Sexual dimorphism in skin immunity is mediated by an androgen-ILC2-dendritic cell axis.

Males and females exhibit profound differences in immune responses and disease susceptibility. However, the factors responsible for sex differences in tissue immunity remain poorly understood. Here, we uncovered a dominant role for type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in shaping sexual immune dimorphism within the skin. Mechanistically, negative regulation of ILC2s by androgens leads to a reduction in dendritic cell accumulation and activation in males, along with reduced tissue immunity. Collectively, our results reveal a role for the androgen-ILC2-dendritic cell axis in controlling sexual immune dimorphism. Moreover, this work proposes that tissue immune set points are defined by the dual action of sex hormones and the microbiota, with sex hormones controlling the strength of local immunity and microbiota calibrating its tone.

Experiential-sensorial adaptive system model for hospitality based on 360° VR videos and case-based reasoning.

In this work, an adaptive software architecture is proposed for the generation of experiences for hotel promotion and marketing, based on Case-based Reasoning (CBR) that uses the attributes and user characteristics and immersive 360° videos. Considering that immersion in virtual reality (VR) environments can trigger responses in various dimensions, such as affective, cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral dimensions, these dimensions are evaluated in immersive environments with 360° videos. To validate the results obtained with the software architecture, a quasi-experimental study was conducted through the evaluation of the experience, consisting in the visualization of the environments of a boutique hotel, with a sample of a randomly selected group of young people. The contribution of this work lies in the use of 360° VR videos, for the visualization of the hotel characteristics and environments according the user profiles, to evaluate the affective, cognitive and attitudinal and behavioral responses and their influence on the booking intention and attitude. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future work have been established.

Inclusion4EU: Co-Designing a Framework for Inclusive Software Design and Development.

Digital technology is now pervasive, however, not all groups have uniformly benefitted from technological changes and some groups have been left behind or digitally excluded. Comprehensive data from the 2017 Current Population Survey shows that older people and persons with disabilities still lag behind in computer and internet access. Furthermore unique ethical, privacy and safety implications exist for the use of technology for older persons and people with disabilities and careful reflection is required to incorporate these aspects, which are not always part of a traditional software lifecycle. In this paper we present the Inclusion4EU project that aims to co-design a new framework, guidelines and checklists for inclusive software design and development with end-users from excluded categories, academics with expertise in human-computer interaction and industry practitioners from software engineering.

Predictors and clinical complications associated with antiphospholipid antibodies in sickle cell disease.

Although a higher prevalence of antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL) has been observed in some cohorts of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, the clinical risk factors for the development of aPL and its associated complications remain unclear. In a retrospective study of 63 SCD patients, a lower hemoglobin concentration and higher white blood cell count were independently associated with an elevated aPL. SCD patients with elevated aPL had increased pregnancy complications (≥3 miscarriages, preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia) and venous thrombotic events. Our findings suggest that SCD may predispose to the generation of aPL and that aPL itself may contribute to the vasculopathy of SCD. Prospective testing for aPL is warranted in patients with SCD.

Gut immune cells and intestinal niche imprinting.

