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STUDY QUESTION Do adolescents and young adult women (YAW) with histologically proven endometriosis present a specific clinical history? SUMMARY ANSWER Questionnaire screening of adolescents and YAW can identify clinical markers associated with histologically proven endometriosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Some validated questionaries can contribute to an earlier endometriosis diagnosis in adults. None of these scores, however, have been validated for adolescents or YAW. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was an observational cross-sectional study using prospectively recorded data performed between January 2005 and January 2020 in a single university tertiary referral centre for endometriosis diagnosis and management. After a thorough surgical examination of the abdomino-pelvic cavity, women with histologically proven endometriosis were allocated to the endometriosis group, and symptomatic women without evidence of endometriosis were allocated to the endometriosis-free control group. The endometriotic patients were allocated into two sub-groups according to their age: adolescent (≤20 years) and YAW (21–24 years). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Adolescents and YAW ≤24 years of age were operated for a symptomatic benign gynaecological condition with signed informed consent. A standardized questionnaire was prospectively completed in the month before the surgery and included epidemiological data, pelvic pain scores, family history of endometriosis, and symptoms experienced during adolescence. The study searched for correlations by univariate analysis to determine clinical markers of endometriosis in adolescents and YAW compared with endometriosis-free control patients. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 262 study participants, 77 women were adolescents (≤20 years of age) and 185 patients (70.6%) were YAW. The endometriosis group included 118 patients (45.0%) and 144 (55.0%) were assigned to the control group. A family history of endometriosis, absenteeism from school during menstruation, history of fainting spells during menstruation, and prescription of oral contraceptive pills for intense dysmenorrhea were significantly more frequently observed in the endometriotic patients. The prevalence and mean pain scores for dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, non-cyclic chronic pelvic pain and gastrointestinal and lower urinary tract symptoms were significantly greater in the endometriosis group, as was experienced rectal bleeding. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study was performed in a single referral centre that treats patients with potentially more severe disease. This questionnaire was evaluated on a population of patients with an indication for endometriosis surgery, which can also select patients with more severe disease. Women with asymptomatic endometriosis were not considered in this study. These factors can affect the external validity of this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Patient interviews are relevant to the diagnosis of endometriosis in adolescents and YAW. Combined with imaging and clinical examination, this approach will enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, while remaining non-invasive and rapid. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study received no funding from external sources. There are no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have identified the relationship between perfectionism and body image. However, the relationships between perfectionistic tendencies and body image instability are not yet well understood in different ethnic/racial groups. Building on recent evidence indicating that body image instability is associated with maladaptive psychological symptoms among young adult women, the present study tested a hypothesized hierarchical regression model in which facets of perfectionism in the general and physical appearance domains were examined as predictors of body image instability among Asian American (n = 181) and European American (n = 173) young adult women. For both ethnic/racial groups, the models by which facets of perfectionism in the general and physical appearance domains predicted body image instability revealed a similar pattern. Specifically, doubts about actions perfectionism in the general domain and worries about imperfection in the physical appearance domain predicted greater body image instability across both Asian American and European American young adult women. The present findings clarify facets of perfectionism in the general and physical appearance domains that predict body image instability among Asian American and European American women and point to how perfectionistic doubts about actions and worries about not having the perfect appearance are centrally implicated in this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the transition phase from adolescence to adulthood, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs more commonly, with a variety of symptoms. The occurrence of PMS may be the result of a combination of demographic, physiological, psychological and sociological factors. This study aimed to identify the central symptoms of PMS, and explored the complex influencing factors especially the one-to-one inter-relationships factors with specific symptoms. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in mainland China. 3458 young adult women were assessed. Using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PSS) to assess the PMS, and PSS score was over 6 divided into PMS group, and vice versa. Influencing factors were assessed by a set of self-reported questionnaire. Network analysis was used to examined the interplay of PMS, whilst also considering the influencing factors of PMS. In summary, 1479 participants were in PMS group. Anxiety had the highest strength centrality (1.12/1.09), shown higher centrality in the both network. Swelling of the hands or feet also shown higher strength centrality (0.89) in PMS group. PMS is associated with a higher history of dysmenorrhea, and neurotic personality. Neurotic personality - depressed mood/nervousness (0.27/0.23), history of dysmenorrhea - abdominal distension (0.21), had significantly higher weight than other edges in PMS group. Anxiety was the most central symptom in the network, and was closely associated with other symptoms like depressed mood, which provided additional evidence for the centrality of emotional features in PMS. Moreover, the influencing factors of PMS combined demographic, physiological, psychological, and sociological factors. According to the central symptoms and factors affecting the specific PMS symptoms in young adult women, targeted intervention is helpful to prevent and alleviate PMS. Cross-sectional design cannot infer the directionality of the associations between variables. All data is self-reported with recall bias and the edge weights across the constructs of influencing factors and PMS were fairly small. • Anxiety was the most central symptom in the network, and was closely associated with other symptoms like depressed mood. • The influencing factors of PMS combined demographic, physiological, psychological, and sociological factors. • Targeted interventions are based on the central symptoms and factors affecting the specific PMS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol consumption is prevalent in young adult women and linked with breast cancer risk. Research to inform interventions targeting alcohol consumption as a breast cancer prevention strategy is limited. We examined young women's awareness of alcohol use as a breast cancer risk factor, identified correlates of awareness, and determined how awareness and conceptual predictors relate to intentions to reduce drinking. Women aged 18–25 years who drank alcohol in the past month (N = 493) completed a cross-sectional survey. Measures captured sociodemographics, breast cancer risk factors, awareness of alcohol use as a breast cancer risk factor, intentions to reduce drinking, and conceptual predictors. Analyses examined correlates of awareness and associations between awareness, conceptual predictors, and intentions to reduce drinking. Awareness was low (28%) and intentions to reduce drinking were moderate (M = 2.60, SD = 0.73, range 1–4). In