Hungarian Women Research Articles

Health literacy of pregnant women in Hungary

Abstract Health literacy determines our state of health and through this our quality of life. The health behavior of women of reproductive age should be treated with priority, since the lifestyle of pregnant women shows a correlation with the occurrence of premature birth and intrauterine development, and also between fetal development and the occurrence of chronic diseases in adulthood. The aim of our research is to explore the factors influencing the health behavior of pregnant women, to analyze regional differences, and to identify the causes of regional differences and inequalities. During a prospective, cross-sectional study, the health behavior of pregnant women living in Hungary was assessed using a questionnaire. In the course of our research, we examined health literacy using two measuring instruments, the Chew questionnaire and The Newest Vital Sign test. A total of 2,000 questionnaires were distributed of which 1,655 evaluable questionnaires were returned, the willingness to answer was 75%. The most people considered their own health to be good or very good (59.7%). 59.5% of the respondents changed their health behavior because of their pregnancy, mainly for the sake of the health of the fetus. 18.1% of pregnant women most likely have insufficient, 15.0% probably limited and 48.1% most likely have adequate functional health literacy. Age, education, place of residence and financial situation of pregnant women show a significant correlation with health literacy. Our results confirmed that sociodemographic factors, especially age and education, significantly influence the health literacy, perceived health status and health behavior of pregnant women. The two health literacy questionnaires we use can be combined well with each other and complement each other. The results greatly contribute to the development of health literacy, and thus to the development of individual and community-level strategies for improving health behavior in the field of pregnant women’s care. Key messages • Health literacy of pregnant women in Hungary. • Health literacy in health promotion.

Associations between maternal health literacy and prenatal micronutrient intake in Hungarian women

Abstract Background Adequate level of health literacy (HL) is an important factor in pregnancy. Low HL may increase the risk of maternal and fetal complications (e.g., gestational diabetes mellitus, low birth weight). This study aimed to measure the levels of maternal HL and its associations with the consumption of folic acid (FoA), vitamin D (VD), and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) during pregnancy in Hungarian women. Methods The questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Szeged among women who gave birth between June and September 2023 (N = 294). Sociodemographic, lifestyle, conception and pregnancy related questions were asked. HL was measured by the Maternal Health Literacy Inventory in Pregnancy (MHELIP) questionnaire (after the Hungarian adaptation); it contains 48 items representing four subscales (maternal health knowledge, search for maternal health information, assessment of maternal health information, and maternal health decision making and behavior). Data analysis was performed by SPSS 29.0. (Ethical permission: 5351) Results The mean age of women was 31.53 +-4.75 years. During pregnancy 84.5% of women consumed FoA, 61.8% VD and 41.8% omega-3 FAs. The total mean score of MHELIP on a scale 0-100 was 78.93 (95%CI: 77.77-80.08); the score of “search for maternal health information” subscale was the lowest [57.68 (95%CI: 56.20-59.16)], and the score of “maternal health decision making and behavior” was the highest [86.75 (95%CI: 85.62-87.87)]. Omega-3 FAs and VD consumption was significantly higher in women with higher total and subscales mean scores (except “search for maternal health information”), while FoA consumption was significant in case of “assessment of maternal health information”. (The results are preliminary.) Conclusions The association between micronutrient consumption and HL supports that using this tool during pregnancy the mothers who needs more support and health information can be identified. Key messages • The Maternal Health Literacy Inventory in Pregnancy questionnaire is a reliable tool for measuring health literacy in Hungarian pregnant women. • Maternal health literacy plays an important role in the healthier lifestyle, including prenatal vitamin/micronutrient consumption.

