Body image,satisfaction with sexual life,self-esteem,and anxiodepressive symptoms: A comparative study between premenopausal,perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women

Menopause is an important life transition in women, and it is associated with significant physical and psychological changes. This study aimed at examining how the menopausal transition influences body image and satisfaction with sexual life. To this aim, body image dissatisfaction, sexual dissatisfaction, and self-esteem were compared in three groups of women with distinct menopausal status (premenopausal n = 142, perimenopausal n = 66, or postmenopausal n = 149), while controlling for depressive and anxiety symptoms and BMI. Using ANOVA between these three groups, we observed that dissatisfaction with body image was significantly higher in the perimenopausal sample compared with its premenopausal counterpart. In the postmenopausal sample, body image improved, as this group displayed body image scores close to the premenopausal level. In addition, sexual dissatisfaction was significantly increased in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal samples, which is compatible with the concept that higher body appreciation positively predicted sexual function. We conclude that body image dissatisfaction reaches a maximum during the perimenopausal phase, before returning to a level nearly identical between the premenopausal and the postmenopausal phases.     

Ageing in Society: European Perspectives on Gerontology (3rd Edition), edited by John Bond,Sheila Peace,Freya Dittman-Kohli,and Gerben Westerhof

This study explored the meaning of the experiences of community-dwelling postmenopausal women who were born and grew up in a Muslim country when drawing a picture about their lived experiences of urinary incontinence. Hermeneutic phenomenology underpinned the study’s interpretive research approach. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted in two sessions with nine postmenopausal women. The participants were asked to draw a picture about their lived experiences of urinary incontinence in a self-portrait. Three themes emerged to illuminate the meaning of urinary incontinence, including “disruption of normal functioning,” “self-imposed restrictions,” and “feeling of despair.” Discussion of these themes was presented, and practice and research implications were suggested.     

The effect of antenatal pelvic floor muscle exercise on sexual function and labour and birth outcomes: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundPelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) are recommended for treatment of urinary incontinence with less evidence available about the effect on female sexual function (FSF) and childbirth.AimTo investigate the effect of antenatal PFME on FSF during pregnancy and the first three months following birth as a primary outcome, and on labour and birth outcomes as a secondary outcome.Method200 nulliparous women were randomised to control (n = 100) and intervention (n = 100) groups. The women in the intervention group (IG) undertook PFME from 20 weeks gestation until birth and had routine antenatal care, while those in the control group (CG) received routine antenatal care only. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to measure FSF at 36 weeks gestation and three months postnatal. Baseline characteristics and childbirth data were also collected and analysed using SPSS.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of FSF scores during pregnancy and on childbirth outcomes. Sexual satisfaction was slightly higher in the CG [Mean ± SD, CG: 4.35 ± 1.45 vs. IG: 3.70 ± 1.50, (P = 0.03)] at three months after birth. However, 50% of women adhered to the PFME, and 40% of women did not resume sex by three months after the birth.ConclusionThough some trends were observed, the results showed no effect of PFME on sexual function or labour and birth outcomes. This needs to be interpreted considering the 50% adherence to PFME. More research is recommended.     

Coffee intake,health-related quality of life,and associated factors of overactive bladder in older Korean women living in rural South Korea

ABSTRACT

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common health problem in older women. The aim of the study was to investigate coffee consumption, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and associated factors of OAB in older Korean women living in rural South Korea. A total of 248 women aged 65 years and older participated in this study. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. The means of coffee consumption between OAB and non-OAB groups were not significantly different. Women with OAB showed significantly lower HRQOL than women with stress urinary incontinence only. OAB was associated with high body mass index and poor health status.     

