Cold Exposures in Relation to Dysmenorrhea among Asian and White Women
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15460390 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Tianying Wu (0000-0003-1679-3511, San Diego State University, corresponding author), C Doyle (0009-0007-6170-1686, San Diego State University), Joy Ito (San Diego State University), Neeraja Ramesh (San Diego State University), Deepali Karina Ernest (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), Noe C Crespo (0000-0002-2302-5257, San Diego State University), Fang‐Chi Hsu (0000-0001-6955-929X, Wake Forest University), Eyal Oren (0000-0001-7817-3516, San Diego State University) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 56-56 |
| Publication date | 2023-12-30 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph21010056 |
| PMID | 38248521 |
| OpenAlex | W4390468170 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 2 |
Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent, ranging from 16% to 91% among women, and it can lead to multiple reproductive disorders. However, risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea remain unexamined. Cold exposures can significantly disturb blood circulation and prostaglandin production in the uterus, leading to dysmenorrhea. This study investigated the relationship between cold exposures and dysmenorrhea, as well as potential disparities between Asians and Whites and the potential cultural influences on these associations. This was a cross-sectional survey among 197 Asian and 222 non-Asian women recruited from the U.S., with more than 40% from California. We assessed cold exposures, such as the frequency of consumption of cold water/drinks and ice cream, as well as room temperatures at home and public places, for both summer and winter over the past 12 months. The type of cold exposure associated with dysmenorrhea differs between Asian and White women. We found that among Asian women, a higher frequency of ice cream consumption in winter (beta = 1.19, p = 0.0002 when comparing high to low categories) was associated with dysmenorrhea; however, among White women, increased consumption of cold water/drinks in winter (beta = 0.49, p = 0.04 when comparing high to low categories) was also associated with dysmenorrhea. Higher home room temperatures in winter were associated with reduced severity of dysmenorrhea among White women but not among Asian women. All these associations supported our hypothesis and were stronger among women who lived in states with colder winters. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, women who drank cold water/drinks less frequently during their menstrual period were more likely to experience more severe dysmenorrhea. In conclusion, this study provides crucial evidence to support the link between cold exposures and dysmenorrhea among Asians and Whites. The associations contradictory to our hypothesis are likely due to reserved causation influenced by Asian cultural practice. This paper sheds light on an understudied area that profoundly affects women's quality of life
Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Extreme Cold · Demography · Endometriosis Research and Treatment · Medicine · Menstrual Health and Disorders · Stress Responses and Cortisol
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |