Young Adult Females Research Articles

Relational aggression in romantic relationship: empirical evidence among young female adults in Malaysia

BackgroundAggressive behaviour in romantic relationship is a social problem of great concern. Studies related to the influence of psychosocial factors on relational aggression are still limited. Furthermore, these factors have not been widely studied in the local context, resulting in the issue of relational aggression among young female adults still not being addressed. This study aims to explore whether psychosocial factors such as big five personality traits, adult attachment style and loneliness could predict relational aggression in romantic relationships among young female adults in Malaysia. In addition, this study aims to identify the moderating effect of social support in the relationship between psychosocial factors and relational aggression in romantic relationship.MethodsA quantitative research approach was used with 424 young female adults in Malaysia aged between 18 and 30 years old (mean age = 24.18) were recruited through multistage sampling design by completing a questionnaire consisting of the Big Five Inventory (BFI), Experiences in Close Relationships Scale II (ECRS-II), Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, Measure of Relational Aggression and Victimization (MRAV) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).ResultsMultiple regression analysis predicted significant relationship between agreeableness personality, loneliness, avoidant attachment style and anxious attachment style with relational aggression in romantic relationships. Hierarchical regression analysis found a significant effect of social support as a moderator between loneliness with relational aggression in romantic relationships.ConclusionsThus, the results show that young female adults with low level of agreeableness, high level of loneliness, avoidant attachment style and anxious attachment style are at a higher risk of engaging in relational aggression in romantic relationships. The implication of this study can help in understanding the psychosocial factors that form the basis of relational aggression in romantic relationships. Hence, the gap in knowledge warrants further research.

Sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among hospitalized adolescents and young adults with eating disorders

BackgroundRefeeding syndrome is the gravest possible medical complication in malnourished patients undergoing refeeding in the hospital. We previously reported that males with malnutrition secondary to eating disorders required more calories and had longer hospital stays than females; however, sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk remain unknown. The objective of this study was to assess differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among male and female adolescents and young adults with eating disorders hospitalized for medical instability.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 558 patients aged 9–25 years admitted to the University of California, San Francisco Eating Disorders Program for medical instability between May 2012 and August 2020. Serum was drawn per standard of care between 5 and 7 am each morning and electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were defined as: hypophosphatemia (< 3.0 mg/dL), hypokalemia (< 3.5 mEq/L), and hypomagnesemia (< 1.8 mg/dL). Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk.ResultsParticipants included 86 (15.4%) males and 472 (84.6%) females, mean (SD) age 15.5 (2.8) years. Rates of refeeding hypophosphatemia (3.5%), hypokalemia (8.1%), and hypomagnesemia (11.6%) in males hospitalized with eating disorders were low, with no statistically significant differences from females. Older age was associated with higher odds of refeeding hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. Lower percent median body mass index and greater weight suppression at admission were associated with higher odds of refeeding hypophosphatemia.ConclusionsRates of electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were low in males hospitalized for eating disorders and rates did not significantly differ from females. Together with our finding that males have higher caloric requirements and longer hospital length of stay, the finding that electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were not greater in males than females supports future research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of higher calorie and/or faster advancing refeeding protocols for males.

Rheumatic Heart Disease in East of Bali Indonesia

Background: Rheumatic heart disease remains to be the most acquired heart disease among people aged &lt;25 years. Despite improvements in high sociodemographic countries, low and low-middle sociodemographic countries have been less successful in lowering the burden of RHD.1 However, data of patient with RHD is still lacking in Indonesia, especially in Bali. Karangasem is a rural area, one of the regencies in the eastern part of Bali. Methods: This retrospective study was performed between January 2023 and January 2024 at two hospitals in Karangasem Regency, Karangasem Regional General Hospital and BaliMed Karangasem Hospital. These two hospitals were the only hospital in Karangasem regency. The study population comprised all patients who were diagnosed with RHD. Patient characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were collected retrospectively from medical records. Results: Data from 101 patients with RHD were collected. They were predominantly female (73.3%) young adults (mean ages 41.97 years), graduated from primary school (58.4%), unemployed (26.7%), and mostly from the Karangasem subdistrict (34.7%). Mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation were the same counts (65.3%), with mixed valve lesions (mitral and aortic) as the most common lesion (45.5%). Fifty-eight patients (57.4%) had secondary tricuspid regurgitation, with 6 patients with TR V-Max &gt;3.4m/s. Atrial fibrillation was a common complication (47.5%). Most patient with RHD had preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF &gt;50%). Only a quarter of patients had reduced RV contractility (TAPSE &lt;17mm). All of the patients with AF were given warfarin. All under 40-year-old patients were given a benzathine penicillin G injection. Only 7 patients had a history of valve surgery. Conclusion: Mixed valve lesion (mitral and aortic) was the most observed condition of valve lesion in RHD with the same count of mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Characteristic of patients in this study were predominantly female, young adult, graduated from primary school, unemployed, had preserved LV function, normal RV contractility, high prevalence of AF with all prescribed warfarin, all of under 40 years were given antibiotics prophylaxis.

