Low Socioeconomic Status Females Research Articles

Prospective randomized controlled trial of water exchange plus cap versus water exchange colonoscopy in unsedated veterans

Background and AimsWater exchange (WE) and cap-assisted colonoscopy (CAC) separately reduced pain during insertion in unsedated patients. We hypothesized that compared with WE, WECAC could significantly lower real-time maximum insertion pain (RTMIP). MethodsVeterans without escort were recruited, randomized, blinded, and examined at three United States Veterans Affairs sites. The primary outcome was RTMIP, highest segmental pain (0 = no pain, 10 = most severe pain) during insertion. ResultsRandomization [WECAC (n = 143) and WE (n = 137)] produced even distribution of a racially diverse group of males and females of low socioeconomic status. Intention-to-treat analysis reported results of WECAC (listed first) and WE (listed second): cecal intubation [93%, 94.2%]; mean (SD) of RTMIP [2.9 (2.5), 2.6 (2.4)]; the proportion with no pain (28.7%, 27.7%); the insertion time [18.6 (15.6), 18.8 (15.9) min]; overall ADR (55.2%, 62.8%), all P values were > 0.05. When RTMIP was binarized as "no pain" (0) vs. "some pain" (1-10), or "low pain" (0-7) vs. "high pain" (8-10), different significant predictors (see text) of RTMIP were identified. ConclusionsUnsedated colonoscopy was appropriate for unescorted Veterans. WE alone was sufficient. Adding a cap did not reduce RTMIP. Patient specific factors and application of WE with insertion suction of infused water contributed to high and low RTMIP, respectively. For unesorted patients, selecting those with low anxiety, avoiding low body mass index, history of depression or self-reported poor health and adhering to the steps of WE can minimize RTMIP to ensure success of unsedated colonoscopy.

Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among pregnant women and the impact of clinical pharmacist counseling on their awareness level: A cross sectional study

Anemia during pregnancy is a worldwide problem that affects females worldwide. There is not enough data on the magnitude of this health problem in Al-Madinah city in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors related to anemia during pregnancy in Al-Madinah city. In addition, assessed the impact of counseling by clinical pharmacist on anemic pregnant females. 300 pregnant females were assessed for anemia based on their hemoglobin level in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Those females were further interviewed to identify associating factors related to presence of anemia during pregnancy. Anemic females were randomized to receive either counseling by the clinical pharmacist in addition to the standard of care (interventional group) or standard of care without counseling (control group). Our result showed that 44% of pregnant women were anemic upon recruitment. Pregnant females of low socioeconomic status, those during the first trimester, multipara females, and those who did not receive nutritional education during pregnancy showed significantly higher odds of developing anemia. Clinical pharmacist-led counseling program significantly improved adherence with iron regimen (p-value < 0.01) and significantly increased patients’ hemoglobin level 30-days after the intervention (p-value < 0.001).

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Home-Based Workouts and Gym Training according to Caloric Intake

