Effects Of Gender Research Articles

Leaving No One Behind: Examining the effect of financial, gender, and digital inclusion on sustainable development

AbstractThis paper analyzes the effects of different dimensions of inclusion toward the attainment of sustainable development in 33 sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries from the financial, gender, and technological perspectives between 2004 and 2021. This study employs the System Generalized Method of Moments given its ability to address potential endogeneity issues, capture the dynamic nature of relationships, and mitigate potential biases while adopting the Driscoll–Kraay standard errors for robustness check. Findings reveal two of the three measures of financial inclusion wield positive and significant effects on sustainable development while credit to the private sector is found to be detrimental. Also, all three measures of gender inclusion (female employment to population, female labor force participation rate, and the number of women holding a seat in parliament) positively influence sustainable development. Contrastingly, the coefficients of digital inclusion (mobile phone subscription and internet usage) were revealed to be harmful to sustainable development in SSA. This paper advocates for increased financial inclusion through financial literacy, customized financial products, and gender‐sensitive financial services. Pertinent are gender policies that address gender norms in addition to the enactment, avowed commitment, and support for affirmative action toward closing gender gaps across all sectors and at all levels.

Effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study explores the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices in vegetable production.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data collected from a survey of 627 vegetable farmers in Viet Nam and employed the Ordered Probit regression model to examine the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices.FindingsWe find that female vegetable farmers are more likely to conduct biodiversity conservation farming practices than male farmers. This gender difference is, however, removed when participation in agricultural cooperatives is controlled, suggesting that agricultural cooperatives effectively facilitate biodiversity conservation farming practices.Research limitations/implicationsIt is noted that our study is not free from some limitations. First, we conducted our study on vegetable farmers only. The biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable cultivation might be different from other types of farming. Future studies should be conducted with other types of agricultural cultivation. Second, we do not have enough data to explain why female farmers are more likely to adopt biodiversity conservation practices than male farmers. Future studies should capture biological and social aspects of gender differences to address this limitation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on biodiversity conservation by presenting empirical evidence on the effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives. Participation in agricultural cooperatives is revealed to facilitate the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices. In addition, we find that the education of farmers, the number of years that farmers have been living in the local area and the quality of land and water are positively related to the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable production.

UPDATE KNOWLEDGE: PERAN GENDER DAN MASA KERJA TERHADAP MOTIVASI KERJA PERAWAT DI RAWAT INAP RUMAH SAKIT

<p><em>Quantitative workload can be expressed as the amount of work required to fulfil a patient's medical needs. High-quality workload represents a high level of responsibility in patient care. Nurses' workload is the most important predictor of mental health, stress, job dissatisfaction, fatigue, and the presence of burnout. This service activity aims to provide and increase student knowledge about the Effect of Gender and Years of Service on Work Motivation of Nurses in Hospital Inpatients to Students of the Hospital Administration Study Program, Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kusuma Husada University, Surakarta by using a pre-experiment design with a research design of one group pretest and post-test design with a total of 35 students and the activity time in May 2024. This service uses quantitative research with multiple linear regression. There is an increase in the knowledge of participants before and after the provision of material marked by the pre-test and post test which shows that the level of knowledge before being given the material is 69% but after being given the material has increased to 89%. There is a significant difference between students' knowledge about gender roles and tenure on nurses' work motivation in hospital inpatient care.</em></p><p><strong><em>Keywords: Workload, Gender, Work motivation, Nurses, Hospitalisation</em></strong><em></em></p>

Adolescent mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. Cross-Sectional survey in Barcelona

Abstract Background Adolescents’ mental health information and help-seeking is critical for preventing the development of mental disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and information and help-seeking behaviours, as well as the effects of age and gender. Methods A cross-sectional online survey on a representative sample of 2,240 secondary school students in Barcelona from 11 randomly selected schools. Participants are evenly distributed by age (25% each course) and gender. Results Most adolescents show good recognition of mental disorders and knowledge of mental health (M = 6.39/10; SD = 1.97 and M = 7.75/10; SD = 1.21 respectively). They report having good literacy (M = 3.25/5; SD = 0.71) to search and manage online health information (eHealth literacy), and around half of them affirm having enough knowledge about mental health for them. Search engines (35.7%) and talking to family/friends (31.8%) are preferred for mental health information-seeking, but 19.8% chose not to engage in active information-seeking behaviour. When having mental health concerns, they prefer seeking help (“I would not ask for help” M = 2.4/7; SD = 1.93), and turning to family (M = 4.7/7; SD = 2.4) and friends (M = 4/7; SD = 2.1), instead of health professionals (M = 2.5/7; SD = 3.5). Chi-square test reveals that: lower recognition of mental disorders is associated with not help-seeking; lower mental health knowledge is associated with beliefs that information for mental health promotion, prevention, and care is unnecessary; and higher eHealth literacy is related to information searching in social media, but not to active searching. The ANOVA test reveals a significant gender-age interaction in certain variables, particularly in the recognition of mental disorders, which is higher in girls and increases with age. Conclusions Higher eHealth literacy is related to information-seeking on social media, but not to active search. Girls have a higher level of recognition of mental disorders. Key messages • Adolescents need a support network to seek mental health help, as they often avoid seeking professional help. • Mental health promotion activities would benefit from further exploration of gender differences.

