Burden of Reproductive Ill-Health

Ezeh, Alex; Bankole, Akinrinola; Cleland, John; Garcia-Moreno, Claudı́a; Temmerman, Marleen; Ziraba, Abdhalah Kasiira

doi:10.1596/978-1-4648-0348-2_ch2

Cited by 17 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 123 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Results from this study suggest that physical IPV is associated with low physical health scores and that sexual IPV is associated with gynecological and reproductive health issues for women in informal settlements in Nairobi. Both of these findings are consistent with research that suggests that physical IPV is associated with poor self-perceived physical health [see 28,29] and that sexual IPV is associated with endogenous reproductive tract infections (RTIs) [62] and gynecological problems [63][64][65]. These findings, while perhaps not surprising, suggest there is a critical need for both IPV prevention and response interventions in these settlements.…”

Section: Plos Onesupporting

confidence: 81%

Intimate partner violence: A key correlate of women’s physical and mental health in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Globally, one billion people live in informal settlements, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. Studies suggests that health in informal settlements is a serious and growing concern, yet there is a paucity of research focused on health outcomes and the correlates of health in these settlements. Studies cite individual, environmental and social correlates to health in informal settlements, but they often lack empirical evidence. In particular, research suggests that high rates of violence against women (VAW) in informal settlements may be associated with detrimental effects on women's health, but few studies have investigated this link. The purpose of this study was to fill this gap by empirically exploring associations between women's experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and their physical and mental health. Data for this study were collected in August 2018 in Mathare Valley Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 550 randomly-selected women participated in surveys; however, analyses for this study were run on a subpopulation of the women (n = 361). Multivariate logistic regressions were used to investigate the link between psychological, sexual, and emotional IPV and women's mental and physical health. Results suggest that while some socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental variables were significantly associated with women's mental and physical health outcomes, all types of IPV emerged key correlates in this context. In particular, women's experiences of IPV were associated with lower odds of normal-high physical health component scores (based on SF-36); higher odds of gynecological and reproductive health issues, psychological distress (based on K-10), depression, suicidality, and substance use. Findings from this study suggest that policies and interventions focused on prevention and response to VAW in informal settlements may make critical contributions to improving health for women in these rapidly growing settlements.

show abstract

Section: Plos Onesupporting

confidence: 81%

Intimate partner violence: A key correlate of women’s physical and mental health in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The inability to conceive not only creates a considerable cost burden for patients and the healthcare system but is also a major psychological stressor for millions of couples (4). In several areas of the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries where having biological children is highly valued and expected of couples, involuntary infertility can lead to stigmatization, economic deprivation, social isolation and loss of status, public shame and humiliation, and in some cases, violence (5, 6). Female infertility may be attributed to a number of factors, typically divided into endocrine, vaginal, cervical, uterine, tubal, and pelvic-peritoneal factors, and although estimates vary, approximately 15-30% of cases still remain unexplained (7).…”

Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility

Tsevat

Wiesenfeld

Parks

et al. 2017

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

311

229

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Female infertility, including tubal factor infertility, is a major public health concern worldwide. Most cases of tubal factor infertility are attributable to untreated sexually transmitted diseases that ascend along the reproductive tract and are capable of causing tubal inflammation, damage, and scarring. Evidence has consistently demonstrated the effects of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae as pathogenic bacteria involved in reproductive tract morbidities including tubal factor infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. There is limited evidence in the medical literature that other sexually transmitted organisms, including Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, and other microorganisms within the vaginal microbiome may be important factors involved in the pathology of infertility. Further investigation into the vaginal microbiome and other potential pathogens is necessary in order to identify preventable causes of tubal factor infertility. Improved clinical screening and prevention of ascending infection may provide a solution to the persistent burden of infertility.

show abstract

“…2 However, endogenous infections such as vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV) remain the most frequent RTIs. 3 RTIs are not only a cause of acute morbidity but can also lead to complications and sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory diseases (PIDs), chronic pelvic pain, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, neonatal infections, and infertility. 4 The prevalence of lower RTIs varies across the world and is influenced by the population's sexual behaviours and age as well as other socioeconomic factors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Reproductive Tract Infections in Symptomatic Women in Dakar, Senegal

Diadhiou

Diallo

Barry³

et al. 2019

Infect Dis (Auckl)

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Lower reproductive tract infections in women are important causes of morbidity but can also lead to complications and sequelae. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and risk factors of lower genital tract infections among women of reproductive age in Dakar (Senegal). Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in 6 maternity hospitals from July to November 2015. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 49 years and presented at health facilities with signs and symptoms of genital infection. Consenting individuals who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Results: During the reporting period, 276 patients were enrolled. According to the laboratory results, the prevalence of any genital infection was 69.6% (192 of 276). The most common vaginal infections were bacterial vaginosis (39.5%) and vaginal candidiasis (29%), with the third most common cause, trichomoniasis, trailing behind in terms of prevalence (2.5%). Among the microorganisms responsible for cervical infections, Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most frequent (27.5%), followed by Mycoplasma hominis (14.5%), Chlamydia trachomatis (4.7%), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that young women and women with low levels of education were at increased risk for vaginal/cervical infections. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis and suggests that health care providers should increase awareness and communication to improve vaginal hygiene practices. If infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, C trachomatis or N gonorrhoeae is suspected, we also recommend systematically performing laboratory diagnostic confirmation.

show abstract

Burden of Reproductive Ill-Health

Cited by 17 publications

References 123 publications

Intimate partner violence: A key correlate of women’s physical and mental health in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

Intimate partner violence: A key correlate of women’s physical and mental health in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Reproductive Tract Infections in Symptomatic Women in Dakar, Senegal

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About