Gender Preference Research Articles

From School Gardens to Community Oases: Fostering Environmental and Social Resilience in Urban Spaces

This case study in the municipality of Acharnes, Greece, examines a local initiative that transforms schoolyards into community gardens, involving teachers, pupils, parents, grandparents, and neighbors. The research explores participants’ perceptions of these transformations, with a focus on interactions with non-human beings such as pollinators. Data were collected using a questionnaire completed by 85 participants, including parents and guardians of pupils and school staff. Data analysis was conducted using statistical software to evaluate the research sample. Initially, descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, were used to summarize the demographic and baseline variables of the sample. Next, Kendall’s tau correlation was applied to assess statistically significant relationships, such as those between age and proximity to green spaces, as well as gender, education, and green space preferences. The results of the survey reveal the “embrace” of these new urban green areas by both the school and the local community. This study, as part of an effort to address broader challenges in urban contexts, highlights the need for further in-depth exploration and examination of these dynamics to provide valuable insights into the design and management of school gardens. The aim is to enhance community engagement and urban biodiversity, with a central focus on social and environmental resilience.

Predictors of Fertility Desire During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Fertility, the most important factor in population growth, is affected by various factors, including pandemics. COVID-19 (CV) was a global challenge that spread rapidly around the world. Objective: This study aimed to investigate predictors of fertility desire during the covid virus pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 315 women who visited health centers in northern Iran for vaccination against covid virus were recruited using convenient sampling. The participants completed the sociodemographic information, Fertility Desire Scale, and Fear of covid virus scale. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the predictive factors of fertility desire. Results: The participants' mean age and marriage duration were 34.4 ± 6.7, and 7.3±11.5 years, respectively. It showed fertility desire among household women was about twofold more compared to employed ones [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.96, p = 0.009)]. The fertility desire was decreased among more educated women (OR = 0.43, p= 0.035), women with one child (OR = 0.44, p= 0.030), and women with no infant gender preferences (OR = 0.53, p= 0.032). Fear of covid virus and any history of covid virus infection in the participants or their close relatives did not change fertility desire (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, health policymakers should pay more attention to the potential effects of women's employment, their educational status, and their attitude toward infant gender preferences on fertility desire during the development of programs. Further research is needed to examine this empirical association on a global scale and its effect on trying to conceive.

Exploring the Impact of Social, Cultural, and Science Factors on Students’ STEM Career Preferences

AbstractThe declining interest in STEM careers in the United Kingdom has raised concerns, prompting this study to explore the intricate relationship between social, cultural, and scientific identities and their impact on students’ inclination towards science and technology career pathways. Additionally, the study examines the associations between gender, gender-related job preferences, and career choices. Data were collected from 1,618 primary and secondary students in the UK. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis and multivariate analysis, were employed for analysis. The key findings revealed a significant interaction effect between gender and gender-related job preferences. Social factors were identified as significant mediators, amplifying the influence of gender on career decisions and shaping gender-related job preferences. Cultural factors, particularly related to ethnicity, were found to shape job preferences, while religious affiliation did not exhibit a significant effect. Students’ perceptions of science, stereotypes associated with science professionals, and engagement in science extracurricular activities were positively correlated with a greater likelihood of expressing interest in STEM careers, demonstrating the influential impact of science factors on forming students’ STEM career choices. Interestingly, the type of education (primary or secondary) did not significantly impact job preferences, suggesting that preferences may become more refined or influenced by external factors as students progress in their education.

The Impact of Self-Service Technologies on Cinemagoing Experiences: A Hungarian Case Study

This study investigates the relationship between self-service technologies (SSTs) and cinemagoing experiences. An online questionnaire was created and filled out by 202 respondents to assess their preferences regarding SSTs in Hungarian cinemas. The analysis was conducted in R based on the following factors: gender, age, place of residence, and cinema attendance frequency. The results showed that 78.43% of males and 79.47% of females preferred hybrid systems combining both human staff and SSTs. There was no significant relationship between gender and SST preference. However, respondents aged 26–35 years and those over 50 years were less likely to prefer SSTs. In addition, people who live in capital cities showed a higher likelihood of preferring SSTs. Despite minor demographic differences, the overall results indicate a strong preference for SSTs across all groups. Predictions using ordinal logistic regression suggest that future cinemagoers will continue to prefer SSTs, with probabilities ranging from 65.58% to 75.90%. These results can help in understanding the growing acceptance of SSTs in cinemas and suggest that their implementation could be well-received by future audiences.

