ALAN GLEN THORSON, MD

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This study looked at how many women in Argentina have managed their own abortions without using the formal healthcare system, especially after abortion was legalized in 2020. Out of 1340 participants, about 17.1% had experienced at least one abortion, with around 20.7% of those saying they had done so on their own, often out of concerns about the healthcare system. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of women facing unintended pregnancies, as many still feel the need to seek out self-managed care. Who this helps: This helps women facing unintended pregnancies and healthcare providers looking to improve support services.

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This study looked at how the hormone estradiol affects fat cells in obese mice that had their reproductive organs removed. Researchers found that estradiol led to more fat loss in female (XX) mice compared to male (XY) mice, with XX mice showing greater changes in genes related to fat and stem cell behavior. These differences are important because they can help develop targeted treatments for obesity based on sex. Who this helps: This helps patients with obesity, especially women, by informing better treatment options.

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This study focused on improving healthcare in Sierra Leone by addressing the challenges health workers face in treating HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. Researchers found that by collaborating with 19 institutions through a program called SORT IT, they could enhance data collection and use, leading to better health outcomes. This is important because it empowers local healthcare providers with the information they need to tackle these serious diseases more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits health workers and patients affected by HIV, TB, and malaria in Sierra Leone.

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This study looked at how research on infectious diseases affects different communities and found that it is often unequal, favoring wealthier countries and institutions. It emphasizes the need for local involvement in research to improve health outcomes, suggesting that by fostering local ownership and collaboration, we can address these disparities. For example, shifting from top-down assistance to community-driven projects can yield better health results. Who this helps: This benefits patients in low-income regions, healthcare workers, and communities facing health inequities.

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This study looked at the experiences of 12 women in Argentina who managed their own abortions without medical assistance. The researchers found that while some women felt empowered by their choice, others faced fear and health concerns, indicating a complex mix of emotions and experiences. Access to sexual and reproductive health information was crucial but unevenly available, demonstrating the need for better support systems that respect individual choices and experiences in abortion care. Who this helps: This helps women seeking abortions, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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This study focused on developing a research plan for implementing new measles-rubella vaccines using microarray patches (MR-MAPs) in low- and middle-income countries, where measles and rubella remain major health threats. Researchers gathered input from 139 experts and found that their top priorities included improving vaccine distribution, increasing vaccination rates among underserved communities, and ensuring that healthcare workers are adequately trained. Prioritizing this research is crucial to ensure that these innovative vaccines can be effectively rolled out and that everyone, especially those in marginalized communities, has access to lifesaving immunizations. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at how high salt intake affects blood pressure and the body's metabolism, particularly in people with salt-sensitive hypertension. Researchers found that when individuals consumed more sodium, it changed how their bodies processed energy, leading to issues with blood pressure regulation and mitochondrial health. Specifically, in salt-sensitive participants, increases in sodium were connected to higher blood pressure and changes in the way immune cells used energy. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from salt-sensitive hypertension by identifying mechanisms that could lead to better treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how people in Argentina find and share information about abortion after a new law was passed in 2020. Researchers conducted interviews and group discussions with 16 key informants and various community members, finding that most information was shared through informal social networks, especially involving activists and grassroots organizations. This is important because it highlights how personal connections and social media play a key role in communicating vital health information, influencing how people access abortion services. Who this helps: This research benefits patients seeking abortion services, particularly women, transmasculine, and non-binary individuals.

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This research focused on the number of pregnant and recently pregnant women who died due to COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection) and how this varies across different regions and income levels of countries. They analyzed data from 169 studies involving over 319,000 women, finding an overall maternal death rate of 0.87%, with much higher rates in low-income areas: 4.66% in those countries, and even higher in Sub-Saharan Africa (3.48%) and Latin America (3.16%). The important takeaway is that COVID-19 is the leading cause of these deaths, highlighting the urgent need for targeted health measures in the most affected regions. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women, healthcare providers, and policymakers focusing on maternal health.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 infection and vaccination affect pregnant women and their babies by collecting data from over 16,000 women across 43 health facilities in 10 countries. Researchers found that while it was possible to conduct the study in many low- and middle-income countries, they faced challenges like delays in getting the necessary approvals and adapting to changes in the pandemic, such as the introduction of vaccines during the study. Understanding these issues is important because it helps improve future research on pregnancy during health crises. Who this helps: Pregnant women and healthcare providers.

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This study investigated how long the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be found in different body fluids related to sexual activity, such as saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, urine, and feces. It found that 82.6% of saliva samples tested positive for the virus, while only 1.6% of semen samples were positive. The detection in feces was also significant at 31.8%, with the virus lasting the longest in feces (up to 210 days) and saliva (up to 112 days), which is important for understanding the risks of virus transmission during sexual activity. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients and healthcare providers concerned about COVID-19 transmission.