The intestine comprises the largest proportion of immune cells in the body. It is continuously exposed to new antigens and immune stimuli from the diet, microbiota but also from intestinal pathogens. In this review, we describe the main populations of immune cells present along the intestine, both from the innate and adaptive immune system. We later discuss how intestinal niches significantly impact the phenotype and function of gut immune populations at steady state and upon infection.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in pediatric patients: experience in a tertiary care institution in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by the development of polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, mucocutaneous pigmentation, and the risk of developing malignant neoplasms. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological data of patients with PJS treated in a tertiary pediatric hospital. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study to describe the epidemiological, clinical, endoscopic, and histological characterization of patients with PJS treated in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Mexico. RESULTS: We included 13 cases with a male-female ratio of 1.16:1. Abdominal pain was the main reason for consultation, followed by rectorrhagia. Patients showed mucocutaneous pigmentation and polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, frequently of the hamartomatous type, although inflammatory polyps, follicular hyperplasia, and adenomatous polyps were also found. Among the complications, there was a high prevalence of emergency surgery secondary to abdominal obstructive processes, the main reason for first-time consultation in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The main clinical manifestations were mucocutaneous pigmentation, abdominal pain, and rectorrhagia. PJS should be included in the differential diagnosis in the presence of intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis of PJS should not be excluded if hamartomatous polyps are not evident on the first endoscopy. Nutritional assessment should be included due to the risk of presenting some degree of malnutrition.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Peutz-Jeghers es una enfermedad hereditaria autosómica dominante poco frecuente, caracterizada por el desarrollo de pólipos en el tubo digestivo, pigmentación mucocutánea y riesgo de desarrollar neoplasias malignas. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los datos epidemiológicos, clínicos e histopatológicos de los pacientes con SPJ atendidos en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo, para describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, endoscópicas e histopatológicas de los pacientes con SPJ atendidos en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel de atención en México. RESULTADOS: Se recopilaron 13 casos con una relación masculino-femenino de 1.16:1. El dolor abdominal fue el principal motivo de consulta, seguido por rectorragia. Los pacientes presentaban pigmentación mucocutánea y pólipos en el tubo digestivo, la mayoría del tipo hamartomatoso, aunque también se hallaron pólipos inflamatorios, hiperplasia folicular y adenomatosos. Dentro de las complicaciones se encontró una alta prevalencia de cirugías de emergencia secundarias a procesos obstructivos abdominales, motivo principal de consulta de primera vez en estos pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: Las principales manifestaciones clínicas fueron pigmentación mucocutánea, dolor abdominal y rectorragia. Ante un cuadro de obstrucción intestinal se debe considerar el SPJ en el diagnóstico diferencial. No se debe excluir el diagnóstico de SPJ si no se evidencian pólipos hamartomatosos en la primera endoscopia. Se debe incluir la valoración nutricional por el riesgo de presentar algún grado de desnutrición.

Report of a Primary Testicular Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Primary testicular rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare pediatric genitourinary tumor with few cases reported in the literature. The clinical presentation is identical to that of other common testicular neoplasms. Diagnosis entails careful microscopic examination and immunohistochemical analysis to rule out other primary testicular malignancies. Treatment consists of radical orchiectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy with possible retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. This multimodal approach is required to improve survival outcomes and reduce disease recurrence. We present the case of a primary testicular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a 19-year-old male who presented with a rapidly, enlarging, painless testicular mass. He was treated with radical orchiectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Once found with metastatic disease, he then received salvage chemotherapy and radiotherapy without success.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in pediatric patients: experience in a tertiary care institution in Mexico / Síndrome de Peutz-Jeghers en pacientes pediátricos: experiencia en una institución de tercer nivel de atención en México

Abstract Background: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by the development of polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, mucocutaneous pigmentation, and the risk of developing malignant neoplasms. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological data of patients with PJS treated in a tertiary pediatric hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study to describe the epidemiological, clinical, endoscopic, and histological characterization of patients with PJS treated in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Mexico. Results: We included 13 cases with a male-female ratio of 1.16:1. Abdominal pain was the main reason for consultation, followed by rectorrhagia. Patients showed mucocutaneous pigmentation and polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, frequently of the hamartomatous type, although inflammatory polyps, follicular hyperplasia, and adenomatous polyps were also found. Among the complications, there was a high prevalence of emergency surgery secondary to abdominal obstructive processes, the main reason for first-time consultation in these patients. Conclusions: The main clinical manifestations were mucocutaneous pigmentation, abdominal pain, and rectorrhagia. PJS should be included in the differential diagnosis in the presence of intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis of PJS should not be excluded if hamartomatous polyps are not evident on the first endoscopy. Nutritional assessment should be included due to the risk of presenting some degree of malnutrition.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Peutz-Jeghers es una enfermedad hereditaria autosómica dominante poco frecuente, caracterizada por el desarrollo de pólipos en el tubo digestivo, pigmentación mucocutánea y riesgo de desarrollar neoplasias malignas. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los datos epidemiológicos, clínicos e histopatológicos de los pacientes con SPJ atendidos en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo, para describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, endoscópicas e histopatológicas de los pacientes con SPJ atendidos en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel de atención en México. Resultados: Se recopilaron 13 casos con una relación masculino-femenino de 1.16:1. El dolor abdominal fue el principal motivo de consulta, seguido por rectorragia. Los pacientes presentaban pigmentación mucocutánea y pólipos en el tubo digestivo, la mayoría del tipo hamartomatoso, aunque también se hallaron pólipos inflamatorios, hiperplasia folicular y adenomatosos. Dentro de las complicaciones se encontró una alta prevalencia de cirugías de emergencia secundarias a procesos obstructivos abdominales, motivo principal de consulta de primera vez en estos pacientes. Conclusiones: Las principales manifestaciones clínicas fueron pigmentación mucocutánea, dolor abdominal y rectorragia. Ante un cuadro de obstrucción intestinal se debe considerar el SPJ en el diagnóstico diferencial. No se debe excluir el diagnóstico de SPJ si no se evidencian pólipos hamartomatosos en la primera endoscopia. Se debe incluir la valoración nutricional por el riesgo de presentar algún grado de desnutrición.

