Marriage-Age and Fertility Pattern among Reproductive Age Women in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

Introduction: In Nigeria, one of the major reasons for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within a year or two of marriage. The age of marriage is on the increase in this part of the world. Many women are now increasingly getting engulfed in career and academic pursuits at the detriment of early marriage. Many men are also not interested in marrying women who have no job. There is age-related acceleration of primordial follicle depletion which is of great clinical importance because it is associated with a significant decrease in fecundity. Objective: This study assessed the ages of the marriage of women who attended Fertility and Antenatal clinics at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and Smile Specialist Hospital, Abakaliki, and their relationship with the fertility pattern of these women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 352 consenting married women who sought and received fertility and Antenatal care at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and Smile Specialist Hospital Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria between February 1, 2022 and January 31, 2024. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the participants over a two-year period. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. A test of statistical significance was done using Chi Square. Results: The age group with the highest education was 26 - 30. This was statistically significant (X2 = 90.893, P-value 2 = 294.555, P-value 2 = 173.007, p-value 2 = 129.494, P-value 2 = 169.300, p-value 2 = 279.230, p-value Conclusion: There is increased difficulty at conception at marriage age above 25 years. The major reasons for delayed marriage were academic pursuit and lack of gainful employment. Education of the masses and inclusion of biological dynamics of the female reproductive behaviours as part of the core school curriculum will help enlighten the female and the male folks alike to enable them to make informed decisions with regard to the timing of marriage and commencement of procreation. This will help reduce infertility and save millions of couples the agony associated with infertility.

Evaluation of Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Values for 28,016 Bulgarian Women: Prognostic Statistical Model of Age Specific AMH Declining

The present study aims to establish a relationship between serum AMH levels and age in a large group of women living in Bulgaria, as well as to establish reference age-specific AMH levels in women that would serve as an initial estimate of ovarian age. A total of 28,016 women on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria were tested for serum AMH levels with a median age of 37.0 years (interquartile range 32.0 to 41.0). For women aged 20 - 29 years, the Bulgarian population has relatively high median levels of AMH, similar to women of Asian origin. For women aged 30 - 34 years, our results are comparable to those of women living in Western Europe. For women aged 35 - 39 years, our results are comparable to those of women living in the territory of India and Kenya. For women aged 40 - 44 years, our results were lower than those for women from the Western European and Chinese populations, close to the Indian and higher than Korean and Kenya populations, respectively. Our results for women of Bulgarian origin are also comparable to US Latina women at age 30, 35 and 40 ages. On the base on constructed a statistical model to predicting the decline in AMH levels at different ages, we found non-linear structure of AMH decline for the low AMH 3.5) the dependence of the decline of AMH on age was confirmed as linear. In conclusion, we evaluated the serum level of AMH in Bulgarian women and established age-specific AMH percentile reference values based on a large representative sample. We have developed a prognostic statistical model that can facilitate the application of AMH in clinical practice and the prediction of reproductive capacity and population health.

Retrospective Cohort Study to Investigate Pregnancy Outcomes in a Population of Advanced Maternal Age Congolese Women of Kinshasa: A Study Protocol

Introduction: Pregnancies at advanced maternal age (AMA) are those occurring after the age of 35 years old. They carry a high risk of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality, thus constituting a public health problem. Several African countries have reported an upward trend in both the age of childbirth and the frequency of women with AMA over the past 20 years. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality remain very high, data on AMA pregnancies go back more than 20 years. Objective: We propose evaluating obstetrical outcomes among women in AMA in our setting and the associated factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study will be conducted in two healthcare facilities (ESS) in Kinshasa. The study population will consist of all women who delivered a single fetus after 28 weeks of gestation between January 2012 and December 2022 (10 years) in the selected ESS. The data collected will be analyzed using R software version 4.2.0. Quantitative variables will be summarized as means with standard deviation or medians with interquartile range. Qualitative variables will be presented as proportions (%). Multivariate logistic regression will be used to determine the main maternal-fetal complications associated with AMA and predictors of obstetric outcomes. P Discussion: The high maternal and infant mortality rates in DRC are among the highest in the world. The context of maternal age has become a topic of growing interest due to its potential implications for the health of women and newborns, it is crucial to identify the risk factors associated with obstetric outcomes by identifying obstetrical outcomes associated with advanced maternal age in the DRC. Many Congolese women tend to start their maternity journey at a relatively young age. However, there is also an emerging trend towards delayed childbearing, particularly in urban areas and among women with access to education and family planning services. Conclusion: The results of this study will enable us to update the frequency of AMA pregnancies in our environment. The socio-demographic and clinical profile of these pregnancies will be determined. The main maternal-fetal complications associated with AMA in our setting and the associated factors will be identified.

