"Health, Risk & Society"

Stern, Phyllis Noerager

doi: 10.1080/07399339409516100pmid: N/A

Pitts, Marian; Magunje, Noleen; McMaster, John

doi: 10.1080/07399339409516101pmid: 8002412

Interest is growing in the use of herbal and other agents as a preparation for sexual intercourse. Concern has been expressed that such traditional practices, which are widespread in central and southern Africa, may increase women's risks of cervical cancer and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. We examined the knowledge and beliefs associated with these practices in a sample of educated young men and women in Zimbabwe. We found that there was widespread knowledge of the use of herbs as a preparation for sex and that the purpose of the practice was to enhance men's sexual experience. Both men and women indicated ambivalent attitudes toward the practice; an interesting pattern of actual and perceived expectations was found. The need for preventive health education concerning these practices is discussed.

Brieger, William R.; Luchok, Kathryn J.; Eng, Eugenia; Earp, Jo Anne

doi: 10.1080/07399339409516102pmid: 8002407

Pregnancy is a time when women's health is placed at risk by a host of factors; however, professionals providing antenatal care can reduce that risk by monitoring women's health regularly and offering preventive services. Hygienic delivery services by a qualified attendant also help to reduce risks associated with childbearing. We explored these considerations in a rural Nigerian town by following 60 Yoruba women through pregnancy to childbirth. Although a functioning government maternity center in the community offered a full range of antenatal and delivery services, most of the women did not register for antenatal care until their sixth month of pregnancy or later, and 65% delivered at home. This behavior is explained in terms of (a) fees for delivery services, (b) level of income, (c) cultural beliefs, and (d) education. We conclude that provision of relatively accessible services does not guarantee their use and that other social and cultural considerations must be taken into account.

Becktell, Phoebe J.

doi: 10.1080/07399339409516103pmid: 8002408

The Indian subcontinent stands alone as an area in which women have a lower life expectancy at birth than do men. The differential impact of environmental influences on the health of women in India is examined. The influences can be conceptualized as endemic stress that arises from social and physical environmental determinants of deprivation, inadequate resources, limited role opportunities, and oppressive cultural forces. It is suggested that there is a link between these factors and women's health status. The combined effort of Indian women and international support agencies is suggested as an approach to examining, evaluating, and remediating the problem.

Bernhard, Linda Anne

doi: 10.1080/07399339409516104pmid: 8002409

Laser endometrial ablation has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of chronic menorrhagia. The purpose of the present study was to document women's feelings and outcomes after having the procedure. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 65 women who were among the first to undergo this surgery in the United States. For these women, laser endometrial ablation resulted in the end of enduring unpleasant symptoms without the need for a hysterectomy. Nearly all (91%) of the women considered the ablation a success, and all would recommend ablation to another woman. Access to laser endometrial ablation for all women is one method of decreasing the number of hysterectomies performed.

Bramadat, Ina J.

doi: 10.1080/07399339409516105pmid: 8002410

Women's response to induction and augmentation of labor has received little attention in North America. A review of the literature revealed that these procedures epitomize the use of technology in childbirth. From a psycho‐emotional perspective, women respond less positively to induction and augmentation than to spontaneous labor and report less satisfaction with the birth experience. In this review of the research and anecdotal literature, reasons for inattention to induction and augmentation are explored, and the nature of the procedures and women's response to them are examined.

Higgins, Patricia; Frank, Betsy; Brown, Marsha

doi: 10.1080/07399339409516106pmid: N/A

One hundred fifteen women were interviewed during their pregnancy. They were asked “What health behavior changes have you made since you became pregnant?”; This is the first study reported in the United States to allow women to identify their own health behaviors. In previous studies, women responded to the behaviors that the researchers listed on questionnaires. The women in our study named 18 changes in health behaviors they had made during pregnancy. More than 49% of the women made changes in their diet, exercise pattern, smoking habits, vitamin intake, and alcohol use. Further research is needed to identify what motivates changes in health behavior in pregnancy.

Facione, Noreen C.

doi: 10.1080/07399339409516107pmid: 8002411

Women are joining the waged labor force in ever increasing numbers, raising the proportion of women who hold multiple roles. Each of these roles frequently places significant time and labor demands on women, causing researchers to speculate on a subsequent negative effect on women's health. Research studies paint colorful images of today's working, married mother but have only begun to identify the risks to women's health that might be associated with the increased demands associated with multiple roles.