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Background: Clinical characteristics of women with different obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity and adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy have not been previously explored. Aims: To assess OSA prevalence, predictors, clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) characteristics and adherence to CPAP therapy among adult Australian women in a retrospective study. Methods: All female patients who underwent a diagnostic PSG between 2014 and 2015 were included. CPAP adherence was assessed during the study period between 2018 and 2019 using multiple regression models. Results: Among a total of 591 women included in this study (Aboriginal, n = 86), OSA was diagnosed in 458/591 (78%) patients; mild, moderate and severe OSA was present in 44%, 27% and 29% respectively. Older age, higher BMI and hypertension predicted the presence and severity of OSA. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score was not significantly different with (8 (5, 12)) or without (10 (5, 13)) OSA. PSG showed the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep‐associated apnoea−hypopnea index (AHI) was higher with all severity of OSA. Adherence to CPAP therapy was noted in 171 (57%) patients; 47% mild, 57% moderate and 63% with severe OSA respectively. Three multiple regression models (clinical, PSG parameters, OSA severity, combined (clinical and PSG)) showed the combined model had the strongest predictive value and demonstrated that higher ESS and more severe oxygen desaturation were associated with CPAP adherence irrespective of OSA severity. Conclusions: Older age, higher BMI and the presence of hypertension predicted the presence of OSA. The REM sleep‐related AHI was higher. Adherence to CPAP was associated with symptomatic OSA and severe oxygen desaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis is a major healthcare issue with over 50% of postmenopausal women suffering an osteoporosis-related fracture. Vertebral fractures, the commonest, are often asymptomatic, unrecognised and untreated. Aims: In a high risk population we aimed to screen for vertebral fractures with a lateral chest X-ray then to intervene to highlight risk and improve fracture prevention. Methods: In this prospective interventional study, 104 postmenopausal women, presenting to hospital for unrelated conditions, were recruited. A baseline lateral chest X-ray and fracture risk questionnaire was completed with a follow-up questionnaire at 12 months. Where fractures were detected the study team intervened through correspondence, including evidence-based guidelines recommending investigations and management to patients and general practitioners. Results: Ninety-six women had a lateral chest X-ray with 53 (55%) having vertebral fractures. Sixty-five women completed baseline questionnaires and 64/65 had a calculated 5-year fracture risk greater than 10%. At 12 months, 21% were commenced or continued on bisphosphonates with 17% adhering to therapy while eight had sustained a subsequent symptomatic fracture and eight women had died. Conclusions: Fifty-five per cent of women over 65 years, presenting to hospital with unrelated medical conditions, had a previous minimal trauma vertebral fracture on lateral chest X-ray. Potentially, a lateral chest X-ray may provide a simple effective screening tool for osteoporotic fracture in this high-risk population. Despite notification and recommendations to both patients and general practitioners, treatment uptake was poor, highlighting the need for further research into risk perception and behaviour change in both practitioners and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Families in remote mining towns constitute a specific sociological group living under unique geographical and sociocultural circumstances. Isolation from friends and relatives and limited resources and opportunities for family members of mine workers are some of the distinct disadvantages of these towns. Decades ago it was observed that a large number of women in new and remote mining towns suffered from neurotic problems. In contemporary times there is a deficit of knowledge about the mental health of women in remote mining towns. However, there are certain indicators of significant mental distress among women living in these particular environments. Deriving from a review of literature, this paper explores various mining work-related issues and sociocultural settings and processes within remote mining towns that could possibly exert coercive pressures on the psychological health of female partners of mine workers and their relationship well-being. The paper suggests that work schedules and preponderance of men in mining jobs help promote a patriarchal culture within the community and the family; thereby marginalising women to a secondary status. Limited opportunities and resources within the community isolate women to domestic lives; while atypical work rosters associated with mining employment could negatively impact on the relationship well-being of couples. The paper recommends that an inquiry into psychiatric well-being among women of remote mining communities needs to consider the sociocultural structure and processes within these communities, and the structural nature of the mining job that could be responsible for role strain-induced stress and mental health problems among these women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic, endocrine and reproductive disorder that has a huge impact on the life of women. To ascertain the effectiveness of health education module among women with PCOS., Methods: This single-centre, randomised controlled trial was conducted on female staff of the University Putra Malaysia who were diagnosed with PCOS. Subjects were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 34) and control group (n = 35). In the intervention group, they need to take part in 8 education sessions in total over 6 months, and feedback was collected at the end of the session., Results: Primary outcome was changes in knowledge, attitude and practise of nutrition. Secondary outcomes were eating attitude and behaviour as well as knowledge, attitude and practise towards physical activity. After 6-months of intervention, there was a significant difference observed in nutrition knowledge 1 score (p < 0.001) and nutrition knowledge 2 score (p = 0.01) between intervention and control groups. Similarly, there was a significant difference observed in international physical activity questionnaire score (p = 0.02) between intervention and control groups. However there was no significant changes for attitude and practice of nutrition, eating attitude as well as knowledge, attitude and practise of physical activity., Conclusions: Our study showed that 6-months of education intervention can improve nutrition and physical activity knowledge. Based on this study, the education module may be considered an effective intervention for women with PCOS., Trial Registration: Name of the registry: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR)., Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12617000135314. Date of registration: 24/01/2017. URL of trial registry record: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372037., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Problem: Little is known regarding experiences of childbearing women participating in a Continuity of Care Experience., Background: Continuity of Care immersion is considered a vital component of undergraduate education in Australia. A student midwife follows a woman's childbearing journey regardless of the woman's individual needs or chosen model of care., Question: What do women value in their student-woman continuity experience, and does this vary with model of care provision?, Methods: Qualitative analysis was conducted on open-text box responses from 946 mothers enrolled in one regional university Continuity of Care program between 2014-2018., Findings: This qualitative descriptive study identified three overarching themes: 'Known student midwife'; 'Knowledge'; and, 'Professionalism'. The 'Known Student Midwife' was strongly associated with provision of support and advocacy for the woman and her partner/family. Women's responses were overwhelmingly positive, however, when some partnerships terminated, a negative impact was reported. Themes were often interlinked, suggesting when women valued one key attribute the others were somewhat related. Although rare, from some responses it was unclear if students had over-stepped professional boundaries, prompting the need for ongoing education., Discussion: This study provides compelling evidence for the perceived value of the Continuity of Care Experience in Australian midwifery curricula, as well as possible areas of concern regarding the nature of professional behaviour., Conclusions: Continuity of Care immersion plays a significant role in Australian midwifery education programs and is predominantly well received by childbearing women. Development of reflexive practice skills in undergraduate curricula may further enhance this experience for women., (Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)