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Williams CR, Valeria Bahamondes M, Gómez Ponce de León R, da Costa Machado H, Bahamondes L, Caffe S, Serruya SJ. Analysing the context and characteristics of legal abortion and comprehensive post-abortion care among adolescents aged 10-14 in a network of sentinel centres in Latin America: a retrospective cross-sectional study, 2016-2020. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2023; 31:2175442. [PMID: 36919908 PMCID: PMC10026806 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2175442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-related complications are a substantial source of morbidity and mortality among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. While the youngest adolescents (those aged 10-14) are considered to be at particularly high risk of adverse outcomes, there is little empirical data available on their sexual and reproductive health. Using a unique dataset of clinical records drawn from a regional network of sentinel centres providing legal abortion and comprehensive post-abortion care in 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries, we described the population of adolescents aged 10-14 seeking legal abortion and post-abortion care and calculated institutional rates of complications, using older adolescents (aged 15-19) and young adults (aged 20-24) as comparator groups. We also assessed the quality of care provided as compared to WHO recommendations. Nearly 17% (89 out of 533) of young adolescents sought care when they were already at 15 or more weeks' gestation. Young adolescents were at higher risk of pre-procedure and intra-operative complications than older adolescents and young adults, though the trend is less clear for the most severe complications. In general, the quality of care provided by centres in the network was aligned with WHO recommendations for safe abortion and comprehensive post-abortion care. Taken together, these findings provide insight into the challenges facing the global health community in assuring the sexual and reproductive health and rights of the youngest adolescents, and outline avenues for future research, advocacy, and evidence-based policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R Williams
- PhD Candidate, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M Valeria Bahamondes
- International Consultant, Latin American Center for Perinatology/Women's Health and Reproductive Health of the Pan American Health Organization (CLAP/WR-PAHO/WHO), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rodolfo Gómez Ponce de León
- Regional Reproductive Health Advisor, Latin American Center for Perinatology/Women's Health and Reproductive Health Pan American Health Organization (CLAP/WR-PAHO/WHO), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Helymar da Costa Machado
- Statistician, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Cidade Universitária, Rua Alexander Fleming 101, Campinas, SP 13083-881, Brazil
| | - Luis Bahamondes
- Professor of Gynaecology, Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sonja Caffe
- Regional Adolescent Health Advisor, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Suzanne Jacob Serruya
- Director, Latin American Center for Perinatology/Women's Health and Reproductive Health of the Pan American Health Organization (CLAP/WR-PAHO/WHO), Montevideo, Uruguay
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Hall C, Daire J, Hendrie D. A scoping review considering the processes involved in changing abortion laws in low- and middle-income countries. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:1181-1197. [PMID: 37702199 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Providing legal and safe abortion is promoted as one of the key global strategies for reducing maternal mortality. Following the landmark 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are shifting towards more liberal abortion legislation. Whilst the existing literature has predominantly focused on agenda setting and individual country contexts, there is a need to understand the universal policy process of changing abortion laws. Drawing on the heuristic policy stages model and policy analysis triangle, this paper explores the processes involved in changing abortion laws in LMICs and discusses the influencing factors. We conducted a search for peer-reviewed literature in ProQuest, Scopus, Global Health (Ovid), PubMed and CINAHL. Initially, the search was conducted in February 2021 and was then re-run in May 2023. A total of 25 studies were included in the analysis. Following a descriptive, thematic and interpretive analysis of the extracted data, we have drawn out the key stages involved in changing abortion laws in LMICs: (1) establishing the need for changing abortion laws in a local context; (2) generating local evidence to support changes in abortion laws; (3) drafting of new and/or amendments of existing abortion laws; (4) adoption and enactment of changes in abortion laws; (5) translating the legal provisions into services and (6) assessing the impact of changes in abortion laws on maternal health. Our analysis explores the influence of actors and contextual factors, and we also discuss the policy solutions and decisions made by governments. The findings demonstrate that while the timing of change in abortion law was found to be dependent on the context of individual settings, the process and factors that influenced the change were remarkably consistent across geographies. Further research is required to evaluate the link between changes in abortion laws and maternal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Hall
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Judith Daire
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Delia Hendrie
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