Traumatic and Non-traumatic Radiculomedullary Compressions: A Comparative Analysis.

Background Radiculomedullary lesions represent a significant public health issue, with their epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics varying depending on whether they are of traumatic or non-traumatic origin. The aim of this study was to compare clinical, therapeutic, and postoperative aspects between traumatic radiculomedullary lesions (TRML) and non-traumatic radiculomedullary lesions (NTRML). Methods This was a prospective cohort study conducted from 2020 to 2023 involving patients suffering from radiculomedullary lesions operated at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Teaching Hospital of Kinshasa. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics, the two patient groups - traumatic and non-traumatic - were compared based on clinical, therapeutic, and postoperative aspects using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)and Spinal Cord Independence Measures (SCIM III) scores. Results We included 153 patients, with 73 traumatic cases (47.7%) and 80 non-traumatic cases (52.3%). TRMLs were predominantly caused by road traffic accidents (34%) and falls (11%), while NTRMLs were mainly due to disc herniations (22.2%) and tuberculosis (13.7%). The mean age for TRMLs was 35.4 ±12.8 years with a sex ratio of 3.5, compared to 50.7±15.9 years and a sex ratio of 1.1 for NTRMLs. TRMLs were more frequently located in the cervical region (32.8%) and the thoracolumbar junction (40%), whereas NTRMLs predominantly affected the thoracic (22.5%) and lumbar (63.7%) regions. Patients with NTRMLs had more incomplete lesions (98.7%) and better SCIM III scores at admission compared to TRMLs (p ˂ 0.001). TRMLs had more complete deficits 42 (57.3%) vs 1 (1.3%). Both groups significantly improved their ASIA and SCIM III scores postoperatively (p ˂ 0.001) but in a similar manner (Diff-in-diff: ASIA, p=0.955; SCIM, p=0.967). TRMLs developed more complications than NTRMLs (p˂0,001). Only five patients (11.6%) with ASIA A progressed to higher grades, and all remained dependent (SCIM III score ˂50). The average hospital stay was 89.2 ±74.2 days for TRMLs and 57.5±52.9 days for NTRMLs (p˂0.001). Conclusion This study revealed that TRMLs frequently affect young male individuals and are often located in the cervical region and thoracolumbar junction. In contrast, NTRMLs affect older individuals without gender preference and are usually found in the thoracic and lumbar regions. TRMLs often lead to complete deficits, pressure sores, urinary infections, and longer hospital stays compared to NTRMLs. Both patient groups showed significant postoperative improvement with no significant difference between them. However, patients with complete deficits showed less improvement in both groups.

Marfan Ailment

Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue abnormality that leads to various system diseases, such as enlargement of the long bones and problems with the skin, heart, and eyes [1]. The condition is either caused by a novel mutation or an inherited mutation of the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1). Both mutations are phenotypically identical [2]. The heritable variant is inherited by an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that the disease can be caused by a single copy of the defective gene [3,4]. People who don't have a positive family history of the condition can nonetheless get the disease from de novo mutations. 25% of Marfan syndrome cases are believed to be caused by a novel mutation in the FBN1 gene, although these cases are less common than those with inherited mutations [5,6]. The prevalence of Marfan syndrome varies from 1 in 5000 to 1 in 10,000; there is no discernible racial, ethnic, or gender preference [7].

