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Saab R, Habib PA, Hamdan M, El Hayek R, Daher D, El Hage Hassan M, Doumat G, El Kak F. Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of graduating medical students towards sexual health in Lebanon. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 161:51-56. [PMID: 36528832 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of graduating medical students in Lebanon regarding sexual health, as well as their readiness to learn about it, and to determine the demographic and educational factors that influence our findings. METHODS Cross-sectional study. A self-designed questionnaire exploring various components of sexual health was sent to 578 graduating medical students in Lebanon. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were computed and analyzed. RESULTS The overall mean knowledge score was relatively low (2.61, range -13 to 10). A statistically significant difference was found in the mean knowledge score across religion (P = 0.028) and religiosity (P < 0.001) categories. The mean practice score also differed significantly across income groups (P = 0.010). No other significant associations were found between gender, sexuality, environment, primary source of sexual health education, or language and the mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. CONCLUSION Additional standardized assessment of medical students' competences in sexual health matters through diverse research models is needed. Re-examination of existing medical curricula and inclusion of more extensive sexual health education is necessary to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Saab
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Paola Abi Habib
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammed Hamdan
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rawad El Hayek
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - George Doumat
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Faysal El Kak
- Women Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut, Lebanon.,Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Gerges S, Obeid S, Hallit S. Associations Between Eating Attitudes, Mental Health, and Sexual Dysfunction during Pregnancy. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022:1-16. [PMID: 36433682 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2149937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study looked into sexual dysfunctions in a sample of Lebanese pregnant women (N = 433) while assessing their psychopathological correlates. It was a first attempt in research to examine the role of disordered eating attitudes in pregnancy, using the Arabic version of the Disordered Eating Attitudes in Pregnancy Scale. The pre/post comparison in terms of sexual functioning was based on the women's recall, using the Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory. According to the pregnant persons perceptions of their sexual functioning before and during pregnancy, 66.1% of the participants reported a lower frequency of sexual activity during pregnancy, 52.7% lower sexual desire, and 47.3% dyspareunia; 33% were sexually satisfied contrasted to 70% before pregnancy. Pregnancy was significantly associated with lower sexual outcomes compared to before. Higher anxiety and more disordered eating attitudes during pregnancy were significantly associated with lower sexuality composite scores. Our study accentuates the need for rigorous medical guidance on sexual activity during pregnancy and highlights dysfunctional eating behaviors and anxiety disorders as pejorative predictors of the sexual response among pregnant women. It thus sustains the hypothesis that mental health disorders pertain to the pathogenesis of sexual problems and should therefore be targeted in sexual health promotion during prenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gerges
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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Azar M, Kroll T, Chakhtoura H, Gebran V, Sailian SD. Nurses and Midwives Role in Patient Sexual Health Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Study. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-022-09739-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ford JV, El Kak F, Herbenick D, Purdy C, Tellone S, Wasserman M, Coleman E. Sexual Pleasure and Healthcare Settings: Focusing on Pleasure to Improve Healthcare Delivery and Utilization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 33:572-586. [PMID: 38595777 PMCID: PMC10903612 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.1955802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Sexual pleasure is best attained through facilitating access to the highest standard of health. Today global data show a persistent high burden of sexual health issues. Yet, pleasure remains a sensitive, stigmatized, and unspoken topic in healthcare services. This article examines how to incorporate a value for pleasure into healthcare services, grounded in the assumption that pleasure is a fundamental reason why people have sex and that acknowledging this can support people in creating safer, more pleasurable sexual experiences. Drawing upon examples from the literature and field experience, this article explores how to better address pleasure in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie V. Ford
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Faysal El Kak
- Women Integrated Sexual Health Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Stephen Tellone
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Eli Coleman
