搜索结果：Journal of family & reproductive health

This study aimed to map and analyze the normative evolution and institutional challenges related to the reproductive health of trans men and transmasculine people in Brazil. A scoping review was carried out according to the methodological guidelines of the JBI, registered on the Open Science Framework. The retrieved scientific studies included articles, theses, dissertations, academic papers, and various official regulations. The findings show that, despite important legal frameworks, these regulations emerged in historical contexts in which the identity categories and specific demands of trans men and transmasculine people were not yet consolidated in the public and legal debate. Notably, by remaining without substantive updates, these provisions produce effects of exclusion and invisibility, showing the persistence of a cisheteronormative logic in the structuring of access to reproductive health. Recent advances include the recognition of trans parenting in official documents and the creation of specific materials, such as the Transgesta prenatal booklet. However, critical gaps persist in access to fertilization, gamete preservation, and family planning, as do symbolic and institutional barriers to health care. This study shows that the fulfilment of sexual and reproductive rights of this group depends on more inclusive normative frameworks and on the transformation of institutional practices and the training of healthcare providers. The historical and critical analysis of policies in this study evince advances, setbacks, and omissions, contributing to expand knowledge about the reproductive health of trans men and transmasculine people in Brazil.

Sexual and reproductive behaviors and mental health among indigenous peoples are influenced by structural, cultural, and territorial determinants. In Latin America, indigenous populations face inequities related to health service access, sexual education, and mental health care. We assessed the association between sexual and reproductive factors and the presence of mental health symptoms in Wayúu indigenous communities. A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2024 and 2025 in Wayúu communities in Manaure, La Guajira, Colombia. A structured survey including sociodemographic variables, sexual and reproductive history, and mental health symptoms was applied to adult Wayúu indigenous people. A composite score of mental health symptoms was constructed, and the presence of ≥3 symptoms was defined as a "high burden of mental health symptoms." Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression were performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR). In total, 245 (203 women and 42 men) people participated in the study. The median age was 30 years (IQR 24-38). Forty-nine percent did not receive sex education, and 65% did not use family planning methods. Between 28% and 33% reported persistent symptoms of emotional distress. In multivariable analyses, female sex showed a non-significant association with a higher burden of mental health symptoms (aOR 2.20; 95% CI 0.91-6.19). No statistically significant associations were observed for age, lack of sex education, non-use of family planning methods, or number of children. These findings highlight the high frequency of poor sexual and reproductive health indicators and emotional distress symptoms in Wayúu communities, underscoring the need for integrated, culturally relevant approaches to sexual, reproductive, and mental health care in this population.

Effective infection control in family and reproductive healthcare settings is essential for preventing transmission of clinically significant pathogens. Plasma-activated saline (PAS), generated by non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma, has emerged as a promising eco-friendly antimicrobial agent due to the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of PAS produced by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma system and investigated its potential applicability in reproductive and family healthcare environments. In this experimental study sterile physiological saline was exposed to a DBD plasma system under atmospheric pressure for different activation durations. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella sonnei. Bacterial suspensions were treated with PAS at different exposure times, and viable bacterial counts were quantified using the plate count method. Increasing plasma activation time significantly altered the physicochemical properties of saline, particularly by decreasing pH and increasing reactive nitrogen species concentrations. PAS demonstrated strong time-dependent antibacterial activity against all tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. More than 99.9% (>3-log) reduction in viable bacterial counts was achieved after 1 minute of treatment. No detectable bacterial growth was observed after 3 minutes of exposure for Gram-negative bacteria, whereas Staphylococcus aureus required 4 minutes for complete inhibition. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant reductions in bacterial survival with increasing treatment duration. DBD plasma-activated saline exhibited rapid and substantial antibacterial effects against clinically relevant pathogens associated with infection control. Its potent antimicrobial activity, environmental compatibility, and absence of persistent chemical residues highlight its potential as an alternative disinfectant for medical device sterilization, surface decontamination, and hygiene-related applications.