Unveiling the Motivations and Challenges: an Introspection into Women's Football in Hungary

The article evaluates the current state of hungarian women's football. It recognizes progress in the women's game while addressing persistent challenges like social perceptions and financial disparities. The research aims to comprehend the motivation of Hungarian adult female football and futsal players, exploring aspects such as the supportive environment and reasons for sustained engagement (N=175). Findings reveal the dual nature of women's football in Hungary, encompassing both competitive and recreational aspects. We delve into players' sentiments, thoughts of quitting, and future plans within the sport. The motivation analysis underscores the prevalence of intrinsic motivation rooted in genuine interest, with elite players exhibiting stronger extrinsic motivation. The study emphasizes football's positive impact and advocates for promoting physical activity and lifelong engagement. In conclusion, we calls for further development in women's football, addressing challenges and promoting recreational aspects. It advocates for strategies to reduce dropout rates and highlights football's potential for positive societal changes.

Impact of different obstetric interventions and types of delivery on breastfeeding: a nationwide cross-sectional survey of Hungarian women

BackgroundWe assessed the effect of different obstetric interventions and types of delivery on breastfeeding.MethodsA quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire. Data collection was performed in 2021 in Hungary. We included biological mothers who had raised their at least 5-year-old child(ren) at home (N = 2,008). The questionnaire was completed anonymously and voluntarily. In addition to sociodemographic data (age, residence, marital status, education, occupation, income status, number of biological children, and anthropometric questions about the child and the mother), we asked about the interventions used during childbirth, and the different ways of infant feeding used. Statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel 365 and SPSS 25.0. Descriptive statistics, two-sample t tests, χ2 tests and ANOVA were used to analyse the relationship or differences between the variables (p < 0,05).ResultsWe found that in deliveries where synthetic oxytocin was used for both induction and acceleration, there was a higher incidence of emergency cesarean section. However, the occurrence of vaginal deliveries was significantly higher in cases where oxytocin administration was solely for the purpose of accelerating labour (p < 0.001).Mothers who received synthetic oxytocin also received analgesics (p < 0.001). Women giving birth naturally who used oxytocin had a lower success of breastfeeding their newborn in the delivery room (p < 0.001). Children of mothers who received obstetric analgesia had a higher rate of complementary formula feeding (p < 0.001). Newborns born naturally had a higher rate of breastfeeding in the delivery room (p < 0.001) and less formula feeding in the hospital (p < 0.001). Infants who were breastfed in the delivery room were breastfed for longer periods (p < 0.001). Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months was longer for infants born naturally (p = 0.005), but there was no difference in the length of breastfeeding (p = 0.081).ConclusionsObstetric interventions may increase the need for further interventions and have a negative impact on early or successful breastfeeding.Trial registrationNot relevant.

Population-level norm values by EQ-5D-3L in Hungary - a comparison of survey results from 2022 with those from 2000

PurposeAlthough population norms of the EQ-5D-3L instrument had been available in Hungary since 2000, their evaluation was based on a United Kingdom (UK) value set. Our objective was to estimate the population norms for EQ-5D-3L by using the new Hungarian value set available since 2020, to extend the scope to adolescents, and to compare with norms from 2000.MethodsA cross sectional EQ-5D-3L survey representative of the Hungarian population was conducted in 2022. The EQ-5D-3L dimensional responses were analyzed by age and sex and compared with the survey from 2000, by estimating population frequencies with their 95% confidence intervals; index values were evaluated by both value sets.ResultsAltogether, 11,910 respondents, aged 12 or more (578 between 12 and 17), completed the EQ-5D-3L. There was a notable improvement in reporting problems for both sexes (age 35–64) regarding the pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression compared to 2000. Below the age 44, both sexes had an EQ-5D-3L index plateau of 0.98, while above the age 55, men tended to have numerically higher index values compared to women, with the difference increasing with older age. Improvement in dimensional responses were also translated to numerically higher index values for both sexes between ages 18 and 74 compared to 2000. Multivariate regression analysis showed that higher educational attainment, lower age, larger household size, and active occupational status were associated with higher index values.ConclusionOver the past 22 years, there was a large improvement in HRQoL of the middle-aged to elderly men and women in Hungary.

