Female Education Level Research Articles

Prevalence of menopausal symptoms and severity related factors among mid-aged Paraguayan women as measured with the 10-item Cervantes Scale

Objective: To determine the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and factors related to severity in mid-aged women.Methods: Cross-sectional study in which 216 urban-living women from Asunción-Paraguay (40–60 years) were surveyed with the 10 item Cervantes Scale (CS-10) and a general questionnaire (personal and partner data).Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of the sample was 48 [9] years, 48.1% were postmenopausal, 8.8% used menopausal hormone therapy, 39.4% psychotropic drugs, 43.5% had hypertension, 6.5% diabetes, 51.9% abdominal obesity, and 89.3% had a partner (n = 193). A history of sexual abuse was present in 2.8%. Median total CS-10 score was 8.5 [9.75]. Overall, 93.3% (180/193) of women having a partner were sexually active, with a median coital frequency of 8 times per month. According to the CS-10, the three most prevalent menopausal symptoms were: aching in muscles and/or joints (70.8%), anxiety and nervousness (70.8%) and hot flashes/night sweats (54.2%). Factors associated with higher CS-10 scores were: female age and educational level, marital status, menopausal status, and marital sexual aspects. Partner educational level was inversely correlated (rho Spearman coefficient) with CS-10 total scores. However, multiple linear regression analysis found that higher total CS-10 scores (more severe menopausal symptoms) negatively correlated to coital frequency and positively correlated with peri- and postmenopausal status, parity, sedentary lifestyle and a history of sexual abuse.Conclusion: Menopausal symptoms in this mid-aged urban female Paraguayan sample were related to hormonal, sexual and other female aspects.

A qualitative quantitative mixed methods study of domestic violence against women

BackgroundViolence against women is one of the most widespread, persistent and detrimental violations of human rights in today’s world, which has not been reported in most cases due to impunity, silence, stigma and shame, even in the age of social communication. Domestic violence against women harms individuals, families, and society. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and experiences of domestic violence against women in Semnan.MethodsThis study was conducted as mixed research (cross-sectional descriptive and phenomenological qualitative methods) to investigate domestic violence against women, and some related factors (quantitative) and experiences of such violence (qualitative) simultaneously in Semnan. In quantitative study, cluster sampling was conducted based on the areas covered by health centers from married women living in Semnan since March 2021 to March 2022 using Domestic Violence Questionnaire. Then, the obtained data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. In qualitative study by phenomenological approach and purposive sampling until data saturation, 9 women were selected who had referred to the counseling units of Semnan health centers due to domestic violence, since March 2021 to March 2022 and in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The conducted interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s 7-step method.ResultsIn qualitative study, seven themes were found including “Facilitators”, “Role failure”, “Repressors”, “Efforts to preserve the family”, “Inappropriate solving of family conflicts”, “Consequences”, and “Inefficient supportive systems”. In quantitative study, the variables of age, age difference and number of years of marriage had a positive and significant relationship, and the variable of the number of children had a negative and significant relationship with the total score and all fields of the questionnaire (p < 0.05). Also, increasing the level of female education and income both independently showed a significant relationship with increasing the score of violence.ConclusionsSome of the variables of violence against women are known and the need for prevention and plans to take action before their occurrence is well felt. Also, supportive mechanisms with objective and taboo-breaking results should be implemented to minimize harm to women, and their children and families seriously.

Understanding refugee and immigrant health literacy and beliefs toward antimicrobial resistance