Little is known about the fertility desires among young women living with HIV (YWLHIV) in sub-Saharan African (SSA) settings and its association with their utilization of an integrated HIV care and family planning (FP) services. This study assessed the fertility desires and the utilization of an integrated HIV care and FP services among YWLHIV in Northern Uganda, where limited data exist to inform the integration of contraception, safer conception and prevention of mother to child (PMTCT) of HIV services. In a cross-sectional study design, we collected data from YWLHIV attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in northern Uganda between November 2022 and April 2023. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, participants were asked about their fertility desires and the potential associated factors which included the socio-demographic, HIV, ART, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and access to the community-based SRH resources. They were also asked whether they ever received FP services from the ART clinic facilities where they usually obtain their HIV care. Descriptive statistics for fertility desires and level of utilization of the integrated HIV and FP services were performed. More so, Chi-square test, Fisher's Exact test, bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression analyses for the associations between the predictor variables and the fertility desires were performed. The 5% significance level and 95% confidence intervals were considered for the measures of fertility desires and the associations. We recruited 423 YWLHIV with a median age of 22 (IQR 20-24) years. The data revealed a high fertility desire (88.9%) among the YWLHIV. Single women exhibited 24% lower fertility desires than their married counterparts (p = 0.013). Women who did not know of the integrated FP services offered from the ART clinic facilities had 18% lower fertility desires than their counterparts who knew (p = 0.045). Conversely, women with a positive history of planned pregnancies showed 17% higher fertility desires than their counterparts with positive history of unintended pregnancies (p = 0.040). Similarly, current modern contraceptive users had 23% lower fertility desires than their counterparts who were non-current users (p = 0.003). The utilization of an integrated HIV care and FP services was significantly lower (30.1%) among the YWLHIV with fertility desires compared to 48.9% among those without fertility desires (X2 5.991, df 1, p = 0.014). The study found a high fertility desires but lower utilization of an integrated HIV care and FP services among the YWLHIV in a Ugandan setting. Whereas the factors responsible for the low utilization of an integrated HIV and FP services remains question for future research, being married, having knowledge and receiving modern contraceptive methods from the ART clinic facility, experiences of planned pregnancy and non-current use of modern contraceptives were associated with the higher odds of fertility desires among the YWLHIV. These findings highlight the need to address the low utilization of an integrated HIV care and FP services, marital expectations and modern contraceptive access within the HIV care for YWLHIV with fertility desires.

Adolescents and young women in Ethiopia have a high unmet need for family planning. The Family Planning 2020 strategy prioritized improving reproductive health among women aged 15-24 years. This study aims to assess the changes in unmet need for family planning among adolescent and young women aged 15-24 years in Ethiopia across the Family Planning 2020 period. A cross-sectional pre-post study using propensity score matching analyzed two rounds of Performance Monitoring for Action data: 2014 (pre-family planning 2020) and 2021 (post-family planning 2020). Propensity Score Kernel Matching was used, and covariate balance was assessed using standardized mean differences, median, and mean bias. A total of 3,128 adolescent and young women aged 15-24 years were included. The average treatment effect on the treated was estimated, and sensitivity analysis assessed robustness to hidden bias. Unmet need for family planning decreased from 22.9% (95% CI: 21.1-24.8) in 2014 to 17.8% (95% CI: 15.8-20.1) in 2021. Matching improved covariate balance, reducing mean bias (13.3 to 1.4), median bias (10.2 to 1.1), and standardized mean difference (58.8 to 5.8). The average treatment effect on the treated indicated a 2.5 percentage point reduction. Sensitivity analysis using Rosenbaum bounds showed the effect remained significant up to &#x393; = 2 (p < 0.0001), indicating robustness to hidden bias. Unmet need for family planning among Ethiopian adolescents and young women aged 15-24 years has declined. Continued efforts under the Family Planning 2030 strategy are needed to sustain and further improve access to family planning services. Adolescents and young women in Ethiopia still face serious challenges in family planning. The FP2020 strategy was designed to improve the family planning experience for women between the ages of 15 to 24 years. This study seeks to evaluate the effect of the strategy on the unmet needs of women for family planning by carrying out an assessment of data collected from national surveys conducted before the strategy was established in 2014 and after the establishment of the strategy in 2021. The data show that the unmet needs for family planning have reduced since the establishment of the strategy. After the analysis of the variance between the study groups, the study found that there is a reduction in unmet needs for family planning. However, unmet need remains, meaning that many young women still face challenges in obtaining contraception and making informed reproductive choices. Commitment to the new strategy, that is FP2030, is required for the improvement of family planning access and use for young women.

