Gender-specific Patterns Research Articles

P0239 Sexual quality of life and patient-healthcare communication in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a comprehensive single-center analysis

Abstract Background Sexual health concerns significantly impact quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet remain insufficiently addressed in clinical practice. We aimed to assess sexual quality of life (SQoL) in IBD patients compared to healthy controls while exploring patient-healthcare communication patterns. Methods We conducted a prospective single-center study of 78 IBD patients (45 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 33 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) and 49 healthy controls. Participants completed a comprehensive assessment including sociodemographic data and validated instruments: Short IBD Questionnaire (SIBDQ), Sexual QoL Questionnaire-Male/Female (SQoL-M/F), Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and specific questions about sexual health communication with healthcare providers. Disease characteristics and surgical history were also collected. Results The cohort included 43 females (55.1%) and 35 males (44.9%), with a mean age of 46.3 ± 13.8 years. IBD patients reported significantly lower SQoL scores compared to controls (males: 77.29 vs 83.83, p<0.001; females: 70.40 vs 81.63, p<0.001). A majority of patients (76.9%, 60/78) reported specific sexual health concerns. Physical symptoms affecting sexual life included pain during intercourse (34.6%), fatigue (42.3%), and incontinence concerns (29.5%). Psychological impacts were more prevalent, with fear of symptom occurrence during intimacy (51.3%) and decreased sexual drive (47.4%) being the most common concerns. Perianal disease (present in 23.1%, 18/78) significantly impacted male SQoL scores (70.2 vs 79.8, p=0.003) but not female scores. Depression symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10) were present in 35.9% of patients and strongly correlated with reduced SQoL (r=-0.62, p<0.001). While 82.1% of patients desired healthcare provider-initiated discussions about sexual health, only 15.4% had raised these concerns themselves, citing embarrassment (56.4%) and perceived time constraints (41.0%) as main barriers. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of reduced SQoL in males included age (β=-0.31, p=0.02), depression (β=-2.101, 95% CI: -2.505 to -1.696, p<0.001), and perianal disease (β=-0.28, p=0.03). In females, depression remained the sole independent predictor (β=-1.973, 95% CI: -2.313 to -1.632, p<0.001). Conclusion IBD patients experience significantly impaired sexual quality of life compared to healthy controls, with distinct gender-specific patterns in predictive factors. Despite high prevalence of sexual health concerns, there remains a substantial communication gap between patients and healthcare providers. These findings emphasize the need for routine screening of sexual health issues and proactive healthcare provider-initiated discussions as integral components of IBD care.

Gender-Specific Patterns of Injury in Older Adults After a Fall from a Four-Wheeled Walker (Rollator): Retrospective Study from a Swiss Level 1 Trauma Centre

Aim: As the population is aging, falls by older people, in particular falls from four-wheeled walkers (“rollators”), are a growing problem. These falls must be examined by targeted research and interventions that incorporate gender differences. Therefore, this study examined the injury patterns of elderly patients admitted to a tertiary trauma centre in Switzerland after falls from rollators and focussed on gender differences. Methods: This was a retrospective single-centre study for the period from May 2012 to December 2019 which included elderly patients (≥65 years) who had suffered a fall from a rollator. Injury history, patient data, demographic information, and patient outcomes were compared between males and females, with the data sourced from the Ecare patient database, which contains all information related to patient visits and treatment procedures. Results: A total of 152 eligible patients were included in the analysis, with 56.6% hospitalised at our facility and 14.5% transferred to another hospital. The cohort comprised 50 (32.9%) males and 102 (67.1%) females. Males were more prevalent in the 75–84 age group, while females predominated in the 85 and older group, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.043). Osteoporosis was significantly more common in females (37.3% vs. 10%, p ≤ 0.001). Consequently, treatment with vitamin D and/or calcium was also significantly more prevalent among women (29.4% vs. 8%, p = 0.003). Most falls occurred at home (22.4%) or in nursing care facilities and rehabilitation centres (22.4%), without gender-based differences (p = 0.570). Men were six times more likely than women to sustain injuries when under the influence of alcohol (p = 0.002). Fractures to the lower extremities were the most common injuries, accounting for 34.2% of all injuries, with no statistically significant differences between groups (p = 0.063). Head injuries occurred in 34.9% of patients, with a trend towards more injuries in males (44% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.098). The cumulative rates of fractures to the pelvis, upper extremities, and lower extremities were significantly higher in females (59.8%) than in males (38%), p = 0.011. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in men than in women (12.9% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.026). Operative procedures were significantly more common in women (33% vs. 16.3%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Women were more frequently affected by falls related to rollators than men. Most falls occurred at home, in nursing care facilities, or rehabilitation centres, with no significant gender-based differences. There was a trend toward more head injuries in males, while the cumulative fracture rate of the pelvis, upper extremities, and lower extremities was significantly higher in females. In-hospital mortality was more than four times higher in men. These findings may guide the development of gender-specific interventions to reduce rollator-related injuries in the vulnerable elderly population.