Not just a Barbie in hijab: participant perspectives on culturally tailoring a virtual health assistant for Bangladeshi immigrants in the US promoting colorectal cancer screening.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake among South Asian immigrants in the US is the lowest (61.1%) of all immigrant groups (e.g., 65.9% among East Asians and 71.3% among Hispanics). Culture-specific factors influence their reluctance to screen for CRC, despite the availability of easily accessible, non-invasive screening tools, like the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). The current study utilizes a virtual health assistant (VHA) tailored to inform and educate Bangladeshi immigrants about FIT. We conducted usability tests to understand Bangladeshi immigrants' informational needs, barriers, facilitators, and visual and linguistic preferences. After 20 minutes of interaction with the VHA, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 participants. Participants also filled out a questionnaire of demographic information and VHA gender and ethnic appearance preferences. A qualitative content analysis using the constant comparative method generated themes. A total of 30 participants (16 women, 14 men) with a mean age of 39.2 years participated. Informational needs included eight themes: (I) risk-reducing behaviors/habits, (II) post-intervention (information desired after interacting with the VHA), (III) CRC-related content (e.g., symptoms, causes, impact on the body, etc.), (IV) financial considerations of FIT, (V) personalized content/options, (VI) pre-test information (how to prepare for the FIT kit use, e.g., "do I need to fast?"), (VII) comparison to other CRC screening options, and (VIII) more specificity of information (i.e., using more measurable language, avoiding vague language like "some", "more", etc.). Major barriers were (I) lack of control, (II) lack of sophistication in VHA animation features, (III) lack of interactiveness, and (IV) lack of a trustworthy source. Facilitators were (I) convenience (of using VHA), (II) social cues (of interacting with a VHA), and (III) content (provided by the VHA). In terms of VHA's appearance, which was a combination of its apparent gender and ethnicity, participants demonstrated varied preferences but the majority (n=17) preferred gender concordant VHA. As for linguistic preference, participants generally mentioned either English or an option to choose a language for themselves while claiming that other Bangladeshi immigrants would prefer the Bangla language. Participants were open to using a VHA to learn about CRC, either instead of or along with talking to a clinician about it. However, recommendations to improve animated features of the VHA included more detailed and Bangladeshi population-specific information and provided choices to select preferred languages and appearance of the VHA. Future studies should empirically test the required levels of tailoring to effectively increase CRC screening among Bangladeshi immigrants.

Disentangling gender, sex, and biology: a mixed methods study of gender identity data collection tools

ObjectivesWe used community-based mixed methods to test whether transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people preferred gender identity questions developed by community members over current questions in use and generate hypotheses about data collection preferences. MethodsWe interviewed twenty TGD adults in English and Spanish, asking them to rate and discuss their responses to questions. We analyzed quantitative data with descriptive statistics and qualitative data with template analysis, then integrated them. ResultsMore participants preferred gender identity questions that were currently in use. Themes: 1) TGD participants find questions about “gender” and related terminology unclear because of conflations of sex, gender, and other constructs. 2) TGD participants resist cisgenderism in questions about gender identity. 3) TGD people desire questions that allow for autonomy, privacy, and safety. 4) Contextual factors, particularly safety, influence whether and how TGD people answer questions about gender and sex. ConclusionsTGD people have varied concepts of sex and gender and preferences about data collection. Future research should investigate the impacts of disentangling gender, sex, and biological factors, which could decrease stigma for TGD people.Practice implicationsMedical care that disentangles gender, sex, and biological factors could improve data collection effectiveness and the safety of TGD people.

Gender Discrimination in the Rental Housing Market: Conceptual Ideas and Empirical Evidence from Lagos, Nigeria

This study examines the complex issues surrounding gender discrimination in the rental housing market in Lagos, Nigeria. It investigates the reasons for gender preferences alongside the immediate reactions and responses of female tenants who experienced rental housing discrimination, which frequently manifests as higher rent demands, unfavourable lease terms and outright denial of housing, among others. The mixed methods study used instruments that were tested for reliability and validity, with copies of the questionnaire being served to real-estate practitioners and interviews conducted with female tenants to develop evidence-based policy recommendations for addressing gender discrimination and promoting equitable access to rental housing in Lagos State. Thus, the study makes an important contribution to the discourse of gender discrimination. Given the cultural roots of such discrimination, the study suggests the need for an awareness campaign targeting diverse actors within the housing market. The study noted that the Nigerian government has enacted laws to protect women's rights in housing, implementation remains a challenge. Therefore, promoting gender equality in housing requires the concerted efforts of government and the collective resistance of civil-society organisations and the private sector.