Changes in peak oxygen consumption on excercise and cardiomyopathy disease stage in Fabry disease

Abstract Background Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder manifesting as deficiency in the enzyme α-Galactosidase A (1) resulting in multi-organ accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) (2) This causes predominantly cardiac, renal and cerebrovascular manifestations. Shortness of breath and exercise intolerance are common and can be related to multiple underlying mechanisms. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPEX) quantifies aerobic fitness, functional capacity, chronotropic and haemodynamic response to exercise, and attributes effort intolerance to different aetiologies, including impaired cardiac and respiratory function. Purpose We hypothesise that there is progressive effort intolerance that reflects continual cardiac Gb3 accumulation, becoming common during myocardial hypertrophy and disabling in the fibrosis and inflammation stage. The aims of this study were to ascertain frequency and severity of exercise intolerance in FD by investigating the relationship between peak maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and cardiac disease stage, quantified based on a four-point scale, as proposed in published literature (3). Methods This was a retrospective review of adults with FD and exercise intolerance attending a specialist clinic who had undergone either CPEX or six-minute walk testing (6MWT) in those less mobile. Biochemical, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) data were also collected. Results N=54 patients underwent CPEX and N=35 patient underwent 6MWT. Estimated peak VO2 max was calculated using 6MWD in those undergoing 6MWT. Median age was 54 (IQR 40-62) years and 53% were male. Patients were equally distributed across disease stage (1-4). There were significant trends in age (increasing) and gender (male predominance) from stage 1-4. Age/sex-normalised peak VO2 max values were calculated as per published literature due to the confounding effect of age and male gender. Mean normalised VO2 max was 35.5ml/kg/min for the cohort, an underperformance of 12.3 ± 8.0 ml/kg/min. The magnitude of underperformance began from stage 1 (no cardiomyopathy) and increased with each stage (Figure 1). Impairments in renal (creatinine and albumin: creatinine ratio) and cardiac biomarkers (troponin and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide) was associated with reduced VO2 max (Table 1). Increased indexed left ventricular mass on CMR and impairments in atrial volume and function on TTE were also associated with a reduction in VO2 max (Table 1). Conclusion This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate impairments in peak aerobic capacity in adults with FD and no cardiomyopathy (stage 1) which impairs further with cardiac disease stage. Future work should focus on how disease-modifying therapy can target this using VO2 as an endpoint and marker of response.Normalised peak VO2 max + disease stageVO2 max and blood / imaging parameters

Exploring the Longitudinal Links Popularity Goals and Adolescent Cyberbullying Perpetration: The Moderating Effects of Gender and Cultural Context

Background/Objectives: This longitudinal study aimed to examine how gender influences the relationship between popularity goals and cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents in China and the United States, controlling for peer-nominated popularity. Additionally, the study sought to identify potential cross-cultural differences in these dynamics. Methods: The research involved 1063 eighth and ninth graders (ages 12–16; 48.7% girls) who completed self-reported surveys in the fall of 2022 (Time 1) regarding cyberbullying behaviors and popularity goals. Peer nominations of popularity were also collected. Follow-up data on cyberbullying perpetration were obtained one year later in the fall of 2023 (Time 2). Results: Popularity goals were found to positively predict cyberbullying perpetration at Time 2 across all participants even after accounting for peer-nominated popularity. In China, this association was more pronounced among boys, whereas in the United States, the relationship was stronger for girls. Conclusions: Although cultural differences in the overall patterns were minimal, gender emerged as a significant moderating factor, revealing distinct cross-cultural variations. These findings underscore the need for culturally tailored approaches in interventions targeting adolescent cyberbullying.

