Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Healthcare Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 24 May 2024 | Viewed by 13899

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Agnieszka Bień

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Chair of Development in Midwifery, Department of Coordinated Midwifery Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 4-6 Staszica St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland
Interests: women’s health; reproductive health; fertility, infertility; pregnancy; childbirth; puerperium; perinatal care; telemedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Magdalena Korżyńska-Piętas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Chair of Development in Midwifery, Department of Coordinated Midwifery Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 4-6 Staszica St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland
Interests: maternal and perinatal health; gynecologic oncology; social determinants of health; health promotion; fertility care; telemedicine; sexual and reproductive health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sexual and reproductive health is the foundation of general health; this is the determinant and indicator of social development. Sexual and reproductive health is crucial to a person's general health and wellbeing, and it reflects the state of health in childhood and adolescence and guides the development of health and life expectancy after the reproductive period.

Caring for reproductive health preserves biological continuity and the good health of future generations and supports activities aimed at improving demographic indicators.

The global fight against COVID-19 coincides with pervasive inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and affects the health, wellbeing, and economic stability of women, girls, and marginalized groups. It is commonly known that the number of forcibly displaced women is increasing worldwide. The health status of refugee women is often worse compared to those who live in host countries. The challenge for contemporary health systems in many countries is the reproductive and sexual health needs of displaced and refugee women. Digital technologies used to promote general health and wellbeing are significant system supports. Furthermore, they provide opportunities to improve sexual and reproductive health.

Accordingly, this Special Issue seeks empirical and practical studies, considering reproductive and sexual health on topics including but not limited to:

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights;
Sexual health education;
Family planning and contraception;
Fertility care;
Human rights, gender equality, and social determinants;
Maternal and perinatal health;
Sexual and reproductive health;
Sexual rights and HIV;
Self-care interventions;
Sexual and reproductive health and rights in health emergencies;
Sexual dysfunctions in women and men;
Sexually transmitted infections;
Female genital mutilation;
Violence against women and girls;
Digital innovations;
Other.

Dr. Agnieszka Bień
Dr. Magdalena Korżyńska-Piętas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Fertility
Infertility
Sexual dysfunctions
Abortion
Pregnancy
COVID-19
Refugees
Perinatal care
Quality of care
Telehealth

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

10 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV among People Living with HIV: Should We Be Concerned?

by Agnese Colpani, Andrea De Vito, Beatrice Zauli, Barbara Menzaghi, Andrea Calcagno, Benedetto Maurizio Celesia, Manuela Ceccarelli, Giuseppe Nunnari, Giuseppe Vittorio De Socio, Antonio Di Biagio, Nicola Leoni, Goffredo Angioni, Simona Di Giambenedetto, Gabriella D’Ettorre, Sergio Babudieri and Giordano Madeddu

Healthcare 2024, 12(4), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12040417 - 06 Feb 2024

Viewed by 642

Abstract

Poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among people with HIV (PLHIV) could worsen life quality. We aimed to investigate their STI and HIV knowledge, disclosure and undetectable = untransmittable (U=U). We proposed an anonymous questionnaire regarding STI and HIV to PLHIV attending ten Italian outpatient infectious diseases clinics. Moreover, disclosure and U=U were investigated. The calculated sample size was 178 people. Considering a missing response of 10%, the final sample size was 196. We enrolled 200 PLHIV (73.5% males), with a median age of 52.5 (IQR 41–59) years. The mean score was 7.61 ± 1.22 with no difference by gender, education, and employment. Significant statistical difference was observed by sexual orientation; bisexuals and those who preferred not to answer had a lower score than heterosexuals and MSM (p = 0.0032). PLHIV showed poor knowledge about HIV transmission (25% appropriately answered). Nearly 30% responded that virologically suppressed PLHIV could transmit the infection. Finally, 137 (68.5%) and 158 (79.0%) disclosed to the general practitioner and family and friends, respectively. Nearly 52.0% knew the meaning of U=U, and 83.6% highlighted its positive rebound. In conclusion, important knowledge gaps are present among PLHIV regarding U=U, and its implications are little-known. Improving PLHIVs’ awareness will undermine self-stigma and enhance life quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Contraception Awareness and Mental Well-Being in Teenagers and Young Adult Women: A Three-Year Cross-Sectional Analysis

by Denisa Hinoveanu, Doru Mihai Anastasiu, Cosmin Citu, Zoran Laurentiu Popa, Izabella Erdelean, Catalin Dumitru, Marius Biris, Flavius Olaru, Oana Neda-Stepan, Roxana Manuela Fericean, Eugen Radu Boia, Eugenia Maria Domuta and Lavinia Stelea

