Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Following Cryotherapy, Thermal Ablation, and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for Cervical Treatments among Reproductive Age Women in Zambia

Background: Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatments have become essential interventions to manage cervical lesions. Most recipients are women of reproductive age who, as reported in the literature, may be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study investigated the risk of abortions, prematurity, stillbirths, and prolonged labor among reproductive-age women following Cryotherapy, Thermal ablation, and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure treatments in Zambia. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed records of 8000 women aged 15 - 49 years at the Adult Infectious Disease Control Centre using records between January 2010 and December 2020. Women constituting the treatment group were all respondents treated by cryotherapy, thermal ablation, and LEEP, while the control group were VIA negative women. Women from both groups were invited to answer a phone survey. Data were analyzed using Stata version 16;descriptive analysis estimated the prevalence and obtained the frequency distribution of abortion, prematurity, prolonged labor and fresh stillbiths. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test established the associations of CIN and APOs at 95% Confidence intervals. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression estimated the odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes across the three treatments. Results: Adverse pregnancy outcomes were more prevalent in the treatment group (39.2%) compared to the untreated group (16.9%). Across the two groups, normal outcomes were lower in the treated (42.3% vs 57.7%). The treated group accounted for the majority of abortions (74.5% vs 25.5%) and prolonged labor (72.5% vs 27.5%), while the untreated group accounted for higher proportions of stillbirths (66.7% vs 33.3%) and prematurity (53% vs 47%). Adverse pregnancy outcomes were five and two times more likely in women treated with thermal ablation (aOR = 5.05, 95% CI = 4.01 - 6.36, p Conclusion: Cervical treatment among Zambian women increases the risk of abortion and prolongs labor. Therefore, caution should be taken when administered to those of reproductive age. Vigilant monitoring should be maintained during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum to improve maternal and neonatal health.

Status Quo of Acceptance of Illness among Reproductive Age Cervical Cancer Patients and Its Influencing Factors

Objective: To explore the status quo of acceptance of illness among reproductive-age cervical cancer patients and its influencing factors, to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of targeted interventions. Methods: The convenience sampling method was used to investigate 256 reproductive-age cervical cancer patients using the general information questionnaire, Acceptance of Illness Scale, Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale, and Medical Coping Style Scale. Results: The total score of the acceptance of illness was (18.03 ± 3.24), and reproductive concerns were (57.02 ± 6.30), among reproductive-age cervical cancer patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age, number of children, income level, treatment method, level of reproductive concerns, and the yield and avoidance dimensions of medical coping style were the main influencing factors on patients’ level of illness acceptance (all P Conclusion: The acceptance of illness levels in reproductive-age cervical cancer patients was low to intermediate, and medical staff should timely identify high-risk groups and take preventive management measures based on influencing factors.

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.

HBeAg negative serological status and low viral replication levels characterize chronic hepatitis B virus-infected women at reproductive age in Greece: A one-year prospective single center study

AIM： To evaluate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg） in 13 581 women at reproductive age and the hepatitis B e antigen （HBeAg）/anti-HBe status as well as serum hepatitis B virus （HBV）-DNA levels in a subgroup of HBsAg（＋） pregnant women at labor in Greece. METHODS： Serological markers were detected using enzyme immunoassays. Serum HBV-DNA was determined by a sensitive quantitative PCR assay. Statistical analysis of data was based on parametric methodology. RESULTS： Overall, 1.156% of women were HBsAg（＋） and the majority of them （71.3%） were Albanian. The prevalence of HBsAg was 5.1% in Albanian women, 4.2% in Asian women and 1.14% in women from Eastern European countries. The prevalence of HBsAg in African （0.36%） and Greek women （0.29%） was very low. Only 4.45% of HBsAg （＋） women were also HBeAg（＋） whereas the vast majority of them were HBeAg（-）/anti-HBe（＋）. Undetectable levels of viremia （〈200 copies/mL） were observed in 32.26% of pregnant women at labor and 29.03% exhibited extremely low levels of viral replication （〈400 copies/mL）. Only two pregnant women exhibited extremely high serum HBV- DNA levels （〉10 000 000 copies/mL）, whereas 32.26% exhibited HBV-DNA levels between 1 500 and 40 000 copies/mL. CONCLUSION： The overall prevalence of HBsAg is relatively low among women at reproductive age in Greece but is higher enough among specific populations. The HBeAg（-）/anti-HBe（＋） serological status and the extremely low or even undetectable viral replicative status in the majority/of HBsAg（＋） women of our study population, suggestthat only a small proportion of HBsAg（＋） women in Greece exhibit a high risk for vertical transmission of the infection.

