scholarly journals Physical health of autistic girls and women: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Kassee ◽  
Stephanie Babinski ◽  
Ami Tint ◽  
Yona Lunsky ◽  
Hilary K. Brown ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is a growing recognition of sex and gender influences in autism. Increasingly, studies include comparisons between sexes or genders, but few have focused on clarifying the characteristics of autistic girls’/women’s physical health. Methods A scoping review was conducted to determine what is currently known about the physical health of autistic girls/women. We screened 1112 unique articles, with 40 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We used a convergent iterative process to synthesize this content into broad thematic areas. Results Autistic girls/women experience more overall physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. Emerging evidence suggests increased prevalence of epilepsy in autistic girls/women compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. The literature also suggests increased endocrine and reproductive health conditions in autistic girls/women compared to non-autistic girls/women. Findings regarding gastrointestinal, metabolic, nutritional, and immune-related conditions are preliminary and inconsistent. Limitations The literature has substantial heterogeneity in how physical health conditions were assessed and reported. Further, our explicit focus on physical health may have constrained the ability to examine interactions between mental and physical health. The widely differing research aims and methodologies make it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, in keeping with the goals of a scoping review, we were able to identify key themes to guide future research. Conclusions The emerging literature suggests that autistic girls/women have heightened rates of physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. Clinicians should seek to provide holistic care that includes a focus on physical health and develop a women’s health lens when providing clinical care to autistic girls/women.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Kassee ◽  
Stephanie Babinski ◽  
Ami Tint ◽  
Yona Lunsky ◽  
Hilary Brown ◽  
...  

Background: There is a growing recognition of sex and gender influences in autism. Increasingly, studies include comparisons between sexes or genders, but few have focused on clarifying the characteristics of autistic girls' and women's physical health. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to determine what is currently known about the physical health of autistic girls and women. We screened 1,112 unique articles, with 40 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We used a convergent iterative process to synthesize this content into broad thematic areas. Results: Overall, autistic girls and women experience more physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls and women, and to autistic boys and men. Preliminary evidence suggests increased neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy) in autistic girls and women compared to autistic boys and men. As well, the literature suggests increased endocrine/reproductive conditions in autistic girls and women compared to non-autistic girls and women. Limitations: The literature has substantial heterogeneity in how physical health conditions were assessed and reported. Further, our explicit focus on physical health may have constrained the ability to examine potential interactions between mental and physical health. In addition, the widely differing research aims and methodologies make it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, in keeping with the goals of a scoping review, we were able to identify key themes to guide future research. Conclusions: Emerging themes in the literature suggest that autistic girls and women have heightened rates of physical health challenges compared to autistic boys and men, and non-autistic girls and women. Clinicians should seek to provide holistic care for this population that includes a focus on physical health and recognizes that autistic girls and women have co-occurring conditions that differ from those of autistic boys and men.


2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. e802-e815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifah Arbel ◽  
Kathleen S Bingham ◽  
Deirdre R Dawson

Abstract Background and Objectives Sex and gender differences among dementia spousal caregivers have been investigated, but never systematically reviewed or synthesized. A synthesis of findings can help facilitate specificity in practice and in health policy development. As a first step towards such a synthesis, this scoping review reports the available evidence, identifies research gaps, and suggests possible directions for future research. Research Design and Methods A scoping review methodology was used to identify articles, and to chart and analyze data. Systematic searches for published, empirical studies, with an explicit goal or hypothesis related to sex or gender differences were conducted in seven databases. Results Sixty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Most (n = 45) were quantitative, cross-sectional studies. Caregivers included in the studies were generally 61–70 years old, Caucasian, middle-class, and highly educated. The most extensively investigated differences are: depression, burden, objective physical health, and informal supports. Discussion and Implications This scoping review is the first to summarize and critique the research on sex and gender differences that are specific to dementia spousal caregivers. The review can be used by researchers to make decisions regarding future systematic reviews and primary studies. To further strengthen the evidence base, future studies may benefit from including more caregivers of ethnic minorities, using more qualitative, longitudinal, or experimental designs, and focusing on variables needed to inform caregiving models and theories. Overall, this scoping review contributes to furthering gender-sensitive practices and policies that are better tailored to the specific needs of this population.


