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Jul 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6308
Joan NakkaziCorresponding author
Introduction Skilled birth attendance (SBA) is a proven intervention for reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality through the prevention and management of childbirth complications. While its survival benefits are well established, less is known about its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), an important indicator of women’s physical, psychosocial and social well-being. Evidence on this relationship remains limited among young mothers in low resource settings such as Uganda. This study examined the association between SBA and HRQoL among young mothers aged 10-24years in Eastern Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 967 young mothers in Kamuli, Pallisa, and Ngora districts. Participants were young mothers aged 10–24 years who had delivered within the previous two years. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. HRQoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF tool on a five-category self-rated scale. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, chi-square tests and One way ANOVA explored bivariate associations, and ordered logistic regression estimated the relationship between SBA and HRQoL. Skilled birth attendance was defined as delivery assisted by a trained and accredited health professional (doctor, nurse or midwife) in accordance with WHO recommendations. Results Most respondents were aged 18–24 years (91.3%), married (75.8%), and had prior pregnancy experience (90.4%). Bivariate analysis demonstrated that skilled birth attendance (SBA) utilization was significantly associated with several key factors, including age (χ²(1)=5.75, p=0.017), religion (χ²(1)=18.09, p<0.001), knowledge of maternal healthcare services (χ²(1)=26.84, p<0.001), seeking care immediately (χ²(1)=38.82, p<0.001), perceived quality of care (χ²(3)=71.90, p<0.001), and previous pregnancy complications (χ²(1)=6.91, p=0.009). These findings indicate that younger mothers, those lacking awareness, and those reporting poorer care experiences were less likely to deliver with assistance of skilled birth attendant. An ordered logistic regression analysis further established that utilization of SBA was a significant predictor of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (z = 4.12, p < 0.001). Young mothers who delivered with the assistance of a skilled birth attendant had significantly higher odds of reporting better HRQoL compared to those who did not (OR = 1.761, 95% CI 1.345 2.306), implying that SBA users were approximately 1.76 times more likely to fall into a higher HRQoL category. The overall model was statistically significant (LR χ² (1) = 17.01, p < 0.001), although the pseudo-R² of 0.006 suggests limited explanatory power. Nonetheless, the findings highlight the independent contribution of SBA to improved maternal well-being, underscoring its importance in enhancing quality of life among young mothers. Conclusion Skilled birth attendance was positively associated with better HRQoL among young mothers in Eastern Uganda. Expanding equitable access to skilled delivery care may enhance physical safety, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life for this vulnerable population.
Apr 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-25-5899
W. Ruddock MarkCorresponding author
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise globally, with >1 million new cases reported daily in 2020. In England, newly diagnosed STIs increased by 23.8% in 2022 compared to 2021. Many infections remain asymptomatic yet contribute to infertility, pregnancy complications, and neonatal morbidity. While routine screening often focuses on Chlamydia trachomatis, broader detection is limited by laboratory turnaround times and restricted test panels. Methods We analysed 6003 home-collected urine and/or swab samples submitted for sexual health screening in the UK. Samples were tested in the laboratory for 10 bacterial and viral pathogens. A total of 5859 urine and 1627 swab samples were processed, with paired samples assessed for diagnostic agreement. Results The most common infections detected in urine were Ureaplasma urealyticum (12.1%), Mycoplasma hominis (8.6%), and Chlamydia trachomatis (2.4%). Swabs showed similar prevalence, with Ureaplasma urealyticum (11.6%) most frequent, followed by Mycoplasma hominis (10.4%) and HSV-2 (4.4%). Paired urine–swab samples demonstrated strong agreement, though swabs improved HSV detection. Conclusions Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most prevalent STI detected, yet only Chlamydia trachomatis is routinely screened in England. Comprehensive laboratory testing of home-collected samples could reduce the hidden burden of STIs, infertility, pregnancy complications, and neonatal infections, while offering confidential and accessible diagnostics.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-25-5447
J. Factoriza OliviaCorresponding author
Objective This study aimed to explore the respondents’ reproductive health profiles, examining the physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms affecting productivity, and identifying occupational needs. It also determined the relationship between menopausal symptoms and the productivity and occupational needs of peri-menopausal women. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, surveying 50 women over 40 years old with a validated four-point Likert scale instrument. The instrument undergone content validation, reliability test, and ethical approval. Survey was administered personally and online using purposive sampling. Statistical treatments included weighted mean, F-test, T-test, Pearson r correlation, and ranking. Key results The majority of participants had their first menstruation between 11 to 15 years old and experienced regular menstrual cycles. Most had one child, with an equal number of cesarean and normal deliveries, and reported no pregnancy complications. The study found that participants seldom experienced physiological and psychosocial menopausal symptoms. They agreed on the occupational needs during the perimenopausal period. It was found that physiological symptoms were influenced by factors such as early menarche, cesarean delivery, and pregnancy complications. Additionally, psychosocial symptoms varied based on menstrual status, the number of children, and pregnancy complications, with those experiencing earlier menstruation or complications reporting more intense symptoms. The study revealed a significant relationship between both physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms, which negatively impacted productivity and increased occupational needs. Women with higher menopausal symptoms expressed a greater need for workplace policies that support perimenopausal women, highlighting the need for tailored workplace interventions for this demographic. Future Direction The study recommends including pap smears and mammograms in annual exams for peri-menopausal women, offering awareness seminars on managing perimenopausal symptoms to reduce workplace disruptions, and suggests future research exploring additional variables affecting perimenopausal women’s health and productivity
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-5657.je-17-1513
GELEN VolkanCorresponding author
Kafkas University, Turkey
Changes to proinflammatory cytokines as a result of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and the pregnancy complications that these changes can cause, are of vital importance to the effective prevention and optimal management. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are cytokines that are associated with gestational diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to draw attention to the relationship between gestational diabetes and these diseases