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Current Pain and Headache Reports Oct 2011Migraine is the second most common headache condition next to tension-type headache. Up to one fourth of all women have migraine, and 20% of them experience migraine... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Migraine is the second most common headache condition next to tension-type headache. Up to one fourth of all women have migraine, and 20% of them experience migraine without aura attack in at least two thirds of their menstrual cycles. The current literature is analyzed in response to the question of whether menstrual and nonmenstrual migraine attacks are different. The different studies provide conflicting results, so it is not possible to answer the question firmly. Future studies should be based on the general population. Collection of both prospective and retrospective data is warranted, and headache diagnosis base on interviews by physicians with interest in headache are more precise than lay interviews or questionnaires.
Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Menstruation; Migraine Disorders; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 21584641
DOI: 10.1007/s11916-011-0212-4 -
Reproductive Health Jun 2018Concern about side effects and health issues are common reasons for contraceptive non-use or discontinuation. Contraceptive-induced menstrual bleeding changes (CIMBCs)... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Concern about side effects and health issues are common reasons for contraceptive non-use or discontinuation. Contraceptive-induced menstrual bleeding changes (CIMBCs) are linked to these concerns. Research on women's responses to CIMBCs has not been mapped or summarized in a systematic scoping review.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic scoping review of data on women's responses to CIMBCs in peer-reviewed, English-language publications in the last 15 years. Investigator dyads abstracted information from relevant studies on pre-specified and emergent themes using a standardized form. We held an expert consultation to obtain critical input. We provide recommendations for researchers, contraceptive counselors, and product developers.
RESULTS
We identified 100 relevant studies. All world regions were represented (except Antarctica), including Africa (11%), the Americas (32%), Asia (7%), Europe (20%), and Oceania (6%). We summarize findings pertinent to five thematic areas: women's responses to contraceptive-induced non-standard bleeding patterns; CIMBCs influence on non-use, dissatisfaction or discontinuation; conceptual linkages between CIMBCs and health; women's responses to menstrual suppression; and other emergent themes. Women's preferences for non-monthly bleeding patterns ranged widely, though amenorrhea appears most acceptable in the Americas and Europe. Multiple studies reported CIMBCs as top reasons for contraceptive dissatisfaction and discontinuation; others suggested disruption of regular bleeding patterns was associated with non-use. CIMBCs in some contexts were perceived as linked with a wide range of health concerns; e.g., some women perceived amenorrhea to cause a buildup of "dirty" or "blocked" blood, in turn perceived as causing blood clots, fibroids, emotional disturbances, weight gain, infertility, or death. Multiple studies addressed how CIMBCs (or menstruation) impacted daily activities, including participation in domestic, work, school, sports, or religious life; sexual or emotional relationships; and other domains.
CONCLUSIONS
Substantial variability exists around how women respond to CIMBCs; these responses are shaped by individual and social influences. Despite variation in responses across contexts and sub-populations, CIMBCs can impact multiple aspects of women's lives. Women's responses to CIMBCs should be recognized as a key issue in contraceptive research, counseling, and product development, but may be underappreciated, despite likely - and potentially substantial - impacts on contraceptive discontinuation and unmet need for modern contraception.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; China; Contraception; Female; Humans; Menstruation; Middle Aged; South Africa; Young Adult
PubMed: 29940996
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0561-0 -
The Medical Journal of Malaysia Nov 2021Although menstruation is a physiological process, it is shrouded with socio-cultural and religious beliefs. Healthcare providers should be aware that these influences...
INTRODUCTION
Although menstruation is a physiological process, it is shrouded with socio-cultural and religious beliefs. Healthcare providers should be aware that these influences may affect how women perceive their menstrual disorders. The primary objective of this study was to develop a validated questionnaire measuring the sociocultural and religious beliefs during menstruation.
METHODS
In the first stage, a preliminary list of items measuring socio-cultural and religious beliefs during menstruation was generated. In the second stage, exploratory factor analysis was performed. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis using reflective measurement model and structural equation modelling was performed using partial least squares. The practices of these beliefs were included as mediating effect. Biological symptoms of menstruation were added in as another factor.
RESULTS
A total of 400 female students from the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia were recruited. A preliminary list of 22 items was first generated. From the confirmatory factor analysis, two factors were iteratively removed due to poor factor loadings. Four factors were retained, i.e., i) "religious beliefs"; ii) "unpleasant (or dirty) nature of menstruation"; iii) "personal restrictions (dietary and behavior)"; and iv) "restrictions of interactions with male gender". In structural equation modelling, only 2 factors, i.e., the practices of "personal restrictions (dietary and behavioural)" and "restriction of interactions with males" had significant negative impact on quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Menstruation should not be viewed purely from a biological lens as there are layers of sociocultural and religious beliefs surrounding it.
