Gender Differences In Knowledge Research Articles

Gender Differences in Knowledge, Use, and Collection of Wild Edible Plants in Three Spanish Areas

Many ethnobotanical studies have shown differences in the knowledge and practices held by men and women. Using ethnographic fieldwork, a survey, and secondary data from three different areas in Spain, this study shows a geographical pattern in women’s and men’s relations with wild edible plants. In the case studies from Southern Spain, Doñana, and Sierra Morena Extremeña, women gather less wild edible plants than men, while in the Central Spain case study, Sierra Norte de Madrid, the difference is less marked. We explain this difference through the construction and distribution of agrarian spaces, particularly with regards to land tenure type and urban centers size. In the southern cases, large agrarian properties are more prevalent than in Sierra Norte de Madrid, where common lands and small and medium properties predominate. Additionally, in Doñana, big urban agro-towns dominate, whereas in Sierra Norte de Madrid and Sierra Morena Extremeña little towns are the norm. Overall, our study suggests that gendered differences in the use of natural resources are better understood if contextualized in a large socioecological context.

Abstract P714: Knowledge of Stroke Warning Signs and Risk Factors in Minnesota Adults

Background: Global Burden of Disease identified stroke as the second leading cause of death worldwide after ischemic heart disease. Many stroke risk factors are preventable with lifestyle changes. A better understanding of the relationship between demographics and knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs may help in identifying target populations for preventative stroke education. Purpose: This study aimed to explore 1)knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs among Minnesota adults, 2)association between knowledge of risk factors and presence of risk factors and 3)association between the knowledge of warning signs and family history of stroke. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 207 consenting adults who completed open-ended questionnaires on identifying stroke risk factors and warning signs per American Stroke Association (ASA) was used. Self-reported demographics, medical/family history and lifestyle behaviors data were combined with measured height, weight and blood pressure to provide an individual stroke risk score per the ASA Stroke Risk Score. Results: Most participants(90.3%) correctly identified at least one stroke warning sign, but <1% identified all warning signs (FAST+Walking+Vision). 58.9% identified ≥3 stroke risk factors while only 2.4% identified 6 risk factors. Of the highest ranked stroke risk factors(hypertension, smoking, diabetes, diet, obesity, exercise, age, gender, atrial fibrillation), hypertension and obesity were the most named, correctly identified by 64.3% and 53.1% respectively. Females were slightly more knowledgeable of risk factors(63.9% females vs. 51.8% males) and warning signs(62.3% females vs. 58.8% males). No statistically significant associations were observed between knowledge of risk factors and presence of them, or between family history of stroke and knowledge of stroke warning signs. Conclusion: The findings of this study identified the need for public education of stroke risk factors and warning signs as a critical first step in behavior change. Gender differences in knowledge was slightly different. Other demographic differences was not identified due to study sample homogeneity. Additional efforts should be made to increase sample diversity in future studies.

Gender specific differences in COVID-19 knowledge, behavior and health effects among adolescents and young adults in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India.

On March 24, 2020 India implemented a national lockdown to prevent spread of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among its 1.3 billion people. As the pandemic may disproportionately impact women and girls, this study examines gender differences in knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and preventive behaviors, as well as the adverse effects of the lockdown among adolescents and young adults. A mobile phone-based survey was implemented from April 3-22, 2020 in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among respondents randomly selected from an existing cohort study. Respondents answered questions related to demographics, COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors practiced, and impacts on social, economic and health outcomes. Descriptive analyses and linear probability regression models were performed for all participants and separately for men and women. A total of 1,666 adolescents and young adults (18-24 years old) were surveyed; 70% were women. While most participants had high awareness of disease symptoms and preventive behaviors, there was variation by gender. Compared to men, women were seven percentage points (pp) less likely to know the main symptoms of COVID-19 (coeff = -0.071; 95% confidence interval: -0.122 - -0.021). Among women, there was variation in knowledge by education level, urban residence, and household wealth. Women were 22 pp less likely to practice key preventive behaviors compared to men (coeff = -0.222; 95% CIL -0.263, -0.181). Women were also more likely to report recent depressive symptoms than men (coeff = 0.057; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.109). Our findings underscore that COVID-19 is already disproportionately impacting adolescent girls and young women and that they may require additional targeted, gender-sensitive messaging to foster behavior change. Gender-sensitive information campaigns and provision of health services must be accessible and provide women and girls with needed resources and support during the pandemic to ensure gains in public health and gender equity are not lost.

