Digital Commons Network^™

Ambient Particulate Matter With Blood Pressure In Adult Women Living In Urban City, Nurusysyarifah Aliyyah, Haryoto Kusnoputranto, Bambang Wispriyono, Laila Fitria

Kesmas

Ambient air pollution, especially from fine particles, contributes to human mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, for which high blood pressure (BP) is a major modifiable risk factor. This study aimed to analyze the influence of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) on the risk of high BP leading to hypertension. This study used a cross-sectional design on 118 adult women living in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Participants were selected from a 1-km radius of the nearest air quality monitoring station with available data PM2.5. Linear regression was analyzed to examine the relationship between PM2.5 and systolic and diastolic BPs adjusted for potential …

Poverty And Commercial Surrogacy In India: An Intersectional Analytical Approach, Sheela Suryanarayanan

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

The destination and source countries for commercial surrogacy match world patterns of inequality. India, Nepal, Thailand, Mexico, and Cambodia banned commercial surrogacy, moving the market to other less-developed countries in South Africa and South America. India had a commercial surrogacy boom until exploitative factors led to the passage of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill in 2019, which banned the practice. This paper examines surrogacy's monetary, health, and emotional effects on 45 surrogate mothers in Gujarat State, India. The study revealed that a majority (63%) of the very poor women remained very poor post-surgery. Surrogate mothers in poor households had to do …

Evaluation Of Self-Confidence In Women With Chronic Disease, Sebahat Atalıkoğlu Başkan, Sevinç Kose Tuncer, Demet Güneş

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Self-confidence, which is an important emotional need in women, affects women's quality of life. This research was conducted to evaluate the self-confidence of women with chronic diseases.

Methods: This study was conducted at the internal medicine clinic of Erzincan Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital in Turkey between August 2019 and June 2020. The sample consisted of 339 female patients with chronic diseases who agreed to participate in this study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using information form and the Women’s Self-Confidence Scale.

Results: The mean total score of the participants was 136.40 ± 24.92. …

Perceptions Of Mental Health Among Pakistani Women With Micro-Finance Loans: An Interpretive Descriptive Study, Farhana Irfan Madhani, Catherine Tompkins, Susan Jack, Carolyn Byrne

The Qualitative Report

Mental health has gained significant recognition and importance as a crucial aspect of overall well-being. An individual's mental health is influenced by the intersection of individual, social, cultural, and systematic sources of stress and resilience. It is important to include subjective conceptualizations of mental health and well-being to develop culturally sensitive approaches to mental health promotion. This qualitative study aimed to understand how urban-dwelling women living in Pakistan who are micro-finance loan recipients conceptualize the meaning of mental health. Using interpretive description methodology, data were collected and analyzed through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted in Urdu with a purposeful sample of …

Applying The Ecological Model Of Human Performance And The Slutwalk Movement To Support Those Affected By Rape Culture In The Context Of Occupational Therapy, Angela Klukken, Sally Wasmuth

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Improving the occupational lives of others is at the heart of occupational therapy practice. Advocacy for clientele is central to this improvement, both at individual and structural levels. We argue that interventions in the Ecological Model of Human Performance (EHP) and the social movement theSlutWalk can offer increased opportunity for occupational therapists to address the harmful implications for clients affected by sexual assault and rape culture. In addition, through the principles of the EHP and the SlutWalk, we propose that occupational therapists can have a hand in eradicating the culture that facilitates and tolerates sexual violence. This paper …

Strength Training: An Inquiry Of Females Perceptions, Laura A. Richardson, Victoria R. Kanel, Alexandria L. Rellinger, Susan E. Ramlo, Carrie L. Fister

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 10, 2023. While traditionally considered a male-dominated activity, women have increasingly embraced strength training. Although strength training has numerous physical and mental benefits to women, their subjective decision-making about using strength training have not been investigated thoroughly, especially using a unique methodology, Q, that is designed specifically to study subjectivity such as viewpoints and decision-making. There is limited research focused on females’ viewpoints about strength training. Capturing feelings and perceptions females have towards resistance training in an objective manner requires a specialized, mixed method called Q methodology [Q] that …

An Overview Of Risk Factors For Androgenetic Alopecia Among Women At Pasar Ambacang, Kuranji, Padang, Lidya Aprilia Sugma, Satya Wydya Yenny, Roslaili Rasyid

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology & Venereology Indonesia

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a patterned hair loss due to chronic and progressive miniaturization of hair follicles. Hair represents femininity and self-confidence in women. Therefore, AGA may affect the quality of life and psychology in women. This study aims to describe the risk factors for AGA in women living in Pasar Ambacang Sub-district, Kuranji District, Padang City.

