Gender Differences In Symptoms Research Articles

Are Physical and Depressive Symptoms Different Between Women and Men With Heart Failure?: An Exploration Using Two Analytic Techniques.

Adults with heart failure (HF) experience a constellation of symptoms; however, understanding of gender differences in HF symptoms remain elusive. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are gender differences in physical and depressive symptoms and symptom patterns in HF using 2 different analytic techniques. We performed a secondary analysis of combined data from 6 studies of adults with HF. Physical symptoms were measured with the HF Somatic Perception Scale, and depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. First, we performed propensity matching with the nearest neighbor to examine the average treatment effect for HF Somatic Perception Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in the matched sample of women and men. Next, we used the entire data set in a latent class mixture model to determine patterns of symptoms. Finally, we calculated predictors of class membership with multinomial logistic regression. The sample (n = 524, 86.5% systolic HF) was 37% women with a mean age of 58.3 ± 13.9 years and mean number of years with HF of 6.9 ± 6.9. Three hundred sixty-six participants were matched on propensity scores; there were no significant gender differences in symptom scores between matched women (n = 183) and men (n = 183). Among all 524 participants, 4 distinct latent classes of symptom patterns indicate that many patients with HF are fatigued, some have more depressive symptoms, and others have significantly more edema or cough. Gender did not predict membership to any symptom pattern. There were significant gender differences in sociodemographics, health behaviors, and clinical characteristics, but not HF symptoms or symptom patterns, using either analytic technique.

More prevalent and more severe: gender differences of depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents.

Adolescent depression has become a leading problem around the world, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has remained prevalent and heavily influenced people's mental health. While gender difference has always been a topic in the field of psychiatry, there are cultural differences across the world that must be taken into account. The current study is examining gender differences in symptoms of Chinese adolescents with depression. The sample was obtained from a total of 574 adolescent patients (172 males and 402 females) diagnosed with depression following the DSM-IV/ICD-10 diagnostic criteria; patients who also had other severe mental or physical illnesses were excluded. The ages of participants ranged from 10 to 19 years. Additionally, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to examine differences in symptoms between different gender and age groups. The LPA was used to examine whether females and males were having different patterns of symptoms. Our analysis showed that compared to males, females exhibited higher rates of depression and more severe depressive symptoms across age groups. Likewise, the analysis also revealed an earlier onset of depression among Chinese adolescents compared to that in Western countries in previous studies. Finally, the LPA showed that mild to moderate depression was predominant in male patients, while severe depression was predominant in female patients. This study highlights the gender differences in the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents. The current study highlighted the importance of gender equality and developing gender-friendly interventions in maintaining the overall mental health of adolescents in China.

Women take longuer to seek help when suffering a STEMI

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Historically, the prognosis of those women suffering a STelevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), has been worse compared to men. Some causal factors are presentation at later ages, atypical symptoms, lower perception of risk and less sensitivity of the health care providers. Purpose Our hypothesis is that there are still differences in the presentation of STEMI based on gender, which could be identified to guide new public campaigns in this perspective. Therefore our primary outcome is to find gender differences in symptoms and time delays in a cohort of STEMI patients, and secondary outcomes are differences in mortality and bleeding. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis carried out in the Acute Cardiac Care Unit (ACCU) of a tertiary care hospital, where 50% of the medical staff are women. Patients hospitalized for STEMI for one year were included and a detailed caracterization of symptoms, time delays, and adverse events was recorded. Finally, the patients were classified according to gender, and differences in primary and secondary outcomes between both groups were analyzed. Results Between May/2020 and May/2021, 1056 patients were admitted to the ACCU, 33% were women. A total of 115 STEMI patients were included for the analysis, 21% were women. Basal characteristics of both groups were equivalent, except for a non significand trens towards less prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in women (0% vs. 11%; OR 0.890, IC 95% 0.828-0.957; p=0.089). Opressive chest pain was the most frequent symptom, but it was less frequent in women (75% vs. 91.4%, OR 0.284, IC 95% 0.085-0.948; p=0.033), whereas they presented more frequently with stabbing pain (13% vs. 2.4%, OR 6, IC 95% 1.073-38.35; p=0.035), and their pain was more frequently radiated towards the neck (28.6% vs. 4.9%, OR 7.7, IC 95% 1.1936-30.631; p=0.001), and associated to nausea/vomiting (45% vs. 1.3%, OR 5.809, IC 95% 1.930-17.486; p=0.001). There was a non-significant trend towards a longer time delay between pain onset and seek for help in women (185min IQR 747 vs. 60min IQR 454, p=0.098), being the other system time delays equivalent between both gender groups. Women had an increased bleeding risk, with a higher CRUSADE score (47.48 ± 22.92 vs. 28.60 ± 16.72, p=0.001) and higher incidence of bleeding events (12.55% vs. 0%, OR 11.68, IC 95% 9.82-13.29, p=0.001). There were no differences in the treatments administered or in mortality (12.5% vs. 14.3%, p=0.822). Conclusions Women suffering a STEMI more often reported stabbing chest pain, radiating to the neck, and associated to nausea/vomiting compared with men, and took longer to seek for help. These findings could help in the design of future campaigns to minimize time delays, targeting these different symptoms in female population.