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat, particularly in refugee populations, due to challenges posed by migration. Little guidance has been provided by public health agencies regarding antimicrobial stewardship specific to this demographic. Studies have primarily focused on encampment areas abroad. We sought to better understand health literacy and beliefs regarding AMR in local refugee and immigrant populations in southeastern Michigan. Methods: From November 1, 2022 to March 10, 2023, we distributed an anonymous questionnaire to adult patients at four primary care clinics in Southeastern Michigan and made it available online. The questionnaire collected demographic information and used 5-point Likert scale responses regarding antibiotic use in children with symptoms of respiratory infection. We binarized the questions and responses to determine whether respondents provided the preferred response and added these to create an overall health literacy score, then used simple linear and multivariable linear regression modeling to identify demographic variables independently associated with the health literacy score. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests were also performed where appropriate. Results: Immigrants and refugees/asylum-seekers from low or middle-income countries (group A, n = 109) were compared to native-born Americans and immigrants from high-income countries (group B, n = 171) with participants from 40 countries (Figure 1). Age distribution did not differ between groups, while group B had generally longer duration of living in the United States (Figure 2). Differences were found in other demographic categories except female gender, with group B reporting higher income, educational levels, and English ability (Figure 3). Simple linear regression revealed that all demographic variables except age significantly correlated with responses (Figure 4). Multivariable linear regression showed that female gender, educational level, and age correlated with greater health literacy, while being in group A trended towards significance with respect to correlating with lesser health literacy (Figure 5). Conclusions: Immigrants and refugees/asylum-seekers from LMICs demonstrated beliefs suggesting deficits in knowledge of AMR compared to native-born Americans and those from high-income countries, independent of other potentially confounding demographic characteristics. Female gender, educational level, and age independently correlated with greater health literacy. These results could inform future patient-centered antimicrobial stewardship educational interventions in certain target populations such as immigrants and refugees/asylum-seekers in the United States.Disclosures: None

Dowry and Female Education: A Theoretical Evaluation

Using a dynamic framework based on intertemporal optimisation, this paper explores the complexity of the intertwined relationship between dowry and female education. The incidence of dowry in a gendered society is not at all a mechanically biological entity but fundamentally socially nurtured. The effect of social heterogeneity, economic status of the bride and groom family, unemployment, and female-specific education subsidy has been analysed to explain the incidence of dowry. We find that specifically targeted subsidised education for the girl child and gender empowerment may aggravate the incidence of dowry. Interestingly, we found that even if dowry is negatively correlated with bride education initially, a rise in the groom’s relative status can result in higher dowry and higher bride education in the final equilibrium. The results of this study show that the equilibrium level of dowry and female education exhibits a non-monotonous relationship which hinges on the nature of the underlying socioeconomic characteristic. However, overhauling the existing social system is not an easy exercise given the stigma associated with dowry exchange, and thus dowry may persist.

The perceived impact of socioeconomic factors’ impact on FR: the case study of Pakistan

PurposeThe basic purpose of this paper was to check the perceived impact of socio-economic on the fertility rate (FR) in Pakistan. It also explored the factors which play an important role on FR of urban and rural resident women.Design/methodology/approachA few studies were carried out this particular issue in Pakistan but this issue was not mentioned in such a way as the current study highlights. Data were collected through questionnaires from rural and urban areas. The main variables were chosen for this purpose were the income of the households, their education level and the mortality rate. FR is measured in terms of number of children which are above 5 years of age and married couple has stopped the further fertility intentions; Monthly income of the families were taken and the education was in the years of schooling. The ordinary least square (OLS) model was used for the estimation.FindingsThe results of this study showed that, in urban areas this association is very strong while in rural areas this is relatively weak due to sharp differences in income brackets. Families with high level of income tend to have few children. Female education is also negatively correlated with FR. Higher level of female education has negative effect on FR. Mortality rate has significant positive association with FR. Higher mortality rate compel families to have more birth as probability of living is low. There is inverse association between income and FR.Research limitations/implicationsThe best way to determine how birth rates are changing is not the crude birth rate (CBR) but the total fertility rate (TFR). This measure provides an age-controlled estimation of “how many kids a woman beginning her childbearing years now would have over her whole life if current birth rates remain stable”.Originality/valueMortality rate has significant positive association with FR. Higher mortality rate compel families to have more birth as probability of living is low. There is inverse association between income and FR.

Determinants of health facility delivery among young mothers aged 15 – 24 years in Nigeria: a multilevel analysis of the 2018 Nigeria demographic and health survey

