Gender Differences In Prevalence Research Articles

Inpatient Burden of Diseases and Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System: A Comparison Between Gender Trends From 2001-2014

Introduction: Many of GI disorders manifest gender differences in prevalence, severity, presentation and prognosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of gender on health care utilization secondary to gastrointestinal disorders and to study time trends between 2001 and 2014.Table: Table. Demographic data comparing discharges in 2001 and 2014Methods: Using data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, we determined the gender distribution of admissions secondary to digestive disorders (DD) (Luminal disorders; ICD 9 codes 326-395) and Pancreatohepatobiliary disorders (PHB) (ICD 9 codes 405-446). We extracted information on age, length of stay (LOS), charges, cost of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality from 2001 and 2014. Descriptive statistics, Fischer's exact test and two-sample t-test were used. Inflation was adjusted for via CPI inflation calculator. Results: Females accounted for ˜54% (DD: 54.9% and PHB: 51%) of admissions in 2014. Between 2001 and 2014 there was a decrease in proportion of females admitted but this trend was more pronounced in patients with PHB disorders (56.5% to 50.9%; p < 0.05). Females admitted with DD were significantly older than males (mean age: 59.5 yr vs. 55.5yr) (p < 0.05). Mean age of female admitted with DD disorders remained stable but decreased from 54.7 yrs to 53.7 yrs in patients with PHB issues. LOS for females admitted with PHB and DD significantly decreased (p < 0.05). For patients admitted with DD, charges and cost for males increased to greater than females. However, charges and costs increased to greater extent in females admitted with PHB disorders when compared to male counterparts. Inpatient mortality decreased significantly in females compared to males when examining DD and PHB disorders. (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed decreasing proportion of females admitted with gastrointestinal disorders. Length of stay and inpatient mortality decreased overtime. Between luminal and hepatopancreatobiliary disease we saw gender based difference in age of presentation and resource utilization. Changing social values, healthcare seeking behavior and disease pathophysiology might have contributed to these changes.

A reversed gender pattern? A meta-analysis of gender differences in the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour among Chinese adolescents

BackgroundA reversed gender pattern has been observed in the suicide rate in China compared to elsewhere. Like suicidal behaviour, non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviour is a health-risk behaviour. We examined whether a reversed gender pattern existed in the prevalence of NSSI.MethodsOnline literature databases were searched for English and Chinese articles on NSSI behaviours among the Chinese. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model and a subgroup analysis were used to estimate the odds ratios of gender differences in NSSI prevalence among Chinese adolescents including college students, middle school students, and clinical samples, as well as rural, urban, and Hong Kong middle school students.ResultsThere was a male bias in NSSI prevalence among college students (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = [1.30, 1.87], p < 0.001), and a female bias among middle school students (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = [0.73, 0.94], p < 0.01), but there was no gender difference among clinical samples (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = [0.41, 1.89], p > 0.1). The NSSI prevalence among middle school students had a female bias in the rural (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = [0.47, 0.72], p < 0.001) and Hong Kong areas (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = [0.86, 0.96], p < 0.001), with the gender difference in NSSI prevalence in the Hong Kong areas being greater than in rural areas. No gender difference in NSSI prevalence was found in urban areas (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = [0.84, 1.22], p > 0.1) among middle school students.ConclusionsOur analysis indicated the existence of specific gender and age patterns in NSSI prevalence among Chinese adolescents. The sample type, age, and the areas that have different gender norms and culture could partly explain this pattern.

ASD, SUD and gender

IntroductionAutism and substance use disorder (SUD) is not the co-morbidity that is commonly considered. Yet these conditions have more commonalities than one would suspect.ObjectiveWe will consider the evidence for co-morbidity between ASD and Addiction (Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and explore the influence of gender.MethodA pilot study of 80 admissions to an adult ASD unit will be presented.ResultsThe co-morbidity ASD and SUD in this study was very high (65% of the inpatients). There were no gender differences in prevalence in total but addiction to medication (32% in woman vs. none in man) and eating disorders (24% in women vs. 9% in man) was far more common in women whereas addiction to drugs (13% in man vs. none in women) was far more common in man.ConclusionsThere are clear indications that a possible co-morbidity of substance abuse disorder should be considered in cases of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. There are no gender differences in prevalence of co-morbidity ASD and SUD in total but addiction to medication and eating disorders seems to be much more common in women whereas addiction to drugs probably more common in man.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