Self-reported Symptoms of Anxiety in a Sample of Public versus Private Secondary School Students in a District in Southwest Nigeria

Few studies have examined the symptoms of anxiety among students in Nigeria. This article describes the prevalence, severity, and gender differences in symptoms of anxiety, as well as factors that engender fear and anxiety among public versus private secondary school students in Nigeria. A convenience sample of 502 students from three private and five public secondary schools in southwest Nigeria completed a questionnaire and anxiety scale in the classroom. Findings show that symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (n = 104, 20.7%) and fear of physical injury (n = 60, 12%) were the most and least frequently reported, respectively. Similarly, public school students were more likely than private school students to report symptoms of anxiety. From the qualitative responses, fear and anxiety about the future and academic pressure (n = 27, 24.3%) emerged as the major thing students were really afraid of. More female and public-school students reported being anxious about many things than their male and private school counterparts. Identifying symptoms of anxiety among students is critical to determining educational policies for improving their educational outcomes. Understanding school differences in symptoms of anxiety may help bridge the gap in learning outcomes among students in private and public schools.

Women with atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary vein isolation are more symptomatic but improve more in health-related quality of life and symptom burden than men

Gender differences in symptoms and perceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) referred to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) have been reported previously. Women experience a lower HRQOL, faster heart rate, and more symptoms such as palpitation and dyspnea than men. Furthermore, they experience worse physical functioning independently of other heart diseases or age. This study evaluates referral patterns and symptoms, morbidity, functional impairment, and HRQOL from a gender perspective in patients with AF before and 6 months after PVI. The study includes 242 patients (121 men), mean age 62 ± 9 years, referred for PVI. Symptoms were assessed with the Symptom Checklist: Frequency and Severity (SCL), HRQOL with Short Form 36 (SF-36), and the functional impairment with Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). The patients’ own experiences of the referral process and history of their disease were evaluated with a supplementary questionnaire. The results showed that women improved more than men in HRQOL, SIP, and SCL 6 months post PVI. There were no sex differences in proportion of paroxysmal and persistent AF or ablation outcome. At baseline, women scored higher than men in both scales of the SCL (p < 0.001), scored lower in all components in SF-36, and scored higher in five categories of the SIP. Women were not more reluctant to accept referral for ablation when offered. The conclusion is that women with AF undergoing PVI are more symptomatic but also improve more in HRQOL and in symptom burden than men.

Sex and gender differences in symptoms of early psychosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

First-episode psychosis (FEP) can be quite variable in clinical presentation, and both sex and gender may account for some of this variability. Prior literature on sex or gender differences in symptoms of psychosis have been inconclusive, and a comprehensive summary of evidence on the early course of illness is lacking. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to summarize prior evidence on the sex and gender differences in the symptoms of early psychosis. We conducted an electronic database search (MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) from 1990 to present to identify quantitative studies focused on sex or gender differences in the symptoms of early psychosis. We used random effects models to compute pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) and risk ratios (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for a range of symptoms. Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis. All studies examined sex differences. Men experienced more severe negative symptoms (SMD = - 0.15, 95%CI = - 0.21, - 0.09), whereas women experienced more severe depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.21, 95%CI = 0.14, 0.27) and had higher functioning (SMD = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.10, 0.23). Women also had a lower prevalence of substance use issues (RR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.61, 0.69). Symptoms of early psychosis varied between men and women; however, we were limited in our ability to differentiate between biological sex and gender factors. These findings may help to inform early detection and intervention efforts to better account for sex and gender differences in early psychosis presentation.

