Using a cross-sectional sample of 1147 urban adolescents, aged between 14 and 20 years, the variability of some menstrual cycle indicators was related to weight loss. Nearly 40% of the adolescents tried to lose weight and the results showed that attempting to lose weight is significantly associated with increased prevalence of menstrual irregularity and menstrual pain. This finding is independent of body mass index.

Background: Malaria has traditionally been a major endemic disease in Equatorial Guinea. Although parasitaemia prevalence on the insular region has been substantially reduced by vector control in the past few years, the prevalence in the mainland remains over 50% in children younger than five years. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors for parasitaemia and treatment seeking behaviour for febrile illness at country level, in order to provide evidence that will reinforce the EG National Malaria Control Programme.

Population studies on normal and dysfunctional characteristics of menstrual cycles are scarce for western populations and practically non-existent for non-western ones. Recent data suggest that the type of menstrual cycle can be relevant for later gynaecological problems in several ways. The type of menstrual cycle is related to menarcheal age in a way that those with early maturation show more menstrual disorders which are the largest diagnosis category accounting for hysterectomies in adult women. On the other hand menstrual pain is often cited as the main single cause of school absenteeism among adolescent girls. The aim of this study is to describe characteristics of menstrual cycles, prevalence of main dysfunctions and their relationship to the age of maturity. The sample comprises 495 adolescent girls from Marrakech (Morocco) aged 12-19 years. At 13 years, 40% of these girls had reached menarche. The median age at menarche is 13.04. The prevalences of abdominal pain, premenstrual symptoms and irregularity are 69.60, 51.20 and 23.03 respectively. Abdominal pain is significantly more frequent in girls with early menarche.

Background: There is a growing evidence of the impact of the current European economic crisis on health. In Spain since 2008 there have been increasing levels of impoverishment and inequality, and important cuts in social services, including per capita spending on healthcare. Aim:The objective is to evaluate the impact of the economic crisis on underweight at birth in Spain. Results and conclusions:Results demonstrate a significant increase in the prevalence of underweight at birth as from 2008. All maternal-foetal categories were affected, including those which showed the lowest prevalence before the crisis. In the full adjusted logistic regression, year-on-year GDP per capita remains predictive on underweight at birth risk, in such a way that the fall in GDP between 2007 and 2012 determined an increase of the OR of underweight at birth by 6.63%. Previous trends in maternal socio-demographic profile and a direct impact of the crisis are discussed to explain the trends described.

Stunting and anemia are public health problems in Equatorial Guinea. Integrated strategies, including fighting poverty and improving maternal education, should be undertaken.

The predominant nocturnal pattern of birth seems to have disappeared in a Spanish highly medicalized population. However, the hallmark of primate nocturnal deliveries is evident when multiple births, malpresentation, Caesarean sections, and vaginal interventions are excluded. Possible consequences of diurnal birth include reduced infant-mother bonding, breast feeding, and later life reductions to health.

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Results support the consideration of establishing parity and type of delivery-specific birthweight references. These new charts enable a better evaluation of the impact of the demographic, reproductive and obstetric trends currently in Spain on fetal growth.