BackgroundYoung mothers aged 15 to 24 years are particularly at higher risk of adverse health outcomes during childbirth. Delivery in health facilities by skilled birth attendants can help reduce this risk and lower maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the determinants of health facility delivery among young Nigerian women.MethodsA nationally representative population data extracted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey of 5,399 young women aged 15–24 years who had had their last birth in the five years before the survey was analysed. Data was described using frequencies and proportions. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using Chi-Square test and multilevel mixed effect binary logistic regression. All the analysis were carried out using STATA software, version 16.0 SE (Stata Corporation, TX, USA)..ResultsOf the total sampled women in the 2018 NDHS, 5,399 (12.91%) formed our study population of young women 15 -24 years who had their last birth in the preceding five years of the survey. Only 33.72% of the young mothers utilized health facility for delivery. Women educated beyond the secondary school level had 4.4 times higher odds of delivering at a health facility compared with women with no education (AOR 4.42 95%, CI 1.83 – 10.68). Having fewer children and attending more antenatal visits increased the odds of health facility delivery. With increasing household wealth index, women were more likely to deliver in a health facility. The odds of health facility delivery were higher among women whose partners had higher than secondary level of education. Women who lived in communities with higher levels of female education, skilled prenatal support, and higher levels of transportation support were more likely to deliver their babies in a health facility.ConclusionStrategies to promote institutional delivery among young mothers should include promoting girl child education, reducing financial barriers in access to healthcare, promoting antenatal care, and improving skilled birth attendants and transportation support in disadvantaged communities.

Analisis Faktor–Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Penghasilan Karyawan Wanita di PT Pal Indonesia Kota Surabaya Pada Tahun 2017–2021

This research is entitled "Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Earnings of Women Workers at PT Pal Indonesia from 2017 to 2021 in the City of Surabaya". The purpose of this study was to measure and analyze whether the level of education of women (X1), tenure of female employees (X2) and the number of female employees (X3) partially and simultaneously have a significant effect on the income of female employees (Y) at PT Pal Indonesia, Surabaya city. From a total of 65 observations, a sample of 13 divisions was used in this study. This research uses literature study and documentation study to collect data. The multiple linear regression model, or OLS, is the analytic approach used in this study. The results of the data analysis show that the variables of female education level (X1), female employee tenure (X2) and number of female employees have a partial and simultaneous significant effect on the variables income of female employees (Y). Other results show that the contribution or contribution of the Education Level of Women (TPW), Years of Service of Female Employees (MKW) and Number of Female Employees (JKW) together have an influence on the Income of Female Employees (PKW), which is equal to 60.2380%. While the remaining 39.7620% is caused by other factors not examined in this study.

The effect of female circumcision on maternal and neonatal outcomes after childbirth: a cohort study

BackgroundCircumcision has many side effects and complications on women’s lives and affects their physical, mental, and social health. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of female circumcision on maternal and neonatal outcomes.MethodsMethods: A prospective cohort study was performed with 320 pregnant women by convenience sampling (160 individuals were circumcised and 160 were uncircumcised). Circumcision and its level were confirmed using observation. The data relating to demographic, midwifery history, medical history, maternal and neonatal outcomes were compiled using a questionnaire. All Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS ver. 16.0. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsThe mean age of circumcised women was significantly higher vs. Uncircumcised women (28.92±6.2 vs. 25.42±4.8; P < 0.001). Circumcision was significantly higher in rural compared to urban areas (51.9% vs.18.1%). The level of female education, his parents, spouse, and husband’s employment status were significantly associated with circumcision (P < 0.001). 94.4% of uncircumcised nulliparous women and 86.9% of circumcised women experienced Intended Pregnancy (P=0.02). Eighty- five percent of women were circumcision type I. The higher mean duration of the second stage of labor, Second and Third degree of tear, and need for oxytocin in induction were significantly higher among circumcised women (P = 0.03, 0.003, 0.002, respectively).The existence one stage of labor, Second and Third degree of tear, and the need for oxytocin in induction were significantly higher among circumcised women (P = 0.03, 0.003, 0.002, respectively).ConclusionThese findings underscore that Circumcision a prevalent predictor of poor neonatal outcomes and delivery processes, therefore this circumcised women needs intensive care during delivery.

Women's Education in China: Past and Present

With the rapid development of China's economy, the level of female education in China has developed rapidly. Based on data collected, this study presented the historical development process of Chinese women's education, the proportion of women who received higher education, and the proportion of women who obtained university degrees. After comparing with the situation of some developed countries, the author anticipated the future situation of Chinese female education. A brief analysis is done to the problems and deficiencies of Chinese female education and the corresponding countermeasures are proposed.

