Female Personnel Research Articles

Self-reported stressors of National Guard women veterans before and after deployment: the relevance of interpersonal relationships.

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWith their rapidly expanding roles in the military, women service members experience significant stressors throughout their deployment experience. However, there are few studies that examine changes in women Veterans’ stressors before and after deployment.OBJECTIVEThis study examines the types of stressors women Veterans report before deployment, immediately after deployment, 3 months after deployment, and 1 year post-deployment.DESIGNDescriptive data on reported stressors was collected at four time points of a longitudinal study (HEROES Project). Open-ended responses from the Coping Response Inventory (CRI) were coded into six possible major stressor categories for analysis.PARTICIPANTSSeventy-nine Army National Guard and Reserve female personnel deploying to Operation Enduring Freedom (OFF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) were surveyed prior to deployment. Of these participants, 35 women completed Phase 2, 41 completed Phase 3, and 48 completed Phase 4 of the study.KEY RESULTSWe identified six major stressor categories: (1) interpersonal (i.e., issues with family and/or friends), (2) deployment-related and military-related, (3) health concerns, (4) death of a loved one, (5) daily needs (i.e., financial/housing/transportation concerns), and (6) employment or school-related concerns. At all time points, interpersonal issues were one of the most common type of stressor for this sample. Daily needs concerns increased from 3 months post-deployment to 1 year post-deployment.CONCLUSIONSInterpersonal concerns are commonly reported by women Veterans both before and after their combat experience, suggesting that this is a time during which interpersonal support is especially critical. We discuss implications, which include the need for a more coordinated approach to women Veterans’ health care (e.g., greater community-based outreach), and the need for more and more accessible Veterans Affairs (VA) services to address the needs of female Veterans.

Inhalation anesthetics and the reproductive risk associated with occupational exposure among women working in veterinary anesthesia

ObjectiveTo investigate reproductive health issues for women working in veterinary anesthesia compared with those working in veterinary critical care. Reproductive health issues were classified as time to conceive, fertility treatment, miscarriage, and children with birth defects. Study designQuestionnaire-based survey. MethodsA survey was designed to assess the reproductive health of female personnel working in veterinary anesthesia. To account for other job related factors that might impact reproductive health (i.e. stress, heavy lifting, long working hours and varying schedules), women working in veterinary critical care were used as a comparison group. ResultsThere were 295 respondents including, (209 faculty and staff working in veterinary anesthesia and 86 in veterinary critical care).There were no statistical differences in length of time to conceive, number of couples receiving fertility treatment, miscarriages, and children with birth defects between the two groups. ConclusionsThis study did not show a statistically significant difference in reproductive risk for women working in veterinary anesthesia when compared to women working in veterinary critical care. Overall the incidence for reproductive health problems is similar to the risk for the general population of females in North America.

Relationship between napping during night shift work and household obligations of female nursing personnel

Night shift employment involves displacing sleep to the daytime. For female workers, the opportunity for daytime sleep is influenced by routine housework demands, which aggravates sleep deprivation. Allowing naps to be taken during the night shift of work is a frequent practice at some hospitals and can help reduce the effects of sleep deprivation. We hypothesize that an association between domestic work and the length of naps during night work exists for nursing professionals. To test this hypothesis, two cross-sectional studies were conducted in two different hospitals. In Study 1, female workers answered questionnaires regarding sleeping habits, professional work, and housework demands. In Study 2, data regarding napping during shifts was obtained by actigraphy, a noninvasive method of monitoring the human sleep–wake cycle. The demand for the performance of housework was measured by (i) domestic work hours (total time spent performing domestic work per week), and (ii) domestic workload, which considers the degree of sharing domestic tasks and the number of people living at home. The populations from the two studies were subdivided into groups, based on the duration of napping at work. Data on naps were analyzed according to domestic demands, using the Mann–Whitney and Chi-squared tests. Among the two study populations (Studies 1 and 2), those in Study 2 were older, had shorter professional weekly work hours, worked more night shifts, and dedicated more time to housework. significant associations were only found in Study 2, where greater time napping at work was associated with both greater time spent doing housework and greater domestic workload. The known benefits of napping during night shifts seem to be especially relevant for female workers who are more sleep-deprived from working more night shifts and who have higher demands for housework.