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Gbagbo FY, Mensah KL, Gbagbo JA. Toward contraception education in basic schools: Teachers' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding contraceptive use by basic school pupils in a Ghanaian Municipality. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231200414. [PMID: 37808512 PMCID: PMC10557414 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231200414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives We examined teachers' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding contraception by basic school pupils in a Ghanaian Municipality. Methods This was an explorative, analytical cross-sectional study using the mixed-method approach. Participants comprised 183 public and private basic school teachers and 20 school health coordinators in the study area. The statistical tests carried out were in two folds. Quantitative data were analyzed with a statistical package for social sciences version 20 to generate tables. A logistic regression model was used to examine associations between the predictor and the binary response variables. Adjusted odds ratio accounted for other predictor variables in the model. For the qualitative data, recorded interviews were transcribed and content analysis was done to identify themes, subthemes, and results presented as participants' direct quotations/paraphrased statements. Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes were assessed using 3-Likert scale type questions developed by the author. Results Participants' sociodemographic characteristics were associated with perceptions and attitudes toward contraception in basic schools. At 95% confidence intervals, the p-values were not significant for any of the variables tested. However, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) showed positive perceptions among participants aged 35-39 (aOR = 7.24; p = 0.35), women (aOR = 4.22; p = 0.25), higher educated (aOR = 4.32; p = 0.56), work experience between 16 and 20 years (aOR = 6.65; p = 0.96), four or more children (aOR = 6.35; p = 0.96); divorcee (aOR = 10.12; p = 2.92); intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) (aOR = 5.02; p = 2.43); or condoms users (aOR = 7.09; p = 0.32). Negative perceptions were noted among affiliates of other religions compared to Christians (aOR = 0.19; p = 0.01) and subject teachers (aOR = 0.39; p = 0.01). Participants' perceptions were directly influenced by attitudes toward contraception and knowledge (p = 0.081). The qualitative findings showed mixed feelings about contraceptive education in basic schools. Conclusions Basic school teachers have challenges with contraceptive education which have implications for comprehensive sex education in Ghanaian basic schools. We recommend a similar study among parents of the pupils and a nationwide study to examine this concept further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Yao Gbagbo
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Keziah Love Mensah
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Josephine Akosua Gbagbo
- Department of Political Science Education, Faculty of Social Science, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
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Vázquez P, Nigri C, Pingray V, Gibbons L, Formia S, Messina A, Castro C, Jacobi C, Martiarena A, Velazco S, Langer A, Gausman J, Jolivet RR, Williams CR, Berrueta M. "Factors associated with provider unwillingness to perform induced abortion in Argentina: A cross-sectional study in four provinces following the legalization of abortion on request". PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292130. [PMID: 37792801 PMCID: PMC10550142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2020 Law on Access to the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy is a landmark piece of legislation regarding access to abortion in Argentina. Under the new law, abortion is legal up to 14 weeks and 6 days gestation, with exceptions made to the gestational age limit to save a woman´s life, to preserve a woman´s health, and in case of rape. However, widespread refusal to provide care by authorized health providers (due to conscientious objection or lack of awareness of the new law) could hinder access to legal abortion. This study aimed to assess knowledge of the current legal framework and willingness to perform abortions by authorized professionals in Argentina, to compare perceptions about any requirements necessary to perform abortions on legal grounds between willing and unwilling providers and to explore factors associated with refusal to provide care. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a self-administered, anonymous survey to authorized abortion providers in public health facilities in four provinces of Argentina. FINDINGS Most authorized providers knew the grounds upon which it is currently legal to perform abortions; however, almost half reported being unwilling to perform abortions, mainly due to conscientious objection. Both willing and unwilling providers believed there were additional requirements not actually stipulated by law. Using logistic regression, we found that province where providers serve, working in a tertiary level facility, and older age were factors associated with unwillingness to provide care. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study indicate that, even in a favorable legal context, barriers at the provider level may hinder access to abortion in Argentina. They help to demonstrate the need for specific actions that can improve access such as training, further research and public policies that guarantee facilities have sufficient professionals willing to provide abortion care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Vázquez
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Nigri
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Pingray
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luz Gibbons
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Formia
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Messina
- Servicio de Obstetricia, Hospital General de Agudos Dr. T. Álvarez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Castro
- Dirección Provincial de Maternidad e Infancia, Ministerio de Salud, San Salvador de Jujuy, Provincia de Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Cintia Jacobi
- Dirección de Maternidad Infancia y Adolescencia, Subsecretaría de Salud, Santa Rosa, Provincia de La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Adriana Martiarena
- Programa Materno Infantil, Ministerio de Salud, Región Sanitaria V, San Isidro, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana Velazco
- Dirección de Maternidad e Infancia, Secretaría de Servicios de Salud, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Salta, Provincia de Salta, Argentina
| | - Ana Langer
- Women and Health Initiative, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jewel Gausman
- Women and Health Initiative, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - R. Rima Jolivet
- Women and Health Initiative, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Caitlin R. Williams
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mabel Berrueta
