Bliss Kaneshiro, MD, Wins First Prize For Research Paper - American College Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 06 May 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) awarded first prize to ACOG Junior Fellow, Bliss Kaneshiro, MD, for her research paper Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Sexual Behavior. Dr. Kaneshiro, an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, presented her winning paper at ACOG's 56th Annual Clinical Meeting.

Some studies have suggested that obese and overweight women have a higher risk of unintended pregnancy than do normal weight women, according to Dr. Kaneshiro. Although multiple factors, including contraceptive use and its efficacy, may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy among these women, sexual behavior and the frequency of intercourse could also be a factor.

Dr. Kaneshiro's objective was to study the impact of body mass index (BMI) on sexual behavior. It is important to understand this relationship because preexisting physician biases can affect how heavy women are counseled about pregnancy and STD prevention. Dr. Kaneshiro studied the relationship between BMI and sexual behavior, including sexual orientation, age at first intercourse, number of partners, and frequency of intercourse.

"Our analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle 6 demonstrated that obese and overweight women do not differ significantly in some of the objective measures of sexual behavior compared to women of normal weight," said Dr. Kaneshiro. "This study indicates that all women deserve diligence in counseling on unintended pregnancy and STD prevention, regardless of BMI.

"The obesity epidemic in the US has resulted in serious health consequences for many individuals and for the health care system as a whole," according to Dr. Kaneshiro. "Physicians of all specialties must factor body weight into their clinical decision-making process on a daily basis."

Alison B. Edelman, MD, MPH; Jeffrey T. Jensen, MD, MPH; and Mark D. Nichols, MD, from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, were co-researchers with Dr. Kaneshiro (formerly of OHSU).

** This year's meeting will include many sessions related to obesity issues in obstetrics-gynecology, including postgraduate courses, clinical seminars, interactive sessions, paper sessions, and luncheon conferences. **

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is the national medical organization representing over 52,000 members who provide health care for women.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists