Gender Differences In Quality Research Articles

Investigating gender differences in quality of life and social support in patients with severe mental illnesses.

Severe mental illnesses (SMIs), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect patients significantly. Gender has been identified as a key factor influencing the experience of SMIs with notable disparities in prevalence, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the quality of life (QoL) and social support for patients with SMIs can vary based on gender. This study examined gender differences in QoL and social support of patients with SMIs. Participants include 170 outpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at Shafa Hospital (2021). QoL and social support were assessed using World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), respectively. Group differences were analyzed using t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and two-way multivariate analyses of variance explored the effect of gender and disease type. It was indicated that females with schizophrenia reported higher QoL than males, but the opposite was observed for bipolar disorder. Gender differences in social support were not significant among schizophrenia patients, nor between the two patient groups. However, women with bipolar disorder and multiple hospitalizations experienced lower social support and QoL compared to men. Additionally, more hospitalizations were associated with decreased QoL in both genders with schizophrenia. Findings suggest the need for gender- specific interventions and support policies to enhance QoL and social support in patients with SMI.

Binary Gender Differences in Quality of Life and Social Supports Among Individuals with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): Data from the ITP Natural History Study Registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding condition characterized by low platelet count and a range of bleeding risks. Patients with ITP often report their quality-of-life (QoL) is negatively impacted by fatigue, mental health, and changes in their physical appearance. Research on impact of sex differences on QoL for ITP patients is limited. Studies show the importance of social support systems for patients with rare disease, but variation in social support between male and female ITP patients have not been reported. Using patient inputted registry data, we highlight binary gender differences in social support and ITP disease impact on survey participants overall health related QoL. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of self-reporting adults with ITP registered in the ITP Natural History Study Registry. Data were collected using responses from three surveys within the Registry up to July 3, 2023. Participants were included in the study if they completed all three surveys. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests. Majority of questions asked were based on a Likert scale. Responses were divided into the following categories: ‘Social Supports’, ‘Physical health’, ‘Emotional health’, and overall health related QoL (HRQoL). RESULTS Four hundred and sixty participants were included in the study; 358 (78%) were females over 18 years of age and 102 (22%) were males over 18 years of age. Most participants were from the US (382; 83%) and between ages 18-100 years (mean age 47 years). Social Supports: Women and men reported similar levels of social support.Within the prior seven days, 280 (90%) females and 80 (79%) males reported they had someone to listen to them ‘often’ or ‘always’ (n = 354 (females), 102 males). Two hundred and seventy-nine (78%) females and 77 (72%) males reported they had someone to confide in ‘often’ or ‘always’ (n = 354 (females), 102 males), and 233 (63%) females and 71 (71%) males reported they had someone in their life who understands them ‘often’ or ‘always’ (n = 355 (females), 102 males). Physical health: Women reported significantly more limitations in activities due to physical health compared to men (85; 23% vs 8; 8%; p = .0004) (n = 358 (females); 102 (males). Women reported higher average fatigue levels (109; 19% vs 15; 14%; p = .0015), and greater frequency of feeling tired compared to men (207; 58% vs 27; 27%; p = .00001). Emotional health: Women reported significantly higher levels of negative mental health ‘often’ or ‘always’ impacting mood and ability to think compared to men (201; 57% vs 38; 38%; p = .000618) (n = 356 (females); 102 (males), and reported being bothered ‘often’ or ‘always’ by emotional problems such as feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable, more than men (76; 21% vs 12; 12%; p = .032). Overall HRQoL: Men reported overall HRQoL as either ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ more than women (179; 50% vs 59; 59%). The difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates adult females and males with ITP have differences in reported HRQoL. Both reported similar levels of social support, such as having someone who understands their problems and can listen. Despite this, females reported higher frequencies of being limited in doing various activities, feeling tired, mental health struggles, and emotional problems. This study offers novel insight into experiences between adult women and men with ITP. Comparisons with non-ITP participants would be helpful to include in future studies to investigate whether sex differences in HRQoL are in fact due to the ITP itself. Future treatment plans may consider which HRQoL factors are impacted most by ITP and could tailor management approaches accordingly.