Research on the relationship between physical literacy and demographic variables and interpersonal support for physical exercise among adolescents in China.

In recent decades, the concept of "Physical Literacy" has emerged as a significant breakthrough in enhancing the physical health of children and adolescents. This concept has become the guiding principle and future direction for physical education reform in Western countries. As China's economic and social development enters a new phase, the negative impact of insufficient physical activity on adolescent health remains a significant challenge to the strategies of "Healthy China" and "A Leading Sports Nation." The unique value of physical literacy, which emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, aligns perfectly with the developmental needs of the nation, the era, and individuals. Given the crucial role of interpersonal support in the development of adolescents' physical literacy, this study employs questionnaire surveys and statistical analysis to investigate the current state of physical literacy among Chinese adolescents. It explores the predictive relationship between parental support, teacher support, and peer support on physical literacy, aiming to provide guidance for the future development of adolescents' physical literacy. The research findings indicate significant differences in the five dimensions of physical literacy (attitude, sports knowledge, emotion, athletic ability, and physical fitness) among adolescents of different grades and residence type. Additionally, there are notable gender differences in the dimensions of sports knowledge, emotion, and athletic ability. The interaction effect of gender and grade is particularly evident in the emotional and physical fitness dimensions. There is a significant correlation between interpersonal support and all dimensions of physical literacy. After controlling for variables such as gender, grade, and family background, interpersonal support for adolescent physical exercise was found to have a significant impact on all dimensions of physical literacy. Among the forms of support, peer support was identified as a more powerful predictor of physical literacy compared to parental and teacher support.

Estimation of Height at Withers Based on Long Bone Measurements of Living Cats

In this study, coefficients enabling estimation of shoulder height were obtained by taking morphometric measurements from radiographic images of live cats using the radiogrammetric method. For this purpose, a total of 37 adult cats, including 17 females and 20 males, were involved. While the effect of sexual dimorphism was observed on the morphometric data, the presence of sexual dimorphism was only evident in the coefficients (factors) of the humerus and talus. No significant effect of gender was found on the shoulder height estimation coefficients (factors) for other thoracic and pelvic limb bones. Gender had an impact on the slenderness index in all thoracic limbs, but only on the tibia slenderness index among the pelvic limb bones. Generally, female individuals were found to have more slender limbs. It is believed that the obtained coefficients (factors) and index data will contribute significantly to the prediction of archaeological cat morphology.

Exploring Faculty Members’ Experiences with Virtual Classroom Platforms and Their Perceived Usability during the COVID-19

This two-phase mixed-method study examined faculty experiences with Virtual Communication Platforms (VCPs) and their usability in distance education during the COVID-19 epidemic. A stratified random sample of 913 faculty members from 167 universities was selected to participate in an online questionnaire that included the System Usability Scale, demographic information, and open-ended questions. Twenty-five of the faculty members who had completed the online questionnaire were then interviewed in semi-structured interviews. The quantitative analysis results indicate that Zoom was the most favored platform, obtaining a ‘Good’ usability score together with Google Meet and Adobe Connect. In contrast, Perculus and Microsoft Teams were evaluated as having ‘Poor’ usability. Results also revealed the significant effect of gender on Perculus, distance education experience on Zoom, and age and academic status on Zoom and Google Meet usability perceptions. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis results revealed usability challenges (e.g., technical challenges, functionality issues, usability concerns), positive aspects (e.g., usability and effectiveness, support and issue resolution, performance and accessibility), and suggestions for improvement (e.g., instruction and support, exploration and optimization, format and assessment enhancement). The study offers valuable insights for institutions to make informed decisions about adopting VCP, investing in targeted training programs, and ultimately fostering a more effective and inclusive distance education environment.

The Network Structure of School Principal Resilience: Gender Differences

ABSTRACTThe ability of school principals to demonstrate resilience enables them to effectively lead, adapt and thrive amidst the ever‐changing landscape of educational challenges and transformations. Despite its necessity, research on principal resilience remains largely underdeveloped and is still in its early stages. The current study aims to fill this gap using network analysis to examine the inter‐structural principal resilience network and gender differences in terms of network estimation, centrality indices, network stability and network comparison using a sample of 1274 principals from China. The results reveal a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic network and gender effects on school principal resilience at the dimension and item levels. It is noted that social resilience exhibits the highest strength, indicating the critical importance of social support networks and relationships. The gender analysis indicated that spiritual resilience emerged as a central dimension in the resilience network of female principals, while emotional and psychological resilience was the central dimension in the resilience network of male principals. This study advances the conceptual and practical understandings of school principal resilience by examining the interactions among different dimensions and items, thereby contributing to the maturity of knowledge production and intervention efforts in the field.

