is one of the most prevalent offences in India which can be often seen. There are several causes for such violence amongst women which leave its impact badly upon woman victims. Earlier, the domestic violence against women was considered as a routine fight between husband and wife with a myth that women are meant to be treated badly by their husband and in-laws. And there was no such women centric statute which could act as safeguard for women. However, crimes against women were addressed in Indian Penal Code (IPC) which is not sufficient enough to prevent grievances against women. Thankfully, the
Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) was introduced in 2005 which guarantees safety of women from the perpetrator who was in a domestic relationship with woman living in a shared household. Infact, the PWDVA also gives privilege to women to have a rightful accommodation in her matrimonial home.
Key words: Domestic violence, intimate partner violence (IVP), Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), domestic relationship, shared household.

Background and aim Physical activity levels in older people often decrease and may mean impaired physical functioning leading to an increased fall risk. The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported change in physical activity dose and deterioration in balance performance, gait speed, and self-rated health (SRH) in older women between two time points in a follow-up study. Methods A cohort of community-living women, aged 69-79 years (n = 351) were evaluated by questionnaire and clinical tests on balance, gait speed, and SRH at baseline. One hundred and eighty-six women were followed-up by these tests 8.5 years after inclusion. The non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for the analysis. Results The greatest changes were seen in one-leg standing time (OLST) with eyes closed (-60%) and eyes open (-42%). The population was divided into high exercise (HE, n = 49) and low exercise (LE, n = 51) groups. At baseline the HE group had an OLST of 19 s with eyes open and 3 s with eyes closed. In the LE group, these values were 7.3 s and 2 s. At follow-up, differences between HE and LE concerning tandem walk forwards (steps) (HE = 8.5; LE = 2.5) and backwards (HE = 11; LE = 3.5) emerged. The HE group estimated SRH (VAS-scale) 30 mm higher at baseline and 17 mm higher at follow-up than the LE group. Conclusion Greater physical activity seems to be an important predictor for maintaining physical function and SRH in older women.

While clinical causes like haemorrhage and sepsis dominate discourse on maternal mortality in Nigeria, they often obscure deeper psychosocial origins-particularly unresolved emotional trauma. Drawing from global psychosomatic research, traditional healing frameworks, and personal clinical experience, this paper explores how shame, silence, and emotional repression heighten physiological vulnerability and lead to care avoidance. The argument advances a trauma-informed, dual-system model for maternal health-integrating modern biomedical practices with traditional healing to address root causes holistically.

Across Nigeria, rising infertility rates have led many women to turn to herbal selfmedication, often without medical supervision. However, the informal herbal market remains largely unregulated, posing significant safety concerns. This study presents field observations from three Abuja markets-Karimo, Tipper Garage Gwarinpa, and Utako-highlighting the risks posed by cinnamon misidentification in herbal fertility treatments. Specifically, cassia and Indonesian cinnamon, both high in hepatotoxic coumarin, are commonly sold as Ceylon cinnamon. A case vignette of a woman unknowingly consuming toxic cinnamon daily to manage high prolactin underscores the urgent need for botanical regulation, consumer education, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure safe herbal practice in Nigeria.

Premenstrual syndrome is a physiological disorder that affects a woman's physical, emotional, and behavioural health and starts many days before menstrual bleeding begins. PMS is the abbreviation for premenstrual syndrome. PMS has been shown to have negative impacts on a woman's subjective and psychological well-being, leading to changes in her activities, incompatibility in marriage, and inappropriate behaviour with children. PMS symptoms are divided into two categories: physical and psychological. Feeling burdened, prone to stress, difficulties concentrating, decreased social contact, loneliness, performance impairment, substance abuse, angry outbursts, and death wishes are all examples of psychological conditions.

"Essential Stretches" is a comprehensive guide aimed at promoting flexibility, mobility, and muscular health through 40 targeted stretches. Designed for individuals across all fitness levels—athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and beginners alike—this paper outlines clear, step-by-step instructions for stretches focused on different muscle groups. From hamstrings and glutes to shoulders and neck, each stretch is supported by practical tips and safety guidelines. The guide not only serves as a preventive tool for injury but also supports enhanced posture, muscle relaxation, and functional movement, thereby contributing to long-term physical well-being.