Gender differences in the PTSD symptoms of polytraumatized youth during isolated phases of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

Gender differences in the development and severity of PTSD have long been observed, but much less is known about gender differences within the context of trauma-focused treatment. This study investigated gender differences in the PTSD symptoms of polytraumatized youth during Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). The sample included child welfare-involved youth ages 7-18 (N = 138) who experienced a mean of 4.78 types of trauma and received TF-CBT at a trauma treatment clinic. Mixed ANOVA analyses assessed gender differences in PTSD symptoms from baseline to termination of treatment. PTSD symptoms were then mapped according to the phase of treatment, and factorial ANOVAs examined gender differences during isolated phases of TF-CBT. Potential interactions with sexual violence history were considered. Significant reductions in overall PTSD, intrusive, avoidance and arousal symptoms were found from baseline to termination of TF-CBT for the entire sample, although females reported higher symptom levels across all PTSD symptom domains. Significant gender differences were also revealed during some, but not all, phases of treatment, with variations among PTSD symptom domains noted. Findings suggest TF-CBT is effective in reducing PTSD in youth with poly-trauma exposure, irrespective of gender. Gender differences in symptom severity were revealed, however, and indicate the need to attend to gender within the context of treatment. Findings also suggest the use of measurement-based care, and specifically attending to symptom fluctuation in PTSD symptom domains during treatment, can help inform clinical decision making and individualize treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A Hypothesis of Gender Differences in Self-Reporting Symptom of Depression: Implications to Solve Under-Diagnosis and Under-Treatment of Depression in Males.

The phenomenon of female preponderance in depression has been well-reported, which has been challenged by higher rates of suicide and addictive behaviors in males, and a longer life-span in females. We thus propose an alternative hypothesis “Gender differences in self-reporting symptom of depression,” suggesting mild-moderate depression tends to be reported more often by females, and severe depression and suicide tend to be reported more often by males. Potential mechanisms that account for this difference may include three aspects: covariation between estrogen levels and the incidence peak of female depression, gender differences in coping style (e.g., comparative emotional inexpressiveness and non-help-seeking in males), and gender differences in symptom phenotypes (e.g., atypical symptoms in male depression). Our newly presented hypothesis implied the overlooked under-diagnosis and under-treatment of depression in males. For effective diagnoses and timely treatment of male depression, it is critical to incorporate symptoms of depression in males into the relevant diagnostic criteria, encourage males to express negative emotions, and increase awareness of suicidal behavior in males.

Understanding health care-seeking behaviour of the tribal population in India among those with presumptive TB symptoms.

Background and objectivesUnderstanding the drivers for care-seeking among those who present with symptoms of TB is crucial for early diagnosis of TB and prompt treatment, which will in turn halt further TB transmission. While TB is a challenge among the tribal population, little is known about the care-seeking behaviour and the factors influencing care-seeking behaviour among the tribal population across India.MethodologyThis community-based descriptive study was carried out in 17 states of India across 6 zones, covering 88 villages from tribal districts with over 70% tribal population. The sample population included individuals ≥15 years old who were screened through an interview for symptoms suggestive of pulmonary TB (PTB), currently and/or previously on anti-TB treatment. Those with symptoms were then assessed on their health-seeking behavior using a semi-structured interview schedule.ResultsAmong 74532 eligible participants screened for symptoms suggestive of TB, 2675 (3.6%) were found to be presumptive TB cases. Of them, 659 (24.6%) sought care for their symptoms. While 48.2% sought care after a week, 19.3% sought care after one month or more, with no significant difference in the first point of care; 46.9% approaching a private and 46.7% a public facility. The significant factors influencing care-seeking behaviour were knowledge on TB (OR: 4.64 (3.70–5.83), p < 0.001), age<35 years (OR: 1.60 (1.28–2.00), p < 0.001), co-morbidities like asthma (OR: 1.80 (1.38–2.35), p < 0.001) and blood pressure (OR: 2.59 (1.75–3.85), p < 0.001), symptoms such as blood in sputum (OR: 1.69 (1.32–2.16), p < 0.001), shortness of breath (OR: 1.43 (1.19–1.72), p < 0.001) and weight loss (OR: 1.59 (1.33–1.89), p < 0.001). The cough was the most often reported symptom overall. There were gender differences in symptoms that prompted care-seeking: Males were more likely to seek care for weight loss (OR: 1.78 (1.42–2.23), p<0.001), blood in the sputum (OR: 1.69 (1.25–2.28), p<0.001), shortness of breath (OR: 1.49 (1.18–1.88), p<0.001) and fever (OR: 1.32 (1.05–1.65), p = 0.018). Females were more likely to seek care for blood in sputum (OR: 1.68 (1.10–2.58), p = 0.018) and shortness of breath (OR = 1.35, (1.01–1.82), p = 0.048). The cough did not feature as a significant symptom that prompted care-seeking.ConclusionDelayed healthcare-seeking behaviour among those with symptoms presumptive of TB in the tribal population is a major concern. Findings point to differences across gender about symptoms that prompt care-seeking in this population. Gender-sensitive interventions with health system strengthening are urgently needed to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment among this population.