Quantifying Sexual Orientation Among Homeless and Unstably Housed Women in a Longitudinal Study: Identity,Behavior, and Fluctuations Over a Three-Year Period

ABSTRACT

Sexual orientation has been linked to certain health conditions, and yet quantifying sexual orientation in longitudinal studies is challenging. This study examined different methods of accounting for sexual orientation in a cohort study of 300 homeless and unstably housed women followed every 6 months over 3 years. Altogether, 39.7% (n = 119) could be considered sexual minority at one or more time points based on identity and/or behavior; 16.3% (n = 49) reported shifts in sexual identity. Only 24.0% (n = 72) were identified as sexual minority through a single measure of sexual identity, 27.0% (n = 81) were identified with a single measure of identity and behavior, 33.0% (n = 99) were identified through annual measures of identity and behavior, and 22.0%–22.3% (n = 66–67) were identified through latent class analysis including all identity/behavior measures. This study found that sexual fluidity is common in unstably housed women, and many sexual minority women would be missed in longitudinal studies with different methods of accounting for sexual orientation.     

Quality of life and sexual function in postmenopausal women

This study examined the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and sexual function among postmenopausal women. As a cross-sectional study, it was conducted among 405 postmenopausal women selected using a multistage sampling method. The data-collection tools were the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, and a researcher-administered questionnaire. Sexual dysfunction was observed in 61% of the participants. The total scores of FSFI had a positive correlation with the WHOQOL-BREF total scores and all QoL domain scores. Therefore, sexual function needs to be covered by health-care packages aiming to improve postmenopausal women’s QoL.     

Sexuality in Older Spanish Women: Voices and Reflections

Our research has been aimed at understanding the experience, practice, and sexual life in a group of Spanish women over 50 years of age. We studied a sample of 729 women between 50 and 80 years old. Our results provide qualitative and quantitative information and important insights about the sexual life of Spanish women and identify differences in the experience and reality of sexual life after the age of 70. The status of having or lacking a partner, and a personal interest in emotional relationships and sexual practices, are elements that determine the possibility of enjoying a satisfying postmenopausal sexuality.     

Do women of reproductive age presenting with pelvic floor dysfunction have undisclosed anal incontinence: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundIndirect and direct trauma following vaginal birth can negatively impact on the pelvic floor function increasing the risk of anal incontinence. It is often difficult for women to openly disclose that they have anal incontinence and there are limited data collection tools available for the identification of these women in a clinical setting.AimThis study aims to describe the prevalence of undisclosed anal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women with pelvic floor dysfunction.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 230 antenatal and postnatal women referred to a Continence Nursing Service in a large tertiary hospital in South Australia, Australia, with pelvic floor dysfunction. A criteria list was utilised to access the primary reason for referral, anal incontinence assessments and attendance to an appointment.ResultsAnal incontinence was identified in 26% of women (n = 59). Anal incontinence was the primary reason for referral amongst 8 women, with the remaining 51 women identified as having anal incontinence following clinical screening via phone consultation. Eighty six percent of women stated they had not previously disclosed anal incontinence to health professionals. Overall, 71% of symptomatic women (n = 28 antenatal and n = 14 postnatal women) attended appointments to a service specialising in pelvic floor dysfunction.ConclusionWomen presenting with urinary incontinence or other markers of pelvic floor dysfunction should be actively screened for anal incontinence as the prevalence of this condition is high amongst childbearing women.     

Exercise training in thermo-mineral spring water has beneficial effects on hemodynamic and health-related factors in young-older hypertensive women: A randomized control trial

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week aerobic training in mineral geothermal water on hemodynamic variables, VO_2max, and body composition in sedentary hypertensive women. Twenty postmenopausal women (58.55 ± 3.28 years) were divided into an exercise group (2 days/week, 30–40 minutes, 60%–75% of HR_max) and control group. Compared to the control group, a signi?cant reduction in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, rate pressure product, body fat percent, and a signi?cant improvement in VO_2max values was found. Aerobic training in thermo-mineral spring water is a safe and effective training modality in the young-older hypertensive population.     

