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Preventing ischemic heart disease in women: a systematic review of global directives and policies
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in women worldwide. Yet cardiovascular disease in women remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially among vulnerable populations such as older women, low-income populations, and ethnic minorities. Resultantly, reduction in cardiovascular mortality among women has stagnated. To examine, consolidate current research findings and policies to identify gaps in women’s heart health practice, this review screened 21476 records and synthesized results from 124 English language publications worldwide. Using a life course approach, we assessed the connection between clinical recommendations and policy, and documented global recommendations and policies addressing prevention of cardiovascular disease in women. Key recommendations include fostering environments that encourage sustainable health behaviors for young women, advocating for national surveillance systems and guidelines for monitoring and increasing the understanding of cardiovascular health in high-risk pregnancy/postpartum groups, developing community prevention programs for midlife/menopause, and implementing direct population health management initiatives for elderly women, with an emphasis on higher risk groups. Inequalities still exist among women with varying socioeconomic status and race between countries, and even within countries.
Does earning money empower women? Evidence from India
This study investigates the relationship between women’s earnings and empowerment in India, focusing on married women aged 15-49. Utilizing data from the Indian DHS (2019–21), the research employs Bayesian statistical analyses to explore how earning money influences women’s empowerment in areas like financial and bodily autonomy, marital rights, attitudes towards intimate partner violence, and peer recognition. The study reveals that while earning money enhances women’s financial and bodily autonomy, decision-making capacity, and societal recognition, it simultaneously restricts their marital rights, degrades intimate partner relations, and increases the risk of domestic violence. The findings contribute to the discourse on gender equality, offering empirical insights into the complexities of women’s empowerment in India. This research has practical implications for policymakers, NGOs, and stakeholders working towards women’s empowerment, providing a deeper understanding of the varied impact of women’s economic contributions in India’s socio-cultural context.
A systematic review of determinants of breast cancer risk among women with benign breast disease
Benign breast disease (BBD) is associated with heterogeneous breast cancer risk. Identifying key breast cancer risk factors for this population may inform breast cancer prevention or early detection strategies. We systematically searched literature databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies reporting associations of demographic, lifestyle, reproductive, and radiological factors with risk of breast cancer among women with biopsy-confirmed BBD. 67 studies met eligibility criteria. Variation was observed for study time period, exposure measurement, comparison groups, outcomes, and adjustment for confounders, precluding meta-analysis. The literature suggested positive risk associations for age at biopsy, family history, mammographic breast density, and time since biopsy, and no association for body mass index, alcohol, smoking, age at menarche, and use of hormonal contraceptives. More research is needed to understand risk factor associations among women with BBD, particularly studies that account for heterogeneity within BBD and breast cancer.
Menopausal shift on women’s health and microbial niches
Menopause marks a key milestone in women’s aging, triggering hormonal, histological, and microbiome changes. This review explores how hormonal shifts during menopause alter the microbiome’s composition, affecting oral, intestinal, and urogenital communities, potentially leading to disease. The microbial metabolism of sex hormones highlights the bidirectional relationship between hormones and the microbiome. Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing personalized interventions to restore microbial balance and improve women’s health during menopause.
A systematic review of healthcare experiences of women and men living with coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for people worldwide, yet differences in the likelihood of receiving optimal care occur depend on gender. This study therefore aimed to explore the healthcare experiences of men and women living with CHD. A systematic search of qualitative research was undertaken, following PRISMA guidelines. Forty-three studies were included for review, involving 1512 people (62% women, 38% men; 0% non-binary or gender diverse). Thematic synthesis of the data identified four themes: (1) assumptions about CHD; (2) gender assigned roles; (3) interactions with health care; and (4) return to ‘normal’ life. A multilevel approach across the entire ecosystem of healthcare is required to improve equity in care experienced by people living with CHD. This will involve challenging both the individuals’ knowledge of CHD and awareness of health professionals to entrenched gender bias in the health system that predominantly favours men.
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