Method: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study that included 40 women with AGA. Interviews with subjects were conducted. This study was approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee at Universitas Andalas (252/UN.16.2/KEPK-FK/2021)

Results: AGA was mostly found on patients …

A Rapid Review Of The Literature: Cardiovascular Disease Preventive Practices And Rural Black Women, Modjadji M. Choshi, Maria Devalpine

Virginia Journal of Public Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among Black/African American women. Rural Black women have the highest CVD prevalence and are more likely to have modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity than any other race. Accessible evidence-based culture-appropriate self-care programs for risk reduction and CVD prevention can address these disparities. This rapid review aims to provide a comprehensive collection of such programs. Methods. Searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Psychinfo-Embase, and Scopus for studies reporting CVD prevention programs for rural Black women. Three articles met the inclusion criteria, with …

Torn Between The Real Me And The Social Me: Educated Women’S Perspectives Of Surviving Marital Abuse, Mayada A. Daibes, Reema R. Safadi

The Qualitative Report

The perspectives of educated women on surviving abusive marital relationships have not been adequately explored, thus implying a gap in the literature regarding the role of education in enhancing or mitigating the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV). In this context, the question is how do educated women perceive surviving abusive relationships? Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), using flexible semi-structured face-to-face interviews, was conducted to understand the experiences of eight highly educated women (master’s, Ph.D.) in abusive marriage. Four superordinate interrelated themes were developed: (a) developing an awareness of self-respect generating role confusion, (b) being torn between traditions and ambitions, (c) …

Identites Of Women In Indian Art And History, Nalini Rao

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

The stereotypical image of Indian women portrayed in the art of stone sculpture is often interpreted as images of beauty that are sensuous, religious as well depict social life. There are historical reasons for depicting her as such. This paper inquires into the changing depiction and social forces that influenced feminine imagery. This paper examines the portrayal of beauty through idealization of female body which has evolved over the centuries in India. It also aims to understand their changing status and explores issues of feminine identity, status, and empowerment largely in ancient and medieval India. It also provides a brief …

St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction In North African Women: Results From A Twenty-Year Experience., Ikram Chamtouri, Rania Souissi, Nesrine Amdouni, Walid Jomaa, Wajih Abdallah, Khaldoun Ben Hamda, Faouzi Maatouk

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background. Coronary artery disease remains the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population. Several studies in developed countries have reported a gender-related difference in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in terms of risk factors, clinical presentation, delays in management, therapeutic modalities, and in-hospital as well as one-year outcomes. Data from non-developed countries about women with STEMI remain rare. We therefore aimed through this study to investigate the baseline characteristics of STEMI in Tunisian women compared to men and to determine the impact of gender difference on STEMI complications, in-hospital mortality, and one-year follow-up outcomes. Methods. All …

The Lived Experiences Of Middle Eastern Immigrant Women During Their Cancer Survivorship Journey: A Phenomenological Study, Enam Alsrayheen, Khaldoun Aldiabat, Catherine Aquino-Russell

The Qualitative Report

The number of Middle Eastern immigrant women (MEIW) living in Canada has significantly increased. However, this group of women is underrepresented in health research and there is a gap in knowledge of their cancer survivorship experiences in Canada. This phenomenological qualitative approach was employed to uncover the meaning of the lived experiences of MEIW during their cancer survivorship journey (CSJ). Data were collected through unstructured interviews and one written description from three MEIW. The participants' perspectives of cancer risk factors were believed to be the cause of their cancer, and their CSJ was fear-inducing and anxiety-provoking. There appears to be …

Documenting & Describing Experiences Of Marginalized Gender Identities In Healthcare, Laura Stepnowski

