Este estudo teve como objetivos analisar as concepções teóricas e práticas docentes de enfermagem no cuidado à saúde da mulher a partir da ideia de integralidade e discutir as estratégias utilizadas pelos docentes para inserir o conteúdo da integralidade no ensino de enfermagem na saúde da mulher. A política atual de atenção integral à saúde da mulher propõe a incorporação do princípio da integralidade como eixo norteador que articule o mundo do ensino ao mundo do trabalho e da realidade social. Neste contexto, muitos sentidos se combinam e se conflitam na formação da ideia de integralidade no cuidado à saúde da mulher. A metodologia envolveu a abordagem qualitativa realizada nas Instituições Públicas de Ensino Superior do Estado do Rio de Janeiro que oferecem o Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem. Utilizou-se como técnica de coleta de dados a entrevista com dezessete docentes de enfermagem da área de saúde da mulher de acordo com os critérios de inclusão selecionados pela pesquisa. Da análise do material produzido surgiram quatro categorias, a saber: Concepções de integralidade no cuidado à saúde da mulher; Integralidade do cuidado no ensino da saúde da mulher; Estratégias utilizadas para inserir a integralidade no ensino de enfermagem na saúde da mulher; Dificuldades para implantar a integralidade no cuidado à saúde da mulher. Identificou-se que foram muitos os avanços do Sistema Único de Saúde na última década. Contudo, no que diz respeito à sua consolidação como sistema público de saúde, ainda estamos diante de grandes desafios, entre os quais se destaca o relativo à incorporação efetiva dos princípios e valores do SUS nos processos de trabalho, bem como nos processos formativos para a enfermagem na área da saúde da mulher. Desta maneira, faz-se necessário construir novas formas de trabalhar melhor com a assistência, perceber como efetivas as políticas publicas na área da saúde da mulher, considerando as necessidades e demandas locorregionais no país. É evidente a dificuldade em seguir os princípios aqui defendidos, porém a integralidade no cuidado à saúde da mulher, só será possível quando houver compromisso ético com as ações e relações necessárias para sua efetivação. / This study aimed at analyzing the nursing teachers theoretical and practical concepts from the idea of comprehensiveness, as well as discussing the strategies used by teachers to insert comprehensiveness content in the nursing teaching process, both of which regarding womens health. The current policy of integral attention to womens health proposes the incorporation of comprehensiveness as a guiding principle to articulate the teaching world to the working and social reality levels. In this context, many meanings combine to, and conflict against each other in the formation of the comprehensiveness idea in the womens health care. The methodology involved the qualitative approach carried out in Public Higher Education Institutions in the State of Rio de Janeiro that offer Undergraduate Nursing Courses. The data collection technique comprised an interview with seventeen nursing teachers from the womens health area, according to the inclusion criteria selected by the research. Four categories arose out of the analysis of the material produced, namely: Comprehensiveness concepts in the womens health care; Comprehensiveness of the care in womens health teaching process; Strategies used to include comprehensiveness in womens health nursing teaching process; Difficulties to implement comprehensiveness in womens health care. Many breakthroughs were identified in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) in the last decade. However, as regards its consolidation as public health system, great challenges are yet to be responded to, with emphasis to the effective incorporation of SUS principles and values in the work processes, as well as in the nursing training process in the womens health area. Therefore, it is necessary to build new ways to better work the assistance and perceive the public policies in the womens health area as effective, considering the local-regional needs and demands in the country. The difficulty in following the principles defended here is quite clear, but comprehensiveness in womens health care will only become possible where there is ethical commitment with the actions and relationships necessary for its execution.