Topics: Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Menstruation; Quality of Life; Religion; Students
PubMed: 34806666
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Network Open May 2024
Topics: Humans; Menstruation; Female; Vital Signs; Adult
PubMed: 38809558
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12778 -
Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy : JMCP Nov 2007Women are at risk for a wide range of depressive and anxiety disorders and particularly for mood disorders associated with their menstrual cycle, with seasonality, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Women are at risk for a wide range of depressive and anxiety disorders and particularly for mood disorders associated with their menstrual cycle, with seasonality, and during the menopausal transition.
OBJECTIVE
To review the presentation of depression, the importance of timely and effective treatment, and some of the research surrounding increased prevalence of depression in women, and the times and conditions--such as the perimenopausal transition, pregnancy, postpartum period, and comorbidities--of this increased risk in women.
SUMMARY
Dynamic interactions of both biological and environmental factors contribute to the development of major depression. These include, but are not limited to, predisposing genetic influences, gender, environmental stressors, poor social support, childhood sexual abuse, other psychiatric illness, and trauma. Timely and effective treatment of each episode of depression to remission is critically important. Barriers to instituting collaborative care of depressive illness are numerous. The lack of adequate collaborative care along with the consequent failure to adequately diagnose and treat depression reflects some of the deficiencies in the current organization and delivery of health services.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of depression, its psychosocial and medical consequences, and the worsening course of depression without treatment highlight the public health importance of early detection and improved strategies for the treatment of depression in modern health care settings.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents; Breast Feeding; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Menopause; Menstruation; Risk Factors; Seasons; Women
PubMed: 18062736
DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2007.13.9-a.3 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Existing school environments and staff play a critical role in Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) for school aged girls in middle and low-income countries. This paper... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Existing school environments and staff play a critical role in Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) for school aged girls in middle and low-income countries. This paper leverages teachers' perspectives on menstruation and the impact of the Menstrual Solutions (MS) study, an open cluster randomized controlled feasibility study to determine the impact of puberty education, nurses support, and menstrual product provision on girls' academic performance and emotional well-being.
METHODS
Seventeen focus group discussions were conducted from October 2012 through November 2013 with teachers at six participating schools, held at three different time points during the study period.
RESULTS
Key themes that emerged were emotions and blood, absenteeism, the role of teachers in MHH, and the impact of sensitization. Teachers noted that poor MHH had an impact on school attendance, transparency and openness with teachers, and student behavior in class. It was reported that adolescent girls would absent themselves for 3-5 days during their menstrual cycle depending on what materials they could use, and they would often shy away from teachers, when possible, only speaking to them about their menses if it was urgent or they needed to go home. Emotions such as fear and embarrassment were commonly associated with bleeding. At the midpoint and end of the study, teachers noted that the puberty education and menstrual product provision (where applicable) had a positive impact on girls' attendance, attention, and comfort in the classroom. Girls became more open with both male and female teachers about their menses, and more comfortable and confident in the classroom among all classmates.
DISCUSSION
This research highlights the importance of building an MHH-supportive environment with multiple school personnel within schools to develop a gender-equitable environment for girls to learn confidently without undue interference. Teachers are key adults in adolescent girls' lives, having the potential to foster an environment that empowers girls with greater autonomy to manage their menses. This highlights a need to consider their perspectives in intervention development. Sensitization of teachers and puberty education across both genders are key components to developing the MHH-supportive environment in schools.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Male; Humans; Child; Menstruation; Kenya; Schools; Hygiene; Students
PubMed: 37559733
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1206069 -
JAMA Health Forum Aug 2021
Topics: Menstruation; Poverty
PubMed: 36218718
DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.3089 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2021With rapid technology developments and the convenient and fast pace of life in recent years, many people are using disposable products, which cause environmental and...
With rapid technology developments and the convenient and fast pace of life in recent years, many people are using disposable products, which cause environmental and ecological damages. A variety of eco-friendly menstrual products have been launched on the market, and "menstrual pads" now have a large market share in Taiwan's menstrual product industry. This study interviewed experts and collected questionnaires for qualitative and quantitative investigation and analysis. The results show that women have positive and open concepts regarding sustainability, as well as a good understanding of their body and are very interested in the performance and usage efficiency of products. The results also indicate that consumers purchase based on their lifestyles; most women collected enough product information before purchasing while overcoming the difficulties in dealing with the environment and learning to adapt them, and the majority of consumers attach importance to comfort, volume, and duration of blood absorption. The results suggest that the government and private enterprises should increase and improve sanitation education and sanitary facilities and guide the approach and serve as an important reference index for the promotion of eco-friendly menstrual products for environmental benefits.