On the basis of The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act 2021, Government of India has reformation and standardised education and practice of allied and health care professional. Based on it, this article has highlighted on pedagogical principles towards development of physiotherapy curriculums. In this article I have tried to enlighten certain core principles like quality, modernisation and many more.

El presente seminario de graduacion estudia los Conocimientos, Actitudes y Practica sobre Atencion Prenatal de bajo riesgo en el personal de salud que atiende embarazadas en las areas de Salud del departamento de Matagalpa, ano 2017; pretende Evaluar los Conocimiento, Actitudes y Practica sobre dicho tema en el personal de salud que atiende en el puesto de salud San Pedro, municipio de Sebaco, Matagalpa. Este tema representa un problema de salud a nivel mundial, nacional y sobre todo a nivel departamental ya que; ENDSA (2015) manifiesta que Matagalpa ocupa el segundo lugar en muerte materna en Nicaragua, por eso es de suma importancia el abordaje del mismo y la evaluacion de las capacidades y destrezas del personal de salud en la atencion brindada a las gestantes. Se evaluo a un medico general en su segundo ano de servicio social y a un enfermero profesional que tiene 9 anos de experiencia laboral, el medico obtuvo el 100% de respuestas correctas y el enfermero el 71%. La actitud id...

The difficulties of collective life, housing problems, legal
problems affect the health of migrant individuals negatively
from social, cultural, psychological, and physical aspects.
Women are more affected relatively compared to men due
to the causes such as social status, social gender, and low
socio-economic levels and are in a more disadvantageous
position to benefit from health services. Refugee women have
physical, psychological, and social obstacles due to problems
in public life, environmental issues, language barriers, lack
of health insurance, economic problems, and education and
transportation problems. All of these problems cause refugee
women to be included in the risk and disadvantage groups
considering reproductive health problems and violence,
sexual harassment, rape, sexually transmitted infections,
pregnancy and reproductive health problems related to
childbirth. Women are trying to meet the needs of family
members while fighting gender inequality. Refugee women
face problems during access to health services due to language
problems, low educational and socioeconomic level, cultural
differences, inadequate use of contraceptives, inadequate
health perception, difficulties in transport to health care
institutions, lack of health insurance, lack of adequate health
care facilities and qualified staff in migrated areas, legal
restrictions and non-availability of translators. The needs of
refugee women related to reproductive health services are also
increasing gradually. Accordingly, it is essential to organize
reproductive health development programs to deal with, to
evaluate, and to bring permanent solutions to the reproductive
health problems of the refugee women.
Keywords: Refugee Women, Reproductive Health,
Reproductive Health Problems, Reproductive Health Services

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common health problem that adversely
affects young women’s quality of life. This paper evaluated the effectiveness
of a “Training Program for Coping with PMS Symptoms based on
Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model” in university nursing
students. This controlled intervention study was conducted between
September 2017 and February 2018. No sampling was performed. The goal
was to include all students who met the inclusion criteria. The sample
consisted of 95 first-year nursing students from two universities divided
into two groups: intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 45) (power of
84.5%, p = .05, effect size = 0.45). The intervention group received the
training, followed by individual motivational counseling first and second
months after the training. The control group did not participate in the
training program. The intervention group had more PMS symptoms coping
behaviors (recognizing premenstrual change, performing regular exercises,
relaxation techniques, pursuing a healthy diet, communicating with family
and friends) than their counterparts in the control group after the training
program (p < .05). The intervention group had higher Premenstrual Coping
Measure scores (recognizing premenstrual changes, performing self-care,
avoiding harm, communicating) after training program (p < .05). Although
habits are hard to break, especially at young ages, the training helped
university students adopt PMS coping behaviors.

DEDICATION I would like to express my heartfelt dedication to my esteemed parents, cherished siblings, supportive friends, dedicated students, and all those who provided invaluable assistance throughout the process of creating this work. To my beloved wife and my dear offspring, Mohamed, Maria, and Manal, and the little queen Maiza your love inspires me every day. And to you, my dear reader, I extend my gratitude and dedicate this work to you as well.

The construction of integrated health services (RISS) is a strategy to improve continuity of care and overall efficiency. But one result of the integration of more complex networks to be evaluated for the analysis of efficiency. The aim of this study is to measure the efficiency of the RISS, from 2009, of three micro-regions (MR) from the health district 3 (DS 3) the city of Recife-PE, in terms of accessibility, quality of care, coordination and problem-solving capacity of the network of health services using indicators of productivity and output. These results can be interpreted as pointing to a way forward for the study of RISS, despite the limitations in the data provided by the Information Systems used in this study. Unable to distinguish what kind of people were rendered specifically the mental health because the SIA and SIH only provide information for health facility which led to an analysis of indicators for health facility is not possible to exclude users who reside outside...

