Exploring preconception health in adolescents and young adults: Identifying risk factors and interventions to prevent adverse maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes-A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Preconception health provides an opportunity to examine a woman's health status and address modifiable risk factors that can impact both a woman's and her child's health once pregnant. In this review, we aimed to investigate the preconception risk factors and interventions of early pregnancy and its impact on adverse maternal, perinatal and child health outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to include relevant literature identified from electronic databases. We included reviews that studied preconception risk factors and interventions among adolescents and young adults, and their impact on maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. All identified studies were screened for eligibility, followed by data extraction, and descriptive and thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

We identified a total of 10 reviews. The findings suggest an increase in odds of maternal anaemia and maternal deaths among young mothers (up to 17 years) and low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, stillbirths, and neonatal and perinatal mortality among babies born to mothers up to 17 years compared to those aged 19-25 years in high-income countries. It also suggested an increase in the odds of congenital anomalies among children born to mothers aged 20-24 years. Furthermore, cancer treatment during childhood or young adulthood was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, LBW, and stillbirths. Interventions such as youth-friendly family planning services showed a significant decrease in abortion rates. Micronutrient supplementation contributed to reducing anaemia among adolescent mothers; however, human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccination had little to no impact on stillbirths, ectopic pregnancies, and congenital anomalies. However, one review reported an increased risk of miscarriages among young adults associated with these vaccinations.

CONCLUSION

The scoping review identified a scarcity of evidence on preconception risk factors and interventions among adolescents and young adults. This underscores the crucial need for additional research on the subject.

Unveiling silenced narratives: a scoping review on sexual function challenges in migrant and refugee women

INTRODUCTION

Of the approximately 281 million international migrants and 35.3 million refugees around the world, almost half are women. These individuals experience significant stress due to language barriers, financial difficulties, poor living and working conditions, and discrimination. Consequently, concerns related to sexuality may receive lower priority despite their significant impact on overall well-being.

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aims to review the sexual function of migrant and refugee women and identify any knowledge gaps in the field.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). We searched online databases-Medline, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane-and gray literature, with no restrictions on year of publication, language, or study design. Utilizing Covidence software, 2 authors screened and extracted data from studies based on predetermined eligibility criteria. A thematic analysis was executed, and findings were reported descriptively.

RESULTS

Initially, we identified 5615 studies; after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, we ultimately included 12 studies. The review identified a limited body of research with various unvalidated tools. Moreover, these studies yielded heterogeneous results: migrant women reported less sexual knowledge, experience, and liberal attitudes, resulting in lower rates of desire and arousal as compared with nonmigrants. Some studies showed lower sexual function in migrants, while others found no significant differences between migrants and nonmigrants. The assimilation into Western cultures may influence migrants' sexual attitudes and behaviors. Factors such as education and gender role ideology can also significantly affect sexual function among migrant populations.

CONCLUSION

This review underscores the limitations in previous sexual function research, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach. It also offers valuable insights for codesigning programs to address sexual dysfunction among migrant and refugee women, improving their well-being. Future research should prioritize neglected populations and create culturally sensitive interventions to reduce sexual health disparities in migrants.