The risk of hypertension in general population with anxiety traits in Russia/Siberia: Gender disparities. WHO survey MONICA-psychosocial

ObjectiveTo determine gender differences in prevalence of anxiety traits in general population and to evaluate its impact on the risk of hypertension in men and women aged 25–64 years in the open population in Russia/Siberia.MethodsUnder the third screening of WHO program “MONICA-psychosocial” a random representative sample of the population aged 25–64 were surveyed in Novosibirsk in 1994 (n = 657 men, n = 870 women). Anxiety levels were measured by means Spielberger test. Over the 16-year period were identified 229 cases of AH in women and 46 for men. Cox-proportional regression model was used for an estimation of hazard ratio (HR).ResultsIn general population aged 25–64 years at 99.5% of women and 97.5% of men had moderate and high levels of anxiety traits. In univariate Cox regression analysis model the risk incidence of arterial hypertension in women and men with high level of anxiety was 2.383-fold and 5.18-fold higher, respectively, over 5 years of follow-up. It was 1.853-fold and 5.75-fold higher over 10 years and 1.45 and 3.82 times higher over 16 years after baseline. In the multivariate Cox regression model HR of hypertension was 1648 in women with high level of anxiety; and it was 4.568-fold higher in men.ConclusionDespite the higher prevalence of HLA in women, the risk of developing hypertension is much higher in males.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

An exploration of prevalence, variety, and frequency data to quantify online sexual activity experience

People use the Internet for a wide range of online sexual activities (OSA): behaviours that involve sexual content, topics, and stimuli. Yet, current OSA summary statistics provide little perspective on patterns of OSA experience because researchers have not compared multiple indicators of experience within the same sample. We explored the prevalence, variety, and frequency of young men and women's experience with three OSA subtypes: non-arousal (e.g., accessing sexual health information), solitary-arousal (e.g., viewing pornography), and partnered-arousal (e.g., sending sexually explicit messages). We examined patterns in experience with specific OSAs, subtypes of OSAs, OSAs overall, and differences related to gender across the lifetime and recently. Young adults (N=239) at a Canadian University completed a survey that included a new measure of 48 specific OSAs, representing the three subtypes. All participants reported at least one OSA experience in their lifetime (ranging 1–38). Although the prevalence and variety of experience was greater across the lifetime than recently, this difference was small and the pattern of results remained the same. Frequency of experience appeared greater for specific OSAs compared to OSA subtypes or overall. Frequency of specific OSAs were greater for the subgroup of participants who had engaged in the activity recently compared to the full sample. Significantly more men than women reported solitary-arousal OSA, and men reported greater variety and frequency of this subtype. This gender difference in prevalence and frequency only held for viewing sexually explicit pictures and videos online. We discuss implications for sexual scripts, researchers, clinicians, and educators.

Autoimmunity in Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Zika virus infection and beyond.

Autoimmune diseases share common immunopathogenic mechanisms (i.e., the autoimmune tautology), which explain the clinical similarities among them as well as their familial clustering. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune peripheral neuropathy, has been recently associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. Based on a series of cases, this review article provides a comparative analysis of GBS associated with ZIKV infection, contrasted with the general characteristics of GBS in light of the autoimmune tautology, including gender differences in prevalence, subphenotypes, polyautoimmunity, familial autoimmunity, age at onset, pathophysiology, ecology, genetics, ancestry, and treatment.

The gender difference in depressive prevalence is due to high prevalence of somatic depression among women who do not have depressed relatives

BackgroundGiven that several studies have found the gender difference in depression to be rooted in psychosocial forces and others have shown the difference to be due to a gender difference in somatic depression, we compared the gender difference in somatic depression among respondents who reported no relative depressed with that of all other depressed respondents. MethodsRespondents in a representative sample from the Zurich study who met criteria for somatic depression and reported no relatives (first-degree, or parents, or mothers, or fathers in separate analyses) with depression were compared to other depressed respondents as to gender. ResultsThe gender difference in the prevalence of depression among respondents with somatic depression who reported no relatives with depression (whether the relatives were all first-degree, or any parent, or mothers only or fathers only) was significantly greater than the gender difference in depression among other respondents LimitationsThe measure of depression among relatives was based upon reports of the respondents. ConclusionAll or almost all of the gender difference in depression in this representative sample.is due to a gender difference in somatic depression among respondents who reported no depressed relative. Somatic depression may be a disorder distinct from depression without significant additional somatic symptomatology. If so, it is likely that it should be treated differently.

