scholarly journals Women’s demand for late-term abortion: A social or psychiatric issue?

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (7) ◽  
pp. 660-666
Author(s):  
Gordana Nikolic ◽  
Ljiljana Samardzic ◽  
Miroslav Krstic
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancy ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Psychiatric Evaluation ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Psychiatric Issue ◽  
Gestational Week

Introduction/Aim. Induced termination of unwanted pregnancy after 12th gestational week (late-term abortion) is legally restricted in Serbia as well as in many other countries. On the other hand, unwanted pregnancy very often brings women into the state of personal crisis. Psychiatric indications for legally approved late-term abortion on women?s demand include only severe psychiatric disorders. The aim of this paper was to compare sociodemographic, psychological characteristics and claimed reasons for abortion in the two groups of women with late-term demand for abortion - the group of women satisfying legally prescribed mental health indications, and the group of women not satisfying these indications. The aim of the study was also to determine predictive validity of the abovementioned parameters for late-term abortion as the outcome of unwanted pregnancy. Methods. A total of 62 pregnant women with demand for late-term abortion were divided into two groups according to the criteria of satisfying or not satisfying legally proposed psychiatric indications for late-term abortion after psychiatric evaluation. For the assessment of sociodemographic and psychological parameters sociodemographic questionnaire and symptom checklist - 90 revised (SCL-90?) scale were used, respectively. The outcome of unwanted pregnancy was followed 6 months after the initial assessment. Results. The obtained results showed a statistically significant difference between the groups in educational level, satisfaction with financial situation, elevated anxiety and distress reactions. Unfavorable social circumstances were the main reason for an abortion in both groups and were predictive for an abortion. A 6-month follow-up showed that women had abortion despite legal restrictions. Conclusion. Pregnant women with psychiatric indication for late-term abortion belong to lower socioeconomic and educational level group compared to women without this indication who have more frequently elevated anxiety and distress reactions to unwanted pregnancy. It is necessary to have more accurate guidelines for mental health indications for legally approved late-term abortion, respecting social circumstances. Preventive measures are of great importance in order to lower the risk of illegally performed late-term abortions.

scholarly journals Pregnant women and risk factors: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V L a Fauci ◽  
R Squeri ◽  
C Genovese ◽  
V Alessi ◽  
A Facciolà
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
High Educational Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Educational

Abstract Background Many investigations have shown the important role played by risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol in the development of congenital anomalies. Methods Through the administration of an hoc questionnaire, we evaluated the attitude towards smoking and alcohol of a sample of 200 pregnant women at the University Hospital of Messina. The questionnaire was structured to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, type of gynaecological assistance and their lifestyles (smoking and alcohol). Statistical analysis was performed using version 10 of StatSoftVR software. Results 14% of the women continued to smoke despite pregnancy; the majority of these were young adults, divorced, employed and with a high educational level. Correlating the smoking habit with the socio-demographic characteristics of the studied women, we found a statistically significant difference for the marital status, with a higher number of smokers among the single women (p < 0.05).Moreover, we found a statistically significant difference also for the profession with a higher number of smokers in the worker women (p < 0.05). About the drinking habit, the 4.3% declared to be moderate drinkers (occasional use of alcohol equal to 2-3 glasses a week) despite pregnancy, the 34.4% stated they do not drink alcohol during pregnancy and the 56% stated do not usually drink alcohol. Particularly, about the drinkers' socio-demographic characteristics, the 50% of them were 24-25 years old and the 75% were married. About the type of alcoholic beverages consumed, 86% stated they usually drink bier during the weekend. Conclusions Our study shows that the awareness of the women about the importance of these risk factors is still rather poor. In order to improve the awareness of pregnant women on the importance of avoiding these risk factors and prevent CAs, health education campaigns at various levels surely represent the public health cornerstone. Key messages In our sample 14% of the pregnant women continued to smoke and 4.3% to drink despite pregnancy and they generally were young or young adults and with a high educational level. Our results highlight the importance of continuous health education about the risk to smoke and drink during pregnancy.

scholarly journals The Role of Ischemia-modified Albumin as a Biomarker in Preeclampsia

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 133-139
Author(s):  
Süleyman Serkan Karaşin ◽  
Tayfur Çift
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ischemia Modified Albumin ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Gestational Week ◽  
Severity Of The Disease