Male involvement in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) though a relatively old concept in Ghana continues to evolve traditionally focusing on women's health. The World Health Organization has encouraged gender-inclusive maternal health services to leverage men's roles in supporting their partners' health. This study aims to explore the perspectives of nurses and midwives on male involvement in SRH, identifying benefits, challenges, and strategies for enhancement. A qualitative exploratory design was employed in Greater Accra Region, Ghana, engaging 32 nurses and midwives through five focus group discussions. Data collection involved using a semi-structured interview guide and recorded interviews. Data analysis was based on Braun and Clark's thematic analysis framework. Findings revealed three primary themes: benefits of male involvement, barriers to participation, and strategies to enhance engagement. Participants noted significant positive outcomes, including improved health outcomes for women, reduced complications due to emotional and logistical support by male partners. However, barriers such as cultural norms, societal expectations and inadequate knowledge hindered active male involvement. This notwithstanding, participants have a strong desire to promote male involvement. Results underscore the necessity of comprehensive education and community engagement to reshape attitudes towards male involvement. The lack of formal training for healthcare providers on facilitating male participation was identified as a critical gap. Enhancing male involvement in SRH can significantly improve maternal health outcomes. Nurses and midwives play a pivotal role in promoting this initiative through targeted education, outreach programs, and policy advocacy, ultimately fostering healthier family dynamics in Ghanaian society.

Digital technology has brought many advantages to healthcare, but it has also given rise to a new form of worker abuse called "cyberbullying." This type of bullying can happen anytime and can greatly harm workers' mental health. Since "professional quality of life" is vital for how well the healthcare system functions and there is not much research on how this connects to online bullying in Iranian nursing, it is important to look closer at this relationship. This study aimed to assess the association between cyberbullying and professional quality of life among nurses in Southeast Iran. This research utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design and recruited 335 nurses from Kerman University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals during 2025. Subjects were enrolled using a convenience sampling approach, and data were collected using the Menesini Cyberbullying Questionnaire and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24 and descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, analysis of variance, spearman correlation coefficients, and stepwise multivariate regression, with a significance level of less than 0.05. Data analysis indicated a low prevalence of cyberbullying among nurses. The mean scores of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress were 34.71&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;5.47, 16.03&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;3.92, and 31.63&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;4.90, respectively, all of which fell within the moderate range. Inferential findings indicated a significant positive correlation between cyberbullying and compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Furthermore, cyberbullying emerged as a significant positive predictor across all three dimensions of professional quality of life in regression analyses. Additionally, key demographic and occupational factors including educational degree, shift type, employment status, gender, and marital status emerged as significant predictors within their respective models. The findings indicated that cyberbullying was generally low and showed significant statistical associations with compassion fatigue in the analyses. Targeted interventions to enhance nurses' professional quality of life should be prioritized in healthcare settings. Furthermore, longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to better elucidate the temporal and causal relationships among these variables. Nurse administrators should adopt preventive strategies addressing workplace cyberbullying and compassion fatigue to enhance nurses' professional quality of life.

There are limited data on how family physicians approach fertility counseling in Turkey. We aimed to assess family physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and counseling practices regarding fertility, reproductive planning, and oocyte cryopreservation (OCP) in Turkey. An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted among family physicians practicing in family health centers or community health centers across Turkey between January and June 2026. Physicians were recruited until a predetermined sample size of at least 400 valid responses to the researcher-developed survey was reached, which included the collection of participant data and the fertility counseling questionnaire. The proportion of family physicians supporting the proactive discussion of patients' reproductive plans was 34.2%, while 53.6% supported discussing age-related fertility decline and 62.6% supported discussing OCP with appropriate patients. Correct identification of the age range at which mild and pronounced fertility declines began was achieved by 60.6 and 54.1% of participants, respectively. Self-reported familiarity with OCP was lower than the support shown for counseling about OCP. Familiarity with OCP was higher among younger and unmarried physicians. A significant portion of participants anticipated that insurance coverage and clarification of legal regulations would increase the frequency of counseling. In Turkey, attitudes toward fertility counseling at the primary care level do not always align with contemporary knowledge. The findings suggest a need for structured education, particularly regarding age-related fertility decline, the realistic limits of in vitro fertilization (IVF) success, and indications for OCP, as well as institutional and policy frameworks to facilitate counseling.