Topics: Attitude; Cognition; Female; Humans; Life Style; Menstrual Hygiene Products; Menstruation
PubMed: 34064156
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115534 -
Journal of Global Health Sep 2022An absence of gender-sensitive sanitation facilities in schools and the negative effects this has on girls has been widely discussed among advocacy groups, though less...
BACKGROUND
An absence of gender-sensitive sanitation facilities in schools and the negative effects this has on girls has been widely discussed among advocacy groups, though less examined in academic spheres. Drawing on triangulated data, we outline current challenges and respondent-driven solutions to enhance the female-friendly nature of toilets in a context of extreme poverty.
METHODS
This mixed-methods study was informed by the tenets of human-centred design. We first quantitatively assessed facilities in 14 secondary schools in the Kossi Province of Burkina Faso. We then collected qualitative data, including 15 focus group discussions and 53 in-depth interviews among schoolgirls, mothers, teachers and key informants. We applied photo-elicitation, a novel method, to explore perceptions of facilities and the desirability and feasibility of interventions to improve gender-friendly sanitation facilities.
RESULTS
No school met international water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) standards for schools. Roughly one third of schools did not have water and, when present, there was no reliable way to use it within the toilet complex. Schoolgirls shared feelings of shame and stress when menstruating at school, and said that they would avoid using school toilets, if possible. Schoolgirls described water access as the most urgent need to address, followed by fostering privacy and facilitating cleanliness within facilities. Mothers and teachers mostly aligned with these priorities, while key informants additionally emphasised the need to raise awareness on both general and menstrual hygiene and to develop maintenance systems. Photo-elicitation engaged and empowered participants to pinpoint priorities and concrete solutions, namely a need for doors and locks, water containers and cleaning materials.
CONCLUSIONS
WASH needs in many schools remain unmet. Women and girls should be involved in decision-making across stages of intervention design and implementation. Young women's voices merit greater inclusion in academic literature. Future interventions should enhance access to water and privacy. Future research could explore maintenance and monitoring strategies to develop guidance on sustainable solutions.
Topics: Bathroom Equipment; Burkina Faso; Female; Humans; Hygiene; Menstruation; Schools; Water
PubMed: 36073661
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04057 -
Reproductive Health Dec 2022Adolescent and young adult (AYA) females in low- and middle-income countries often face disparities in menstrual health (MH). Poor MH and lack of sexual and reproductive...
BACKGROUND
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) females in low- and middle-income countries often face disparities in menstrual health (MH). Poor MH and lack of sexual and reproductive health education leads to school absenteeism, increasing risk for adverse psychosocial and educational outcomes. Further, disasters (e.g., earthquakes) are linked with unsafe living environments and sanitation facilities for women. We sought to describe MH perspectives and practices among AYAs in rural Haiti.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey in two rural communities in Haiti. AYA females aged 14-24 years completed questions on demographics, the Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (36 items; MPNS-36) and the Menstrual Practices Questionnaire (4 items). We performed descriptive statistics and Chi square or Fisher's Exact tests to compare responses among sub-groups.
RESULTS
Among 200 respondents, the median age was 20 years (IQR 17-22). 51% (95% CI 44%, 58%; 102/200) were currently attending school at least 3 days/week and 97% (94%, 99%; 193/200) were not married. According to the MPNS-36, 68% (62%, 74%; 136/200) of participants had unmet MH needs. Seventy-one (77%) reused some of their menstrual materials during their last menstruation. During their last menstruation, 44% (37%, 50%; 87/200) reported they often or always skipped school because they had their menses, and 31% (25%, 37%; 62/200) sometimes skipped. Many felt always or often worried that someone or something would harm them while they were changing their menstrual materials at home and at school.
CONCLUSIONS
Among AYAs in rural Haiti, three-quarters reported menses-related school absenteeism and two-thirds had unmet MH needs. AYA females often lacked a safe environment to change their menstrual materials. Given recent disasters in Haiti, (August 2021 earthquake), safe environments for MH are critically needed to offset risk for poor psychosocial and health outcomes. Future efforts to improve MH among AYAs in Haiti are needed to ensure access to MH resources and school attendance.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Menstruation; Rural Population; Cross-Sectional Studies; Haiti; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hygiene; Menstrual Hygiene Products
PubMed: 36539795
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01533-4