A hospital-based therapeutic food pantry study for people living with cancer in New Orleans

IntroductionFood pantries have the potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with cancer. Gender has been linked to certain cancer symptoms and dietary patterns. Nevertheless, the extent of research on the utilization of food pantries among this population, particularly with regard to gender differences, remains limited. The objective of this study is to explore the demographic characteristics and gender differences in quality of life, as well as the impact of cancer on the lives of individuals who utilize food pantry services.MethodsBetween February 26, 2019 and July 24, 2022, 400 people living with cancer were eligible to participate the University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC) food pantry. Participants were asked to provide demographic information and completed two health assessments related to the challenges in daily activities, nutrition, and mental health.ResultsThe study participants had a mean age of 54.1, and the majority of the participants were female. More than half of the participants did not have access to a vehicle or use public transportation to access grocery stores. People living with cancer reported several quality of life issues, with the most prevalent challenges being interference of cancer with work, lack of energy, difficulty affording food, pain, and sleep problems. Additionally, less than half of the patients reported consuming fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, and males were found to be less likely to consume them compared to females.DiscussionThe current study sheds light on the characteristics and quality of life of individuals who utilize UMC food pantry services, as well as the impact of cancer on their lives. The findings reveal a gender disparity in fruit and vegetable consumption, with male individuals living with cancer reporting lower levels of consumption.Implications for research and practiceIdentifying and addressing food insecurity among people living with cancer are necessary. Meanwhile, partnerships with community organizations may be valuable in finding ways to assist cancer survivors in returning to work. Future studies could also focus on encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly among male individuals living with cancer.

Programmed differently? Testing for gender differences in Python programming style and quality on GitHub

Abstract The underrepresentation of women in open-source software is frequently attributed to women’s lack of innate aptitude compared to men: natural gender differences in technical ability (Trinkenreich et al., 2021). Approaching code as a form of communication, I conduct a novel empirical study of gender differences in Python programming on GitHub. Based on 1,728 open-source projects, I ask if there is a gender difference in the quality and style of Python code measured in adherence to PEP-8 guidelines. I found significant gender differences in structure and how Python files are organized. While there is gendered variation in programming style, there is no evidence of gender difference in code quality. Using a Random Forest model, I show that the gender of a programmer can be predicted from the style of their Python code. The study concludes that gender differences in Python code are a matter of style, not quality.

Gender-based differences in decision making, quality of life and survival among patients undergoing left ventricular assist device evaluation.

Women are less likely to receive left ventricular assist devices and are more likely to experience poor outcomes. However, how gender impacts LVAD decision-making regarding LVAD implantation and the effects of that decision remains unknown. We performed a sub-group analysis from the stepped-wedge DECIDE-LVAD trial, which tested a decision-support intervention for patients considering LVAD therapy. Excluding 9 patients who withdrew from assessments, of the 239 patients analyzed, 203 (85%) were men and 36 (15%) were women. More men received LVADs (70%) than women (61%) and more men were alive at 6 months compared to women, both among those who received LVADs (87% vs 82%) and those who did not (74% vs 50%) (p = 0.002). Compared to men, women were more likely to have decision regret, depressive symptoms and perceived stress at baseline but not at follow-up. At 6-month follow-up, men experience improvements in decisional conflict, acceptance of illness, struggle with illness, and perceived stress-none of those improvements were noted amongst women. Compared to men who received LVADs, women receiving LVADs had worse decision regret and depressive symptoms at baseline and worse acceptance of illness and perceived stress at six months. Men who received LVADs experienced improvement in decisional conflict and perceived stress, while women did not experience these improvements. Both men and women who received LVADs experienced improvement in depressive symptoms. Quality of life as assessed by EuroQol visual analog scale improved for both men and women who received LVADs but not for those who did not receive LVADs; no gender differences in quality of life were noted. Women require greater decisional support at time of decision to undergo LVAD implantation and subsequently might benefit from more intensive psychosocial support.