Gulong ng Buhay: A Correlation of Female Gender Preference in Driving Tricycle

The study’s primary goal was to identify the challenges and difficulties faced by female tricycle drivers in earning a living and the acceptance of the community for female tricycle drivers. In particular, this study sought answers to the following questions: (1) How long do female drivers ride tricycle as their means of earnings? (2) What are the reasons of female gender in driving tricycle as means of earning a living? (3) What are the advantages of female gender as tricycle driver? and (4) What are the disadvantages of female gender as tricycle driver? The study will use qualitative research design in which researchers will gather data through interviews. The results show that (1) Most drivers drive tricycles to earn a living; (2) In order to provide for their families, female tricycle drivers strive to assist their husbands. It's mainly family motivation that drives them. Every effort has been made to ensure that their children have a good life. In addition, they are able to provide for their families' financial needs and the care of their children; (3) In spite of the difficulties and obstacles encountered on the road, female tricycle drivers can improve safety for passengers by proving that they are able to drive as well as their male counterparts while remaining brave enough to continue driving; and (4) The challenges faced by female tricycle drivers included being able to make ends meet, balancing work and family obligations, encountering discrimination and stereotypes in other people as well as today's lifestyle.

BARLEY AS A RAW MATERIAL FOR BEER PRODUCTION AND ITS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

The study aimed to assess consumer awareness of beer production and its importance in their daily lives. It explored consumption habits, frequency, and locations of beer consumption. Being a less affluent country, the cost of beer posed challenges, affecting sales. The study also examined whether the offered price fulfilled the specified conditions for beer production. It summarized data on consumer interest, consumption habits, and beer-related factors.The Covid-19 pandemic impacted the economy, including the beer industry, emphasizing the need for hygiene in equipment, production processes, and employee practices. The conflict in Ukraine caused price hikes, including beer. Despite this, citizens were already accustomed to ongoing price increases. The pandemic highlighted the importance of controlling, emphasizing, and extensively testing food products, including beer. The study supported these findings, presenting data on gender, age, nationality, and consumer preferences related to beer.Although multiple countries were included, the main focus was on Kosovo, which had the highest representation. The findings showed that 73.9% of respondents enjoy beer consumption, with 26.7% willing to spend an average of 30 to 40 euros. Furthermore, 89.9% of participants were willing to pay a higher, symbolic amount for higher-quality and safer beer meeting necessary standards for adequate consumption.

O DIREITO À IDENTIDADE DE GÊNERO E O USO DO NOME SOCIAL: UM COMPARATIVO BRASIL E ARGENTINA

The study aims to compare the legal frameworks of Brazil and Argentina regarding the right to gender identity and the use of a preferred name. The methodology employed consisted of a bibliographic review, consulting books, journals, articles, legal doctrine, and case law to provide the necessary foundation for the development of this study. The conclusion of this comparative analysis on the right to gender identity and the use of a preferred name in Brazil and Argentina highlights significant progress, particularly in Argentine legislation, which has proven to be more progressive and inclusive. Argentina’s Gender Identity Law, enacted in 2012, stands as a milestone in guaranteeing rights for trans individuals, allowing for the change of name and gender on official documents without the need for judicial authorization or medical diagnoses, thus ensuring greater autonomy and dignity for individuals. In Brazil, while the use of a preferred name has advanced, especially with the CNJ Resolution No. 270 and the 2018 Supreme Court decision recognizing the right to amend name and gender without surgery, challenges remain. The lack of comprehensive legislation, like Argentina’s, creates legal uncertainties and inequalities in accessing these rights. Moreover, cultural and social barriers persist, hindering the full acceptance and respect for preferred names and gender identity in everyday life.

Lesbian and Heterosexual Women's Implicit Responses to Gender Figures.

This study explored how heterosexual and lesbian women differ in their implicit sexual responses. Previous research indicates that heterosexual women have physiological and implicit responses to both genders, whereas lesbian women show stronger responses to their preferred gender. This study used two implicit measures: the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) and the Function Acquisition Speed Test (FAST), both of which were novel in this context. We recruited 33 heterosexual and 25 lesbian women. Both IRAP and FAST were successful in differentiating the two sexual orientations as a group. The results confirmed that heterosexual women exhibit positive responses to both genders, while lesbian women show stronger, category-specific responses to their preferred gender. These findings align with previous research and provide further insight into the nuanced differences in sexual orientation responses among women.