Gender-related differential item functioning in DSM-IV/DSM-5-III (alternative model) diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder.

A number of studies have evaluated the possibility of bias in the diagnostic criteria in borderline personality disorder as an explanation of gender differences in prevalence. Previous studies have used both regression and latent trait approaches but the results have been inconsistent. The current study extended prior investigations in testing differential function of Borderline diagnostic criteria using both regression and latent-trait methods in the same sample, examining both Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) and DSM-5 alternative model criteria for borderline personality. Data were obtained from a national sample of 337 clinicians providing diagnostic information on 1 of their target patients. Chronic feelings of emptiness was the only criterion that demonstrated consistent evidence of potential differential functioning across methods and diagnostic models. Implications of these results for the conceptualization of borderline personality are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Eating disorder symptoms among undergraduate and graduate students at 12 U.S. colleges and universities

Objectives: We sought to estimate the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms in a large sample of U.S. college students and variations therein across student characteristics.Methods: Participants were 9713 students from 12 colleges and universities participating in the Healthy Bodies Study. We used gender-stratified logistic regression to estimate bivariate correlates of elevated eating disorder symptoms, past-month objective binge eating, and past-month compensatory behaviors across student characteristics including age, degree-level, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, first-generation status, citizenship, academic and extracurricular characteristics, and weight status. Eating disorder outcomes were based on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire.Results: We observed higher prevalence of objective binge eating among females relative to males (49% versus 30%, p<0.001), but similar prevalence of compensatory behaviors (31% versus 29%). Weight status was the most consistent predictor of eating disorder risk with significantly more symptoms seen among individuals with overweight and obesity. When compared to individuals with a healthy weight, those with overweight had greater eating disorder risk (males OR=3.5; females OR=2.0), binge eating (males OR=2.1; females OR=1.9), and use of compensatory behaviors (males OR=1.5; females OR=1.3).Conclusions: This study suggests smaller gender difference in prevalence of eating disorder symptoms than previously reported and identifies students with overweight/obesity as salient targets for campus-based eating disorder screening and early intervention efforts.

Cardio Metabolic Risk Profile in Women: An Overview

Cardio metabolic disorders traditionally perceived as male disease has now been recognised as a major health hazard affecting equally the women, especially with advancing age. However, in recent years, gender differences in prevalence of various cardio metabolic risk factors and their correlates have been documented from different corners of the world. Exploration of gender specific differences in cardio metabolic profile provides basis for formulating sex specific treatment strategies and management of patients with cardio metabolic disorders. Understanding physiological and psychosocial correlates of cardio metabolic disorders unique for women needs more attention for prevention and improvement in health care delivery to the affected population.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in capital areas of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa.

Although the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (DRSTP) has undertaken school children-based deworming programs against intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) using a single dose of mebendazole annually since 2005, it remains unclear as to the outcome to date. The present study intends to investigate the recent IPIs status among school children living in capital areas of the DRSTP. A total of 252 school children (121 boys and 131 girls) of grades 4 and 5 from 4 primary schools located in the capital areas participated in the present study and their fresh fecal specimens were examined for the presence of any parasites using the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration method as conducted. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 64.7% (163/ 252). No significant gender difference in prevalence between boys (67.8%) and girls (61.8%) was found (p = 0.3). The majority of school children were infected with a single species of parasite (55.8%). Altogether, 12 different intestinal parasite species were identified in DRSTP school children, of which 9 species were pathogenic and the remaining 3 were non-pathogenic. Improving the detection method, sanitation facilities and personal hygiene as well as utilizing combined drugs are all important measures to greatly reduce IPIs in DRSTP school children.

Oral lichen planus clinical characteristics in Italian patients: a retrospective analysis.

