Knowledge and Behaviors in Reproductive Health Among Mexican Women With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases:...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (ARDs)
• Global Health Disparities

Background:

• Reproductive health is crucial for women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), yet knowledge and practice gaps persist.
• Limited research exists on ARD reproductive health in middle-income countries, where healthcare access is often unequal.
• This study addresses reproductive health behaviors in Mexican women with ARDs, focusing on areas needing improved education and counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess reproductive health knowledge among Mexican women with ARDs.
• To evaluate contraceptive use and pregnancy planning in this population.
• To identify specific needs for enhanced reproductive health education and counseling.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 725 women aged 18-50 with ARDs in Mexico.
• Data collected via the Rheum Reproductive Behavior questionnaire (August 2023 - February 2024).
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Nearly half (47.29%) of participants reported inconsistent contraceptive use.
• 47.7% of pregnancies were unplanned.
• 36% lacked contraception information, 34% received inadequate preconception counseling, and only 38% felt well-informed about pregnancy risks.

Conclusions:

• Significant deficiencies exist in reproductive health knowledge and pregnancy planning among Mexican women with ARDs.
• Inconsistent contraceptive use highlights a major gap in healthcare counseling and guidance.
• Targeted educational programs and standardized counseling are essential to improve reproductive health outcomes globally.