La OMS/OPS admite que los patrones de conducta sexuales de los adolescentes y jóvenes han cambiado. Se afirma la consejería adolescente ha mostrado buenos resultados. Por ello el propósito de este estudio es evaluar un cuestionario que evaluará este tipo de intervención. Objetivos Establecer la validez de constructo y la confiabilidad de un instrumento para evaluar consejería en adolescentes asistentes al centro de salud Rucahueche. Métodos Estudio exploratorio con una muestra de 151 adolescentes entre 15 y 19 años, a los que se les aplicó un cuestionario autoadministrado. La validez de constructo y de consistencia interna fue evaluada por análisis factorial y el Alfa de Cronbach, respectivamente. Resultados El análisis factorial identificó en 3 dimensiones 10 constructos, los cuales explicaron el 62% - 67% de su variabilidad. A su vez, el análisis de consistencia interna obtuvo una puntuaci´ón de alfa de 0,934. Conclusiones El instrumento mostró evidencias de validez de construc...

INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE THE MENTAL HEALTH OF MIGRANT WOMEN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
This study aims to conduct a systematic review of interventions aimed at improving the mental health of women forced to migrate due to reasons such as war, political conflict, or natural disasters, within the limitations of existing research. The primary objective of the study is to identify effective intervention strategies addressing the mental health challenges faced by international migrant women, compile existing research, and guide future studies. Accordingly, a systematic review will be conducted, covering interventions implemented over the past decade to enhance the mental health of international migrant women.This review seeks not only to provide a guide for improving services in this field but also to identify the types of research needed in the future. The systematic review question formulated at the outset of the study is as follows: "What are the interventions aimed at improving the mental health of international migrant women?" Given the unique challenges and mental health issues faced by international migrant women, the findings of this study are expected to provide a significant foundation for the development of mental health services for migrant women on a global scale.

Öz:
Bu çalışma, savaş, siyasi çatışma veya doğal afet gibi nedenlerle göç etmek zorunda kalan kadınların ruh sağlığını iyileştirmeye yönelik müdahalelerin sistematik bir incelemesini, mevcut araştırma sınırlılıkları dahilinde gerçekleştirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu bağlamda çalışmanın temel hedefi, uluslararası göçmen kadınların karşılaştığı ruh sağlığı sorunlarına yönelik etkili müdahale stratejilerini belirlemek, mevcut araştırmaları derleyerek gelecekteki çalışmalara yön vermektir. Bu doğrultuda, son on yılda uluslararası göçmen kadınların ruh sağlığını iyileştirmeye yönelik gerçekleştirilen müdahaleleri kapsayan sistematik bir inceleme yapılacaktır. Söz konusu inceleme, bu alandaki hizmetlerin geliştirilmesi için bir rehber sunmanın yanı sıra, gelecekte hangi tür araştırmalara ihtiyaç duyulduğunu da tespit etmeyi hedeflemektedir. İncelemeye başlarken oluşturulan sistematik derleme sorusu ise şöyledir: “Uluslararası göçmen kadınların ruh sağlığını iyileştirmeye yönelik müdahaleler nelerdir?”. Uluslararası göçmen kadınların benzersiz zorlukları ve ruh sağlığı sorunları göz önünde bulundurulduğunda, bu çalışmanın bulgularının uluslararası alanda göçmen kadınların ruh sağlığı hizmetlerinin geliştirilmesi için önemli bir temel oluşturacağı düşünülmektedir.

In early modern times, the possibilities for a woman to practice a health care profession were rather restricted. The attitude in the medical ranks towards female professionals was quite ambivalent: While physicians such as Andrés Laguna or Paracelsus recommend learning from women healers, other doctors have a negative perception of women practicing medicine because they consider an academic background and knowledge of Latin and Greek indispensable for the healing arts. Of particular interest are the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology. This time I will study the fictionalization of this controversy in literary works of physician-writers like Symphorien Champier who was particularly involved in the Querelle de femmes or Francisco Delicado who, in his Lozana Andaluza, creates the character of a female healer who, thanks to her orally acquired practical knowledge, seriously competes with academic medical practitioners.