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Sarsam SM, Alzahrani AI, Al-Samarraie H. Early-stage pregnancy recognition on microblogs: Machine learning and lexicon-based approaches. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20132. [PMID: 37809524 PMCID: PMC10559919 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy carries high medical and psychosocial risks that could lead pregnant women to experience serious health consequences. Providing protective measures for pregnant women is one of the critical tasks during the pregnancy period. This study proposes an emotion-based mechanism to detect the early stage of pregnancy using real-time data from Twitter. Pregnancy-related emotions (e.g., anger, fear, sadness, joy, and surprise) and polarity (positive and negative) were extracted from users' tweets using NRC Affect Intensity Lexicon and SentiStrength techniques. Then, pregnancy-related terms were extracted and mapped with pregnancy-related sentiments using part-of-speech tagging and association rules mining techniques. The results showed that pregnancy tweets contained high positivity, as well as significant amounts of joy, sadness, and fear. The classification results demonstrated the possibility of using users' sentiments for early-stage pregnancy recognition on microblogs. The proposed mechanism offers valuable insights to healthcare decision-makers, allowing them to develop a comprehensive understanding of users' health status based on social media posts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Muthana Sarsam
- School of Strategy and Leadership, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani
- Computer Science Department, Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11437, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hosam Al-Samarraie
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Williams CR, Vázquez P, Nigri C, Adanu RM, Bandoh DAB, Berrueta M, Chakraborty S, Gausman J, Kenu E, Khan N, Langer A, Odikro MA, Ramesh S, Saggurti N, Pingray V, Jolivet RR. Improving measures of access to legal abortion: A validation study triangulating multiple data sources to assess a global indicator. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280411. [PMID: 36638100 PMCID: PMC10045551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global mechanisms have been established to monitor and facilitate state accountability regarding the legal status of abortion. However, there is little evidence describing whether these mechanisms capture accurate data. Moreover, it is uncertain whether the "legal status of abortion" is a valid proxy measure for access to safe abortion, pursuant to the global goals of reducing preventable maternal mortality and advancing reproductive rights. Therefore, this study sought to assess the accuracy of reported monitoring data, and to determine whether evidence supports the consistent application of domestic law by health care professionals such that legality of abortion functions as a valid indicator of access. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a validation study using three countries as illustrative case examples: Argentina, Ghana, and India. We compared data reported by two global monitoring mechanisms (Countdown to 2030 and the Global Abortion Policies Database) against domestic source documents collected through in-depth policy review. We then surveyed health care professionals authorized to perform abortions about their knowledge of abortion law in their countries and their personal attitudes and practices regarding provision of legal abortion. We compared professionals' responses to the domestic legal frameworks described in the source documents to establish whether professionals consistently applied the law as written. This analysis revealed weaknesses in the criterion validity and construct validity of the "legal status of abortion" indicator. We detected discrepancies between data reported by the global monitoring and accountability mechanisms and the domestic policy reviews, even though all referenced the same source documents. Further, provider surveys unearthed important context-specific barriers to legal abortion not captured by the indicator, including conscientious objection and imposition of restrictions at the provider's discretion. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings denote weaknesses in the indicator "legal status of abortion" as a proxy for access to safe abortion, as well as inaccuracies in data reported to global monitoring mechanisms. This information provides important groundwork for strengthening indicators for monitoring access to abortion and for renewed advocacy to assure abortion rights worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R. Williams
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Maternal & Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Paula Vázquez
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Health Science, Kinesiology, and Rehabilitation, Universidad Nacional de La Matanza, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Nigri
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Richard M. Adanu
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Delia A. B. Bandoh
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Mabel Berrueta
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Jewel Gausman
- Department of Global Health and Population, Women and Health Initiative, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ernest Kenu
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Ana Langer
- Department of Global Health and Population, Women and Health Initiative, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Magdalene A. Odikro
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Verónica Pingray
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R. Rima Jolivet