BackgroundOral lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving skin and mucous membranes. Its etiology is still uncertain whilst an autoimmune mechanism is known to be implicated. OLP is commonly considered a geriatric disease and gender differences in prevalence are clear, whereby females are generally more frequently affected than males more often during the 5th and 6th decades of life. Lesions are symmetrical and bilateral and the buccal mucosa is frequently involved. The risk of malignant transformation is extremely low.This study aims to describe both the clinical characteristics and the prevalence of OLP among a group of patients from Southern Italy. The results of the present study were compared to analogous retrospective studies.MethodsEighty-seven (31 man and 56 woman) cases of OLP were retrospectively reviewed and demographic and clinical data were collected. Data about OLP as clinical forms, oral and extraoral sites involved and Visual Analogue Scale were also recorded.ResultsThe average age of OLP onset was 59.2 years. The most common clinical presentation was the hyperkeratosic type. Symptomatic OLP was noted in 26.8 % of the patiens. The most frequently affected oral sites were buccal mucosa, tongue, gums. The most frequently associated systemic diseases were diabetes, hypertension, C hepatitis and thyroiditis. Only one patient developed a malignant transformation (1.2 %).ConclusionsPrevious retrospective studies report data partially comparable with our results. Different geographic area, number of enrolled patients and OLP classification criteria may justify the observed differences.

BICUSPID AORTIC VALVE: GENDER DIFFERENCE IN PREVALENCE, VALVE MORPHOLOGY AND BICUSPID AORTOPATHY

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease. The aim of this study is to define the gender differences in prevalence, valve morphology and dysfunction (aortic stenosis [AS]/regurgitation [AR]), aortopathy, dissection and endocarditis in a large cohort of BAV patients from

Gender Differences in Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Participants of a Violence Intervention Program at a Pediatric Hospital: A Pilot Study.

Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) have emerged as a strategy to address posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms among violently injured patients and their families. HVIP research, however, has focused on males and little guidance exists about how HVIPs could be tailored to meet gender-specific needs. We analyzed pediatric HVIP data to assess gender differences in prevalence and type of PTS symptoms. Girls reported more PTS symptoms than boys (6.96 vs 5.21, P = .027), particularly hyperarousal symptoms (4.00 vs 2.82, P = .002) such as feeling upset by reminders of the event (88.9% vs 48.3%, P = .005). Gender-focused research represents a priority area for HVIPs.

Congenital heart diseases in women

Are there gender differences in prevalence, surgical results and long-term survival of patients with congenital heart disease? Available literature data allow us to state what follows. At birth there is a mild but significant prevalence of congenital heart disease in females. The most severe congenital heart diseases are less frequent in girls, but when they are present in females, they are linked to a higher surgical mortality rate, due perhaps to lower weight at birth and to the prevalence of extracardiac malformations and/or of associated genetic syndromes. On the other hand, in adults, surgery for congenital heart disease is at higher risk in males, and so the long-term survival rate is higher in females. Particular psychological attitudes, a higher incidence of pulmonary hypertension, as well as specific problems linked to the reproductive function characterize congenital heart disease in adult women. The knowledge and analysis of these data are essential for a correct management of congenital heart disease in neonates, children and adults.

Study of prevalence of headache and its various facets among 200 medical students

Aim: The aim of study is to study the prevalence of headache and its various facets among 200 medical students of SBKSMI & RC. Objectives: 1) To find out the common causes of headache among medical students. 2) To find out gender difference in prevalence of headaches among medical student. 3) To determine the severity and frequency of headache. 4) To find out various relieving factors used by medical students for headache Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was done among 200 medical students of SBKS MI & RC. The questionnaire forms were distributed among 200 medical students studying in 2 nd year, 3 rd year or Final year MBBS. They were asked to fill up the forms with their consent and then were collected. Data analysis was done and results and conclusions were reported in the report. Results: Our study demonstrated headache prevalence among 200 medical students of which 110 were male and 90 were female. Prevalence of headache was at least 2 days per month in 37.5% students (75 students). From these students 55.5% (111 students) take medications for relieving. Most common type of headache seen among medical students was Tension type headache in 55% students (110 students) due to exams. Conclusion: The result in this study demonstrate that most common type of headache among medical students of SBKSMI & RC was Tension type headache due to exams and more than half of the students take medications to relieve headache and most of the students suffer headache at least 2 days a month.

Gender differences in patients with carotid stenosis.