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This study focused on how to strengthen research skills in low- and middle-income countries while working on sexual and reproductive health issues. The researchers found that embedding specific actions into research projects can help build these skills effectively, outlining seven key steps to follow. This is important because improving research capacity can lead to better health policies and practices that meet the needs of communities. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in low- and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at trends in authorship in sexual and reproductive health research from 1972 to 2021, focusing on the gender and geographic backgrounds of authors associated with major global health organizations. Researchers analyzed 1,484 publications and found that 42.5% of authors were female, but men held senior roles more often—53.7% of last authors were male. The results highlight ongoing gender imbalances in who gets to lead research, which is important for ensuring diverse perspectives in health studies. Who this helps: This benefits patients and researchers by promoting gender equality in health research.

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This study looked at the challenges faced by people from low- and middle-income countries who took an online course on implementation research. Researchers interviewed 23 participants and found that barriers included the need for more expert guidance, limited networking opportunities, and issues like language difficulties and internet access. Addressing these obstacles is crucial for helping these learners effectively use their training, which can ultimately improve healthcare outcomes in their communities. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at how three global health organizations can work together more effectively to improve research efforts in low- and middle-income countries. They created a "theory of change," which is a plan outlining how to reach their goal of strengthening research capacity through three main strategies: conducting more research, enhancing research systems, and applying research to public health needs. By collaborating on this framework, they aim to make their programs more effective and ultimately improve public health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients in low- and middle-income countries by ensuring that health research more effectively meets their needs.

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This study looked at the relationship between climate change and sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries. It found that climate events, like extreme heat and floods, are linked to serious health issues for mothers and babies, such as low birth weight and increased risks of complications, as well as rising rates of gender-based violence and health challenges like HIV. The research highlights important gaps, especially in areas like abortion and contraception, which need to be addressed to improve health responses. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly women and newborns in vulnerable communities.

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This study looked at how effective COVID-19 vaccines are for pregnant women in reducing the risk of getting COVID-19 and complications during pregnancy. It found that vaccinated pregnant women had 61% lower chances of catching the virus and 94% lower chances of being hospitalized due to COVID-19. Vaccination also reduced the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy by 12% and the need for cesarean sections by 9%. It is important because it shows that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women and can help protect both them and their babies. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at women who were pregnant or had recently given birth and had COVID-19 to identify what risk factors might lead to worse health outcomes for them and their babies. The research included nearly 22,000 cases from 33 different countries and found that women with existing health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure were more likely to face severe illness and complications in pregnancy, with some factors increasing the risk of death by as much as 14 times. The findings emphasize the need for extra care and preventive measures for pregnant women with additional health concerns. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women at risk, healthcare providers, and policymakers focused on maternal health.

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This study looked at the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women and their babies by analyzing data from 12 different studies involving over 13,000 pregnant women. It found that pregnant women with COVID-19 were significantly more likely to face serious health issues, such as a seven times higher risk of death and nearly 15 times the risk of needing mechanical ventilation. Babies born to infected mothers were also more likely to be preterm or have low birth weight, but there was no connection found to stillbirth. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers by highlighting the increased risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy.

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This study focused on a mentorship program developed for early-career women researchers in sexual and reproductive health from low- and middle-income countries. It found that mentoring can significantly enhance research skills and confidence among these women, especially when they are actively involved in choosing their mentors and provided with opportunities to network. This matters because improving support for women researchers helps promote gender equality and strengthens overall research capabilities in health. Who this helps: Early-career women researchers in health fields.

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This study looked at a new type of implant that releases a medication called cabotegravir, which helps prevent HIV infection, for more than six months. The researchers found that this implant effectively kept levels of the drug high enough to provide complete protection against HIV in female macaques, and the drug worked well without causing side effects. This is important because it could improve how people take HIV prevention medication, making it easier for them to stay protected for longer periods. Who this helps: Women at risk for HIV, healthcare providers, and public health initiatives.

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This study focuses on how calcium supplements can help prevent pre-eclampsia, a serious condition during pregnancy that can threaten both mothers and babies. The researchers are analyzing data from various trials to find out the best dosage and timing for calcium supplements, with a goal to identify the most effective approach and evaluate how cost-effective this strategy would be, especially in low-income countries. The findings will help improve pregnancy outcomes, as pre-eclampsia contributes significantly to maternal and baby health issues worldwide. Who this helps: Patients and doctors managing pregnancies at risk for pre-eclampsia.

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This study looked at a new type of 3D-printed vaginal ring designed to prevent both HIV and unintended pregnancies. Researchers found that the ring can release effective drugs for up to 150 days in a lab setting and for 14 days in sheep without causing any harmful effects. This is important because it could give young women and girls more control over their sexual health, as there are currently limited options available for them. Who this helps: This helps young women and adolescent girls, especially those living with HIV.