Traces of youth: reconstructing Hungarian women’s lives during the Holocaust

ABSTRACT This article reflects on archival, theoretical and methodological approaches to a set of prisoner registration cards from the Arolsen Archives. It argues that the cards make a unique contribution to the history of the Holocaust, which goes beyond their subjects’ experiences of the camp system. While historians have employed similar documents to chart the history of Jews in the concentration camps, this article suggests methodological ways for using the cards to tell a history of Jewish life, too. It reveals how the biographical nature of the cards provides personal information for those who would otherwise be dehumanized. In so doing, it builds on Dan Stone’s suggestion that it is possible to write a social history of the Holocaust using records from the Arolsen Archives, by identifying specific elements in the sources that achieve this. It also presents how digital humanities mapping tools can use data from the cards to visualize and analyse trends in their subjects’ lives and in the broader Jewish experience. Finally, it acknowledges the limits of the cards as sources and identifies how – when other sources are available – they can be combined with memoirs, testimonies and post-war documentation to illuminate archival silences and reveal personal agency. For many victims of the Holocaust, however, cards like these are the only remaining trace of their lives. As a result, this article suggests innovative approaches for using Arolsen Archive material to tell a social history of the Holocaust, thus challenging preconceptions about camp documentation.

A közösségi média hatása a magyar nők egészségtudatosságára

Online media marketing is getting greater influence on the daily life, on the consumer and purchasing habits and on our health consciousness. The main goal of the research is to explore what the Hungarian women associate with health-consciousness on different social platforms, how their consumer activity look like and what kind of special groups can be formed. First of all, the posts appearing on the topic of health-consciousness on different platforms were analysed through a netnographic research. Then, with the involvement of 409 women, the influencing factors were measured to the participants on these pages in terms of health consciousness via questionnaire survey. As a result, special consumer groups appearing in the social platform were quantified and recommendations were formulated for companies who base their marketing strategy on online arenas.

In search of respect and continuity of care: Hungarian women's experiences with midwifery-led, community birth.

To describe and compare intervention rates and experiences of respectful care when Hungarian women opt to give birth in the community. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey (N = 1257) in 2014. We calculated descriptive statistics comparing obstetric procedure rates, respectful care indicators, and autonomy (MADM scale) across four models of care (public insurance; chosen doctor or chosen midwife in the public system; private midwife-led community birth). We used an intention-to-treat approach. After adjusting for social and clinical covariates, we used logistic regression to estimate the odds of obstetric procedures and disrespectful care and linear regression to estimate the level of autonomy (MADM scale). In the sample, 99 (7.8%) saw a community midwife for prenatal care. Those who planned community births had the lowest rates of cesarean at 9.1% (public: 30.4%; chosen doctor: 45.2%; chosen midwife 16.5%), induced labor at 7.1% (public: 23.1%; chosen doctor: 26.0%; chosen midwife: 19.4%), and episiotomy at 4.44% (public: 62.3%; chosen doctor: 66.2%; chosen midwife: 44.9%). Community birth clients reported the lowest rates of disrespectful care at 25.5% (public: 64.3%; chosen doctor: 44.3%; chosen midwife: 38.7%) and the highest average MADM score at 31.5 (public: 21.2; chosen doctor: 25.5; chosen midwife: 28.6). In regression analysis, community midwifery clients had significantly reduced odds of cesarean (0.35, 95% CI 0.16-0.79), induced labor (0.27, 95% CI 0.11-0.67), episiotomy (0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.12), and disrespectful care (0.36, 95% CI 0.21-0.61), while also having significantly higher average MADM scores (5.71, 95% CI 4.08-7.36). Hungarian women who plan to give birth in the community have low obstetric procedure rates and report greater respect, in line with international data on the effects of place of birth and model of care on experiences of perinatal care.

Self-rated health status and hygienic behaviour of pregnant women in Hungary during the pandemic.