The perception of gender and the approach taken towards female physicians

AimThe aim of this study is to evaluate gender perception among patients in the emergency department (ED) and to examine the effect of gender perception on patients' preference of physician's gender. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey study. The survey comprised three sections. The first section collected general information, while the second section inquired about patients' preferences for physicians' gender in the ED, in general examinations, and regarding “sensitive” medical issues. The third section of the survey, entitled the “Perception of Gender Scale,” comprised a series of questions designed to assess the participants' perceptions of gender. The scale employed a Likert-type response format, with scores ranging from 25 to 125. Higher scores indicated a more egalitarian gender perception. ResultsThe number of participants in the study was 431, with 194 males and 237 females. The median age of the participants was 38.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28–48). Over half of the participants had completed university education. The study population exhibited a Perception of the Gender Scale (PGS) score of 96 (IQR 78.5–109). With regard to the patient's preference for physicians' gender, in emergency settings (ES) and in general examinations (GE), over three-quarters of the participants indicated that they do not have a preference. However, for sensitive medical issues (SMI), the proportion of participants indicating no preference decreased to 45 %. Among those with the lowest quartile of PGS scores, the percentage of individuals who expressed no gender preference in ES, GE and SMI was 65 %, 60 %, 26 % and who expressed a preference for male physicians was 13 %, 19 %, 43 % respectively. In contrast, of those with the highest quartile of PGS scores, the percentages of those who had no gender preference were 86 %, 90 %, 68 %, while the percentages of those who preferred male physicians were 1.9 %, 1 %, and 4.8 %, respectively. ConclusionIn the context of emergency settings and general examinations, approximately three-quarters of the participants indicated no preference regarding the gender of the physician. However, in the case of sensitive medical issues, the proportion of participants with no gender preference was less than half. For patients with a gender preference for their physician, perception of gender is a significant predictor.

Researching the possibilities of using digital financial instruments by future economists for sustainable development purposes

Introduction. The authors explore the problem of developing digital financial literacy as the most important characteristic feature of positive financial behavior in the context of the transition to the digital economy. The purpose of this article is to identify priorities and trends in using digital financial instruments by future economists for sustainable development purposes. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the study is the strategy of sustainable development, the ideological foundations of which determine the need for readiness to live and act in changing conditions, to plan socio-economic development taking into account the limitations of activities and the consequences of decisions made. The main method of the empirical part of the study is T. Saaty’s scale which was employed in order to identify global priorities in the use of digital financial instruments. A sociological survey was conducted among students of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Omsk State University named after F.M. Dostoevsky, Omsk State Technical University, schoolchildren of specialized economics classes (Gymnasia 19, Omsk) to identify priorities and trends in the use of digital financial instruments by future economists, taking into account gender and age preferences. Results. The ideas about the level of awareness about the problem of developing digital financial literacy are systematized, explaining the relationship between digital and financial literacy from the point of view of the prospects of the socio-economic space. Global priorities of the use of digital financial instruments by respondents were identified: the general sample prefers to work with optimal combinations of 2 banking payment systems. Analysis of correlations by gender shows that male respondents are better than the sample at the range limits, and female respondents are in the middle. The interpretation of the answers characterizes the women’s choice as stable, middle options of behavior (2-3 cards), which are less risky. Men, on the contrary, consider risk as a challenge that encourages activity, and go to the border of the sample (1-4 cards). A similar trend is typical for the age groups between 17 and 20 years. This, on the one hand, is explained by the psychological peculiarities of gender, and on the other hand, by active advertising campaigns of digital sets of financial services offered by leading Russian banks. An assessment of students’ awareness of new models of the digital economy has been obtained, demonstrating a good correlation as respondents grow older, which determines the positive dynamics of digital financial literacy of future economists (1-4 year undergraduate students) in the light of current labor market trends. Conclusions. The results of the research confirm that active use of digital financial instruments determines affirmative dynamics of positive financial behavior of future economists for the purpose of sustainable socio-economic development.