Gender Specific Differences in COVID-19 Knowledge, Behavior and Health Effects Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India

Background: On March 24, 2020 India implemented a national lockdown to prevent spread of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among its 1.3 billion people. The pandemic may disproportionately impact women and girls. This study examines gender differences in knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and preventive behaviors, as well as the adverse secondary health effects of the lockdown.Methods: A mobile phone-based survey was implemented from April 3-22, 2020 in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among respondents randomly selected from an existing cohort study. Respondents answered questions related to demographics, COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors practiced, and impacts on social, economic and health outcomes. Descriptive analyses and linear probability regression models were performed for all participants and separately for males and females.Findings: 1,666 adolescent and young adults (18-24 years old) were surveyed; 70% female. While most participants had high awareness of disease symptoms and preventive behaviors, there was variation by gender. Compared to males, females were seven percentage points (pp) less likely to know the main symptoms of COVID-19 (coeff = -0·071; 95% confidence interval: -0·122 - -0·021). Among females, there was variation by education level, urban residence, and household wealth. Females were 22 pp less likely to practice key preventive behaviors (coeff = -0·222; 95% CIL -0·263, -0·181); among female respondents, knowledge was the only factor significantly associated with doing the behaviors. Females were more likely to report recent depressive feelings than males (coeff =0·057; 95% CI: 0·004, 0·109).Interpretation: Wide gender gaps in knowledge, adoption of preventive behaviors, and adverse mental health effects were identified, indicating that COVID-19 is already disproportionately impacting adolescent and young women. Gender-sensitive information campaigns and provision of health services must be accessible and provide support during the pandemic to ensure gains in public health and gender equity are not lost.Funding: None.Declaration of Interests: The authors have no personal or financial relationships to disclose.Ethics Approval Statement: We received expedited ethical approval from the Population Council’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) by meeting criteria for research conducted during COVID-19. The IRB permitted data collection with existing cohorts for participants with previous consent provided the research aligned with national mitigation efforts. The UDAYA study protocol originally received IRB approval in 2015 for longitudinal data collection. Participants were told they could terminate the study at any time or skip any sections. No incentives were offered for taking part in the study.

Chinese graduate students’ perceptions of plagiarism: A mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT This paper reports on a mixed-methods study that utilized a convergent parallel design to examine Chinese graduate students’ knowledge of and stance on plagiarism in English academic writing. A sample of 183 master’s students from three broad disciplinary groupings at a major university in northeastern China completed a Perceptions of Plagiarism (PoP) survey, and another 13 graduate students participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed disciplinary differences in knowledge of subtle plagiarism, stance on plagiarism caused by inadequate academic ability and due to perceived low risks, and non-condemnatory attitudes toward plagiarism. There were also gender differences in knowledge of inappropriate referencing and attitudes toward plagiarism due to inadequate academic ability or perceived low risks. These results are interpreted in terms of training in English academic writing available, disciplinary knowledge-making practices, and gender characteristics. By way of conclusion, pedagogical implications are derived from the empirical results.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Oral Health and Oral Care Among Nursing Staff at a Mental Health Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia: A Questionnaire-based Study

Background and Aim: Nurses are the principal oral healthcare providers for hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses at a mental health hospital in Saudi Arabia regarding oral health care of the hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used in which 247 nursing staff completed a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic information, knowledge, and practices regarding oral health maintenance of patients and their attitudes toward oral health care of psychiatric patients. The chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to examine group differences. Results: A total of 247 (136 males and 111 females) nursing staff were involved in the survey with the mean age of 26 ± 32 years. Results showed significant gender differences in knowledge and practices, but no gender differences in attitudes. Male nurses were more likely to look at teeth and gums for signs of a healthy mouth (male = 97.8%, female = 95.5%, P = .04), used toothpaste to clean the patient’s teeth (male = 52.9%, female = 50.5%, P = .03), and believed that HIV/AIDS patients are at risk of developing oral health problems (male = 50.7%, female = 43.2%, P = .04). Nurses had more knowledge than nurse technicians regarding gum disease and dental abscesses ( P = .0001). Nursing staff with over five years of experience were more likely to agree about the need for the oral health care of hospitalized patients. Conclusion: The results emphasize the need for training of healthcare workers about the importance of oral health and considering oral health care as a patient’s rights rather than privilege.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards people with HIV and AIDS among private higher education students in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) is a global health and social problem, with South Africa having an estimated overall prevalence rate of 13.5%. Compared to young male participants, young female participants have been reported to have less knowledge about HIV and AIDS, including prevention strategies, and this is associated with risky sexual behaviours and negative attitudes towards condom use.ObjectivesThe study investigated gender differences in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards HIV and AIDS among 542 private higher education students in Johannesburg, South Africa.MethodParticipants completed an online structured questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes and behaviours as well as demographics (including age, gender and relationship status).ResultsThe results indicate that overall there were no significant differences between male and female students in terms of HIV and AIDS knowledge. However, female students had significantly less knowledge with regard to unprotected anal sex as a risk factor for HIV and AIDS. In addition, young female students reported condom use at last sex less frequently than male students. Nonetheless, both genders reported a positive attitude towards condom use and towards people living with HIV and AIDS.ConclusionIt is recommended that the relevant authorities at the state and the higher education level seriously consider implementing specific strategies for preventing HIV and AIDS through improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among young females.