Sexual desire disorder in female healthcare personnel in Malaysia

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for female sexual desire disorder (FSDD) among healthcare personnel at selected healthcare facilities in Malaysia. Two hundred and one female healthcare workers from three large tertiary hospitals were selected by stratified random sampling to participate in this cross-sectional study. Validated questionnaires were used to assess depression, anxiety, and sexual function in women and erectile dysfunction (ED) in their partners. The prevalence of FSDD was 18.9%. Women with low sexual desire were more likely to have higher educational attainment (OR = 3.06; 95% CI; 1.22-7.66), lower frequency of sexual intercourse (OR = 12.81; 95% CI; 4.43-37.83), two or more children (OR = 3.05; 95% CI; 1.02-9.09), duration of marriage of 20 years or more (OR = 2.62; 95% CI; 1.27-5.40), and a spouse with ED (OR = 2.86; 95% CI; 1.08-7.56). FSDD is common among female healthcare personnel in Malaysia, affecting nearly one in five women. The implication of low sexual desire is important in terms of contributing to a meaningful sexual relationship, and indirectly affects the quality of life of the healthcare personnel.

The utilization of Pap tests among different female medical personnel: A nationwide study in Taiwan

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to clarify the conditions under which female medical personnel receive Pap tests and the influencing factors associated with not receiving Pap tests. MethodsData from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan were analyzed. There were a total of 142,123 subjects: 5,196 physicians, 13,366 pharmacists, and 123,561 nurses. ResultsOf the subjects, 57.7% had received a Pap test in 2008–2010. Pap-test rates were highest for pharmacists (58.1%) and nurses (58.0%) and lowest for physicians (48.6%). After adjustment for age, having visited an obstetrics/gynecology clinic, gynecological disease, chronic disease, major illnesses, occupational diseases/injuries, and cancer, subjects were less likely to have received a Pap test if they were older, had visited an obstetric/gynecological clinic, or had gynecological diseases or major illnesses. Pharmacists and nurses who had occupational diseases/injuries and chronic diseases and nurses who had had cancer were less likely to have received a Pap test. ConclusionHopefully, by highlighting the factors associated with lower likelihood of receiving Pap tests, the study findings will increase self-awareness among female medical personnel, improving their rate of Pap-test participation.

Prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction among healthcare personnel in malaysia

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among healthcare personnel in selected healthcare facilities in Malaysia. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study carried out at three large healthcare facilities that were selected by convenience sampling. Within each facility, stratified random sampling was used to select suitable candidates to participate in the study (n=201). Validated questionnaires were used to assess depression, anxiety, sexual function in women and erectile dysfunction (ED) in their partners. ResultsThe prevalence of FSD was 5.5%. Women with sexual dysfunction were more likely to be married longer (OR=4.08; 95% CI; 1.15–4.50), had lower frequency of sexual intercourse (OR=5.00; 95% C; 1.05–23.76) and had a spouse with ED (OR=24.35; 95% CI; 4.55–130.37). Multivariate analysis showed that ED was the strongest predictor for FSD (AOR=27.30; 95% CI; 4.706–159.08). ConclusionOne in eighteen female healthcare personnel suffered from FSD and presence of ED in the partner strongly impacted her sexual function, negatively. The findings highlight the importance of including the male partner in clinical assessment of FSD.

Sexual Harassment in Law Enforcement

The present study was designed to examine the incidence, impact, and perception of sexual harassment in law enforcement by utilizing a mixed methods approach and two data sources. In Study 1, quantitative data were provided by 679 male and female personnel in a large law enforcement agency. In Study 2, 531 female police officers provided qualitative responses to a national survey addressing a range of professional experiences. Most respondents from these two studies experienced behaviors that could potentially be sexually harassing. Very few were reported with a formal complaint, but retaliation was common and often severe. Regression analyses demonstrate that such experiences have a negative impact on both personal and professional outcomes. Yet narrative responses reveal that respondents do not typically appraise them negatively. Patterns are explored for the various types of behavior, the organizational status of those involved, the response strategy employed, and the outcome of the situation.

456 – New dimensions in the evaluation and treatment of PTSD within the military

Introduction War trauma has long been associated with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a term coined in 1980 in the DSM-III to explain the post-war impact on U.S. and coalition veterans who served in Vietnam. New dimensions of war trauma have emerged with the 1991 Gulf War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These challenges to the traditional diagnosis are seen as being consequences of the new dynamics associated with these conflicts, notably the heavy reliance on reserve troops and the National Guard; a high proportion of female service personnel; and multiple deployment as well as the introduction of suicide bombers and the use of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). Objectives/aims To articulate the new dimensions of war trauma including the pervasive atmosphere of hyper-vigilance; sexual tension within the military ranks; and the high prevalence of closed head injuries. Method A through analysis of the latest research on war trauma including the proposed DSM-V diagnostic criteria. Results MRI and other medical research indicates certain neurophysiological mechanisms associated particularly with PTSD distinguishing it from other forms of war trauma (adjustment disorders; panic disorders; depression, personality disorders...). Pre-morbid health and social factors are also seen as playing a role in the resilience to, or proneness toward, PTSD. Regarding treatment protocols, the immediate administration of opiates or new grade anti-psychotics seem to have the effect of keeping the trauma in the “acute stress” mode instead of the more difficult to treat, PTSD. Cultural differences are also addressed.