Esta pesquisa tem por objeto de estudo a expressão da sexualidade feminina no momento do parto e nascimento. A sexualidade é entendida a partir de um enfoque abrangente, como um aspecto central do indivíduo, e que está presente em todos os momentos de sua vida. Discutimos a sexualidade feminina como aquela expressa pela mulher no momento do parto e nascimento, ou seja, seus sentimentos positivos, emoções, desejos, fonte de prazeres, troca, comunicação e afetos, expressos e vivenciados pela mulher neste momento. Assim, objetivamos descrever a sexualidade na visão das mulheres que vivenciaram o parto normal; analisar a relação existente entre sexualidade e parto, na perspectiva das mulheres que vivenciaram o parto normal; e, discutir as relações e expressões de sexualidade vividas pelas mulheres durante o parto normal. Caracteriza-se por ser um estudo qualitativo, exploratório, onde o cenário foi duas maternidades situadas no Rio de Janeiro. Participaram do estudo 11 mulheres no puerpério mediato de partos fisiológicos. A coleta dos dados foi realizada através de entrevista semiestruturada que foram analisadas a partir de Análise de Conteúdos. Emergiram dos depoimentos as categorias: Sexualidade na compreensão das depoentes e a Sexualidade e sua interface no momento da parturição: uma relação a partir da vivência da mulher. Os resultados mais significativos foram: na primeira categoria, identificamos que as mulheres, inicialmente, tiveram dificuldade em falar de sexualidade, mas mesmo assim compreendem a sexualidade a partir de relações que fizeram, a saber: sexo/relação sexual; sensações e sentimentos positivos; e, imagem corporal. Na segunda categoria, encontramos uma afirmação da sexualidade presente no parto. A associação da sexualidade com o processo parturitivo foi verbalizada e expressada pelas mulheres com base em suas vivências pessoais, que se inter-relacionam com seu cotidiano sócio-cultural. Desta maneira, apontaram que a sexualidade está presente no parto, pois é demonstrada nele: o papel sexual reprodutivo da mulher, onde observamos satisfação e prazer feminino no nascimento do filho; e, o poder feminino de parir, onde as mulheres manifestaram satisfação e prazer na sua força e potencial no parto. / This research aims at studying the expression of female sexuality at the moment of labor and birth. The sexuality is understood, from a broad point of view, as a central aspect of the individual, and it is present in all moments of his/her life. We discuss female sexuality as the one expressed by women at the moment of labor and birth, that is, the positive feelings, emotions, desires, source of pleasure, exchanges, communication and affection, expressed and experienced by the women at this moment. Therefore, we aim at describing sexuality from the perspective of women who experienced normal labor process; analyzing the relationship between sexuality and labor from the point of view of women who experienced normal labor process; and discussing the relationships and sexuality expressions experienced by women during normal labor process. It is characterized as a qualitative, exploratory study, where two maternity clinics located in Rio de Janeiro were the scenario. 11 women during their mid-puerperium stage of physiological labor participated in the study. Data collection was performed from semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed from Content Analysis. The following categories emerged from the testimonials: Sexuality in the interviewees understanding and Sexuality and its interface at the moment of labor: a relationship from womens experience. The most significant results were: in the first category we identified that, initially, the women had difficulties to talk about sexuality, but they understand the sexuality from the relationships they had, namely: sex/sexual relationships; positive sensations/feelings; and body image. In the second category, we found an affirmation of sexuality during labor. The association of sexuality with labor process was verbalized and expressed by women based on their personal experiences, which interrelate with their social-cultural daily routines. Consequently, they point out that sexuality is present during labor, as it is expressed in it: the sexual, reproductive role of women, where female satisfaction and pleasure in their childrens births can be observed; and the feminine power from delivering, where women manifest satisfaction and pleasure in their power and potential during labor.