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Heath, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Rashidian M, Minichiello V, Knutsen S, Ghamsary M. Western, Asian, and Middle Eastern Societies’ Cultural Attitudes and Barriers Impacting the Management of Sexual Health Care. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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Zahlan L, Khauli N, Khoury B. Sexual health services in the Arab region: Availability, access, and utilisation. Glob Public Health 2019; 15:485-496. [PMID: 31640471 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1682029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sexual health is shaped by cultural, economic, and social norms in society. In the Arab region, cultural sensitivities and taboos surrounding sexuality are prominent and may prevent individuals from accessing and utilising sexual health services. It is important to map out available sexual health services to identify the challenges in availability, access, and treatment, and determine opportunities for improvement. We collected data on sexual health services through (1) relevant published and unpublished literature, (2) Arab media which included forums, websites, blogs and posts, and online surveys conducted in the Arab region, (3) a questionnaire emailed to sexual and reproductive health experts, organisations, clinics, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), (4) phone and in-person formal and informal interviews with sexual health experts in the field, and (5) advice and recommendations from sexual health experts attending a World Health Organization (WHO) consultation meeting in Dubai related to sexual health in the Arab region. Although there is significant progress when it comes to the availability and provision of sexual health services in Arab countries, there is still a lot to be done to ensure that appropriate needs are met. This study discusses the implication of findings to inform programme and policy implementation in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Zahlan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Khauli
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brigitte Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Gereige JD, Zhang L, Boehmer U. The Sexual Health of Women in Lebanon: Are There Differences by Sexual Orientation? LGBT Health 2017; 5:45-53. [PMID: 29130791 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE From studies conducted in Western countries (United States, United Kingdom, and Australia), we know that the sexual health of sexual minority women (SMW) differs in key ways from that of heterosexual women (HSW). To date, the sexual health of SMW living in the Middle East and North Africa region has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the sexual health of SMW and HSW living in Lebanon. METHODS SMW and HSW living in Lebanon (N = 95) completed an anonymous, self-administered survey. SMW's risk perceptions and health promoting and sexual behaviors were compared to those of HSW. We examined differences by sexual orientation by using t tests and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS The 45 SMW and 50 HSW had similar demographic characteristics. Significantly more SMW had heard of human papillomavirus, but only 22% of women from both groups knew of its association with abnormal Papanicolaou tests. Cervical cancer screening rates were similar in SMW and HSW, although remarkably low (42%) compared with rates in Western countries. Significantly more SMW (18%) reported difficulty with access to care than HSW (0%). Forty-four percent of SMW reported discomfort in disclosing their sexual orientation to their healthcare provider and 61% reported that healthcare providers lacked sensitivity toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender needs. Unwanted sexual contact occurred more frequently in SMW (53%) than HSW (23%). CONCLUSION The sexual health of women is affected by sociocultural factors. SMW living in Lebanon have unique health needs that should be addressed within their sociocultural context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Gereige
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Li Zhang
- 3 Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ulrike Boehmer
- 4 Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts
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Tabchi S, El Rassy E, Khazaka A, El Karak F, Kourie HR, Chebib R, Assi T, Ghor M, Naamani L, Richa S, Ghosn M, Kattan J. Validation of the EORTC QLQ-INFO 25 questionnaire in Lebanese cancer patients: Is ignorance a Bliss? Qual Life Res 2015; 25:1597-604. [PMID: 26659898 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-015-1201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite worldwide trends toward optimizing full disclosure of information (DOI), the prevailing belief that cancer diagnosis should be concealed from patients, for their own good, has endured for a substantial period of time in Middle Eastern communities. OBJECTIVES This study would assess the reliability of the Arabic translated version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-INFO 25). The study was also designed to quantify DOI to Lebanese cancer patients and determine patient satisfaction with this DOI. Moreover, we compared the differences in the level of information among groups based on clinical and biographical variables. METHODS A sample of patients, being treated for a variety of malignancies, was prospectively evaluated. A physician interviewed patients using the Arabic version of the EORTC QLQ-INFO 25, on the day of hospitalization for chemotherapy, before treatment was administered. RESULTS In total 201 patients were interviewed. The translated version of the EORTC QLQ-INFO 25 showed high reliability when assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficients for internal consistency with values scoring higher than 0.7 for all scales and the full questionnaire. There was a considerable lack of information provided to the participants with 38.8 % being unaware of their diagnosis and more than half being uninformed about the extent of their disease. Paradoxically, 86.5 % of patients expressed their satisfaction about the amount of information they received and 89.5 % believe the information provided was helpful. Further analysis showed no significant association between gender, marital status, cancer site and stage and the amount of information received. However, age and level of education were associated with DOI such as younger and more educated patients received more information. Older patients were also found to be the most satisfied with the information they received, despite having less access to information. CONCLUSIONS Although a high proportion of patients were not properly informed about their diagnosis, the overwhelming majority were satisfied with the amount of information they received and believed it was useful, reflecting the complexity of Middle Eastern cultural influences on cancer patients' perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Tabchi