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This study looked at how effective online training programs are for improving research skills in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Out of 1,510 articles reviewed, six studies were included, involving 2,058 remote learners. The findings showed that in five of the six studies, participants improved their research skills, and in three studies, they felt more confident about conducting research. This matters because boosting the research skills of professionals in this field can lead to better health outcomes and advancements in their careers. Who this helps: Patients, researchers, and health professionals working in sexual and reproductive health.

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This study looked at a mentorship program designed for early career women researchers in sexual and reproductive health from low- and middle-income countries. The results showed that all participants found the initial training beneficial, and most mentees and mentors planned to continue their relationships beyond the program. This is important because structured mentorship can help overcome gender-related barriers in research and foster professional growth for women in a challenging field. Who this helps: This helps early career women researchers and their mentors in sexual and reproductive health.

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This study looked at the challenges and opportunities for pregnant women to take calcium supplements, which are recommended to help prevent a condition called pre-eclampsia. It found that 18 reports highlighted barriers such as a lack of knowledge about the benefits of calcium, fears about side effects, and practical issues like taking other supplements or being busy with work. However, support from families and healthcare providers, reliable information, and easy access to supplements were identified as ways to encourage women to take them. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women and healthcare providers working to improve maternal health.

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This study looked at how many babies born to mothers with COVID-19 tested positive for the virus, when transmission occurred, and the health outcomes for those babies. The researchers found that only 1.8% of babies born to infected mothers tested positive for COVID-19, with confirmed transmission happening rarely and primarily before or during birth. The findings are important because they show that while some babies can get the virus from their mothers, the overall rates are low, and the severity of the mother's illness can increase the risk of transmission. Who this helps: This helps expecting mothers and healthcare providers understand the risks of mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19.

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This study focuses on collecting and analyzing data about COVID-19 in pregnant women and new mothers to understand its impact on them and their babies. Researchers have gathered information from over 76,000 pregnancies across 41 countries and will combine this data to provide clear guidelines on the risks and outcomes associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy. This information is crucial for improving care practices and informing health policies for pregnant patients. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women, new mothers, and healthcare providers.

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This study examined how long the Ebola virus can remain in the semen of male survivors from Sierra Leone after they recovered from the disease. Researchers analyzed data from 203 survivors and found that using advanced statistical methods provided clearer results about the virus's persistence, improving accuracy in understanding its presence in body fluids. This is important because knowing how long the virus lasts can help reduce transmission risks and improve health strategies during outbreaks. Who this helps: This research benefits Ebola survivors and health professionals managing their care.

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This research looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected women and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health services, such as contraception and abortion, between December 2019 and July 2021. Out of 3,067 studies reviewed, 83 were included, revealing that many services saw a decline in availability: access to contraception and in-person abortions decreased significantly due to transportation issues, financial problems, and legal restrictions. This is important because it highlights the urgent need to improve health services during crises so that women and girls can still get the care they need, especially marginalized populations. Who this helps: This helps women and girls who need sexual and reproductive health services.

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This study looked at how sleep issues relate to inflammation in a group of 319 Swedish women. The researchers found that women who reported having trouble sleeping had higher levels of a marker called C-reactive protein (CRP), with a significant increase in CRP levels for those with insomnia symptoms (up to 1.23 times higher in severe cases). Additionally, getting more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was linked to lower CRP levels, indicating that better sleep may help reduce inflammation. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for patients dealing with sleep problems, as it highlights the importance of sleep quality for reducing inflammation and potential health risks.

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This study looked at a method called web-based respondent-driven sampling, which is used to recruit participants for research and health programs online. Researchers analyzed 18 studies conducted in eight countries, finding that the number of people recruited varied greatly, from 19 to 3,448 participants. They discovered that better recruitment performance happened when researchers carefully selected participants, offered incentives, and matched methods to how connected their target communities were online. Who this helps: This helps researchers and public health officials looking to effectively reach and engage diverse populations for health studies and interventions.

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This study looked at how a global research project on maternal sepsis helped improve research skills among local health workers in 52 countries, primarily in Africa and Latin America. Researchers interviewed 63 participants, and found that 82% were health workers who recognized the need for better research training and support in their institutions. This is important because enhancing research capacity leads to better health outcomes and more effective healthcare solutions in these regions. Who this helps: This helps local health workers, researchers, and patients in low- and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at how willing men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam are to use HIV prevention medication called PrEP and what concerns they have about it. The researchers conducted focus groups with 30 young men who were mostly interested in using PrEP due to its effectiveness in reducing HIV risk, but they also expressed worries about side effects, forgetting to take the pill, stigma from others, and trust issues with where to get it. Most participants preferred a long-acting injectable form of PrEP over daily pills and suggested that providing PrEP in friendly clinics would be more effective than pharmacies. Who this helps: This research helps men who have sex with men in Vietnam by identifying how to better support their use of HIV prevention resources.

