Explore Gender Differences Research Articles

Exploring Gender Differences in Receipt of the 5As for Smoking Cessation for Recently-Diagnosed Cancer Patients (ECOG-ACRIN EAQ171CD).

Smoking cessation is important for men and women diagnosed with cancer. Oncology clinicians should encourage all patients to quit and offer resources to help them do so, following the 5As framework (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange follow-up). This study tests gender differences in self-reported receipt of the 5As by an oncology provider among 306 recently-diagnosed male and female cancer patients. Receipt of praise for quitting efforts was also assessed as an indicator of empathic communication. Participants completed baseline surveys as part of a larger clinical trial focused on smoking cessation (NCT03808818), reflecting on pre-trial interactions with their oncology clinicians. Most male and female patients received "Ask," "Advise," and "Assess" (i.e., asking patients if they smoke, advising them to quit, and assessing their interest in doing so), though significant gender differences emerged in receiving "Assist" and "Arrange follow-up." Women were less likely to receive assistance (e.g., medication or counseling referral; 85.25% versus 93.18%, respectively) or a follow-up appointment to discuss their progress (28.11% versus 40.91%, respectively). Approximately half of men and women were praised for their quitting efforts. In exploratory sensitivity analyses, gender differences in arrange-follow-up were attenuated when adjusting for cancer location (smoking-related or not), self-reported distress, and self-reported coping ability. Women may be at risk for suboptimal smoking-related support during cancer care, as assistance and follow-up are essential to sustained abstinence. Clinicians should consistently deliver each of the 5As to all cancer patients who smoke, regardless of cancer type or expressed distress/coping difficulty. The current study findings add to the growing literature describing gender disparities in tobacco treatment access. Findings highlight an addressable gap in access to tobacco treatment for a group of women who have cancer. Advancements in the equitable delivery of smoking cessation counseling have the potential to improve cessation outcomes for women with cancer who smoke.

Adverse childhood experiences and subsequent experiences of intimate partner violence in adulthood: a gender perspective.

Investigate the prevalence of adverse childhood experience (ACE) and intimate partner violence (IPV) using a large representative Chinese sample, explore the association mechanism between ACE and adult exposure to IPV and to examine gender differences. A total of 21,154 participants were included in this study. The ACE scale was used to assess participants' exposure to ACE before the age of 18. Participants were evaluated for IPV experienced after the age of 18 using the IPV Scale. Logistic regression model was used to analyse the association between ACE and the risk of IPV exposure in adulthood. Principal component analysis was used to extract the main patterns of ACEs in the Chinese population. Network analyses were employed to identify the most critical types of ACE and IPV, analyse the association mechanisms between ACEs and IPVs, explore gender differences in this association and compare gender differences in the severity of IPVs experienced in adulthood. Participants with at least one ACE event faced a 215.5% higher risk of IPV compared to those without ACE experiences. In population-wide and gender-specific networks, The ACE and IPV nodes with the highest expected influence are 'ACE1 (Verbal abuse + physical abuse pattern)' and 'IPV5 (Partner compares me to other people and blatantly accuses me, making me feel embarrassed and unsure of myself)'. Positive correlations were found between 'ACE1 (Verbal abuse + physical abuse pattern)'-'IPV3 (Partner does not care about me when I am in bad shape [not feeling well or in a bad mood])', 'ACE4 (Violent treatment of mother or stepmother + criminal acts in the family pattern)'-'IPV1 (Partner has ever directly assaulted or hurt me with the help of an instrument)' and 'ACE2 (Exposure to sexual assault pattern)'-'IPV2 (Partner would have physical or sexual contact with me against my will)', which were the three edges with the highest edge weight values in the ACE pattern and IPV edges. 'ACE1 (Verbal abuse + physical abuse pattern)'-'IPV3 (Partner does not care about me when I am in bad shape [not feeling well or in a bad mood])', 'ACE2 (Exposure to sexual assault pattern)'-'IPV2 (Partner would have physical or sexual contact with me against my will)', 'ACE4 (Violent treatment of mother or stepmother + criminal acts in the family pattern)'-'IPV1 (Partner has ever directly assaulted or hurt me with the help of an instrument)' in the male network and 'ACE1 (Verbal abuse + physical abuse pattern)'-'IPV3 (Partner does not care about me when I am in bad shape [not feeling well or in a bad mood])', 'ACE4 (Violent treatment of mother or stepmother + criminal acts in the family pattern)'-'IPV1 (Partner has ever directly assaulted or hurt me with the help of an instrument)', 'ACE3 (Substance abuse + mental illness + violent treatment of mother or stepmother pattern)'-'IPV1 (Partner has ever directly assaulted or hurt me with the help of an instrument)' in the female network are the three edges with the highest edge weights among the ACE and IPV edges in their networks, respectively, all displaying positive correlations. The strength of 'IPV3 (Partner does not care about me when I am in bad shape [not feeling well or in a bad mood])' was higher in the male network than in the female (male = 0.821, female = 0.755, p = 0.002). The edge weight values of 'ACE3 (Substance abuse + mental illness + violent treatment of mother or stepmother pattern)'-'IPV1 (Partner has ever directly assaulted or hurt me with the help of an instrument)' (P = 0.043) and 'ACE4 (Violent treatment of mother or stepmother + criminal acts in the family pattern)'-'IPV1 (Partner has ever directly assaulted or hurt me with the help of an instrument)' (P = 0.032) are greater for females than males. The most common type of ACE in the Chinese population is verbal violence combined with physical violence, while the predominant type of IPV is verbal violence. Males experience higher levels of emotional neglect from their partners compared to females. The association between witnessing physical violence in childhood and experiencing physical violence from a partner in adulthood is stronger in females than in males. The homotypic continuum between ACE and IPV is a crucial mechanism in understanding intergenerational domestic violence. Enhance economic and educational levels, promote correct parenting concepts, reduce child abuse, establish accurate perceptions of intimate relationships, eliminate shame about violence and further advance gender equality. These efforts are vital for reducing IPV prevalence and breaking the cycle of violence in victims' lives.