In January 2025, the Trump Administration announced a 90-day freeze on all US government (USG) foreign aid, which subsequently became a permanent shutdown of the US Agency for International Development in July 2025. The sudden withdrawal of USG financing disrupted health and humanitarian systems worldwide, with disproportionate impacts on women, girls and other marginalised populations. This study documents impacts of the funding freeze during its early months (February-March 2025) on global health programmes. This rapid mixed-methods assessment combined a global online survey with qualitative case studies in Nepal, Kenya and Colombia. The survey was distributed via email through networks and relevant listservs. Semistructured key informant interviews (KIIs) (n=53) were conducted with non-governmental organisation leaders, clinicians, community health workers, government officials and humanitarian actors, all purposively selected based on their direct or indirect involvement in USG-funded health programmes. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed and triangulated with quantitative findings. Survey respondents reported initial impacts of the USG funding cuts across health sectors and functions, including humanitarian and emergency response/preparedness, gender-based violence and mental health and psychosocial support. Five key themes arose from the KIIs with stakeholders in three case study countries: disruptions to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, HIV service interruptions and treatment access, the collapse of referral networks and service ecosystems, a mental health crisis among clients and health workers and the rising vulnerability of marginalised populations. Both survey and interview data highlighted growing inequities and anticipated reversals in longstanding health gains. The 2025 US foreign aid freeze generated immediate and widespread disruptions across health and humanitarian systems, revealing systems-level vulnerabilities. These early findings point to the need for more diversified and reliable financing, stronger domestic preparedness and policy approaches that centre SRHR and marginalised populations.

War reshapes the conditions under which reproductive decisions are made and pregnancy is experienced. Prolonged insecurity, displacement, economic instability, disruption of healthcare, and reduced social support may lead women and families to postpone pregnancy or face pregnancy and childbirth under constrained conditions. These challenges highlight the need for research on how war-related stress and trauma affect women's reproductive behavior and perinatal mental health. This prospective cohort study will recruit at least 328 women through healthcare institutions providing reproductive and perinatal care. Eligible participants will include non-pregnant women, pregnant women, and women within the first year postpartum. Where feasible, partners of enrolled women will also be included to provide complementary dyadic data. Participants will be followed from baseline to 3, 6, and 12 months. Data will be collected through web-based questionnaires and routine clinical records. No experimental intervention will be delivered, and participation in the study will not modify standard clinical care. Repeated measures will capture mental health, reproductive intentions and behavior, war-related and perinatal experiences, and key sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. Primary analyses will use mixed-effects models to examine mental-health trajectories, with reproductive status modeled both as a baseline cohort characteristic and, where participants change status during follow-up, as a time-varying covariate; reproductive transitions will also be examined as secondary longitudinal outcomes. This protocol addresses an important gap by using a longitudinal design to examine women's experiences in a wartime setting. By situating mental health within disrupted reproductive plans, insecurity, healthcare strain, and family-level experiences, the study may help identify how armed conflicts shape both psychological vulnerability and reproductive decision-making. The findings may inform more responsive care for women affected by war. ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT07551934.

Adolescents continue to demonstrate uneven sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, particularly in applied domains such as contraception, gender identity, and digital safety. While school-based education emphasizes biological aspects of reproduction, structured family-based SRH education remains limited. This study examined whether empowering parents with structured, culturally sensitive SRH content and professional guidance may improve adolescents' SRH knowledge through parent-adolescent communication on sexual issues (PACS). A quasi-experimental single-arm pre-post pilot study was conducted among Malaysian parent-adolescent dyads. Parents received a six-week structured SRH module delivered via a website, supported by healthcare professionals through digital platforms, and engaged in PACS. Adolescents completed a validated 30-item SRH knowledge questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Fifty adolescents with a mean age of 14.45 (SD=1.50) years completed the study (completion rate: 89.3&#x202f;%). Median knowledge scores increased significantly from 19.0 (IQR=11.5-26.5) to 23.0 (IQR=17-29) (p<0.001, r=0.62). Significant improvements were observed across several knowledge domains, including contraception misconceptions, oral sex and pregnancy risk, gender identity, digital safety, grooming awareness, and abortion (r=0.28-0.40, p<0.05). This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that empowering parents with digitally delivered, structured SRH education and professional support can enhance parent-adolescent communication and improve adolescents' knowledge, particularly in sensitive and under-addressed domains. This family-based approach offers a feasible and scalable complement to school-based SRH education, especially in culturally sensitive and resource-limited settings.

Unintended pregnancies pose a significant public and reproductive health challenge, with substantial adverse effects on mothers, children, and the wider population. Despite these negative consequences, unintended pregnancies remain prevalent in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of unintended pregnancy in Tanzania. This study employed an analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted using secondary data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. We included 1182 women selected through a two-stage sampling strategy. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA version 18, employing descriptive statistics and a weighted binary logistic regression model to identify factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the strength and magnitude of the associations. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Tanzania was 27.7% (95% CI: 24.6-31.0). In the adjusted analysis, women aged 25-34 (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.49, 95% CI: 0.30-0.80), those aged &#x2265;&#x2009;35 years (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.50, 95% CI: 0.26-0.96), married (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.14, 95% CI: 0.07-0.28), cohabiting (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.13, 95% CI: 0.06-0.27), and previously married women (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.23, 95% CI: 0.10-0.56) had significantly lower odds of unintended pregnancy. Women from a household with at least six members had higher odds of unintended pregnancy compared to their counterparts (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.79, 95% CI: 1.25-2.57). Regarding geographical zones, women in eastern (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.06, 95% CI: 1.03-4.14) and Zanzibar (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.79, 95% CI: 1.44-5.38) had a higher likelihood of unintended pregnancy than those in the western zone of mainland Tanzania. Nearly three in ten women of reproductive age experienced an unintended pregnancy in Tanzania. This study recommends the use of multifaceted strategies that emphasize youth-friendly reproductive health services, reduction of social barriers for unmarried women, tailored family planning support for large households, and strengthening healthcare access in geographically vulnerable regions to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies.

In ethnic minority communities like in Vietnam, reproductive decision-making is shaped not only by access to services but by deeply rooted cultural and gender norms. A stark 'reproductive paradox' emerges, where high fertility is idealised yet unsafe abortion remains prevalent. This study explores how women, men and healthcare workers in Son La province perceive family planning and gender-based violence (GBV), with attention to the structural and symbolic forces that shape the reproductive autonomy of the women in the region. A qualitative study was conducted in March 2022 in Son La province, using semistructured interviews and three group discussions with 18 participants, including mothers, fathers, pregnant women and healthcare workers from both Kinh and Mong ethnic groups. Data were analysed using Krippendorff's content analysis, framed by Social Constructionism and Symbolic Interactionism, to understand how cultural narratives shape Kinh and Mong women's reproductive autonomy. Participants described how women's reproductive autonomy is constrained by structural and symbolic violence. Contraceptive choices were often controlled by husbands and mothers-in-law. Some women rejected intrauterine devices to avoid affecting male sexual comfort. 'Wife snatching' and early marriage were normalised as tradition. While both ethnic groups preferred large families, Kinh participants cited lineage expectations, whereas Mong participants emphasised ancestral blessings and land. Unsafe abortion, through herbal or informal methods, was common when women's choices conflicted with stigma or family control. Findings underscore how gendered and ethnic hierarchies restrict reproductive autonomy of Kinh and Mong women in the region. Interventions should integrate family planning and GBV services, promote cultural humility and engage local actors in codesigning solutions that respect both biomedical and indigenous reproductive logics.

Compared to other adults, US women of reproductive age are more likely to experience anxiety and depression; primary care interventions are needed to address barriers to evidence-based screening and treatment. To examine rates of evidence-based screening and management of anxiety and depression in primary care associated with implementation of a women's behavioral health quality improvement learning collaborative, Focus on ME (FOM). An interrupted time series analysis assessed changes from baseline and changes in trends related to anxiety and depression screening and treatment after a positive screen before (January 1, 2021-February 28, 2022) and during (March 1, 2022-February 28, 2023) implementation. Women aged 18-44 within 20 Ohio primary care practices participating in FOM. FOM implemented a primary care behavioral health screening and management protocol developed with clinical experts and aligned with clinical guidelines, using a learning collaborative aligned with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Breakthrough Series model. Primary outcomes: (1) change in practice-level Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screening and (2) percentage of patients who received protocol-aligned treatment (PAT) after a GAD-7 score&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;10 or PHQ-9 score&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;15. FOM practices delivered 19,126 visits to women aged 18-44 across pre-implementation (13,247) and implementation (11,911), averaging 2245 visits/month. A total of 9448/19,126 (49.4%) of visits were with Medicaid beneficiaries. Compared to pre-implementation, the 12-month FOM implementation period showed immediate and sustained increases in GAD-7 (change from baseline&#x2009;=&#x2009;23.1% p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) and PHQ-9 (change from baseline&#x2009;=&#x2009;18.1%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) screening, as well as PAT for anxiety (change from baseline&#x2009;=&#x2009;25.9%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) and depression (change from baseline&#x2009;=&#x2009;38.0%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). FOM implementation was associated with improvements in screening and treatment of anxiety and depression across a statewide network and warrants broader scaling investigation.