Gender differences in experience and reporting of acute symptoms among cleaning staff.

Cleaning tasks pose risks of hazardous chemical exposure and adverse health effects for cleaning workers. We examined gender differences among cleaning staff in the experience of chemical-related symptoms and in reporting to supervisors. We analyzed cross-sectional reports from 171 university hospital or campus cleaning staff on chemical exposures to cleaning products, experience of acute symptoms, reporting of symptoms to supervisors, as well as demographic and psychosocial factors (risk perception, job demand/control, supervisor/co-worker support, and safety climate). Results were analized using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic, job, and psychosocial factors. Interactions of gender and psychosocial variables were also examined. Men and women reported different frequencies for exposure-related tasks. Acute symptoms of chemical exposure were more prevalent in women compared with men (46.0% vs. 25.4%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-5.46). Women were more concerned about exposure to cleaning chemicals (p = 0.029) but reported symptoms to their supervisor less often than men (18.5% vs. 40.6%, adjusted OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.09-0.93). More supervisor support was significantly associated with less frequent symptom experience among women (OR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.70-0.99). Asian workers and less educated workers were less likely than others to report symptoms to supervisors. Gender differences in symptom reporting to supervisors were not explained by psychosocial factors. Women may have increased susceptibility or perception of symptoms from cleaning compared to men, but this may be mitigated by supervisor support. Female Asian workers with lower education may perceive more significant barriers in reporting work-related symptoms to supervisors. Further research is needed to explore factors related to underreporting.

Gender Differences in Adolescent Sleep Disturbance and Treatment Response to Smartphone App-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Exploratory Study.

BackgroundInsomnia and sleep disturbance are pervasive and debilitating conditions affecting up to 40% of adolescents. Women and girls are at greater risk of insomnia, yet differences in treatment responsiveness between genders have not been adequately investigated. Additionally, while women report greater symptom severity and burden of illness than men, this discrepancy requires further examination in adolescents.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in sleep symptom profiles and treatment response in adolescents.MethodsDigital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) treatment responsiveness, as indexed by changes in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, was compared in boys and girls (aged 12-16 years; N=49) who participated in a pilot evaluation of the Sleep Ninja smartphone app. Gender differences in self-reported baseline insomnia symptom severity (ISI), sleep quality (PSQI), and sleep characteristics derived from sleep diaries were also examined.ResultsCompared with boys, we found that girls reported greater symptom severity (P=.04) and nighttime wakefulness (P=.01 and P=.04) and reduced sleep duration (P=.02) and efficiency (P=.03), but not poorer sleep quality (P=.07), more nighttime awakenings (P=.16), or longer time to get to sleep (P=.21). However, gender differences in symptom severity and sleep duration were accounted for by boys being marginally younger in age. Treatment response to CBT-I was equivalent between boys and girls when comparing reductions in symptom severity (P=.32); there was a trend showing gender differences in improvements in sleep quality, but this was not statistically significant (P=.07).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the presence of gender differences in insomnia symptoms and severity in adolescents and suggest further research is required to understand gender differences in insomnia symptom profiles to inform the development of gender-specific digital interventions delivered to adolescents.

Gender Differences in Psychological Symptoms and Psychotherapeutic Processes in Japanese Children.

Gender differences have been documented in the prevalence of psychological symptoms. Tic disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more common in male clinical samples, while selective mutism and trichotillomania are more common in female clinical samples. In a review of 84 published case studies of Japanese children, this study explored gender differences in the prevalence of four categories of symptoms and expressions made in therapy for tics, selective mutism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and trichotillomania. Case studies were evaluated using both qualitative coding and statistical analysis. The findings were mostly consistent with epidemiological surveys and empirical research on adults. The gender differences in symptom prevalence and their expression could be summarized as differences in more direct aggression for boys versus indirect aggression for girls. The objective and progress in the therapy were to control impulsive energy for boys and to express energy for girls.

Characteristics of initial symptoms and symptoms at diagnosis in probable dementia with Lewy body disease: incidence of symptoms and gender differences.