Author(s):  
Abbie Jordan ◽  
Bernie Carter ◽  
Paula Forgeron ◽  
Karine Fournier ◽  
Kate Sanders

Abstract Objective Forming and maintaining romantic relationships is an important developmental task in adolescence and young adulthood. This scoping review seeks to explore how young people with long-term physical health conditions understand and experience romantic relationships. Methods Using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, a systematic search of five databases was conducted (PsychINFO, Cinahl, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science). Studies were eligible for inclusion in the review if they were published in peer-reviewed journals, used primary data collection methods, and adopted quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches to study romantic relationships in 11–25 year olds with long-term physical health conditions. Using a data extraction form, data pertaining to demographic characteristics of young people with long-term physical health conditions and relationship engagement were extracted from eligible papers. Results Searches returned 4645 papers after duplicate removal, with a two-stage screening process resulting in 111 full-text papers being reviewed. Thirty-three eligible papers were included across a range of long-term physical health conditions. Findings identified that living with a long-term physical health condition impacted young people’s perceptions and experiences of romantic relationships across the relationship lifespan, from envisaging future relationships, to forming relationships, and sustaining relationships. Issues around body confidence and self-esteem were identified as challenging in terms of perceptions and experiences of romantic relationships. Conclusions Findings demonstrate that young people wish to engage with romantic relationships, yet many report particular challenges associated with forming and sustaining relationships due to the constraints of their condition and treatment. Future research should consider nonheterosexual relationships.


Author(s):  
Kelsey D. Vig ◽  
Renée El-Gabalawy ◽  
Gordon J. G. Asmundson

This chapter discusses the complex relationship between stress and physical health, with a focus on comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health conditions. There is a great deal of evidence that stress and mental health conditions, such as PTSD, often co-occur with physical health conditions. This chapter reviews this evidence, describes potential mechanisms underlying the comorbidity, and outlines theoretical frameworks for understanding the relationship between stress and physical health. It considers the ways in which stress leads to poor physical health, how physical health conditions can lead to stress, and how other factors may both increase stress and worsen physical health. Clinical implications of comorbid mental and physical health conditions and suggestions for future research in the area are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Williams ◽  
Joonsoo Sean Lyeo ◽  
Sophie Geffros ◽  
Alexander Mouriopoulos

AbstractWhile the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ represent distinct concepts, their influence may intersect as important determinants of health. Despite their influence in shaping individual health outcomes, there is often inaccuracy and inconsistency in the degree to which sex and gender considerations are integrated in the health policymaking process. This primary aim of this paper is to fill the gap in the current understanding of how sex and gender considerations are integrated in this process. A scoping review methodology was used with the objective of assessing the extent to which sex and gender were considered inclusively and comprehensively in established examples of health policy planning and development. One hundred seventy-five documents from the academic and grey literature were found to meet the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. The authors charted the data from these publications, assessing the ways in which sex and gender were incorporated in their policy development process. Five key findings were ascertained from this review: (1) the terms sex and gender are often used interchangeably; (2) the terms sex and gender are often used with a limited and binary scope; (3) the most inclusive and comprehensive documents included transgender and gender diverse populations; (4) there are significant variations in the degree of inclusivity and comprehensivity of these documents based on geographic distribution; and (5) documents published within the last 5 years were more inclusive than older documents. This paper concludes with an acknowledgment of the limitations of the study design, a summary of the findings, future research directions, and implications for policymakers.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e041894
Author(s):  
Joyce Kibaru ◽  
Pinky Kotecha ◽  
Abdulkarim Muhammad Iya ◽  
Beth Russell ◽  
Muzzammil Abdullahi ◽  
...  

IntroductionBladder cancer (BC) is the 10th common cancer worldwide and ranks seventh in Nigeria. This scoping review aims to identify the gaps in clinical care and research of BC in Nigeria as part of the development of a larger national research programme aiming to improve outcomes and care of BC.Methods and analysisThis review will be conducted according to Arksey and O’Malley scoping review methodology framework. The following electronic databases will be searched: Medline (using the PubMed interface), Ovid Gateway (Embase and Ovid), Cochrane library and Open Grey literature. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and subsequently screen full-text studies for inclusion, any lack of consensus will be discussed with a third reviewer. Any study providing insight into the epidemiology or treatment pathway of BC (RCTs, observations, case series, policy paper) will be included. A data chart will be used to extract relevant data from the included studies. Results will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. A consultation process will be carried out with a multidisciplinary team of Nigerian healthcare professionals, patients and scientists.Ethics and disseminationThe results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. By highlighting the key gaps in the literature, this review can provide direction for future research and clinical guidelines in Nigeria (and other low-income and middle-income countries), where BC is more prevalent due to local risk factors and healthcare settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 247028972098001
Author(s):  
Rebecca Leeds ◽  
Ari Shechter ◽  
Carmela Alcantara ◽  
Brooke Aggarwal ◽  
John Usseglio ◽  
...  

Sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality have been attributed to differences in pathophysiology between men and women and to disparities in CVD management that disproportionately affect women compared to men. Similarly, there has been investigation of differences in the prevalence and presentation of insomnia attributable to sex. Few studies have examined how sex and insomnia interact to influence CVD outcomes, however. In this review, we summarize the literature on sex-specific differences in the prevalence and presentation of insomnia as well as existing research regarding the relationship between insomnia and CVD outcomes as it pertains to sex. Research to date indicate that women are more likely to have insomnia than men, and there appear to be differential associations in the relation between insomnia and CVD by sex. We posit potential mechanisms of the relationship between sex, insomnia and CVD, discuss gaps in the existing literature, and provide commentary on future research needed in this area. Unraveling the complex relations between sex, insomnia, and CVD may help to explain sex-specific differences in CVD, and identify sex-specific strategies for promotion of cardiovascular health. Throughout this review, terms “men” and “women” are used as they are in the source literature, which does not differentiate between sex and gender. The implications of this are also discussed.


Psychotherapy ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin M. Kimber ◽  
Melissa M. Ertl ◽  
Madison R. Egli ◽  
Rachel E. Brenner

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-117
Author(s):  
Лариса Засєкіна

Expressed Emotion (EE) is a well-validated measure of the family environment of individuals with mental and physical conditions that examines relatives’ critical, hostile and emotionally overinvolved attitudes towards a family member with a condition. This review focuses on studies of EE on containing data of the impact of Expressed Emotion on the course of chronic illnesses and clinical outcomes in mental and physical health conditions. The structural literature review is based on the search of articles in peer-reviewed journals from 1991 to November, 2018 in the databases Psyc-Info and PubMed. Taken together, these results suggest that there is an association between EE towards patients with both physical and mental conditions and  a poor clinical and personal recovery. Interestingly, the lower levels of EE towards individuals with a condition were observed  in partners comparatively with parents, adult children and relatives. However, the results have been obtained only from two populations with dementia and Type I diabetes and have been considered as important issue for future research.   References Ayilara, O., Ogunwale, A., & Babalola, E. (2017). Perceived expressed emotion in relatives of patients with severe mental illness: A comparative study. Psychiatry research, 257, 137-143. Bogojevic, G., Ziravac, L., & Zigmund, D. (2015). Impact of expressed emotion on the course of schizophrenia. European Psychiatry, 30, 390. Brown, G. W., Birley, J. L. T., & Wing, J. K. (1972). Influence of family life on the course of schizophrenic disorders: A replication. British Journal of Psychiatry, 121, 241–258. Chan, K. K., & Mak, W. W. (2017). The content and process of self-stigma in people with mental illness. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 87(1), 34-43. Cherry, M. G., Taylor, P. J., Brown, S. L., & Sellwood, W. (2018). Attachment, mentalisation and expressed emotion in carers of people with long-term mental health difficulties. BMC Psychiatry, 18(1), 257. Coomber, K., & King, R. M. (2013). Perceptions of carer burden: differences between individuals with an eating disorder and their carer. Eating Disorders, 21(1), 26-36 Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: a challenge for biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129-136. Flanagan, D. A., & Wagner, H. L. (1991). Expressed emotion and panic fear in the prediction of diet treatment compliance. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30, 231–240. Hooley, J. M., & Parker, H. A. (2006). Measuring expressed emotion: An evaluation of the shortcuts. Journal of Family Psychology, 20(3), 386. Rienecke, R. D., Lebow, J., Lock, J., & Le Grange, D. (2015). Family profiles of expressed emotion in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa and their parents. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 46(3), 428-436. Safavi, R., Berry, K., & Wearden, A. (2018). Expressed emotion, burden, and distress in significant others of people with dementia. Journal of Family Psychology, 32(6), 835. Romero-Gonzalez, M., Chandler, S., & Simonoff, E. (2018). The relationship of parental expressed emotion to co-occurring psychopathology in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Research in developmental disabilities, 72, 152-165. Wearden, A. J., Tarrier, N., Barrowclough, C., Zastowny, T. R., & Rahill, A. A. (2000). A review of expressed emotion research in health care. Clinical Psychology Review, 20(5), 633-666. Wearden, A. J., Tarrier, N., & Davies, R. (2000). Partners' expressed emotion and the control and management of Type 1 diabetes in adults. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 49(2), 125-130.


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