The aim of the authors of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological distress and loneliness levels among women going through menopause and their perceived social support. This descriptive, relational study collected data between November 2023 and October 2024. Data were gathered using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Psychological Distress Scale. Our findings indicated that the participating women experienced moderate levels of loneliness (43.58 ± 8.97) and psychological distress (26.14 ± 9.55), and reported a moderate level of perceived social support (51.51 ± 19.50). Path analysis was conducted to investigate the mediating role of social support in the relationship between psychological distress and loneliness. Our results suggest that enhanced social support is necessary to reduce levels of psychological distress and loneliness among menopausal women, and that increases in perceived social support may contribute to a healthier menopausal experience.
We aimed to examine the relationship between gender role attitudes and reproductive autonomy among married women of reproductive age using an integrated SEM-SWARA approach, and to derive evidence-based policy implications for strengthening reproductive autonomy. We recruited 881 married women of childbearing age residing in Konya, Türkiye through convenience sampling. Our findings indicated that patriarchal perspectives in gender role attitudes were negatively associated with reproductive autonomy (β= -0.092, β= -0.627, β= -0.400, β= -0.407; p < 0.05). In addition, we identified significant negative correlations between reproductive autonomy and the sub-dimensions reflecting patriarchal perspectives (r= -0.149, r= -0.423, r= -0.287, r= -0.291; p < 0.001). Our SWARA analysis revealed that social and economic factors were the most prioritized structural domains associated with reproductive autonomy. Our findings highlight the significant association between gender role attitudes and reproductive autonomy among married women, underscoring the need for structural and educational interventions to promote women's reproductive rights.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue affecting women globally, often leading to physical and psychological trauma. Authors retrospectively analyzes radiological findings in female IPV victims who presented to our hospital over a 13-year period. Common injuries included cranial trauma and nasal bone fractures, with upper extremity injuries also frequently observed. The authors highlight the critical role radiological imaging plays in identifying IPV-related injuries and emphasizes the importance of early detection. Increased awareness and targeted radiological evaluations can aid in breaking the cycle of violence through timely interventions.
We aimed to identify significant predictors of resilience among middle-aged and older women and men with chronic diseases who live in the community. A cross-sectional study was employed. Three hundred and twenty-two men and 404 women with chronic disease were enrolled as participants. Overall, level of education, being employed, and exercising regularly were all positively associated with level of resilience. Religiosity and not taking regularly prescribed medications were both associated with resilience in women only. The significant gender-dependent predictors of resilience identified in this study included educational level and religiosity (women) and self-perceived spiritual health (men).
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate privacy concerns, fear of pain (FoP), and health anxiety (HA) among women who had undergone a smear test. The study was conducted with 345 Turkish women between October 15, 2023, and April 14, 2024. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Scale of Body Privacy in Gynecology and Obstetrics (SBPGO), the Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ), and the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI). Variables associated with SBPGO, FPQ, and HAI total scores were examined using backward linear regression analysis. Privacy concerns were significantly associated with the education level of participant's spouse, participant's age, FPQ total scores, and referral by a health professional (p < 0.001). Higher FoP scores were also significantly associated with higher HA (p < 0.001). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including marital status, reproductive history, and family history of cancer, were found to be associated with variations in privacy concerns, FoP, and HA.
Antenatal care (ANC) is a critical component of maternal and child health, as it enhances outcomes for both the mother and her newborn. We assessed ANC utilization and its key determinants in the rural hilly districts of Kalimpong and Darjeeling, focusing on ANC visits, ANC quality, and complete ANC. A cross-sectional study of 660 women aged 15-49 was analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses. The results of the authors' analysis reveal a substantial gap in both the frequency and quality of ANC. Women's education emerged as a key determinant, positively influencing all ANC outcomes, while distance to health facilities and alcohol use during pregnancy reduced utilization. Higher income and ASHA counseling increased optimal ANC visits, whereas health care autonomy and frequent ASHA visits were associated with adequate ANC quality. We emphasized that comprehensive ANC requires enhancing socioeconomic strategies, improving facility access, ASHA support, and addressing pregnancy-related behavioral risks.
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a prevalent condition in young women, characterized by menstrual pain, sleep disturbances, and reduced physical activity. Yoga has been suggested as a non-pharmacological intervention. We examined the effects of a 12-week yoga program on menstrual pain, sleep quality, and cardiorespiratory endurance in 36 women aged 18-25 years with PD. Participants were allocated to yoga (n = 18) or control (n = 18) groups. Menstrual pain decreased in both groups (yoga: p < .001; control: p = .041), with no significant between-group difference (p > .05). Sleep parameters showed no intergroup differences in efficiency, latency, or duration, yet the yoga group exhibited reduced wake after sleep onset (p = .032), indicating improved sleep continuity (control: p = .813). Cardiorespiratory endurance (Incremental and Endurance Shuttle Walk Tests) showed no significant changes (p > .05). A 12-week yoga intervention may reduce menstrual pain and improve sleep continuity within groups; however, no significant improvements in aerobic endurance were observed. Longer or more intensive programs may be needed for physiological adaptations.
The authors conducted this study to examine the parenting experiences of women whose mothers had been diagnosed with cancer using a qualitative phenomenological design. The research participants consisted of seven women who had at least one child and whose mothers had been diagnosed with cancer. The researchers collected data through semi-structured interviews and analyzed the findings using content analysis. The authors found that women experienced emotional burden, role conflict, and increased caregiving responsibilities while trying to maintain both maternal and daughter roles simultaneously. Research participants reported difficulties balancing childcare responsibilities and supporting their mothers during the illness process. In addition, the researchers observed that the process reshaped family relationships and perceptions of motherhood. As a result, the authors concluded that the parenting processes of women whose mothers were diagnosed with cancer are psychosocially affected, highlighting the importance of family-centered support for these women.