The aim of our research was to investigate the self-rated health status, health behaviour and hygiene habits of pregnant women, and to explore the influencing factors during the pandemic. The sample included 1,200 pregnant women who gave birth in the most progressive institutions of the three examined counties in Hungary; 839 questionnaires were returned, based on which the willingness to answer can be said to be 69.9%. After data cleaning, 640 questionnaires were added to the database. Descriptive statistical analyses and correlation tests were performed, during which we used the Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Socio-demographic factors show a significant correlation with the perceived state of health and the degree of responsibility for health, however, the existence of a chronic disease does not affect either the self-assessed state of health or hygienic behaviour. Factors influencing hygienic behaviour include residence, education, assessed income, and gestational age. We found no correlation between health status and hygienic attitude. Our results draw attention to the fact that among pregnant women - especially pregnant women with low socioeconomic status - education about hygiene habits is of particular importance. Teamwork is needed in this area, which should start during the period of preparation for pregnancy, but at the latest in the early stages of pregnancy.

Postmenopausal Lumbar Spine Osteoporosis in Hungarian Women is Characterised By Increased Serum Levels of Nerve Growth Factor

Purpose: In addition to its neuronal specificity, nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a role in immuno-inflammatory events. Cells involved in osteoporosis, in particular mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and monocytes/macrophages, are capable of producing NGF. The question was whether NGF might be involved in osteoporotic bone loss independent of age. Methods: Sixty postmenopausal Hungarian women were studied for serum NGF-β and MCP-1 levels, total lumbar spine and forearm osteoporosis, and femoral neck osteoporosis. Biochemical data were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and presented as geometric mean (95% CI). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and T-score values in three bone regions. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the independent variables involved in the elevated NGF-β levels. Results: Serum NGF-β levels were significantly increased in the osteoporotic subgroup compared to the normal and osteopenic subgroups [15.85(8.99-27.91) vs. 12.42(8.28-18.64) pg/ml, p&lt;0.004 and 12.49(9.36-16.65) pg/ml, p&lt;0.002, respectively] in the total lumbar spine region. Using multiple regression analysis, serum MCP-1 levels alone and their interaction with lumbar spine BMD were significant with elevated serum NGF-β levels, age was not included in the model. Increased serum NGF-β levels were restricted to the lumbar spine, but not to forearm and femoral neck osteoporosis. Conclusion: Increased serum NGF-β levels were associated with the severity of lumbar spine osteoporosis. Increased sympathetic and sensory neural activity may contribute to the presence of pain and neuropathy in osteoporosis.

Screening attendance disparities among Hungarian-speaking Roma and non-Roma women in central and eastern European countries.

The Roma populations in Central and Eastern Europe are two to three times more likely to have unmet health needs compared to non-Roma residents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the disparity in screening attendance between Hungarian-speaking Roma (R) and non-Roma (nR) women in Hungary (HU-R:322; nR:294), Romania (RO-R:258; nR:183), and Slovakia (SK-R:146; nR:163), while also identifying the factors that influence attendance at any kind of screening tests in both populations. In order to examine these factors, a multiple binary logistic regression was conducted. The findings revealed significant associations between attendance at any kind of screening tests and certain factors among different groups. Among Hungarian Roma women, it was found that having a chronic disease and smoking were linked to attendance at any kind of screening tests (p = 0.009). Specifically, having a chronic disease increased the odds of attendance (OR = 1.71 [1.01, 2.90]), while smoking decreased the odds (OR = 0.57[0.365, 0.91]). In Romania, the study found that not having health insurance decreased the odds of attendance among Roma women (OR = 0.50 [0.27, 0.91]), whereas having a chronic disease increased the odds (OR = 2.87 [1.44, 5.72]) (p = 0.006). Among non-Roma women in Romania, physical inactivity was associated with a decreased likelihood of attendance at any kind of screening tests (OR = 0.48 [0.25, 0.95]). Among Slovakian Roma women, not having health insurance (OR = 0.09[0.02, 0.36]) and smoking (OR = 0.25[0.11, 0.61]) were found to decrease the odds of attendance (p < 0.001). On the other hand, non-Roma women in Slovakia with chronic diseases were more likely to attend at any kind of screening tests (OR = 2.52[1.12, 5.66]). Our research emphasizes the impact of lacking health insurance on screening attendance, particularly among the Roma population. It also highlights the significance of health-related behaviours such as smoking and physical inactivity in relation to missed screening tests, which in turn contribute to the development of non-communicable diseases. Therefore, promoting targeted screening programs for the Roma community is crucial to ensure their access to screening tests, especially in cases of chronic illnesses.