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Elie El Rassy
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aline Khazaka
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi El Karak
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hampig Raphael Kourie
- Department of Oncology, Jules Bordet Institute, Free University of Brussels (ULB), 1 Héger Bordet Street, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ralph Chebib
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Assi
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Ghor
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lara Naamani
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sami Richa
- Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatry Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Ghosn
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Kattan
- Faculty of Medicine, Hematology - Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Women and HIV: the urgent need for more research and policy attention in the Middle East and North Africa region. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20084. [PMID: 25753933 PMCID: PMC4353835 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.20084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Kabakian-Khasholian T, Ataya A, Shayboub R, El-Kak F. Mode of delivery and pain during intercourse in the postpartum period: Findings from a developing country. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2015; 6:44-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sexuality and Sexual Health: Constructs and Expressions in the Extended Middle East and North Africa. Vaccine 2013; 31 Suppl 6:G45-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.10.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Awwad J, Nassar A, Usta I, Shaya M, Younes Z, Ghazeeri G. Attitudes of Lebanese university students towards surgical hymen reconstruction. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2013; 42:1627-1635. [PMID: 23979785 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Many cultural and religious beliefs place virginity at a high level of social significance, in that women who lose their virginity before marriage may face humiliation, ostracism, divorce, and extreme violence. This led to an increase in the demand for virginity restoration through surgical hymen reconstruction among these cultures. However, data regarding the acceptance of hymenoplasty in societies that consider sexuality a taboo are scarce. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the effects of gender and religion on sexual attitudes towards hymenoplasty, premarital sex, and virginity in a sample of 600 Lebanese university students. Our findings showed that approval of hymenoplasty was low among participants regardless of gender (25.7 % men vs. 19.1 % women) and religious affiliations (22.5 % Muslims vs. 22.3 % Christians). Arguments for rejection were rooted in moral ethics and personal convictions: "form of deceiving and cheating" (80.7 %) and "betrayal of honesty in the relationship" (80.4 %). Reasons for acceptance included: personal belief in "women's rights, autonomy, and freedom" (72.2 %) and "physical harm and death" (63.5 %).Male participants were more likely to approve premarital coital sex than females (61.0 vs. 27.3 %). Muslims were also more likely to reject marrying a non-virgin than Christians (39.9 vs. 18.0 %). Female participants expressed more tolerance towards marrying a non-virgin male partner (78.3 vs. 57.3 %). Low acceptance of hymenoplasty among Lebanese university students was found to be related to moral ethics and personal convictions independently from gender and religious affiliation. Differences in sexual attitudes towards premarital coital sex and virginity, however, were more significantly influenced by culture and religion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Awwad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, POB 113-6044, Beirut, Lebanon
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Premkumar A, Salem K, Akhtar S, Deeb ME, Messersmith LJ. Sectarianism and the problem of overpopulation: political representations of reproduction in two low-income neighbourhoods of Beirut, Lebanon. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2012; 14:1139-1152. [PMID: 22978599 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2012.721137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The role of confessionalism in the Lebanese healthcare sector, especially since the resolution of the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990), has yet to discussed at length in reproductive health research. Using biopolitical and structural violence models to describe how community leaders in two low-income neighbourhoods in Beirut describe reproductive healthcare - specifically through judgments of perceived sect size vis-à-vis perceived use of birth control measures - this paper attempts to provide critical analysis of the state of reproductive health in this setting. By using a theoretical model of analysis, which we refer to as the political anatomy of reproduction, we hope to unmask how confessionalism is perpetuated through discussions of reproductive health and how public health and medical communities can challenge this technique of power.