Healthcare 2023, 11(22), 2990; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11222990 - 19 Nov 2023

Viewed by 866

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, significant shifts occurred in reproductive health, especially among teenagers and young adult women in Romania. This study, conducted from 2020 to 2022, aimed to longitudinally assess contraceptive awareness and its correlation with mental well-being in this demographic. A cohort of 210 participants aged 15–25, with a history of wanted or unwanted pregnancy, was studied. The research involved collaborations with Romanian educational institutions and strict adherence to ethical standards. Participants’ data on contraceptive knowledge and practices were analyzed, considering factors like substance use and prior sexual education. Mental well-being was evaluated using the SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales. The study revealed a positive correlation between increased contraceptive knowledge and improved mental health scores. In 2022, 68% of participants displayed proficient contraceptive awareness, up from 52% in 2020. Those with good contraceptive knowledge had an average SF-36 score of 72, indicating a better quality of life, compared to a score of 58 among those with limited knowledge. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores among individuals with better contraceptive awareness, suggesting reduced anxiety and depression levels. The SF-36 survey results showed significant improvements across the years: the physical score increased from 52.1 (±6.3) in 2020 to 56.5 (±6.8) in 2022, the mental score from 51.4 (±7.2) to 55.0 (±6.9), and the total score from 53.6 (±7.9) to 57.5 (±8.0). WHOQOL-BREF results showed a substantial increase in the social domain score from 53.6 (±18.2) in 2020 to 63.0 (±20.5) in 2022. GAD-7 scores declined from 7.9 (±2.6) in 2020 to 6.5 (±3.3) in 2022, indicating a decrease in anxiety symptoms. PHQ-9 scores, measuring depression, also showed a downward trend, from 4.8 (±2.2) in 2020 to 3.9 (±2.8) in 2022. These findings highlight the intertwined nature of contraceptive awareness and mental well-being. The improvements in contraceptive awareness positively impacted mental health outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions in this demographic, particularly during global crises like the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

12 pages, 784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Sexual Activity during Pregnancy, Pre- and Early-Term Birth, and Vaginal Cytokine Inflammation: A Prospective Study of Black Women

by Kylie Dougherty, Yihong Zhao, Anne L. Dunlop and Elizabeth Corwin

Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11141995 - 11 Jul 2023

Viewed by 836

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between sexual activity during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes among Black women, and to explore whether vaginal cytokine inflammation mediates this association. Data from 397 Black pregnant women through questionnaires on sexual activity and vaginal biosamples during early (8–14 weeks) and late (24–30 weeks) pregnancy, and birth outcomes were analyzed. Using a data-driven approach, the study found that vaginal sex during late pregnancy was associated with spontaneous early-term birth (sETB, 38–39 completed weeks’ gestation) (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: [0.21, 0.72], p-value = 0.003) but not with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) (OR = 1.08, p-value = 0.86) compared to full-term birth. Overall, despite vaginal sex in late pregnancy showing an overall positive effect on sETB (total effect = −0.1580, p-value = 0.015), we observed a negative effect of vaginal sex on sETB (indirect effect = 0.0313, p-value = 0.026) due to the fact that having vaginal sex could lead to elevated IL6 levels, which in turn increased the odds of sETB. In conclusion, the study found an overall positive association between sexual activity on ETB and a negative partial mediation effect via increased vaginal cytokine inflammation induced by vaginal sexual activity. This inconsistent mediation model suggested that vaginal sexual activity is a complex behavior that could have both positive and negative effects on the birth outcome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Paradox of Sexual Dysfunction Observed during Pregnancy

by Ana-Maria Cristina Daescu, Dan-Bogdan Navolan, Liana Dehelean, Mirela Frandes, Alexandru-Ioan Gaitoane, Andrei Daescu, Razvan-Ionut Daniluc and Dana Stoian

Healthcare 2023, 11(13), 1914; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11131914 - 03 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2443

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of sexual function throughout pregnancy and highlight the predicting factors of sexual dysfunction in pregnant women. Our study included 144 participants, aged 16 to 45. Patients were evaluated three times during pregnancy by filling out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Body Exposure in Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ). At the time of the last evaluation, we asked patients to also fill out Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and a questionnaire regarding their psychological status and relationship satisfaction. We observed that the FSFI lubrication, satisfaction, and pain domains and the FSFI total score significantly decreased from the 1st to the 3rd evaluation. We observed that an increase in BDI score and the presence of abortion in the patient’s history increase the risk of developing female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Higher BMIs were found to be a protective factor against FSD, as was being unmarried. The relationship satisfaction score was found to be an independent predictor of FSD. These findings support previous studies that indicate that pregnancy and postpartum sexuality are multifaceted phenomena and that psycho-social factors have a greater impact on sexuality than biological factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Midwives View Their Professional Autonomy, Now and in Future?