Empowerment through femvertising - Evidence from Mexico and Hungary

ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is to understand the concept of femvertising in a cross-cultural study for countries that have not been examined in previous research. Twenty semi-structured in-depth interviews with women from Mexico and Hungary were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The novelty of this study is that it sheds light on culturally bounded aspects of femvertising and provides an extended definition of female empowerment. Contrary to expectations, lower-gender-equality countries with diverse backgrounds show similar patterns in the perceptions of female empowerment. The main difference is that Mexican interviewees considered sorority to be an important element of empowerment whereas Hungarians placed the self in the center. Mexican women admitted that femvertising had a positive effect on them; Hungarian women stated that others were more affected by femvertising than they were. Academics and practitioners should recognize cultural differences given that attitudes toward femvertising in both countries were both positive and negative. This study also offers new critical insights about femvertising that still uses gender stereotypes, such as gender roles mainly associated with men, implying that empowered women must behave like men.

Breast cancer screening and its associating factors among hungarian women aged 45–65: a cross-sectional study based on the European health interview surveys from 2009 to 2019

BackgroundIn 2020, globally 685,000 people died, and 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The main cause of cancer deaths among women is breast cancer, which account for 15.5% of all cancer deaths. Most of these could have been avoided with timely diagnosis.The aim of our study was to determine the proportion of breast screening participation in Hungary, and to identify possible factors that may influence breast screening attendance.MethodsOur data were gathered from the cross-sectional European Health Interview Surveys conducted in Hungary in 2009, 2014, and 2019. In terms of categorical characteristics, Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to evaluate the differences between people who have attended breast screening within two years and who have only attended more than two years ago. To determine the factors that may have an impact on the uptake of screening, generalized linear model with logit link function regarding binomial probability distribution was executed.ResultsThe responses of 2626 women between the age 45-65 were included in our study. In 2009 85% (n=741), in 2014 90% (n=851) and in 2019 87% (n=699) of the respondents claimed to have ever attended a breast screening in their life. In 2009 68% (n=594), in 2014 66% (n=630) and in 2019 64% (n=515) said that they have taken part in breast screening within two years (p=0.331). From 2014 to 2019 (AOR=0.72 [0.57-0.89]) the chance of attending breast screening was decreasing. We observed that both secondary (AOR=1.97 [1.60-2.44]) and tertiary educational level (AOR=2.23 [1.67-3.00]), higher perceived income (AOR=1.54 [1.25-1.90]), and more frequent meeting with the doctor (AOR=1.77 [1.39-2.27]) and with the specialist (AOR=1.88 [1.54-2.28]) appeared as protective factors of breast screening attendance.ConclusionsOur results show that the lifetime prevalence of breast screening participation is high, however the recommended biennial rate is relatively low. To increase the participation rate, various initiatives would be needed, especially for women in identified risk groups, which are lower educational level, lower perceived income, and less frequent meeting with the doctor and with the specialist.

Relationship satisfaction and self-esteem in patients with breast cancer and healthy women: the role of expected and actual personal projects support from the partner

BackgroundFor breast cancer patients, the partner’s support for personal projects can serve as a means of adaptation. We aimed to investigate the associations between the intimate partner’s personal project support and women’s well-being.MethodsA sample of 274 Hungarian women (breast cancer patients n = 137, control n = 137) took part in the study. Expected and actually received autonomy-, directive- and emotional project support was assessed by the procedure of Personal Project Assessment. Well-being was measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. For investigating the associations between project support and well-being in a multivariate way, structural equation modelling was used.ResultsExcept for autonomy support, participants expected more support than they received. A path model indicated multiple associations between types of project support and relationship satisfaction and self-esteem. The partner’s emotional project support was predictive of women’s relationship satisfaction and self-esteem, while directive support was predictive of self-esteem only. The associations showed similar patterns in the subgroups of patients with breast cancer and control.ConclusionsOur results highlight the importance of involving women’s subjective perspectives regarding the partner’s project support while also have implications for praxis. Teaching women how to communicate their needs to their partner effectively (whether it is the need for autonomy or directive guidance) can help close the gap between expected and received support, which may in turn enhance relationship satisfaction and self-esteem.

