Disease and the Family

This study shows differences between males and females in metabolic control of diabetes mellitus. The 30 subjects studied (15 men and 15 women) were type II diabetics, peasants, ages 40-62, all residents of Cihuatlan, Jalisco, Mexico. Fifty percent (50%) of the diabetics were found to have poor control (as defined by elevated fasting blood sugar levels). The percentage varied greatly according to sex: 86.6% of the females have poor control compared to 13.3% of the males. Compliance or non-compliance to a prescribed diet was found to be related to whether or not members of the family participate in the preparation of diet and support the diabetic subject in following the therapeutic plan. One hundred percent of the males have their food prepared specially for them by a family member while only 13% of the females receive this type of support.     

Policy scorecard for gender mainstreaming: gender equity in health policy

Objectives : To examine whether gender mainstreaming for women's health is included in national and state health policies. Methods : A policy analysis tool (Policy Scorecard) was developed and then applied to Australia's National Health Priority Areas as well as policies of three Australian States. Results : Despite Australia's leadership in women's health policy, its health policies are largely devoid of gender equity concerns at both national and state levels. Mainstreaming of gender equity outcomes has not yet occurred in Australia. Conclusions : Applying the Policy Scorecard for Gender Mainstreaming to local and country‐specific policies is revealing of governments’ commitment to women, and how well gender equity goals are embedded into policies and programs. Policy analysis using this gender‐sensitive Policy Scorecard provides opportunities for advocacy to advance women's health and gender equity at any level of government, in any country.     

The Challenge of Eliminating Cervical Cancer in the United States: A Story of Politics,Prudishness, and Prevention

Exciting strides in reducing the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer have been made over the last century in the United States. The issues surrounding the implementation of the human papillomavirus vaccine are remarkably similar to the issues involved in the gradual adoption of the Pap test and initiation of cervical cancer screening beginning nearly a century ago. The following review of the reduction of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality demonstrates the importance of the interplay between basic science, clinical medicine, social mores, and public policy.     

Higher uptake of long‐acting reversible and permanent methods of contraception by Australian women living in rural and remote areas

Objectives : To examine factors associated with the uptake of i) long‐acting reversible, ii) permanent and iii) traditional contraceptive methods among Australian women. Methods : Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health born in 1973–78 reported on their contraceptive use at three surveys: 2003, 2006 and 2009. The participants were 5,849 women aged 25–30 in 2003 randomly sampled from Medicare. The main outcome measure was current contraceptive method at age 28–33 years categorised as long‐acting reversible methods (implant, IUD, injection), permanent (tubal ligation, vasectomy), and traditional methods (oral contraceptive pills, condoms, withdrawal, safe period). Results : Compared to women living in major cities, women in inner regional areas were more likely to use long‐acting (OR=1.26, 95%CI 1.03–1.55) or permanent methods (OR=1.43, 95%CI 1.17–1.76). Women living in outer regional/remote areas were more likely than women living in cities to use long‐acting (OR=1.65, 95%CI 1.31–2.08) or permanent methods (OR=1.69, 95%CI 1.43–2.14). Conclusions : Location of residence is an important factor in women's choices about long‐acting and permanent contraception in addition to the number and age of their children. Implications : Further research is needed to understand the role of geographical location in women's access to contraceptive options in Australia.     

Using Open-Ended Data to Enrich Survey Results on the Meanings of Self-Rated Health: A Study Among Women in Underprivileged Communities in Beirut,Lebanon

This study extends the debate on self-rated health by using different sources of data in the same study to explore the meanings of self-rated health among women who live in socio-economically disadvantaged communities in Beirut, Lebanon. Using data from the Urban Health Study, a cross-sectional household survey of 1,869 women between 15 and 59 years of age, multiple logistic regression models were developed to assess factors associated with self-rated health. Also, open-ended data was used to analyze women's explanations of their self-rated health ratings. Self-rated health was found to be a complex concept, associated not only with physical health but also with a combination of social, psychological, and behavioral factors. This open-ended analysis revealed new meanings of self-rated health that are often not included in self-rated health epidemiologic research, such as women's experiences with pain and fatigue, as well as exposure to financial stressors and the legacy of wars. We argue that triangulating survey and open-ended data provides a better understanding of the context-specific social and cultural meanings of self-rated health.     

Doing More Harm Than Good: Negative Health Effects of Intimate-Partner Violence Campaigns

This study investigates unintended negative effects of health communication campaigns surrounding intimate-partner violence. Major health organizations have identified this issue as an urgent health problem for women, but the effects of these campaigns have rarely been tested with the target audience most affected by the issue. Using qualitative methodology, 10 focus groups were conducted with female survivors of intimate-partner violence. It was found that this group viewed the campaigns as emotionally harmful, inaccurate, and misleading. The results of this research suggest these campaigns may do more harm than good for the audience most severely affected by this issue.     

HEALTH AND PUBLIC POLICY

No abstract available for this article.