Women's  health  in  Northeast  India  faces  myriad  issues  intricately  rooted  in various  sociocultural  factors,  limited  access  to  healthcare,  and  economic disparities  among  the  population.  This  paper  aims  to  provide  an  in-depth examination of the health challenges that women in this region at the periphery of the Indian  nation-state encounter on a consistent basis. Through an analysis of existing literature,surveys, and interviews with healthcare professionals, this study  is  an  attempt  to  shed  light  on  the  complexities  of  women's  health  in Northeast  India,particularly  in  Assam,emphasizing  the  need  for  a  multi-dimensional  approach  to  address  these  issues.While  significant  progress  has been made in recent years in overcoming the challenges, the paper explores the key aspects of reproductive health, nutrition, access to (adequate) healthcare, and the influence of sociocultural factors on women’s health. The paper also discusses ongoing initiatives and potential solutions to improve women's health inAssam, aiming to promote gender equity and overall well-being.The findings presented in  this  researchwould  help  policymakers  as  well  as  healthcare  providers  in developing more effective strategies to improvewomen's health in this region.Keywords:Women,  nutrition,  maternal  health,  socio-cultural  factors,  policy implications.

Título: Método Madre Canguro: Valoración de Enfermería. Resumen Las cifras de mortalidad y morbilidad de los recién nacidos, especialmente de los prematuros y de bajo peso, son elevadas y más aún en los países carentes de recursos ya que constituyen una de las poblaciones más vulnerables. La pérdida de calor corporal por parte del recién nacido, la falta de lactancia materna y la presencia de estímulos dolorosos contribuyen, en gran parte, a aumentar dichas cifras. Para reducir este problema se han creado algunas intervenciones, como por ejemplo el Método Madre Canguro, cuyos beneficios se basan en el contacto piel con piel entre la madre y su recién nacido. Palabras clave: recién nacido, madre, método canguro, termorregulación, lactancia y desarrollo neurológico.

The increasing prevalence of hysterectomies among young women in various states of India over the past decade has raised signifi cant concerns. The study on hysterectomy among rural women from weaker socioeconomic backgrounds in a district in Maharashtra examines the factors that shape the choice of healthcare facilities. Existing studies and news reports indicate that among the various stakeholders, private practitioners unnecessarily prescribe hysterectomy for monetary interests.

Are big breasts doomed to wearing bras? Is there a medical or physiological reason why women with big breasts need to lift their breasts, or "support" them, with a bra?

After 30 years of outreach warning women about the hazards of bras, and after talking with thousands of women about how their bras affect their bodies, one of the most commonly asked questions I get is from large-breasted women who want to toss their bras, but are afraid that they need a bra for support. They somehow believe that the brafree lifestyle that optimizes breast health is something that they cannot do because of their breast size.

This article addresses this misconception, and gives big-breasted women the support they need to stop wearing the support they don’t need.

This article analyzes period poverty based on interviews with six girlsliving in a region on the outskirts of the city of Porto Alegre (Brazil).The results of the qualitative study reveal some realities that arebehind the numbers. The lack of information about menstrualhealth, menstrual cycles, and the limited self-awareness about thebody became evident. All the interviewed adolescents whosought health services due to any menstrual or body-relatedissues during puberty received a racist, sexist, or ageist treatmentor a combination of these prejudices. Their accounts regardingaccess to menstrual hygiene products and sanitationinfrastructure do not fully correspond to the data on periodpoverty: the girls have access to disposable sanitary pads duringmenstruation, clean water, and bathrooms in usable conditions.The stories told by the teenagers expand the discussion aboutperiod poverty as they highlight cultural factors related to theirmenstrual experiences. Their accounts also show that initiativesand public policies to combat menstrual precariousness cannotbe limited to the material field and point to the need for systemiccultural changes to combat racism, sexism, and ageism.

This article discusses the underreported risks of breast cancer linked to two lifestyle factors: alcohol consumption and tight bra usage. While alcohol is a known carcinogen associated with increased breast cancer risk, bras are seldom discussed as a contributing factor. Tight bras inhibit lymphatic circulation, which impairs the body's ability to remove toxins and fight cancer cells. The combined effect of alcohol and bra usage results in alcohol toxins accumulating in the breasts when lymphatic flow is restricted by tight bras, exacerbating breast cancer risk. Despite the evidence, cultural biases, the fashion industry, and the medical community's focus on genetics and pharmaceuticals have prevented widespread acknowledgment of these factors. It is advised for women to reduce alcohol intake and go bra-free for improved breast health, citing findings from the International Bra-Free Study. The article also criticizes the medical and industry influence in concealing the health hazards posed by these lifestyle factors.

