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In this theoretical paper, we argue that menstruation is a source of social stigma for women. The word stigma refers to any stain or mark that renders the individual's body or character defective. This stigma is transmitted through powerful socialization agents in popular culture such as advertisements and educational materials. We demonstrate, in our review of the psychological literature concerning attitudes and experiences of predominantly American girls and women, that the stigmatized status of menstruation has important consequences for their health, sexuality, and well-being. We argue that the stigma of menstruation both reflects and contributes to women's lower social status and conclude with suggestions for ways to resist the stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Method To test the hypothesis that psychosocial symptomatology differs by country of origin and acculturation among Hispanic women, we examined 419 women, aged 42-52 years at baseline, enrolled in the New Jersey site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Women were categorized into six groups: Central (CA, n = 29) or South American (SA, n = 106), Puerto Rican (PR, n = 56), Dominican (D, n = 42), Cuban (Cu, n = 44) and non-Hispanic Caucasian (NHC, n = 142). Acculturation, depressive symptoms, hostility/cynicism, mistreatment/discrimination, sleep quality, social support, and perceived stress were assessed at baseline. Physical functioning, trait anxiety and anger were assessed at the fourth annual follow-up. Comparisons between Hispanic and non-Hispanic Caucasians used χ2, t test or non-parametric alternatives; ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis testing examined differences among the five Hispanic sub-groups. Multivariable regression models used PR women as the reference group. Results Hispanic women were overall less educated, less acculturated ( p < 0.001 for both) and reported more depressive symptoms, cynicism, perceived stress, and less mistreatment/discrimination than NHCs. Along with D women, PR women reported worse sleep than Cu women ( p < 0.01) and more trait anxiety than SA and Cu women ( p < 0.01). Yet, PR women were most acculturated (21.4% highly acculturated vs. CA (0.0%), D (4.8%), SA (4.8%) and Cu (2.3%) women; p < 0.001). In regression models, PR women reported depressive symptoms more frequently than D, Cu, or SA women, and reported trait anxiety more frequently than Cu or SA women. Greater acculturation was associated with more favorable psychosocial status, but PR ethnicity was negatively related to psychosocial status. Conclusion Psychosocial symptomatology among Hispanic women differs by country of origin and the relatively adverse profile of Puerto Rican women is not explained by acculturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been estimated that 20-30% of all women will be sexually and/or physically abused at some time in their lives, and women who come for treatment of substance abuse report an even higher incidence of sexual and/or physical abuse. Using case vignettes, this article presents an integrated model of group treatment for substance-abusing women who have also experienced some form of interpersonal trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Weight status perception is an important factor in nutritional behavior. The aim of this study was to determine Islamshahr women's self-perception of their obesity status and perception of their husbands' opinions regarding women's obesity status, as compared with the actual central obesity status of the women. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study carried out in 2003 on a cluster sample of Islamshahr women aged 20-65 years (n = 704). Data were collected by interviews and weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. A waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) greater than 0.849 was considered as central obesity. Based on the body mass index [BMI=weight/height2(kg/m2)], underweight, normal, overweight, and obese were defined as a BMI <18.5, 18.5-24.9 , 25-29.9, and ≥30, respectively. Results: About 35% of the women with central obesity considered themselves underweight or normal. Married women's perception of husbands' opinions regarding their obesity status showed about 45% misclassification. Women with central obesity who thought their husbands would assess them as underweight or normal were more likely [OR=18.6, 95% CI: 9.1 to 38.2] to underestimate their obesity status as well. Conclusion: Misperception of obesity status is common among Islamshahr women. Considering the role of central obesity in metabolic diseases, menstrual disorders and increasing serum androgens, conducting nutrition education programs is essential for prevention and control of central obesity in the region studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we intend to demonstrate the close links between social and spatial inequalities, on one hand and the health conditions and access to health services, on the other hand. Although the available statistics on the social aspects of health in Morocco is still not of a satisfactory level, the analysis we were able to carry out did lead to some interesting results. The constant and complex interrelationship between social and spatial factors and the scale of resulting inequalities in terms of health is one of the most fundamental conclusions. The heavy weight of gender-based relations on health of Moroccan women in specific contexts is another. The excessive vulnerability of women and children's health to the social conditions that characterize their daily existence is another noteworthy conclusion. The