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.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Contraceptive Use among Women of Reproductive Age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Low contraceptive use among all other factors have been implicated in rapid population growth seen in low and lower middle-income countries (LLMICs). This can be attributed to poor knowledge and attitude of the populace towards use of modern contraceptives. Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception among pregnant women attending ANC at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from July 1 to August 31, 2021. Methods: This quantitative study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study that recruited 529 women. They were administered with a semi-structured questionnaire which was used to collect their data and responses. The data was analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25. Results: According to the findings, 57.3% and 47.1% of the women had poor knowledge and negative attitude towards contraception respectively. About a tenth of the women (9.8%) utilised contraceptives of which 44.2% and 42.3% used the natural method and male condoms respectively. The study also revealed the major reason behind the low use as desire for more children (36.3%). Conclusion: The study showed that the women had poor knowledge and negative attitude towards contraceptives and this translated to poor contraceptive use. Hence, awareness campaigns should be intensified by health workers towards enlightening the populace on the different types, uses and benefits of modern contraceptives.

Prevalence of anemia of varying severity, geographic variations, and association with metabolic factors among women of reproductive age in China: a nationwide, population-based study

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of anemia of varying severity among women of reproductive age,we conducted a nationwide,cross-sectional study between January 1,2019 and December 31,2019,including 4184547 nonpregnant women aged 18–49 years from all 31 provinces in the mainland of China.Anemia was defined as having hemoglobin concentration<120.0 g/L and categorized as mild,moderate,and severe.Multivariate logistic models with cluster effect were used to explore the association of anemia and metabolic risk factors.The standardized prevalence of anemia and moderate and worse anemia among women of reproductive age in China was 15.8%(95%CI 15.1%–16.6%)and 6.6%(6.3%–7.0%),respectively.The prevalence of anemia and the proportion of moderate and worse anemia significantly increased with age.We also observed great geographic variations in the prevalence of anemia,with a high likelihood in south,central,and northwest China.Moderate and/or severe anemia was positively associated with overweight and obesity,diabetes,and impaired kidney function.In conclusion,anemia remains a significant challenge for women of reproductive age in China.Geographic variations and metabolic risk factors should be considered in the comprehensive and targeting strategy for anemia reduction.

Research progress on the effects of phthalates on reproductive health of childbearing population and their offspring

The total fertility rate of women in childbearing age showed a downward trend in China.In addition to the age and genetic factors,environmental endocrine disruption can also impair fertility.The impact of increasing new environmental pollutants on the couples in childbearing age has become a research hotspot recently.Phthalate acid esters(PAEs)is a common plasticizer in plastic products,which is widely found in toys,food packaging,construction materials,electronic and medical components,personal care products,office and school supplies and other plastic packaging products,and is the main substance of environmental pollution.Multiple studies have shown that PAEs can not only cause environmental and water pollution,but also have a variety of toxic effects such as reproductive toxicity,genotoxicity,immunotoxicity,neurotoxicity,teratogenicity,and carcinogenesis.Therefore,its impact on human health,especially on reproductive health of people of reproductive age and their offspring,cannot be ignored.However,the current epidemiological study of PAEs and new alternatives in reproductive health population is still controversial,and the toxicity mechanism is still in the exploration stage.This article through to PAEs of parental generation,children(including embryo)of reproductive development and the influence of genetic toxicity research progress at home and abroad to do a review,aims to promote effective control measures for the establishment of PAEs pollutants rather than on reproductive health risk prediction,thus for PAEs of adverse reproductive outcomes of reproductive stage of people provide a scientific basis for precision control and guidance.

