Given the volume and importance of research focusing on menstrual phase, a review of the strategies being used to identify menstrual phase and recommendations that will promote methodological uniformity in the field is needed. We conducted a literature review via Ovid Medline and PsycINFO. Our goal was to review methods used to identify menstrual phase and subphases in biobehavioral research studies with women who had physiologically natural menstrual cycles. Therefore, we excluded articles that focused on any of the following: use of exogenous hormones, the postpartum period, menstrual-related problems (e.g. polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis), and infertility/anovulation. We also excluded articles on either younger (<18 years old) or older (>45 years old) study samples. We initially identified a total of 1,809 articles. After our exclusionary criteria were applied, 146 articles remained, within which our review identified six different methods used to identify menstrual phase and subphases. The most common method used was self-report of onset of menses (145/146 articles) followed by urine luteinizing hormone testing (50/146 articles) and measurement of hormones (estradiol and/or progesterone) in blood samples (49/146 articles). Overall, we found a lack of consistency in the methodology used to determine menstrual phase and subphases. We provide several options to improve accuracy of phase identification, as well as to minimize costs and burden. Adoption of these recommendations will decrease misclassification within individual studies, facilitate cross-study comparisons and enhance the reproducibility of results.

Background Sexual health is a critical component of overall wellness; however, only half of U.S. medical schools currently require formal instruction in sexuality. Aim This study sought to quantify the sexual health knowledge of undergraduate medical students using a novel survey tool evaluating 6 domains: sexual function and dysfunction; fertility and reproduction; sexuality across the lifespan; sexual minority health; society, culture, and behavior; as well as safety and prevention. Methods A novel 32-question survey tool was developed by subject matter experts from the University of Minnesota Program in Human Sexuality. Survey questions were derived from the 2012 and 2014 Summits on Medical School Education in Sexual Health as well as the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States Guidelines for Kindergarten through 12th Grade. The total knowledge score was calculated out of 30 points (excluding 2 terminology questions that were subjective). Medical students at 178 allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in the United States were invited to take the online survey. Outcomes Students performed below a passing rate (70%) in 4 of the 6 knowledge categories and below a passing rate overall in the knowledge assessment. Results Survey respondents (n = 1,014) scored an average of 66% correct (approximately 20/30). Overall, students scored lowest on questions regarding safety and prevention (x- = 49%) and highest on questions regarding sexuality across the lifespan (x- = 75%). Higher knowledge scores were associated with the following variables (P &lt; .05): medical school year, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, future medical specialty choice, program type (MD/DO), and taking a human sexuality course in medical school. Clinical Implications Medical students may be under-prepared to address essential sexual health issues in future clinical practice. Strengths & Limitations To the knowledge of the authors this is the only contemporary study seeking to measure U.S. medical student sexual health knowledge. Limitations include sample population size and diversity as well as a non-validated survey tool. Conclusion Significant advances must be made in undergraduate medical education in order to prepare future physicians to address critical issues such as sexually transmitted disease, family planning, and health disparities.

ObjectiveTo test the effect of a behavioural economics intervention in two food pantries on the nutritional quality of foods available at the pantries and the foods selected by adults visiting food pantries.DesignAn intervention (SuperShelf) was implemented in two food pantries (Sites A and B), with two other pantries (Sites C and D) serving as a control for pantry outcomes. The intervention aimed to increase the amount and variety of healthy foods (supply), as well as the appeal of healthy foods (demand) using behavioural economics strategies. Assessments included baseline and 4-month follow-up client surveys, client cart inventories, pantry inventories and environmental assessments. A fidelity score (range 0–100) was assigned to each intervention pantry to measure the degree of implementation. A Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) score (range 0–100) was generated for each client cart and pantry.SettingFour Minnesota food pantries, USA.ParticipantsClients visiting intervention pantries before (n 71) and after (n 70) the intervention.ResultsFidelity scores differed by intervention site (Site A=82, Site B=51). At Site A, in adjusted models, client cart HEI-2010 scores increased on average by 11·8 points (P&lt;0·0001), whereas there was no change at Site B. HEI-2010 pantry environment scores increased in intervention pantries (Site A=8 points, Site B=19 points) and decreased slightly in control pantries (Site C=−4 points, Site D=−3 points).ConclusionsWhen implemented as intended, SuperShelf has the potential to improve the nutritional quality of foods available to and selected by pantry clients.

Policies that restrict the sale of flavoured tobacco to adult-only tobacco shops are associated with decreased availability of flavoured tobacco in convenience and grocery stores and increased proportion of tobacco inventory that is unflavoured.

Several demographics and smoking-related symptomatology were significantly different between pregnant quitters and pregnant smokers. In addition, multiple factors predicting postpartum relapse were identified. This information can inform personalized interventions for high risk pregnant smokers and pregnant quitters at risk for postpartum relapse.