multivariable analyses, awareness was associated with greater worry about cancer, beliefs that there's not much one can do to reduce cancer risk and everything causes cancer, higher perceived breast cancer risk, and stronger beliefs that reducing drinking reduces breast cancer risk. Awareness was not associated with intentions to reduce drinking. Younger age, older age of alcohol initiation, negative attitudes towards alcohol, fewer friends consuming alcohol, and stronger self-efficacy were associated with intentions to reduce drinking. Few young women recognize alcohol consumption as a breast cancer risk factor. Researchers and policymakers can apply our findings to design new or refine existing interventions to optimize their impact on awareness and alcohol consumption in young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clandinin and Connelly's narrative inquiry methodology was used to understand the lived and told stories of two emerging adult women (aged 18–29) living with chronic pain. The aim of this paper is to share the experiences of the first author—a graduate student and novice researcher—of creating relational spaces with emerging adult women living with chronic pain, and the experience of co-creating knowledge through the methodological lens of narrative inquiry. There are 12 qualitative touchstones that narrative inquirers attend to when using narrative inquiry, and we present the experiences of a novice narrative inquirer in relation to selected touchstones. Narrative inquiry can greatly contribute to nursing knowledge, and implications for nursing practice and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Emotion regulation difficulties have an important role in the presence of negative self-image. These problems in the self-regulation of emotion could lead to negative emotional processes (such as anger) that can lead to body dissatisfaction. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine emotion regulation difficulties than can negatively impact self-image and to understand if anger acts as mediator in the relationship between emotion regulation and body dissatisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out comprising 565 young adult women aged 18-30 years. The participants were administered the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2 (STAXI-2), and the Body Dissatisfaction dimension of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). The proposed hypotheses were tested by path analysis in MPlus 8.0. Results: The results indicated that anger had a positive significant effect on body dissatisfaction as well as the non-acceptance of emotional responses, the lack of emotional awareness, and the lack of emotional clarity. Of all the dimensions of emotional regulation difficulties, impulse control difficulty was the dimension which had a positive significant indirect effect on body dissatisfaction explained by increased anger. Discussion: The present study suggests the importance of emotion regulation in the prevention of body dissatisfaction. Impulse control difficulty may be the key emotion regulation emotion in explaining the increments of anger that lead to body dissatisfaction. Among young adults, the promotion of positive body image can be promoted by helping this population to self-regulate their anger impulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zumba shares similarities with other aerobic exercises such as dancing and cycling, as it enhances cardiovascular health and facilitates calorie burning. However, what distinguishes Zumba is its emphasis on enjoyment and the incorporation of dance movements from various music genres. This form of aerobic exercise involves sustained moderate to high-intensity activity without excessive fatigue. It strengthens the heart muscle and promotes efficient blood circulation. Furthermore, aerobics can effectively reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. This positive effect is attributed to the improvement of blood vessel function, facilitating better blood flow and alleviating strain on the heart. Regular aerobic exercise also contributes to weight loss, which further aids in lowering blood pressure. Nevertheless, the impact of Zumba on VO2max ability remains to be explored. In this study, a pre-experimental design was employed, involving one-hour Zumba sessions conducted over eight weeks, comprising approximately 12 tracks prepared by the instructor. The study sample consisted of 30 participants engaged in Zumba classes. Prior to Zumba, the Jackson non-exercise test formula was employed to assess VO2max fitness. Post-Zumba, the 1-mile jog test formula was utilized to measure VO2max fitness. The study findings indicate a significant increase in the mean VO2max value after treatment, compared to the lower mean value observed before treatment. Specifically, the mean value of VO2max increased from 38.46 ml/kg/minute before treatment to 47.83 ml/kg/minute after treatment. These results suggest that Zumba exercise enhances aerobic fitness by positively impacting cardiovascular biological mechanisms in young women during the transition to the new normal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation purported to develop and validate an indigenous social cynicism scale for young adult women. Following an exploratory sequential research design, the study involved three phases. In phase I, a qualitative study with (n = 20) young adult women is conducted to conceptualize the construct of social cynicism. The themes drawn from the data were used to develop a pool of 36 items. After extensive scrutiny and evaluation by five expert judges, 28 items were finalized that were phrased in a self-report five-point Likert rating scale. In phase II, the psychometric properties of the scale were established. Through non-probability purposive sampling, a sample of (n = 227) young adult women aged 18-28 years (M = 22.29 and SD = 2.06) was recruited for exploratory factor analysis. Principle Component Analysis was performed for factor extractions, while the Direct Oblimin method was applied for factor rotations. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett's test of sphericity were found to be significant. As a result, a final scale of 19 items with a three-factor model, namely institutional, experiential and dispositional cynicism, emerged that accounted for 42.41% variance, with an alpha reliability of .83. In phase III, another sample of (n = 218) young adult women with an age range of 18-27 years (M = 22.48 and SD = 2.38) was recruited to run confirmatory factor analysis that revealed a good model fit and validated the three-dimensional structure of the scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionEmotion regulation difficulties have an important role in the presence of negative self-image. These problems in the self-regulation of emotion could lead to negative emotional processes (such as anger) that can lead to body dissatisfaction. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine emotion regulation difficulties than can negatively impact self-image and to understand if anger acts as mediator in the relationship between emotion regulation and body dissatisfaction.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out comprising 565 young adult women aged 18–30 years. The participants were administered the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2 (STAXI-2), and the Body Dissatisfaction dimension of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). The proposed hypotheses were tested by path analysis in MPlus 8.0.ResultsThe results indicated that anger had a positive significant effect on body dissatisfaction as well as the non-acceptance of emotional responses, the lack of emotional awareness, and the lack of emotional clarity. Of all the dimensions of emotional regulation difficulties, impulse control difficulty was the dimension which had a positive significant indirect effect on body dissatisfaction explained by increased anger.DiscussionThe present study suggests the importance of emotion regulation in the prevention of body dissatisfaction. Impulse control difficulty may be the key emotion regulation emotion in explaining the increments of anger that lead to body dissatisfaction. Among young adults, the promotion of positive body image can be promoted by helping this population to self-regulate their anger impulses.