Measuring heterogeneity in pedestrians’ perceived importance towards crossing facilities: An experience in Roorkee

Although several studies in the past discussed the effects of socio-demographic and trip characteristics on users’ preferences towards crossing facilities in urban areas, they were mostly confined to metro cities or million-plus cities. Adequate investigation has not been performed for the same in the small-sized cities where pedestrian activities are expected to be more frequent because of the higher share of shorter and walkable trip lengths. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the heterogeneity in the perceived importance of crossing facility attributes among different pedestrian groups based on gender, age group, and walking preference. The study was conducted in a small-sized city, Roorkee, in the state of Uttarakhand, India. A face-to-face questionnaire survey of 554 pedestrians was conducted to collect their perceived importance towards 12 crossing facility attributes under study using a 5-point Likert-type ordinal scale. Collected data was analyzed using the non-parametric tests to measure the heterogeneity in the perceived importance of crossing facility attributes among aforementioned pedestrian groups. Subsequently, the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method was used to derive relative importance scores of attributes found statistically significant in heterogeneity tests for different pedestrian groups. The findings of the present study reveal that perceived importance towards crossing facility attributes is heterogeneous based on the pedestrians’ age group and walking preferences; however, it remains unaffected by gender. These findings would help policymakers, planners, and government authorities frame improvement strategies for the existing crossing facilities in the city.

Impact of Gender-Specific Marketing on Consumer Purchasing Behavior in Philippines

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze impact of gender-specific marketing on consumer purchasing behavior in Philippines. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Recent studies on the impact of gender-specific marketing on consumer purchasing behavior in the Philippines reveal that tailoring marketing strategies to gender preferences significantly influences buying decisions. Research indicates that campaigns designed with gender-specific appeals are more effective in resonating with target audiences, thereby enhancing engagement and driving sales. For instance, marketing messages emphasizing traditional gender roles or specific lifestyle aspirations often result in higher purchase intentions among female consumers, while campaigns highlighting strength and technology tend to appeal more to male consumers. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social role theory, consumer culture theory (CCT) & theory of planned behavior (TPB) may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of gender-specific marketing on consumer purchasing behavior in Philippines. Organizations should implement mentorship programs tailored to the specific needs of women in different sectors and career stages. Policymakers and organizations should develop and enforce structured mentorship policies that include regular evaluations, clear objectives, and accountability measures.

Multiple mediation analysis of a task-shared psychosocial intervention for perinatal anxiety: Exploratory findings from a randomized controlled trial in Pakistan

BackgroundThe “Healthy Mother Healthy Baby” (HMHB) study is a phase three, single-blind randomized clinical trial conducted at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) in association with Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU). We aimed to examine the mediators of a specialized psychosocial approach based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy principles, targeting pregnant women experiencing anxiety. The HMHB intervention was effective in treating perinatal anxiety symptoms and preventing future depressive episodes. MethodsThe trial randomized participants into two arms: the HMHB intervention or Enhanced Usual Care (EUC), following World Health Organization guidelines. The HMHB intervention comprised strategies to strengthen social support networks, improving mother-baby bonding and strategies to deal with interpersonal conflicts, economic challenges, and societal gender preferences using cognitive and behavioural techniques and culturally resonant illustrations. Participants underwent rigorous data collection at three pivotal timepoints: baseline, third trimester, and 6-weeks postnatal. The primary outcome was anxiety symptom severity scores using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at 6-weeks post-childbirth. Four potential mediators – social support, behavioural activation, perceived stress, and pregnancy experience – were assessed in the third trimester of pregnancy. ResultsA total of 1200 participants were randomized to the HMHB and EUC arms. In the six-week follow-up time point, 379 participants remained in the EUC group, and 387 continued in the HMHB group. Post-intervention, HMHB participants displayed significant improvements in postnatal anxiety and depression scores. Mediation analyses revealed social support and pregnancy hassles as significant mediators of the intervention's effect on postnatal anxiety outcomes, while only social support emerged as a significant mediator for depression outcomes. ConclusionThe HMHB intervention showed promising results in improving anxiety and depression scores among pregnant women. Significant mediation effects suggest the importance of targeting social support and managing pregnancy-related hassles for optimal intervention effectiveness.