Gender-specific antibiotic-resistance patterns and characterization of bacterial flora of undergraduate students’ mobile phones and associated factors at a Nigerian university

BackgroundTechnological development has led to the wide use of mobile phones. However, the role of the hand-held device in the possible spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens considering gender variation, especially among Nigerian undergraduates is poorly understood. This study aimed to assess bacterial isolates recovered from male and female mobile phones for antibiotic resistance and determine possible factors that could facilitate their spread.MethodsForty (40) undergraduates were included in the study with gender parity. Swabs of the undergraduates’ mobile phones were cultured and bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiology methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of the isolates was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay and the results were interpreted by the Clinical Standards and Laboratory Institute (CLSI) guideline. Bacterial isolates (n = 6/21) that resisted antibiotics belonging to ≥ 3 different classes regarded as multidrug resistant (MDR) were subjected to 16 S rRNA sequencing and identified using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) algorithm.ResultsThe total bacterial count of male (11.1 × 106 ± 4.0) CFU/mL and female (11.7 × 106 ± 6.4) CFU/mL were high though comparable. Of the 25 isolates recovered, 10 and 15 were respectively from male and female mobile phones. Staphylococcus aureus (n = 11) was the most occurring isolate followed by Escherichia coli (n = 5), and Salmonella sp. (n = 3); the rest occurred less frequently. Staphylococcus aureus obtained from male phones (n = 7) is higher than in females (n = 4) but the species diversity is greater in females (n = 7) than in males (n = 3) phones. Isolates were resistant to ampiclox and zinnacef (85.71%), erythromycin (78.57%), amoxil and augmentin (72.73%), septrim (72%), rifampicin (71.43%) while > 80% were MDR. Low levels of handwashing and non-use of hand sanitizer could be linked with phone bacterial contamination.ConclusionFrequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers should be prioritized among undergraduates to curtail the spread of difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.

Exploring the Interplay of Handgrip Neuromuscular, Morphological, and Psychological Characteristics in Tactical Athletes and General Population: Gender- and Occupation-Based Specific Patterns

Background/Objectives: The correlation of handgrip strength (HGS) and morphological characteristics with Big Five personality traits is well documented. However, it is unclear whether these relationships also exist in highly trained and specialized populations, such as tactical athletes, and whether there are specific differences compared to the general population. This study aimed to explore the interplay of handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 205 participants. A standardized method, procedure, and equipment (Sports Medical solutions) were used to measure the isometric neuromuscular characteristics of the handgrip. Basic morphological characteristics of body height, body mass, and body mass index were measured with a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Psychological characteristics were assessed with the Mental Toughness Index and Dark Triad Dirty Dozen questionnaires. Results: Numerous significant correlations were obtained, as well as differences between tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. The most prominent correlations were between the excitation index with Psychopathy and the Dark Triad (ρ = −0.41, −0.39) in female tactical athletes, as well as Neuroticism with body height, maximal force, and the maximum rate of force development in the male general population (ρ = 0.49, 0.43, 0.41). The obtained results also revealed gender and occupational specific patterns of researched relationships. Conclusions: Although the results of this study indicated the possibility of the existence of correlations between handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes of both genders, nevertheless, at the moment, there is not enough solid evidence for that. That is why new research is needed. An analysis of muscle contractile and time parameters as neuromuscular indicators in the HGS task proved to be a possible promising method, which brought numerous new insights about the researched relationships. For practical application in the field, we propose including Mental Toughness and the Dark Triad traits in the selection process for future police officers and national security personnel based on the obtained results.