En: In-fan-cia : educar de 0 a 6 años : revista de la Asociación de Maestros Rosa Sensat Barcelona 2006, n. 95, enero-febrero ; p. 39-42 El contacto piel a piel entre el bebé prematuro y su madre permite establecer vínculos entre madre e hijo. Además, acelera la maduración neurológica del prematuro, devuelve a la madre el papel protagonista principal y aumenta la confianza y seguridad de la madre hacia su hijo, lo que permite y favorece la lactancia materna, Bibliografía al final

The paper examines the impact of the initiative taken by a non-government organization-Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA)-in Ahmedabad, a city in western India to impart knowledge about sexual and reproductive health to adolescent girls. Quasi-experimental design was used for data collection from beneficiary and non-beneficiary households in two rural blocks and two cities of Gujarat. Non-beneficiary households from control areas were selected with similar socioeconomic characteristics. The study noted that the girls from control areas were not much different with respect to awareness about reproductive and sexual health compared to those who were exposed to training imparted by SEWA. While the girls who participated in health training received information on menstrual hygiene, their household situation was not always conducive to allow them to practice what was taught. Girls were keen to learn about what is safe sex or how to deal if confronted with difficult boy-girl interaction. The need to include discussion on such issues with young girls is evident and timely. Any intervention to improve the conditions of adolescent girls cannot be limited to providing information about hygiene or giving additional nutritional supplement (as is done in the government centres), but it is important to create a space for them to express their concerns. Also, there is a need for interaction with parents to make them sensitive towards health of their young girls and help them pursue their goals.

Desde hace más de cuarenta años el tema del embarazo adolescente viene abordándose en América Latina desde diversas disciplinas, enfoques y metodologías. En los últimos veinte años estudios con enfoques cualitativos o etnográficos, constructivistas y feministas, desarrollados por las ciencias sociales, proponen un abordaje del tema a partir de las experiencias y los significados que las propias adolescentes dan a dicho evento en sus vidas; indagando en los contextos y las relaciones en las que esos significados se construyen. Un estudio etnográfico desarrollado en Panamá permite reconocer dimensiones hasta ahora ocultas en la problematización del embarazo adolescente en el país, entre ellas, las violencias de las que son objeto las propias adolescentes en al menos tres momentos: en los contextos donde ocurre el embarazo, en sus experiencias como adolescentes embarazadas y, muy especialmente, en el momento del parto. Reconocemos en esos tres momentos varios tipos de violencia de género recogidas en la ley 82 (2013), que tipifica el femicidio y la violencia contra la mujer en Panamá: violencia doméstica, física, sexual, económica, psicológica u obstétrica, ejercida por la familia, la sociedad o las instituciones. Todas ellas aparecen en sus relatos testimoniales sobre la experiencia del embarazo, con consecuencias determinantes en las causas y los impactos negativos de dicho embarazo en sus vidas. Los resultados obtenidos indican cómo la violencia de género atraviesa el fenómeno del embarazo en la adolescencia y permiten dirigir intervenciones para prevenirlo y reducir sus efectos perjudiciales.

The concept of development was popular in the 1950s and 1960s as an economic aspect and later expanded its tentacles to other features like social, political, etc. Development is about a positive change which is primarily achieved by planning and policy making. With this objective of the desired transformation, the idea of sustainable development gained significance in the late 1980s in the backdrop of the environmental context with the thrust area of using the resources not only by the present generation but also by ensuring the availability of the future generation. Sustainability is inclusive of all i.e., everyone and every species. The idea of sexual and reproductive health was recognized at the 4 th International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994 at the international forum for the first time. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015 of the UN has 17 goals. The third goal is on Good Health and Well-being for all at all ages which includes women's health. Specifically, goal 3.7 addresses reproductive health and universal access to its services is the aim. The fifth goal of SDGs is gender equality where empowering women and girls is the prime objective. In this goal 5.6 reports the sexual and reproductive rights which is as per the population and development. For sustainable development to take place, it is essential to consider both genders and their health. Women's reproductive health and empowerment are spelled out in the third and the fifth goals of SDGs. In light of the SDGs, the present article discusses the relationship between aspects of women's reproductive health, their rights, and autonomy, and how the embeddedness of reproductive health can support their empowerment.