Zumba shares similarities with other aerobic exercises such as dancing and cycling, as it enhances cardiovascular health and facilitates calorie burning. However, what distinguishes Zumba is its emphasis on enjoyment and the incorporation of dance movements from various music genres. This form of aerobic exercise involves sustained moderate to high-intensity activity without excessive fatigue. It strengthens the heart muscle and promotes efficient blood circulation. Furthermore, aerobics can effectively reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. This positive effect is attributed to the improvement of blood vessel function, facilitating better blood flow and alleviating strain on the heart. Regular aerobic exercise also contributes to weight loss, which further aids in lowering blood pressure. Nevertheless, the impact of Zumba on VO2 max ability remains to be explored. In this study, a pre-experimental design was employed, involving one-hour Zumba sessions conducted over eight weeks, comprising approximately 12 tracks prepared by the instructor. The study sample consisted of 30 participants engaged in Zumba classes. Prior to Zumba, the Jackson non-exercise test formula was employed to assess VO2 max fitness. Post-Zumba, the 1-mile jog test formula was utilized to measure VO2 max fitness. The study findings indicate a significant increase in the mean VO2max value after treatment, compared to the lower mean value observed before treatment. Specifically, the mean value of VO2max increased from 38.46 ml/kg/minute before treatment to 47.83 ml/kg/minute after treatment. These results suggest that Zumba exercise enhances aerobic fitness by positively impacting cardiovascular biological mechanisms in young women during the transition to the new normal period.

What are the experience, and gynaecological and reproductive health outcomes in young adult women who have undergone ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC)? A retrospective observational study was conducted at a single institution between May 2019 and February 2021 including 87 women aged over 18 years undergoing OTC. Medical characteristics and questionnaire data collected more than 18 months after OTC were analysed. Close to 74% (n = 64/87) of women had a follow-up consultation and completed the questionnaire. Most women found the information provided on the OTC technique and the strategies proposed to restore fertility with ovarian tissue understandable and useful. The majority of patients thought that OTC had a positive impact on their well-being during disease treatment. Anti-Müllerian hormone serum concentration decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.0001) and was significantly lower when patients received chemotherapy before OTC (P = 0.0039). The total cyclophosphamide equivalent dose was significantly higher in women with FSH concentrations above 25 IU/l after treatment (P = 0.0004). More than 70% of women who planned a pregnancy after the end of treatment succeeded, with a natural pregnancy rate close to 53%. Only nine patients (8.0%) underwent ovarian tissue transplantation for fertility restoration and six of them became pregnant and delivered at least once. Young adult women expressed a good satisfaction rate with OTC and that their experience had been beneficial. The usage rate of cryopreserved ovarian tissue remains low. The gynaecological and reproductive health follow-up consultation should be included in the supportive care provided following OTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: During the past 50 years, there is a substantial rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) mortality in developing countries. India is also undergoing demographic transitions. Lifestyle which increases the risk of NCDs in younger age group will lead to increase in NCDs burden further in future generation. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the association between risk factors of common NCDs and sociodemographic factors in young adult women of Palam Village, New Delhi. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Palam Village, New Delhi. Materials and Methods: A total of 585 study participants were interviewed using a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire. Waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), and weight were measured using nonstretchable measuring tape, digital BP apparatus, and digital weighing scale, respectively. Qualitative data are expressed in proportions and Chi-square test is applied. Mean and standard deviation are used for quantitative data. Results: As the socioeconomic status improved, the frequency of consuming adequate amount of fruits and vegetables in a day also increased. This association was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study reported varied prevalence of different risk factors with various sociodemographic characteristics and there is an urgent need to implement population, individual, and program wide prevention and control interventions.

Background: An increased occurrence of lifestyle-related diseases such as osteoporosis indicates the necessity for taking preventive action, including regularly engaging in physical activity. The aim of the study was to assess the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone turnover markers levels in young adult women engaging in recreational horseback riding and to determine the relationship between training characteristics and bone metabolism indices. Methods: The study involved 43 women: 23 equestrians and 20 age- and body mass index-matched controls. The hip and spine aBMD and serum levels of the bone turnover markers: osteocalcin and collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide were measured. Results: No significant differences were found in somatic features, concentrations of bone turnover markers, or bone mass variables. Correlation analysis of the equestrian participants showed significant relationship between body mass and BMDL1-L4 (P < .05) as well as between BMI and BMDL1-L4 (P ⩽ .01) and z-score L1-L4 (P < .05). Conclusions: The study showed no differences in bone mass and levels of bone metabolic indices between groups of women practicing horseback riding at the recreational level and subjects who do not participate in frequent systematic physical activity. No relationship between training characteristics and bone turnover markers were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the past 50 years, there is a substantial rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) mortality in developing countries. India is also undergoing demographic transitions. Lifestyle which increases the risk of NCDs in younger age group will lead to increase in NCDs burden further in future generation. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the association between risk factors of common NCDs and sociodemographic factors in young adult women of Palam Village, New Delhi. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Palam Village, New Delhi. Materials and Methods: A total of 585 study participants were interviewed using a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire. Waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), and weight were measured using nonstretchable measuring tape, digital BP apparatus, and digital weighing scale, respectively. Qualitative data are expressed in proportions and Chi-square test is applied. Mean and standard deviation are used for quantitative data. Results: As the socioeconomic status improved, the frequency of consuming adequate amount of fruits and vegetables in a day also increased. This association was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study reported varied prevalence of different risk factors with various sociodemographic characteristics and there is an urgent need to implement population, individual, and program wide prevention and control interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine which established diet quality indices best predict weight-related outcomes in young women.Design: In this cross-sectional analysis, we collected dietary information using the Harvard FFQ and measured body fat percentage (BF%) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We used FFQ data to derive five diet quality indices: Recommended Food Score (RFS), Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015), Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMED) and Healthy Plant-Based Diet Index (HPDI).Setting: University of Massachusetts at Amherst.Participants: Two hundred sixty healthy women aged 18-30 years.Results: The AHEI-2010 and HPDI were associated with BMI and BF%, such that a ten-point increase in either diet score was associated with a 1·2 percentage-point lower BF% and a 0·5 kg/m2 lower BMI (P < 0·05). Odds of excess body fat (i.e. BF% > 32 %) were 50 % lower for those in the highest v. lowest tertile of the AHEI-2010 (P = 0·04). Neither the RFS nor HEI-2015 was associated with BMI or BF%; the aMED was associated with BMI but not BF%.Conclusions: These results suggest that diet quality tends to be inversely associated with BMI and BF% in young women, but that this association is not observed for all diet quality indices. Diet indices may have limited utility in populations where the specific healthful foods and food groups emphasised by the index are not widely consumed. Future research should aim to replicate these findings in longitudinal studies that compare body composition changes over time across diet indices in young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To describe sexual risk behavior, alcohol (and other substance) use, and perceived health promotion needs among young adult women seeking care from an urban reproductive health care clinic in the Northeastern United States, and to examine if these needs differ by race and ethnicity. Methods Women 18–29 years old presenting for a routine medical visit were invited to participate. Of 486 eligible women, 466 (96%) agreed to participate and completed a brief survey on a tablet computer. Most of the sample (53%) identified as non-Hispanic White. One-quarter (25%) identified as Hispanic/Latina. A smaller proportion of women identified as African American (19%). Results One-third (31%) of women reported a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), and women reported infrequent condom use with recent sexual partners. Regarding behavioral health needs, nearly three-quarters of women (72%) reported regular alcohol use, approximately one-third had used marijuana (37%) or tobacco (33%) in the last month, and 19% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms in the last two weeks. Women reported moderate-to-strong interest in receiving information about relationships and sexual health; however, the majority were not interested in information about their substance use. Hispanic and African-American women were more likely to report STI history despite reporting fewer sexual partners than non-Hispanic White women. Minority women also reported significantly less alcohol and cigarette use, but more water pipe tobacco use, and reported significantly greater interest in interventions to promote sexual health. Hispanic women also evidenced significantly elevated rates of depressive symptoms, with 26% of Hispanic women reporting a clinically significant level of depressive symptoms. Conclusions Reproductive health centers are opportune settings to address a broad range of healthcare needs, including sexual health, substance use, and mental health. These centers engage a diverse group of women, which is important given observed disparities in health outcomes based on race/ethnicity. Young women, particularly racial and ethnic minority women, report the most interest in services addressing sexual and relationship health.

Background: Osteoporosis is a silent killer disease that is highly prevalent among females. Even though the symptoms of osteoporosis can be identified in later stages of life, it can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle adaptation at an early stage of life. Objectives: The present study aims to assess the knowledge level of osteoporosis among young adult females and examine the association between knowledge level and selected socio-demographic variables. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select 153 samples. The data were collected for 6 weeks using a semi-structured interview schedule. Osteoporosis Knowledge assessment tool (OKAT) was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) was used for quantitative data analysis and inferential statistics (chi-square) were used to find out the association between knowledge level and selected socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. Results: The study concluded that 51 percent of the young adult women had an average level of knowledge and 49 percent had a poor level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis. However, none of them had a good level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis. A significant association was found between the knowledge level and educational status of the respondents (p=0.002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2010 and 2016, Asian Americans (AA) had a 35% increase in HIV diagnosis. Although mother--daughter sexual communication was found to be protective in minority populations, the opposite is true among AAs. The purpose of this study was to explore AA women's experiences of sexual communication with their mothers. Secondary qualitative analysis using analytic expansion with a phenomenological approach was used. Thematic analysis was used to search for common patterns and themes that emerged using qualitative description methodology. Twenty East and Southeast AA cisgender women, ages 18-33 years, were interviewed. The primary finding was an intergenerational gap with two themes: (a) mothers' attitudes about sexual communication and (b) content of sexual communication. Indirect sexual communication included cautionary messages consistent with previous studies. AA mothers' strong cultural beliefs created a barrier to communication. Future research should focus on the young women who want open sexual communication and could influence the next generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Accumulating evidence suggests that the prevalence of eating disorders among Chinese women is a public health concern. Prior studies have drawn linkages between conflicting cultural values, identity confusion, and eating disorder symptomatology, which may be relevant for understanding the rise of eating disorders amidst China's rapid economic and sociocultural transformation. Here, we explore how women's experiences with traditional eating norms and modernizing norms of femininity may shape their food and body attitudes. Method: Chinese young adult women (N = 34; aged 18–22 years) participated in semi‐structured interviews focusing on experiences with norms surrounding eating and ideal feminine appearance, perceived conflict between these norms, and their responses to perceived conflict. Interviews were conducted via email (n = 27) or via Skype (n = 7). Participants were not asked about past or present diagnoses of eating disorders. Analysis of responses was guided by the principles of thematic analysis. Results: Women reported encounters with cultural eating norms and feminine appearance norms, and described factors that motivated continued or discontinued adherence to these norms. Women reported strategies of conflict resolution, which resulted in different emotional and behavioral outcomes including eating disorder symptoms. Discussion: Women's experiences with norms surrounding eating and appearance indicate the centrality of these encounters in the formation of individual and interpersonal values. Our findings suggest the importance for clinicians to assist clients in exploring the meanings behind internalized attitudes toward food and body, and to help clients balance interpersonal and individual needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aim: Evidence regarding the association between e‐cigarette use and subsequent initiation of smoking mostly relates to the US population. In Australia, no studies are available investigating the association between the uses of e‐cigarettes and smoking initiation among young adults who have never smoked. This study aimed to determine the association between lifetime e‐cigarette use and subsequent initiation of cigarette smoking among tobacco‐naïve Australian women aged 20–27. Design and Methods: The current study used data (n = 5398) from the third (2015) and fourth (2016) surveys collected from a cohort of Australian women born in 1989–1995 who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between lifetime e‐cigarette use at the baseline survey and initiation of cigarette smoking (smoked 100 cigarettes or more in the last year) at the follow up adjusting for possible confounders. Effects were expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean (± SD) age of the study participants at baseline (third survey) was 22.5 (±1.7). Ever e‐cigarette use at baseline was positively associated with smoking initiation at follow up (adjusted odds ratio 3.71; 95% confidence interval 2.33, 5.93). History of depression, binge drinking and higher childhood adversity score were also risk factors for subsequent smoking initiation in the follow up. Discussion and Conclusions: This study identified a strong association between e‐cigarette use and subsequent initiation of smoking. Enforcing the existing restriction of sale and supply of e‐liquid containing nicotine is essential to prevent never smokers from nicotine addiction via e‐cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The smoking behavior among young adult women causes health issues and has effects on ethical norms, especially femininity and gender. A woman smoker usually has an intention to quit and several factors have been perceived to be related to this action according to the Health Belief Model (HBM). Design and Methods: This study was conducted cross-sectionally to analyze the correlation between young adult women’s intention to stop smoking with perceived factors in the construction of HBM. A sample of 58 young adult women smokers and aged between 15-30 years were selected through the use of a purposive sampling technique in 2018. Results: The results showed the intention to stop smoking has a significant correlation with perceived susceptibility (P=0.036), perceived severity (P=0.028), perceived benefits (P=0.011), perceived barriers (P=0.003), and perceived self-efficacy (P=0.005). This means there was a significant correlation between the intention of young adult smokers to quit smoking and the perceived factors of HBM. Conclusions: The intention of stop smoking behavior among women smokers has a significant correlation with the perceived factors of the Health Belief Model construct, which includes perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacy.

Background: The problem of obesity in young women leads to future chronic diseases, effects on reproductive health, and next-generation obesity. Thus, it is necessary to provide effective support for these women's behavioral change. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary-related indicators to clarify the appetite and eating behavior problems among young women. Methods: Healthy women 18-39 years of age were enrolled. Interoceptive awareness (IA) was quantified using a heartbeat perception task score. Eating behavior was examined in three ways: Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), visual analog scales of subjective appetite sensations, and a food consumption test. Results: In all, 15 participants who were overweight and 50 with normal weight were analyzed. The overweight women were clustered into two groups according to the heartbeat perception task score: a low-score group (women with overweight who have low IA [OW-LOW]) and high-score group (women with overweight who have high IA [OW-HIGH]). The OW-LOW group had significantly smaller intermeal changes in hunger score compared with women with normal weight. The disinhibition score on the TFEQ for the OW-HIGH group was significantly higher than the normal-weight women, and the prospective consumption score in the fasting condition was significantly higher in women with normal weight and a high heartbeat perception task score. Conclusions: Overweight young women were characterized into two groups with different appetite and eating behavior, which is connected to the risk of overeating. An appetite characteristic is associated with a high risk of obesity among the normal-weight population. Individualized interventions tailored to the IA levels may help in improving and preventing obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: Osteoporosis presents a serious public health issue and physical activity is recognised as the most effective modifiable risk factor for the condition. The reasons behind physical activity participation, however, are complex. We therefore aimed to explore the experiences related to a bone‐targeted exercise intervention, determine enjoyment and acceptability of each exercise mode, and identify barriers and facilitators to osteogenic exercise for young adult women. Methods: The present study was conducted within the Osteoporosis Prevention Through Impact and Muscle‐loading Approaches to Exercise (OPTIMA‐Ex) trial, a three‐arm RCT comparing musculoskeletal outcomes from two supervised, high‐intensity, exercise programs (impact and resistance training) with an unsupervised low‐intensity exercise control. A mixed‐methods approach was used, including quality of life and physical activity enjoyment questionnaires and qualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews. Results: All groups had improvements in the 'mental health' domain of the quality of life measure; however, the two supervised exercise groups had greater levels of physical activity enjoyment. The qualitative analysis revealed that overall the trial activities were positively, yet the two supervised groups had 'richer' exercise experiences. Motivations for participation, barriers to physical activity and desired continuation of participation differed between all three groups. Conclusions: Findings suggest that bone‐targeted exercise interventions for young adult women must address perceived time demands and environmental barriers to participation in order to maximise compliance and adherence. So what?: As physical activity is the most effective lifestyle strategy to improve bone health and young adulthood an important window for its augmentation, increasing convenience, accessibility and understanding of osteoporosis preventative behaviours in this demographic is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In India, due to high rates of urbanization and economic improvement, there is a shift in disease spectrum from communicable to non-communicable diseases. Non-communicable disease contributes to around 5.87 million (60%) of all deaths in India. The level of exposure and vulnerability to non-communicable diseases is more in women than men. The present study was done in a community setting to identify the prevalence and distribution of risk factors for common non-communicable diseases among young adult women. Aim & Objective: To study prevalence of risk factors of common non-communicable diseases in young adult women. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Palam Village of New Delhi. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Palam Village of New Delhi. A total of 585 study subjects were interviewed using a self-designed, semi-structured, pre-designed questionnaire. Waist circumference, blood pressure and weight was measured using non-stretchable measuring tape, digital blood pressure apparatus and digital weighing scale respectively. Results: Half of the study subjects were moderately active. Most of the participants have unhealthy dietary habits. Around 2/3rd of the study subjects were taking inadequate servings of fruits and vegetables, and almost half of them were consuming salt more than the recommended levels. Conclusion: High-risk factors of common non-communicable diseases among young adult women are seen in Palam Village, New Delhi. To prevent further increase in burden of noncommunicable diseases and to lower their serious consequences, prevention and control interventions must be implemented at individual, population and program level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of psychoeducation based on a cognitive‐behavioral approach on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in young adult women. Design and Methods: The study was performed as a randomized controlled trial. The sample size was identified as 90 (45 intervention group/45 control group) students. The psychoeducation intervention consisted of five sessions performed over a 4‐week period. Findings: There was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest total mean scores of the intervention group that received psychoeducation (P <.05). There was also a significant difference in depressive thoughts, irritability, and fatigue mean scores between the two groups (P <.05). Practical Implications: The use of this approach and its inclusion in nursing care interventions is recommended to reduce PMS symptoms in young adult women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The smoking behavior among young adult women causes health issues and has effects on ethical norms, especially femininity and gender. A woman smoker usually has an intention to quit and several factors have been perceived to be related to this action according to the Health Belief Model (HBM). Design and Methods: This study was conducted cross-sectionally to analyze the correlation between young adult women's intention to stop smoking with perceived factors in the construction of HBM. A sample of 58 young adult women smokers and aged between 15-30 years were selected through the use of a purposive sampling technique in 2018. Results: The results showed the intention to stop smoking has a significant correlation with perceived susceptibility (P=0.036), perceived severity (P=0.028), perceived benefits (P=0.011), perceived barriers (P=0.003), and perceived self-efficacy (P=0.005). This means there was a significant correlation between the intention of young adult smokers to quit smoking and the perceived factors of HBM. Conclusions: The intention of stop smoking behavior among women smokers has a significant correlation with the perceived factors of the Health Belief Model construct, which includes perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recruitment among young adults presents a unique set of challenges as they are difficult to reach through conventional methods. Purpose: To describe our experience using both traditional and nontraditional methods in the re-recruitment of young adult women into the second follow-up study of the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls (TAAG). Methods: 589 adolescent girls were re-recruited as 11th graders into TAAG 2. Re-recruitment efforts were conducted when they were between 22 and 23 years of age (TAAG 3). Facebook, email, postal mail, and telephone (call and text) were used. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize cohort characteristics. Discrete categorical variables were compared using Pearson chi-square or Fisher's exact test, while Wilcoxon rank sum or t-tests were calculated for continuous variables. Pearson's chi square test, analysis of variance, and the Kruskal-Wallis test were also used. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted models. Results: All 589 cohort members were located and 479 (81.3%) were re-recruited. Participants who reported living in a two parent household or with their mothers only, and who did not perceive a lot of crime in their neighborhood were more likely to consent to participate in TAAG 3 (p = 0.047 and p = 0.008, respectively). Perceived neighborhood crime remained significant in the adjusted model (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25–0.90, p = 0.02). Early and late consenters differed by race/ethnicity (p = 0.015), household type (p = 0.001), and socioeconomic status (p = 0.005). In the adjusted model, Black participants were more likely to consent later than White participants (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.07–3.13, p = 0.03). Conclusions: A number of recruitment strategies and outreach attempts were needed to recruit young adult women into a follow-up study. Persistent efforts may be needed to recruit participants with race/ethnic diversity and lower socioeconomic status.