The Variable Nature of the Gender Gap in Political Knowledge

ABSTRACT Previous research demonstrates that long-standing gender gaps in political knowledge are often a function of measurement artifacts. This article examines two potential measurement issues – question content and format – to determine whether gender differences in knowledge are sensitive to decisions we make when choosing and constructing knowledge measures. Using an original survey from the 2014 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES), we demonstrate that, while expected gender differences exist when we ask traditional knowledge questions, these gender gaps are ameliorated when we employ items that measure knowledge about women in politics. We also examine gendered response patterns regarding “don’t know” responses, which can deflate women’s knowledge levels. Finally, we examine the determinants of political knowledge for women and men, and uncover an important role for political interest in shaping women’s knowledge levels. These results suggest that scholars should take steps to create political knowledge measures that can most accurately gauge the political capacities of women and men.

Gendered Political Contexts: The Gender Gap in Political Knowledge

What explains the gender gap in political knowledge found by surveys across different contexts? This article proposes that female political representation affects the levels of knowledge expressed by men and women and, ultimately, the gender gap. The underrepresentation of women makes gender stereotypes salient, and these in turn affect how much cognitive effort individuals put into thinking about politics. Moreover, I argue that surveys are often responsible for enhancing the effect of those considerations. I analyze cross-national survey data from 120 countries to test whether the gap in knowledge decreases as female representation increases across countries. Then, I manipulate the gender composition of feeling thermometer batteries in a survey experiment with American subjects to test whether priming considerations about female representation affects respondents’ performance on knowledge questions. The findings suggest an explanation for why surveys often reveal gender differences in knowledge and a mechanism connecting women’s representation and public opinion.

Evaluación del uso de las TIC en estudiantes de la Universidad de Málaga: diferencias de género

Con la implantación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES), una de las cuestiones más relevantes que se incluyen en la formación universitaria es el manejo de las nuevas Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) por parte del alumnado. En esta investigación se ha evaluado el uso de las TIC en 79 estudiantes (Medad=20,43, DT=3,83) de primer curso de Pedagogía de la Universidad de Málaga, y se han analizado las diferencias de género en el ámbito tecnológico. Para la recogida de datos se usó un cuestionario tipo Likert que recababa información sobre las características sociodemográficas y sobre el conocimiento y uso de las TIC. Los resultados muestran una clara diferencia de género en el conocimiento y manejo de las herramientas tecnológicas más complejas, siendo las mujeres las que tienen un conocimiento más escaso. Por otra parte, los resultados muestran que los estudiantes que usan las aulas informáticas universitarias presentan mejores habilidades en el funcionamiento de los foros universitarios que los estudiantes que no usan dichas aulas, independientemente de que sean hombres o mujeres.

Gender difference on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of COPD diagnosis and treatment: a national, multicenter, cross-sectional survey in China.