A depressão pós-parto (DPP) é um transtorno do humor que pode afetar mulheres de diversas culturas, já sendo considerado um problema internacional de saúde pública. Contudo, há ainda pouco conhecimento científico sobre as características qualitativas da experiência da depressão pós-parto no contexto latino-americano, incluindo o Brasil. Diante dessa lacuna, o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi compreender a trajetória de um grupo de mulheres brasileiras na experiência da DPP. Trata-se de um estudo interpretativo descritivo. Os participantes foram 15 mulheres com diagnóstico clínico de DPP e 9 familiares indicados por elas. A coleta de dados foi realizada na cidade de São Paulo no período de maio de 2011 a janeiro de 2012, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática indutiva. Como resultado, compreende-se que a trajetória das mulheres na experiência da DPP as levou a vivenciar uma maternidade fora dos padrões idealizados que, como consequência, modificou a forma como elas entendiam a própria identidade. A analogia de um quebra-cabeça é utilizada para descrever o desarranjo causado pela DPP na imagem mulher-mãe composta pelas peças identidade e maternidade. O fator que mais afetou a peça maternidade foram os pensamentos que as mulheres vivenciaram de machucar os filhos. Em resposta a isso, elas descreveram diferentes formas de exercer a maternidade. A peça identidade ficou em segundo plano devido à importância sociocultural dada à maternidade. Assim, mesmo os sintomas depressivos tendo afetado a capacidade individual das mulheres e a própria percepção sobre si mesmas, foi apenas a falha em cuidar da criança que despertou a questão da depressão e gerou a necessidade por assistência. Apoio familiar, retorno ao convívio social e tratamento psicofarmacológico foram as principais estratégias adotadas pelas mulheres para recuperar a condição de saúde. Porém, pode-se concluir que as peças do quebra-cabeça mulher-mãe não voltaram a se encaixar como antes. O desarranjo causado pela DPP não foi revertido e, por isso, as mulheres tiveram que se adaptar a um novo normal, no qual a identidade pessoal, a percepção sobre a maternidade, a relação com os filhos e companheiros foram negativamente afetadas. A descrição e a interpretação apresentada nesse estudo podem ser utilizadas por profissionais de saúde para compreender o processo de adoecimento das mulheres na DPP, bem como fornecer inúmeras possibilidades para futuras pesquisas. / Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder affecting women from different cultures, and is considered to be an international public health problem. However, there is still little scientific knowledge regarding the qualitative characteristics of the experience of PPD in the Latin American context, including Brazil. Given this lack of knowledge, the objective of this study was to understand the trajectory of a group of Brazilian women\'s experiences with PPD. This was an interpretive description study. The participants were 15 women with the clinical diagnosis of PPD, and 9 family members chosen by them. Data collection was performed in the city of São Paulo in the period of May 2011 to January 2012, through semistructured interviews. The data underwent inductive thematic analysis. As a result, it was understood that the trajectory of the women experiencing PPD led them to experience motherhood outside of the idealized standards, which consequently modified the way in which they understood their own identity. The analogy of a puzzle is used to describe the rearranging of the woman-mother image, composed of the two pieces \"identity\" and \"maternity,\" caused by PPD. The thoughts that the women experienced of hurting their children proved to be the factor most greatly affecting the puzzle piece \"maternity.\" As a response to this, they described different ways of exercising their motherhood. The puzzle piece \"identity\" took second stage due to the sociocultural importance given to maternity. Therefore, even when the depressive symptoms had affected the woman\'s individual ability, or her perception of herself, it was only when there was a failure to care for the child when questions arose regarding depression, generating the need for help. Family support, returning to social activities, and psychopharmacological treatment were all named as the main strategies to recover their health condition. However, it may be concluded that the woman-mother pieces never fit back together as they once had. The rearranging caused by the PPD was not reverted; the women had to adapt to a new \"normal,\" where their personal identity, their perception of motherhood, and their relationships with their children and partners had been negatively affected. The description and interpretation presented in this study may be used by healthcare professionals to understand the illness process of women in PPD, and provide innumerable possibilities for future research.

A Síndrome de Down (SD) é a mais frequente causa de deficiência intelectual de origem genética em seres humanos, afeta todas as etnias e ambos os sexos, sendo sua incidência estimada em um para cada 600/800 nascimentos. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a vivência da mulher com um filho com SD em idade escolar e suas expectativas em relação ao futuro. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que utilizou como referencial teórico-metodológico a abordagem da Fenomenologia Social de Alfred Schütz. Participaram do estudo dez mães de crianças com SD que frequentavam a escola regular, com idades entre 6 e 10 anos. Além de cuidar desse filho, essas mulheres exercem atividade profissional, vivem com companheiro e têm outros filhos. Dos discursos das mulheres, identificaram-se as categorias concretas que expressam os motivos porque e os motivos para da ação social. A análise dessas categorias possibilitou identificar o tipo vivido mulher com um filho com Síndrome de Down em idade escolar como sendo: a que enfrenta desafios relacionados à saúde e à escolarização do filho e cobra-se pelo seu desenvolvimento. Aos poucos, aceita o filho com deficiência e reorganiza seu cotidiano; trabalha para compor a renda familiar e satisfação pessoal; exerce o papel de cuidadora e sente-se sobrecarregada pela necessidade de conciliar a maternidade, a vida profissional e demais atividades do cotidiano. Busca o equilíbrio, experimenta o prazer de ser mãe e valoriza as conquistas de seu filho. Sua expectativa é que o filho alcance a autonomia e independência; no entanto, tem com ele uma atitude de excessiva proteção. Preocupa-se por não saber quem cuidará do filho no futuro; não dispõe de tempo para cuidar de si mesma e tudo que se refere ao plano pessoal é referido como desejo adiado. O estudo revelou que a experiência da mulher, embora apresente nuanças de singularidades próprias de sua posição biográfica no mundo social e bagagem de conhecimentos adquiridos ao longo de sua existência, constitui-se em um comportamento típico que caracteriza a ação de mulheres com um filho com SD em idade escolar. Seus resultados poderão contribuir para a compreensão das necessidades de cuidado dessa mulher e subsidiar novas estratégias assistenciais que incluam não só a mulher como toda família. Poderão também estimular outras perspectivas de investigação científica na área. / Down Syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual deficiency in human beings. It affects all ethnic origins and both genders. Its incidence level is estimated at one for even 600/800 births. The aim of this study was to understand the experience of women with schoolage children with DS and their future expectations. A qualitative research was accomplished, using Alfred Schütz Social Phenomenology approach as the theoretical-methodological framework. Study participants were tem mothers of children with DS in mainstream education, between 6 and 10 years of age. Besides taking care of their children, these women are professionally active, live with a partner and have other children. Based on the womens discourse, the concrete categories were identified that expressed the reasons why and the reasons for social action. The analysis of these categories permitted identifying the experience type woman with a school-age child with Down Syndrome as: the woman who faces challenges related to the childs health and education and holds herself responsible for his/her development. Little by little, she accepts the disabled child and reorganizes her daily life; works to contribute to family income and personal satisfaction; plays the role of caregiver and feels burdened by the need to conciliate motherhood, professional life and other daily activities. She seeks balance, experiences the pleasure of being a mother and values her childs conquests. She expects the child to achieve autonomy and independence, but adopts an attitude of excessive protection towards him/her. She is concerned for not knowing who will take care of the child in the future: does not have time to take care of herself and everything related to the personal level is referred to as postponed desire. The study revealed that the womens experiences, despite singular nuances of their biographic position in the social world and knowledge baggage gained throughout their existence, constitute typical behavior characteristic of womens actions who have a school-age child with DS. The results can contribute to understand these womens care needs and support new care strategies that include not only these women, but also their entire family. They can also stimulate other scientific research perspectives in the area.

Introdução: O tabagismo é um dos hábitos mais difundidos mundialmente, configurando-se em um problema complexo e multifacetado. Enquanto o número de homens fumantes estagnou, o de mulheres está em constante crescimento, estimando-se que cerca de 250 milhões de mulheres fumam diariamente em todo mundo. A maior dificuldade das mulheres em cessarem o tabagismo, e a grande estratégia de marketing da indústria tabagista voltada para esse público, são apontadas como razões para esse fenômeno, somado a isso existe uma escassez de estudos publicados sobre essa questão na literatura brasileira e mundial. Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil sociodemográfico, clínico e comportamental de mulheres tabagistas atendidas em um Serviço Especializado de Saúde da cidade de São Paulo. Método: Delineada como pesquisa de coorte retrospectivo de abordagem quantitativa, o estudo foi realizado através de busca ativa nos prontuários das pacientes que foram atendidas no serviço especializado para cessação do tabagismo do Estado de São Paulo entre os anos de 2005 e 2010. Para a análise dos prontuários, foi realizado o uso de um questionário, os dados coletados foram armazenados por meio do software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) e analisados pelo programa RStudio, em que foram realizadas todas as análises. Resultados: A coorte de 655 prontuários caracterizou-se por mulheres com idade média de 49 anos (DP=10,1), solteiras (34%); com segundo grau completo (27,9%), inseridas no mercado de trabalho (54,9%), com nível de dependência a nicotina muito elevado (78,5%) e que apresentavam critérios diagnóstico de depressão (23,6%), ansiedade (24,2%) e hipertensão (21,9%). Como principais razões para o ato de fumar as mulheres tabagistas atribuíam sensação de prazer (50,2%) e propriedades relaxantes (69,3%), e a principal razão alegada para a busca do tratamento foi motivos de saúde (62%). A faixa etária demonstrou associação significativa com a influência de terceiros no início do tabagismo (p=0,05). O tempo de permanência no tratamento mostrou-se positivamente associado ao diagnóstico de depressão (p=0,04) e hipertensão (p<0,01), ao convívio com parentes tabagistas (p<0,01) e procura por tratamento devido a motivos de saúde (p=0,02). O grau de dependência associou-se positivamente com a precocidade do início do tabagismo (p<0,01), ao uso de tranqüilizantes (p=0,02), menor nível educacional, em todas as situações em que fumam (p<0,01), exceto com bebidas alcoólicas. Conclusão: Publicações sobre esse fenômeno são escassas no Brasil e no mundo, o estudo apresenta evidências que podem contribuir para proposição de estratégias na prática clínica da cessação do tabagismo feminino, uma vez que identifica o perfil daquelas mulheres que buscam por tratamento, sugerindo também o perfil daquelas que não estão chegando ao serviço, quer por serem consideradas mais vulneráveis para o tabagismo, e/ou por não estarem sendo sensibilizadas pelas campanhas antitabágicas, o que reflete no não desejo da mulher em abandonar o hábito de fumar. / Introduction: Smoking is one of the most widespread worldwide habits, setting up a complex and multifaceted problem. While the number of male smokers has stalled, the womens number is constantly growing and it is estimated that about 250 million women around the world smoke daily. The greatest difficulty in women cease smoking, and a the great marketing strategies of the cigarette industry facing this audience, are cited as reasons for this phenomenon, added to this there is a paucity of published studies on this issue in the Brazilian and world literature. Objective: The objective is to describe the sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral profile of female smokers attending in a Specialized Health Service located in São Paulo, Brazil. Method: This study is outlined as a retrospective cohort with a quantitative approach that was conducted by active search in the records of patients who were treated for smoking cessation between 2005 and 2010. The analysis of medical records was conducted using a questionnaire, and the data were stored using the SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and all analyzes were performed by RStudio program. Results: A cohort of 655 medical records was characterized by women with an average age of 49 years (SD = 10.1), unmarried (34%); with high school degree (27.9%); in the labor market (54.9%), with high level of nicotine dependence (78.5%) that presented diagnostic criteria for depression (23.6%), anxiety (24.2%) and hypertension (21.9%). The main reason for the act of smoking was attributed to the feeling of pleasure (50.2%) and relaxation (69.3%), and the main reason given for seeking treatment was related to health reasons (62%). The age group showed a significant association with the influence of others people at smoking initiation (p = 0.05). The treatment time was positively associated with depression diagnosis (p = 0.04) and hypertension (p <0.01), living with smoking relatives (p <0.01), and search for treatment due to health reasons (p = 0.02). The degree of dependence is positively associated with the early smoking initiation (p <0.01), use of tranquilizers (p = 0.02), lower educational level, in all situations who smoking (p <0 01) except for alcoholic drinks. Conclusion: The publications related to this phenomenon are scarce in Brazil and worldwide. The study presents evidence that can contribute to propose strategies in clinical practice of female smoking cessation, since it identifies the profile of those women who seek treatment, also suggesting that the profile of those who are not getting the service, due to the more vulnerable to tobacco use, and or they are not being sensitized by anti-smoking campaigns, which reflects the desire of the women does not to leave the smoking habit.

Introdução Hiperomocisteinemia é um fator de risco para defeitos de fechamento no tubo neural e doenças vasculares e neurodegenerativas, e possui determinantes ambientais, metabólicos e genéticos. Estudos sobre freqüência de polimorfismos relacionados ao metabolismo da homocisteína (Hcy) e sua relação com dieta, fatores do estilo de vida e concentração plasmática de Hcy na população brasileira são ainda escassos. Objetivo Investigar a frequência de polimorfismos das enzimas metilenotetraidrofolato redutase (MTHFR C677T [rs1801133] e A1298C [rs1801131]), metionina sintase (MTR A2756G [rs1805087]), metionina sintase redutase (MTRR A66G [rs1801394]) e do carreador de folato reduzido (RFC G80A [rs1051266]) e sua associação com fatores dietéticos, estilo de vida e concentrações séricas ou plasmáticas de Hcy e vitaminas B12, B6 e folato em mulheres de São Paulo. População e métodos Análise transversal de dados de 609 mulheres (21-65 anos) participantes do estudo caso-controle de base hospitalar The Brazilian Investigation into Nutrition and Cervical Cancer Prevention (BRINCA) Study, excluindo-se os casos de câncer. A ingestão alimentar habitual foi avaliada por questionário de freqüência alimentar. Amostras sangüíneas em jejum foram obtidas sob proteção da luz, com separação imediata do plasma e armazenamento a -70ºC. Concentrações séricas de ácido fólico e vitamina B12 foram analisadas por técnica de fluoroimunoensaio, enquanto concentrações plasmáticas de Hcy e vitamina B6 foram analisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta performance em fase reversa. A detecção dos polimorfismos foi realizada por técnica de reação de cadeia de polimerase. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas através do programa STATA versão 10.0, ao nível de significância p<0,05. Resultados Genótipo homozigoto polimórfico foi observado em 6,6 por cento (MTHFR 677TT), 4,4 por cento (MTHFR 1298CC), 4,5 por cento (MTR 2756GG), 17,1 por cento (MTRR 66GG) e 24,4 por cento (RFC 80AA) das mulheres analisadas. Genótipo MTHFR 677TT associou-se a maiores concentrações plasmáticas de Hcy e menores concentrações séricas de folato e vitamina B12, quando comparadas aos genótipos 677CT e 677CC (p<0,005). Em contraste, mulheres portadoras de homozigose selvagem para os polimorfismos MTHFR A1298C, MTR A2756G e MTRR A66G apresentaram maiores concentrações plasmáticas de Hcy quando comparadas às mulheres portadoras de heterozigose e/ou homozigose polimórfica (p<0,005). O efeito de maior consumo de vitamina B6 na concentração de Hcy foi mais pronunciado entre fumantes que entre não-fumantes (p da interação=0,025). Entre fumantes, valores médios de Hcy em mulheres 677TT foram 64,8 por cento e 51,8 por cento maiores quando comparadas às 677CT e 677CC, respectivamente; portadoras do genótipo 1298CC apresentaram maiores concentrações plasmáticas de Hcy em relação àquelas com genótipo 1298AA e 1298AC; entre não-fumantes, entretanto, mulheres 1298AC apresentaram menores concentrações plasmáticas de Hcy do que as mulheres 1298AA. Fumantes que reportaram ingestão de café >173 g/dia tiveram concentrações plasmáticas de Hcy 1,3 mol/L (12,7 por cento) mais altas do que as não-fumantes com consumo de café 173 g/dia (p da interação=0,042). Mulheres sem ingestão alcoólica habitual e que reportaram ser fumantes apresentaram concentrações medianas de Hcy 3,4 mol/L (35 por cento) mais elevadas do que mulheres com consumo de álcool >21,4 g/dia, mas não-fumantes (p da interação=0,008). Conclusão Nesta população de mulheres com baixa prevalência de deficiência de folato sérico (5,1 por cento), fatores do estilo de vida, sobretudo tabagismo e ingestão habitual de álcool, modificam a relação entre consumo alimentar, polimorfismos e concentrações de Hcy, reforçando as recomendações para não fumar e de consumo de álcool com moderação / Introduction Hyperomocysteinemia is a risk factor for neural tube defect and vascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and has genetic, metabolic and environmental determinants. Studies evaluating frequency of polymorphisms related to homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and its relation with diet, lifestyle factors and plasma Hcy concentration in Brazilian population are scarce. Objectives To assess the frequency of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C, methionine synthase (MTR) A2756G, methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G and reduced folate carrier (RFC) A80G gene polymorphisms, and examine its association with dietary factors, lifestyle and serum or plasma Hcy and vitamins B12, B6 and folate among low-income Brazilian women. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional study included 609 women (21-65 years) participating in The Brazilian Investigation into Nutrition and Cervical Cancer Prevention Study (BRINCA Study), excluding cancer cases. The dietary intakes regarding the previous year were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were taken from each study participant, protected from light, immediately separated plasma or serum and storaged at -70oC. Serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were measured by fluoroimmunoassay, and plasma vitamin B6 and Hcy concentrations were assessed by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Gene polymorphisms were ascertained using the protein chain reaction-based method. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 10.0, using a statistical significance level of p<0,05. Results Frequencies for the homozygous variant genotypes were: 6.6 per cent (MTHFR 677TT), 4.4 per cent (MTHFR 1298CC), 4.5 per cent (MTR 2756GG), 17.1 per cent (MTRR 66GG) and 24.4 per cent (RFC 80AA) of the analysed women. MTHFR 677TT genotype has been associated to higher plasma Hcy concentration and lower serum folate and vitamin B12 concentration, compared to 677CT and 677CC genotypes (p<0,005). On the contrary, women carrying MTHFR A1298C, MTR A2756G and MTRR A66G wild homozygous have presented higher plasma Hcy concentrations when compared to those heterozygous and/or polymorphic homozygous (p<0,005). The effect of a higher vitamin B6 consumption on plasma Hcy concentration was more pronounciated among smokers than non-smokers (interaction p=0.025). Among smokers, mean Hcy values among 677TT subjects were 64.8 per