From the Editor

ABSTRACT

Data from focus groups held in Montréal (Canada) with 13 women born in Cameroon, Colombia, and Democratic Republic of Congo were used to explore cancer knowledge among immigrant grandmothers and mothers-in-law and their influence over family cancer-preventative practices. Thematic analysis identified the following leading themes: cancer literacy and influence over family cancer preventative and early detection practices, cancer literacy in relation to family health behaviors, and barriers to accessing health services. Perceived external causes of cancer and its prevention are countered by healthy eating and exercises. Cancer literacy was contextualized by the development of women’s ways of being and doing.     

A Proactive Approach to Aging Well for Women Over 45

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on an exploratory two-group, pre- and posttest design study, which employed data triangulation with a convenience sample (n = 120) of women over 45 years aged between 45 and 83 years, living and/or working within the South East Sydney and Illawarra areas of New South Wales. Sixty-nine women recorded the Health Check Log (HCL) (33 were health professionals) to assess and monitor their health over 12 months. The majority found the HCL greatly assisted in monitoring and maintaining their health, and the analyses of the SF-36 health survey suggest that women 45 years and over may benefit by regular use of the HCL.     

Women at Midlife: Women's Perceptions,Physicians' Perceptions

Research and assessment of the well-being of women at midlife, for the most part, focuses on assumptions based on stereotypes and myths that hinder our ability to realistically appraise women's experiences. Women's reproductive role, manifested in the centrality of menopause, predominates in the health literature. This paper looks at how physicians and midlife women view the experiences of midlife women. Attribution theory is used to offer explanations for different perceptions that may hinder appropriate health care. Suggestions to mitigate these differences in the future are offered.     

From the Editor

The purposes of this study were to examine medication adherence in older women with coronary heart disease and to identify barriers and facilitators of medication adherence. Methods: The study used a semistructured interview guide and established measures to examine medication taking 3 months after hospital discharge. Results: Thirty-two women completed the study: 65.6% were adherent to medications, but others were less adherent and self-modified their therapy. Over half (52.1%) suffered side effects, 71.9% had experienced psychological barriers, and all had economic barriers. Facilitators included a pillbox system (85%) and discharge medication counseling (90%). Conclusion: Tailored interventions to improve adherence in older women are needed.     

From the Editor

No abstract available for this article.     

From the Editor

No abstract available for this article.