Impact of childbirth on women's sexuality in the first year after the delivery.

AIM: The aim was to compare the quality of sexual life before pregnancy and after delivery and to find out whether and how selected factors affect women's sexuality during this period. METHODS: The study group consisted of 433 women who completed the survey containing basic demographic questions and two Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires: a retrospective one, regarding time before pregnancy and the current period. The inclusion criteria: time between 10 weeks and 1 year after delivery, vaginal intercourses before pregnancy and the resumption of vaginal intercourses after delivery. RESULTS: We observed the negative impact of labor on the total FSFI score, regardless of the time that had passed since birth and the delivery mode. The decrease by at least 10% of the initial FSFI score was noticed in 44.3% of the participants. FSD (Female Sexual Dysfunction) occurred statistically more commonly after delivery than before pregnancy (45.3% vs 17.1%; P < 0.001). The following factors had an impact on the risk of post-partum FSD: pre-pregnancy FSD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.17 [95% confidence interval [CI] 2.38-7.31]) and nulliparity (aOR = 1.67 [95% CI 1.09-2.53]). CONCLUSION: Childbirth has an undeniable impact on women's sexuality. The prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunctions is very important, especially in this crucial period of life.

Colonization with drug-resistant pathogens among patients in long-term care facilities and under home hospice care - a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The spread of drug-resistant bacteria is deemed a worldwide threat. Patients in long-term care, including those under palliative care, are exposed to a high risk of colonization and infection with drug-resistant pathogens. This refers primarily to long-term care facilities as opposed to home care. A cross-sectional study was carried out between 1 January 2018 - 30 June 2019. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee at the Medical University of Warsaw (KB/222/2017). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and type of colonization with drug-resistant pathogens among patients in long-term care facilities and those under home hospice care. An additional aim was evaluation the risk of pathogen transmission according to the type of provided long-term care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 129 participants: 68 patients under the care of 3 long-term care facilities in Warsaw, Poland, 42 patients under home hospice care, and 19 household members of hospice patients. All included participants provided written informed consent. Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were obtained from all participants for microbiological assessment. RESULTS: Colonization with pathogens was more common in long-term care facilities residents (82.4%) than in at-home hospice patients (42.9%). Risk of colonization was significantly lower in patients staying at home than in long-term care facilities patients (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.06-0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions. Risk of colonization with drug-resistant pathogens depends on the type of care and is significantly higher in patients staying at long-term care facilities. Systemic measures, such as microbiological screening, are necessary to provide optimal patient care and to ensure epidemiological safety, both to patients and their caregivers.

Pertussis vaccination in pregnancy - current data on safety and effectiveness.

Whooping cough/pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified whooping cough as one of the least controlled diseases in all age groups. Clinically, the catarrhal phase manifests itself as flu-like, nonspecific symptoms: cough, runny nose, mild fever, which, regrettably, makes early diagnosis difficult. The severe course is more specific (an audible inspiratory whoop followed by paroxysmal cough and vomiting). Currently, in Poland the highest percentage of cases is observed in children aged 0-4 years, followed by children over 15 years of age, with peaks among teens and seniors. Notably, hospitalization, morbidity and mortality rates are considerable in children (especially infants). Vaccinating pregnant women against pertussis provides approximately 90% protection to infants in their first two months of life. It is an effective form of preventing pertussis in infants. Moreover, it is safe for pregnant women and their children. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends Tdap vaccination to every pregnant woman between 27-36 weeks of pregnancy.