PurposeTo investigate the gender difference in knowledge, attitude, and practice of COPD diagnosis and treatment in China.Patients and methodsA nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional questionnaire study was carried out to investigate patients’ understanding and experience of COPD between September 2007 and December 2008.ResultsTwo thousand and seventy-two patients were recruited from eleven centers. The final effective questionnaires were those of 1,698 cases, of which 32% were female. Women were younger, had higher body mass index, were more never smokers, and had lesser pack-years (all P<0.01). More women had under elementary education level and monthly income <1,000 RMB (about 160 USD) (all P<0.01). Women had higher ratio of FEV1/FVC (54.1±10.9 vs 50.2±11.5), FEV1% (50.0±19.1 vs 45.4±29.0), and lower short form-36 mental component summary (57.5±26.8 vs 61.3±25.0) (all P<0.01). Fewer women reported severe exacerbation (defined as an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that results in patient’s hospitalization) in the previous year (44.5% vs 51.6%, P<0.05). More women reported that they never heard of COPD before (67.0% vs 59.0%, P<0.01). Less women reported that physician had to tell them they had emphysema (50.5% vs 60.4%) or COPD (31.9% vs 37.9%). Less women had pulmonary function test (PFT) done before (65.2% vs 70.4%, P<0.05). More women reported that they would not repeat PFT annually (91.7% vs 87.6%, P<0.05) and did not know the PFT results (78.6% vs 73.1%, P<0.05). More women reported not having had pulmonary rehabilitation before (87.8% vs 83.6%, P<0.05). Fewer women reported knowing that COPD should be given combined therapy (38.3% vs 44.5%) and long-term treatment (46.1% vs 51.9%) (all P<0.05).ConclusionMale and female patients had different experiences on COPD diagnosis and treatment. Physicians should pay more attention to patients’ education on COPD, especially of women.

Cultural significance of the flora of a tropical dry forest in the Doche vereda (Villavieja, Huila, Colombia)

BackgroundIn Colombia, ethnobotanical studies regarding plant cultural significance (CS) in tropical dry forests are scarce and mainly focused on the Caribbean region. Different authors have indicated that the plants with the most uses are those of greater cultural importance. Additionally, gender differences in knowledge and interest in natural resources has been widely recorded. This study evaluated the cultural significance of plants in the Doche community, in the Department of Huila. Furthermore, it evaluates the richness of plant knowledge among local inhabitants, looking for testing the hypothesis that the CS of plants positively correlates to the number of uses people inform about, and that there are significant differences on the richness of ethnobotanical knowledge between men and women in this community.MethodsThe ethnobotanical categories: “food,” “condiment,” “economy,” “fodder,” “firewood,” “timber”, “medicine,” and “others” were established to carry out semi-structured interviews, social cartography, and ethnobotanical walks. The frequency of mention was calculated as a measure of CS. The richness of knowledge of each collaborator was obtained. Non-parametric tests were performed to determine whether differences between the numbers of mentioned species existed between genders and ethnobotanical categories. Finally, Pearson correlation tests determined the relationship between CS and the number of ethnobotanical categories.ResultsA hundred useful species were registered in crops and forests. The most abundant categories were medicinal (45 species), firewood (30), and fodder (28). The most culturally significant species according to frequency of mention were Pseudosamanea guachapele, Guazuma ulmifolia, Manihot esculenta, and Musa balbisiana. The species with the most registered uses (five) were Guazuma ulmifolia and Gliricidia sepium. We found a correlation between CS and the number of uses per ethnobotanical category, but no significant difference between genders regarding ethnobotanical knowledge.ConclusionFrequency of mention provides relevant information about the CS of species. Furthermore, it aids to establish sustainable use of tropical dry forests without loss of resources parting from strategies designed from within the Doche community and based on their ethnobotanical knowledge. We found that the number of uses of a plant is correlated with its degree of cultural importance. On the other hand, no significant differences were found between genders regarding ethnobotanical knowledge; that is, both men and women have similar roles in the community, which allows them to recognize the same uses per species.

Gender differences in knowledge and attitudes concerning induced abortion in Sri Lanka: a community based study in the Colombo City

Abortion is legally permitted in Sri Lanka, only if it is performed to save the mother’s life. However, it is estimated that 125,000 to 175,000 induced abortions take place annually (De Silva, 1997). Knowledge and attitudes towards induced abortion in society can influence individual decision-making on the outcome of unwanted pregnancies and the health sector policy response. This study aims to understand the gender differences in knowledge and attitudes of adults towards induced abortion in Sri Lanka. Six Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) and 50 households in the Colombo City were systematically selected using multi stage cluster sampling. An interview schedule was administrated among 743 residents between 19 to 49 years of age after receiving their written informed consent. Around 31 percent of females and 57 percent of males do not know that there are specific days in the menstrual cycle in which the chance of becoming pregnant is relatively high. Female respondents’ awareness (48 percent) of emergency contraception was significantly lower than that of males (60 percent). Only 11 percent of the respondents knew the situations in which abortion is legal in Sri Lanka. Around, 93 percent of females and 70 percent of males (X2=56.27, P<0.001) believed that induced abortion is against cultural and moral values. A majority of the respondents agreed to legalise abortion under rape (65 percent), incest (55 percent) and lethal fetal abnormality conditions (53 percent). A very small percentage of respondents agreed to legalise induced abortions in the situation of economic problems (7 percent), contraceptive failure (6 percent), at the request of the couple (5 percent) and at the request of the woman (4 percent). In conclusion, female respondents demonstrate a moderate to low level of knowledge and conservative attitudes towards induced abortion, which highlights the need for more focused interventions to address the issue.