Abstract Objective Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA)is a modified type of albumin protein that is formed under oxidative stress. This study aims to compare the levels of serum IMA between normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies and to evaluate the relationship between the severity of the disease. Methods A total of 90 pregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years participated in this cross-sectional study. The levels of serum IMA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 30 preeclamptic pregnant women with the severe signs of the disease, 30 preeclamptic pregnant women, and 30 normotensive pregnant women.. The study was designed as a cross-sectional clinical study. Results When the demographic characteristics were examined, statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age, gestational week at birth and blood pressure. Age was higher in the preeclampsia with signs of severity group than in the normotensive group (p = 0.033). Pregnancy week was significantly the lowest in the preeclampsia with the severity signs group (p = 0.004). In normotensive patients, IMA levels were lower than in the preeclampsia groups (p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in terms of severity of disease (p = 0.191). According to laboratory data; only the creatinine level was significantly different between the groups. Conclusion The levels of serum IMA were higher in patients with preeclampsia than in healthy pregnancies. However, there was no significant correlation in terms of preeclampsia severity; more extensive, prospective and long-term studies are needed.

scholarly journals Multi-strain Probiotic Increases the Gut Microbiota Diversity in Obese Pregnant Women: Results from a Randomized, Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Ingdam Halkjær ◽  
Victoria Elisabeth de Knegt ◽  
Bobby Lo ◽  
Lisbeth Nilas ◽  
Dina Cortes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Probiotic Supplementation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Gestational Week ◽  
Infant Birth

Abstract Background: Maternal obesity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy may have positive effects on blood glucose, gestational weight gain (GWG), and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The primary aim was to determine the feasibility of probiotic intervention in obese pregnant women from the early second trimester until delivery. The secondary aim was to investigate the effect of daily probiotic supplementation on GWG, maternal glucose homeostasis, infant birthweight, and maternal gut microbiota. We carried out a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study in 50 obese pregnant women. Participants were randomly allocated to two treatment groups, multi-strain probiotic [Vivomixx®] or placebo at 14–20 weeks of gestation until delivery. Participants were followed with two pre-delivery visits at gestational week 27-30 and 36-37 and with one post-delivery visit 2-3 days after birth. All visits included blood and fecal sampling. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed at inclusion and gestational week 27-30. Results: Forty-nine participants completed the study. Thirty-eight participants took more than 80% of the Vivomixx® capsules (n=21), placebo (n=17). There was no significant difference in HbA1c levels and the occurrence of GDM between groups. There was no significant difference in GWG and infant birth weight between groups in intention to treat analysis. There was, however, a lower mean GWG (11.9 vs 13.0 kg) and lower mean infant birthweight (3554 vs 3658 g) in the probiotic group in the per protocol analysis, due to sample size this difference did not reach statistical significance. Fecal microbiota analyses showed an overall increase in α-diversity over time in the Vivomixx® group only (p=0.016). Conclusions: Administration of probiotics during pregnancy is feasible in obese women. Multi-strain probiotic can modulate the gut microbiota in obese women during pregnancy. A larger study population is needed to uncover whether the results regarding lower GWG and infant birth weight after probiotic supplementation are significant. Trial registration: ClincalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02508844, registered on May 11, 2015.

scholarly journals Fatores de risco maternos para toxoplasmose numa maternidade pública do nordeste do brasil

2019 ◽  
pp. 31494-31497
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Maternal Risk Factors ◽  
Maternal Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Gestational Week ◽  
First Time ◽  
Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy

Introduction: Vertical transmission by Toxoplasma gondii usually occurs in women who are infected for the first time during pregnancy. Screening for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is one of the measures adopted in our country as a form of prevention. Objective: To investigate maternal risk factors associated with gestational toxoplasmosis in a large maternity hospital located in Fortaleza-Ceará. Methodology: This is an observational, quantitative comparative study conducted in a federal public maternity hospital located in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil in 2014. Data collection occurred from January to March 2014, through the analysis of medical records. guided by a data collection instrument. The research project was submitted to the Assis Chateaubriand School Maternity Research Ethics Committee (MEAC), and was approved in the register 513.392 / 2014-14. Results: The sample analyzed was established by high risk pregnant women aged 13 to 40 years. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was predominant in the age group between 20 and 30 years. As managers diagnosed with toxoplasmosis reside mainly in the interior of Ceará with statistically significant difference compared to pregnant women residing in the capital. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the analysis analyzed as the variables that were associated with toxoplasmosis were: residing within the state, gestational week between 13 to 27 weeks, normal sharing and using positive IgG serology for toxoplasmosis.