cent and 51.8 per cent higher than 677CT and 677CC, respectively; 1298CC subjects presented higher plasma Hcy concentrations than 1298AA and 1298AC; among non-smokers, however, 1298AC subjects showed lower plasma Hcy concentrations than 1298AA subjects. Smokers who reported coffee intake >173g/d had plasma Hcy concentrations 1.3 mol/L (12.7 per cent) higher than non-smokers consuming coffee 173g/d (interaction p=0.042). Non-drinkers women who reported be smokers showed median plasma Hcy concentrations 3.4 mol/L (35 per cent) higher than those with alcohol consumption >21.4g/d, but non-smokers (interaction p=0.008). Conclusion In this women sample with low prevalence of serum folate deficiency (5.1 per cent), lifestyle factors, especially smoking and alcohol consumption, modifie the relation among food intake, polymorphisms and plasma Hcy concentration, reforcing the health recommendations to stop smoking and moderate alcohol consumption

Exposure to violence and dysfunction in childhood is a major public health concern. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study demonstrated that childhood maltreatment and family dysfunction impact adult health, contributing to risk behaviors, infectious and chronic disease, and premature death. South Africa (SA) has one of the highest rates of violence and family dysfunction globally, and those living in townships are suspected to be disproportionately affected. Munsieville, the oldest undeveloped township in SA, has reported high rates of violence in the community. This study aimed evaluate the association between a history of childhood sexual abuse and various forms of risky sexual behavior. Data were collected by a team of researchers from the College of Public Health as part of a pilot study of ACEs in Munsieville. Self-report of sexual abuse before age 18 was used to compute the independent variable, which ranged from 0-1, with 0 implying the absence of any type of childhood sexual abuse and 1 implying one or more forms of childhood sexual abuse. Age and gender were deemed potential confounders. Two binary l outcomes representing forms of risky sexual behavior were considered, self-report of transactional sex and substance use before sexual activity. Descriptive analysis examined the frequency of childhood sexual abuse by each category of the study outcomes. Two multiple logistic regression models were individually constructed to examine the association between childhood sexual abuse and transactional sex, and substance use before sexual activity. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were reported. Findings of the descriptive analysis indicated that 8.83% (43) of the sample reported participating in transactional sex, 22.4% (101) reported using either drugs or alcohol before sex. Moreover, 21.6% (103) reported experiencing one or more forms of childhood sexual abuse. A positive statistically significant association between self-reported childhood sexual abuse and transactional sex was identified (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 1.71 – 6.98), illustrating that those who experienced any type of child sexual abuse had a 3.5 times as likely to report transactional sex compared to those who did not experience sexual abuse during childhood. Childhood sexual abuse was also significantly associated with substance use before sexual activity (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.11 – 3.34). The study findings suggests a need for further research to understand the long term effects of child sexual abuse. Further, future public health interventions aimed at reducing sexual abuse and violence inflicted on South African children should be employed as means to improve their wellbeing in adulthood.

Since the ruling of Roe v. Wade in 1973, controversy in regards to its acceptance in the U.S. remains prevalent politically and socially as opponents of abortion “pro-life” has adopted a strategy of “legal but inaccessible” that has resulted in the passage of several state laws since its establishment. This research project examines relationship between the level of support for abortion policy in the U.S. and some factors namely; Gender, Religious background, and Political ideology by drawing from an online-survey of 100 university students in the U.S. Also, it examines the difference in abortion rates among U.S. states that are governed by republican or democratic governors using abortion rate data of all 50 U.S. states including the District of Columbia for the year 2015 sourced from Abortion statistics and other data. Two statistical techniques were employed and they include: Chi-Square test and Independent sample T-test. Results from the chi-square tests support the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between the support for abortion policy and gender, religious background, and political ideology. Also, from the T-test result, we found that there is no significant difference in abortion rates among U.S. states that are governed by republican or democratic governors. Findings based on the trend analysis of annual U.S. abortion from 1973-2015 shows that the reported annual abortion in the U.S. is on a continuous decrease since the 1990s even though abortion has been legalized in all U.S. states.