Grounded in communicated narrative sense-making (CNSM) and resilience theorizing, the current study investigated the effects of mother-daughter communication on young adult women's (n = 60) narrative construction of resilience over time. Participants wrote stories of difficult experiences at Time 1, discussed the story with their mother in a research lab two days later, and wrote the story again at Time 2. Inductive analyses of daughters' stories revealed four themes of resilience: acknowledging the struggle, taking action, seeking silver lining, and finding strength in others. Mother-daughter interactions were analyzed for CNSM behaviors—engagement, turn-taking, perspective-taking, and coherence. Mother-daughter coherence and engagement illuminated differences in daughters' themes of resilience, and all CNSM behaviors positively related to daughters' increased narrative resilience over time. Findings demonstrated the effect of mother-daughter interaction on young adult women's resilience, suggesting that CNSM contributes to the meaning-making component of resilience. Implications for advancing CNSM and resilience theorizing are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • State body image differs after social media engagement based on relationship type. • Social media engagement with attractive peers increases negative state body image. • Active social media engagement with family does not affect state body image. Abstract This experimental study examined the effects of engaging on social media with attractive female peers on young adult women's body image. Participants were 118 female undergraduate students randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions. Participants first completed a visual analogue scale measure of state body image and then either browsed and left a comment on the social media site of an attractive female peer (n = 56) or did the same with a family member (n = 62) and then completed a post-manipulation visual analogue scale measure of state body image. A 2 × 2 mixed analysis of variance showed a significant interaction between condition and time. Follow-up t -tests revealed that young adult women who engaged with an attractive peer on social media subsequently experienced an increase in negative body image (dependence-corrected d = 0.13), whereas those who engaged with a family member did not (dependence-corrected d = 0.02). The findings suggest that upward appearance comparisons on social media may promote increased body image concerns in young adult women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Indoor tanning is associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer. In the United States, nearly 1 in 5 white women aged 18 to 25 are indoor tanners. This study elicited beliefs about tanning indoors and quitting/cutting back on indoor tanning.Design: Semi-structured interviews.Participants and Setting: Forty 18- to 25-year-old white females who engaged in frequent indoor tanning participated in either in-person or telephone interviews. Most were college students from southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.Method: A semi-structured interview was used to elicit beliefs about indoor tanning and quitting or cutting back. Data analyses using NVivo and multiple coders identified key themes about going and quitting/cutting back on indoor tanning.Results: Key themes stated as reasons for indoor tanning included improving physical appearance, social acceptance, increased confidence, and happiness. The main themes identified as advantages of quitting/cutting back on indoor tanning were to decrease skin cancer risk and save money. Perceived disadvantages of quitting/cutting back included themes of concerns about being pale and a decline in self-confidence. The prospect of saving money and warm weather were seen as facilitating quitting/cutting back.Conclusion: Findings suggest the necessity of addressing appearance concerns, psychological benefits associated with feeling more attractive, and short-term gains such as saving money. These findings provide a foundation for developing effective anti-indoor tanning communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human papillomavirus (HPV) persistent infections are associated with cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases and tumors. Thus, the characterization of long lasting immunity to currently available HPV vaccines is important. A total of 149 female subjects vaccinated with Cervarix or Gardasil participated to the study and they were stratified according to age (10−12-year-old and 16−20-year-old). Humoral immune responses (IgG and neutralizing antibody titers, antibody avidity) and circulating memory B cells were analyzed after an average of 4−6 years from the third immunization. The humoral responses against HPV-16 and HPV-18 (and HPV-6 and HPV-11 for Gardasil) were high in both age groups and vaccines up to six years from the third dose. However, Cervarix induced significantly higher and more persistent antibody responses, while the two vaccines were rather equivalent in inducing memory B cells against HPV-16 and HPV-18. Moreover, the percentage of subjects with vaccine-specific memory B cells was even superior among Gardasil vaccinees and, conversely, Cervarix vaccinated individuals with circulating antibodies, but undetectable memory B cells were found. Finally, a higher proportion of Cervarix-vaccinated subjects displayed cross-neutralizing responses against non-vaccine types HPV-31 and HPV-45. Gardasil and Cervarix may, thus, differently affect long-lasting humoral immunity from both the quantitative and qualitative point of view.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause anogenital cancers and genital warts; however, it can be prevented through the HPV vaccine, which has been available since 2006. While this vaccine is targeted toward 11-to-12-year-olds, 18-to-26-year-old young adult women are eligible for "catch-up" vaccination. Knowledge of HPV may impact HPV vaccine uptake among this population. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in HPV knowledge and HPV vaccine information sources among young adult college women over a 7-year period. Two independent samples (N = 223 for 2008; N = 323 for 2015) completed a 23-item knowledge scale and survey regarding HPV. Adjusted logistic regression models compared the odds of correctly answering each knowledge item between each time period. The study found that HPV knowledge increased significantly over time (p < 0.01). The participants in 2015 were more likely than the 2008 participants to accurately report that a condom can decrease the chance of HPV transmission; there is a vaccine for women that prevents certain types of HPV; HPV can cause genital warts; HPV can be passed to a newborn at birth; and even if you do not see a wart, you can transmit HPV. Recent participants were also more likely to correctly report only women can get HPV as false. While improvements in HPV knowledge were found over time, misperceptions regarding outcomes associated with HPV persist. In order to promote HPV vaccination among this population, health literacy skills, in addition to knowledge, should be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose The availability of emergency contraception pills (ECP) over the counter (OTC) has the potential to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy; however, the increased risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition, related to unprotected intercourse, has not been adequately addressed. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into risk perceptions for STIs and subsequent unintended pregnancy in women who have purchased ECP OTC. Methods Twenty-one women, aged 18-24, attending a private university in an urban setting, who purchased and used ECP OTC participated in 1-h, individual interviews. Conclusions Narrative, descriptive findings indicated that these women did not consider themselves at risk for STI or unintended pregnancy, despite having used ECP OTC. Pregnancy prevention was paramount for these women, which overshadowed concerns regarding STIs. Implications for practice Women at risk for unintended consequences of sexual activity are not fully cognizant of those potential outcomes and do not take measures to prevent their occurrence. The availability of ECP OTC offers protection against unintended pregnancy; however, opportunities for health promotion and prevention counseling may be lost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives Vocal fry is a voice register often used by young adult women for sociolinguistic purposes. Some acoustic correlates of lexical stress, however, appear incompatible with the use of vocal fry. The objective of this study was to systematically examine the role of lexical stress in the use of vocal fry by young adult women. Study Design This is a semi-randomized controlled laboratory study. Methods Fifty female undergraduate students were recorded repeating one-, two-, three-, and four-syllable nonwords that conformed to English phonotactics. Nonwords were presented in order from shorter to longer lengths, with stimuli randomized within syllable length. Perceptual analyses of recordings were augmented by acoustic analyses to identify each syllable in which vocal fry occurred. Results Eighty-six percent of participants produced at least one episode of vocal fry. Vocal fry was more likely to occur in unstressed than stressed position, and the likelihood increased as distance from the stressed syllable increased. There was considerable variability in the use of vocal fry. Frequent and infrequent users varied on the degree to which they used vocal fry in single-syllable nonwords. Conclusions Vocal fry use persists among young adult women even in the absence of syntactic and pragmatic influences. Lexical stress appeared to dramatically reduce the use of vocal fry. Patterns of vocal fry use appeared to be different for frequent and infrequent users of this vocal register. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis affects around 10% of women globally, yet the awareness and screening rates for this condition are relatively low. Utilizing an online survey-based experiment with a sample of 18-30-year-old young women ( N = 326), this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of narrative messages vs. non-narrative messages for promoting endometriosis screening intention, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of hope appeal vs. fear appeal in narrative messages. The study also examined the potential mediating mechanisms through self-efficacy and positive affect responses that may help elucidate the effect of emotional appeals on behavioral intentions, while taking into account an individual's readiness to change. Findings indicated that narrative and non-narrative messages did not produce significantly different screening intentions. Compared to the use of fear appeal, the hope appeal in narrative messages predicted a higher level of positive affect responses, which was associated with increased endometriosis screening intentions. Individual difference in readiness to engage in endometriosis screening was not found to be a significant moderator. These results have implications for future research utilizing hope appeals in narrative health messaging. The observed significant mediational pathway through positive affect advances understanding of positive discrete emotions as facilitators to health-related cognition and behavior changes.

Indoor tanning (IT) has been linked with psychiatric and addictive symptoms, and frequent tanning may indicate tanning dependence (addiction). The current study evaluated the effects of an IT episode on mood states and the association of these effects with psychiatric and addictive symptoms among young adult female indoor tanners. One-hundred thirty-nine female university students aged 18-25 years who had indoor tanned completed an online survey including the Positive and Negative Affects Scales and a standardized psychiatric interview (the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview) via telephone. Psychiatric and addictive symptoms were relatively common among these young adult female indoor tanners. Overall, participants reported significant decreases in both negative (upset, scared, irritable, nervous, jittery, afraid) and positive (feeling interested) mood states after their most recent tanning episode. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that more frequent indoor tanning in the past month and symptoms of illicit drug use disorders were associated with decreases in negative mood, and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder were associated with a decrease in feeling interested. In summary, indoor tanners report relatively high rates of psychiatric and substance use symptoms, including symptoms of tanning dependence, and indoor tanning appears to alter mood. Women with certain substance use and psychiatric characteristics may be more vulnerable to such mood changes after tanning indoors. Further research is needed to clarify the relationships among these variables.