With the advancement in technology and the growing sedentary lifestyle, comorbidities related to obesity and overweight are also increasing. Every other person complains of weight gain and is looking for ways to reduce pounds on the scale. Most people have started working out at their homes instead of going out to the gym due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, while others have a proper routine of working out in the gym. Thus, our research study compares the effectiveness of home-based workout programs and gym workouts to analyze which type of workout will provide the most effective results in the shortest time, keeping in view the participants' caloric intake. This study aims to inspect the amount of fat loss, changes are seen on the weight scale, changes in body composition (via BIA analysis), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, keeping in view the intensity and duration of exercise parallel to their caloric intake. It was a four week (one month) comparative study on 50 home-based exercisers and 50 adults working out in the gym (ages 19 – 39) under the supervision of a trainer. The weight, body and visceral fat percentages were assessed using a Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) machine. Also, variables measured were waist circumference, height, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and social status (through MacArthur's subjective social status ladder). There was observed dietary history from every individual through a 24-hour dietary recall for the past three days. Subjects had a follow-up after every seven days (weekly), and all the data was entered and analyzed on SPSS. &#x0D; Out of 100 participants, 68% study participants were males and 32% participants were females. Most of the participants were not taking any diet or were taking greater than equal to 1400 kcals per day. Comorbidity data showed that, 86% participants did not have any comorbidities while remaining 14% had different types of comorbidities. 49% participants were doing strength training, 34% were performing cardio, 12% were doing aerobics and 5% opted for yoga. In the gym in higher social status, it is only males that are working out while some females of low socio-economic status also work out at the gym. Males of very low socioeconomic status also prefer gym workout. In home-based work out there is equal number of males and females in higher social status whereas only females of low socioeconomic status prefer working out at home. Gender wise distribution of type of exercise (TOE) and type of diet (TOD) data showed that most males are strength training with ≥ 1400 kcal. Most females perform cardio exercises with a caloric intake of 1100 to 1300 kcal per day. classification of subjects according to body mass index (BMI) showed that 4% individuals had lower BMI, 24% were normal, 14% and 22% were overweight and obese respectively, however 28% had morbid obesity. Results showed that people who do home based workout had significant difference with body fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, waist circumference and body mass index. However, there were no significant differences found in terms of Waist to hip ratio, heart rate, and Respiratory Rate. The chi-square test shows .001 significance which means there is a significant association between BMI and gender. Gym and home-based workouts have their benefits, and we cannot label one as more beneficial. But people who work out in the gym had lesser body fat and lesser visceral fat, which gives it more significance. Moreover, gym workouts proved to keep control of blood pressure in individuals. Both gym and home workouts have similar effects on the waist to hip ratio, heart rate and respiratory rate. The benefit of home workouts is evident in reducing waist circumference.

Self-esteem, quality of life, and physical activity in women with diagnosed endometriosis: a pilot study in an Italian sample

PurposeEndometriosis is a painful pathology impairing women’s daily life. Several studies have shown that patients report low mental and physical quality of life, but no general evaluation of their self-esteem has been found. Studies concerning physical activity frequency present inconsistent results. Therefore, the current paper aims to compare life quality and selfesteem in women with endometriosis with the Italian normative data of the measures used.MethodsOverall, 36 women with diagnosed endometriosis treated in hospital completed a questionnaire detecting physical activity frequency, self-esteem, quality of life, and socioeconomic information. One sample t-test served to compare the data from this particular group with those of the general Italian population.ResultsThe participants displayed higher self-esteem (&lt;i&gt;t&lt;/i&gt; = 5.65, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) and a good quality of life (physical functioning: &lt;i&gt;t&lt;/i&gt; = 3.64, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001), except for fatigue (&lt;i&gt;t&lt;/i&gt; = –3.24, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.003; significant difference); they declared feeling more fatigue than the general population. Only 4 women (11%) reported regular physical activity, while 16 were smokers (44.4%, mean: 10.6 cigarettes/day).ConclusionsWomen with diagnosed endometriosis presented higher self-esteem and normal quality of life, even though their general health was lower and fatigue was higher than in the general Italian population. However, the sample involved females of low socioeconomic status and low education, characterized by poor communication skills and not open to externalize their feelings. Therefore, they might not have been honest in their answers. This potential bias, together with the small sample size, will be addressed in future research.

Complementary and alternative medicines usage in elderly patients in tertiary care teaching hospital of North India

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a group of diverse medical health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Its use is highly prevalent in elderly population because of presence of chronic diseases. So, present study was planned to assess CAM usage in elderly patients.Methods: This observational, questionnaire-based study was conducted at department of pharmacology, in association with department of medicine and included all adult patients of more than 60 years of age who have taken any CAM therapy. Demographic data, name of CAM preparation, its characteristics and behavioral pattern for its usage were recorded.Results: Out of 200 patients of more than 60 years attending medicine outpatient department, 115 were found to be CAM users. CAM usage was more in females (59.1%); age group of 60-69 years (49.57%); rural residents (66.08%); low socioeconomic status (81.73%). Most common CAM preparations used were dietary supplements (61.7%) and vitamins and minerals (56.52%) for indications such as chronic pain and endocrine disorders because it was thought to be safe. 76.52 % of CAM users did not discuss CAM with their health care provider.Conclusions: CAM use is highly prevalent in elderly patients and more so in females of low socioeconomic status. Most common CAM therapy used was dietary supplements. Continuous educational efforts are needed to enhance the awareness of patients and healthcare providers regarding the CAM therapy.