The caesarean section (C-section) has become widely accepted as a safe intervention to minimize maternal delivery risk and reduce maternal and newborn mortality, and the share of C-section delivery in total delivery is increasing over time. Many studies assess the association of C-section with out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). The present study attempts to measure the influence of change in place of residence on OOPE for normal/caesarean section delivery by place of hospitalization and type of healthcare facilities using National Sample Survey Organization 75th round data. The number of caesarean births is lower in public hospitals and the cost of delivery is high in private facilities. Distance of hospitalization causes catastrophic OOPE on maternal delivery, and the probability of caesarean delivery has also increased.

This study investigates the impact of overpopulation on women with anemia in Pakistan. With a rapidly growing population, the strain on healthcare systems and nutritional resources has significant implications for public health, particularly among women of reproductive age. Using data from national surveys and various studies, this paper explores the correlation between population growth and anemia prevalence, identifies key factors contributing to this health issue, and proposes recommendations to mitigate the problem. The findings reveal a strong association between overpopulation and the high prevalence of anemia among women, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions.

Background: Physical and emotional manifestations of premenstrual disorder cause increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and decreased work-related quality of life. Objective: Due to the relatively high prevalence of premenstrual disorders in Iran and limited studies on its work-related problems, this study investigated the relationship between premenstrual disorders and work performance in working women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 358 working women (teachers and industrial workers) in Yazd, Iran, from July 2019 to January 2020. Data were collected using premenstrual symptom screening tool, the work productivity and activity impairment (a modified version), and functional work capacity questionnaires. Women were classified into 2 groups: women with and without premenstrual disorders. Productivity, functional capacity, and ability to perform activities of daily living were compared between groups. Results: Among 358 participants, 121 women (33.8%) had premenstrual disorders. The prevalence of premenstrual disorders was significantly higher in teachers than workers (0.41% vs. 24.7%, respectively) (p = 0.002). The work results showed a worse score in the group with premenstrual disorder than the other group and teachers compared to workers (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed a significant association between premenstrual disorders and worse work productivity, functional work capacity, and ability to perform activities of daily living. Teachers had a higher prevalence of premenstrual disorders and worse work performance than workers, which can be due to higher education levels, work stress, more complex tasks, and increased work responsibility in teachers.

Background: Reproductive morbidity encompasses obstetric morbidity, gynecological morbidity & contraceptive morbidity but still maternal mortality is only indicator for women's health even though Reproductive morbidity occurs far more frequently & seriously affects women's lives.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of various Gynaecological Morbidities & determinants among the women of reproductive age group in urban slums of Bhavnagar city.

Materials & Methods: Community based cross sectional study was carried out by using multistage sampling method. A total of 750 women in the reproductive age group of 15 to 49 years (excluding currently pregnant) were interviewed using a pre-tested structured Performa.

Results: The prevalance of Gynaecological Morbidities among study group was 45.1%, with majority having symptoms suggestive of Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI) (26.4%) & menstrual problems (26%). Among RTI, vaginal discharge (20.7%) was the most frequently encountered symptom. Education & marital status of women had shown significant influence on the occurrence of vaginal discharge (p<0.05) while socio-economic status failed to show any association.

Conclusion: Vaginal discharge was the most common gynaecological morbidity which is influenced by education & marital status. Hence sex counselling & reproductive health education is essential for the women to improve reproductive hygiene.

Apart from the fallout of the consequences of the incidence of COVID-19 pandemic, the emergency period recorded rise in incidences of domestic and sexual violence, including the questions of gender inequality, cultural, and social practices of patriarchy and discrimination against women in Pakistan.

The pandemic has resulted in exacerbating myriad issues and problems for women in Pakistan at various levels of Pakistani social order, therefore, a concrete sociological, anthropological, and economic survey is needed to address challenges at cross-sectional levels.

There is little research that has addressed a direct relationship between the pandemic emergency and instances of gender violence, which has reinforced cultural patriarchy resulting in social and economic stratification of gender and exacerbated inequality which needs to be addressed urgently.

