Exploring gender differences among couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss regarding preferences for supportive care

Background International guidelines recommend to offer supportive care during a next pregnancy to couples affected by recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In previous research, several options for supportive care have been identified and women’s preferences have been quantified. Although it is known that RPL impacts the mental health of both partners, male preferences for supportive care have hardly been explored. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in couples who visited a specialized RPL clinic in the Netherlands between November 2018 and December 2019. Both members of the couples received a questionnaire that quantified their preferences for supportive care in a next pregnancy and they were asked to complete this independently from each other. Preferences for each supportive care option were analysed on a group level (by gender) and on a couple level, by comparing preferences of both partners. Results Ninety-two questionnaires (completed by 46 couples) were analysed. The overall need for supportive care indicated on a scale from 1 to 10 was 6.8 for men and 7.9 for women (P = 0.002). Both genders preferred to regularly see the same doctor with knowledge of their obstetric history, to make a plan for the first trimester and to have frequent ultrasound examinations. A lower proportion of men preferred a doctor that shows understanding (80% of men vs. 100% of women, P = 0.004) and a doctor that informs on wellbeing (72% vs. 100%, P = ≤0.000). Fewer men preferred support from friends (48% vs. 74%, P = 0.017). Thirty-seven percent of men requested more involvement of the male partner at the outpatient clinic, compared to 70% of women (P = 0.007). In 28% of couples, partners had opposing preferences regarding peer support. Conclusions While both women and men affected by RPL are in need of supportive care, their preferences may differ. Current supportive care services may not entirely address the needs of men. Health care professionals should focus on both partners and development of novel supportive care programs with specific attention for men should be considered.

What Do Men Want? Exploring Gender Differences in Supportive Care Preferences of Couples With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Background International guidelines recommend to offer supportive care during a next pregnancy to couples affected by recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In previous research, several options for supportive care have been identified and women’s preferences have been quantified. Although it is known that RPL impacts the mental health of both partners, male preferences for supportive care have hardly been explored. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in couples who visited a specialized RPL clinic in the Netherlands between November 2018 and December 2019. Both members of the couples received a questionnaire that quantified their preferences for supportive care in a next pregnancy and they were asked to complete this independently from each other. Preferences for each supportive care option were analyzed on a group level (by gender) and on a couple level, by comparing preferences of both partners. Results Ninety-two questionnaires (completed by 46 couples) were analyzed. The overall need for supportive care indicated on a scale from 1-10 was 6.8 for men and 7.9 for women (P = 0.002). Both genders preferred to regularly see the same doctor with knowledge of their obstetric history, to make a plan for the first trimester and to have frequent ultrasound examinations. A lower proportion of men preferred a doctor that shows understanding (80% of men vs. 100% of women, P = 0.004) and informs on wellbeing (72% vs. 100%, P = ≤0.000). Fewer men preferred support from friends (48% vs. 74%, P = 0.017). Thirty-seven percent of men requested more involvement of the male partner at the outpatient clinic, compared to 70% of women (P = 0.007). In 28% of couples, one partner desired peer support, while the other partner did not prefer this.Conclusions While both women and men affected by RPL are in need of supportive care, their preferences may differ. Current supportive care services may not entirely address the needs of men. Health care professionals should focus on both partners and development of novel supportive care programs with specific attention for men should be considered.

Uninformed Decision Making and Regret About the Delay in Childbearing Decision Among Japanese Women and Men Seeking Fertility Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: In Japan, mean maternal and paternal ages at first birth have steadily increased over the past two decades, and more and more women and men seek fertility treatment. The aim of this study was to examine regret over the timing of the childbearing decision and reasons for its delay.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 219 women and 169 men referred to fertility facilities in Japan from July to December 2018. Participants completed a questionnaire on the reasons for their delay in childbearing decision and the degree of regret regarding their decision. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between degree of regret and the reasons for the delay.Results: The top three reasons for the delay in childbearing decision in women were “Establishing the relationship,” “Health problems,” and “Financial security.” The top three reasons in men were “Establishing the relationship,” “Financial security,” and “Lack of fertility knowledge.” Lack of fertility knowledge was associated with regret over the timing of the childbearing decision in women (β = 0.232, 95% CI = 0.075-0.318, p = 0.002) and men (β = 0.238, 95% CI = 0.083-0.371, p = 0.002). In men, health problems was also associated with regret over the timing of the childbearing decision (β = 0.196; 95% CI = 0.039-0.332, p = 0.013).Conclusions: Uninformed decision making based on lack of fertility knowledge was significantly associated with regret later in life. It is important for early reproductive-aged women and men to have fertility knowledge in order to make an informed decision about the timing of childbearing to alleviate the possibility of experiencing regret later in life.Keywords: uninformed decision making, regret, delay in childbearing, fertility knowledge, preconception health

Positive Health Behaviors and Their Determinants Among Men Active on the Labor Market in Poland

This paper reports on results from research conducted on health behaviors undertaken of men. Health behavior is one of the determinants of our health. The way in which people care for their health affects not only their health, but also their well-being, quality of life, and work ability. The lifestyle and health behavior have a significant impact on health, whereas a lack of pro-health behavior may cause the risk of many diseases and mortality, especially among men. The aim of the study was to define the determinants of positive health behaviors among men aged 20–65, active on the labor market. To check the attitudes of men toward health and health behavior, a questionnaire-based research has been carried out among 600 men active on the labor market. Several tools were used: Positive Health Behaviour Scale (Woynarowska-Sołdan & Węziak-Białowolska, 2012), Work Ability Index (Tuomi et al., 1998), work–life balance—with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (subscale “Work-home conflict”) (Kristensen & Borg, 2005), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (Wallston & Wallston, 1978, in polish adaptation Juczyński, 2001), Inventory for Psychological Sex Assessment (Kuczyńska, 2012) and Personal Values (Juczyński, 2001), and questionnaire “Work conditions” (developed in CIOPPIB). These studies have shown which factors determine their health behavior. The positive health behaviors of men were associated with good economic status, high self-assessment of care for health, positive opinions about life and work, and masculinity. They were also white-collar workers with good work ability.

Sex Differences in Use of Smoking Cessation Services and Resources: A Real-World Study

Objectives: Smoking cessation interventions with sex considerations have been found to effectively increase cessation rates. However, evidence is limited and weak. This study examined sex differences in the use of smoking cessation services or resources among Ontario adults. Methods: Data are from the Smokers’ Panel, an ongoing online survey of Ontario adult smokers and recent quitters. The analysis included 1009 male and 1765 female participants. Bivariate analysis was used to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics and smoking-related variables by use of cessation services/resources. Logistic regression was then used to identify sociodemographic characteristics and smoking-related variables associated with the use of cessation services/resources. Results: The analysis shows that there were significant sex differences in the use of individual interventions. Female participants were more likely to use nicotine patch (63% vs 58%; adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.67), varenicline (29% vs 24%; AOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.13-1.66), Smokers’ Helpline phone (14% vs 10%; AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.79), Smokers’ Helpline online (27% vs 21%; AOR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.18-1.74), self-help materials (23% vs 16%; AOR: 1.81 95% CI: 1.46-2.26), and alternative methods (23% vs 19%; AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.14-1.73) compared with male participants, after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: Consistent with other findings, the study shows sex differences in the use of smoking cessation services or resources among adult smokers. Women are more likely to use recommended cessation resources such as nicotine patch, varenicline, and Smokers’ Helpline than men. Health professionals should use this increased willingness to help female smokers quit. However, men may be underserved and more men-specific interventions need to be developed and evaluated.

New Technical Challenges for Operators

The subject of the article are new challenges for operators of machines and technical devices, in particular in the digital industry. The present reality of the environment in which man lives and works is increasingly complex. This results in certain disorders. Combined with the health, lifestyle and development aspects of medicine, shaping the operator’s reliability, remains an extremely difficult challenge. Modern technologies have enabled older workers to function on the labor market, returning to work after successful treatment of illnesses, that have recently eliminated those group of man from labor market. The above results with the new set of requirements for the development of a reliable operator of various machines and devices. Significant dispersal of men health determinants from biological, environmental, social, cultural, economic and political causes with great difficulties in consolidating specific actions, which are also a challenge for years to come.

Dietary Pattern and Risk of Multiple Myeloma in Two Large Prospective US Cohort Studies

BackgroundThe limited data on specific dietary components and risk of multiple myeloma (MM) show no consistent association. Studies have not examined the association of dietary pattern with MM risk.MethodsIn prospective cohorts of 69 751 women (Nurses’ Health Study, 1984–2014) and 47 232 men (Health Professionals Follow-up Study, 1986–2014), we examined the association between dietary pattern and risk of MM using Cox proportional hazard models. Diet was assessed repeatedly every 4 years with food frequency questionnaires and was used to calculate dietary patterns including the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010, Alternate Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Prudent and Western patterns, the empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP), and empirical dietary indices for insulin resistance (EDIR) and hyperinsulinemia (EDIH).ResultsDuring 2 792 257 person-years of follow-up, we identified 478 incident MM cases (215 women, 263 men). In men, high EDIP was statistically significantly associated with a 16% increase in MM risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.32 per 1-SD increase). Moreover, EDIR and EDIH had a suggestive positive association (EDIR: HR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.24; and EDIH: HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.97 to 1.28 per 1-SD increase). We observed no other associations with MM risk in men and no associations for any dietary pattern with MM risk in women.ConclusionsWe present the first evidence for a role of diets with higher inflammatory or insulinemic potential in MM development. Further studies are warranted to explore these associations in other populations, including the apparent restriction to men.

Domains of Childhood Disadvantage and Functional Limitation Trajectories Among Midlife Men and Women in China

Objective: To examine the impacts of four childhood disadvantage domains—parental behavior, hunger, health, and socioeconomic status (SES)—on functional limitation trajectories among midlife adults in China. Method: Data (2011-2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study ( N = 8,646) were used to examine the associations between different domains of childhood disadvantage and functional limitation trajectories among adults aged 45 to 64. Results: Adverse parental behavior was not associated with baseline functional limitation but was associated with steeper trajectories for men. Health, hunger, and SES were associated with more functional limitations at baseline, and SES with steeper trajectories for men and women. Adulthood SES largely accounted for the associations between childhood SES and functional limitations for men. Discussion: It is important to examine multiple domains of childhood conditions because the type and magnitude of disadvantage may influence functional limitations in different ways among men and women in China.