Association Between Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Chilean Schoolchildren from the Metropolitan Region.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases increasingly impact youth, with early development of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and inadequate nutrient intake. Proper nutrient intake and physical fitness are vital for reducing these risks, especially in pediatric populations. This study explores the connection between physical fitness, metabolic risk, and nutrient status among 1656 Chilean schoolchildren from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Methods: Anthropometric measures included weight, height, skinfold thickness, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Physical fitness was assessed via handgrip strength, standing long jump, and a six-minute walk test. Nutrient intake was also evaluated, and a composite metabolic risk score was calculated based on waist circumference, skinfolds, and blood pressure. Results: Boys consistently outperformed girls in physical fitness tests, including grip strength and horizontal jump, with differences becoming more pronounced in higher grades and Tanner stages. Girls exhibited higher subcutaneous fat levels and obesity prevalence during later grades, highlighting gender-specific patterns in body composition. Better physical fitness was associated with lower waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and metabolic risk scores. A moderate correlation between aerobic fitness (distance/height) and blood pressure (r = 0.27, p = 0.01) was observed. Z-Score MR analysis revealed that students in the lowest fitness tertile exhibited significantly higher cardiovascular risk profiles compared to their fitter peers. Conclusions: Physical fitness plays a critical role in reducing cardiovascular risk in children. The findings underscore the importance of promoting gender- and age-specific interventions that include both aerobic and strength-based physical activities. Comprehensive school programs focusing on nutrition and physical activity are essential to mitigating cardiovascular risk and promoting long-term health outcomes. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causal relationships and evaluate the impact of targeted interventions.

Sex Differences in Lung Cancer Characteristics at Diagnosis: A Nationwide Register-Based Study From the Faroe Islands (2015-2020).

Sex differences in lung cancer survival are well-established, but the gap between Faroese men and women is especially pronounced. Faroese women have some of the highest 1- and 5-year relative survival rates in the Nordic region, while Faroese men have some of the lowest. This study investigates these survival disparities by analyzing demographic, clinical, and temporal factors in Faroese lung cancer patients from 2015 to 2020. All lung cancer cases registered in the Faroese Cancer Registry from 2015 to 2020 were included. Data on age, sex, civil status, cancer type, stage, smoking history, comorbidities, and performance status were extracted from electronic patient records. Sex-based differences were analyzed and overall survival rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier plots. Significant sex differences were observed in cancer staging at diagnosis (p = 0.03), with 25.8% of women diagnosed at Stage I compared to 8.8% of men. Gender-specific patterns also emerged: women hadlonger symptomatic periods, while men experienced longer diagnostic and treatment times, though with overlapping confidence intervals. Our findings reveal significant sex disparities in lung cancer staging at diagnosis in the Faroe Islands, which may the survival differences. The longer diagnostic period in men likely contributes to their lower survival rates. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce these disparities and improve patient outcomes.

Health Literacy and Internet Use Among Japanese Older Adults: A Gender-Stratified Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Moderating Effects of Neighborhood Relationships.

Background/Objectives: Internet use positively impacts mental health in older adults, with health literacy (HL) playing a key role. While social networks may complement individual HL, the role of neighborhood relationships in this association, particularly by gender, remains unclear. This study examined how the association between HL and Internet use among older adults was modified by neighborhood relationships. Methods: Using baseline data from the Chofu-Digital-Choju project, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1955 community-dwelling adults aged 65-84 (889 men and 1066 women). HL was assessed using the Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale and dichotomized at four points. Neighborhood relationships were categorized as high (visiting/chatting with neighbors) or low (exchanging greetings/no relationship). Gender-stratified logistic regression analyses were performed with Internet use as the dependent variable, with HL, neighborhood relationships, and their interaction as independent variables. Results: Internet user proportion was 55.6% for men and 41.8% for women. HL was positively associated with Internet use in both genders, though patterns differed. Among men, the HL-Internet use association was consistent (OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 2.25-4.24) regardless of neighborhood relationship levels. For women, this association was significantly modified (interaction OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24-0.87). Women with low HL but strong neighborhood relationships showed increased odds of Internet use (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.32-3.26). Conclusions: Gender-specific patterns in HL and neighborhood relationships influence Internet use among older adults. Neighborhood relationships may compensate for low HL in women, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive strategies to promote digital HL.