Gender differences in the prevalence, correlated factors and comorbidity of depression in adolescents: a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China

BackgroundPrior studies have reported gender differences in the prevalence, comorbidity rates and related factors of depression during adolescence. But the gender differences in depression vary across studies. Besides, the evidence from Chinese adolescent samples is limited. This study aimed to explore gender differences in the depression-related factors, the potential interactions of the associated factors and clinical features of comorbid depression and anxiety among Chinese adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 3,510 participants aged 11 to 16 years from schools (private and public) in Shanghai was conducted with an anonymous paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety and behavioral and emotional difficulties, respectively. Logistic regression model was used to explore the possible correlated factors of adolescent depression and analyze the interactions of the risk factors.ResultsOur results showed that there was no gender difference in the prevalence rates of depression (χ2 = 0.047, p = 0.83), but the prevalence of depression in females began to exceed that of males at the ages of 15 and 16. The factors associated with depression varied by gender. Private school was a risk factor for depression only in boys (adjusted OR = 1.842 [95% CI, 1.286–2.636]), whereas girls from nuclear families (adjusted OR = 1.631 [95% CI, 1.156–2.300]) and other family structures (adjusted OR = 2.682 [95% CI, 1.502–4.788]) were more likely to experience depression compared to their peers in extended family structures. Interaction analyses showed there was a negative interaction between abnormal peer problems and 7th grade among boys (adjusted OR = 0.288 [95% CI, 0.086–0.951]). Furthermore, comorbidity rates of depression and anxiety were higher in girls than that in boys (χ2 = 14.457, p < 0.001). And girls with comorbidity showed increased SDQ peer problems scores (Z = −3.151, p = 0.002).ConclusionThe findings indicate it is important to develop gender-specific interventions for adolescent depression. And for boys, evaluating peer relationships may be particularly crucial in lower grades. Moreover, recognizing the gender-specific clinical features of comorbid depression and anxiety is important for appropriate clinical diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Gender differences in the prevalence and clinical correlates of suicide attempts in young first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder patients with thyroid dysfunction

