Long-term effects of a primary health care intervention program for women: lower blood pressure and stable weight.

BACKGROUND: In Strömstad, with 10,000 inhabitants, a cardiovascular prevention program was launched during 1985-1987 because of high rates of cardiovascular disease. To study long-term effects in women, an 8-year follow-up was conducted. METHODS: Participants (n = 114) and nonparticipants (n = 269) in the lifestyle intervention program in 1985-1987 (both groups with cardiovascular risk factors) were compared regarding risk factor levels after 8 years. Effects were also compared to another community not exposed to intervention. RESULTS: After 8 years, intervention participants showed significant reduction of mean systolic blood pressure compared to the control group and had higher intake of dietary fibers and more-positive attitudes to and better knowledge of healthy diets. There was no increase of mean body weight or serum triglyceride levels whatsoever in the intervention group. Compared with another female population not exposed to intervention, body weight and systolic blood pressure changed in a significantly more favorable way. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the prevention program could be discerned after 8 years. Advantages in risk factor changes could also be found when comparing with another female population. Given the high level of stroke in women within the community, the blood pressure advantage in the intervention group is particularly encouraging.

[Gynecologists about lesbian women--an interview study. There is a risk that lesbian women receive worse treatment]. / Gynekologer om lesbiska kvinnor--en intervjustudie. Risk att lesbiska kvinnor får sämre bemötande och behandling.

Lesbian women as patients have reported a lack of professionalism and knowledge in medical care. This interview study focused on the gynecologist in consultation with lesbians, and included questions regarding the gynecologists' knowledge as well as feelings about lesbians and their health-related issues. The study's main conclusion is that gynecologists do not ask about their patient's sexual identity/behavior. They thereby risk offering misleading advice or inadequate treatment.

Focusing on the pregnancy test.

BACKGROUND: Due to high abortion rates in a low status area in Göteborg, Sweden, a study was performed focused on the pregnancy test. METHOD AND MATERIAL: The aim of the study was to facilitate the accessibility of contraceptive counseling offering immediate and extended family planning advice to women with negative pregnancy tests not wishing to become pregnant. There was also an ambition to better understand the lack or inconsistent use of contraceptives and decrease the rate of unwanted pregnancies, which could have an impact on the abortion rates. RESULTS: In an area with 5,200 women of fertile age immediate and extended family planning advice was offered by midwives to all women with no desire for pregnancy and negative pregnancy test results. During the six month data collection period in 1988-1989, 463 women received such a consultation, of whom 310 did not use any contraceptives at the time of the study. Several reasons, on different explanatory levels, for not using contraception were recognized. CONCLUSION: The abortion rate declined in the area, and this decline was observed two years earlier than for the rest of Göteborg. This decline, together with the information on contraception behavior received, may indicate that this kind of approach could be successful.