Relationship between age, size, fecundity and climatic factors in Panax wangianus an endangered medicinal plant in the sacred grove forest of North-East India

Panax wangianus （Syn. Panax pseudoginseng） S. C. Sun （Araliaceae） is a critically endangered, medicinal plant of North-East India. The objective of this study was to determine how plant size affects flowering phenology and to evaluate the effect of climatic factors on flowering, fruiting and seed production. Data on vegetative and repro- ductive characters were monitored from 2016 individuals of Panax wangianus population in Law Lyngdoh, Smit sacred grove in Nongkrem, Shillong, India. Leaflet area was measured by a planimeter. Size variables of both vegetative and reproductive traits in different age classes were measured. Climatic factors were recorded from 2007 to 2009. Age was recorded by counting the number of bud scale scars on the rhizome. Light intensity and relative humidity were measured using a photometer, LiCor Model LI-189 and thermohygrometer respectively. Different climatic variables are correlated with vegetative and reproductive phenological events. Statistical analysis revealed that a strong positive correlation was observed between the age versus vegetative and reproductive characters, except 1%–2% plants showed neoteny. Morphological variations were observed in natural conditions on the basis of the number of prong and carpellate conditions. Phenological status revealed that most of the individuals of the age class 35–50 years and above 50 years contributed the most to flowering, fruiting and seed production. Age class was significant to predict the size of the plant and its reproductive capacity. Climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation and relative humidity show synergistic effect on both the vegetative and reproductive phases in Panax wangianus in the undisturbed Nongkrem sacred grove. The color of flowers of P. wangianus also varied depending upon the sunlight intensity. Therefore, in the view of conservationand management, the age class of 35–50 years and above 50 years is the most important for population sustainability.

Effect of Domestication Manner and Age on Reproduction of Lepus timidus

In order to analyze effects of domestication manner and age on reproduction of Lepus timidus,contrast test using large-cage and small-cage domestication manners and reproduction test with different ages of L.timidus was performed.The results showed that there was no significant difference in reproduction and production performance of L.timidus between small-cage and large-cage domestication manners（P〈0.05）.The reproduction performance of female middle-aged rabbit was superior to that of female youth rabbit.

The role of nurses in the prevention of cervical cancer: Cervical screening, an unkept promise by the majority of women in Nigeria

Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem accounting for continuous female death in developing countries.Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally with an estimated number of 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 273,000 mortalities annually.Cervical screening is the best cancer screening test in the history of medicine and most cost-effective of all medical screening tests.The study review aimed to highlight methods of cervical cancer prevention,identify the uptake of cervical screening among women,and explain the role of nurses in uptake of cervical screening.Cervical cancer is preventable and easily treatable if it is detected at early stages,but poor information on prevention and access to screening and treatment contributes to 90%of deaths.In the developing countries such as Nigeria,a large proportion of cervical cancers are diagnosed in advanced stages,with poor rates of survival.The three main methods for preventing cervical cancer are through primary prevention(human papillomavirus vaccination and health education),secondary prevention(cervical screening,early detection of precancerous lesions,and treatment),and tertiary prevention(measures to slow the progression or recurrence,surgical removal,radiotherapy,and chemotherapy).Nurses can help improve the acceptability of this neglected promise by focusing on health education on cervical screening and vaccination in prenatal clinics and infant welfare clinics where there are more women.Inclusion of cyberspace could also serve as a successful and popular platform for this health teaching.All nurses/midwives must preach and fervently work toward the WHO 90–70–90 plan for eradicating cervical cancer.