Changes in the Structure of the Employment Population in China (2010-2020)

Demographic changes have a profound impact on the labor market. From 2010 to 2020, due to changes in age, gender, education level, industry, and other aspects, the labor market presents four trends: (1) The proportion of the working age population in China decreases year by year, population ageing becomes more serious, and the ‘demographic dividend’ gradually disappears. (2) The higher education employment population tends to be younger and more concentrated, and the "demographic dividend" is transforming into the ‘brain dividend’. (3) The level of female education has improved faster than men, and the number of young women in higher education level is higher than that of men, so the "gender dividend" arrives. (4) As more women enter the labor market, all industries require higher levels of female education. As the working population is getting younger education, higher education and higher female labour participation rate, China has ushered in the "human brain dividend" and "gender dividend".

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Self-Perceived Change of Caregivers' Burden in Providing Care for People With Dementia.

Objectives: To explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affects caregiver (CG) burden, the quality of care provided to people with dementia (PwD) and their perceived changes between before and during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed primary CGs about burden and self-perceived change in multidimensional domains and compared these before and during the pandemic. Results: About 135 primary CGs of PwD were enrolled at Siriraj Hospital's Geriatric Clinic in Thailand and assessed using various online platforms. About 13.8% of CGs had a "mild to moderate" burden. The NPI-Q score and level of functional capacity of the PwD declined during the COVID-19 pandemic (p-value .001 and .001, respectively). The CG-associated factors that related to a higher CG burden were younger age (mean age of 54.2 years old), female (76.3%), and high educational level (80.7%). Conflict between CG and PwD was associated with an increase in CG burden (p-value .004; 95% CI [1.19, 6.12]). Regarding the COVID-19-related factors, there was no association between CG burden and the PwD's characteristics or COVID-19-related concerns. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a higher CG burden. Identifying the related factors in an unusual situation may help reduce the CG burden and improve the care of PwD.

Predictors of Modern Contraceptive Use Among Married Women in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh

Background: Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India are all facing challenges related to large, growing populations with low levels of contraception. While, Bangladesh has the highest CPR (62%), close to the world’s CPR of 64%, India stands at 58%, followed by the lowest for Pakistan at 35%. Objective: To analyze the differences in the socio-economic determinants of modern contraception use in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Methods: This study uses data from the latest rounds of Demographic and Health Surveys for Pakistan (2017-2018), Bangladesh (2017-2018), and India (2015-16) to examine the socioeconomic determinants of traditional, modern, and the most popular method of contraception among married women across the three countries by employing logistic regressions. The sample consists of currently married and fecund women only (Bangladesh=10,738; India=224,070; Pakistan=4,255). Results: In Bangladesh, Oral contraception Pills (OCPs) are the most popular method of contraception (44%), followed by the use of other modern contraception(38%) and traditional contraception(18%). In India, 60% of women using contraception, reported using female sterilization, 27% uses other forms of modern contraception, and 13% reported using traditional methods. For Pakistan, 29% of the women reported using condoms as a source of contraception, 43% of women reporting using other modern methods, and 29% of women reported using traditional methods of contraception. Logistic regressions in Bangladesh and Pakistan show that female educational attainment level is positively associated with the use of modern methods and the country’s most popular method of contraception but negatively associated with female sterilization, the most popular contraception method in India. Additionally, the socioeconomic status of the household is positively associated with the use of the most popular method of contraception in Pakistan but negatively associated with other modern methods. Contraception decision making if done by women in Bangladesh is positively associated with the use of both the most popular methods as well as modern methods of contraception. In India, the household's socioeconomic status and women’s age are positively associated with the use of modern contraception. Conclusion: For these countries to lower the population growth rate, achieve replacement-level fertility, and increase the use of modern contraception, they need to focus on relevant determinants that would help them achieve the desired results.

Prevalence of and factors associated with multimorbidity among 18 101 adults in the South East Asia Community Observatory Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Malaysia: a population-based, cross-sectional study of the MUTUAL consortium

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and factors associated with multimorbidity in a community-dwelling general adult population on a large Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) scale.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study.SettingSouth East Asia Community...