Gender differences in quality of life of vitiligo patients attending a tertiary care center

Background: Vitiligo is a common depigmenting dermatosis characterized by milky-white macules or patches. Any pathological discoloration of the skin has been linked to an impact on the body image of an individual, and vitiligo has been linked to decreased self-esteem and poor socialization of the affected people. In Indian society, vitiligo is labeled as Shweta-Kushta (i.e., white-colored leprosy) and is compared to leprosy—a more stigmatizing skin condition. Aim: This study aims to study gender-related differences in the quality of life of Indian vitiligo patients. Methodology: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, a total of 55 vitiligo patients (females 25 and males 30) were enrolled using the purposive sampling technique. The sample was assessed on Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS), and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) to assess their quality of life, self-esteem, and psychological well-being, respectively. The gender differences in sociodemographic and clinical details as well as their relationship with the quality of life of the patients were sought with the help of appropriate statistical measures. Results: The patients of both genders were comparable in terms of all sociodemographic and clinical variables except the females being less educated and employed than the males. There was a statistically significant trend of higher mean DLQI total score in females than males (6.6 ± 3.55 vs 4.8 ± 2.71, Mann–Whitney U = 263.5, P =0.058). Significantly, the average DLQI score in female vitiligo patients was negatively related to family income (r s = -.659, P <.001) and it was significantly higher for the patients from a rural background than those from an urban background (8.55 ± 3.30 vs 5.07 ± 3.03, Mann–Whitney U = 33.5, P <.05). The average DLQI score was negatively correlated to RSS score but positively correlated to GHQ-12 score in patients of both genders. Conclusion: The quality of life of female patients with vitiligo is poorer than the same in male patients. The poor financial condition of families and rural living are two factors related to the poorer quality of life of female patients. A poorer quality of life in vitiligo patients of both genders is linked with decreased self-esteem and decreased psychological well-being. Gender-related issues in the quality of life and the overall well-being of such patients are important in their management and policy-making.

Gender Differences in Quality of Life of Adolescent Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

To identify the differences in the impact of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) between female and male adolescent patients at presentation. Cross sectional study. Adolescent patients, age 12 to 18 years old, presenting to our Otolaryngology clinic between August 2020 and April 2023 for CRS were asked to fill both the SNOT-22 and the SN5 forms. Female and male cohorts were compared regarding their demographics, comorbidities, subjective and objective disease measurements, and choice of treatment. Sixty-six patients were included, 30 female and 36 male patients. There were no differences in age, allergic rhinitis, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, presence of nasal septal deviation, and objective disease severity (P > .05 for all). At presentation, mean overall SNOT-22, ear/facial, sleep, and psychological domains were all higher in female patients (43vs 30.9, P = .02; 9.1vs 6, P = .03; 11.8vs 8.3, P = .07; 14.1vs 8.8, P = .02 respectively). SN5 scores and overall QoL visual analog scale were similar in females and males. Female patients with CRS show higher subjective disease burden. Incorporating data on gender-specific differences may be important to personalize treatment decision making.

Gender differences in quality of life and psychiatric comorbidities among persons with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A single-center cross-sectional study.

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is the most common idiopathic generalized/genetic epilepsy syndrome. Gender differences are known in clinical presentation, with a well-identified female predilection. We aimed to study gender-based differences in quality of life (QoL) and psychiatric comorbidities among persons with JME. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a teaching hospital in Delhi, India. Persons above 11 years of age with JME diagnosed according to the International League Against Epilepsy criteria established in 2001 were enrolled. QoL assessment was made using Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-Adolescents-48 (QOLIE-AD-48) and Patient-Weighted Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory 31 (QOLIE-31-P) for adolescent and adult patients, respectively. For the assessment of psychiatric comorbidities, participants were administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I). Participants who tested positive for psychiatric comorbidities on M.I.N.I subsequently underwent the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 categorization. We enrolled 50 patients with JME. Eighteen (36%) were male and 32 (64%) were female patients. The median age of males at study enrollment was 23.5 (range 15-38) years. The median age of females was 22 (16-48) years. The median QOLIE-31-P score among males was 68.31 (37.13-91.82) and for females was 66.9 (31.7-99.1). The median overall QoL score for males was 65 (25-87.5), which qualified as "fair" QoL. For females, the median overall QoL score was 62.5 (10-87.5) which also qualified as "fair" QoL. No significant difference was noted between genders in QoL (P = 0.723). Among males, 55.5% had psychiatric comorbidity. Of these, two had mild depression and eight had anxiety. Among female patients, 34.4% had comorbid psychiatric issues; 6 had anxiety and 5 had depression. No significant difference was noted between genders (P = 0.9136). Persons with JME do not have gender-stratified differences in terms of psychiatric comorbidities and QoL despite differences in exposure to antiseizure medications and other gender-related factors. All persons with JME should be screened for psychiatric comorbidities, specifically anxiety, and depression.

Gender Differences in Quality of Life of Metastatic Lung Cancer Patients.

BackgroundGender aspects in lung cancer patients are a topic of growing interest. But little is known about gender aspects affecting the quality of life (QoL) for those with this life-threatening disease. The aim of the following study was to investigate how gender differences affect QoL in metastatic lung cancer patients.MethodsIn a prospective, multicenter study patients filled out the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and the recently updated lung cancer module QLQ-LC29 at an undefined point in time during first-line therapy. Gender differences were calculated for all QoL scores using ANCOVAs, which controlled for confounders.ResultsA total of 130 patients with metastatic lung cancer (UICC stage IV) (46 female and 84 male, mean age 66 years) were enrolled in this study by completing the questionnaires. The only significant gender difference in QoL was found regarding hair loss (mean women= 42.498, mean men=25.490, p-value= 0.010), although women received fewer chemotherapy treatments than men (women n=34, 74% and men n=68, 84%).ConclusionThis study provides evidence that the typical cancer related gender difference effect on QoL, suggesting that men suffer less than women, cannot be found in metastatic tumor stages of lung cancer patients.

Gender differences in a clinical sample of 60+ year old patients receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder

IntroductionGender differences have been found in treatment-seeking older adults with AUD, concerning areas such as quality of life, drinking patterns, and prevalence of AUD. However, little is known about how these gender differences may relate to treatment.ObjectivesTo investigate gender differences in quality of life, problematic areas at treatment start, and subsequent choice of treatment, in a clinical sample of 60+ year old patients receiving treatment for AUD.MethodsWe will utilize data from the Elderly Study; a multi-national (USA, Germany, and Denmark), single-blind randomized controlled trial. Participants (n=693) were randomized to brief, outpatient treatment based on motivational enhancement therapy alone (4 sessions) or motivational enhancement therapy followed by a community reinforcement approach age-adapted to older adults (up to 8 sessions). The latter was a module-based treatment where participants chose which module(s) they deemed most relevant. Modules focused on coping with aging, building sober networks, mood management, etc. The gender differences at baseline will be described by means of descriptive statistics (e.g. one-way analysis of variance, χ2 statistics, etc.). Gender differences, including choice of modules, will be investigated by means of multivariate statistics, e.g. generalized linear models. Analyses will be controlled for relevant confounders such as age, country, education, work situation, marital status, family and friends, type of housing, etc.ResultsWill be presented at the EPA Congress.ConclusionsWill be presented at the EPA Congress.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

A cross-sectional study of gender differences in quality of life domains in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1