This overview analyses gender differences in prevalence, epidemiology, risk factors and therapy in patients with carotid stenosis in a systematic review. Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death in Western society, where about 20% of cases are triggered by a carotid stenosis or occlusion, which occurs more frequently in men than in women. The stroke-protective effect of carotid endarterectomy is greater in men. Men have lower peri-procedural stroke and death rates. Particularly men with carotid stenosis and a life expectancy of at least 5 years benefit from surgical treatment. Also, the recurrence rate of ipsilateral stroke 5 years after initial surgery is lower in men than in women. It is not yet fully clarified whether there are significant gender differences regarding the outcome after endovascular versus surgical treatment. Gender differences in the outcome of carotid artery repair may be caused by biological, anatomical (smaller vessel diameter in women) or hormonal differences as well as a protracted development of atherosclerotic changes in women and different plaque morphology. Moreover, women are on average older at the time of surgery and their surgical treatment is often delayed. To reduce the risk of stroke and to improve treatment outcome especially for women, further research on gender differences and their causes is mandatory and promising.

Epidemiology and socioeconomic impact of seasonal affective disorder in Austria

BackgroundSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a subtype of recurrent depressive or bipolar disorder that is characterized by regular onset and remission of affective episodes at the same time of the year. The aim of the present study was to provide epidemiological data and data on the socioeconomic impact of SAD in the general population of Austria. MethodsWe conducted a computer-assisted telephone interview in 910 randomly selected subjects (577 females and 333 males) using the Seasonal Health Questionnaire (SHQ), the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Telephone numbers were randomly drawn from all Austrian telephone books and transformed using the random last digits method. The last birthday method was employed to choose the target person for the interviews. ResultsOut of our subjects, 2.5% fulfilled criteria for the seasonal pattern specifier according to DSM-5 and 2.4% (95% CI=1.4–3.5%) were diagnosed with SAD. When applying the ICD-10 criteria 1.9% (95% CI=0.9–2.8%) fulfilled SAD diagnostic criteria. The prevalence of fall-winter depression according to the Kasper-Rosenthal criteria was determined to be 3.5%. The criteria was fulfilled by 15.1% for subsyndromal SAD (s-SAD). We did not find any statistically significant gender differences in prevalence rates. When using the DSM-5 as a gold standard for the diagnosis of SAD, diagnosis derived from the SPAQ yielded a sensitivity of 31.8% and a specificity of 97.2%. Subjects with SAD had significantly higher scores on the SDS and higher rates of sick leave and days with reduced productivity than healthy subjects. ConclusionsPrevalence estimates for SAD with the SHQ are lower than with the SPAQ. Our data are indicative of the substantial burden of disease and the socioeconomic impact of SAD. This epidemiological data shows a lack of gender differences in SAD prevalence. The higher rates of females in clinical SAD samples might, at least in part, be explained by lower help seeking behaviour in males.

Prevalence of clinically elevated depressive symptoms in college athletes and differences by gender and sport

BackgroundThere are approximately 400 000 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student athletes and 5–7 million high school student athletes competing each year. According to the US Department of Health and...

Nutri-eSCREEN®: descriptive analysis of a self-management site for older adults (50+ years)

Older adults (50+ years of age) are a prime target for prevention programs and nutrition education that can improve their eating habits. Yet, most programs target specific disease groups or more vulnerable older adults. As well, the majority of nutrition education programs evaluated to date have been delivered in-person by a health provider. Self-management for upstream nutrition problems that lead to nutrition risk is needed. The internet has made possible the opportunity for the spread of credible nutrition education that can promote awareness and improve knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to describe an internet-based self-management site for older adults focused on nutrition behaviours and present descriptive results of users between 2012 and 2015. Nutri-eSCREEN® ( http://www.nutritionscreen.ca/escreen/ ) is based on SCREENII, a valid and reliable nutrition screening tool for older adults. It was developed over an 18-month period, which included focus groups, key informant interviews and a usability analysis. Descriptive and bivariate analysis have subsequently been completed on over 15,000 Nutri-eSCREEN® users over the age of 50 years. Most older adult users were between the ages of 50 and 74 years and were women (80.2 %). Nutrition risk was common and increased with age (e.g. 68 % of 85+ year olds were high risk). Several age and gender differences in prevalence of nutrition behaviours were noted. For example, swallowing problems were more likely to occur in the oldest age group (χ2 = 511.8 p < 0.0001). Key nutrition behaviours were also associated with each other. For example, chewing problems were associated with lower intake of fruits and vegetables (χ2 = 825.7 p < 0.0001). Nutri-eSCREEN® appears to be a viable self-management site focused on the nutrition issues of adults over the age of 50 years. Future work should include formative and outcome evaluations, as well as determine how Nutr-eSCREEN® can be incorporated into primary care for older adults.