Socioeconomic inequality in smoking and its determinants in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The role of socioeconomic inequality and related factors has not been well reported in tobacco consumption. To investigate the socioeconomic inequality in smoking and its associated factors in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Data were collected from surveillance for noncommunicable diseases in 2005, which included 89 404 people aged 15-65 years. Economic status was defined by principal component analysis on variables related to socioeconomic status. Concentration index and slope index of inequality were used to determine the inequality value. The gap between the high and low economic status groups was decomposed using the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method for explained and unexplained components. The total prevalence of smoking was 17.0%; 28.0% in males, and 5.8% in females, 15.8% in urban and 19.1% in rural areas. The concentration index was -0.032 in the whole of country; -0.098, in males, -0.246 in females, 0.014 in urban and -0.059 in rural areas and varied in different provinces of country. The smoking rate was 18.0% for the first quintile and 13.5% for the fifth quintile, a gap of 4.5%. The major part of this gap was related to differences in education level, sex, marital status and age in economic groups. There was a pro-rich socioeconomic inequality in smoking, especially in females and in the southern provinces. Increase in education level and empowering females of low socioeconomic status are sound interventions for alleviating inequality and for tobacco control.

Prevalence of Headache Disorders, their Impact on the Daily Lifestyle of the Patients, and the Correlation of their Demographic and Clinical Features with Headache Impact Test 6

Introduction: Headache disorders are common among people of all ethnic groups. Primary headache disorders include migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache, and chronic daily headache syndrome. Secondary headaches include medication overuse headache. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of various types of headaches disorders, their impact on the daily lifestyle of the patients, and the correlation of their demographic and clinical features with Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT-6). Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi for a period of six months. 198 patients who came in the outpatient (OPD) department and had a diagnosis of headache were included in this study irrespective of their age and gender. The demographic features, clinical features, and the final diagnoses made by the attending physician using the International Classification of Headache Disorders II (ICHD-II) were recorded. The impact of headaches on the daily lifestyle of the patients was determined by using a six-item HIT-6 questionnaire. For continuous variables, the means and standard deviations were calculated. Whereas for categorical data, frequencies and percentages were calculated. Effect modifiers like demographic and clinical features were controlled through stratification, Fischer’s exact test was used and a p-value of ≤0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.39±15.58 years. Age distribution showed 90 (45.45%) patients of eight to 30 years, 84 (42.42%) patients of 31-50 years, and 24 (12.12%) patients of 51-75 years of age. There were 69 (34.8%) male and 129 (65.2%) female patients. The unmarried patients were 81 (40.9%) and married patients were 117 (59.1%). The lower-class patients were 94 (47%), the working-class patients were 87 (43.9%), the middle-class patients were 15 (7.6%), and the upper-class patients were three (1.5%). Primary headache was diagnosed in 150 (75.8%), and the secondary headache was diagnosed in 48 (24.2%) patients. 45 (22.7%) patients had throbbing, 87 (43.9%) had stabbing, and 66 (33.3%) had pressing headache quality. Unilateral headache was in 108 (54.5%), and the bilateral headache was in 90 (45.5%) patients. Pulsatile headache was in 102 (51.5%), and the non-pulsatile headache was in 96 (48.5%) patients. 51 (25.8%) patients had approximately one hour, 42 (21.2%) patients had more than four hours, and 105 (53%) patients had a continuous headache. The frequency was two to three times per week in 51 (25.8%), daily in 81 (40.9%), and variable in 66 (33.3%) patients. The headache occurred in the morning in 39 (19.7%), in the afternoon in 12 (6.1%), in the evening in 24 (12.1%), in the night in 30 (15.2%), and variably in 93 (47%) patients. Headache was mild in 36 (18.2%), moderate in 93 (47%), and severe in 69 (34.8%) patients. Aura, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, runny nose, and lacrimation were also present in many patients. 78 (39.4%) patients had a tension-type headache, and 60 (30,3%) had a migraine while others had several different conditions. The average HIT-6 score was 65.86±7.506. The severe impact was found in 168 (84.8%) patients, substantial impact in nine (4.5%), some impact in 12 (6.1%), and no impact in nine (4.5%) patients. Stratification showed a significant relationship with age, marital status, socioeconomic status, quality of headache, site of headache, pulsatile/non-pulsatile feature, frequency of headache, the severity of headache, and nausea. Conclusions: Tension-type and migraine headaches are the most common headaches that mostly affect young to middle-aged married females of low socioeconomic status. Age, marital status, socioeconomic status, quality of headache, site of headache, pulsatile/non-pulsatile feature, frequency of headache, the severity of headache, and nausea are some of the determinants of the impact of headaches on daily life. Further studies are needed to validate these conclusions.