Planned Behavior in the Use of Dating Apps by Women in Korea

While South Koreans tend to quickly adopt new technologies, such as mobile apps, without facing technological difficulties, this population uses dating apps at a relatively low rate compared with Western countries. The current study employes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine psychological factors, as opposed to technological factors, to explain why South Koreans—particularly female young adults—rarely use dating apps to find potential romantic partners. Participants were 309 women who completed an online survey assessing their attitudes toward dating apps, subjective norms regarding dating apps, and perceived risks. As for behavioral control, factors of the original TPB were collected, and the relationships among these factors were analyzed. The results indicated that the initially suggested model did not show an acceptable fit of the data. Among the three factors, attitude towards dating apps was the most important in predicting intention, while actual usage of the apps negatively affected future intentions. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Urinary Incontinence in Active Female Young Adults: Healthcare Preferences, Priorities and Experiences

Introduction and HypothesisThere is a paucity of evidence on the healthcare preferences of active female young adults with urinary incontinence (UI). This research is aimed at examining the population’s healthcare preferences and priorities and their characteristics and experiences to improve access to and use of services.MethodsThis cross-sectional online survey study used a convenience community sample. Participants resided in Australia, were 18–30 years old, had self-reported engagement in physical activity of any frequency and self-reported urine leakage in the previous 4 weeks and met other eligibility criteria. Data were analysed using descriptive analyses.ResultsThirty-nine participants took part in the study. The majority engaged in recreational exercise (74.2%) and experienced UI of slight to moderate severity (82.9%). Participants preferred to access information and support anonymously online (71.4%) from general practitioners (58.8%), medical specialists (50.0%) or physiotherapists (44.1%). All participants wanted to be involved in the UI management decision-making process. Participants prioritised knowing information over cost (38.2%), changes to daily habits (35.3%) and potential risks or side effects (23.5%) when making decisions about management of UI.ConclusionThe results highlight the diversity among active female young adults with UI. They emphasise the need for shared decision making and highlight key information needs, providing the basis for the development of decision-making tools and protocols specific to this population. They demonstrate the need for anonymous online information and support, and draw attention to the presence of UI among young recreational exercisers, highlighting the importance of ensuring that information and support is available within this demographic.

Associations of body adiposity index, body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage of body fat in young female Emirati adults.

Body Adiposity Index (BAI), which relies on an individual's hip circumference and height, was proposed as an alternative anthropometric measurement to Body Mass Index (BMI). Although this measure has been validated across different populations, its accuracy in predicting percent body fat (%BF) in the United Arab Emirates has not yet been assessed. The objective of this study was to examine the association between BAI, BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), and %BF in young female Emirati adults and determine the relative accuracy of BAI when predicting %BF. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 Emirati women between the ages of 17 and 27. The %BF was measured using the dual-energy X-ray absorption (DXA) scanner. Anthropometric measurements were collected, and BMI and BAI were calculated. BMI and %BF (r = 0.823, p <0.001) showed a greater association than that between BAI and %BF (r = 0.702, p <0.001). A linear regression analysis revealed that BMI was the single best predictor of %BF in the sample (r2 = 0.678, p<0.001). The variation around the regression line for BAI comparisons with %BF (standard error of estimate = 4.879) was greater than BMI comparisons (standard error of estimate = 3.889). BAI was found to significantly underestimate %BF at higher adiposity levels (mean difference = 8.7%). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that BMI had a higher discriminatory capacity (AUC = 0.891) over WC and BAI. The results demonstrated that BMI was a better predictor of %BF in the sample than BAI and WC. Thus, BMI may be more useful in assessing adiposity in young female Emirati adults than BAI. However, the potential of BAI as an alternative measure of adiposity should continue to be examined.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome misdiagnosed and preceded by helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis: a rare diagnosis with misleading features