Thyroid dysfunction is commonly seen in major depressive disorder (MDD), and is particularly prevalent in female patients. Moreover, gender differences occur in many aspects of MDD, including suicide attempts (SAs). We aimed to explore gender differences in the prevalence and clinical correlates of SAs in young first-episode drug-naïve MDD patients with thyroid dysfunction, which have not yet been reported. We recruited 509 patients in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. We used HAMD-17, HAMA-14, the positive subscale of PANSS, and CGI-S to assess every participant. We found no significant difference in the prevalence of SAs between male and female subgroup. Gender differences in factors associated with SAs were found with anxiety, body mass index, serum anti-thyroid antibodies (A-TPO), and free triiodothyronine levels in male patients and anxiety, CGI-S score, and A-TPO in female patients. We found no gender differences in the prevalence of SAs; however, there were gender differences in several clinical correlates of SAs, highlighting specific strategies to avoid SAs in male and female MDD patients.

Cognitive Flexibility and Resilience in Adolescents: Exploring Gender Differences and Cultural Implications

Cognitive Flexibility and Resilience in Adolescents: Exploring Gender Differences and Cultural Implications

Exploring hematological diversity, a comprehensive study of CBC variations among the population of Tehsil Kot-Momin Sargodha

Objectives: To ascertain the diversity and patterns observed in the complete blood count within the population of Tehsil Kot-Momin , Sargodha. Study Design: Observational Cross Sectional Study Place of Study: Rai Medical College,Sargodha Materials & Methods: A comprehensive collection of 401 CBC samples was meticoulously acquired from individuals at Medina Medical Complex in Kot-Momin ,Sargodha, subsequent to securing verbal informed consent. Subsequent research activities were conducted at Rai Medical College,Sargodha, post-recipt of sanction from the institutional ethical review committee. The time frame for data accumulation extended from june 2023 through August 2023 and the results were analyzed on SPSS Ver 27. Results: The study aimed to explore gender differences in hematological parameters among a sample of 401 individuals. Key findings indicated significant gender-based variations in hemoglobin (p < 0.001), total RBC count ( p< 0.001), hematocrit (p <0.001) , platlelt count (p=0.008), and mean platelet volume (MPV) (p=0.033). In this investigation, male subjects were observed to possess higher mean concentration of hemoplobin , total erythrocyte count and hematocrit levels relative to their female counterparts, who demonstrated an augmented mean thrombocyte count. Significantly, the mean thrombocyte volume (MTV)-a proxy for platelet volume - was markedly distinct between genders, alluding to potential differences in thrombocyte function or production. Conversly, the study revealed no statistically significant disparities in parameters such as leukocyte count (WBC) , mean corpuscular volume ( MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) , mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and proportions of hematocrit (PCT), as well as neutrophil,lymphocyte ,monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts, thereby indicating a homogeneity in these hematological indices across genders. Conclusion: This study offers a comprehensive analysis of variations in hematological parameters across different groups, highlighting significant differences in hemoglobin , total RBC count, hematocrit, platelet count and mean platelet volume. These findings underscore the potential influence of biological and physiological factors on blood profiles, suggesting a need for personalized approaches in the interpretation of hematological data for clinical or diagnostic purposes.

Konformitas ditinjau dari Jenis Kelamin pada Remaja

Conformity is a type of social influence that encourages individuals to adjust their attitudes and behaviors to align with prevailing social norms. This study aims to explore gender differences in conformity among adolescents. It is hypothesized that there are slight differences in the levels of conformity exhibited by males and females, influenced by the social situations in which conformity occurs and inherent gender differences. The study adopts a literature review approach to identify, evaluate, and interpret relevant research findings on this topic. This process involves evaluating and summarizing existing studies, incorporating insights from recent and earlier publications to provide a comprehensive overview. The findings indicate that females tend to exhibit higher levels of conformity compared to males. Females are more inclined to prioritize interpersonal relationships and maintain group harmony. In contrast, males are generally more concerned with displaying high status and are likely to demonstrate this status through independent actions in decision-making, thinking, and expressing opinions. These results illustrate the role of gender in shaping conformity, influenced by social norms and group dynamics.