critical role played by poverty, lack of education, isolation and remoteness of basic health facilities in conditioning the health status and opportunities to access to medical care for these categories of population in the event of illness can be added to the list of important conclusions reached in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I explore the benefits of using a Foucaultian approach to examine research questions related to Dene women, menstrual traditions, and physical practices (the term physical practices is here used to encompass the contested terms sport, recreation, traditional games, and physical activity) in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. While it is clear that Indigenous research frameworks have been marginalized in past research projects, this paper argues that the current approach of using almost exclusively Indigenous frameworks when conducting research with Indigenous communities has several drawbacks and relies on some troubling assumptions. After outlining the strengths of a Foucaultian approach, examples derived from fieldwork in the Dehcho region are used to illustrate the ways in which a Foucaultian approach can be operationalized, while also demonstrating the ways in which such an approach to research can complement Indigenous research frameworks and agendas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Boston Health Project II, replicating a national survey of lesbians completed in 1987, found few differences from previous data regarding mental health problems and service use among lesbians. Respondents expressed positive feelings about being lesbian but reported money and work to be major problems. Surveyed lesbians used therapy at high rates, with depression and relationship problems being common reasons for seeking care. Most respondents were satisfied with their therapy experiences; female and lesbian therapists received the highest ratings. Depression, anxiety/panic disorders, and alcohol use continued to be concerns, along with suicide attempts and eating disorders among adolescents. findings confirm that mental health needs exist for lesbians and challenge social service workers to make these services available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents findings from interviews conducted with 18 African American women living with HIV/AIDS. It presents their perceptions of ways in which their families function as a source of support and as a source of stress in their dealings with HIV/AIDS issues. The article provides information on supportive aspects provided by family in emotional, concrete, and cognitive/informational areas. In addition, the family stresses experienced and barriers to dealing with stressful areas are reported. This type of information should be valuable to social work practitioners in efforts to enhance services delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper integrates the meanings created about menopause through a biopsychosocial perpective. Once understood only as a biological illness creating affective disorders, new paradigms provide understanding based on the psychological and social constructions of the process. History emphasizes a view of women experiencing increasing deficiency and loss, while modern interpretations view women as gaining new freedoms. Case material is presented to direct attention to the meanings of menopause as it emerges in the treatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relation between employment and cholesterol in 541 women aged 42–50 years who resided in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1985–1988. Employment, health-related variables, and cholesterol were assessed at baseline and 3 years later. At baseline, employed and nonemployed women did not differ in cholesterol or health behaviors. However, women employed at baseline had a significant decrease in total high density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.9 mg/dl) and high density lipoprotein2 cholesterol subtraction (3.2 mg/dl) at follow-up. Those who were employed at both assessments had the lowest high density lipoprotein cholesterol at follow-up. These effects could not be accounted for by sociodemographics or employment quality variables. Post hoc analyses were conducted to examine health behaviors as a potential mechanism to account for the association between employment status and cholesterol. Over the study period, those who were employed at baseline were less likely to increase exercise and more likely to gain weight than those who were not employed at baseline. With menopause-related changes in metabolism, this can result in detrimental effects for cholesterol levels and coronary health. The results highlight the importance of longitudinal assessment in the study of employment and health. Am J Epidemiol 1996; 143:144–50 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reports on how human rights are being invoked, nationally and internationally, to encourage governments in developing countries to promote the human rights of women during pregnancy and childbirth. Estimates which show that nearly half a million women die each year from mostly preventable, pregnancy-related causes; National strategies which are best exemplified by developments in Brazil; National Commission on Maternal Mortality established by the Federal Ministry of Health in Brazil; United Nations international human rights committees which are being used by women's health advocates; Human rights tribunals which find that failure to address preventable causes of maternal mortality violates women's rights, including their rights to be free from all forms of discrimination, their right to life, and their right to health.