Relationship of Psychological Morbidity and Quality of Life in Professional Females

ABSTRACT During peri and menopause, a variety of psychological issues crop up and the most likely ones are depression, burnout, alcohol abuse and chronic fatigue. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of psychological disturbances in female health workers and female media personnel, and it was observed that, health workers, majority were anxious and depressed 51 years and above, compared to the media staff, where anxiety was mainly noticed between 41 and 50 years, and depression was common in less than 40 years. How to cite this article Perera H, Karunanayake S, de Silva P. Relationship of Psychological Morbidity and Quality of Life in Professional Females. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2013;1(1):24-26.

Effects of Stress on Work-Life Balance - A Study on Female Police Personnel

Stress has become a part of everyone's job. High level of stress causes imbalances in the work and family life of employees, especially when they are performing challenging jobs like that of police constable. This may lead to high absenteeism, low job satisfaction and more turnover intention. The present study was aimed to find the effects of stress on work-life balance of female police personnel of Andhra Pradesh and to find the impact of demographics of the respondents on their stress. Percentage, independent sample t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression were conducted to meet the objectives. The results revealed that there was a positive correlation between stress and work-life balance, and stress was the predictor of work-life balance.

Trait Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Burnout among Business Process Outsourcing Personnel in IT Companies in Chennai

Burnout among employees leads to more labour turnover, decrease in work productivity, strain in relationships and poor work culture. This study investigated the relationship between burnout and trait emotional intelligence among business process outsourcing (BPO) personnel in three IT companies in Chennai. Thirty-five female and sixty-five male personnel were administered trait emotional short-form questionnaire to determine trait emotions score. The Maslach burnout inventory scale questionnaire was used to determine the three subscales of burnout - Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalisation (DP) and Personal Accomplishment (PA). Using AMOS, a regression model was created and the result showed that there is a significant relationship between Total Trait Emotional Intelligence (TTEI) and EE. Every 1-point increase in TTEI leads to a 3.465 decrease in EE. However, the relationship between TTEI and DP and PA was not significant.

Prevalence of burnout and associations with psychosocial work environment, physical strain, and stress of conscience among Swedish female and male police personnel

Focus of this study was to investigate prevalence of burnout and relation to psychosocial work environment, physical strain, and stress of conscience amongst female and male police personnel in Sweden. The questionnaire was answered by 856 (55%) patrolling police officers, 437 (56%) women vs. 419 (53%) men. Prevalence and mean values for emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP) was higher in our study compared to other studies including police personnel in Norway and the Netherlands. A multiple logistic regressions showed that for women stress of conscience, high demand, and organizational climate was significant associated with EE, for men it was stress of conscience, decision, and high demand. For DP only stress of conscience contributed statistically significant in our model, respectively, of gender. Further research is needed to develop interventions aiming to reduce levels of burnout among police personnel in Sweden.

The need for novel strategies to analyze the dynamic pattern of worker’s health over time and the consequences for sustained employability

The need for novel strategies to analyze the dynamic pattern of worker’s health over time and the consequences for sustained employability

Collecting Road Traffic Injury (RTI) data: barriers and enablers experienced by research personnel

BackgroundPrimary and Secondary data pertaining to two risk factors, helmets and alcohol, were collected as part of the Road Safety (RS-10) project in Hyderabad, India. Observational studies, road side interviews,...

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Physical Activity Behavior Among Elementary School Personnel: Baseline Results from the ACTION! Worksite Wellness Program*

Although the prevalence of obesity is increasing during adulthood, there have been few assessments of obesity, cardiovascular risk factors, and levels of physical activity among adult elementary school staff. Data were collected from 745 African-American and White female school personnel in a suburban school district in southeastern Louisiana as part of the baseline assessment before implementation of a program to improve eating and physical activity behaviors. Anthropometry, blood pressure, serum lipids and lipoproteins, and glucose were measured using established protocols. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. For both White and Black females, 30% were overweight (body mass index [BMI]) ≥25 kg/m(2) but <30 kg/m(2) ). Whereas 37% of White females were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) ), 61% of the Black females were obese. There was a positive association between BMI and other cardiovascular risk factors except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, where the association was negative. The mean number of minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was <1 minute per day and was lower for overweight and obese women than for normal weight women. School personnel in the study have adverse cardiovascular risk factors, including high rates of obesity and very low levels of physical activity. Because these individuals are often called upon to promote health for children, they are an important target population for wellness interventions.