Gender differences in periodontal pocket microflora in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis

Background: Periodontal disease, the primary cause of tooth loss, is a critical public health concern with a considerable impact on quality of life. It is of interest to explore gender differences in the course of inflammatory periodontal diseases, as well as the prospects of their personalized treatment and prevention in males and females. Aim: To assess the dental health and quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora in periodontitis patients, taking into account gender differences. Materials and Methods: The study included 39 patients with moderate chronic generalized periodontitis aged 40–60 years. The diagnosis was made using both primary and secondary dental diagnostic tools. The study had two groups: males (41%, n=16) and females (59%, n=23). The following parameters were assessed: oral hygiene index (OHI-S), severity of gingival inflammation (PMA), and quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora (DENTOSCREEN, “Lytech” Co. Ltd., Russia), taking into account gender differences. The study findings were statistically processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016 with Data Analysis and AtteStat 12.0.5 add-ins. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used. The data are presented as median and interquartile range: Me [Q1; Q3]. The frequency of microorganisms is presented as percentage of the mean and standard error of the mean. The confidence interval was calculated using the Wald method, according to the formula for proportions and frequencies. For small values, the Wald method with Agresti–Coull correction was used. Samples were compared using the following tests: the Mann–Whitney U test was used for quantitative data and Fisher’s angular transformation (φ*emp) for frequency (nominal) attributes. Significant differences were defined as a probability 95% (p 0.05). Results: The quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora in patients with moderate periodontitis revealed significant gender differences, as demonstrated by an increase in the count of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia, as well as the frequency of Porphyromonas gingivalis, in males compared to females (φ*emp=1.736; p 0.05). Dental health indices confirmed the hypothesis of significant differences between males and females in terms of plaque index (OHI-S) and РМА. In males, poor oral hygiene was reported in 93.7% cases, which was significantly higher (φ*emp=2.04; p 0.05) than in females (69.6%). Moderate gingival inflammation was more prevalent in males, while mild gingival inflammation was more prevalent in females (p 0.05). Conclusion: The study findings emphasize the importance of oral hygiene in the prevention of chronic periodontitis and can be used to improve complex treatment algorithms for patients with periodontal diseases. This includes more frequent dental check-ups and professional oral care sessions, as well as oral hygiene training and monitoring, in males compared to females. Diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction allows for the identification and quantitative determination of DNA from periodontopathogenic bacteria at low concentrations, as well as the justification of treatment algorithms and prediction of treatment outcomes.

Online Learning and its Transformative Impact on Digital Learning in Higher Education Institutions

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed a significant transformation in higher education, accelerating the adoption of digital learning methodologies and challenging traditional pedagogical approaches. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate online education's efficacy during this transition. A questionnaire administered to students (n=36) explores their experiences, challenges and perceptions of online learning, aligned with the TPACK framework. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with teachers examine their strategies, approaches and assessment methods online. By integrating insights from both students and educators, the study aims to provide recommendations for overcoming identified constraints in online education. The research also explores gender differences and motivational levels among participants, offering a comprehensive understanding of factors impacting online education. Findings will elucidate the current state of online education in higher education institutions and identify areas requiring improvement. As academia shifts towards blended learning, open education and digital learning, this study contributes to facilitating the effective implementation of online teaching and learning practices among students and teachers.

Gender differences in clinical characteristics and influencing factors of suicide attempts in first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder patients with comorbid metabolic syndrome

BackgroundsPatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have a high rate of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which could worsen disease progression. One of the most serious progressions in MDD is suicide attempts (SAs). Previous studies have found gender differences in MetS and SAs among MDD patients respectively. Therefore, we aimed to explore gender differences of SAs in first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD patients with comorbid MetS.Methods1718 outpatients with FEDN MDD were recruited. Depression, anxiety and psychotic symptoms were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive subscale, respectively. Blood sugar, blood fat, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were measured to evaluate MetS.Results34.4% patients with FEDN MDD were diagnosed as MetS and those subjects with or without MetS differed in the distribution of SAs and gender. In MetS subgroup, 29.5% and 29.7% of male and female subjects had SAs respectively, without significant differences. However, compared with non-suicide attempters, suicide attempters had higher level of blood pressure in female subjects, while there are no differences in any clinical variables in male subjects. Additionally, the influencing factors for SAs differed by gender. The HAMA scores and BMI were variables associated with SAs in male patients while HAMA scores, marital status and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were associated with SAs in female patients. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, demonstrating the combination all influencing factors by gender, showed good performance and model accuracy.ConclusionsIn FEDN MDD patients with comorbid MetS, there were no gender differences in SAs. However, clinical characteristics and influencing factors of SAs differed in different gender groups.