BackgroundThere is limited data regarding gender differences in quality of life between women and men with Neurofibromatosis type 1. We aimed to study differences in quality of life domains between women and men with Neurofibromatosis type 1 living in Canada.MethodsThis is a cross sectional study of adults with Neurofibromatosis type 1 attending a tertiary NF centre at Toronto General Hospital between January 2016 to December 2017. Demographic and clinical data were collected. We compared scores of generic measures (SF-36, EQ-5D-5L, pain interference) and a disease-specific measure (PedsQL-NF1 module) between women and men. We also assessed the relationship between disease visibility scored by an examiner (Ablon’s visibility index) and self-reported perceived physical appearance, stratified by gender.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-two participants were enrolled, 92 females and 70 males. Ablon’s index score 1 was in 43% and score 2 in 44%, while only 13% of patients had a score 3. Women had worse scores on the total PedsQL-NF1 scales, and also in the perceived physical appearance, anxiety and emotional health domains. In women, there was a low but significant correlation between Ablon’s index and perceived physical appearance (r = − 0.27, p = 0.01, ANOVA p < 0.001). In men, there was no difference in self-reported physical appearance by Ablon’s index. There were no differences between men and women in the SF-36 or EQ-5D-5L scores.ConclusionWomen with NF1 reported worse NF1-related quality of life than men, with worse perceived physical appearance, anxiety, and mental health. Perceived physical appearance does not always correlate to disease visibility; therefore, healthcare providers should inquire about body image, physical appearance concerns, and mental health, especially among women with NF1.

Gender differences in quality of life and the course of schizophrenia: national study.

Evidence from various sources suggests that females with schizophrenia tend to report lower quality of life than males with schizophrenia despite having a less severe course of the disorder. However, studies have not examined this directly. To examine gender differences in the association between quality of life and the risk of subsequent psychiatric hospital admissions in a national sample with schizophrenia. The sample consisted of 989 (60.90%) males and 635 (39.10%) females with an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia. Quality of life was assessed and scored using the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life. The course of schizophrenia was assessed from the number of psychiatric hospital admissions. Participants completed the quality of life assessment and were then followed up for 18-months for subsequent psychiatric admissions. Hazard ratios (HR) from Cox proportional hazards regression models were estimated unadjusted and adjusted for covariates (age at schizophrenia onset and birth year). Analyses were computed for males and females separately, as well as for the entire cohort. A subsample of 93 males and 55 females was admitted to a psychiatric hospital during follow-up. Higher quality of life scores were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with a reduced risk of subsequent admissions among males (unadjusted: HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99; adjusted HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99) but not among females (unadjusted: HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.93-1.02; adjusted HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.93-1.02). Quality of life in schizophrenia is a gender-specific construct and should be considered as such in clinical practice and future research.

Why Men Fare Worse: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Gender Differences in Nursing Home Resident Quality of Life.

Despite research documenting gender differences in numerous outcomes in later life, we know little about gender differences in quality of life (QoL) for nursing home (NH) residents. This study examines the relationship between gender and residents' QoL, including possible reasons for differences observed. We used a mixed-methods design including surveys with a random sample of Minnesota NH residents using a multidimensional measure of QoL (n = 9,852), resident clinical data, facility-level characteristics (n = 364), interviews with residents (n = 64), and participant observations. We used linear mixed models and thematic analysis of resident interviews and observations to examine possible gender-related differences in residents' QoL. After controlling for individual and facility characteristics, men reported lower overall QoL than women, including significantly lower ratings in several QoL domains. In interviews, men noted being less satisfied with activities than women, having fewer friends, and being less able to rely on family for support. Some women described the NH as a place of respite, but men more often described being dissatisfied with life in the NH and undesirable for long-term living. Our observations were consistent with interview findings but provide additional nuances, such as that some men organized their own social groups. Our findings suggest that men and women experience QoL differently in NHs, with men reporting lower QoL in several domains. Tailoring more activities for men and finding ways to strengthen relationships for men in NHs could help reduce the gender differences in QoL we observed.