Profiling and Determinants of Impaired Lipid Profile Parameters among Breast Cancer Women of Childbearing Age Living in Douala, Cameroon

Objective: Breast cancer in women of childbearing age (WCBA) is a major public health concern. This study aimed to determine variation and determinants in lipid profile among Cameroonian WCBA diagnosed with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A case-control study took place at two reference hospitals in Douala, Cameroon. A total of 176 WCBA (88 cases and 88 controls) were finally enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic, behavioural, clinical and anthropometric data. Three millilitres of venous blood were collected for analysis of total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglycerides (TG). Results: Overweight was predominantly seen in cases and controls. Serum levels of TC and LDL-c were significantly lower in cancer women (167.02 ± 45.46 vs 183.12 ± 27.38 mg/dL, p = 0.005 for TC;85.83 ± 40.34 vs 105.25 ± 29.95 mg/dL, p = 0.0004 for LDL-c), while HDL-c levels were higher in controls (45.09 ± 7.20 vs 38.24 ± 11.14 mg/dL, p Conclusion: This study suggests the influence of breast cancer on lipid profile parameters especially HDL-c and LDL-c, and possibly their putative clinical utility for early diagnosis in premenopausal women in Cameroon.

Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis B among Women of Childbearing Age in the Kara Region of Togo in 2022

Introduction: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Few up-to-date data on this disease are available in developing countries, including Togo. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B among women of childbearing age in the Kara region of Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from 23 to 25 September 2022 during a fairground campaign. Data were collected using a standardised questionnaire. HBV screening was performed using “SD-BIOLINE HBsAg WB” rapid immunochromatographic tests. HBV prevalence was reported with its 95% confidence interval (CI). Regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with HBV infection. Results: A total of 327 women were enrolled, with a median age of 34 years and an interquartile range of [25 - 43]. Nearly half (49.5%) of the women had had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 and 2.1% had at least 2 sexual partners at the time of the survey. The majority (91.7%) had not used a condom the last time they had sex. The prevalence of hepatitis B was 10.4% (95% CI: 7.5 - 14.2]). In multivariable analysis, having had sexual intercourse for the first time after the age of 18 (ORa = 0.17;95% CI [0.06 - 0.43];p Conclusion: The results of this study underline the importance of monitoring the prevalence of hepatitis B in women of childbearing age, and of implementing targeted prevention and screening measures to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HBV.

Accuracy of Trans-Cerebellar Diameter and Placental Thickness in Third Trimesteric Pregnant Women for Calculation of Gestational Age: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Accurate determination of gestational age has become important for deciding the appropriate time for termination of the pregnancy as well as to monitor the fetal growth during the entire period of pregnancy. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess whether the trans-cerebellar diameter, placental thickness or combining both of them is more accurate for assessment of gestational age in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Patients and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted at outpatient Clinic and Obstetric ward, Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, over a period of six months from March 2019 to September 2019. One hundred pregnant women were recruited according to inclusion criteria either from outpatient clinic or were admitted in obstetric ward Ain Shams Maternity Hospital to find out the most accurate fetal biometric measurement in the third trimester either trans-cerebellar diameter placental thickness or both compared to reliable LMP (last menstrual period) dates confirmed by crown rump length (CRL) in the first trimester. Results: Trans-cerebellar diameter mean ± SD was 46.0 ± 3.5 with range 38.2 - 51.7. The mean of placental thickness was 39.6 ± 7.1 with range 22.8 - 54.3. Placental thickness had highest determination (0.813) for last menstrual period followed by trans-cerebellar diameter (0.802). Combining trans-cerebellar diameter and placental thickness increased determination (0.902) for last menstrual period. Conclusion: Combined use of trans-cerebellar diameter and placental thickness in the third trimester of pregnancy is a reliable indicator for gestational age in women whose last menstrual period is unreliable or unknown, but placental thickness had higher accuracy than trans-cerebellar diameter.

