Is Subjective Cognitive Decline Associated with Behavioral Health Outcomes Among Mothers?

OBJECTIVES: Studies suggests that pregnancy can alter the maternal neurological function of the brain (i.e., result in cognitive decline) in a way that remains prevalent well into middle and older adulthood. However, little research has explored these changes and how they might affect behavioral health outcomes, such as substance use and depression. METHODS: We merged data from the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys, with a final analytic sample of 1330 female participants (649 participants were mothers). Chi-square tests or t-tests were used to examine differences in demographic and health characteristics of the sample by subjective cognitive decline (SCD) status. To test the study hypotheses, three generalized linear mixed models were estimated with a logit link. RESULTS: SCD was not associated with alcohol misuse among mothers (aOR = 0.27, p = 0.23). Mothers with SCD were more likely to smoke (aOR = 3.33, p = 0.01) and experience mental distress (aOR = 6.59, p < 0.001) than those without SCD. CONCLUSION: Interventions aimed at supporting mothers should consider how existing mental health and tobacco cessation programs can be adapted to better serve this population and should aim to identify those that may have early signs of early signs of neurodegenerative conditions.

Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, January 2022.

An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of breastfeeding while employed and commentaries on reviews focused on mammography test characteristics and sexual health for gynecologic cancer survivors. It also includes a quick update on a USPSTF review for aspirin as pre-eclampsia prophylaxis.

Improving mammography access for women with disabilities: Outcomes of the CDC's right to know campaign.

Women with disabilities share similar risks for breast cancer as other women yet experience a lack of access to cancer screening and are less likely to receive screening mammograms in accordance with recommended guidelines. The present study evaluated mammography centers across the state of Montana in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Right to Know campaign, which focused on addressing barriers to breast cancer screening. Mammography centers were originally evaluated in 2009 and were reassessed in 2011 and 2015 after being given action plans to address accessibility barriers. The current study examined changes in accessibility across time in four priority areas: 1) van and standard parking, 2) exterior and interior routes, 3) mammography rooms, and 4) restrooms. Results indicate all mammography centers had a least one mammography machine that lowered for patients in a seated position and that accessibility of the four priority areas improved over time; however, improvements were still needed to encourage health equity for women with disabilities.