The effectiveness of telepsychiatry measured using the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale and the Mental Health Inventory

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Kennedy ◽  
Peter Yellowlees
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcome ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
The Face ◽  
One Year

In a telepsychiatry project in rural Queensland, data were collected from 124 patients attending hospital and general practice facilities for mental health-care and then again at follow-up one year later. Thirty-two of the patients were dealt with using telepsychiatry. Two health status scales were used to measure effectiveness: the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), administered by the practitioners; and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI), which was self-administered by the patients. There was a significant difference between the initial assessment and follow-up groups on most subscales of the HoNOS, but no significant difference between the face-to-face and telepsychiatry groups. Similarly, the MHI results showed a significant difference on all subscales between the initial assessment and follow-up groups, but no significant difference between the face-to-face and telepsychiatry groups. Individuals who used and did not use telepsychiatry all had improved health outcome scores on the HoNOS and MHI during the study period. Telepsychiatry was as effective as face-to-face care.

scholarly journals Knowledge, false myths and beliefs on vaccines among pregnant women: results from NAVIDAD study

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M R Gualano ◽  
E Olivero ◽  
G Voglino ◽  
P Rossello ◽  
F Quattrocolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
High Educational Level ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Abstract Background The diffusion of false myths and vaccine hesitancy are alarming phenomena in European countries and leads to decreasing trends in infant vaccine coverages. Aim of the study was to analyse the level of confidence and correct awareness about immunization, which are crucial for the success of vaccination programs. Methods As part of the NAVIDAD multicentre study, we examined vaccination confidence and complacency, among a sample of 1820 pregnant women from 14 Italian cities. The questionnaire assessed the interviewee’s knowledge, beliefs and misconceptions, as well as their socioeconomic status, sources of information about vaccines and confidence in the Italian National Healthcare Service. Results Of the participants, only 9% of women completely believed to efficacy, necessity and safety of vaccinations. Almost 20% of them had misconceptions on the majority of the themes. There was a significant difference in level of knowledge considering educational level: women with a high educational level have less probability to obtain a low knowledge score (OR 0.43 [95%CI 0.34-0.54]). The level of knowledge was influenced also by the sources of information: women who got information from General Practitioner and from Institutional Web sites have significantly less chance to have misconceptions (OR 0.74 [95%CI 0.58-0.96]; OR 0.59 [95%CI 0.46-0.74]). Finally, results underlined the influence of trust in healthcare professional information on likelihood of having misconceptions (OR 0.49 [95%CI 0.27-0.89]). Conclusions Data suggest the efficacy of healthcare professionals and Institutional Web sites as source of information to contrast misconceptions and underline the importance of confidence in the healthcare system to increase complacency and confidence on vaccines. Key messages There is a general lack of knowledge about vaccinations among future mothers. Most of misconceptions regarding vaccinations are related to their safety: this could affect confidence and complacency. To increase vaccine confidence, there is a strong need to inform future mothers: our data show the importance and efficacy of Health Professionals and Institutional Web sites as information sources.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Typhoid Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Specialist Hospital Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
Kefas Hellamada Kwala ◽  
Aminu Innocent Asika
Keyword(s):  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Stool Culture ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Typhoid fever is one of the major and common health problem worldwide. Typhoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi may be a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in both the mother and fetus in developing countries, where sanitation facilities, personal and food hygiene are inadequate. Thus, the present research was a cross-sectional study of Salmonella infection among pregnant women in Specialist Hospital Yola, Nigeria. The objectives of this study is to determine the prevalence of typhoid infection among pregnant women in Adamawa state in relation to age, educational level, occupation and location, explore factors associated with the infection and to provide information on its prevention and control strategies. Serological analyses (Widal test) and bacteriological analyses (stool culture) were carried out and compared among 313 participants. The results obtained showed that 209 (66.77%) of the participants were seropositive for typhoid fever, whereas 188 (60.06%) were positive based on bacteriological technique. Participants between age groups; 26-35 years old had the highest prevalence of 64.10%.There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever among the various age groups of the pregnant women examined. In relation to Educational level, participants with Non-formal education had the highest prevalence of typhoid infection 75.00%. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever based on the educational level of the pregnant women examined.  Based on occupation of the participants, women who were involved in farming recorded the highest prevalence rate of 88.37%.There was statistically significant difference (P< 0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever and the occupation of the pregnant women examined. With respect to the location of the participants, subjects belonging to Semi-urban areas recorded the highest prevalence of 80.98%. There was statistically significant difference (P< 0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever and the location of the pregnant women examined. Pregnancy state makes the women more vulnerable to typhoid fever by affecting the physiology of pivotal organs, as such causing complications in pregnant women therefore early and prompt diagnosis of the infection is essential.