TORCH Infection Status in Women of Childbearing Age in China:A Meta-Analysis

Objective:This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of comprehensive information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis(TOX),rubella virus(RV),cytomegalovirus(CMV),and herpes simplex(HSV)also known as TORCH infection in women of childbearing age.Besides,the positive rates of TORCH-Immunoglobulin G(TORCH-IgG)and Immunoglobulin M(IgM)antibodies in women of childbearing age in different regions of China were statistically analyzed,so as to highlight the issue of TORCH infection in women of childbearing age.Methods:A total of 12,694 articles were retrieved by keyword searching.The works were screened according to the inclusion criteria,and 25 studies were included totaling 531,617 women of childbearing age.The OpenMeta[Analyst]software was used to perform a heterogeneity test,and a random-effects model was used for system analysis.Results:The results of the meta-analysis showed that the positive rates of TORCH-IgG antibodies in women of childbearing age nationwide were 3.2%for TOX-IgG,73.4%for RV-IgG,73.8%for CMV-IgG,and 57.4%for HSV-IgG.The positive rates of IgM antibody infection in TORCH were 1.3%for TOX-IgM,6.1%for RV-IgM,9.5%for CMV-IgM,7.6%for HSV-IgM,2.0%for HSV-1-IgM,and 1.9%for HSV-2-IgM.All meta-analyses had I2≥98%and P<0.001,which meant that the results were statistically significant.Conclusions:A meta-analysis of the positive rates of IgG and IgM antibodies of TORCH infection in women of childbearing age found that the early infection rate of HSV was the highest,and the previous infection rate of RV was the highest.This result can provide epidemiological basis for the prevention and treatment of TORCH infection.

Association between Metal(loid)Exposure and Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mediated by Anti-Müllerian Hormone among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

Objective To investigate the relationship and potential pathways between metal(loid)exposure and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)in women of childbearing age.Methods This case-control study included 200 patients with PCOS(cases)and 896 non-PCOS controls with the age of 25-37 years.The concentrations of 29 metal(loid)s in the follicular fluid(FF)and clinical indicators in the serum were measured in all participants.Logistic regression analysis and mediation analysis were conducted to evaluate the associations between metal(loid)exposure and PCOS risk and investigate the possible roles of clinical indicators,respectively.Results Logistic regression analysis revealed an association between high copper levels in FF and increased PCOS risk(highest vs.lowest quartile:adjusted odds ratio=2.94,95%confidence interval:1.83-4.72).A high luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio and elevated levels of testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)were strongly associated with increased PCOS risk induced by high copper exposure.The mediation analysis indicated a mediating effect of AMH in the association between copper exposure and PCOS risk.Conclusion Copper may affect PCOS risk through the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis,mediated by AMH.Copper exposure and internal AMH levels are important indicators for early warning of PCOS development.

Occurrence and Clinical Characteristics of Vaginitis among Women of Reproductive Age in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Vaginitis is an important public health problem globally. It is associated with gynaecological and obstetric complications. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are mainly responsible for vaginitis. The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence, clinical characteristics and associated risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending Primary Health Care centres in Lagos Nigeria. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 258 women with genital complaints after obtaining their informed written consent between May 2017 and March 2018. Structured questionnaires were administered and high vaginal swabs were collected for laboratory examination. The results were analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square and simple logistic regression. Results: Out of the 210 (81.4%) of the women with one or more vaginal infections, 105 (50.0%), 26 (12.4%) had bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis respectively while 78 (37.1%) had both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Only 1 (0.5%) participant had trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. History of abortion and age below 25 years were associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis while pregnancy, history of miscarriage, age at first sexual activity and discharge were associated with bacterial vaginosis. Itching was associated with both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: This study revealed vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis as important cause of genital complaints among reproductive age women in Lagos. Health education, robust diagnosis and early treatment are needed in order to reduce the associated risk factors, disease burden and complications.

Factors Affecting the Utilization of Antenatal Care among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Merca, Lower Shebelle, Somalia

Worldwide more than thousands of women and new born are at the danger of die from pregnancy and child delivery complications. Antenatal care (ANC)/ pregnancy care is the health care where expecting mothers and new born receive medical care or medical attention. The aim of this study is to examine factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care among married women of reproductive age in Merca, lower Shebelle, Somalia. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional and qualitative study design that was carried out from June to August 2022 and this study was carried out in Merca, district lower Shabelle, Somalia. Data were collected from 325 married women of reproductive age who have at least one child and more than living in Merca district. Result: Our study found that the magnitude of antenatal care uptake was 31.1% during the examined period. Very low utilization of antenatal care in Somali women is worrying in the face of high vulnerability of maternal complications. In terms of age diverse and utilization of antenatal care, women in younger age group 15 - 30 were more to utilize antenatal care services than with women in older age group 31 years above (p-value < 0.007). Our study also identified that there is association between level of education and level of utilization among women about antenatal care services (p-value < 0.001). In terms of level of awareness about antenatal care services, it is significantly associated with the level of utilization antenatal care (p-value < 0.001). Our study identified that the number of complaining complications related previous pregnancy that have no awareness about antenatal care services was higher than number of utilized antennal care awareness about antenatal care (p-value < 0.001). Based on these results, it is recommended to improve women’s awareness about antenatal care services by using health education program.