Gettysburg Social Sciences Review

Despite its importance to quality and length of life, health varies widely among the U.S. population depending on various sociodemographic factors, such as age, race, gender, and income. This research focuses on the perception of treatment for those with marginalized gender identities. There is a long history of discrepancies in healthcare, but no time such as the present seems to be filled with such a nuanced perspective of quality of treatment for those with marginalized gender identities. This became evident through the focus groups conducted for this study. Findings show that participants used more collaborative language when discussing their positive …

Factors Associated With Independent National Health Insurance Ownership Among Reproductive Aged Women In Indonesia, Ika Putri Widiarti, Haerawati Idris

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Indonesia has been aiming toward universal health coverage since 2019, but it has yet to be achieved. The National Health Insurance (NHI) program provides individual services for women of reproductive age who require health care before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and at the time of labor. This study aims to analyze factors associated with independent NHI ownership among women of reproductive age in Indonesia.

Methods: Secondary data from the Wave 5 Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) involving 2,084 women of reproductive age were used. The chi-square test and logistic regression test were used for data analysis.

Results: …

Physical Activity And Body Image Of Women: Literature Review, Sonia Mosur-Kaluza, Monika Guszkowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This study represents a review of literature on the relationship between recreational physical activity and the body image. This research encompasses 39 papers published between 2008 and 2015 that were available in the Academic Search Complete database. The results of comparative, prospective, and experimental research are ambiguous. These data suggest both a positive relationship between the body image and physical activity, i.e. a more positive body image among more active people and an improvement in the body image as a result of regular exercise, and a negative relationship, in particular, a more negative body image in persons engaging in “aesthetic” …

Examining Body Image And Its Relationship To Exercise Motivation: An 18-Week Cardiovascular Program For Female Initiates With Overweight And Obesity, Erin S. Pearson, Craig R. Hall

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: A healthy body image is related to better psychological well-being and can also impact one’s likelihood to engage in health promoting behaviours such as exercise. To date, there has been a paucity of research investigating the relationship between body image and Self-Determination Theory’s motivational regulations as a function of exercise participation. The purpose of this study was to examine these constructs over the course of an 18-week cardiovascular-based program for female initiates aged 18-45 with overweight and obesity. Material/Methods: Participants (n = 37; mean weight = 83.8 kg; mean waist circumference = 38.3 inches) were provided with a personalized …

Physical Activity And Other Selected Determinants Of The Body Mass Index (Bmi) In Women Aged 40–65 With Type 2 Diabetes From The Krakow Population, Maria Gacek, Agnieszka Wojtowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Excessive body mass is a key risk factor of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to analyse selected determinants of the BMI (body mass index) in women aged 40–65 with type 2 diabetes from the Krakow population. The predictive model includes demographic (age), health (duration of diabetes) as well as behavioural (volume of physical activity) and psychological (life satisfaction) data. Material and methods: ‪The study was conducted among a group of 276 women aged 40–65 (47.92±5.53) with type 2 diabetes. The authors used a specially designed questionnaire, which included socio-demographic questions as well as self-assessment of …

Having Children And Physical Activity Level And Other Types Of Pro-Health Behaviour Of Women From The Perspective Of The Theory Of Planned Behaviour, Piotr Wlodarczyk, Artur Ziolkowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The subject of the paper is pro-health behaviour of women (N=477) who have children (N=124) and those who have no children (N=353). The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) by Icek Ajzen, in the light of which the differences in the health behaviour level of the sample group are considered, constitutes the theoretical basis of this work. Material/Methods: The research group consisted of women at the age of 19–36 (M=27,5 yrs of age SD=4 yrs of age). The Health and Behaviour Survey Questionnaire by Steptoe and Wardle was used for the measurement. Four scales of healthy behaviour values, i.e., taking …

Fidelity Monitoring In The Solution Focused Wellness For Hiv (Sfwh) Intervention For Women, Helen Taylor Yates, Spencer Elise Lee

Journal of Solution Focused Practices

Solution Focused methods are often interpreted by different practitioners with a degree of flexibility and adaptation to specific practice settings (Lehmann & Patton, 2012). This flexibility is one of the features that makes SFBT a very client-centered approach and has been highlighted as one of the key aspects of successful co-construction of desired outcomes with clients (Franklin et al., 2017). This collaborative approach is possible due to SFBT’s utilization of social constructionist principals in the solution-building process (Blundo & Simon, 2015). While encouraging flexibility of implementation of SFBT, identifying the main tenets of the therapy, including specific techniques and mindsets …

