Women's Health Nursing

The integrative health status of women with uterine fibroids wishing to maintain fertility: a cross-sectional study based on Levine’s conservation model

Purpose: The increasing incidence of uterine fibroids (UFs) among women who could consider conception presents challenges. This study examined the relationships among fatigue, UF symptom severity, sexual function, anxiety, and loneliness across diverse life conditions and treatment stages in women with UFs wishing to maintain fertility.Methods: This descriptive correlational study, guided by Levine’s conservation model, included 221 women with UFs hoping to maintain their reproductive potential. Participants were recruited from gynecology-focused online communities, and data were collected through an online survey. The questionnaire gathered information on general and treatment-related characteristics, as well as measures of fatigue, UF symptom severity, sexual function, anxiety, and loneliness. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, the Welch test, and Pearson correlation analysis.Results: Most participants (91.9%) experienced fatigue, and sexual dysfunction was prevalent (85.5%). Fatigue, sexual function, anxiety, and loneliness levels were significantly intercorrelated (p≤.001), whereas UF symptom severity was only associated with fatigue (r=.51, p<.001) and sexual function (r=–.41, p<.001). Women without specific pregnancy plans exhibited greater anxiety and poorer sexual function than those with plans, and women with low economic status showed poorer outcomes for most variables. Women currently undergoing medical treatment reported the highest UF symptom severity, while those with a longer diagnosis history or not currently receiving treatment exhibited greater anxiety and loneliness.Conclusion: Women with UFs intending to maintain fertility face multidimensional and interrelated health challenges. Beyond fibroid-focused treatments, clinical nursing and education should integrate physical and psychosocial health indicators while supporting reproductive health.

Effect of a culturally tailored educational intervention on women’s knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening: a single-group pre-post study

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally tailored educational intervention on Jordanian women’s knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening. Methods: A single-group pre-post intervention study was conducted at two primary healthcare centers in Jordan. Sixty women aged 25 to 45 years were recruited using convenience sampling. The intervention consisted of 10 face-to-face group sessions (approximately 60 minutes each) delivered over 4 weeks by trained female nurse educators using interactive, culturally sensitive materials. Participants completed an Arabic-language questionnaire assessing cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes toward screening, perceived barriers, and prior screening history. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed pre-post changes, while nonparametric comparisons and Spearman correlations examined associations with demographic characteristics. Results: At baseline, 51.7% of participants had heard of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, 13.3% had ever undergone a Pap test, and 10.0% intended to be screened within the next 3 years. The most frequently reported barriers were embarrassment (86.7%), fear of a negative result (85.0%), and discomfort (83.3%). Knowledge increased significantly (median, 3.00 to 16.00; Z=−6.73, p<.001; Cohen’s d=0.87), and attitudes improved (median, 27.00 to 36.00; Z=−6.62, p<.001; d=0.85) following the intervention. Higher income and prior awareness of the Pap test were significantly associated with greater post-intervention knowledge. Higher income and older age were also significantly associated with more favorable attitudes (p<.05). Conclusion: A culturally tailored educational program delivered in primary care produced substantial improvements in women’s knowledge and attitudes. Integrating structured cervical cancer education into routine women’s health services may support informed screening decisions and strengthen cervical cancer prevention efforts in Jordan.

Influencing factors on quality of life in women undergoing cancer treatment: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting quality of life (QoL) in women undergoing cancer treatment, based on Ferrans’ QoL model, with particular attention to femininity and women’s roles.Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was used, and 101 women were recruited through convenience sampling from a tertiary medical center in Jeonju, South Korea, between June and August 2024. QoL, death anxiety, performance status (ability to perform daily activities), body image, and division of household labor were measured using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.Results: The majority of participants had either breast cancer (40.6%) or gynecologic cancer (26.7%). Participants’ QoL scores were at a moderate or higher level (69.12±16.65) and demonstrated statistically significant negative correlations with death anxiety (r=–.43, p<.001), performance status (r=–.44, p<.001), perceived health status (r=–.58, p<.001), and body image (r=–.46, p<.001). Performance status (β=–.30, p<.001), perceived health status (β=–.30, p<.001), and death anxiety (β=–.27, p=.001) were independent predictors of QoL in women with cancer during treatment (F=14.69, p<.001), with an overall explanatory power of 49.0%. Body image and division of household labor were not significant predictors of QoL.Conclusion: Performance status, perceived health status, and death anxiety should be prioritized when evaluating QoL in women undergoing cancer treatment.