Introduction and Importance: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare morbid vascular disorder that is defined as the decreasing in the aortomesenteric angle and the compression of the third part of the duodenum. This disorder mainly affects young adult females, and severe weight loss represents a leading predisposing factor. Case presentation: We report the case of a 19-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital with a three-months history of epigastric pain, nausea, and weight loss. Two months earlier, the patient was diagnosed with helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis. Nevertheless, with complaints of severe headache and epigastric pain, the patient was admitted to our hospital for further investigations. Computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast injection was performed, and interestingly, the aortomesenteric angle was 19 degrees accompanied by a compression of the third part of the duodenum, and a mild gastric dilatation. Accordingly, the diagnosis was confirmed as a superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Clinical Discussion: In our case, the non-specific clinical symptoms correlated with histopathological examinations led to the initial diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori-induced gastritis. Surprisingly, the lack of improvements led to performing CT scan, which confirmed the diagnosis of SMA syndrome. Subsequently, HP gastritis played a significant role in misleading and delaying the diagnosis. Conclusion: We report the first case report from Syria of s superior mesenteric artery syndrome that was misdiagnosed and preceded by HP-induced gastritis, highlighting the crucial role of detailed clinical and radiological examinations in the diagnosis of challenging cases with morbid complications.

Relationship Between Gratitude and Sleep Quality among Young Adults

This study investigates the relationship between gratitude and sleep quality among young adults. The objective is to understand gender differences between gratitude and sleep quality. however, there is less research that provides evidence that gratitude affects sleep quality among female and male young adults. To address this, the study aims to compare gratitude and sleep quality among male and female young adults. A correlational study with a sample (N=124) of female(N=62) and male young adults (N=62) was used. To assess gratitude and sleep quality among male and female young adults Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6) Pittsburgh sleep quality respectively. Online and offline responses were taken, and online data collection was done using Google Forms while offline data collection was collected from universities, institutes workplace settings. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate correlation between sleep quality and gratitude among female adults. thus, to some extent, gratitude increases young adults' sleep quality. Keywords: dispositional gratitude, sleep quality, male young adults, female young adults

Abstract PO4-17-10: Epidemiological Analysis and Overall Survival of Female Adolescent and Young Adults Breast Cancer in a Developing Middle Eastern Country Over 18 Years

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among female adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15-39 years at diagnosis. AYAs with breast cancer have worse prognosis and are more likely to present with unfavorable tumor biology. However, breast cancer in AYAs is still poorly reported in middle eastern populations. Methodology: This is a retrospective cohort study which examined female AYAs patients aged 15 to 39 years at the time of diagnosis who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2000 and 2018, using data from the Jordan Cancer Registry. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess the 5-year overall survival of the patients over time. Results: A total of 3831 Female AYAs were diagnosed with breast cancer in Jordan between 2000 and 2018 with a median age of 34.2 (IQR 30.9-38.3) years. 43.2% of female AYAs breast cancer cases were right breast cancer, whereas left breast cancer occurred in 47.4% of cases, and only 2.15% of cases were bilateral breast cancer. Meanwhile, 7.31% of cases did not have a reported laterality in the registry records. Most female AYAs patients had high grade breast cancer with grade III breast cancer being the most common (N=1349, 35.2%) followed by grade II breast cancer (N=1093, 28.5%). Among this female AYA cohort, 2208 (59.3%) were treated with surgical intervention, 1621 (43.5%) patients were given chemotherapy, 1220 (32.7%) patients had radiotherapy, 265 (7.15%) patients had hormonal therapy and only 47 (1.27%) were treated with immunotherapy. Among the entire studied cohort, 229 (5.98%) patients died during follow up period. The 5-year overall survival was 94% (95% CI 93.3% to 94.8%) Conclusion: Female AYAs breast cancer tends to have a predilection towards the left breast, but presents at a more advanced grade compared with other age groups in females. Citation Format: Ahmed Abdulelah, Zaid Abdulelah, Abdulrahman Alhajahjeh, Ahmad Ghazzawi, Layla El-Amayreh, Hikmat Abdel-Razeq. Epidemiological Analysis and Overall Survival of Female Adolescent and Young Adults Breast Cancer in a Developing Middle Eastern Country Over 18 Years [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-17-10.