Driving Safer: A Look at How Men and Women Use Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Objective — This study investigates the nuanced landscape of gender-specific patterns in utilization of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), aiming to contribute insights to enhance road safety. Methods — Leveraging data from diverse sources, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, the method employed involves a meticulous examination of studies exploring gender differences in driving behaviors and ADAS adoption. Key factors influencing these differences, were analyzed including age, experience, and attitudes toward technology. Cultural and societal influences on gender-specific driving behaviors are explored, shedding light on the intricate interplay of perceptions and expectations. Results — The review identifies challenges in ADAS adoption, including limited awareness, misconceptions, and resistance to change. Opportunities for improvement are then outlined, encompassing comprehensive user training, clear communication of ADAS features, customizable settings, and incentives for ADAS-equipped vehicles. This study showed that men tend towards aggressive driving behaviors, while women prioritize caution and adherence to traffic rules. Women propensity for safety-oriented features such as lane-keeping assistance, while men display a preference for convenience-focused features such as adaptive cruise control and parking assistance. Conclusion — By addressing challenges and embracing opportunities, the study advocates for a future where ADAS technologies contribute significantly to safer and more equitable roadways for all drivers.

Gender differences in dietary patterns and physical activity: an insight with principal component analysis (PCA)

BackgroundGender differences in dietary patterns and physical activity are known to influence metabolic health, but research exploring these differences using principal component analysis (PCA) is limited. This study aims to identify distinct patterns of eating behaviour, body composition and physical activity between men and women, in order to develop tailored interventions.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,509 adults attending a metabolic health centre. Data on eating habits, physical activity and body composition were collected by means of questionnaires and bioimpedance analysis. PCA was used to identify patterns of eating behaviour and physical activity. Statistical analyses were performed to explore gender-specific differences.ResultsBased on the PCA, five distinct groups of participants were identified: Balanced Eaters, Focused on Home Cooking, Routine Eaters, Restaurant Lovers and Varied Eaters. Significant gender differences in food preferences were observed, with men consuming more meat and women more vegetables. Men also reported greater participation in strength and endurance sports, while women showed a more structured eating routine.ConclusionsThis study, using principal component analysis (PCA), revealed gender-specific patterns in diet, physical activity and body composition. PCA identified five distinct behavioural groups, revealing that men tended to consume more meat and engage in strength training, while women adhered to structured, vegetable-rich diets. The application of PCA provided more insight than traditional analysis, highlighting the complexity of gender-specific behaviour. These results emphasize the need for tailored interventions, focusing on increasing vegetable intake in men and encouraging strength training in women. Future research should exploit PCA to explore behavioural patterns longitudinally for more refined and personalised health strategies.Clinical trials registeredThis study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06654674).

Gender Dynamics in Video Game Use: usage patterns, parental control, motivations, and effects in spanish adolescents

Introduction: Video game usage among adolescents has become a focal area of study due to its impact on development and social behaviors. Gender differences in gaming engagement and parental control raise questions about tailored intervention needs. Objective: This study aimed to examine video game usage patterns, motivations, parental controls, and problematic use among Spanish adolescents aged 12-20, while exploring gender-specific differences to identify potential areas for targeted interventions. Methodology: A sample of 2567 Spanish adolescents (M=14.89; SD=1.90) participated in a survey-based study assessing gaming habits, parental control, motivations for gaming, and indicators of problematic use. Results: The findings revealed significant gender differences: male adolescents reported higher gaming involvement, spending more time and money on video games, and engaged more in online gambling, which correlated with increased problem gambling rates. In contrast, female adolescents reported experiencing greater parental control and supervision regarding their gaming activities. Discussion: These findings align with previous studies suggesting that male adolescents are more likely to engage heavily in gaming and gambling behaviors, while females are subject to more parental oversight. Such gender-specific patterns suggest different motivations and social dynamics in gaming among adolescents. Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity for gender-responsive strategies to promote healthy gaming habits among adolescents. Interventions should consider these distinct patterns to effectively mitigate potential risks associated with excessive or problematic gaming behaviors, emphasizing a balanced approach tailored to the unique needs of male and female gamers.