The Impact of Age and Body Composition on Bone Density among Office Worker Women in Hungary.

The study's aim was to investigate bone condition and see its associations with body composition and age among office worker women in Hungary. In total, 316 individuals participated in this study from Csongrad-Csanad county in 2019. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 62, with a mean of 41 years. A questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information, whereas body composition was measured using the Inbody 230, and bone density and bone quality were measured with the SONOST 3000 ultrasound device. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, correlation analysis, and an independent sample t-test. The results show that Body Fat Mass, Body Mass Index, Obesity Degree, and Percent Body Fat increase significantly as age increases, and Bone Quality Index and t-score decrease substantially. Furthermore, Bone Density and Bone Quality Index were positively influenced by most components of body composition. The differences between normal and osteopenia bone quality showed that Basal Metabolic Rate, Bone Mineral Content, Fat-Free Mass, Mineral Mass, Skeletal Lean Mass, and Skeletal Muscle Mass were lower in participants with osteopenia. Our results provide more evidence of the effects of body composition and age on bone density and quality. It was the first study in Hungary investigating this phenomenon, which could be useful for professionals and researchers who intend to understand the associations of bone density.

Hungarian Women's Health Care Seeking Behavior and Knowledge of Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Cross-sectional Study.

Adequate knowledge about pelvic floor disorders could lead to increased health care-seeking behavior, improved symptoms, and quality of life. The aims of the present study were to evaluate Hungarian women's knowledge about pelvic floor disorders and to assess health care-seeking behavior. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from March to October 2022 using self-administered questionnaires. The Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire was used to assess Hungarian women's knowledge about pelvic floor disorders. The International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form was used to gather information about the symptoms of urinary incontinence. Five hundred ninety-six women were included in the study. Urinary incontinence knowledge was deemed proficient in 27.7% of participants, while pelvic organ prolapse knowledge was deemed proficient in 40.4% of participants. Greater urinary incontinence knowledge was significantly associated (P < 0.001) with higher level of education (P = 0.016), work in a medical field (P < 0.001), and ever practiced pelvic floor muscle training (P < 0.001), whereas greater pelvic organ prolapse knowledge was significantly associated (P < 0.001) with higher level of education (P = 0.032), work in a medical field (P < 0.001), ever practiced pelvic floor muscle training (P = 0.017), and ever had pelvic organ prolapse (P = 0.022). Of the 248 participants who reported a history of urinary incontinence, only 42 (16.93%) women sought care. Care seeking was higher among women who were more knowledgeable about urinary incontinence and among women with more severe symptoms. Hungarian women had limited knowledge about urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Health care seeking among women with urinary incontinence was low.

Factors predicting birth satisfaction in Hungary

Birth satisfaction is influenced by demographic, obstetric and cognitive factors. There is a paucity of research on birth satisfaction in Hungary, despite the country displaying high rates of medical interventions during childbirth. A cross-sectional study was conducted online with 78 Hungarian women. Participants completed the Birth Satisfaction and the Birth Beliefs scales alongside a demographic and obstetric questionnaire. Birth satisfaction was associated with parity, place of birth, pain management methods, delivery mode and adherence to birth plan, as well as beliefs in birth as a medical process, but not with self-efficacy or birth beliefs as a natural process. However, when considered together, none of the variables predicted birth satisfaction, implying that other factors may be at play. Given the limited research on birth satisfaction in Hungary, these results constitute important foundations for further research.

