https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/755 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 03:15:03 GMT 2026-06-21T03:15:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147559 Title: Exploring the experiences of stress of the mother and partner during the perinatal period : a scoping review Abstract: Background - The perinatal period is a vulnerable transition for both mothers and partners. Stress is associated with maternal depression, adverse birth outcomes, and long-term child developmental risks. While most research focuses on the mother, paternal stress is also associated with adverse outcomes such as poorer partner well-being, lower relationship quality, and impaired child development. Internal factors (e.g., health concerns, low self-efficacy) and external factors (e.g., financial strain, poor social support) contribute to perinatal stress in both mother and partner.; Objective - To explore the experiences of stress of the mother and partner during the perinatal period.; Methods - This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across multiple databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science) to identify peer-reviewed studies examining perinatal stress from the perspective of the mother and partner. Eligible studies included couples in pregnancy and up to two years postpartum and report on stress as experienced or perceived by mother and partner. Studies focusing solely on one parent or related to mental health diagnoses, trauma, or COVID-19 were excluded. A convergent synthesis design will be used to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings.; Expected results - The review will explore the experiences of stress of both mother and partner within the perinatal period. Moreover, the factors that are most commonly identified as sources of ameliorating or reducing perinatal stress in the mother and partner are explored. As part of the data extraction, definitions of stress and measurement tools for stress as used by the author, will be mapped. This review will highlight gaps in the current literature and inform the development of future couple-focused interventions and future research. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147559 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146551 Title: Smartphones and social media are harming youth health : a comprehensive public health response is overdue Authors: Gannon, John; Kosola, Silja; Boode, Karin; Calleja-Agius, Jean; Elias, Cecilia; Saxena, Sonia Abstract: The impact of smartphones and social media on child and adolescent health is profound, with evidence increasingly highlighting negative outcomes such as impaired cognitive and social development, mental health issues, and addiction. Excessive screen time and problematic social media use are linked to poor academic performance, disrupted sleep, depression, anxiety, and exposure to harmful content such as misinformation and cyberbullying. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to the developmental imbalance between heightened reward-seeking and still-maturing impulse control in their brains. Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive public health approach involving four key domains: education, support services, user-focused legislation, and corporate regulation. Educational initiatives should promote digital literacy and online safety while campaigns can encourage behaviour change among children, parents, and educators. Support services for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues are crucial. User-focused legislation is needed to reduce screen time and restrict social media access for minors, including the use of age verification tools. Regulatory measures targeting tech companies, such as the EU Digital Services Act, are necessary to hold corporations accountable for their role in public health harms. To protect children’s well-being, a multifaceted strategy that combines education, supports, legal action, and corporate regulation is essential in mitigating the negative effects of technology use. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146551 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146548 Title: Fertility preservation in rare and uncommon gynaecological cancers Authors: Khattak, Hajra; Hussey, Thomas; Wattar, Bassel; Calleja-Agius, Jean Abstract: Fertility preservation has become an essential component of comprehensive cancer care for young women, reflecting a growing recognition that survival must be accompanied by quality of life and the possibility of future parenthood. While fertility-sparing strategies are well established for certain common gynaecological cancers, their application in rare and uncommon malignancies remains complex. These tumours include rare histological subtypes of ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulval cancers. They are often characterised by aggressive biology, diagnostic uncertainty and a limited evidence base, which creates unique challenges in balancing oncological safety with reproductive potential. This chapter provides an in-depth review of current fertility preservation approaches in this context, including conservative surgical techniques, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, ovarian transposition, embryo and oocyte cryopreservation, in vitro maturation, and selected medical strategies. Tumour-specific considerations for germ cell tumours, sex-cord stromal tumours, uterine sarcomas, neuroendocrine carcinomas, and paediatric and adolescent presentations are discussed. Emerging and experimental avenues such as artificial ovaries, uterus transplantation, and in vitro gametogenesis are examined for their potential to expand reproductive options in the future. Central to effective care is a multidisciplinary, individualised approach that incorporates gynaecologic oncology, reproductive medicine, pathology, radiology, nursing, and psychological support, underpinned by clear communication and informed consent. Embedding fertility considerations early in the cancer care pathway enables clinicians to align oncological management with patients’ reproductive goals, ensuring a more holistic approach to treatment. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146548 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146522 Title: Rare gynaecological cancers matter Authors: Calleja-Agius, Jean; Reed, Nicholas Abstract: The second edition of the textbook ‘Rare and Uncommon Gynaecological Cancers’ is a result of the COST Action GYNOCARE (CA18117), which was a 4-year project (2019–2023) funded by the European Cooperation in Science & Technology program (EU COST). GYNOCARE is the European network for Gynaecological Rare Cancer research: From Concept to Cure. The aim of this book is to review most of the relatively uncommon and rare gynaecological cancers and provide guidance on how best to manage these patients by multidisciplinary teams. The introductory chapters cover broad topics such as epidemiology, histopathology, molecular profiling, and imaging. Subsequently, there are specific sections for tumours of the ovary, of the uterus, and of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, followed by chapters on paediatric gynaecological tumours and fertility preservation, as well as trophoblastic tumours. This book is a handy reference for trainers and trainees. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146522 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z