The homeless period: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

Women experiencing homelessness are marginalized not only through their housing status but also through their access and ability to manage their menstrual health. Currently, there are no existing published reviews exploring this topic. This study aimed to begin closing that gap, by systematically reviewing the literature examining women's experiences of menstruation whilst being homeless. In June 2020 (and updated in December 2022), we conducted comprehensive and systematic searches of four electronic databases: Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsychINFO, from which nine studies were found. The findings were thematically analyzed, using the enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research tools (ENTREQ) guidelines. Three themes related to menstrual experiences were found: (1) challenges in the logistics of managing menstruation while homeless, (2) feelings of embarrassment, shame, and dignity linked to maintaining menstrual health, and (3) making do: how people experiencing homelessness manage challenges related to menstruation. We discuss barriers women face in getting necessary products and in accessing private, safe, and clean facilities to manage menstrual health. The study found that women living with homelessness often abandon other basic needs in favor of managing menstruation (i.e. using unsuitable materials, stealing, etc.), which furthers their risk. The findings highlight the need for future research to investigate the experiences of women who are menstruating while being homeless and what support they would find helpful. Results show that it is high time for commissioners and policy-makers to address the provision of menstrual resources as a basic human right.

Adenomyosis Accompanied by Multiple Hemorrhagic Cerebral Infarction: A Case Report.

This study aims to present a case of uterine adenomyosis accompanied by multiple hemorrhagic cerebral infarctions (CIs), summarize therapeutic experiences based on the literature review, and improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment of multiple hemorrhagic CIs. This paper describes a 46-year-old female with a four-year history of uterine adenomyosis complicated by multiple hemorrhagic CIs. During treatment, elevated levels of D-dimer, CA-125, and severe anemia were observed. Following internal medicine treatment targeting uterine adenomyosis and hemorrhagic CIs, the cerebral hemorrhage gradually resolved. Women presenting with multiple CIs, particularly hemorrhagic ones, should be evaluated for the presence of gynecological diseases. Treating gynecological conditions may aid in the management of multiple CIs.

Tobacco use in currently married pregnant & lactating women in India; key findings from the National Family Health Survey-5.

Background: Tobacco use among pregnant and lactating women carries dangerous repercussions for women and their children. Limited information is available at the national level on the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use in this vulnerable sub-population of women. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use among currently married pregnant and lactating women and its association with demographic, behavioural and regional determinants in India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during which secondary data from the fifth National Family Health Survey, 2019-2020, was analysed. The prevalence and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) for different forms of tobacco use were documented among currently married pregnant and lactating women. Adjusted Odds Ratio and 95% CI were calculated using multivariate logistic regression to identify the independent factors associated with different forms of tobacco use among respondents after applying sampling weights. Findings: In India, the prevalence of tobacco use among currently married pregnant and lactating women was 2.5% and 3.2%, respectively, with over 85% of tobacco-using currently married pregnant (85.6%) and lactating (85.6%) women using smokeless tobacco (SLT) only. Age group 30-34 years, working women and the richest wealth quintile were found to be independent predictors of smoked tobacco use among currently married pregnant women. In contrast, among the currently married lactating women, the middle wealth quintile and South Indian region were found to be independent predictors of smoked tobacco use. Interpretation: Smokeless tobacco was found to be the most prevalent type of tobacco consumed by pregnant and lactating women in India. There is an urgent need to curb tobacco use in this vulnerable sub-population of women in the country by sensitising them to the harmful consequences of tobacco use by integrating tobacco awareness and cessation services during routine ante-natal examinations. Funding: No funding was received for this study.

Clinical Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist Use for Weight Loss in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Scoping Review.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gastrointestinal regulatory hormone that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas. While GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have traditionally been utilized to address insulin resistance, their potential application in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has recently garnered attention. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1 RAs use for weight loss in women diagnosed with PCOS. We conducted a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our investigation delved into the clinical effects experienced by women of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds with PCOS who were prescribed GLP-1 RAs for weight loss. Peer-reviewed articles from Ovid Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, SCOPUS, and ClinicalTrials.gov spanning from 2012 to 2023 were scrutinized. After eliminating duplicates, 811 articles were identified, and ultimately, eight met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. All studies were published in English and exhibited wide geographic diversity. The included studies uniformly reported reductions in weight and body mass index (BMI) among patients who were prescribed GLP-1 RAs, specifically liraglutide or exenatide. Additionally, evidence pointed towards improvements in anthropometric parameters (MF1) (including total body weight, BMI, reduction in waist circumference, and total fat percentage), glucose homeostasis, cardiovascular inflammatory markers (midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM)), rates of pregnancy, and menstrual regulation. However, findings regarding the impact of GLP-1 RAs on lipid profiles were inconsistent. Although some short-term adverse effects were noted, long-term effects of GLP-1 RAs use remain undetermined. GLP-1 RA use demonstrated promising clinical outcomes for women with PCOS, including reduced BMI, improved metabolic parameters, menstrual regularity, and increased rates of natural pregnancy. While the current evidence is encouraging, further research is warranted to elucidate both short- and long-term adverse effects of GLP-1 RA therapy for PCOS.