scholarly journals Mental Health and Marital Satisfaction Changes of Pregnant and Lactating Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahshid Gharagozloo ◽  
Shahideh Jahanian Sadatmahalleh ◽  
Mahnaz Bahri Khomami ◽  
Ashraf Moini ◽  
Anoshirvan Kazemnejad
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Marital Satisfaction ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: Women during pregnancy and in the first year after childbirth are vulnerable to mental disorders in the outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). There is a relationship between mental health and marital satisfaction. This study aimed to assess mental health, anxiety, depression, and marital satisfaction among pregnant and lactating women and compared the results with non-pregnant/lactating (as control group) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.Methods: A cross-sectional study among married women in range of 18 to 45 years via online questionnaires was conducted from 20 March to 25 April, 2020. A total of 604 valid questionnaires were analyzed, including 200 pregnant women, 203 lactating women, and 201 non-pregnant/lactating women. Mental health, COVID-19-related anxiety, and marital satisfaction were respectively assessed by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS Scale). The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: The scores of mental health problems in pregnant and lactating women were significantly higher than the control group (18.86±12.56 and 18.83±13.99 vs. 13.01±8.15, P<0.00). The total CDAS score in the control group was significantly less than pregnant women (30.87±10.56 vs. 26.05±6.12, P<0.001) and lactating women (30.80±11.37 vs. 26.05±6.12, P<0.001). The mean of marital satisfaction was significantly lower in the pregnant women (28.06±2.67 vs. 29.64±3.18, P < 0.001) and lactating women (28.74±3.58 vs. 29.64±3.18, p = 0.01) compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the depression among three groups (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Pregnant and lactating women had more mental health problems, more anxiety and less marital satisfaction in comparison to non-pregnant/lactating women in the course of COVID-19 outbreaks. Further study is needed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 prevalence on mental health and marital satisfaction of pregnant and lactating women, considering the socioeconomic status.

scholarly journals Knowledge and beliefs on vaccines among a sample of Italian pregnant women: results from the NAVIDAD study

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Bert ◽  
Elena Olivero ◽  
Paola Rossello ◽  
Maria R Gualano ◽  
Silvana Castaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
High Educational Level ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Institutional Websites

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy is an emerging phenomenon in European countries and leads to decreasing trends in infant vaccine coverage. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of confidence and correct awareness about immunizations, which are crucial for the success of vaccination programmes. Methods As part of the NAVIDAD multicentre study, we examined vaccination confidence and complacency among a sample of 1820 pregnant women from 14 Italian cities. The questionnaire assessed the interviewee's knowledge, beliefs and misconceptions, as well as their socioeconomic status, information sources about vaccines and confidence in the Italian National Healthcare Service. Results Only 9% of women completely believed to the efficacy, necessity and safety of vaccinations. Almost 20% of them had misconceptions on most of the themes. There was a significant difference in the level of knowledge considering educational level: women with a high educational level have less probability of obtaining a low knowledge score (odds ratio (OR) 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.54]). The level of knowledge was also influenced by the sources of information: women who received information from their general practitioner (GP) and from institutional websites had a significantly lower chance of having misconceptions (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.58–0.96]; OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.46–0.74]). Finally, the results underlined the influence of trust in healthcare professional information on the likelihood of having misconceptions (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.27–0.89]). Conclusions The data suggest the efficacy of GPs and institutional websites as a source of information to contrast misconceptions and underline the importance of confidence in the healthcare system to increase complacency and confidence in vaccines.

scholarly journals Analysis of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) -634C/G and +936C/T Polymorphisms and Serum VEGF Levels in Women Suffering From Preeclampsia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayed hojjat Hosseini ◽  
Ata Ghadiria ◽  
Abdolah Mousavi Salehi ◽  
Saber Rokhafrooz ◽  
Mahin Najafian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Vegf Gene ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Gestational Week ◽  
And Control ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Abstract Preeclampsia (PE) is a syndrome related with pregnancy and characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, occurring in approximately 6-8% of pregnancies and accounting for approximately 40% of premature births. This study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms of -634C/G and +936C/T in VEGF gene and their relationship with serum VEGF levels in pregnant women with PE. In this case-control study, peripheral blood samples were collected from 135 women with PE and 135 normal pregnant women as the control group. DNA was extracted using the phenol-chloroform method. Then, the polymorphisms of VEGF gene were detected by PCR-RFLP method using specific primers. Besides, VEGF concentrations were measured by ELISA method on serum samples and control subjects using ELISA kits. In this research, maternal age, gestational week, maternal hemoglobin and BMI were significantly correlated with the likelihood of PE, while the occurrence season variable was not effective in PE among the pregnant women. There was no significant difference in the two polymorphisms of -634C/G and +936C/T in VEGF gene between the two groups. Also, the serum VEGF level in PE patients was significantly higher than the normal group (P<0.001). Despite a significant increase in serum VEGF concentrations in women with PE, it seems that -634C/G and +936C/T polymorphisms of VEGF gene are not related with the onset of PE. Further studies are required to fully understand the risk factors related to preeclampsia syndrome.

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