Dementia is (not) a natural part of ageing: a cross-sectional study on dementia knowledge and misconceptions in Swiss and Italian young adults, adults, and older adults

BackgroundIncreasing public awareness and understanding of dementia is the second key action area of the 2017 WHO Global action plan on a public health response to dementia. To achieve this aim, the first indispensable step is to understand the average level of dementia knowledge and to identify areas of low dementia knowledge. We aimed to quantify dementia knowledge in the general population, and to explore the extent to which it differs by age, sex, education, and indirect experience with dementia.MethodsWe conducted an online cross-sectional survey in two Italian-speaking sites, south Switzerland (Ticino) and northern Italy (Piedmont). The survey was distributed between September and December 2019. We registered socio-demographic characteristics including whether the participant had contact with a person living with dementia, and measured dementia knowledge with the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Survey (DKAS).ResultsMisconceptions about dementia were common among respondents, and lack of knowledge has been identified in dementia causes, characteristics, risk factors, and health promotion. Our results point out the lack of knowledge about how to communicate and relate with, and take care of a person living with dementia. The overall DKAS score was significantly and positively associated with female sex (β = 0.21; p < 0.001), educational level (β = 0.15; p < 0.001) and contact with a person living with dementia (β = 0.17; p < 0.001), but not with age (β = -0.01; p = 0.57).ConclusionOur results confirmed that general population’s knowledge of dementia is thin. Interventional studies that rely on participatory action research methods are warranted to co-design interventions aimed at improving dementia knowledge and understanding in the public.

The resurgence of ‘ignorance is women’s virtue’: ‘Leftover women’ and constructing ‘ideal’ levels of female education in China

ABSTRACT This paper considers the construction of an ‘ideal’ level of female education in China by reflecting on the social phenomenon of ‘leftover women’, and the perpetuation of this stigma by both Chinese state media. It contributes an in-depth engagement with the educational dimensions of ‘leftover women’ through innovative discourse analysis that examines the content of one of the most popular Chinese dating shows in the last decade. This analysis reveals the role of ‘experts’ in preserving myths about being or becoming ‘leftover’, as well as the influence of family, in particular mothers, on young Chinese women’s choices and self-perception. This paper argues that by attending to popular discourses and their reframing of older Chinese ideas, in particular, ‘ignorance is women’s virtue’, we can offer qualitative insights to the relatively lower numbers of Chinese women at doctoral education levels.

Association between viral hepatitis and metabolic syndrome in lung function impairment: A Taiwan community-based study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with a higher risk of impaired pulmonary function (iPF). This study aimed to investigate the relationships among MetS, iPF, and viral hepatitis. This community-based study enrolled participants undergoing annual health check-ups in southern Taiwan between March and December 2019. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographics and characteristics to identify the factors associated with iPF. A total of 2337 participants completed examinations, of whom 928 (39.7%) had iPF. The participants with iPF were elderly (68.8 ± 12.8 years old) and predominately female (63%). MetS increased the risk of iPF (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-1.81, p < 0.001). Beyond age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04) and smoking (OR 1.309, 95% CI 1.004-1.705), female sex (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.93) and high education level (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98, p < 0.001) protected against iPF. HCV was not significantly associated with iPF (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.90-1.52, p = 0.235) in multivariable analysis. MetS was associated with a higher risk of iPF in the non-HBV/HCV group (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.54-2.26) and HBV alone group (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.89-6.28), but not in the HCV alone group (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.64-1.62). MetS was an independent predictor of iPF, especially the restrictive type, and had different effects in the HBV/non-viral hepatitis and HCV groups. Female sex and education were inversely associated with iPF.

The correlation of clinical status and imaging findings in patients with chronic low back pain