Although dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is characterized by a variety of initial symptoms, there are almost no reports of the initial symptoms of DLB assessed in a large number of cases. We retrospectively evaluated the initial symptoms of 234 participants with DLB and DLB-related symptoms at diagnosis and characterized any gender differences in the symptom profiles. This study consisted of 234 participants with probable DLB who met the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Fourth Consensus Report of the DLB Consortium (2017). DLB was confirmed based on several characteristic biomarkers for dopamine transporter imaging with 123 I-N-omega-fluoropropyl-2-beta-carbomethoxy-3-beta (4-iodophenyl) nortropane single-photon emission computed tomography, 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy, and brain perfusion measured with single photon emission computed tomography. In addition, core and supportive clinical features were considered in the diagnosis. Initial symptoms included cognitive impairment (41.9%) and psychiatric symptoms (i.e. visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and depression) (42.3%). Almost half of the women initially presented with psychiatric symptoms, with significantly more women than men presenting with auditory hallucinations. In contrast, men had a significantly higher rate of rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) than women did. At diagnosis, DLB-related symptoms differed between men and women, with male patients exhibiting significantly more RBD, parkinsonism, hyposmia, and syncope than female patients. Moreover women presented significantly more often with auditory hallucinations than did men. Our results indicate that there are gender differences in the initial symptoms of DLB, as well as in the presentation of subsequent symptoms observed at diagnosis. There was a higher incidence of RBD in men, whereas women had a higher incidence of psychotic symptoms.

Gender and secular trends in adolescent mental health over 24 years - The role of school-related stress.

Increasing levels of psychosomatic symptoms, and other mental health problems, among adolescents, and especially among girls, have been reported across various countries. The "educational stressors hypothesis" states that this trend can be explained by an increasing amount of stressors in the school environment. This study tests this hypothesis, using repeated cross-sectional data, between the years 1993-2017, from the Health Behaviours of School-aged Children (HBSC) survey. Regression and decomposition techniques are used to investigate the role of school stress for trends in psychosomatic symptoms, and for gender differences in symptoms. Results show that the effects of school stress on psychosomatic symptoms have become stronger over time, but that they can only account for a small share of the overall increase in symptoms since 1993. However, school stress has increased more among girls than among boys, and it explains about half of the growth of the gender gap in symptoms. Thus, school stress accounts for a substantial portion of the increase in symptoms for girls, but only a minor share of the increase for boys. In sum, we found weak evidence for the educational stressors hypothesis in regard to the overall trend in symptoms, but strong evidence for it in explaining the growing gender gap.

9. Gender difference in symptoms, etiology, and management of chronic heart failure in Qassim province

9. Gender difference in symptoms, etiology, and management of chronic heart failure in Qassim province

Gender Differences in Symptoms and Signs of Dry Eye Disease in a Norwegian Cohort of Patients

Gender Differences in Symptoms and Signs of Dry Eye Disease in a Norwegian Cohort of Patients

Influence of Gender on Associations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms with Chronic Conditions and Quality of Life.

Women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We examined contemporary gender differences in symptoms, health status, and quality of life associated with diagnosed OSA and OSA symptoms in a population-based sample. A 2015 postal/on-line questionnaire of 2889 active participants of The North West Adelaide Health Study (response rate = 54%, male n = 704; female n = 856; age 30–100 years) assessed previously diagnosed OSA, OSA symptoms, insomnia, doctor-diagnosed medical conditions, and the SF-36. In weighted analyses, self-reported diagnosed OSA (men: 12.6%, n = 95; women: 3.3%, n = 27) and OSA symptoms (men: 17.1%; women: 9.7%) were more common in men. Diagnosed OSA showed stronger adjusted associations with typical OSA features in women, including obesity (women-odds ratio (OR), 95% CI: 5.7, 1.9–17.1, men: 2.2, 1.2–4.0), daytime sleepiness (women: 6.4, 2.7–15.6, men: 3.3, 2.1–5.4), and loud snoring (women: 25.4, 9.4–69.1, men: 8.7, 5.2–14.4). Diagnosed OSA was independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men, and in women with high cholesterol, respiratory disease, insomnia, and reduced SF-36 Physical Component Summary score. In both sexes, OSA symptoms were significantly associated with depression, insomnia, and moderate to severe impairments in SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores. Diagnosed women showed clinical characteristics overtly related to OSA. A higher index of clinical suspicion of OSA may be required in women for a condition regarded as male-predominant to increase equity in health outcomes.

Gender differences in symptom presentation of ST-elevation myocardial infarction – An observational multicenter survey study

BackgroundSymptom presentation has been sparsely studied from a gender perspective restricting the inclusion to ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Correct symptom recognition is vital in order to promptly seek care in STEMI where fast reperfusion therapy is of utmost importance. Female gender has been found associated with atypical presentation in studies on mixed MI populations but it is unclear whether this is valid also in STEMI. ObjectivesWe assessed whether there are gender differences in symptoms and interpretation of these in STEMI, and if this is attributable to sociodemographic and clinical factors. MethodsSymTime was a multicenter observational study including a validated questionnaire and data from medical records. Eligible STEMI patients (n = 532) were enrolled within 24 h after admittance at five Swedish hospitals. ResultsWomen were older, more often single and had lower educational level. Chest pain was less prevalent in women (74 vs 93%, p < 0.001), whereas shoulder (33 vs 15%, p < 0.001), throat/neck (34 vs 18%, p < 0.001), back pain (29 versus 12%, p < 0.001) and nausea (49 vs 29%, p < 0.001) were more prevalent. Women less often interpreted their symptoms as of cardiac origin (60 vs 69%, p = 0.04). Female gender was the strongest independent predictor of non-chest pain presentation, odds ratio 5.29, 95% confidence interval 2.85–9.80. ConclusionsA striking gender difference in STEMI symptoms was found. As women significantly misinterpreted their symptoms more often, it is vital when informing about MI to the society or to high risk individuals, to highlight also other symptoms than just chest pain.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and resilience among adult burn patients in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the major psychological disorders developed after burn injuries, though this subject of burn injuries and their destructive chronic psychological impact are not considered as thoughtfully in developing countries like Pakistan. Hence, the current study investigated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and resilience among burn patients in Pakistan, exploring the variance occurrence of the two variables concerning male burn patients and female burn patients.MethodsSeventy burn patients from three burn units of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, during January 2015 to September 2015 were recruited. Patients with psychiatric disorder which would restrict the study procedures were excluded from the study. PTSD symptoms of burn patients were measured by PTSD CheckList-Civilian Version (PCL-C) and resilience was measured by Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC). Spearman’s Rank-Order correlation was used to analyze the relationship between symptoms of PTSD and resilience in burn patients, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to analyze the gender difference in symptoms of PTSD and level of resilience.ResultsNegative correlation between PTSD and resilience among burn patients was found (r = − 0.72, p < 0.001). Moreover, significant gender differences were observed on PTSD symptoms and resilience between male and female burn patients when demographic variables such as age, socioeconomic status, marital status, and educational background were controlled. Female burn patients showed more PTSD symptoms (η2 = 0.18, p < 0.001) and less resilience (η2 = 0.25, p < 0.001) when compared to male burn patients.ConclusionsPTSD and resilience were negatively correlated in burn patients. Female burn patients have more PTSD symptoms and lower resilience compared to male burn patients.

Gender Differences in Symptom Reporting on Baseline Sport Concussion Testing Across the Youth Age Span.

Little is known regarding gender differences in concussion symptom reporting developmentally across the age span, specifically in pre-adolescent athletes. The present study asks: Do boys and girls differ in symptom reporting across the pre-adolescent to post-adolescent age span? This retrospective study utilized baseline assessments from 11,695 10-22 year-old athletes assigned to 3 independent groups: Pre-adolescent 10-12 year olds (n = 1,367; 12%), Adolescent 13-17 year olds (n = 2,974; 25%), and Late Adolescent 18-22 year olds (n = 7,354; 63%). Males represented 60% of the sample. Baseline ImPACT composite scores and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale scores (Total, Physical, Cognitive, Emotional, Sleep) were analyzed for the effects of age and gender. Statistically significant main effects were found for age and gender on all ImPACT composites, Total Symptoms, and Symptom factors. Significant interaction effects were noted between age and gender for all ImPACT composites, Total Symptoms, and Symptom factors. Total Symptoms and all Symptom factors were highest in adolescents (ages 13-17) for males and females. In the 10-12 age group, females displayed lower Total Symptoms, Physical, and Sleep factors than males. The notion of females being more likely than males to report symptoms does not appear to apply across the developmental age span, particularly prior to adolescence. Females show greater emotional endorsement across the youth age span (10-22 years). Adolescence (13-17 years) appears to be a time of increased symptomatology that may lessen after the age of 18.