Leveraging AI-enhanced and emerging technologies for pedagogical innovations in higher education

AbstractThis study examines the influence of AI-powered and emerging technologies on pedagogical practices in higher education, focusing on their role on behavioural intention (BI) and actual usage among educators and students. The research hypothesises that the relationship between each Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) constructs - Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC) - and BI to use AI is mediated by Attitude towards AI. Additionally, it explores the mediation of the relationship between Technological, Organisational, and Environmental (TOE) framework and BI to use AI by Attitude towards AI. Furthermore, it hypothesises that the relationship between UTAUT constructs, and the actual Usage of AI is mediated by BI. Data were collected from 115 respondents through a survey measuring perceptions of UTAUT and technology-organisation-Environment (TOE) constructs. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse the data, alongside PLS-Multi-Group Analysis (PLS-MGA) to explore gender differences. The key results indicated that PE and EE significantly influenced Attitude towards AI (F = 14.861 and F = 33.887, respectively), which in turn significantly influenced BI (β = 0.468, t = 5.106). However, SI had an insignificant effect (F = 0.346), and FC had a minimal influence (F = 2.225). The study found that Organisational Context played a significant role in shaping Attitude towards AI, influencing BI, whereas the direct influence of TOE on BI was not significant (F = 1.356), indicating full mediation by Attitude. Additionally, higher BI did not necessarily translate to increased AI usage (β = -0.381, t = 4.749), suggesting external barriers or moderating factors. These findings provide valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance AI-driven pedagogical innovations, emphasising the importance of fostering positive attitudes and addressing practical challenges in AI adoption.

Relationships Among eHealth Literacy, Physical Literacy, and Physical Activity in Chinese University Students: Cross-Sectional Study.

eHealth literacy is critical for evaluating abilities in locating, accessing, and applying digital health information to enhance one's understanding, skills, and attitudes toward a healthy lifestyle. Prior research indicates that enhancing eHealth literacy can improve health behaviors such as physical activity (PA). Physical literacy (PL) refers to the ability to develop sustainable PA habits, taking into account various aspects of an individual. Notably, university students have shown a decline in PA and possess low PL levels. However, the connection between eHealth literacy and PL in this demographic has not been extensively studied, and it remains uncertain whether PA acts as a mediator between eHealth literacy and PL. This study examines the extent to which PA mediates the link between eHealth literacy and PL in Chinese university students and explores gender differences in these variables. In February 2022, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 1210 students across 3 universities in China. The instruments used were the Perceived PL Instrument, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the eHealth Literacy Scale. Correlations between eHealth literacy, PA, and PL were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression, while mediation models helped elucidate the interactions among the 3 variables. The response rate for the study was 92.9% (1124/1210). In the mediation analysis, eHealth literacy showed a significant direct effect on PL, with a coefficient of 0.78 (β .75, SE 0.02; P<.001). Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accounted for 2.16% of the total effect, suggesting that MVPA partially mediates the relationship between eHealth literacy and PL. Additionally, male students outperformed female students in terms of MVPA (t636=4.94; P<.001) and PL (t636=3.18; P<.001), but no significant differences were found in eHealth literacy (t636=1.23; P=.22). The findings indicate that MVPA serves as a mediator in the link between eHealth literacy and PL among university students. Students with low eHealth literacy or limited PA are less likely to be physically literate. Thus, eHealth literacy plays a crucial role in enhancing PL and PA, especially when interventions targeting PL are implemented. Our results also suggest a need for targeted health education interventions aimed at improving MVPA and PL among female students, while also recognizing that eHealth literacy is comparable across genders at universities.

Working memory performance is related to childhood trauma but not psychotic-like experiences in a nonpsychiatric sample.