Gender preference of conceptions toward caloric-balanced living

ABSTRACT Background Caloric-unbalanced lifestyle has been documented as one critical reason for childhood obesity. Educating students with the knowledge about caloric-balanced living with a focus on healthy eating and physical activity may help raise their awareness to address obesity. Gender preference has limited the benefits of acquiring such knowledge for its impacts on the way for students to acquire knowledge. It is necessary, therefore, to identify the extent to which gender preference is associated with caloric-balanced living conceptions to enhance the literature about gender roles and to develop equitable interventions to promote healthful living. Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of gender preference on high school students’ caloric-balanced living conceptions, including naïve- and mis-conceptions and scientific conceptions. Method This research adopted a mix-method design and recruited 72 students. A semi-structured interview was conducted with each student to acquire their conceptions toward caloric-balanced living. After coding their responses, we tallied the number of responses consistent with naïve- and mis-conceptions as well as the scientific conceptions. Then a χ 2 analysis was conducted to determine the association between gender and naïve-, mis-, and scientific conceptions, respectively. Findings Students possessed three types of naïve conceptions that were specified as power, eating, or exercising to represent caloric-balanced living and two types of misconceptions that were specified as an object and activity. Gender preference was identified in naïve conception; female students preferred to exclusively conceptualize caloric-balanced living as eating, while male students as exercising only. No gender preference was identified in misconceptions and the scientific conception. Conclusion This study is significant in that it revealed potential flaw of the physical education curriculum where the core science of kinesiology may not be taught systematically, and gender-related issues may not address appropriately. It advocates that teaching scientific conceptions should be given the priority in curriculum design and teaching practices to help students acquire scientific conceptions that subsequently develop a coherent knowledge system and behavior of caloric-balanced living.

Clients’ satisfaction with cervical cancer screening services and influencing factors at public health facilities in Debre Markos town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022/23: a convergent parallel mixed method

BackgroundSatisfaction is defined as the perceived fulfillment of patient or client needs and desires through the delivery of healthcare services. In developed countries, more than 60% of women have been screened for cervical cancer. However, only 12% of women in sub-Saharan Africa have been screened for precancerous cervical lesions. There is limited evidence on client satisfaction with cervical cancer screening services (CSCCSS) in Ethiopia, particularly, there is no study conducted by mixed method in the Amhara region.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess clients’ satisfaction with cervical cancer screening services and influencing factors among women screened in Debre Markos town public health facilities in Northwest Ethiopia, 2022/23.MethodsA convergent parallel mixed methods design was conducted in Debre Markos town’s public health facilities from October 10th, 2022 to January 10th, 2023. For the quantitative wing, a total of 401 cervical cancer screening service users were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Clients were interviewed on exit in a private area far from the screening unit and the data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6.0.2, then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with client satisfaction with cervical cancer screening services. The qualitative data were collected through in-depth and key informant interviews using a semi-structured topic guide. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach with Open code software (version 4.0.2.3).ResultThe quantitative wing revealed that overall, 65% (95% CI: 60–69) of respondents were satisfied with the cervical cancer screening services they received. Gender of the provider (AOR: 6.11, 95% CI: 3.23–11.55, p-value = 0.000), waiting time (AOR: 4.77, 95% CI: 1.32–17.31, p-value = 0.017), clients’ knowledge (AOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12–0.59, p-value = 0.001), and clients’ attitude (AOR: 6.43, 95% CI: 3.43–12.03, p-value = 0.000) were significantly associated with CSCCSS.Qualitative resultThe thematic analysis revealed three themes. Theme 1: facility-related barriers (shortage of skilled manpower, shortage of infrastructure, providers’ skill gap, unavailability of full service, leadership problem, long waiting time). Theme 2: client-related barriers (poor knowledge and attitude, gender preference). Theme 3: facility-related facilitators (free service, presence of supportive partners).ConclusionAccording to the findings of this study, two-thirds of clients were satisfied with cervical cancer screening services, which was lower than the national target of 80%. Long waiting time, male gender of the service provider, unfavorable attitude, and good knowledge of clients were identified as significant factors negatively affecting client satisfaction with cervical cancer screening.