Obesity is a global health threat, especially among women of reproductive age, and it adversely affects the health of both mothers and their children. This study aimed to identify and analyze the causes and management challenges of maternal obesity in Iran from the perspectives of key informants. This is a qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 experts, from September to December 2023. We analyzed data using Leichter's (1979) framework through an inductive-deductive approach, facilitated with MAXQDA 2020 software. We identified challenges in managing maternal obesity and categorized them into 10 main categories and 21 sub-categories, grouped within five constructs according to Leichter's framework: Situational factors (climate changes and international sanctions), Structural factors (high prevalence of overweight and obesity among women and unfavorable economic conditions), Socio-cultural factors (misconceptions and misuse of traditional Iranian medicine), Environmental or International factors (social norms and values, and the limited influence of international organizations), and Governance and Executive factors (weak governance by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) and poor inter-sectoral cooperation). Addressing maternal obesity is essential to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Current challenges such as food insecurity, economic decline, and insufficient maternal awareness threaten maternal health in relation to obesity. Tackling these issues requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving healthcare system strengthening, public awareness campaigns, and empowerment of women and families. Prioritizing maternal obesity within national health agendas is critical for an effective response. Further research on maternal obesity in Iran is recommended to uncover root causes and develop effective interventions, providing policymakers with the evidence needed for informed decision-making.

Access to information has been identified as a social determinant of health, influencing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that can shape health outcomes. Contraceptive information influences how individuals make decisions about accessing contraceptive care and method use, as well as broader reproductive health trajectories. The recent proliferation of contraceptive misinformation has led to increased research and media attention on this topic. Misinformation from all types of information sources must be understood and addressed by the sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice field to enable people to make informed, autonomous decisions about contraception based on high-quality, high-integrity evidence. This Research Practice Support aims to guide researchers interested in studying contraceptive misinformation. First, we define key terms related to the information environment and ecosystem, including misinformation, disinformation, and other related concepts. Then, we provide actionable recommendations for each stage of the research process for studies focused on contraceptive misinformation, including study design and ethical considerations, data sources and collection, and dissemination. Scholars are encouraged to consider these recommendations to maximize the impact of their research focused on contraceptive misinformation.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Ethiopia. Early detection and awareness of risk factors are critical for improving outcomes, yet knowledge gaps and sociocultural barriers persist. The objective of this study was to assess awareness of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and preventive practices among Ethiopian women. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to May 2025 among women employed in governmental, non-governmental, and private organizations in Bahir Dar, Dessie, Debre Berhan, and Gondar. A multistage random sampling technique selected 473 participants. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of breast cancer, attitudes toward screening, and early detection practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and Epi Info 3.5.1. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals were used to determine the strength of associations, and statistical significance was declared at p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05. Participants were predominantly young (&#x2264;&#x2009;30 years) and well-educated (48.0% diploma, 41.2% BSc or higher). Commonly recognized symptoms were breast pain (86.3%), swelling (83.3%), lumps (79.5%), and size changes (78.4%). Self-breast examination was practiced by 68.7%, but knowledge of correct timing and frequency was low. Awareness of Clinical-breast examination (88.6%) and pathological diagnosis (54.1%) was higher. Risk factor knowledge was uneven, with better recognition of smoking, alcohol, and inactivity, but poor understanding of diet, obesity, reproductive factors, hormones, and radiation. Sunlight was commonly misperceived as a risk. Main information sources were mass media, health workers, and teachers. Participants aged 36-40 years had significantly better knowledge (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.21, 95% CI: 1.51-3.14, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.002). Family history of breast cancer was associated with higher odds of good knowledge (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.13, 95% CI: 1.24-3.61, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.004), good attitude (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.35, 95% CI: 1.26-4.46, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.004), and good practices (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.64, 95% CI: 0.96-2.31, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.041). Having a current breast problem was the strongest predictor, associated with better knowledge (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.24, 95% CI: 1.48-3.84, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.004), better attitude (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;3.64, 95% CI: 2.62-8.24, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001), and good preventive practices (AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;3.54, 95% CI: 1.87-6.25, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.003). Breast cancer knowledge among Ethiopian women remains poor with notable gaps in understanding risk factors, symptoms, and preventive practices. Sociocultural and structural barriers further impede early detection. Implementing targeted, culturally sensitive health education, integrating breast cancer awareness into routine healthcare, and utilizing mass media and educational institutions are essential strategies to enhance knowledge, promote screening, and improve early detection, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality.