Background/Aim: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem that negatively affects quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended in treating chronic LBP. In the literature, we could not find any study examining the relationship between clinical status, activities of daily living, angular measurements in the lumbar region, and spondylosis level in patients with LBP. We aimed to reveal whether there is a relationship between the severity of the clinical condition and these angular measurements. In addition, there are opposing views in the literature about the relationship between obesity and LBP, and we planned to investigate this issue in our study. We aimed to investigate the correlation between clinical, functional evaluations, and radiographic findings in patients with chronic LBP and examine the relationship between these variables and gender and educational level. We also determine the effects of age, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference on these variables.&#x0D; Methods: The research was designed as a cross-sectional, uncontrolled study. Seventy patients aged 18–65 years with chronic LBP and VAS (Visual Analog Scale) values ≥ 3 were included. Patients were grouped by gender and educational level. Lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), sacral inclination angle (SIA), and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade were recorded. VAS, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS), and Katz Activities of Daily Living (Katz-ADL) scores were calculated. Pearson correlation analysis determined the normal distribution status of the variables. Spearman’s correlation analysis evaluated the linear relationship between ODI and BPFS and LLA and SIA continuous variables. A p-value of &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: A total of 70 patients (47 females and 23 males) with chronic LBP were included in the study. Mean BMI (28.2 [6.1] kg/m2) and waist circumference (95.7 [12.7] cm) of the patients were above normal ranges (normal BMI: 18.5–24.99 kg/m², normal waist circumference: &lt; 80 cm for women, &lt; 90 cm for men). Katz-ADL (P = 0.006) and BPFS scores (P = 0.027) were lower, and LLA (P = 0.042) was higher in women than men. The BPFS score was lower in the low-level education group than in the high-level education group (P = 0.004). There was a positive correlation between age and SIA (P = 0.028, r = 0.262), and between age and K-L grade (P &lt; 0.001, r = 0.633). A positive correlation was also observed between BMI and K-L grade (P = 0.001, r = 0.395) and waist circumference and K-L grade (P &lt; 0.001, r = 0.442).&#x0D; Conclusion: No correlation was found between functional clinical scales and radiographic findings in patients with chronic LBP. Increasing age, BMI, and waist circumference were associated with more severe radiographic osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, whereas female gender and low educational level were related to lower functional levels. Further extensive studies, including a larger number of patients, are needed to clarify our results.

Gender and vulnerable employment in the developing world: Evidence from global microdata

This paper investigates gender inequality in vulnerable employment: forms of employment typically featuring high precariousness, inadequate earnings, and lack of decent working conditions. Using a large collection of harmonized household surveys from developing countries, we measure long-term trends, describe geographical patterns, and estimate correlates of gender inequalities in vulnerable employment. Conditional on individual and household characteristics, women are 7 percentage points more likely to be in vulnerable employment than men. The experiences of marriage and parenthood are important drivers of this gender gap. Across countries, the gender gap is smaller in richer countries, with lower fertility rates, and more gender-egalitarian laws, particularly those laws regulating marriage, parenthood, access to assets, and access to entrepreneurship. Since the 1990s, rising levels of female education and rapidly falling fertility have pulled women away from vulnerable employment at a faster rate than men. However, that process is largely exhausted, with current levels of the gender gap in vulnerable employment being almost entirely unexplained by standard labour supply factors.

Morbidities Worsening Index to Sleep in the Older Adults During COVID-19: Potential Moderators.

Older adults were considered a vulnerable group for the COVID-19 infection and its consequences, including problems with sleep.AimTo evaluate the prevalence of sleep disorders in older adults, to describe their sleep patterns, as well as to analyse if there were any changes in comparison with the period pre-pandemic.Materials and MethodsOnline survey used for data collection received answers from 914 elderly age range 65–90 years, from April to August 2020. Results: 71% of the sample reported a pre-existent sleep disorder, and some of them worsened during the pandemic, especially Insomnia in women and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in men. No difference in sleep duration before and during the pandemic was found, although there was a worsening of some aspects related to sleep, such as sleep quality, sleep efficiency, awakening quality, sleep latency and nocturnal awakenings, especially in the female gender. Educational level influenced sleep latency, indicating higher sleep latency among those with primary education when compared with the ones with Ph.D.ConclusionThe pandemic had influenced sleep patterns among the elderly, as well as worsening of pre-existent sleep disorders. Female gender and low educational level were considered risk factors for sleep alterations, and high educational level, on its turn, appeared to be a protective factor.

Examining associations in congenital syphilis infection and socioeconomic factors between California's small-to-medium and large metro counties.

To investigate differences in congenital syphilis (CS) infection between California's small-to-medium and large metropolitan counties and the socioeconomic mechanisms behind these differences. County-level data from 2019 and 2020 on CS infection and other socioeconomic covariates were obtained from the California Department of Public Health and the United States Census Bureau. Counties were stratified into small-to-medium or large metropolitan counties by the National Center for Health Statistics Urban-Rural Classification Scheme and analyzed using simple and multiple Poisson regression models. California's small-to-medium metropolitan counties reported significantly higher rates of CS incidence, female poverty, and uninsured females, and significantly lower rates of English-language speaking ability and female education level compared to large metropolitan counties. CS infection was significantly associated with female poverty and education level. Rates of CS infection in the California counties are more dependent on socioeconomic indicators than county classification itself.