Metabolic syndrome patterns by gender in major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are significant health challenges, with distinct gender-specific manifestations. This suggests that the clinical presentation of MetS within the MDD cohort may also vary by gender. The objective of this study is to explore these gender-specific clinical patterns in the co-occurrence of MetS among hospitalized MDD patients, thereby offering insights and guidance for targeted interventions aimed at managing MetS in this demographic. The study included 1,281 first hospitalization MDD patients. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics and general clinical profiles. Metabolic parameters, routine biochemical markers, and psychological symptoms were measured and analyzed. The prevalence of MetS was 8.21% in male patients and 10.34% in female patients, with no significant difference between genders. Gender-specific risk factors were identified: in males, age and anxiety symptoms were significant predictors of MetS, while in females, age at onset and married were linked to the development of MetS. Additionally, MetS severity was influenced by age at onset in males and by both age at onset and married in females. This study found no gender-specific prevalence of MetS in hospitalized MDD patients. However, gender-specific factors influencing MetS development and severity highlight the need for focused management in older, married females and older males with high anxiety symptoms.

THE NARCISSIST PERSONALITY TYPE AND RELATIONSHIPS: ANALYSIS FROM MALE AND FEMALE PERSPECTIVES

This article analyzes the dynamics of narcissistic personality disorder in male and female relationships. Narcissistic individuals are characterized by high self-esteem, lack of empathy, and manipulative behavior. The fact that such persons put their needs in the center in their relationships and are prone to emotional manipulation towards their partners has a negative impact on the strength of relationships and the emotional sphere. The article also highlights the differences between narcissistic men and women and explores the problems gender-specific behavior patterns create in relationships. The results show that people who are in relationships with individuals with narcissistic personality traits can suffer serious psychological damage, and in such cases, the need for professional intervention comes to the fore. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the difficulties narcissistic personality poses in romantic relationships and has important implications for contemporary psychological research.

Exploring Oesophageal Cancer in Ethiopia: Elevated Incidence in Females and Younger Cases.

Oesophageal cancer is a public health concern in Ethiopia. Identifying the incidence and demographic profile of the two histological subtypes: oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are the key steps in recognizing the disease burden and potential aetiopathological associations. The aim of this study is to identify the age and gender-specific incidence patterns of the most common subtype of oesophageal cancer in a high-incidence area of Ethiopia. A retrospective cross-sectional study from a high-incidence oesophageal cancer district in Ethiopia identified 630 cases from the pathology registry of nine hospitals. The patient records were carefully reviewed and data on age, gender, tumour location and histological types was systematically compiled. The patient data were retrieved and descriptive statistics were used to generate results. ESCC subtype, accounted for constituting 500 (79.437%) cases. A gender disparity was observed, with 62.80% of cases occurring in females and 37.20% in males. This distribution of higher female ESCC incidences aligns with previous findings indicating a regional consistency and probable aetiological factor. Furthermore, ESCC incidence peaked at 40-50 years in females, highlighting an age-related incidence trend. EAC was observed in 67 (51.5%) females and 63 (48.5%) males showing similar prevalence. Spatial analysis revealed that the majority of ESCC cases were located in the lower oesophagus, followed by the middle part, with fewer instances in the upper oesophagus. This study from Ethiopia identified ESCC as the predominant subtype, with a marked female predominance and age-related gender disparities. EAC with a lesser proportion identified with consistent spatial distribution patterns in both genders provide valuable insights into the epidemiological landscape of this disease. These findings emphasize the urgency of targeted research to uncover the underlying factors.

Gender disparities in rural motorcycle accidents: A neural network analysis of travel behavior impact