Spurring Women to Action? Communist-led Women’s Trade Unionism Between the Hungarian Shop Floor and Top-level Internationalism, 1947 to 1959

ABSTRACT This exploratory article discusses the politics of promoting women’s trade unionism in Hungary and at the World Federation of Trade Unions from the late 1940s to the late 1950s. It examines the factors that propelled and restricted the development of these politics on, and shaped their travel between, the workplace and the national and international scales. In Hungary, a network of women trade unionists combined their alignment with the political and productivist sides of the project of “building socialism” with activities aimed at the cultural and social “elevation” of women workers and the promotion of their trade unionism. On the international plane, the position of the Central and Eastern European politics of women’s trade unionism was likewise, though very differently, impacted by the emphasis on “building socialism.” Within the women’s politics pursued by the WFTU internationally, the distinctions made between socialist, capitalist, and colonial countries translated into rather restrictive roles envisioned for Central European women’s trade unionism. For a variety of reasons, which were related to all scales of action, the connection between the WFTU’s politics of promoting women’s trade unionism and the activities developed by the Hungarian women trade unionists remained rather weak during the period.

Evaluation of the sarcopenia quality of life (SarQoL) questionnaire in community dwelling outpatient postmenopausal hungarian women

BackgroundSarcopenia is defined as an age-related progressive and systemic loss of muscle mass and function. World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health-related quality of life (QoL) states that health is considered “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”, and a decline in QoL is anticipated in individuals with sarcopenia. Beaudart et al. framed the concept of defining QoL in patients suffering from sarcopenia (SarQoL) based on fundamental procedures of QoL questionnaire development, expert recommendations and studies. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the discriminative power, internal consistency and floor and ceiling effects using data available from a sarcopenia study published recently, where the Hungarian version of the SarQoL questionnaire was also administered.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data from SarQoL questionnaire administered to a postmenopausal sarcopenia study cohort (n = 100) was scrutinized for evaluation of psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Our verification of the psychometric properties consisted of discriminative power analysis, assessment of internal consistency, and floor and ceiling effects. The homogeneity of the SarQoL questionnaire, i.e., its internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Correlation between the overall and domain SarQoL questionnaire scores and appendicular skeletal muscle mass in sarcopenic individuals was assessed. Furthermore, the difference of SarQoL overall and domain scores between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients was also evaluated.ResultsThe median (interquartile range (IQR)) overall SarQoL questionnaire score was 81.5 (67.1–91.5). There was a statistically significant lower overall SarQoL score comparing sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic subjects median (IQR): 75.3 (62.1–86.3) vs. 83.7 (71.4–92.1); p = 0.041). The sarcopenic subjects showed a statistically significant (p = 0.021) correlation between the overall SarQoL score and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (Spearman’s ϱ = 0.412). The overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.937 indicated a high internal consistency of the Hungarian version of the SarQoL questionnaire. No floor or ceiling effects were noted in the overall SarQoL questionnaire score.ConclusionIn our study on community dwelling outpatient postmenopausal Hungarian women, the overall score of the Hungarian version of the SarQoL questionnaire had significant discriminative power to distinguish between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients, had high internal consistency and no floor or ceiling effects.

Displaced Memoryscapes – Archives of Hungarian Women Authors from Post-Yugoslavia

AbstractThe article deals with archives of memoryscapes as remembered landscapes of a past society by Hungarian women authors from Yugoslavia. Divided into two separate cycles, it explores how an inhabited geography transgressed from the present into a past, and how it evolved via belletristic practices from the 1990s onward. The archive is therefore assessed as a cumulative development of text-worlds in prose, poetry, and drama by Hungarian women, who either remained in disintegrating Yugoslavia or emigrated to Hungary, both of which led mostly to uprootedness and a misinterpretation of their work. Accordingly, displaced as authors, who remember landscapes that are beyond official memory politics, their archive remained largely unnoticed and marginalised throughout the decades. Emerging in autobiographic writing and literary fiction equally, these memoryscapes are not idiosyncratic but are regulated and systemic representations of a time, a space, and a society. To display such a mnemonic agency, the article integrates the foucauldian notions of the archive with the thirdspace perspective of geocriticism within literary representation, as used in post-colonial thought. Eventually, this enables the exposition of the archive of these female memoryscapes of an ethnic minority not in relation to other “national” archives, or as auxiliary archives of a male perspective, but as a system of thirdspaces and representation in itself.