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This study looked at using a mobile health system to help community health workers in South Africa connect with hospitals and clinics to better care for patients, especially children under 5 years old. Out of 2,204 client follow-up requests, 628 (28%) were successful, and of 1,085 people referred for care, 485 (45%) actually got the help they needed. This shows that while the mobile system can improve communication and outreach, there are still challenges to making it fully effective, particularly in ensuring that health facilities can support these efforts. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly young children, who need better access to healthcare services.

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This study focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and rights. Researchers found that disruptions in healthcare, including prenatal checks and access to contraception, significantly impact SRH, with increased concerns about gender-based violence and stigma surrounding the virus. It's essential to address these issues to ensure that people receive the necessary care. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those who are pregnant or have conditions like HIV, and health providers.

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This study looked at how people in Sierra Leone feel about providing body fluids for research on Ebola virus persistence. Researchers found that while most participants viewed the testing positively, some were hesitant about providing certain fluids like semen and blood due to cultural beliefs. Understanding these perceptions is crucial for designing effective research programs that can encourage participation and improve responses to future Ebola outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps patients and health researchers working on Ebola and similar diseases.

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This research paper highlights the importance of addressing sexual and reproductive health during the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes that disruptions caused by the outbreak have led to challenges for many people in accessing essential healthcare services, which particularly affected around 1.6 billion individuals globally. This is significant because unmet sexual and reproductive healthcare needs can lead to increased health risks and inequalities. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially women and marginalized groups who rely on sexual and reproductive health services.

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This study looked at a free texting service called MAMA that sends health messages to pregnant women in Johannesburg, South Africa, to improve their health and the health of their babies. The researchers spoke with 15 women using the service and found that, while many had negative experiences with the healthcare system, the majority found the text messages to be helpful, clear, and supportive. This matters because it shows that text messages can provide valuable information to expectant and new mothers, particularly in areas where trust in healthcare is low. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women and new mothers.

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This study examined the quality of care provided to mothers and newborns during and immediately after childbirth in Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. The researchers found that while handling newborns, care providers followed best practices for keeping them warm over 90% of the time, but did poorly on hygiene measures: only about 8% used sterile gloves during examinations in Burkina Faso, and just 7% washed their hands in Côte d'Ivoire. This matters because poor adherence to hygiene can lead to serious health issues for both mothers and babies. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly mothers and newborns, by highlighting the need for better care practices in hospitals.

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This research studied how methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) spreads in hospitals by looking at patient interactions. The researchers tracked contact patterns among 743,182 patients across 485 hospitals for over 3,000 days and found that some patients acted as "super-spreaders," leading to faster outbreaks. They discovered that screening patients when they are admitted to the hospital is a more effective way to control MRSA spread than just focusing on reducing the chances of infection. Who this helps: This helps hospitals and healthcare providers reduce the spread of MRSA and protect patients.

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This research focused on improving health by enhancing the ability of researchers in low- and middle-income countries to conduct effective studies, especially in sexual and reproductive health. The HRP Alliance, a network of institutions that collaborates with the World Health Organization, provides training and practical experiences to local researchers, ensuring they can contribute to better health programs. This is crucial because successful health initiatives rely on local knowledge and expertise, particularly in regions that face significant health challenges. Who this helps: This benefits patients in low- and middle-income countries by improving health services and programs tailored to their needs.

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Researchers looked at how COVID-19 affects pregnant women, including their health outcomes and the health of their babies. They found that 10% of pregnant women in hospitals were diagnosed with COVID-19, with the most common symptoms being fever and cough. Pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to need intensive care and have serious complications, with their risk of maternal death increasing by nearly three times compared to those without the virus. This information is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their doctors.

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This study looks at COVID-19 in pregnant and recently postpartum women by gathering and updating information about how often the virus occurs in this group, what symptoms they experience, factors that increase their risk, and how effective different diagnoses and treatments are. The researchers plan to analyze data from various sources and studies, updating their findings weekly to include the latest information. This research is important because it will help improve care and treatment for pregnant women affected by COVID-19, making sure they receive the best possible support during the pandemic. Who this helps: Pregnant women and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the rates of HIV infection among women in four U.S. cities (Chicago, Detroit, Houston, and Seattle) who exchange sex for money or drugs. It found that 4.9% of these women were HIV positive, which is significantly higher than the 1.6% among women of similar economic status who do not exchange sex and just 0.6% in the general female population. This is important because it highlights a serious health risk for these women, indicating a need for targeted healthcare and prevention services. Who this helps: This helps women who exchange sex, healthcare providers, and public health officials.