Rural road accidents involving motorcycle riders present a formidable challenge to road safety globally. This study offers a comprehensive gender-based comparative analysis of rural road accidents among motorcycle riders, aimed at illuminating factors contributing to accidents and discerning potential gender disparities in accident rates and severity. Employing a sophisticated Neural Network approach, the research delves into the intricate relationship between various variables and accident outcomes, with a specific emphasis on identifying gender-specific patterns. For female riders, the ANN model demonstrates impressive overall accuracy (CA) of 92 %, indicating its capability to correctly classify accident outcomes. Precision, which measures the model’s ability to avoid false positives, stands at a commendable 90.8 %. Moreover, the model exhibits high recall (92 %) and F1 score (88.4 %), indicating its effectiveness in identifying both fatal and non-fatal accidents among female riders. Additionally, the Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 0.132 suggests a moderate level of agreement between the predicted and actual outcomes. Upon further examination, it is evident that the model performs exceptionally well in predicting non-fatal accidents for female riders, achieving a precision, recall, and F1 score of 92 %, 99.9 %, and 95.8 %, respectively. However, its performance in predicting fatalities is relatively lower, with a precision of 75.6 % and recall of 2.6 %, resulting in a lower F1 score of 5.0 %. Despite this disparity, the MCC remains consistent at 0.132, indicating a balanced performance across both classes. The findings reveal valuable insights for policymakers and road safety practitioners, providing avenues for the development of targeted interventions and the enhancement of safety measures for motorcycle riders on rural roads. By addressing the gap in understanding gender-related differences in travel habits and accident risks, this research contributes to ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of road accidents and promote safer travel environments for all road users.

The double-edged sword of sexual sanctification: Moderation of the associations between sexual dysfunctions and sexual and psychological well-being

This study aimed to investigate the possible moderating role of sexual sanctification in the context of sexual dysfunctions and sexual and psychological well-being, particularly examining potential gender differences. Data were collected from 1207 Israeli adult women and men in cohabiting relationships for at least 6 months using an online survey. Participants provided information on sexual functioning, and measures included non-theistic sexual sanctification, sexual and psychological distress, and sexual and relationship satisfaction. Measures of religious behavior and belief were also included as control variables. Statistical analyses included moderation models to assess the moderating function of sexual sanctification on the associations between sexual dysfunctions and the outcome measures. Separate analyses were performed for men and women. Findings confirmed significant associations between sexual dysfunctions and all aspects of sexual and psychological well-being included in the study for women and men. Sexual sanctification was found to moderate the association between sexual dysfunctions and sexual and psychological distress, particularly for men, where at higher levels of sanctification, the association between dysfunction and distress was more pronounced. However, sexual sanctification did not significantly moderate the relationships between sexual dysfunctions and sexual or relationship satisfaction for either gender. The results suggest that, although sexual sanctification is often associated with positive outcomes, it may also exacerbate the emotional impact of sexual dysfunctions, particularly in those who perceive their sexual experiences as sacred. Gender-specific patterns further emphasize the importance of tailored interventions that consider the different ways men and women experience and interpret sexual dysfunctions within the context of their sexual perceptions.

Do Boys Empathize Less than Girls? Exploring the Links Among Empathy, Gender and Sexist Attitudes in Adolescents.

(1) Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive issue, particularly among adolescents. Its prevalence is still high despite intervention efforts, especially for younger generations. Empathy and sexism are factors linked with IPV that have shown gender differences. This study focuses on how gender moderates the association of empathy and sexist attitudes among adolescents in Spain; (2) Methods: A two-stage stratified cluster sampling method for collecting data from 516 adolescents (219 boys, 297 girls) aged 12-18 years was used. Participants completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Hierarchical multiple regression analyzed the moderating role of gender in the relation between empathy and ambivalent sexism; (3) Results: Boys exhibited higher sexism levels than girls. Perspective taking negatively predicted hostile sexism. Empathic concern positively predicted hostile and benevolent sexism. Significant gender-specific patterns emerged: more empathic concern was linked with increased hostile sexism in boys; higher perspective taking was linked with increased benevolent sexism in boys, but was lower in girls; (4) Conclusions: There is a complex interplay among empathy, gender, and sexism, suggesting that IPV prevention programs should be tailored differently for boys and girls by considering broader socio-political contexts, addressing traditional gender norms, and promoting gender equality.

Pragmatic Analysis of Undergraduate Male and Female Students’ Politeness Strategies in Initiating and Terminating Conversations Online

This study examines the politeness strategies employed by male and female undergraduate students in online interactions, focusing on conversation initiation and termination. A pragmatic analysis was conducted using House and Kasper's (1981) linguistic politeness theory alongside Miles and Huberman's model for data interpretation. The findings indicate that male students predominantly used committers, consultative devices, and downtoners to initiate conversations, while employing downtoners, understaters, and politeness markers for termination. In contrast, female students utilized committers, consultative devices, politeness markers, and playdowns for initiation, and committers, playdowns, and politeness markers for termination. Applying Brown and Levinson's (1987) politeness theory, male students mainly favored positive politeness, negative politeness, and bald-on-record strategies during initiation, while employing both positive and negative strategies for termination. Female students exhibited a preference for positive and negative politeness strategies, along with off-record strategies for initiation, relying solely on positive politeness for termination. These findings highlight distinct gender-specific communication patterns in online environments, providing valuable insights for linguistics, communication studies, and gender studies. The results can guide educators, policymakers, and practitioners in developing inclusive and effective communication strategies tailored to digital learning contexts.