Dendritic cells (cross)dress for success.

The relevance of cross-dressing as an antigen presentation mechanism in antitumor responses is not fully understood. In this issue of Immunity, MacNabb et al. (2022) report that dendritic cells use cross-dressing as an effective mechanism to trigger CD8+ T cell antitumor immunity.

Macropinocytosis and Cell Migration: Don't Drink and Drive .

Macropinocytosis is a nonspecific mechanism by which cells compulsively "drink" the surrounding extracellular fluids in order to feed themselves or sample the molecules therein, hence gaining information about their environment. This process is cell-intrinsically incompatible with the migration of many cells, implying that the two functions are antagonistic. The migrating cell uses a molecular switch to stop and explore its surrounding fluid by macropinocytosis, after which it employs the same molecular machinery to start migrating again to examine another location. This cycle of migration/macropinocytosis allows cells to explore tissues, and it is key to a range of physiological processes. Evidence of this evolutionarily conserved antagonism between the two processes can be found in several cell types-immune cells, for example, being particularly adept-and ancient organisms (e.g., the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum). How macropinocytosis and migration are negatively coupled is the subject of this chapter.

Perspectives of Obstetricians and Women with a History of Prior Cesarean Birth Regarding Subsequent Mode of Birth in Trifinio and Coatepeque, Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: The decision regarding delivery in the context of a prior cesarean birth is complex because both trial of labor after cesarean and elective repeat cesarean birth have risks and benefits. PURPOSE: Our research objective was to understand the perspective of women and obstetricians regarding factors influencing mode of birth for women with a history of prior cesarean. METHODS: In February 2020, qualitative data was collected at Coatepeque Hospital in Coatepeque, Guatemala. In-depth interviews were conducted with obstetricians and women at the Center for Human Development in the Southwest Trifinio region. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using conceptual content analysis of key informant interviews to analyze the meaning of themes and concepts related to mode of delivery for women with a history of prior cesarean birth. RESULTS: Women described feeling conflicted about their preferences on the location and attendant of their future births, but suggested that the hospital setting, and physician providers were more capable of managing complications. Physicians felt trial of labor after cesarean was the safer option but described multiple reasons that made repeat cesarean birth the more common mode of birth. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for innovative approaches to patient messaging and education around mode of delivery after a prior cesarean in the Southwest Region in Guatemala. Findings from this study underscore the need to improve the quality and dissemination of the educational information given, medical history collected during prenatal care, and pain control during labor. Finally, there is a need for obstetric training to support vaginal birth in the facility setting for the successful implementation of evidence-based practices around trial of labor after cesarean at Coatepeque Hospital.

Prevalence and Predictors of Low Birth Weight in a Rural Guatemalan Community.