A Brief Analysis on Women in Victorian Age --Based on Mrs. Warren＇ s Profession

George Bernard Shaw is one of the prominent playwrights in the world. His masterpiece Mrs. Warren＇ s Profession has an important effect on the world. This play is so influential that it injects a new thing into the black society. This play also inspires women to stand up to fight against the old power. Only by describing the suffering of Warren and Vivie can the writer expose the social root forming the brothel in the capital society. It also shows Shaw is critical and sympathetic towards women in the society. This work has been studied in different aspects by scholars. Based on women in Victorian Society, this paper mainly discusses the main characters Warren and Vivie Warren to form a distinctive contrast between submissive woman and new woman. Warren and Vivie serve an example to illustrate the features of Victorian women. War Warren, a symbol of the submissive woman who runs brothel, submits to the reality and makes a living by doing exploiting, while as a new woman and a positive figure, Vivie is brave enough to break away from all the traditional bondage and pursues a new life after knowing that her mother has been doing this kind of work. All the differences in the character lead to the break-up between the two.

Factors Associated with the Use of Modern Contraceptive Methods by Women of Childbearing Age in Parakou in 2017

As in other countries of West Africa, Benin has a low rate of MCM utilization. The factors which lead to this low rate of use vary from one country to another. Purpose: The purpose of this work was to determine the factors associated with the use of modern contraceptive method (MCM) by women of childbearing age (WCBA) in Parakou in 2017. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study with an analytical purpose among WCBA selected in households of the municipality of Parakou after a 2-degree cluster survey. Results: The WCBA’s average age was 29 ± 5.6 years old with extremes of 15 and 46 years. The modern contraceptive prevalence was 14.74%. Among WCBA, 57.14% had an average level of knowledge. The media were the main source of information (75.84%). Among them 34.39% never discussed the matter with their spouse;the latter were not in favor of contraception. The educational level, the perception of woman, the spouse’s favorable opinion, the discussion with the spouse, the level of knowledge of MCM and the knowledge of the existence of FP service were significantly associated with the use of MCM with p = 0.0000 after multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The level of MCM use still remains low. Any effort to increase the modern contraceptive prevalence should take into account its associated factors in order to optimize the use of MCM in the municipality of Parakou in 2017.

Analysis on Menarche Age of Chinese Reproductive Women

To analyze the age of menarche of Chinese reproductive women and some related factors. Material & Methods The data used in this paper was collected through 'National Demography and Reproductive Health Survey' of China in 1997. Results The menarche age declined successively and dramatically, from 16.45 years of the women born in 1947～1949 to 13.86 of those born in 1980～1982, decreasing by 0.65 years per decade. Conclusions The results revealed that some factors such as residence, year of birth, nationality, education level and living region had effects on the menarche age.

Assessment of Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Women of Childbearing Age in Cameroon: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Malnutrition due to poor feeding habits, is still a serious public health issue in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to assess the dietary patterns and nutritional status of women of childbearing age in various geographical settings in Cameroon so as to propose intervention strategies. Methods: In a cross sectional study conducted from January 2014 to August 2015, women aged 14 - 49 years were randomly selected from the capital city Yaounde and four regions of Cameroon. Anthropometric measures were collected for nutritional status assessment. Data on diet habits and socio-demographic parameters were collected. Results: 608 women of reproductive age with average age 34.68 ± 0.39 years made up the study. Dietary patterns assessment revealed that, most study participants had a frequent intake of carbohydrate rich foods and fats and oils rich foods;but an infrequent intake of protein rich foods and vitamin and minerals rich foods in a week. Nutritional status assessment revealed that, 2.1% were underweight, 28.6% had a normal weight, 30.8% overweight, and 38.5% obese. The grass field regions presented the highest prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity. Higher malnutrition levels were linked to low intakes of pulses and beans;milk and dairy products;vegetables and fruits food groups. Conclusion: Women of the study population had an unhealthy dietary pattern and a poor nutritional status. Therefore, strategies such as nutritional education are warranted and should be age and region specific, so as to target specific groups of women and ensure adequate nutritional status and health.