Determination of the Readability Level of Consent Forms Used in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at Suleyman Demirel University.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the readability level of consent forms used for interventional procedures in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic and to determine the readability of the texts according to the education level of the patient. Methodology This study determined the readability of patient consent forms used before interventional procedures in the gynecology and obstetrics clinic at the Suleyman Demirel University Hospital, Isparta. The consent forms were divided into two main groups according to their use in obstetrics and gynecology procedures. The readability level of consent forms was assessed using two readability formulas developed by Atesman and Bezirci-Yilmaz, which determine the readability level of Turkish texts in the literature. Results When the consent forms were analyzed according to Atesman's readability formula, they were found to be readable with more than 15 years of education at the undergraduate level, while according to Bezirci-Yilmaz's readability formula, they were found to be readable with 17 years of education at the postgraduate level. Conclusions Easy-to-read consent forms will ensure that patients are more informed about interventional procedures and participate more effectively in the treatment process. There is a need to develop readable consent forms suitable for the general education level.

Desigualdades raciais na mortalidade de mulheres adultas no Recife, 2001 a 2003 / Racial inequality in the mortality of adult women in Recife, 2001-2003

As desigualdades raciais, resultantes dos efeitos da exclusão social, são influenciadas pela prática de preconceitos e discriminações. O termo raça pode ser entendido como identidade coletiva ou consciência política que constrói uma auto-estima socialmente positiva. Objetivou-se caracterizar desigualdades raciais na mortalidade de mulheres adultas negras e brancas, residentes em Recife, entre 2001 e 2003. No estudo, tipo transversal, incluíram-se 2.943 óbitos de mulheres de 20 a 59 anos, captados no Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, com raça/cor branca e negra (preta + parda), analisando-se a mortalidade proporcional, coeficientes de mortalidade e razões de taxas. O risco de morte de negras foi 1,7 vezes superior ao de brancas. Entre as negras identificou-se maior risco de morte em todas as faixas etárias e maior proporção de óbitos em hospitais do SUS, de mulheres sem companheiro e que exerciam serviços/atividades domésticas. Quanto às causas básicas, observaram-se maiores coeficientes de mortalidade em todos os capítulos e causas específicas, exceto por neoplasias na faixa de 20 a 29 anos e por câncer de mama nas faixas de 30 a 39 e 50 a 59 anos. Entre negras e brancas, quanto menor a idade, maior a desigualdade do risco de morte por causas externas. Em negras, ressalta-se o maior risco de morte por homicídios; acidentes de transporte; doenças isquêmicas do coração, cerebrovasculares e hipertensivas; diabetes e tuberculose. Os achados revelam iniqüidades na saúde das mulheres negras, decorrentes da violação de direitos que dificultam a ascensão social e o acesso a condições dignas de saúde.

Racial inequalities are effects of social exclusion, being influenced by prejudice and discrimination. The term race is used here meaning group identity or political perception of sharing a particular racial heritage, which builds a positive social self-esteem. The study aimed to characterize the mortality pattern of black and white adult women living in Recife, between 2001 and 2003. In this cross-sectional study, 2,943 deaths of women aged between 20 and 59 years were included, identified in the Mortality Information System of the National Health System (SUS), with race/skin color white or black (black + mestizo). Proportional mortality, mortality rates and ratios were obtained. The risk of dying was 1.7 times higher for black women compared to whites. Black women had higher risk of death in all age groups and higher proportion of deaths in public hospitals, of women who did not have a partner (single, widow or separated), who were housewives or worked as domestic servants, and who were less educated. Regarding the underlying causes, black women had a higher mortality rate for all chapters of the International Classification of Diseases and for specific causes of death, except for neoplasm in women aged 20 to 29 years and for breast cancer in women aged 30 to 39 and 50 to 59 years. As age decreases, a large difference between black and white women was found in the risk of deaths caused by external causes. Among black women, there was an increase in the risk of dying due to homicides, motor vehicle accidents, ischemic heart diseases, cerebral vascular and hypertensive diseases, diabetes, and tuberculosis. The findings showed inequality in health, with disadvantages for the black women, which are the expression of human rights violation that challenges social rise and the access to decent health conditions.