Inter-Related Factors Influencing Sexual Quality Of Life Among Women Living With Hiv In Banten Province, Indonesia: A Mixed Methods Study, Dyah Juliastuti, Judith Dean, Yati Afiyanti, Lisa Fitzgerald

Kesmas

Socio-cultural concerns often restrict women's sexual rights and well-being living with HIV (WLHIV) in developing countries. These convergent parallel mixed methods study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore factors influencing WLHIV sexual quality of life in Banten Province, Indonesia. A 2017 cross-sectional survey of 207 reproductive-aged WLHIV was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression statistics. Furthermore, in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of survey participants (n = 30) were thematically analyzed. Most of the women (60%) involved reported loss of sexual pleasure and depressed sexual life. Meanwhile, 48% affirmed low sexual quality of life which was associated with unemployment …

National Health Insurance Scheme: Internal And External Barriers In The Use Of Reproductive Health Services Among Women, Evi Martha, Herna Lestari, Resvi Siti Zulfa, Yoslien Sopamena

Kesmas

Lack of familiarity among the community, medical workers, and administrative staff regarding reproductive health services covered by Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) or the National Health Insurance (NHI) in Indonesia remained a problem. Therefore, this resulted in sub-optimal use of the medical services, as shown by surveys from the Women's Health Foundation for three consecutive years (2015-2017). This qualitative study was conducted with a Rapid Assessment Procedure design in three cities within Indonesia: Padang Pariaman, Manado, and Kupang. Data were collected through IDIs (n = 47informants) and 6 FGDs (7 persons/group). Participants also consisted of NHI RHS users (mothers and …

Muscular Performance And Neuromuscular Fatigue Are Not Sex-Dependent During Low-Load Fatiguing Bilateral Leg Extension Exercise, Taylor K. Dinyer, Evangeline P. Soucie, Pasquale J. Succi, Caleb C. Voskuil, M. Travis Byrd, Haley C. Bergstrom

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose. This study examined the sex-related differences in muscular performance and neuromuscular (electromyographic [EMG] and mechanomyographic [MMG] amplitude [AMP] and mean power frequency [MPF]) responses during fatiguing leg extension repetitions performed at the critical load (CL). Methods. Eleven men and nine women completed one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing, repetitions to failure at 50, 60, 70, and 80% 1RM to determine CL, and repetitions to failure at CL, on separate days. The EMG and MMG, AMP and MPF signals and number of repetitions completed were recorded. Results. There were no sex-dependent responses in the %1RM that corresponded to, the number of repetitions …

The Analysis Of Risk Factors Associated With Women's Urinary Incontinence; Literature Review, Denisa Oana Balalau, Octavian Gabriel Olaru, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Stana Paunica, Daniela Gabriela Balan, Anca Daniela Stanescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition among women. Approximately 50% of them had an involuntary loss of urine at least once in their lifetime. It can be present during sexual activity, contributing to sexual dysfunction and often associated with anxiety or even depression, thus having a negative impact on the quality of life. The incidence of UI is related to the existence of predisposing factors. The best known are: age, weight, family history, race/ ethnicity, number of pregnancies and mode of birth, history of genitourinary interventions and factors related to ordinary habits: smoking, caffeine consumption, oral contraceptives. Studies on …

Influence Of Risk Factors On In-Hospital Outcomes In Women Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndrome In A Tertiary Care Center, Ahmed A. Reda, Ahmed M. El Kersh, Amr I. El-Sayed, Ghada A. Kazamal

Menoufia Medical Journal

Objective The aim of this study is to assess the influence of risk factors on in-hospital outcomes in women presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Background Cardiovascular disease is the cause of death in 55% of women compared with 43% of men. Acute coronary syndrome risk factors increase the likelihood of disease. Clinical research studies have demonstrated that effective risk factor reduction results in decreases in acute coronary syndrome morbidity and mortality. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional study in which data were collected from September 2015 to September 2016. The study included 207 patients admitted in Cardiology Department, National …

A Description Of Covid-19 Lifestyle Restrictions Among A Sample Of Rural Appalachian Women, Michele Staton, Martha Tillson, J. Matthew Webster

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: COVID-19 has led to swift federal and state response to control virus transmission, which has resulted in unprecedented lifestyle changes for U.S. citizens including social distancing and isolation. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 lifestyle restrictions and related behavioral risks is important, particularly among individuals who may be more vulnerable (such as rural women with a history of substance use living in Appalachia).