Health Care Policy and Reform—Case Study on Liberia Tuberculosis among Childbearing Age Women

Objective: Liberia health care needs to focus on addressing this disease called Tuberculosis among childbearing age women in Liberia and the world;focusing on women’s health governance of Liberia should involve these three sets of actors to control a disease outbreak. The first set of state actors, including politicians, policymakers, and other government officials, need to provide health care education in every part. The public sector health bureaucracy comprising the health ministry, health, social insurance agencies, public pharmaceutical procurement and distribution entities, etc., is central. Still, non-health public sector actors also play a role. Methods: The researcher used the questionnaire method as the main instrument for the study. Results: This survey indicates that 48% of those responding to health education can reduce TB among childbearing age women showed that education could minimize the spread of TB. 25% can improve economic status. 27% said it could reduce the illiteracy rate. The instruments used were positively related to the topic to obtain the needed findings. This set comprises public, private, should not be-for-profit individuals and groups that deliver health services and organizations that support service provision: medical training institutions, health insurance agencies, the pharmaceutical industry. Health service delivery can be presenting from the health system perspective, with inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes. WHO’re Systems Thinking for Health Systems Strengthening explaining that service delivery includes “effective, safe and quality personal and non-personal health interventions that are providing to those in need, when and where needed (including infrastructure), with minimal waste of resources”. Conclusion: Inputs for a sound health system, the need for health care delivery include financial resources, competent health care staff, adequate physical facilities and equipment, essential medicines and supplies, current clinical guidelines, and operational policies.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S MOVEMENT COMES OF AGE AT FWCW

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Prevelance of Pregnancy Complications among Women Aged 15 - 49 in Oğuzeli, Turkey

As maternal deaths have decreased worldwide, increasing attention has been placed on the study of severe obstetric complications, such as hemorrhage, eclampsia, and obstructed labor, to identify where improvements can be made in maternal health. The objective of this study was to determine pregnancy complications and prenatal care among women aged 15 - 49 in O&#287;uzeli, Turkey, and to provide data for prevention in the field. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2013 in O&#287;uzeli distinct, Turkey. The total women registered to family doctors in O&#287;uzeli was listed and, 470 women were selected using a stratified and simple random sampling technique. Pregnancy complications were asked for the last pregnancy of each women. Of the women, 23.9% (n = 109) declared that they experienced pregnancy complications during their pregnancies. The most frequent problems were anemia (11.1%) hypertension (3.7%) and diabetes mellitus (2.4%) respectively. Women having chronic diseases before their pregnancy were more likely to have pregnancy complications compared to healthy women (p = 0.005). The mean number of prenatal care among women having pregnancy complications was 5.47 ± 3.57, while it was 3.84 ± 3.00 among healthy women (p = 0.000). Women having chronic diseases should be handled carefully and, pregnancy should be delayed until the chronic disease’s remission. Family planning in primary care is the key measure to archive this. Early diagnosis of hypertension among young women is highly important for the women’s and infants’s health during pregnancy, and for the women’s future heath. During prenatal care, women should be trained about correct eating habits and activity.

Psychological Cognition of Women of Childbearing Age on the Use of Cosmetics During Pregnancy

Objective:To investigate the psychological cognition of women of childbearing age on the use of cosmetics during pregnancy,so as to provide guidance for women of childbearing age to correctly use cosmetics during pregnancy.Methods:A total of 180 women of childbearing age who underwent gynecological examination in Dezhou People’s Hospital from October 2020 to October 2021 were selected as the research subjects.Questionnaires were used to investigate the psychological cognition of women of childbearing age on the use of cosmetics during pregnancy.Results:Among the 180 women of childbearing age,48(26.67%)felt that cosmetics cannot be used during pregnancy,60(33.33%)felt that it did not matter,and 72(40.00%)agreed that cosmetics can be used during pregnancy.In addition,urban women,highly educated women,unmarried women,and enterprise employees agreed with the use of special cosmetics for pregnant women or the selective use of cosmetics during pregnancy.Conclusion:Most women of child-bearing age felt that cosmetics can be used during pregnancy;this cognition is related to their education level,occupation,and registered residence.

Women's Lives in the Computer Age

ACCORDINGtoChinesemythology,afterNuWamoldedmenoutofclay,shedippedtwigsinwaterandwavedthem,sprinklingoutwomen.InWesterncreationism,GodtookaribfromAdamandturneditintoEve.Bothaccountsconveytheideathathumansocietyiscenteredaroundmenandthatwomenaresubordi...