National identity and language: students′ usage of English terminology within the Croatian language

Abstract This article explores the issue of whether the strength of a country’s national identity can determine extensive use of English instead of Croatian equivalents among Croatian students of kinesiology, both in their professional (i.e. expressions related to sport) and everyday language usage. The study addresses the following issues: a) what does having stronger national identity mean; b) is there correlation between strength of national identity and gender differences in knowledge and preferences in using Croatian equivalents over English terms; c) in which context (everyday or sports) do students use more Croatian terms than English ones? A questionnaire was given to a sample of 100 students from the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Croatia. The Spearman Rank Order Correlations were used in establishing a correlation between national identity and the usage of Croatian equivalents, while the Mann-Whitney U Test was used in testing gender differences. To conclude, the results show a negative correlation between strength of national identity and knowledge of Croatian equivalents (in 51% of cases, in sports terminology, students do not know the Croatian word, and 78% prefer using English sport terms). Furthermore, gender differences were only found on the scale regarding English grades in high school (women had better grades than men).

Stakeholders’ perceptions of integrated rainwater management approaches in the Blue Nile Basin of the Ethiopian highlands

Previous approaches to improve soil and water management in the Ethiopian highlands have achieved marginal success. An integrated approach to rainwater management (RWM) has been piloted to address interrelated problems of land degradation, livestock feed shortage, and soil erosion, in an effort to improve the resilience of rural livelihoods. However, stakeholders’ perceptions about the approach have not been documented. Using data from in‐depth interviews, this study assesses stakeholders’ knowledge, attitudes, skills and practices in the Diga, Jeldu and Fogera districts of Ethiopia. Our study finds gender differences in knowledge and application of integrated RWM strategies amongst farmers. Stakeholders interviewed appreciate fodder development because it directly addresses land degradation and livestock feed shortage, and provides extra benefits to the households. There are differences in successful RWM practices across the districts. Planners, researchers and policy makers engaged in innovation platforms have an increased understanding of the tools to engage multiple stakeholders in planning for RWM. However, inflexible extension approaches and other contextual issues limit wide‐scale use of bottom‐up approaches. We conclude that approaches to RWM that are holistic and engage diverse stakeholders foster the uptake of innovations. Awareness creation, collaboration, capacity development, incentives, monitoring, political will and favorable gender norms are vital to the process.

Not just a woman's business! Understanding men and women's knowledge of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers.

Few studies have included men when assessing differences in knowledge about HPV, and HPV-associated cancers. We examined gender differences in knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze data of 3,677 survey respondents aged 18 years and older from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey. Covariates included age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income level, regular provider, general health, internet use, and family structure aged 9 to 27 years. Analyses were conducted in 2015. Sixty-four percent of respondents had heard of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Seventy-eight percent of respondents knew HPV causes cervical cancer, but only 29% knew it causes penile cancer, 26% knew it causes anal cancer, and 30% knew it causes oral cancer. In multivariable analyses, males were less likely to have heard of HPV (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.25-0.45), and less likely to have heard of the HPV vaccine (aOR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.18-0.32) compared to females. No differences existed between males and females regarding knowledge about HPV-associated cancers. In conclusion, knowledge of HPV, the vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers in both males and females in the United States remains very low, especially among men.