The perinatal period is a critical time for the health of women, during which delays or limited access to care can have serious consequences. For immigrant women, this period is marked by multiple barriers exacerbated by restrictive policies. With rising immigration to countries such as the UK and Canada, we examined immigrant women's experiences of maternal healthcare. We conducted a Boolean search across four databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health) from January 2000 to November 10, 2025. We identified thirty-three eligible studies, involving over 1000 migrant women of various immigration statuses, to determine commonalities in experiences. Through thematic analysis, we identified three core themes: (1) autonomy and perception of self, (2) satisfaction and concept of trust, and (3) intersecting stressors. Together, the subthemes capture the complex factors influencing experiences and highlight the need for more inclusive, and culturally sensitive policies that better support pregnant immigrant women and improve perinatal outcomes.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are conditions related to hormonal fluctuations that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Understanding the experiences of women with these conditions is vital to providing appropriate and effective care. A scoping review was undertaken to explore available global literature on women's experiences of living with PMS or PMDD, highlighting gaps in the literature. Nineteen studies were included in the scoping review, and all studies were qualitative or had a qualitative component. Four main themes were identified by the authors: (1) Lack of understanding or support, (2) Dual identity, (3) Impact on relationships, and (4) Difficulties in reaching the diagnosis of PMS/PMDD. The literature highlights a lack of understanding from family, friends and medical practitioners. We suggest increased training for health care professionals, across interdisciplinary fields, on PMS and PMDD so women can be better supported and understood.
Dysmenorrhea is a common physiological condition experienced during menstruation. We aimed to compare the short-term effects of Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) and Kinesio Taping (KT) on pain, fatigue, and menstrual symptom severity in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Forty-five individuals diagnosed with PD were randomly assigned to three groups: MRT, KT, and control. Pain and fatigue severity were measured using the Visual Analog Scale, while menstrual symptom severity was assessed using the Menstrual Symptom Scale, both before and after the interventions. Both the MRT and KT groups showed a statistically significant reduction in pain and fatigue severity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups in menstrual symptom severity (p > 0.05). MRT and KT are effective, noninvasive, and generally well-tolerated methods for alleviating pain and fatigue in individuals with PD.
The present study is an attempt to explore relationship, if any, between fat distribution and cognitive functioning among 222 perimenopausal as well as postmenopausal rural women of North India. Body composition characteristics and cognitive functioning of the participants was recorded by using DEXA scan and MMSE scale respectively. Women in cognitively normal category depicted significantly more weight, fat mass, trunk fat mass, android fat mass, gynoid fat mass, fat mass/height2, android and gynoid total mass than their cognitively impaired counterparts. Karl Pearson correlation coefficient exhibited that truncal fat mass had highest association with android fat mass in both cognitively normal and impaired women, while with FM/height2 in cognitively impaired women only. After adjusting age and menopausal status (Model 2), it was noticed that % body fat (β = -2.66) particularly % android fat (β = -3.74) exhibited greater risk for cognitive impairment, thereby indicating possible role of fat distribution in cognitive impairment.
We developed and assessed the measurement properties of the Dysmenorrhea-related Presenteeism Scale to assess the impact of dysmenorrhea on work and/or study productivity in cis and transgender people. Experts and people with dysmenorrhea evaluated the content of the Dysmenorrhea-related Presenteeism Scale. We evaluated structural and construct validity, measurement invariance, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, and interpretability. Three thousand three hundred and thirty-five people participated in the study. The Dysmenorrhea-related Presenteeism Scale is a 9-item, one-factor instrument. Internal consistency, measurement invariance, and test-retest reliability were sufficient. There is no systematic error. We established 38 points or more was the cutoff point to classify people as having a significant impact of dysmenorrhea on work and/or study productivity. We found that the Dysmenorrhea-related Presenteeism Scale has sufficient measurement properties and may be a useful instrument to assess the impact of dysmenorrhea on work and/or study productivity in people.
The researchers aimed to explore the emotions and experiences of infertile women trying to conceive through timed intercourse, specifically concerning their sexuality. The researchers used a qualitative research design based on the Online Photovoice method. The sample consisted of 53 infertile women from Türkiye. The researchers analyzed the data using Online Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and organized the data into 20 themes: "Did it work/Is it going to work?" "Stress," "Obligation/necessity," "Like a duty," "Going with the flow," "What if it does not work out? Goal-oriented," "Reluctance," "Having difficulty," "Torture," "Anxiety," "Lack of joy," "Disappointment," "Hope," "Feeling like something is missing," "Not being able to go with the flow," "Turning into a robot," "Hopelessness," "Love," and "Pain." Based on these findings, the authors recommend that healthcare professionals, especially infertility nurses, work within a multidisciplinary framework to help infertile women manage emotional and sexual experiences and to foster more positive sexual well-being.
In this study, the authors examine the accessibility and availability of maternal health care services and the associated barriers and facilitators among tribal women in Latehar district, Jharkhand. We collected primary data using purposive sampling technique. We collected data using a semi-structured questionnaire from six key informant interviews and six focus group discussions (FGDs), resulting in a total of 48 FGD participants. We audio-recorded the discussions and manually translated, transcribed, and thematically analyzed the data. Our results found low accessibility to maternal health care services among tribal women and inadequate availability of such services in the study area. Maternal health care services among women were influenced by physical, socio-economic, and cultural factors, including strong reliance on traditional and spiritual healers. To address this challenge, we suggest improving awareness of antenatal care services, increasing the number of ambulance services, and promoting enrollment in health insurance schemes.