Margin of safety: Life history strategies and the effects of socioeconomic status on self-selection into accounting

We use experimental and archival evidence to show that people who had low socioeconomic status (SES) as children participate in the U.S. accounting labor market in distinctive and consequential ways. Drawing on life history theory, we predict and show that low SES individuals select into accounting at disproportionately high rates relative to other fields, an effect driven by accounting's relatively high job security. Supplemental tests are consistent with these low SES individuals being a source of high quality human capital for the accounting profession, as low SES individuals selecting into accounting possess desirable attributes at relatively high rates. From a social perspective, we provide theory and evidence consistent with accounting being an important and secure source of upward social mobility in comparison to other fields. However, recessions cause selection into accounting by low SES individuals to decrease at a higher rate than in other fields, compromising these professional and social benefits. For example, our evidence is consistent with the “low SES effect” improving gender diversity among entrants into the accounting labor market during good economic times. However, lower self-selection rates during recessions are particularly pronounced among low SES females, who may thus bear the brunt of lost professional and social benefits.

Socioeconomic status, gender, and burn injury: A retrospective review

Burn injury rates appear to be influenced by socioeconomic status (SES) and gender globally, but the impact of poverty and gender on burn injury has not been studied in a developed country. This study was a retrospective chart review conducted at a regional burn center in the Southwest US that included 340 patients with TBSA burns >15%. SES was determined using zip code and US census data. The distribution of mechanism of injury was significantly different by gender (χ2(6) = 36.14, p < 0001), but not significantly different by SES (χ2(12) = 19.68, p = 0.073). Burn rates in women was found to have a significant and linear increase (χ2 = 13.8513, p = 0.001) with increasing poverty. Women had higher frequencies of being burned at home, and men had higher frequencies of being burned at work. While poverty did not appear to increase the risk of burn injury overall in a mixed population, it was associated with a significant increase in the risk of burn injury in women. Thus, strategies for decreasing risk factors should be targeted toward low SES females and the working male.

Margin of Safety: Life History Strategies and the Effects of Socioeconomic Status and Macroeconomic Conditions on Self-Selection into Accounting

We use experimental and archival evidence to show that people who had low socioeconomic status (SES) as children participate in the U.S. accounting labor market in distinctive and consequential ways. Drawing on life history theory, we predict and show that low SES individuals select into accounting at disproportionately high rates relative to other fields, an effect driven by accounting’s relatively high job security. Supplemental tests are consistent with these low SES individuals being a source of high quality human capital for the accounting profession, as low SES individuals selecting into accounting possess desirable attributes at relatively high rates. From a social perspective, we provide theory and evidence consistent with accounting being an important and secure source of upward social mobility in comparison to other fields. However, recessions cause selection into accounting by low SES individuals to decrease at a higher rate than in other fields, compromising these professional and social benefits. For example, our evidence is consistent with the “low SES effect” improving gender diversity among entrants into the accounting labor market during good economic times. However, lower self-selection rates during recessions are particularly pronounced among low SES females, who may thus bear the brunt of lost professional and social benefits.

Skeletal maturity of the hand in an East African group from Sudan.