A combination of factors  are needed to be assessed and analysed to mainstream policies and strategies for addressing the greater challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on Pakistani women.

Furthermore, women’s innumerable ordeals suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in worsening gaps of hierarchy of men and their traditional roles in Pakistani society. Not only have the cases of domestic violence and abuse increased but also an inequality in net income combined with sexual and physical assaults, have continued to be on the rise.

These patterns need to be taken seriously and therefore a survey is necessary to identify the groups effected, along with the quantitative data that can help identify the target groups and propose policy solutions.

Therefore, there is a dire need for the study of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and its co-relationship with problems of domestic and sexual violence, including the questions of gender inequality, cultural, and social practices of patriarchy and discrimination against women in Pakistan.

This research, thus, attempts to trace the problems and effects of COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency on the cross-section of urban and rural women population groups in Pakistan. It is based on a fact-finding survey of urban areas of Karachi with women as the focus groups. The survey data will be used to analyse the cross-sections of quantitative and qualitative effects of the pandemic on high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups of women.

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease. It has several associations with hormonal fluctuations; the body undergoes several physiological hormonal mechanisms. In several physiological conditions, hormonal fluctuations have been observed. One such condition is pregnancy. Several hormones are at play during pregnancy; one such hormone is PTH. Parathyroid hormone is essential to increase the maternal absorption of calcium during gestation and has been observed to have a direct effect on the Periodontium. Pregnancy confers detrimental changes to the periodontal tissues in expectant mothers. In this article, we would focus on the periodontal health seen among pregnant women and how the parathyroid hormone levels vary in pregnancy in contrast to its normal mechanism. A lacuna in the literature exists, preventing us from forming an association between the varying parathyroid levels and the periodontal health status of pregnant women observed longitudinally through their pregnancies. Through this article, we aim to bridge that gap.

The fact that pornography (filmed sexual violence) has an impact on viewers’s life and mental health is a reality that is becoming more self-evident and is being studied more frequently by the scientific community. To document the direct and indirect consequences of pornography on women (either those who watch it, are being filmed themselves, or even those who live with men who watch pornography and reproduce sexual violence in their private lives), we must first identify any gender biases present in the current scientific literature.
This work is the result of a systematic literature review of all papers published since 2021 that include the keywords “pornography” and “health”. Our results answer the following research questions: the total number of papers published; whether they talk about health; whether they specify any mental or physical impact segregated by the sex of the viewer; whether they establish a connection between pornography and sexual violence; whether they refer to pornography use as a positive/harmful/neutral habit.
We found that specialized scientific literature does not generally segregate the effects of its use by sex, and it does not identify men as the perpetrators of sexual violence in this context. Moreover, the literature we reviewed overwhelmingly focuses on the effects on man, and it pathologizes both the high consumption of pornography as well as the reproduction of behaviors learned from pornography. The very few papers we found describing the effects of pornography on women tend to focus only on psychological distress and unspecified physical issues. We couldn't find any study drawing a connection between women's health and the pornography viewing habits of their male sexual partners. Finally, we couldn’t find a single study that investigates the physical and psychological consequences for those women filmed in pornography.

Keywords: Health, Women, Pornography.

Revisar la evidencia científica actual sobre los efectos fisiológicos del método canguro, explorar las barreras y facilitadores para su aplicación, e identificar áreas de conocimiento aún no exploradas. Marco Teórico: El método canguro, pese a sus beneficios para los bebés prematuros y de bajo peso, enfrenta dificultades en su implementación. Su aceptación y aplicación varía por diversos factores, tanto culturales e institucionales, así como la falta de apoyo a las madres y a las familias. Método: Revisión Integrativa, de estudios cuantitativos y cualitativos. La valoración crítica de los estudios se realizó con la herramienta del Joanna Briggs Institute.

Surrogate motherhood represents an increasingly common method of human reproduction, which helps overcome successfully the obstacles of infertility. However, surrogate motherhood, due to its imprecise legal regulation and complex nature, entails many controversies. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine the need and the necessity for such regulation in Croatia, taking in account the already existing methods of medically assisted reproduction. Given the adequate level of public awareness of acceptability of surrogate motherhood, we propose an appropriate legislative solution, based on a prior comparative analysis of the existing legal regulation in different countries. Due to the fact that surrogate motherhood raises many, not only legal, but also medical and bioethical questions, it was impossible to avoid those aspects of the problem.