Race Differences in Purpose in Life Among Family Caregivers: Findings From the Caregiving Transitions Study.

Family caregiving may affect purpose in life, defined as the sense that life has meaning and intentionality. Few studies have compared caregivers to non-caregivers or examined the characteristics of caregivers associated with purpose in life. Using data from the Caregiving Transitions Study (n = 486), we conducted multiple linear regression analyses to test the effects of caregiver status, age, gender, social network, and physical and mental health on purpose in life. We also tested whether the effect of caregiver status differed by race and, among caregivers (n = 241), the associations between caregiving characteristics and purpose in life. Caregivers did not differ significantly from non-caregivers in purpose in life in adjusted analysis. Among caregivers, significantly greater purpose of life was observed among Black caregivers and those reporting higher positive aspects of caregiving. Future research should examine these issues longitudinally, and caregiver interventions should consider addressing purpose in life and positive aspects of caregiving.

The relationship between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors: A meta-analysis.

Health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors are both pivotal elements for public health improvement. This meta-analysis aims to scrutinize studies investigating the nexus between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors and to examine the correlation between health literacy and such behaviors. Studies conducted from 2013 to 2023 exploring the association between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors, as well as the impact of gender and chronic disease status on health literacy, were included. The selection criteria for the meta-analysis involved a literature search utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Academic, Web of Science, and the National Thesis Center. The keywords "health literacy" and "healthy lifestyle behaviors" were employed, identifying 206 studies. Subsequently, 53 studies meeting predetermined criteria were deemed suitable for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The analysis of the relationship between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors revealed no publication bias. Despite heterogeneity among the studies, the correlation effect size was determined to be 0.278 using the random effect model. In the meta-analysis examining the effect of gender on health literacy, no publication bias was detected. Since there was heterogeneity among the studies, the average effect size was calculated as 0.078 according to the random effect model. Regarding the meta-analysis on the effect of chronic disease status on health literacy, no publication bias was observed, and due to homogeneity between the studies, the average effect size was determined to be -0.098 using the fixed effect model. A positive yet weak relationship was identified between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Notably, gender was a significant sociodemographic factor affecting health literacy, with higher levels observed in women. Moreover, individuals without chronic diseases exhibited higher mean health literacy scores than those with chronic diseases.

Exploring the enablers of virtual tourism experiences for Gen Z

PurposeThis study explored the enabler role of novelty-seeking and materialistic values on technology-based outcomes: usefulness, ease of use and enjoyment of virtual tourism. Furthermore, this study explored the direct effects of Gen Z’s word-of-mouth intentions. The study also explored the contingent effects of gender and educational level.Design/methodology/approachSurvey-based responses were gathered from 342 Gen Z participants using specific filtering criteria to ensure sample representativeness. Subsequently, the final responses were analysed using partial least squares.FindingsThe findings suggest a significant role for novelty-seeking and materialistic values in Gen Z’s overall perception of virtual tourism. Furthermore, with higher perceived usefulness, ease of use and enjoyment, Gen Zs are more inclined to share positive word-of-mouth for virtual tourism experiences.Originality/valueThis study aims to explore the orientation of Gen Zs toward virtual travel experiences in an emerging economy such as India. Implications for managers and practitioners are also discussed.

Exploring the experiences of the overburden of water collection responsibility of rural women in Ghana

ABSTRACT Despite evidence emphasizing women's responsibility for collecting water in sub-Saharan Africa, more needs to be known about the gender-specific consequences of this obligation, especially in rural Ghana, where water inaccessibility is a persistent issue. Employing a community-based case study, this research aimed to explore the gendered consequences of women's water collection responsibility, using a coupled systems framework. Data were gathered from surveys and focus groups and analysed statistically and thematically, respectively. Key findings highlighted intersecting influences in women's water access and collection difficulties, including distance to water sources, poverty, and health issues. Results revealed that over 50% of women experienced multiple consequences, including physical and psychological injuries (>80%), animal attacks (≤12%), spousal violence (>40%), nutritional challenges (>30%), hygiene problems (>40%), and socioeconomic issues (>50%). Over half faced three to seven intersecting water-related consequences, which intensified their difficulty in accessing and collecting water. Differences were observed across sub-communities. Interestingly, not all men had knowledge of these consequences, highlighting the crucial need to broaden their understanding as part of the solution to ease women's burdens. Addressing sociocultural norms and the various factors influencing access through effective and gendered water management and planning is imperative to alleviate women's burdens and improve equitable access.