BACKGROUND: The intention of our study was to establish the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) as well as risk factors for LBW in infants born to a convenience sample of women enrolled in a home visitation maternal care program associated with the Center for Human Development in Southwest Trifinio, Guatemala. METHODS: This is an observational study analyzing self-reported data from a quality improvement database. We recorded the distribution of birthweights of infants born to women enrolled in Madres Sanas that delivered between October 2018 and December 2019. We grouped women by LBW (<2500g ) and adequate birthweight (≥2500g) infants, and performed bivariate comparisons using sociodemographic, obstetric, and intrapartum data. Using the independent variables shown to have an association with LBW, we then performed a multivariable analysis. RESULTS: There were 226 births among our program participants, 218 with recorded birthweights. The median birthweight was 3175g; 13.8% were LBW (<2500g), higher than Guatemala's average of 10.9%. Through our bivariate analysis, we determined women with LBW infants were younger, with a median age of 20.8 (IQR [17.8-23.7]) compared to a median age of 23.2 (IQR [19.8-27.3]) among women with infants ≥2500g (P=0.03). Women with LBW infants were also more likely to have fewer than 4 prenatal visits (33.3% vs 19.3%, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Two significant findings emerged from our analysis: LBW infants were more commonly born to women who were younger in age and who had received fewer than 4 prenatal visits. These findings are consistent with existing literature on LBW in Latin America. Our study helps to strengthen the data around these associations and gives credence to programming and policy efforts in Latin America that support adequate prenatal care for all and youth education about reproductive health and contraceptive access.

The Addition of Traditional Birth Attendant Care to a Home-Based Skilled Nursing Program in Rural Guatemala: A Secondary Analysis from a Quality Improvement Database.

INTRODUCTION: The use of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in low- and middle-income countries remains controversial. The aim of this secondary analysis was to observe factors associated with visiting a TBA in addition to a skilled nurse for antepartum care and how this additional care was associated with birth characteristics and outcomes. METHODS: The study included a convenience sample of women living in Southwestern Guatemala enrolled in a community nursing program between October 1, 2018, and December 3, 2019. This analysis describes the sociodemographic characteristics, antepartum care, birth outcomes, and postpartum behaviors of women who received antepartum care with skilled nurses only compared with women who received antepartum care with skilled nurses and a TBA. RESULTS: Of the 316 enrollees, 259 had given birth and completed their postpartum visit at the time of analysis. Three women were excluded because of missing data. The majority of women in the study sample reported visiting a TBA over the course of their pregnancies (80.9%). Women who saw a TBA in addition to the nurse were similar to the comparator sample except that they were almost 3 times more likely to have 8 or more prenatal contacts with the nurse. In separate multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for number of prenatal visits, women who saw a TBA in addition to nurses had a reduced likelihood of cesarean birth, increased likelihood of birth with a TBA, and increased likelihood of breastfeeding within one hour of birth compared with women who only received antenatal care from nurses. Patient-reported adverse outcomes were not included in the analysis because of low prevalence and concern about data quality and missing data. DISCUSSION: Among a convenience sample of women in the Trifinio community in rural Guatemala, a large proportion of women continued to seek the care of a TBA in pregnancy while using a skilled nursing program for antenatal care. Intentionally integrating the TBA into the maternity care workforce may be beneficial for improving pregnancy care quality measures.

Delivery of home-based post-partum contraception in rural Guatemalan women: feasibility, recruitment and retention in a cluster-randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Few cluster-randomized trials have been performed in rural Guatemala. Our objective was to describe the feasibility, recruitment and retention in our cluster-randomized trial. METHODS: In our cluster-randomized trial, a range of contraceptives were brought to mothers' homes in rural Guatemala. RESULTS: Of 173 women approached, 33 were excluded. Of the 140 eligible women, 127 (91%) consented to participate. Of the 87 women who should have been assessed for the primary outcome, three were lost to follow-up, which represents a retention rate of 97%. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses who are both clinical providers and study staff can feasibly conduct research, which leads to high enrollment and retention rates.

Initial Contraceptive Choices of Women Enrolled in a Cluster-Randomized Trial in Southwest Trifinio, Guatemala.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this analysis is to present initial contraceptive choices of women offered postpartum contraception in rural Guatemala. METHODS: We trained community nurses participating in the delivery of a home-based antepartum and postpartum care program in rural Guatemala in contraceptive implant placement and had them offer condoms, pills, an injection, or an implant at women's home-based 40-day postpartum visit in intervention clusters of a non-blinded, cluster-randomized trial. Women who had already started postpartum contraception or were over the age of 35 were excluded from participation. The primary outcome of the trial was contraceptive use at 3 months postpartum, so this initial analysis describes immediate preferences in the population. RESULTS: Of 208 women enrolled in the study, 108 were in intervention clusters and 100 lived in control clusters. In the intervention group, 32 women declined contraception, 36 women received the injectable, 30 women had an implant placed, 5 women started pills, 2 women chose condoms, and data on 3 women were missing. In the control clusters, 43 women were planning on the injectable, 11 planned on the implant, 10 did not want to start a method, 5 planned on sterilization, 2 aimed for natural family planning, 2 wanted a copper IUD, 1 woman wanted condoms, 18 did not know, and data on 8 women were missing. DISCUSSION: The contraceptive implant, which was not previously available in this community, had high uptake at 27.8% in the intervention group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04005391; Retrospectively Registered 7/2/2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04005391 Protocol: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3735-3.