The effect of protein diets in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials

The main objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of protein supplementation through diet or dietary supplements on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women as evidenced by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Five RCTs were included using dietary protein (N = 2), protein supplements (N = 2), and proteins through diet and supplements (N = 1). A total of 677 postmenopausal woman were included, all diagnosed with osteoporosis (T score < –2.5) and aged between 50 and 80 years. Results have found that combined protein administration through diet, mainly from animal sources and supplemental proteins (whey proteins, 86 g/d PRO including 6 g WPI), for a short period of time (up to 12 months) may positively affect osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In addition, a positive effect can also be achieved by the single administration of a 250 mg/d supplement in which 10 g was WPI for a six-month period. In this review, it is shown that both combined administration of proteins through diet and supplements and single administration through protein supplements may reduce the risk of fracture in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. In contrast, dietary proteins alone, in doses similar to and/or higher than the RDA values, may not have any positive effect on treating osteoporosis.     

Disclosing Lesbian and Gay Male Sexual Orientation in Later Life: Attitudes of Younger and Older Generations in Eight Latin American Countries

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to explore attitudes toward older lesbians and gay men disclosing their sexual preferences in eight Latin American countries. The sample consisted of 1,539 participants belonging to three age groups (18–29 years, 60–69 years, and 70 years and over). Their answers to two open-ended questions were content-analyzed, and binary logistic regressions were run on the extreme attitudinal categories. Results showed that although most attitudes were positive, a solid percentage of participants still expressed different kinds of derogatory attitudes. Men (as compared to women) and participants who were more religious and less educated tended to hold more negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. Both older samples were more prejudiced than the younger one, and attitudes also varied according to country. There was a general trend showing more positive attitudes toward older lesbians and gay men in those countries where sexual minorities’ rights are better assured, which suggests that measures to protect sexual minorities and to make sexual diversity in older age visible could be advisable.     

“I’m in control: I’m not stumbling in the dark anymore”: Midlife women’s experiences of successfully negotiating safer sex with new partners

The rates of STIs in women over 45 years have been steadily increasing in Australia and other Western countries. Traditionally sexual health and STI prevention and research has positioned young people as the priority population; to date, insufficient attention has been paid to the sexual health of women over 45 years. Using a strengths-based approach, the objective of this study was to explore the factors and mechanisms that enable Australian women aged 45 to 64 years to successfully negotiate safer sex practices in new relationships. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed for an in-depth exploratory study of a sample of eight women. Three broad themes emerged: being informed, being prepared, and being empowered. These findings provide a valuable insight into how we can initiate change and support safer sex practices for this target group.     

Examining Sexual Orientation Disparities in Unmet Medical Needs Among Men and Women

Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 13,810), this study examines disparities in unmet medical needs by sexual orientation identity during young adulthood. We use binary logistic regression and expand Andersen’s health care utilization framework to identify factors that shape disparities in unmet medical needs by sexual orientation. We also investigate whether the well-established gender disparity in health-seeking behaviors among heterosexual persons holds for sexual minorities. The results show that sexual minority women are more likely to report unmet medical needs than heterosexual women, but no differences are found between sexual minority and heterosexual men. Moreover, we find a reversal in the gender disparity between heterosexual and sexual minority populations: heterosexual women are less likely to report unmet medical needs than heterosexual men, whereas sexual minority women are more likely to report unmet medical needs compared to sexual minority men. Finally, this work advances Andersen’s model by articulating the importance of including social psychological factors for reducing disparities in unmet medical needs by sexual orientation for women.     

Age of Onset of Alcohol Consumption and Subsequent Negative Health Outcomes in Gay and Bisexual Men Who Have Sex With Men

ABSTRACT

The correlation between current alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) is well documented, but little is known about age of drinking onset and current risks among this population. Data from a 2008 Internet survey of 8,452 MSM in the United States were used to assess factors associated with age of onset of alcohol use. In a multivariable model, drinking onset before age 15 was significantly associated with a higher number of lifetime male anal sex partners and being behaviorally bisexual in the past 12 months. Men who reported depressive symptoms in the past two weeks or who screened positive for alcohol abuse in the past 60 days were more likely to have early age of drinking onset. Findings suggest the need for targeting younger adolescents for alcohol screening, particularly sexual minority youth, to prevent risk behaviors in adulthood.     