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Sievert LL, Saliba M, Reher D, Sahel A, Hoyer D, Deeb M, Obermeyer CM. The medical management of menopause: a four-country comparison care in urban areas. Maturitas 2008; 59:7-21. [PMID: 18178044 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2007.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2007] [Revised: 11/19/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the medical management of menopause across urban areas in four countries which differ by level of income and degree of medicalization. METHODS Surveys of health providers who advise women on the menopausal transition were carried out in Beirut, Lebanon (n=100), Madrid, Spain (n=60), Worcester, MA, U.S. (n=59), and Rabat, Morocco (n=50) between 2002 and 2004. Physician characteristics, hormone therapy (HT) prescribing practices, and concerns about the management of menopause were compared across countries using chi(2) and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Across sites, physicians were generally well informed about HT and thought that symptom alleviation and disease prevention were equally important. They had concerns about risks associated with HT, particularly breast cancer, and in 3 sites where the survey was conducted after the WHI (Beirut, Rabat, and Madrid) physicians changed their practices to prescribe HT less frequently, for shorter durations, or shifted to other medications. There were significant differences across sites in the recommended duration of HT, time spent talking with patients, perceived benefits of HT, tests recommended before prescribing HT, and concern about the risks associated with HT. Physicians in Madrid and Massachusetts were more likely to report that decisions about the management of menopause were difficult, but in all sites the main reason for difficulties was concerns about risks. The results also suggest discrepancies between physicians' perceptions and women's reports about the reasons why women consult at menopause. CONCLUSIONS Prescription patterns and perceived benefits of HT appear to reflect local medical culture rather than simply physician characteristics. The impact of the WHI study was seen in prescribing patterns and concerns about HT. Physicians in all four countries were generally well informed. Financial support: NIH 5 900 000196.
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Pastore L, Owens A, Raymond C. Postpartum Sexuality Concerns Among First‐Time Parents from One U.S. Academic Hospital. J Sex Med 2007; 4:115-123. [PMID: 17087807 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual perceptions and activities are influenced by pregnancy and childbirth due to both physical and emotional changes. AIM Our goal was to illuminate the sexuality issues of concern to first-time parents (mothers and fathers) of healthy, singleton newborns in one U.S. academic hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number of sexuality concerns and self-reported degree of resolution by months postpartum and gender of parent. METHODS Anonymous, cross-sectional postal survey of two first-time parent cohorts: 4 months postpartum (113 responses/404 mailed = 28.0%) and 12 months postpartum (99 responses/394 mailed = 25.1%). RESULTS Approximately half of the parents reported questions or concerns on between two and eight of 19 sexuality topics. Only 11% of participating mothers and 17% of participating fathers had one or no concerns (P = 0.27 by gender), and 17% of mothers and 9% of fathers had >13 concerns (P = 0.12 by gender). There were fewer maternal concerns if they did not live with the father (P = 0.01), slightly fewer if the delivery was vaginal vs. cesarean (P = 0.07), and no differences by forceps/vacuum use or episiotomy/vaginal tear. The top concerns at 4 months postpartum were quite similar by gender and included when to resume intercourse, birth control, and the sexual impact of physical recovery from delivery. At 12 months, mothers and fathers both frequently reported a sexuality impact from the mother's body image concerns and desire discrepancy. One year postpartum, there were three sexuality topics with fairly high prevalence (more than one-third parents had this concern) that persisted (no self-reported resolution among at least one-third of parents): child-rearing differences with spouse, greater desire by the man than the woman, and the mother's body image. CONCLUSIONS New mothers and fathers both have postpartum sexuality concerns/questions, many of which can be addressed by healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Pastore
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA;.
| | - Annette Owens
- Charlottesville Sexual Health & Wellness Clinic, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Service Delivery. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0968-8080(05)26205-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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