Epithelial colonization by gut dendritic cells promotes their functional diversification.

Dendritic cells (DCs) patrol tissues and transport antigens to lymph nodes to initiate adaptive immune responses. Within tissues, DCs constitute a complex cell population composed of distinct subsets that can exhibit different activation states and functions. How tissue-specific cues orchestrate DC diversification remains elusive. Here, we show that the small intestine included two pools of cDC2s originating from common pre-DC precursors: (1) lamina propria (LP) CD103+CD11b+ cDC2s that were mature-like proinflammatory cells and (2) intraepithelial cDC2s that exhibited an immature-like phenotype as well as tolerogenic properties. These phenotypes resulted from the action of food-derived retinoic acid (ATRA), which enhanced actomyosin contractility and promoted LP cDC2 transmigration into the epithelium. There, cDC2s were imprinted by environmental cues, including ATRA itself and the mucus component Muc2. Hence, by reaching distinct subtissular niches, DCs can exist as immature and mature cells within the same tissue, revealing an additional mechanism of DC functional diversification.

Ocurrencia y factores asociados con la violencia física y psicológica a mujeres embarazadas atendidas en un hospital materno infantil / Occurrence and associated factors with physical and psychological violence on pregnant women users of a motherhood and children hospital

Resumen OBJETIVO: Estimar la ocurrencia y los factores asociados con la violencia física y psicológica ejercida a las embarazadas por parte de sus parejas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo y transversal efectuado en las pacientes atendidas entre los meses de junio a noviembre de 2019 en el Hospital de la Madre y el Niño Guerrerense, México. Mediante un cuestionario electrónico (Abuse Assessment Screen), autoadministrado, se indagaron los datos sociodemográficos, de violencia física y psicológica y los antecedentes ginecoobstétricos. La estimación de factores asociados se hizo mediante razón de momios y análisis multivariado. RESULTADOS: Se reunieron 463 registros útiles para el análisis; 125 (27%) reportaron violencia psicológica y 7% (n = 32) violencia física. Los factores asociados con la violencia psicológica fueron: antecedente de este tipo de violencia en la infancia (razón de momios ajustada [RMa] 2.5; IC95%: 1.3-4.8) y antes del embarazo (RMa: 33.9; IC95%: 18.9-60.6). Los factores asociados con la violencia física fueron: antecedente de este tipo de violencia antes del embarazo (RMa: 24.6; IC95%: 10.4- 58.6) y en la infancia (RMa: 3.6; IC95%: 1.5-8.5) además, consumo de alcohol durante el embarazo (RMa: 5.5; IC95%: 1.3-24.4). Estar casada o en unión libre fue un factor protector en contra de la violencia psicológica (RMa: 0.33; IC95%: 0.11-0.97) y física (RMa: 0.29; IC95%: 0.08-0.99). CONCLUSIONES: La violencia psicológica fue mayor que la reportada para la física. Ambas se experimentaron durante los años de infancia o antes del embarazo e incrementaron el riesgo de sufrirla durante el proceso reproductivo. Las embarazadas casadas o en unión libre tuvieron menor riesgo de sufrir violencia física y psicológica.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate the occurrence and factors associated with physical and psychological violence exerted on pregnant women by their partners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cohort, retrospective and cross-sectional study carried out in patients attended from June to November 2019 at the Hospital de la Madre y el Niño Guerrerense, Mexico. An electronic questionnaire (Abuse Assessment Screen), self-administered, was used to inquire about sociodemographic data, physical and psychological violence and gynecological and obstetric history. The associated factors were estimated by odds ratio and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: We collected 463 records useful for analysis; 125 (27%) reported psychological violence and 7% (n = 32) physical violence. Factors associated with psychological violence were history of such violence in childhood (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.5; 95%CI: 1.3-4.8) and before pregnancy (aOR: 33.9; 95%CI: 18.9-60.6). The factors associated with physical violence were history of this type of violence before pregnancy (aRI: 24.6; 95%CI: 10.4-58.6) and in childhood (aRI: 3.6; 95%CI: 1.5-8.5) and alcohol consumption during pregnancy (aRI: 5.5; 95%CI: 1.3-24.4). Being married or in union was a protective factor against psychological (RMa: 0.33; 95%CI: 0.11-0.97) and physical violence (RMa: 0.29; 95%CI: 0.08-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological violence was higher than that reported for physical violence. Both were experienced during the childhood years or before pregnancy and increased the risk of suffering it during the reproductive process. Pregnant women who were married or in union had a lower risk of suffering physical and psychological violence.

Identifying Prevalence and Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnant Women in Rural Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy experience significant physical and mental health consequences and adverse birth outcomes. Our objective was to describe the prevalence of IPV, and risk factors associated with IPV in pregnant, rural Guatemalan women. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was completed using quality improvement data gathered during routine prenatal health visits to women of Trifinio, Guatemala, by the Madres Sanas maternal health program from 2018 through 2020. Chi-square and t-tests were used to determine if there were differences in characteristics between women who self-reported experiencing IPV and those who did not. If differences occurred (p < 0.2), those covariates were included in a multivariable logistic regression to determine sociodemographic risk associated with IPV. RESULTS: 583 women were enrolled with Madres Sanas between October 10, 2018, and October 1, 2020, and reported on IPV. Nineteen (3.26%) women reported experiencing IPV. The highest prevalence of IPV (7.6%) occurred in the sub-group of women who experienced food insecurity during the past year. The sole covariate of all sociodemographic and health characteristics which differed significantly between women who reported experiencing and not experiencing IPV was food insecurity. A regression model found that those who had worried about ability to buy food in the past year had a 3.19-fold increase in the odds that they experienced IPV (95% CI 1.072, 9.486, p-value 0.037). CONCLUSION: Among this convenience sample of women, the prevalence of IPV was 3.26%. Food insecurity was associated with increased odds of experiencing IPV, highlighting an opportunity for interventions.

Use of Postpartum Birth Control in Rural Women in Southwest Guatemala: Analysis of a Quality-Improvement Database.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to observe the prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use in a population of rural women in Southwest Guatemala by type, and to determine characteristics associated with long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use and sterilization. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of prospectively collected quality improvement data from a cohort of postpartum women. We compared women intending to use or already using contraception to those not intending to utilize a method; bivariate comparisons were used to determine if there were differences in characteristics between these groups. If differences occurred (p < 0.2), those covariates were included in multivariable regression analyses to determine characteristics associated with use, and then specifically with LARC use and sterilization. RESULTS: In a cohort of 424 women who were surveyed between 2015-2017, the average age was 23 years old, and the prevalence of use or plan to use postpartum contraception was 87.5%. Women with a parity of 2 - 3 were 10% more likely to use any form of postpartum birth control (RR 1.1, CI [1.01, 1.2]) compared to primiparous women. Women who were married were also more likely to use a postpartum method (RR > 10, CI [>10,>10]). The prevalence of LARC use was low (4.0%), and women were more likely to choose this method if they were employed (RR 3.5 CI [1.1, 11.3]).Regarding sterilization, women with a parity of greater than one compared to primiparous women had an increased likelihood of sterilization (RR 3.6 CI [2.5,4.9]); each year a woman aged was associated with a 10% increased likelihood of postpartum sterilization (RR 1.1 CI [1.01,1.08]). Women were also more likely to choose sterilization if delivered by a skilled birth attendant (RR 1.8 CI [1.1,2.9]) or by cesarean birth (RR 2.1 CI [1.4,3.1]). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, married women of higher parity were more likely to use postpartum contraception, with employed women more likely to use a LARC method. Older women of higher parity who were delivered by a skilled attendant by cesarean birth were the most likely to pursue sterilization.