by Joeri Vermeulen, Maaike Fobelets, Valerie Fleming, Ans Luyben, Lara Stas and Ronald Buyl

Healthcare 2023, 11(12), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121800 - 19 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1337

Abstract

Background: Internationally, midwives’ professional autonomy is being challenged, resulting in their inability to practice to their full scope of practice. This situation contrasts with the increasing international calls for strengthening the midwifery profession. The aim of this study therefore is to explore Belgian midwives’ views on their current and future autonomy. Methods: An online survey among Belgian midwives was performed. Data were collected and analyzed using a quantitative approach, while quotes from respondents were used to contextualize the quantitative data. Results: Three hundred and twelve midwives from different regions and professional settings in Belgium completed the questionnaire. Eighty-five percentage of respondents believe that they are mostly or completely autonomous. Brussels’ midwives feel the most autonomous, while those in Wallonia feel the least. Primary care midwives feel more autonomous than hospital-based midwives. Older midwives and primary care midwives feel less recognized and respected by other professionals in maternity care. The majority of our respondents believe that in future midwives should be able to work more autonomously in constructive collaboration with other professionals. Conclusion: While Belgian midwives generally rated their own professional autonomy as high, a significant majority of respondents desire more autonomy in future. In addition, our respondents want to be recognized and respected by society and other health professionals in maternity care. It is recommended to prioritize efforts in enhancing midwives’ autonomy, while also addressing the need for increased recognition and respect from society and other maternity care professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

14 pages, 1346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Google Trends Analysis Reflecting Internet Users’ Interest in Selected Terms of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Ukraine

by Joanna Błajda, Anna Kucab, Aldona Miazga, Maciej Masłowski, Marta Kopańska, Anna Nowak and Edyta Barnaś

Healthcare 2023, 11(11), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11111541 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1075

Abstract

Introduction: The war in Ukraine has had adverse impacts on all areas of life, including health-related issues. Limited access to medical care increases the need to look for alternative sources of medical information. Aim: To analyze trends of Internet users’ interest in sexual and reproductive health in Ukraine based on Google Trends. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was based on the analysis of terms related to sexual and reproductive health searched by Ukrainian Internet users. The tool used was Google Trends. The period from 1 January 2021 to 1 January 2023 was analyzed. The time variability in search growths and peaks was assessed from the perspective of two time intervals (before the war and during the war) using the chi-square test. Results: Significant changes have been demonstrated in the interests of Internet users from Ukraine regarding selected issues of sexual and reproductive health during the ongoing war. Compared to the pre-war period, a marked increase was observed in active searches for terms such as “condoms” (p = 0.0081), “rape” (p = 0.0008), “syphilis” (p = 0.0136), “ovulation” (p = 0.0002) and “pregnancy test” (p = 0.0008). Conclusions: The conducted analysis clearly indicates an increased need for information regarding sexual and reproductive health among Ukrainian citizens during the ongoing armed conflict. The analysis of trends among Internet users interests can be a valuable source of knowledge for decision makers, including human rights organizations, regarding the scope and coordination of activities aimed at protecting the sexual and reproductive health of the inhabitants of Ukraine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Key Maternity Care Stakeholders’ Views on Midwives’ Professional Autonomy

by Joeri Vermeulen, Ronald Buyl, Ans Luyben, Valerie Fleming and Maaike Fobelets

Healthcare 2023, 11(9), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091231 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

Advancement towards the professionalism of midwifery is closely linked to midwives’ professional autonomy. Although the perspectives of Belgian midwives on their professional autonomy have been studied, the views of other maternity care stakeholders are a blind spot. The aim of this study, therefore, was to explore maternity care stakeholders’ views on Belgian midwives’ professional autonomy. A qualitative exploratory study was performed using focus group interviews. A heterogenous group of 27 maternity care stakeholders participated. The variation between midwives, with different levels of autonomy, was reported. The analysis of the data resulted in five themes: (1) The autonomous midwife is adequately educated and committed to continuous professional further education, (2) The autonomous midwife is competent, (3) The autonomous midwife is experienced, (4) The autonomous midwife assures safe and qualitative care, and (5) The autonomous midwife collaborates with all stakeholders in maternity care. A maternity collaborative framework, where all maternity care professionals respect each other’s competences and autonomy, is crucial for providing safe and quality care. To achieve this, it is recommended to implement interprofessional education to establish strong foundations for interprofessional collaboration. Additionally, a regulatory body with supervisory powers can help ensure safe and quality care, while also supporting midwives’ professional autonomy and professionalisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Factors Affecting Self-Efficacy in Women with Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss

by Mariola Mróz, Agnieszka Bień, Grażyna Iwanowicz-Palus and Justyna Krysa

Healthcare 2023, 11(9), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091217 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1004