Studies of skeletal maturity from Africa indicate a delay, reflected in a negative relative skeletal age (RSA). This study aims to evaluate the influence of age, socioeconomic status (SES) and nutritional status on skeletal maturation in a large sample of children from North Sudan. The sample consisted 665 males and 1018 females from 3-25 years from Khartoum. Height, weight, age of menarche and, SES were recorded of patients attending for dental treatment. Skeletal age was assigned from hand-wrist radiographs using the Greulich-Pyle (GP) atlas (1952). RSA (difference between skeletal and chronological ages) was compared in groups divided by age, sex, height-for-age and body-mass-index z scores, and SES. Spearman's correlation and student t-test was used to compare groups. Delayed skeletal age was noted across all age in boys. In girls, a delay was observed between ages 6-10, while advancement occurred between ages 13-18. Maturity was delayed in low height groups (p < .05) and low SES groups. RSA was negatively associated with HAZ in low SES males (R = -0.0.27, p < .001) and low SES females (R = -0.32, p < .001). There were statistically significant skeletal delays in North Sudanese males and most pre-menarche females, low height and low SES groups. Post-menarche females were advanced relative to males and GP references. Low SES impacts were statistically correlated to skeletal delay.

Poster Number: NR 38 - The Effect of Tai Chi on Perceived Stress Levels of Older Female Adults of Non-Chinese Origin

Introduction: Tai Chi is described as a traditional Chinese exercise form derived from martial arts folk traditions. Although the benefits of Tai Chi have been demonstrated in previous studies, the benefits derived by non-Chinese older females of low socio-economic status (SES) specifically on stress levels have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 16 week Tai Chi intervention for improving perceived stress levels among non-Chinese females 65 years of age or older of low SES.

Factors influencing health behaviours in response to the air quality health index: a cross-sectional study in Hamilton, Canada

Research associating adverse health effects with air pollution exposure is robust. Public health authorities recognize the need to implement population health strategies that protect public health from air pollution exposure. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a public health initiative that is intended to protect the public's health from exposure to air pollution. The aim of this research was to identify and explain factors influencing AQHI adoption at the individual level and to establish intervention strategies. A cross-sectional survey with both quantitative and qualitative questions was administered in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, during the months of June to October 2012. Logistic regression and the Health Belief Model are used to explore the data. Demographics (gender, age, education, and area of residence), knowledge/understanding, and individual risk perceptions (neighbourhood air effects on health) were found to be significant predictors of AQHI adoption. The perceived benefits of AQHI adoption included protection of health for self and those cared for via familial and (or) occupational duties, whereas the perceived barriers of AQHI adoption included lack of knowledge about where to check and lack of time required to check and follow AQHI health messages. Also, self-efficacy was uncovered as a factor influencing AQHI adoption. Accordingly, increases in AQHI adoption could be achieved via increasing AQHI knowledge among low socioeconomic status females, communicating the benefits of AQHI adoption to “at-risk” populations and implementing supports for males to follow AQHI health messages.

Tobacco industry marketing to low socioeconomic status women in the USA

ObjectivesDescribe tobacco companies' marketing strategies targeting low socioeconomic status (SES) females in the USA.MethodsAnalysis of previously secret tobacco industry documents.ResultsTobacco companies focused marketing on low SES women starting in the...

Violation of Women’s Rights the Most Devastating Dilemma of a Pakistani Society- A Case Study

This case study illuminates some common issues and dilemmas encountered by females of low socioeconomic status living in a developing country Pakistan.

Patterns of trauma and violence in 19th-century-born African American and Euro-American females

Trauma and violence has been a topic of interest to biological anthropologists. This study examined the presence of trauma, including interpersonal violence, in a sample (n=256) of African American and Euro-American females of low socioeconomic status, born from 1800 to 1877, from the Terry Collection. Individuals were statistically analyzed according to ancestry (African American and Euro-American), birth (Antebellum, Civil War, Reconstruction), and birth status (Enslaved Black, Pre-Reconstruction White, Liberated Black, Reconstruction White) cohorts to determine if differences in trauma and fracture patterning existed between African Americans and Euro-Americans. Results indicated that there were significant differences. African American females had higher rates of cranial, nasal, and hand phalanx trauma and Euro-Americans had larger frequencies of hip and radial fractures. This variation in fracture patterning could have been the result of intimate partner violence, interpersonal violence, osteoporosis, or accidental injury. Historical research revealed that many of these women were inmates in mental hospitals, further suggesting that the observed trauma may have been the result of interpersonal and structural violence induced by institutionalization.

Nutritional status by socioeconomic level in an urban sample from Bilbao (Basque Country)

Anthropometry, records of food intake, and bioelectric impedance were gathered from a sample of 297 adults of both sexes who lived in marginal districts in the town of Bilbao and benefited from a program of social assistance. This survey aimed to determine present nutritional status and to ascertain the relationship between food intake and nutritional conditions. A comparative evaluation of anthropometry and food intake was then carried out using a reference from the Basque Country and a control sample from the same area but from better-off nutritional and socioeconomic conditions. Males from low socioeconomic status (SES) displayed lower heights and weights compared to the local reference and control sample. They showed higher skinfold thickness than males in the local reference but lower thicknesses than those in the control sample. All anthropometric variables, except height, were higher in women of low socioeconomic status compared to the local reference and control sample. Low socioeconomic males had lower estimated percentage of body fat than the control sample, while females showed the opposite pattern. On the other hand, estimates of food intake in males did not reveal great differences among samples from different socioeconomic backgrounds, while low SES females had greater intakes of food than the better-off control sample. Estimated zinc intake showed differences by SES in both sexes. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:668–678, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Cross-sectional survey of growth of urban and rural "cape coloured" schoolchildren: anthropometry and functional tests.

The patterns of physical growth (height, weight, length of body segments, circumferences, and widths) and function (grip strength, reflexes, and pulse rates) of "Cape Coloured" schoolchildren were studied. Urban and rural groups were selected with maximum contrasting socioeconomic status (SES). Data were collected between 1986 and 1988 and included 906 males and 1,068 females of high SES between 5 and 20 years in the Cape Town urban area and 834 males and 940 females of low SES between 5 and 19 years in the Little Karoo region. Means and standard deviations of 20 characteristics by age are presented separately for males and females and urban and rural groups. The heights and weights of prepubertal urban children match American reference data, but postpubertally they decline somewhat, whereas these measurements of the rural children consistently lie ∼1 standard deviation below the urban group. Skinfold thicknesses of urban children match or exceed the American reference, implying that their nutritional needs are being met well. Functional indicators of rural children are much poorer than those of urban children. The results of the urban children may provide a target for the improvement in growth status of rural children. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 10:73-85, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The relationship of socioeconomic status and gender to the occupational choices of grade 12 students

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the socioeconomic status (SES) background and gender of adolescents in relation to the prestige level and gender composition of occupations. In Part 1 of the study, Gottfredson's (1981, Journal of Counseling Psychology, 28, 545–579) model was used to examine the occupational choices of Grade 12 students ( n = 334). In Part 2, the students' self-efficacy expectations to perform occupations differing in prestige and gender composition were examined. The results of the log-linear analysis for the occupational choice data indicated a significant relationship between SES background and occupational pestige level for males and females. Males predominantly chose male-dominated occupations, but high SES females were more likely than low SES females to choose male-dominated occupations. In the MANOVA results for self-efficacy expectations, there were no gender differences in total scores, but males and females expressed higher self-efficacy for same-gender-dominated occupations than cross-gender-dominated occupations. Among SES groups, however, the low SES group reported significantly lower self-efficacy expectations than the high SES group regardless of the occupational prestige level. The implications for including SES and gender as background variables in vocational research are discussed.

Prevalence of sickle cell trait and HbC-trait in Blacks from low socioeconomic conditions.

In the present investigation we did not observe age or sex differentials in the prevalence of sickle cell or HbC-traits in Black males or females of low socioeconomic status. When our data were compared to those of others, we found no evidence for a socioeconomic differential in the prevalence of these traits.