Gender Differences in Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Cardiovascular Disease and its Treatment among Asian Patients

Introduction: Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) impact on cardiac disease outcomes, with noted cultural and gender differences. In this Asian cohort, we aimed to analyse the KAP of patients towards cardiac diseases and pertinent factors that influence such behaviour, focusing on gender differences. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed among consecutive outpatients from a cardiac clinic over 2 months in 2014. Results: Of 1406 patients approached, 1000 (71.1%) responded (mean age 57.0 ± 12.7 years, 713 [71.3%] males). There was significant correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.224, P <0.001), and knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.114, P <0.001). There was no correlation between attitude and practice scores. Multivariate predictors of higher knowledge scores included female sex, higher education, higher attitude and practice scores and prior coronary artery disease. Multivariate predictors of higher attitude scores included higher education, higher knowledge scores and non-Indian ethnicity. Multivariate predictors of higher practice scores included male sex, Indian ethnicity, older age, higher knowledge score and hypertension. Males had lower knowledge scores (85.8 ± 8.0% vs 88.0 ± 8.2%, P <0.001), lower attitude scores (91.4 ± 9.4% vs 93.2 ± 8.3%, P = 0.005) and higher practice scores (58.4 ± 18.7% vs 55.1 ± 19.3%, P = 0.013) than females. Conclusion: In our Asian cohort, knowledge of cardiovascular health plays a significant role in influencing attitudes and practices. There exists significant gender differences in KAP. Adopting gender-specific strategies for future public health campaigns could address the above gender differences.

Differences in Knowledge of Climate Change between Male and Female Livestock Farmers in Nsukka Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

This study identified gender differences in knowledge of climate change among livestock farmers in Nsukka agricultural zone, Enugu State. Data were collected using a multistage sampling technique to select 80 livestock farmers. Percentage, mean statistics and standard deviation were used in the presentation of the results. Hypothesis for the study was analysed using t-test. The results showed that the mean age of respondents was 49 years and 31.2 percent of farmers had secondary school education. Both male (50 percent) and female (55 percent) respondents had medium knowledge on climate change as it relates to livestock production. The major information sourced by male and female respondents was on where to sell their livestock (97.1% and 100.0%). There was no significant difference between men (M = 13.92; t = 0.971) and women’s (M = 13.20; t = 0.971) knowledge on climate change with respect to livestock production. Campaigns should be intensified to sustain and improve existing knowledge on climate change among male and female livestock producers in the study area. Keywords : Gender, climate change, knowledge, livestock production.

Risk factors associated with cholera outbreak in Bauchi and Gombe States in North East Nigeria

This study investigated the risk factors associated with cholera epidemic during the 2010 cholera outbreak in some States in Nigeria. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to consented patients and/or their parents/guardians in Bauchi and Gombe States in North East Nigeria. Few (33.7%) respondents had access to safe and clean drinking water through the pipe-borne system compared to well (47.8%) and river (19.6%). Respondents’ means of sewage disposal were: pit/latrine (77.2%); bush (15.2%); and water closet (4.3%). Only 34.8% knew water, food and poor sanitation as transmission routes for cholera. There was a significant gender difference in knowledge of lack of safe and clean drinking water and poor sanitation as contributing factors to cholera infection (p<0.05). Observation showed poor sanitation and food hygiene practices in the communities visited.The results provided insights for planning educational programmes through information, education and communication/behavioral change communication efforts to boost knowledge on cholera in the communities. Key words: Knowledge, perception, environmental sanitation, health behavior, cholera outbreak, Nigeria.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Skill of High School Coaches with Regard to the Female Athlete Triad

Study ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge high school coaches have about the female athlete triad and to determine if gender differences in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors exist. DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingTwenty-six high schools in and around the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio. ParticipantsTwo-hundred currently employed high school coaches. InterventionsParticipants completed a 30-question survey used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors coaches had about the female athlete triad. Main Outcome MeasuresDescriptive statistics (means, SD, frequency) and gender differences in response to triad knowledge, attitude, and behavior questions. ResultsOne hundred twenty-three high school coaches completed the survey. Survey respondents were between 25 and 35 years of age, coached for 6-10 years, and coached female athletes 75%-100% of the time. Twenty-four percent reported “having heard of the triad” and 14% (17 of 123) were able to correctly name all of its components. There were no significant differences between gender and the coach's ability to correctly name the 3 triad components (t = 1.47, P = .14). There was no correlation between coach gender (r = 0.13, P = .07), age (r = 0.07, P = .42), number of years of coaching (r = 0.014, P = .88), and coach's knowledge of the triad components, respectively. ConclusionFemale athletes might be at risk for developing the female athlete triad and high school coaches can be instrumental in identifying athletes who are at risk. This study showed that gaps in knowledge about the triad exist and that educating coaches about the condition could serve as an important means of prevention for the condition.