This project seeks to clarify the impact of childhood trauma and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) on working memory (WM) and explore gender differences in these relationships. The effect of childhood trauma on WM performance has yet to be explored in individuals with PLEs, despite consistent associations between trauma, psychosis spectrum symptoms, and WM performance. In 466 undergraduates, positive PLEs (Prodromal Questionnaire) and trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) were examined to determine contributions to WM performance on a spatial n-back task. We conducted hierarchical linear regressions on the total sample and stratified by gender to examine the effects of childhood trauma, positive PLEs, and their interaction on WM performance. Supplemental analyses explored attenuated negative and disorganized symptoms. Controlling for age, there were no significant main effects of positive PLEs, childhood trauma, their interaction, or three-way interaction including gender in predicting WM. After stratifying by gender, childhood trauma was significantly associated with poorer WM in females only. Post hoc analyses revealed that in the full sample, physical neglect predicted WM performance and was a trend for females, while sexual abuse trended toward predicting WM in males. Supplemental analyses of attenuated negative and disorganized symptoms revealed childhood trauma significantly predicted WM in the full sample and females only for negative symptoms. Females who have experienced childhood trauma may be at greater risk for WM problems, irrespective of co-occurring PLEs, suggesting that cognitive difficulties may be partially attributable to history of trauma. These findings have potential implications for intervention strategies in trauma-exposed individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring Gender Differences in Perceived Stress, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness, and Coping Styles among Caregivers of People Diagnosed with Psychiatric Illness

Globally it is seen that not only the patients who are suffering from mental disorders but also the caregivers or family members are also facing multiple psychological distress due to their disturbances. Objectives: To measure perceived stress, internalized stigma, and coping styles among caregivers of psychiatric patients. Methods: 160 participants were selected through purposive sampling from eight hospitals in Lahore. The study questionnaire booklet included the Urdu versions of the Internalized Stigma Scale, Coping Styles Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale respectively. Pearson product-moment correlations and T-tests were computed to explore gender differences in levels of the study variables. Results: The results revealed that women spent more time with loved ones as compared to men. There was a strong relationship with most of the variables among men, whereas the copying style scale showed no relationship with all variables. There was a strong relationship reported among women on most of the variables but coping style indicates a negligible relationship with the internalized stigma of mental illness. The T-test indicates that there was a significant difference (p-value=0.04*) reported on the internalized stigma of mental illness stereotype endorsement among men and women, whereas the rest of the variables did not report any significant differences. Conclusions: It was concluded that future research should be conducted on caregivers to create awareness and mitigate internalized stigma of mental illness as well as reduce stress common among people.

Challenging the status quo: A feminist analysis of gender dynamics, motivation, and empowerment in hackathons

This study explores gender differences in motivation, anxiety, and confidence within hackathon environments. It examines whether intrinsic and extrinsic motivations influence the relationship between gender and these psychological states. Data from HackYeah 2023 participants indicate that, while female participants do not report higher anxiety levels, they display marginally lower confidence compared to their male counterparts. Contrary to initial hypotheses, neither intrinsic nor extrinsic motivation significantly influences the gender-anxiety relationship. However, extrinsic motivation does partially mediate the gender-confidence relationship. These results challenge patriarchal structures and highlight the resilience and capabilities of women in competitive technological settings, emphasizing the need for feminist approaches to dismantle systemic biases. The study also discusses its limitations and the implications for future research and hackathon organization, underscoring the critical role of motivational factors in mitigating gender disparities in hackathons. The study underscores the importance of feminist interventions in hackathons to cultivate an environment where all genders can thrive equally.

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.

Double standards in status ascriptions? The role of gender, behaviors, and social networks in status orders among adolescents

Abstract We examine the gendered distribution of peer-ascribed status in schools. Using network data from more than 14,000 students in 676 classrooms, we explore gender differences in the ascription of status and the types of behavior rewarded with status. On average, girls receive slightly fewer status ascriptions than boys, and students tend to grant status more frequently within the same gender. Contextual analyses show that classroom demographics can moderate some of these patterns. We also uncover gender-specific differences and similarities in status-related behaviors. Notably, girls engaging in substance use are awarded with slightly more status ascriptions than boys. However, network models reveal that most behaviors affect peer status similarly for both genders, suggesting that previous findings of gender-behavioral differences based on regression analysis may be conflated with network processes. Our study updates long-held notions regarding gendered status orders in schools and highlights the value of a multidimensional approach to status processes. We discuss implications for future social network research on status ascriptions and other relational cognitions and consider how school-based interventions might benefit from our findings.

