Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care services at Thai community hospital.

BACKGROUND: To decrease preventable maternal mortality, providing health education to all parties is mandatory. Good knowledge, including awareness of pregnant women regarding obstetric danger signs (ODS), leads to appropriate practices and services. The knowledge of ODS varies among countries and regions. Since the data in rural regions of Thailand remains unavailable, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of good ODS knowledge and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal services at a Thai community hospital. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, analytical study in 415 singleton pregnant women who visited the antenatal clinic at Wang Saphung Hospital, Loei, Thailand. A well-trained research assistant interviewed all participants using the data record form containing twenty items on the demographic and obstetric data and sixteen items on ODS knowledge. An ODS score of at least 75% (12 points) was considered a good level of knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 275 participants (66.27%) had good knowledge of ODS. The most recognized ODS was vaginal bleeding whereas the least recognized ODS during pregnancy was convulsion; the least recognized ODS during labor and delivery was retained placenta. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the predictive factors of good OBS knowledge included a higher education level, maternal age of at least 20 years, and having medical personnel as a source of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: In a rural setting of Thailand, two-thirds of pregnant women had good ODS knowledge. Identifying those at risk for fair and poor ODS knowledge and prompt management for the vulnerable subgroups might help decrease maternal mortality.

Student academic performance in non-lecture physiology topics following the abrupt change from traditional on-site teaching to online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-clerkship medical education, including all physiology classes, was obliged to change to online teaching due to limitations of on-site (face-to-face) classes. However, the effectiveness of online teaching in non-lecture physiology topics during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been thoroughly investigated. METHOD: We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the students' academic achievement and opinions on online teaching during the COVID-19 academic year. Academic achievement of 312 students in the COVID-19 year was compared with that of 299 students in the pre-COVID-19 year. Student opinions regarding social interactions and the preferred learning method were also collected. RESULTS: We found that student academic achievement in the non-lecture physiology topics, assessed by summative scores, was 4.80±0.92 percent higher in the pre-COVID-19 year than in the COVID-19 year (P < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.42). Students rated that online classes tended to reduce their interactions with peers and teachers; however, students preferred online learning over traditional on-site learning. CONCLUSIONS: This study pointed out that students' academic performance related to the physiology topics taught by online non-lecture methods during the COVID-19 pandemic was lower than their performance when the topics were taught by the traditional (on-site) methods, although students reported that they preferred the online teaching. Hence, we suggest that medical teachers should deliberately plan and utilise a variety of tools and techniques when developing online non-lecture classes to preserve the interactivity of the classes, which might overcome this gap in students' academic performance.

Mental Health of Transmasculine Adults Receiving Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in Thailand.

Purpose: Many studies have shown conflicting results regarding mental health among transmasculine adults or transgender men (TM). This study aimed to identify the prevalence of depression among Thai TM receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Methods: All TM, over 18 years of age, who received GAHT for at least three consecutive months were invited to complete a self-report questionnaire that covered participants' demographic and clinical data. Mental health, including depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL), was assessed. We reported the prevalence of mental illnesses and examined the correlations between mental health scores and other associated data. Results: A total of 84 TM were included in the analysis. Major depression and generalized anxiety disorder were detected in 14.3% and 3.6%, respectively. Depression severity was negatively associated with age and QoL. Depression and anxiety severity were found to be positively associated. Conclusions: Compared with the general Thai population, the prevalence of mental health problems among Thai TM receiving GAHT was higher. Age of maturity may be a potential mental health protective factor, and assessment in younger individuals may benefit mental health.

Complex psychiatric comorbidities in Thai trans women: A case series.

Trans women (TW) have a high prevalence of poor mental health. Gender-affirming treatments could reduce distress regarding their gender incongruity. However, psychiatric comorbidities might complicate the management or even confirmation of being transgender. We reported three TW with complex mental illnesses, including anxiety disorder with cultural explanation, neurodevelopmental disorders with cross-dressing, and severe personality disorder accompanied by major depression. All cases received both psychiatric and gender-affirming treatments, which demonstrated promising outcomes. Along with gender dysphoria (GD), psychiatric comorbidities also altered these TW's identity and manifestations. Recognition of such conditions would be beneficial in providing care for all TW, both with and without GD.

Delayed Ejaculation Due to Improper Male Condom Size: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed ejaculation (DE) is a poorly understood and uncommon male sexual dysfunction. The etiology of DE includes psychological and biological factors, which are usually combined. Herein, we report a case of acquired and situational DE due to improper male condom size. AIMS: To identify and correct the possible cause of acquired and situational DE. METHODS: A male patient presented with new-onset DE for 6 months. His physical and mental examination was unremarkable. Laboratory results were all normal. He was diagnosed with acquired, situational DE and received sessions of sexual counseling. However, his DE persisted until he accidentally used a larger condom. He then reported normal orgasm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of acquired and situational DE. RESULTS: His DE was improved after using a more proper condom size. CONCLUSION: Most patients are believed to have psychological problems and proper condom use is under-recognized. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of DE caused by this etiology. Wainipitapong S, Wiwattarangkul T, Bumphenkiatikul T. Delayed Ejaculation Due to Improper Male Condom Size: A Case Report. Sex Med 2021;9:100373.

Effects of vaginal administration of conjugated estrogens tablet on sexual function in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is prevalent in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Vaginal estrogen is effective GSM treatment. This study was primarily aimed to evaluate the effects of vaginal administration of conjugated estrogens tablet on postmenopausal FSD using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Secondary aims were to evaluate vaginal pH, Vaginal Maturation Value (VMV), Normal Flora Index (NFI) and Most Bothersome Symptoms (MBS) changes. METHODS: A double-blind trial was conducted in postmenopausal women with FSD (FSFI ≤26.55). Sixty-seven participants were randomized into two arms; vaginally administered conjugated estrogens tablet (0.625 mg, daily for 3 weeks then twice weekly for 9 weeks, n = 33), or placebo (n = 34). RESULTS: There was no significant improvement of FSFI observed in estrogens arm compared to placebo in each domain and overall index (p = 0.182). The estrogens significantly improved vaginal pH and VMV, toward more acidity (p = < 0.001), higher VMV (p = < 0.001) and more superficial cells (p = < 0.001). We observed no significant difference in NFI and MBS between arms (p = 0.282, 0.182). CONCLUSION: We found no significant changes in FSFI, NFI, and MBS, but significant improvement in vaginal pH and VMV in postmenopausal women with FSD treated with vaginally administered conjugated estrogens tablet. Few side-effects were reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trial Registry identification number TCTR20180219001 , prospectively registered since 2018-02-19 11:33:21.