Comparative mitogenomic analysis and phylogeny of Veneridae with doubly uniparental inheritance.

Doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) is an atypical animal mtDNA inheritance system, reported so far only in bivalve species, in which two mitochondrial lineages exist: one transmitted through the egg (F-type) and the other through the sperm (M-type). Although numerous species exhibit this unusual organelle inheritance, it is primarily documented in marine and freshwater mussels. The distribution, function and molecular evolutionary implications of DUI in the family Veneridae, however, remain unclear. Here, we investigated 17 species of Veneridae, compared mitochondrial genomes of DUI species and reconstructed their phylogenetic framework. Different sex-linked mitochondrial genomes have been identified in the male gonads and adductor muscles of 7 venerids, indicating the presence of DUI in these species. Analysis of the unassigned regions (URs) of the mitochondrial genome in DUI species revealed that 13 out of 44 URs contained repetitive sequences, with nine being long unassigned regions (LURs). All LURs were capable of forming secondary structures, and most of them exhibited patterns of significant sequence similarity to elements known to have specific functions in the control regions of sea urchins and mammals. The F/M phylogeny showed that DUI venerids exhibit both taxon-specific patterns and gender-specific patterns, with Gafrarium dispar experiencing masculinization events.

Mapping Rural Mobility in the Global South: Case Studies of Participatory GIS Approach for Assessments of Daily Movement Needs and Practice in Nepal and Kenya

This paper investigates rural mobility in the Global South using a participatory GIS approach to address the lack of mobility data that hampers sustainable planning to support rural development and resilience. Limited rural mobility due to poor infrastructure and financial constraints hinders social and economic activities, impeding development. The study aims to explore the socio-economic impacts of limited mobility, identify software needs for data-scarce environments, and map daily mobility patterns. Fieldwork was conducted in Kenya (2022) and Nepal (2023), collecting geographic data related to mobility. The methodology included community engagement and digital mapping using the QField app for precise data collection. The study highlights the use of participatory GIS to fill data gaps, enabling more accurate mobility assessments. Community engagement revealed gender-specific mobility patterns, with women facing particular challenges in daily activities. The study emphasizes the need for adaptable data models to reflect community-specific mobility needs and the integration of qualitative insights to propose effective and sustainable mobility solutions. This research contributes to understanding rural mobility in the Global South and demonstrates the effectiveness of participatory GIS in overcoming data scarcity and enhancing mobility analysis.

Socioeconomic And Mental Health Challenges: Lessons From The COVID-19 Era

Abstract The relationship between work arrangements, financial difficulties, compliance with COVID-19 sanitary measures, and preexisting mental health issues amidst the ongoing pandemic is multifaceted. By merging data from the TEMPO cohort and other European cohort studies during the RESPOND European project, we seek to provide comprehensive about these dynamics for developing targeted interventions and policies aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of pandemics on mental well-being. Our analyses reveal significant associations between unemployment, financial strain, and elevated levels of symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after controlling for pre-pandemic socioeconomic and mental health factors, individuals experiencing unemployment or financial difficulties were more likely to report heightened mental distress. Additionally, our findings highlight gender-specific patterns in compliance with COVID-19 sanitary measures, with women exhibiting increased compliance amidst mental health difficulties, while men, particularly those with lower educational attainment, demonstrated decreased compliance. These preliminary results underscore the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors, mental health, and public health behaviours during pandemics. In conclusion, our study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and strategies to address the intersecting challenges of mental health, employment, financial strain, and compliance with public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings emphasize the importance of considering socioeconomic disparities in designing effective interventions aimed at promoting public well-being and resilience in the face of future pandemics. By leveraging these insights, public health practitioners and policymakers can develop evidence-based approaches to support individuals and communities experiencing heightened vulnerabilities during times of crisis.