Introduction: Contraceptive decision-making is individual in nature and access to high-quality contraceptive care, including counseling and the full range of contraceptive methods, can help individuals achieve their personal reproductive goals and prevent unintended pregnancy. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted provision and utilization of contraceptive counseling and contraceptive methods. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as the contraceptive implant and intrauterine devices (IUDs), were particularly affected by the pandemic because they require placement by a health care provider in a clinical setting. Choose Well (CW), an ongoing statewide contraceptive access initiative in South Carolina, launched in 2017 and continues through 2022. CW aims to implement best practices of contraceptive care via training and funding for IUD and implant methods. This study examined the perceptions of access to contraceptive counseling and implant and IUD methods during the pandemic in 2020 among CW hospital partners. Methods: Data were collected in 2021 via key informant interviews with partners (n=9) at CW implementing hospitals to assess perceptions of CW activities in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A semi-structured interview guide was used, and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and consensus coded. A codebook was developed based on the interview guide. Data from select questions of interest related to perceived access to contraceptive counseling, access to LARC methods, and the impact of the pandemic on contraceptive care services were analyzed for this study. Coding was conducted with NVivo software version 1.6.1. Results: Findings show that there was continued provision of contraceptive services during COVID-19 at CW partner hospitals, including an increase in access to contraceptive counseling and LARCs in 2020. The most prevalent facilitator for increased access to contraceptive counseling and LARCs at CW partner hospitals was having key personnel available such as physicians and Obstetrics (OB) navigators. Expanded access to outpatient sites was also noted as a facilitator of contraceptive counseling. Advertising and wide-spread patient education, buy-in and engagement from staff were additional facilitators for the increased access to LARCs. Considering the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients wanting to quickly leave the hospital and challenges with staffing contributed to an overall decline in access in some hospital locations. Challenges with staffing included not being able to receive training and nurses being overworked and overburdened. Conclusion: While COVID-19 has posed challenges to contraceptive care service provision, most individuals perceived an increase in access to contraceptive counseling and LARCs at CW partner hospitals. Hospital partners have continued to provide contraceptive services during COVID-19. The findings suggest the success of the CW initiative in increasing access to contraceptive services, particularly during COVID-19 through key facilitators. Staffing positions such as OB Navigators should be funded and maintained to increase access to contraceptive care services in hospital inpatient settings. Coordinating care between hospital inpatient and outpatient settings is similarly important for widespread patient education about contraceptive care services.

Patient-centered contraceptive care is key for ensuring that individuals achieve their personal reproductive goals. Despite public health efforts, preventing undesired pregnancies and improving maternal and child health outcomes remains unresolved in the United States (US). In Tennessee (TN), the rate of unintended pregnancies remains higher than the national rate (32.4% vs. 30.3%). Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are 99% effective in preventing undesired pregnancies; however, uptake remains low in rural and underserved communities. Previous research has provided some insight into women’s perceptions of LARCs; however, those guided by conceptual frameworks to understand the multiple influences that impact perceptions towards LARCs, especially among rural regions, are scarce. This multimethod qualitative study explored multiple influences that impact northeast Tennessee women’s perceptions and attitudes toward LARCs using the Socio-ecological Model (SEM) as a guiding framework. The qualitative study comprised six focus groups and seven individual interviews of women aged 18-44, not pregnant, and current residents of five Counties in Northeast TN. Participants’ demographics were captured through an anonymous survey administered through REDCap. Qualitative data from these sessions were recorded via Zoom, an online audio/video conferencing platform. Each interview and focus group lasted 60 to 90 minutes. Focus group and interview data were combined, transcribed, and uploaded into NVivo for thematic analysis. A priori list of codes identified from the constructs of the SEM was initially used to deductively code the data. Subsequently, the data were analyzed inductively for new codes and themes that did not apply to the a priori categories. Quotations that were representative of or inconsistent with the codes of interest were identified. Fifteen themes and 20 sub-themes were identified using the SEM; On the intrapersonal level of the SEM, participants’ attitudes towards a method, perception of method features, and perceived side effects were identified as themes that delineate influences on their LARC utilization. On the interpersonal level, perception of partner support, perceived support from peer/social networks, and provider trust were themes that describe influences on participants’ LARC utilization. On the community level, the cost of the method, access to information, perceived accessibility to a method, social services, and cultural norms themes were identified as influences on participants’ use of LARCs. On the organizational level, the availability of preferred methods in a clinic, the need for multiple clinic visits to enable the use of a method, and provider counseling practices were salient themes impacting LARC utilization. On the policy level, insurance, and billing policies, sex education policies were identified as impacting LARC utilization. The study presents multi-layered influences on LARC utilization among Northeast TN women, highlighting the utility of the SEM in understanding factors that influence contraceptive use. Findings are critical for programming as they highlight the areas of influence that can be addressed to increase LARC uptake and enable women in rural and underserved regions of the US to achieve personal reproductive goals.