Purpose: The overall purpose of this study was to better understand the perceptions of lifestyle changes due to COVID-19 restrictions among this vulnerable group.

Methods: The study included a mixed methods survey with a convenience sample of …

A Latent Profile Analysis Of Rural Women Who Use Drugs And Commit Crimes, Michele Staton, Amanda M. Bunting, Erika Pike, Danelle Stevens-Watkins

Journal of Rural Social Sciences

The majority of rural Appalachian women in jail meet criteria for a drug use disorder and need treatment. Using a latent profile analysis of a random sample of rural women in Appalachian jails (N=400) the current study established groups of women based on criminal history, drug use in the commission of crimes, and role of the partner’s drug use in the commission of crimes. Analysis found five distinct profiles of rural women based on involvement of criminal activities as a function of drug use severity. Results suggest that among criminally involved rural women, severity of drug use is a critical …

Critical Social Determinants Of Childbirth Outcomes In Remote Mountains: Voices Of Women From Nepal, Sabitra Kaphle, Lareen Newman

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Objectives: Despite efforts made by the Government of Nepal to reduce maternal and newborn mortality nationally, the rate is still significantly higher in remote mountain areas. This research aimed to fill a gap by asking women about socio-cultural factors influencing childbirth outcomes in remote mountain areas of Nepal.
Methods: This study used a qualitative approach guided by the principles of social constructionist and feminist critical theories to derive factors influencing women’s experiences of giving birth and childbirth outcomes. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 pregnant and postnatal women. A thematic approach was used for data analysis.
Results: Childbirth outcomes in …

Relationship Between Psychosocial-Cultural Factors And African American Women Obesity., Francoise Knox-Kazimierczuk

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objective: To determine associations between African American female obesity and SEM variables.

Design: Data from the National Survey of American Life Self-Administered Questionnaire (NSAL-SAQ), a 2001–2003 nationally representative cross-sectional survey was used to extract data for African American women.

Participants: African American females at a BMI of 18.5 kg/m2 or greater were included in the final sample (n = 2,100) for analysis.

Main Outcome Measure(s): BMI

Analysis: Measures for socioecological model (SEM) were analyzed using a regression model in SPSS.

Results: Intrapersonal and community/institutional levels were found to be significantly associated with BMI. Two multiple regression analyses models were developed …

The Effects Of A Yoga Intervention, Karen R. Arrant, Mary W. Stewart

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Sleep disturbance and stress in postmenopausal women pose physical, mental, and emotional health hazards. Researchers examined the effect of a yoga intervention on sleep, stress, anxiety, and depression in postmenopausal women. The study employed a randomized, controlled trial with: (1) a treatment group (yoga intervention) and (2) an attention-control group (health education). All participants completed three PROMIS® – Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System – tools and collected saliva samples before and after the eight-week intervention. The PROMIS® tools measured sleep, anxiety, and depression. Salivary alpha-amylase quantified sleep; salivary cortisol measured stress; and participants self-reported hours of sleep.

Thirty-one women completed …

Birth Narratives: A Vehicle For Women’S Agency And Catharsis, Charity L. Gibson

Survive & Thrive: A Journal for Medical Humanities and Narrative as Medicine

Pregnant women are often portrayed in the media as sick patients in need of healing. Influential midwife Ina May Gaskin has questioned why the medical field doubts the power of women to trust their own bodies. The belief that pregnancy is a condition which weakens and even in some ways infantilizes women disempowers them. Pregnant women in the media are typically portrayed comically, in which the ailments of their condition are overemphasized while simultaneously trivialized. However, the birthing process itself is typically shown as something that women do not have the ability to navigate on their own. They are out …