Gender Differences in Years of Life Lost resulting from the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal

Abstract Background Nepal has a history of regular natural hazards, including significant earthquakes and floods. Previous studies have shown that females, particularly younger females, are more likely to die due to disasters compared to males. This study aimed to explore gender differences in mortality - measured in Years of Life Lost (YLL) - caused by the 2015 Gorkha earthquake across 41 districts of Nepal. Methods Mortality counts were derived from the Nepal Police Report. YLL was estimated by multiplying mortality counts (stratified by age, gender, and district) by age-conditional life expectancy from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease reference life table. Both absolute numbers and rates of YLL per 100,000 population were calculated. YLL per deaths, stratified by age-gender-and-location, were estimated and compared. Male-to-female YLL rate ratios were estimated as well, and compared across districts. Results The 2015 Gorkha earthquake resulted in 8,950 deaths (females: 56.1% versus males: 43.9%), accounting for 526,617 YLL. Males had a slightly higher number of YLL per death (59.2) compared to females (58.5); this is mainly due to the different number of deaths between males and females. YLL per deaths ranged from 65.4 (Rautahat district) to 0 (in several districts) among males and, from 65.3 (Rautahat district) to 0 (in several districts) among females. The YLL rate per 100,000 population was higher for females (3,158 per 100,000) than for males (2,575 per 100,000). Approximately 40% of the districts had male-to-female YLL rate ratios of less than one, which can be partly explained by the gender distribution of the population at rik of dying due to earthquake. Conclusions The study found relatively higher YLL per death for males and higher YLL rates for females. This underscores the necessity to further investigate the factors that contribute to fatalities from earthquakes, especially in lower middle income countries such as Nepal. Key messages • Gender disparities in mortality following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal were addressed using Years of Life Lost (YLLs); males had higher YLL per death, while females had higher YLL rates. • Exploring the factors that contribute to earthquake-related fatalities should be a priority for disaster mitigation strategies.

Exploring Gender Differences in Shaping Total Tourism Experience Quality among Eco-Tourists

This research explored the role of gender as a moderating effect on the relationship between factors affecting ecotourism experiential value. Previous studies have investigated tourist satisfaction; however, the role of gender towards the experiential value remains unclear. More importantly, the tourist’s actual behavior at a destination is a critical determinant factor of tourist loyalty compared to the perception. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to explore the role of gender in the relationship between factors influencing the Ecotourist Experiential Value on Actual Tourist Behaviour. More specifically, this study delved into the consequences of destination experience (i.e. attachment and advocate) and investigated the influence of Ecotourist Experiential Value on Actual Behaviour between genders. A survey was conducted among the Taman Negara patrons in Malaysia. The research model was tested and confirmed with 243 tourists. The data was analyzed using Smart Partial Least Squares which is the variance-based structural equation modelling. The results evoked from the survey indicate that aesthetics is very much important as the influential factors towards positive total experience quality among male compared to female. In contrast, Customer Return on Investment becomes the main concern of female tourists towards Total Experience Quality as compared to male tourists. In light of the major finding, this study accentuates the importance of understanding gender behavior to provide valuable insights for destination marketers to establish positioning plans for the tourism industry.

Pro-Environmental Behaviour and Sustainable Development: Evidence from a Survey of Lithuanian and Ukrainian Students

This research aims to analyse and compare students’ attitudes to environmental care in Lithuania and Ukraine using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale. The study also explores gender differences in environmental attitudes among students, and evaluates these attitudes using the Index of Environmental Care Attitudes. The findings reveal similarities and differences between Lithuanian and Ukrainian students, with Lithuanian students demonstrating higher ecological knowledge and a more environmentally conscious world-view. However, Ukrainian students show positive trends in engagement with environmental education. Gender-based disparities indicate that female students consistently exhibit stronger environmentally conscious behaviour. The study highlights the potential for Ukrainian universities to enhance sustainability initiatives and capitalise on the growing environmental consciousness among students. Overall, the research paves the way for targeted interventions and improvements in fostering sustainable practices in university settings.