Peak bone mass is normally reached in the third decade of life. Previously, in the population-based PEAK-25 cohort (n = 1061, age 25.5 ± 0.2), we demonstrated that bone mineral density in the population-based PEAK-25 cohort is comparatively high; therefore, this study aimed to determine if the calcaneus microarchitecture mirrored this. In the process, we describe normative quantitative ultrasound (QUS) values for 25-yr-old women and the relationship between QUS values and extremes of body weight. QUS variables speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index were measured. Young adult values were based on the manufacturer-supplied QUS reference values. Analyses were performed in the cohort as a whole, and additionally, to understand the relationship between body weight and QUS values in young women, the variables were categorized into octiles for weight or body mass index (BMI) and the lowest and highest octiles were compared. In the cohort, SOS values, reflecting bone density, were higher (108 ± 18%), whereas BUA values, reflecting bone complexity, were lower (90 ± 14%) compared to the young adult reference population. SOS did not correlate with body weight or BMI. In the cohort, overall correlations between BUA weight, and BMI were small and positive (Pearson's r coefficients 0.261 and 0.197, respectively; p  < 0.001), although in the low-weight group, r coefficients were higher ( r  = 0.313 and 0.268; p  < 0.05). In contrast, in the high-weight group, correlation with BUA values tended to be small, negative, and nonsignificant. Correlation between QUS and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured bone mineral density was low to moderate and significant at all skeletal sites ( r  = 0.37–0.52). Whereas coefficients tended to be higher in the low-weight group, the reverse was apparent for the low-BMI group. In these 25-yr-old women, a comparatively high dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured bone mass is offset by less complex bone structures assessed by QUS. This may have implications for later osteoporosis assessment and future fracture risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family members often serve as the primary source of care and support for loved ones living with mental illness. Although existing research has examined the role of parents and well siblings in providing care to adult children with mental illness, relatively little is known about the caregiving experiences of adult children with a parent with a psychiatric disability. Guided by a life course perspective, the present qualitative study examined first-person accounts of 10 young women attending college (ages 18-22) who were raised by a mother living with mental illness (depression, bipolar, or schizophrenia). Participants completed individual semi-structured interviews in which they described their experiences of caregiving, role reversal, and felt obligation towards mother, their ties to father and siblings, and their views of the impact of maternal mental illness on their lives. Overall, young adults' accounts of their relationship with mother could be characterized as either predominately positive or predominately negative. In general, participants' accounts of their caregiving experiences, views of felt obligation, and supportiveness of family ties differed depending on their reports of the overall quality of the mother-daughter relationship. Adult daughters described positive impacts of maternal mental illness on their own lives, regardless of their accounts of relationship quality with their mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The HPV vaccine prevents HPV-related cancers and genital warts, which cause significant morbidity and mortality in the US. The vaccine is targeted toward 11–12 year old males and females, but is recommended for “catch-up” vaccination until age 26 for females. Young adult females (18–26 years) represent a unique group that may face distinct barriers to HPV vaccination, one of which is relationship status. The purpose of this study was to assess how relationship status impacts interest in HPV vaccination and primary reasons for non-vaccination among 18–26 year old young adult women. Methods The National Health Interview Survey 2010 was examined among unvaccinated females, 18–26 years ( N = 1457). A survey-weighted logistic regression analysis with conversion to prevalence ratios assessed how interest in the HPV vaccine (yes/no) was influenced by relationship status (married, living with a partner, other, single) among young adult women. A Rao-Scott chi-square test examined differences between primary reasons for non-vaccination and relationship status among HPV vaccine uninterested women. Results Among unvaccinated women, 31.4% were interested in the HPV vaccine. Women who were living with a partner (PR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.06–1.90) and single (PR = 1.42, 95%CI 1.11–1.76) were significantly more likely than married women to be interested in the HPV vaccine, while controlling for socio-demographic and other known risk factors. Additionally, primary reasons for non-vaccination differed based on relationship status among uninterested women ( p < 0.01). Women who were married were more likely to cite not needing the vaccine compared to never married women ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Relationship status in young adulthood impacts HPV vaccine interest and decision-making among a national sample of women. Primary reasons for non-interest in the vaccine may be shaped by attitudes and knowledge about the HPV vaccine that differ by relationship status. Future research is needed to elucidate ways to overcome relationship status as a barrier to HPV vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Female athletes struggle harder than male athletes to lose body fat and maintain a leaner physique. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an educational and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention on knowledge, body composition, anxiety, stress, and nutritional intake. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 153 female athletes from the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). Participants were assigned to one of three groups: (a) a combined energy balance and CBT-based intervention (E1); (b) a CBT-based intervention alone (E2); and (c) a control group (C). Main outcomes included a DXA scan for body composition, a knowledge test, the GAD-7 for anxiety, the brief inventory of perceived stress (BIPS) for stress, and a 24-h food recall. Findings Significant improvement on knowledge of energy balance occurred in all three groups E1 ( p < .001), E2, and C ( p < .05). Significant reductions in percentage of body fat occurred in E1 ( p < .001) and E2 ( p < .05). There also were significant reductions in the percent of fat consumed by E1 ( p < .05) and saturated fat consumed by both E1 and E2 ( p < .05). The control group only demonstrated a significant increase in stress as measured by the BIPS ( p < .05). Conclusions A combined energy balance and CBT-based intervention improves knowledge and body fat. Implications The importance to assess knowledge, anxiety, stress, nutrition intake, and percentage of body fat in female athletes and to deliver evidence-based interventions to improve their health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective To evaluate the efficacy of continuous norethisterone acetate (NET-A), 5 mg (group N) vs cyclical combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) consisting of drospirenone 3 mg/ethinyl estradiol 20 μg pills (group P) in treating dysmenorrhea in young adult women. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective, open-label, nonrandomized study included 38 Jordanian patients: 20 patients in group N and 18 patients in group P. Interventions Continuous NET-A 5 mg daily or cyclical COC. Main Outcome Measures Pain scores, adverse effects, analgesic use, school absence, and cost. Results Thirty-eight patients used NET-A or COC for 6 months. All participants had almost the same starting levels of visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Both drugs were similar in suppressing dysmenorrhea at the 3-month follow-up visit; VAS score mean (±SD) in group N and P were 1.30 ± 1.22 and 1.28 ± 0.83 ( P = .22), respectively, and after 6 months, with mean VAS scores (±SD) of 1.30 ± 1.22 and 1.28 ± 0.83, respectively ( P = .95). The cost of the treatment in the N group was much less than in the P group. Participants in the N group were less likely to use pain killers: 20% and 44% in the N and P groups, respectively ( P = .006) in the first month and only 5% and 17% ( P = .019) in the N and P groups, respectively, at the 3-month follow-up, and none of them used any analgesics at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion A continuous NET-A regimen is a well tolerated, effective, and inexpensive option for dysmenorrhea treatment and was as good as COC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the occurrence of self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated factors among female university students requesting contraceptive counselling. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study. Female university students (n = 353) completed a waiting-room questionnaire in connection with contraceptive counselling at a Student Health Centre in Uppsala, Sweden. Results: Ninety-three (26.3%) female students had experienced an STI. The three most frequently reported STIs were chlamydia trachomatis, condyloma, and genital herpes. The experience of an STI was significantly associated with the total number of sexual partners (OR 1.060, 95% CI 1.030–1.091,P < 0.001), being heterosexual (OR 4.640, 95% CI 1.321–16.290,P = 0.017), having experienced an abortion (OR 2.744, 95% CI 1.112–6.771,P =0.028), not being HPV-vaccinated (OR 2.696, 95% CI 1.473–4.935,P =0.001), and having had intercourse on first night without using a condom (OR 2.375, 95% CI 1.182–4.771,P =0.015). Conclusions: Contraceptive counselling should also include information about primary and secondary prevention of STI, such as the importance of correct use of a condom and STI testing, to prevent a further spread of STIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]