Racialized inequities in live birth after cancer: A population-based study of 63,000 female adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Fertility after cancer is a top concern for adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) (15-39 years old at diagnosis). The authors characterized live births after cancer by race and ethnicity ("race/ethnicity") in a population-based sample of female AYAs. This study used Texas Cancer Registry data linked to birth certificates (1995-2016) to estimate cumulative incidence of live birth, based on first live birth after cancer, and compared differences by race/ethnicity. Proportional subdistribution hazards models were used to estimate associations between race/ethnicity and live birth, adjusted for diagnosis age, cancer type, stage, year, and prior live birth, overall and for each cancer type. Among 65,804 AYAs, 10-year cumulative incidence of live birth was lower among non-Hispanic Black AYAs than other racial/ethnic groups: 10.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.4-10.9) compared to 15.9% (95% CI, 14.1-17.9) among Asian or Pacific Islander, 14.7% (95% CI, 14.2-15.3) among Hispanic, and 15.2% (95% CI, 14.8-15.6) among non-Hispanic White AYAs (p<.01). In the adjusted overall model, Black AYAs were less likely to have a live birth after cancer than all other groups. In adjusted models for each cancer type, live birth was significantly less likely for Black AYAs with gynecologic cancers or lymphomas (compared to White AYAs) or thyroid cancers (compared to Hispanic AYAs). Black AYAs are less likely than AYAs of other races/ethnicities to have a live birth after cancer, in contrast to patterns of live birth in the general population. Research and action to promote childbearing equity after cancer are imperative.

Concerns about fertility, social appearance, and relationships in young adults with polycystic ovary syndrome

ABSTRACT Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affecting 1–11% of reproductive-age women, is characterised by many symptoms that cause important concerns especially in young adults. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the concerns about fertility, social appearance, and relationships in young adults with PCOS. Methodology This descriptive study included 140 young female adults aged 18–26, who were diagnosed with PCOS, agreed to participate in the onlineresearch through social media between July and December 2022 in Turkey. Data were collected using the ’Participant Interview Form’ and the ”Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS). Results The mean age of the participants was 22.1 ± 2.1. As the most common symptoms, 78.6% experienced menstrual irregularities, 16.4% were overweight, 7.1% were obese, 67.1% had hirsutism and 65.7% had acne. Most of the participants expressed concerns about future infertility (72.9%), and worried about being unable to conceive due to PCOS in the future (sometimes = 61.4%). Over eighty percent of the participants expressed some level of dissatisfaction with their physical appearance. They commonly believe that their self-esteem, emotionalstate, social relationships and partner relationships could be negatively affected by PCOS. SAAS scores were significantly increased by low income, high BMI, hirsutism, dissatisfaction with physicalappearance, low self-esteem, emotional problems and concerns related to social and partner relationships (p < 0.05). Conclusion Young adults have common concerns about the potential negative impacts of PCOS on fertility, social appearance, and relationships. Health professionals should be aware of their counselling needs about the possible physical and psycho-social effects of PCOS and provide continuous care and support.

The Associations Between Health-Related Knowledge and Health Beliefs Regarding Risk for Gestational Diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native Female Adolescents and Young Adults at Risk for Gestational Diabetes and Their Female Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Dyadic Analysis.

Research on associations between knowledge and health beliefs for women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has focused on adults at risk for or having GDM. Gaps also exist in examining interpersonal associations with family members or peers. We examined dyadic associations between knowledge and health beliefs about the risk for GDM between and within American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) female adolescents and young adults (FAYAs) at risk for GDM and their mothers or adult female caregivers (FCs). Grounded in the Expanded Health Belief Model, we employed a cross-sectional design using baseline data from 147 dyads of AIAN FAYAs at risk for GDM and their FCs who participated in the Stopping GDM in Daughters and Mothers trial. FAYAs were 12.0 to 24.5 years of age, and 89.1% were students. FCs had a mean (SD) age of 44.0 (9.3) years, 87.0% were AIAN, 44.9% were college educated, 19.7% had ever had GDM, and 81.0% were the FAYA's mother. FAYAs and FCs completed surveys about knowledge and health beliefs (benefits, barriers, severity, susceptibility) regarding GDM risk and prevention. Bivariate correlational analyses were performed to examine associations between and within dyad members. Dyadic associations were investigated using actor-partner interdependence modeling (APIM) assuming distinguishable dyad members. Compared with their FCs, FAYAs had lower health-related knowledge and perceived benefits of GDM prevention and susceptibility regarding GDM risk. APIM revealed actor and partner effects of health-related knowledge on health beliefs for dyads. In particular, positive actor effects were found for FAYAs and FCs for GDM-related knowledge with perceived benefits (P <.001), and positive partner effects of GDM-related knowledge for FCs were related to perceived susceptibility and severity for FAYAs (P <.05). As shown in these AIAN dyads, FAYAs and their FCs, as members of one another's social network, may influence each other's health beliefs regarding GDM risk and prevention.

Prevalence and factors associated with eating disorders among undergraduate students in a public university in Ghana

AbstractTo estimate the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) among undergraduate students in a public university in Ghana; to identify the factors associated with EDs and to explore the relationship between sociodemographics and developing EDs. A cross‐sectional design was employed to obtain data from 1101 students using the total enumeration sampling method. Information on sociodemographics was obtained and anthropometric measurements were self‐reported. The Eating Attitude Test was modified to obtain the prevalence rate. The factors associated with EDs and the relationship between sociodemographics and EDs were also assessed using a chi‐square statistical test. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between sociodemographic variables and ED risk. A total of 1101 students participated in the study with a mean age of 21.87 ± 2.94, ranging from 16 to 43 years. About 7% of the students were found to have EDs, with the majority being female young adults. Factors found to influence EDs were peer/family pressure, stress, and body dissatisfaction. The association between psychological factors and EDs was found to be statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Gender (p = 0.011), course of study (p = 0.001), and level of study (p = 0.010) were sociodemographic variables associated with an increased likelihood of developing EDs. This study found the prevalence of EDs to be relatively higher than that estimated for Africa and non‐Western countries and almost as high as that of the Western world. This calls for urgent steps to be taken, including creating awareness and increasing nutrition education to reduce the incidence, if not completely nip it in the bud. Sociocultural factors and body image preferences were identified as core factors underlying susceptibility to EDs and hence will inform and guide intervention activities. This study will address literature gaps and provide baseline data on the prevalence rate of EDs in Ghana and Africa at large. Information from the study will aid dietitians/nutritionists in developing interventions suitable for persons with EDs. Most importantly, this study will refer individuals who may have EDs to seek the necessary assistance from qualified health professionals like doctors, dietitians, and psychologists.

Sex-specific associations between the environmental exposures and low-grade inflammation and increased blood pressure in young, healthy subjects

Long-term exposures to environmental factors including airborne as well as noise pollutants, are associated with cardiovascular risk. However, the influence of environmental pollution on the young population is controversial. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the relationships between long-term exposures to different environmental factors and major cardiovascular and inflammatory parameters and biomarkers in young, healthy subjects. Representative sample of permanent residents of two cities differing in air and noise pollution levels, aged 15–21 years, were recruited. Krakow and Lublin, both located in southern Poland, were chosen in relation to their similarities in demographic and geopolitical characteristics, but differences in air pollution (higher in Krakow) and noise parameters (higher in Lublin). A total of 576 subjects were studied: 292 in Krakow and 284 in Lublin. All subjects underwent health questionnaire, blood pressure measurements and biomarker determinations. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as CRP, hs-CRP, fibrinogen as well as homocysteine were all significantly higher in subjects living in Krakow as opposed to subjects living in Lublin (for hsCRP: 0.52 (0.32–0.98) mg/l vs. 0.35 (0.22–0.67) mg/l; p < 0.001). Increased inflammatory biomarker levels were observed in Krakow in both male and female young adults. Interestingly, significant differences were observed in blood pressure between male and female subjects. Males from Krakow had significantly higher mean systolic blood pressure (127.7 ± 10.4 mm/Hg vs. 122.4 ± 13.0 mm/Hg; p = 0.001), pulse pressure (58.7 ± 8.9 mm/Hg vs. 51.4 ± 12.3 mm/Hg; p < 0.001) and lower heart rate (p < 0.001) as compared to males living in Lublin. This was not observed in young adult females. Long-term exposure to environmental factors related to the place of residence can significantly influence inflammatory and cardiovascular parameters, even in young individuals. Interestingly, among otherwise healthy young adults, blood pressure differences exhibited significant variations based on biological sex.