Gender differences in quality of life and subjective happiness in Indian: A cross-sectional survey

Background: As aging is associated with lower quality of life (QOL), it is important to determine overall QOL and its related factors among older adults. Studies have shown that gender plays an essential role in the perception of health across cultures. As very few studies has been conducted on gender disparity in the elderly in India. Thus, the study was conducted to assess the differences in QOL and subjective happiness between male and female community-dwelling elderly. Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the differences in QOL and subjective happiness between male and female community-dwelling elderly in India. Study Design: The study design involves a cross-sectional survey. Methods: The data were collected from community-dwelling elderly (>60 years of age) based on convenient sampling. QOL and subjective happiness were tested by World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL)-BREF and the Subjective Happiness Questionnaire. Informed consent was taken before administering the study-specific questionnaire via mail, telephone, or in person. Only completed questionnaires were used. Data hence collected were analyzed. Results: The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, whereas the differences between gender on QOL and happiness were computed using the t-test and Mann–Whitney test, respectively. Gender and educational qualification correlated with QOL measure WHOQOL (P = 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.014, 0.527). Furthermore, a positive correlation (P = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.994, 0.998) was found between WHOQOL-BREF and the Subjective Happiness Questionnaire. For the overall QOL and general health section in WHOQOL-BREF, males scored a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 3.825 ± 0.71 and 3.275 ± 1.15, whereas females scored a mean ± SD of 3.875 ± 0.56 and 3.35 ± 1.21. For the four domains of WHOQOL-BREF except for domain 4 (t = 2.17; 95% CI: 26.13, 28.06), mean ± SD (27.10 ± 4.35), (P = 0.033), and Subjective Happiness questionnaire, the differences in the means of elderly males and females were nonsignificant on Mann–Whitney test. Conclusion: This study shows that gender-related factors influence specific areas of QOL, such as females scoring less in physical and psychological factors, whereas scoring better than males in social relationship and environment areas.

MPN-391: A Review of Gender Differences in Quality of Life for Hematologic Malignancies

Context Accumulating data have shown that several factors influence quality of life (QOL) in oncology patients, making this an important clinical endpoint. Such studies have concluded that gender differences exist for QOL symptoms; therefore, these should be incorporated into clinical decision-making to optimize patient management and improve outcomes. Despite this knowledge, there is a paucity of QOL data characterizing gender differences in hematologic malignancies. Health care providers should be cognizant of this data, as gender differences warrant diverse clinical approaches. Objective The aim of this integrative review is to summarize data from published literature encompassing comparisons of QOL outcomes between men and women diagnosed with any hematologic malignancy and identify knowledge gaps with implications for future intervention-based research aimed at improving QOL symptoms based on the gender of the individual. Methods A systematic literature search using appropriate keywords was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases to identify research published between 2005 and 2021. Eligibility criteria included studies (1) comparing QOL symptoms as an outcome between men and women with any hematologic malignancy; (2) with patients ≥18 years old; (3) using a validated QOL instrument; and (4) published in English. Manuscripts were screened and extracted using Covidence software and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results Preliminary search strategy from PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases yielded 511 studies meeting eligibility criteria. After selective screening for eligibility criteria and excluding duplicates, nine studies remained for detailed analysis. A review of the published research showed that women reported more pain, greater physical impact of disease and treatment, worse fatigue, fatigue severity with interference, and higher symptom burden compared to men. Level of evidence criteria was defined as being strong if two or more high-quality studies resulted in consistent findings. Conclusions The impact of QOL symptoms based on sex as a biological variable in various hematologic malignancies is an important consideration for providing gender-competent care. Data shows that QOL symptoms differ between genders across several hematologic malignancies. However, research is inadequate regarding the clinical recognition or effective management based on gender. The results of this review will provide information to deliver more personalized and gender-centered care.

Poster: MPN-391: A Review of Gender Differences in Quality of Life for Hematologic Malignancies

Poster: MPN-391: A Review of Gender Differences in Quality of Life for Hematologic Malignancies

Gender differences in quality of life and preferences for location‐specific amenities across cities

AbstractThe quality of life literature revealed the role that natural resources and local consumption amenities play in household preferences for cities and their growing importance in determining the success of cities. As women's control over household resources has increased, a growing body of consumer behavior literature has been documenting gender differences in preferences for consumer goods. Yet, the quality of life literature does not seem to make any distinction along gender lines in determining preferences for local consumption amenities. We estimate the quality of life across US cities separately for unmarried men and women, and using a rich set of location‐specific amenities, examine which amenities cause preferences to differ between men and women. Our results suggest that men and women's valuations of cities are correlated, suggesting commonality in preferences for many location‐based amenities, most notably natural resources, but there are also important deviations in valuations especially for local public goods and gender role attitudes.