Influence of Loading Density and Gender on the Welfare and Meat Quality of Horses During Transport for Slaughter

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of loading density and gender on blood welfare indicators, carcass bruises and horsemeat quality. Data were collected from twelve transports of 89 slaughter horses originating from the same collection centre. The transportation of slaughter horses at high loading densities (>200 kg/m2), especially stallions, resulted in increased levels of lactate (p = 0.021), glucose (p < 0.0001), ceruloplasmin (p < 0.0001) and AOPP (p < 0.0001), but lower GSH levels (p < 0.0001). Compared to stallions and mares, geldings subjected to high loading density (>200 kg/m2) during transport had lower levels of the aforementioned blood metabolites. In addition, stallions exposed to a high load density (>200 kg/m2) had the highest frequency of severe (p = 0.0002), large (p < 0.0001) and circular (p = 0.0001) carcass bruises, which were predominantly located on the abdominal (p = 0.0056) and thoracic (p = 0.0004) wall. In contrast, a higher percentage (p < 0.0001) of undamaged carcasses was found in slaughter horses exposed to a low loading density (≤200 kg/m2) during transport. Stallions exposed to high loading densities (>200 kg/m2) during transport had the highest initial pH (p < 0.0001) and ultimate pH (p = 0.005) in terms of m. longissimus lumborum and redness (p = 0.017), but the lowest drip loss (p = 0.050) and lightness (p < 0.0001), which, consequently, led to the highest (p = 0.0045) proportion of DFD-like defects in the meat quality. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that high loading densities (>200 kg/m2), regardless of gender, negatively affect horse welfare during transport. In addition, stallions were more sensitive to poor pre-slaughter conditions and produced the lowest meat quality, while geldings were the most resistant. To determine the optimal transport density, further research is needed to determine the effects of different loading densities on the behaviour, physiology, carcass and meat quality of slaughter horses.

Color Ranges and Distribution of Human Teeth: A Prospective Clinical Study.

This study investigated the in vivo color range of human teeth using a research-grade noncontact spectroradiometer, analyzing the effects of gender, age, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking, and oral hygiene. A total of 1004 participants were recruited at two research sites and stratified by gender, age, and ethnicity, and data on their dietary and oral habits were collected. Noninvasive color measurements of an upper central incisor were performed using a spectroradiometer and a fiber-coupled Xe-Arc light source. Color differences were computed using the CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas, statistically analyzed, and interpreted through comparisons with 50:50% perceptibility (PT) and acceptability (AT) thresholds for dentistry. CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color coordinate values varied significantly. Female teeth appeared lighter and less yellow than men's. Age correlated with darker, more chromatic teeth, stabilizing only after Age 46. Significant ethnic differences were observed, particularly between African-American and Asian participants. Coffee consumption impacted teeth yellowness and chromaticity, while tea had no significant effect. Frequent tooth brushing led to lighter teeth, and tooth whitening considerably influenced color, emphasizing the effect of cosmetic dental treatments. Smoking showed minimal impact, with slight discoloration noted among light smokers compared to nonsmokers. Color coordinate values by gender, age, and ethnicity exhibited statistically significant differences and, in most cases, noticeable color differences. With exceptions, the dietary/oral habits of the patient had a significant impact on the color of human teeth. The findings from this study provide detailed information and understanding of the color range and distribution of human teeth, which can help enhance the esthetic outcome of dental care and, consequently, the patient's satisfaction.

Is patriarchy undermined in urbanization? Rural families and housing properties in relocated villages in the urbanizing northwestern China

China’s urbanization has relocated many rural families, but it remains unclear if such changes undermine patriarchy. This study draws on survey and interview data in northwestern China to examine what prevailing principles families draw on in dividing the newly acquired family wealth (1) between parents and children, (2) between elder and younger children, and (3) between sons and daughters. These family decisions are not triggered by life course changes but are induced by a sudden increase in family wealth, which may differ from what usually happens in rural families. Quantitative comparison and qualitative case analysis suggest the accelerated downstream transfers from parents and the mixed desires to prioritize sons’ housing needs, care for each child’s entitlement, compensate less privileged children, and secure parents’ elderly care. The persisting values and rising desires, as reflected by multiple principles of altruism, exchange, entitlement, son preference, and need, contributed to the persisting gender effect and the ambiguous generation and parity effects—parents and elder children did not have apparent advantages in family property structures when rural families were relocated or enclosed into urban areas.

Daytime sleepiness and BMI exhibit gender and age differences in patients with central disorders of hypersomnolence.

The aim of the present study was to examine gender and age-specific effects on subjective daytime sleepiness (as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale), body weight and eating behaviour in patients with central disorders of hypersomnolence. Based on the European Narcolepsy Network database, we compared 1035 patients with narcolepsy type I and 505 patients with other central disorders of hypersomnolence ("narcoleptic borderland"), including narcolepsy type II (N = 308) and idiopathic hypersomnia (N = 174), using logistic regression and general linear models. In the entire study population, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale was higher in women (N = 735, mean age = 30 years, mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale = 16.6 ± SD 3.9) than in men (N = 805, mean age = 32 years, mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale = 15.8 ± SD 4.4). In women with narcolepsy type I (N = 475), both Epworth Sleepiness Scale and body mass index increased in parallel with age. In women of the narcoleptic borderland (N = 260), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale markedly peaked in their early 30s, while body mass index only started to rise at that age. This rise in body mass index following the Epworth Sleepiness Scale peak cannot be explained by sleepiness-induced uncontrolled eating, as self-reported uncontrolled eating was negatively associated with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in this group. We propose that the narcoleptic borderland harbours a unique cluster of women in their fertile years with an unexplored aetiology requiring further investigation towards tailored interventions.

The Impact of Age and Gender on Periodontal Conditions in Iraqi People: A Retrospective Study

Background: Periodontal disease is initially associated with a bacterial infection, such as dental plaque. With aging, the prevalence of periodontal diseases increases, and periodontal destruction in older individuals is due to cumulative damage rather than cumulative rates of devastation. Objective: To assess the effect of gender and age on periodontal health in selected Iraqi populations. Methods: The cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed the periodontal records of patients from October 2021 to June 2023. The study was conducted at the Dentistry Department, Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad, Iraq. The sample was taken from patients who visited the periodontal department. A total of 508 subjects, with an age range of 10-69 years (35.23±10.25), participated in this study, including 287 males and 221 females. The sample was classified based on age and sex into 5 groups. The clinical evaluation includes plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Results: The overall percentage of chronic gingivitis was 53.94%, while the percentage of chronic periodontitis was 46.06%. The 60–69-year-old group reported the highest rate of patients with chronic periodontitis. Additionally, the 10–19-year group showed the highest percentage of patients with chronic gingivitis. Conclusions: The prevalence of chronic periodontitis increases with age, and it is higher among females than males. Clinical periodontal parameters such as plaque index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level are higher in older age groups than in younger age groups.

Quality of life and somatic physical function of patients with colorectal cancer who underwent oxaliplatin-based systemic chemotherapy: a prospective study.

This study aimed to study the potential effects of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy on cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength (HGS), body composition, and quality of life (QoL) of stages III-IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients before the first cycle (T0) and after the last cycle of systemic adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy (T1). Cardiorespiratory fitness, HGS, body composition, and QoL were evaluated with the six-minute walk test (6MWT), hydraulic hand dynamometer, body composition analyzer, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colon (FACT-C) questionnaire in both T0 and T1, respectively. Twenty-eight CRC patients were included in this study. The total walked distance (TWD) was found to be decreased from T0 to T1 (499.72m vs. 488.56m); however, this change was not significant (z = -.706, p = 0.48). Type of chemotherapy whether adjuvant or neoadjuvant also showed no significant effect on TWD (z = -.1.372, p = .17 vs z = -1.180, p = .238, respectively). The QoL was significantly decreased (T0 = 118.35 vs T1 = 110.77, t = 2.176,p = 0.05). The TWD was significantly correlated with the physical well-being (PWB) subscale of FACT-C (r = .64, p = 0.001) as well as with HGS (r = .46, p = .018) in T0. After controlling for age, type of chemotherapy, and type of regimen, the HGS did not show a significant difference from T0 to T1 (F(1,23) = 1.557, p = .22, ηp2 = .06). However, the effect of time x gender showed significant difference from T0 to T1 (F(1,23) = 4.906, p = .037, ηp2 = .17). This study showed the decreased QoL and physical well-being of CRC patients who underwent oxaliplatin-based treatment. In addition, the gender effect of decreased HGS should be considered further when planning an oncological rehabilitation program.