- Department of Global Health and Population, Women and Health Initiative, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Ba DM, Zhang Y, Pasha-Razzak O, Khunsriraksakul C, Maiga M, Chinchilli VM, Ssentongo P. Factors associated with pregnancy termination in women of childbearing age in 36 low-and middle-income countries. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001509. [PMID: 36963033 PMCID: PMC10021843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Lack of access to safe, affordable, timely and adequate pregnancy termination care, and the stigma associated with abortion in low-middle income countries (LMICs), pose a serious risk to women's physical and mental well-being throughout the lifespan. Factors associated with pregnancy termination and their heterogeneity across countries in LMICs previously have not been thoroughly investigated. We aim to determine the relative significance of factors associated with pregnancy termination in LMICs and its variation across countries. Analysis of cross-sectional nationally representative household surveys carried out in 36 LMICs from 2010 through 2018. The weighted population-based sample consisted of 1,236,330 women of childbearing aged 15-49 years from the Demographic and Health Surveys. The outcome of interest was self-report of having ever had a pregnancy terminated. We used multivariable logistic regression models to identify factors associated with pregnancy termination. The average pooled weighted prevalence of pregnancy termination in the present study was 13.3% (95% CI: 13.2%-13.4%), ranging from a low of 7.8 (95% CI: 7.2, 8.4%) in Namibia to 33.4% (95% CI: 32.0, 34.7%) in Pakistan. Being married showed the strongest association with pregnancy termination (adjusted OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 2.84-3.05; P < 0.001) compared to unmarried women. Women who had more than four children had higher odds of pregnancy termination (adjusted OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 2.33-2.56; P < 0.001). Moreover, increased age and having primary and secondary levels of education were associated with higher odds of pregnancy termination compared to no education. In this study, married women, having one or more living children, those of older age, and those with at least primary level of education were associated with pregnancy termination in these 36 LMICs. The findings highlighted the need of targeted public health intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djibril M Ba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Omrana Pasha-Razzak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Penn State Health Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chachrit Khunsriraksakul
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mamoudou Maiga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Vernon M Chinchilli
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Paddy Ssentongo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Penn State Health Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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8
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Barreto M, Doyle DM. Benevolent and hostile sexism in a shifting global context. NATURE REVIEWS PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 2:98-111. [PMID: 36504692 PMCID: PMC9717569 DOI: 10.1038/s44159-022-00136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The theory of and research on ambivalent sexism - which encompasses both attitudes that are overtly negative (hostile sexism) and those that seem subjectively positive but are actually harmful (benevolent sexism) - have made substantial contributions to understanding how sexism operates and the consequences it has for women. It is now clear that sexism takes different forms, some of which can be disguised as protection and flattery. However, all forms of sexism have negative effects on how women are perceived and treated by others as well as on women themselves. Some of these findings have implications for understanding other social inequalities, such as ableism, ageism, racism and classism. In this Review, we summarize what is known about the predictors of ambivalent sexism and its effects. Although we focus on women, we also consider some effects on men, in particular those that indirectly influence women. Throughout the Review we point to societal shifts that are likely to influence how sexism is manifested, experienced and understood. We conclude by discussing the broader implications of these changes and specifying areas of enquiry that need to be addressed to continue making progress in understanding the mechanisms that underlie social inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Barreto
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - David Matthew Doyle
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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9
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Allotey P, Reidpath DD. Equal rights-unless you are pregnant. BMJ 2022; 377:o1262. [PMID: 35589107 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Allotey
- United Nations University International Institute for Global Health
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10
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Grant A, Smarr B. Feasibility of continuous distal body temperature for passive, early pregnancy detection. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2022; 1:e0000034. [PMID: 36812529 PMCID: PMC9931282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Most American women become aware of pregnancy ~3-7 weeks after conceptive sex, and all must seek testing to confirm their pregnant status. The delay between conceptive sex and pregnancy awareness is often a time in which contraindicated behaviors take place. However, there is long standing evidence that passive, early pregnancy detection may be possible using body temperature. To address this possibility, we analyzed 30 individuals' continuous distal body temperature (DBT) in the 180 days surrounding self-reported conceptive sex in comparison to self-reported pregnancy confirmation. Features of DBT nightly maxima changed rapidly following conceptive sex, reaching uniquely elevated values after a median of 5.5 ± 3.5 days, whereas individuals reported a positive pregnancy test result at a median of 14.5 ± 4.2 days. Together, we were able to generate a retrospective, hypothetical alert a median of 9 ± 3.9 days prior to the date at which individuals received a positive pregnancy test. Continuous temperature-derived features can provide early, passive indication of pregnancy onset. We propose these features for testing and refinement in clinical settings, and for exploration in large, diverse cohorts. The development of pregnancy detection using DBT may reduce the delay from conception to awareness and increase the agency of pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azure Grant
- The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Smarr
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America,Halicioğlu Institute for Data Science, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America,* E-mail:
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