Self-Perceived Parental Role and Mental Health Concomitants Among Israeli Gay and Heterosexual Fathers

ABSTRACT

In this study we examined the association between self-perceived parental role and adverse mental health (indicated by depressive symptoms, neuroticism, and negative affect) in a sample of 82 Israeli gay fathers (Mean age = 39.57, SD = 6.70) that were individually matched with 82 heterosexual fathers (Mean age = 39.11, SD = 7.88). Results showed that although self-perceived parental role was associated with adverse mental health, this association was moderated by sexual orientation, such that a significant negative association between self-perceived parental role and adverse mental health was evident only among gay fathers. The findings are understood by features of gay fatherhood, which is intentional and purposeful, and usually achieved after contending with particular difficulties in the journey to fatherhood. These features presumably shape the perceived parental role, and thus may link more strongly with lower levels of adverse mental health among gay fathers, compared to heterosexual fathers.     

Risk Behaviors Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in Bangkok: A Qualitative Study to Understand and Contextualize High HIV Incidence

ABSTRACT

The Bangkok Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) Cohort Study has shown high HIV incidence (8–12/100 person-years) among 18–21-year-old MSM. These data led to a further study using qualitative methods among young (18–24 years old) MSM in order to understand the factors driving the HIV epidemic among YMSM. We conducted eight focus group discussions and 10 key informant interviews among YMSM in Bangkok, Thailand. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire. We audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed qualitative and questionnaire data using computer software. The categories relating to risk behavior were (1) the use of social networks for seeking sexual partners and the marketing promotions of MSM entertainment venues, (2) social influence by peers and older MSM, (3) easy access to high parties and group sex, (4) easy access to club drugs, (5) conceptions related to HIV risk, and (6) sexual preferences of YMSM. Increased HIV testing, same-sex education, and YMSM-specific HIV prevention efforts are urgently needed for YMSM in Bangkok.     

A pilot study combining Go4Life® materials with an interactive voice response system to promote physical activity in older women

ABSTRACT

Telephone-based interactive voice response (IVR) systems could be an effective tool for promotion of physical activity among older women. To test IVR feasibility, we enrolled 30 older women in a 10-week physical activity intervention designed around National Institute on Aging (NIA) Go4Life® educational materials with IVR coaching. Participants (mean age = 76 years) significantly increased physical activity by a mean 79 ± 116 (SD) minutes/week (p < .001). Participants reported that the Go4Life® materials, pedometer, and IVR coaching (70% reported easy technology) were useful tools for change. This pilot study demonstrates IVR acceptability as an evidence-based physical activity program for older women.     

Correlates of Homophobic Attitudes in Lebanon: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

To assess homophobic attitudes toward gay and lesbian persons and examine how those negative attitudes contributed to risk factors that may impact gay and lesbian persons among a sample of Lebanese individuals. A cross-sectional study, conducted between March and July 2017, enrolled 400 participants aged between 15 and 80 years. 129 (32.3%) of the participants had severe homophobic attitudes. An increase in intense homophobia would significantly increase the odds of emotion focused engagement and decrease the problem focused engagement (Beta = 1.05 and Beta = ?1.19, respectively). A stepwise linear regression, using the total homophobia score as the dependent variable showed that knowing someone gay (Beta = ?12.97), university education level (Beta = ?14.93), high monthly income (Beta = ?4.33), and higher problem-focused engagement subscale (Beta = ?0.54) would significantly decrease the total homophobic score. Our study supports the prevalence of homophobia among people in Lebanon. Understanding the correlation factors and predict discriminative attitudes can be of great help for policymakers when it comes to approaching the problem of homophobia with evidence-based solutions.