Quality of Life in Obese Patients- Gender Differences

Objective: To assess the gender differences in Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with obesity.Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted among 220 patients (110 males and 110 females) attendingOPDs of a tertiary care hospital, Kerala using a standardized questionnaire SF 36 (version 1.0). Conveniencesampling technique was usedFindings: The major co morbidity found among the subjects was diabetes mellitus ie.72 (65.5%) in malesand 56 (50.9 %) in females .The percentage of males as per the obesity category i.e. Class I, II, III were 40,36.5 and 23.5, where as that of the females were 60.9, 31.8 and 7.3 respectively. The mean QoL was found tobe slightly above average for males (51.19+/- 12.54) than the females (48.79 +/- 12.86.). Of the 8 domains,the QoL in males were found to be poor in two domains where as in females it was poor in four domains.The physical component scores (PCS) were found to be better in both sexes i.e. 55.89 +/- 19.07 and 52.68+/-21.04 compared to the mental component scores (MCS) i.e. 50.03+/-13.35 and 48.84+/-14.01.Conclusion: The study has highlighted a poor QoL in obese women especially in the mental componentscores in spite of a higher proportion of morbid obesity and DM in men.

Quality of Sleep in Young Adults in COVID-19

COVID-19 crisis has created a pandemic in our lives and has resulted in diversity of emotions that people are facing and feeling these days. The major impacts of this pandemic are on physical and mental health. Sleep is needed for both the physiological and psychological functions to work properly. The objective was to study the quality of sleep in young adults and gender differences in Covid-19. Using purposive sampling, the sample size consisted of 110 subjects (Male = 55, Female = 55). The instrument used for the study was Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. It assesses sleep quality over a time period of one month. The mean score and standard deviation are 5.84 and 3.14 respectively. The sleep quality in COVID-19 has been found poor in young adults. Then, the t-test was conducted to observe the gender difference in quality of sleep. The results came out to be that there is no significance difference between male and female subjects aged between 18-25 years in quality of sleep in young adults in COVID-19.

Gender difference in quality of life (QoL) among outpatients with schizophrenia in a tertiary care setting

BackgroundPatients with mental illness report lower quality of life (QoL) compared to the general population. Prior research has found several differences in clinical features and experiences of male and female patients with schizophrenia. Given these differences, it is also important to explore if there are any gender differences in terms of their QoL. This study aimed to investigate differences in QoL between and within each gender among outpatients with schizophrenia in Singapore.MethodsA total of 140 outpatients were recruited through convenience sampling at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore. QoL was measured using the brief version of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) which consists of four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. QoL scores of males and females were compared using independent t-tests, and multiple linear regressions were used to examine sociodemographic correlates of QoL in the overall sample and within each gender.ResultsThere was no significant difference in QoL domain scores between genders. Among males, Indian ethnicity (versus Chinese ethnicity) was positively associated with physical health (β=3.03, p=0.018) while males having Technical Education/ Diploma/ A level education (versus Degree and above) were positively associated with social relationships domain (β=2.46, p=0.047).Among females, Malay ethnicity (versus Chinese ethnicity) was positively associated with physical health (β=1.95, p=0.026) psychological health (β=3.21, p=0.001) social relationships (β=2.17, p=0.048) and environment (β=2.69, p=0.006) domains, while females who were separated/divorced (versus single) were inversely associated with psychological health (β=− 2.80, p=0.044) and social relationships domains (β=− 4.33, p=0.011). Females who had Secondary and below education (versus Degree and above) were inversely associated with social relationships (β=− 2.29, p=0.028) and environment domains (β=− 1.79, p=0.048).ConclusionsThe findings show the importance of treatments targeting QoL to attend to both the clinical features of the illness as well patient’s sociodemographic characteristics.