Gender differences in diet quality and the association between diet quality and BMI: an analysis in young Australian adults who completed the Healthy Eating Quiz.

Many young adults report poor diet quality. However, research evaluating whether young adult males and females differ in diet quality is limited. Additionally, although diet quality has a known inverse association with body mass index (BMI), it is unclear whether this association is observed in young adults and whether it varies by gender. The present study aimed to evaluate gender differences in diet quality in young adults, as well as the associations between diet quality and BMI. Data collected via the Healthy Eating Quiz (HEQ) in respondents aged 18-35 years between July 2019 and December 2021 were analysed, including demographics, and diet quality calculated using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). Differences in characteristics were analysed using a two-sample t-test, chi-squared and one-way analysis of covariance. Linear regressions were performed to estimate associations between diet quality and BMI. An interaction term was included in the model to test differences between genders. The respondents (n = 28,969) were predominantly female (70.8%) with a mean ± SD age of 25.9 ± 5.0 years and BMI of 24.6 ± 5.2 kg/m2. The mean ± SD ARFS was significantly different between females and males (33.1 ± 8.6 vs. 31.4 ± 9.3 points out of 70; p < 0.001). Diet quality had a small, significant inverse association with BMI in both genders. The interaction effect between diet quality score and gender in predicting BMI was significant (p < 0.001), suggesting the impact of diet quality on BMI varies by gender, with lower diet quality more strongly associated with higher BMI in females compared to males. Interventions that target young adults are needed to improve diet quality and its potential contribution to BMI status. As a result of the small observed effect sizes, caution should be applied in interpreting these findings.

An Empirical Study on Cybersecurity Awareness, Cybersecurity Concern, and Vulnerability to Cyber-attacks

The research aimed to delve into the landscape of cybersecurity awareness and concern levels within Punjab, India, shedding light on the specific demographic groups most susceptible to cyber-attacks. Through meticulous survey administration and data analysis, the study pinpointed a noteworthy vulnerability: young adult females aged 18 to 29 residing in rural Punjab, particularly those either engaged in student pursuits or currently unemployed. This demographic emerged as disproportionately prone to cyber threats. Highlighting the gravity of this finding, the research underscores the urgency for tailored interventions to fortify the cyber defenses of this vulnerable population segment. A crucial facet of this approach involves the development of a prototype aimed at augmenting cybersecurity awareness and fostering ethical online conduct among the identified demographic. This prototype seeks to serve as a platform for delivering enhanced training modules tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by young females in rural Punjab. Moreover, the paper delineates a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation and evaluation of these recommendations. Central to this plan is the deployment of an application based on the proposed prototype, designed to facilitate the delivery of targeted cybersecurity education and gauge its efficacy in bolstering cyber resilience among the identified demographic. This research not only illuminates the cybersecurity landscape in Punjab but also charts a proactive course of action aimed at mitigating vulnerabilities and empowering at-risk populations through informed intervention strategies. Through ongoing data collection and evaluation efforts, the efficacy of these interventions will be rigorously assessed, driving iterative refinement and optimization of cybersecurity initiatives tailored to the unique needs of Punjab's populace.

Co-production of Online Educational Resources for Adolescent and Young Adult Females with Epilepsy (P2-7.001)

Co-production of Online Educational Resources for Adolescent and Young Adult Females with Epilepsy (P2-7.001)

Heterogeneous neighbourhood effects on the educational attainments of native Norwegian and immigrant-descendant female and male young adults

Using longitudinal register data from Oslo, Norway, this article examines how cumulative childhood exposure to family and neighbourhood contexts influences the educational attainments of young adults, paying special attention to how these determinants vary by gender and immigrant status. Specifically, we examine how neighbourhood socioeconomic and immigrant context experienced during childhood affects the completion of secondary school and university enrolment during young adulthood. We assess the extent of effect heterogeneity for three immigrant status groups stratified by gender. We control for geographical selection using a recently developed technique that first models parental selection of neighbourhood attributes and then uses the resulting predicted probabilities of selection as instruments in the neighbourhood-effects-on-education model. We find that neighbourhood affluence, educational levels and non-Western immigrant composition have important impacts on young adult educational outcomes, though results differ sharply by gender and immigrant status.

Association between Physical Activity and Health Outcomes (High Body Fatness, High Blood Pressure) in Namibian Adolescents and Adult women.

Regular physical activity (PA) is known to promote the physical and mental health of children and adolescents and further prevent the development of health problems in adulthood. Information on body composition and PA is crucial for health promotion strategies and for epidemiological studies informing policies. However, there is limited data on the association between body composition and PA in Namibia. This dearth of published data is a significant shortcoming in the development of strategies and policies to promote PA in Namibia. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the association between PA as a dependent variable and independent variables such as high blood pressure and body fatness as measured by different methods (gold standard deuterium dilution, body mass index, mid upper arm circumference, and waist circumference). The study included 206 healthy adolescent girls aged 13-19 years and 207 young adult females aged 20-40 years from Windhoek, Namibia. PA was measured using the PACE+ questionnaire in adolescents, and the GPAQ questionnaire was used for adults. In adolescents, only 33% of the participants met the recommended guidelines for PA, compared to only 2% for adults. Nevertheless, the study found no statistically significant association between PA and blood pressure indices (p-value < 0.05) among adolescents and adults. However, there was a significant association between PA and high body fatness (p-value < 0.001) and waist circumference (p-value = 0.014) in adolescents. Among adults, PA was significantly related to waist circumference only. In conclusion, failure to meet recommended PA guidelines is strongly associated with abdominal obesity and high body fatness. The knowledge gained from this study may be used by policymakers in the development of strategic policies and interventions aimed at promoting PA as a public priority and improving health outcomes.

Effect of Abstract Phonemic Complexity on Mismatch Negativity (MMN) Amplitude.

Mismatch negativity (MMN) reflects a pre-perceptual neurophysiological response that is generated subconsciously due to the interruption of a memory trace of ongoing sensory events in the environment. It has been widely used by researchers to understand complex perceptual mechanisms. Furthermore, it has been recommended as an objective tool to investigate disorders related to auditory cognition in hearing aid and cochlear implant users. Many researchers suggest that utilizing a larger acoustic difference between standard and deviant stimuli within the oddball paradigm will lead to a more robust MMN response. The purpose of the present study is to examine if increasing the abstract phonemic contrast between standard and deviant stimuli in the oddball paradigm leads to a more robust MMN response. Fourteen young female adults participated in the present study. To ensure that the MMN response was elicited by phonemic and not acoustic differences in the stimuli, a one-to-many ratio was created for the abstract phonemic features while controlling the acoustic features when designing the oddball paradigm as described by Phillips et al. (2000). MMN amplitude was measured at the Cz and Fz electrodes in 2 conditions, with 2 trials in each condition. In condition 1, the standards and deviants differed by one distinctive feature: voicing in trial 1 (/tӕ/ was standard and /dӕ/ was deviant), and place of articulation in trial 2 (/bӕ/ was standard and /dӕ/ was deviant). In condition 2, the standards and deviants differed across two distinctive features: voicing and place of articulation. In trial 1, /pӕ/ was standard and /dӕ/ was deviant; in trial 2, /dӕ/ was standard and /pӕ/ was deviant. MMN amplitudes elicited by two distinctive features were significantly larger than MMN amplitudes elicited by one distinctive feature (p<0.001). Trials 1 and 2 in each condition showed no statistical difference, and they were repeatable and highly correlated. Recordings from the Cz and Fz electrodes showed no statistical difference and were highly correlated and similar in morphology. It is known in the literature that increasing acoustic complexity elicits a more robust MMN. The present study showed that this assumption can be extended to abstract phonemic complexity. Increasing the phonemic complexity by utilizing more distinctive features in the oddball paradigm increased the amplitude and robustness of the MMN.