Satisfaction with Work Life Balance: A Study of Women Police Personnel in Hyderabad

This paper studies the WLB satisfaction of female police personnel who work at irregular hours in the midst of their domestic caring responsibilities by focusing on their perceptions of work responsibilities, their domestic caring responsibilities and their perception of work-life balance satisfaction. It was based on the structured survey through a questionnaire, with women police who work in Hyderabad police stations. The Findings suggest a need for change both in organizational and work policies for female police in Hyderabad.

Satisfaction with Work Life Balance: A Study of Women Police Personnel in Hyderabad

This paper studies the WLB satisfaction of female police personnel who work at irregular hours in the midst of their domestic caring responsibilities by focusing on their perceptions of work responsibilities, their domestic caring responsibilities and their perception of work-life balance satisfaction. It was based on the structured survey through a questionnaire, with women police who work in Hyderabad police stations. The Findings suggest a need for change both in organizational and work policies for female police in Hyderabad.

Conduta das funcionárias de um hospital na adesão ao programa de prevenção do câncer de mama

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a adesão das funcionárias de um hospital em um programa de prevenção do câncer de mama por meio da mamografia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O estudo contou com 91 funcionárias analisadas por meio de questionário e acompanhamento da periodicidade da mamografia de 2000 até 2009. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 247 mamografias. Quarenta e oito funcionárias informaram obedecer à periodicidade do exame, e dessas, 12,6% realizaram o exame por solicitação médica, 47,9% por conhecerem a importância do exame, 4,1% por terem casos de câncer na família e 35,4% por rotina. Quarenta e três funcionárias não obedeceram à periodicidade do exame, sendo que 37,3% não fazem por não terem solicitação médica, 20,9% por não conseguirem pelo Sistema Único de Saúde, 18,6% por medo, 23,2% por não conhecerem a importância. CONCLUSÃO: A adesão ao programa foi baixa. As funcionárias desse hospital não têm conhecimento sobre a prevenção do câncer de mama.

Condom Use Following a Pilot Test of the Popular Opinion Leader Intervention in the Barbados Defence Force

Worldwide, military personnel have been recognized as a population at elevated risk for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. However, few evidence based behavioral interventions for the prevention of HIV and STIs have been rigorously evaluated in military personnel. We adapted the Popular Opinion Leaders (POL) intervention and piloted the adapted program with the Barbados Defence Force at one military base in Barbados. Popular Opinion Leaders were selected and trained to focus conversations on condom use. Behavioral questionnaires were administered using audio computer-assisted self interview at baseline (n = 256) and 6-month follow-up (n = 303). Mid-point focus groups were conducted with a sample of 15 POLs at a 3 month mid-point assessment. Quantitative data showed moderate increases in condom use at 6-months, and significant uptake of condom use during oral-genital contact in female personnel. A subgroup analysis suggests that this change was partially mediated by post-intervention changes in injunctive norms surrounding condom use in women. Focus groups revealed that POLs were heavily focusing on condom demonstrations, condom provision within social networks, speaking with coworkers about pleasure associated with condom use, and that the most common venues for conversations included those where alcohol was consumed. During the intervention, POLs dispersed from the intervention site as a result of normal personnel movement across bases, resulting in our having to use a pre and post intervention design across the population. It is likely that larger effect sizes would be observed in efforts that account for the natural dispersion of personnel across bases.

Health complications of female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has one of the highest rates of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the world, and yet little is known about the health consequences of the practice.PurposeTo explore whether and what kind of FGM-related health complications girls and women in Sierra Leone experience, and to elucidate their health care-seeking behaviors.Patients and methodsA feasibility study was conducted to test and refine questionnaires and methods used for this study. Thereafter, a cross-section of girls and women (n = 258) attending antenatal care and Well Women Clinics in Bo Town, Bo District, in the southern region and in Makeni Town, Bombali District, in the northern region of Sierra Leone were randomly selected. Participants answered interview-administrated pretested structured questionnaires with open- ended-questions, administrated by trained female personnel.ResultsAll respondents had undergone FGM, most between 10 and 14 years of age. Complications were reported by 218 respondents (84.5%), the most common ones being excessive bleeding, delay in or incomplete healing, and tenderness. Fever was significantly more often reported by girls who had undergone FGM before 10 years of age compared with those who had undergone the procedure later. Out of those who reported complications, 187 (85.8%) sought treatment, with 89 of them visiting a traditional healer, 75 a Sowei (traditional circumciser), and 16 a health professional.ConclusionThe high prevalence rate of FGM and the proportion of medical complications show that FGM is a matter for public health concern in Sierra Leone. Girls who undergo FGM before 10 years of age seem to be more vulnerable to serious complications than those who are older at the time of FGM. It is important that health care personnel are aware of, and look for possible complications from FGM, and encourage girls and women to seek medical care for their problems.