TACR3 encodes the receptor for neurokinin B, a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Disruption of this pathway can impair gonadotropin release and male reproductive function. Given the genetic heterogeneity of male infertility, this study aimed to identify novel variants in TACR3 that may underlie asthenozoospermia and related hormonal abnormalities. Fifteen infertile men with confirmed asthenozoospermia were enrolled. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on genomic DNA from peripheral blood, and the candidate variant was validated by Sanger sequencing. Functional predictions were made using PolyPhen-2, SIFT, MutationTaster, and REVEL. TACR3 mRNA expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR in available samples. A novel splice-site variant, TACR3 (NM_001059.3:c.888&#x2009;+&#x2009;1G&#x2009;>&#x2009;A), was detected and found to segregate with infertility in one family, appearing homozygously in two infertile brothers and heterozygously in the proband with severe asthenozoospermia. The variant was absent in public and local genomic databases, suggesting its extremely rare frequency. Furthermore, RT-PCR showed a dramatic reduction or complete loss of TACR3 expression in affected individuals, confirming its deleterious effect on splicing and mRNA stability. We identified a previously unreported splice-site mutation in TACR3 (c.888&#x2009;+&#x2009;1G&#x2009;>&#x2009;A) that likely causes familial infertility by disrupting the neurokinin B/NK3R signaling pathway. While the heterozygous proband exhibited severe asthenozoospermia, the homozygous brothers displayed hormonal profiles typical of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. These findings extend the mutational landscape of TACR3 and highlight its essential contribution to male reproductive endocrinology.

Abortion is a common reproductive healthcare process that is often stigmatised. Research on abortion stigma has grown significantly since the last major review over a decade ago, and there is a pressing need for an updated, comprehensive systematic review. The purpose of this review is to examine the extent and subjective experiences of abortion stigma among those seeking an abortion in high-income countries. We aim to explore the theoretical conceptualisations of abortion stigma in relevant studies. We conducted a mixed-method systematic review following the JBI and PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, CINHAL, PsychINFO, LIVIVO, and the Cochrane Library were searched for peer-reviewed articles. Quantitative studies were summarised narratively. Qualitative studies were synthesised using the JBI meta-aggregative approach. We included 41 qualitative, nine quantitative, and three mixed methods studies. Most studies lacked a substantial theoretical conceptualisation of abortion stigma. Quantitative studies reported prevalence rates of perceived abortion stigma ranging from 37% to 60%, suggesting that stigma remains a common experience among abortion seekers. Findings also indicate associations between abortion stigma and various sociodemographic factors (e.g., religion, race, age), as well as adverse mental health outcomes. In the qualitative studies, people seeking abortion care reported experiencing and anticipating judgment from healthcare professionals, anti-abortion activists, and their close social circle. Their experiences also centered on the internalisation of shame and guilt. Some studies highlighted the mitigating effect of social support. Longitudinal and mixed methods approaches with consistent assessment would be useful to better understand the developmental pathways of abortion stigma. This understanding is necessary to provide individual and structural support for people seeking abortion care. Abortion is a common healthcare procedure, but it often faces stigma. Despite many recent studies on this topic, there hasn't been an updated overview since 2016. We reviewed 53 research articles to understand how and to what extent abortion stigma is experienced in high-income countries. Quantitative studies mainly looked at how common abortion stigma can be and how it relates to mental health and decision-making. Qualitative studies provided a more profound insight. They showed that people seeking abortions often feel judged by healthcare workers, anti-abortion activists, and their friends and family. Qualitative studies underline how people who seek an abortion feel ashamed and guilty. However, having support from loved ones could help lessen these feelings. In conclusion, we found that abortion is a stigmatised process. Future research should explore the support systems available to people seeking abortions. Understanding these supports can help improve structural-level care and ensure better assistance for people navigating abortion access.