Abstract

Pregnancy loss is a difficult situation that can affect a woman’s physical and psychological health, and thus requires appropriate management and support. An individual’s sense of self-efficacy is an important factor in the process of coping with a problem. Therefore, an analysis of self-efficacy in women after spontaneous pregnancy loss is warranted, so as to establish its association with social support, socio-demographic variables, quality of care, and specific behaviors of the medical staff. The cross-sectional study was performed in a group of 610 patients hospitalized due to spontaneous pregnancy loss in hospitals in Lublin (Poland). The study used a diagnostic survey with questionnaires: Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), and a standardized interview questionnaire. Post-pregnancy loss patients rated partner support highest (M = 9.25), while the best-rated category of social support was perceived available instrumental support (M = 3.78). In relation to medical personnel, the quality of care provided by midwives was rated the highest (M = 4.57). The study demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association between the selected socio-demographic factors and the specific types and sources of support on the one hand, and generalized self-efficacy on the other, in the patients after pregnancy loss who were studied. Socio-demographic factors that affected self-efficacy in the respondents included their relationship status and socio-economic standing. Self-efficacy is positively correlated with social support in women after pregnancy loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

13 pages, 667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Determining the Quality of Life of Polish Women during Menopause Based on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire

by Agnieszka Bień, Magdalena Korżyńska-Piętas, Marta Zarajczyk, Mariusz Wysokiński, Iwona Niewiadomska, Krzysztof Jurek and Ewa Rzońca

Healthcare 2023, 11(8), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11081173 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1493

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to present the process of cultural adaptation to Polish conditions and the validation of a scale assessing the quality of life of Polish women during the menopause and to identify the factors determining this quality of life. Methods: The research tools were the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire and a standardized interview questionnaire comprising questions on the participants’ characteristics. The study involved 516 women using health care services who had symptoms caused by the menopause. Results: The value of the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.923. The discriminative power coefficients of all the questionnaire items were higher than 0.3. The study confirmed the validity and internal consistency of the Polish version of the MENQOL questionnaire for measuring the quality of life of postmenopausal women, suggesting that the tool can be used for screening menopausal symptoms in women. There was a relationship between general quality of life and age (p = 0.002), marital status (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.021), the impact of professional work (p < 0.001), the impact of physical activity (p < 0.001) and the impact of social life (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the group of women who took part in the study, the authors observed a lower quality of life during menopause reported by older women who were married/in a stable relationship, with no formal education (no formal education) and who, according to their subjective assessment, negatively evaluated the impact of the accompanying menopause-related symptoms on their work, physical activity and social life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time Perspective as a Mediator of Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

by Agnieszka Adamczak, Włodzimierz Płotek, Aleksandra Głowińska, Małgorzata Sobol, Ewa Wysocka, Grzegorz Polak, Izabela Dymanowska-Dyjak, Julia Spaczyńska, Łukasz Adamczak and Beata Banaszewska

Healthcare 2023, 11(7), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11070993 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1163

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrinopathy characterized by oligo- or anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical markers of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, and it is associated with an increased prevalence of depression. Research conducted on psychiatric patients has shown correlations between depression and decreased cognitive function. The aim of this study was to examine the possible mediation of the time perspective (TP) in the development of depressive symptoms in patients with PCOS. Methods: A study was conducted on 83 patients with PCOS and 65 healthy women. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory—BDI-II) and time perspective (Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory—ZTPI). Results: Our study revealed an indirect influence of depressive symptoms on PCOS through the positive future time perspective. In the logistic regression model, which included depression and a given time perspective as predictors of PCOS, only the future TP (β = −0.004, p < 0.003, OR = 1.004, 95% CI [1.001, 1.008]) was significantly independently related to the occurrence of PCOS. Conclusions: Our result is another argument for the role of psychoeducation and appropriate communication with a patient from the risk group in a way that builds hope and allows to regain influence on life situation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

New Waves of Sexual and Reproductive Health

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI