Investigate Gender Differences Research Articles

Migrant and Refugee Youth’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: A Gender Comparison of Knowledge, Behaviour, and Experiences

AbstractYoung adulthood is a crucial life stage, during which major sexual and reproductive health (SRH) development occurs, and gender norms are often entrenched. Australian migrant and refugee youth (MRY) have particular SRH experiences and vulnerabilities such as under-use of services, higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancy, and experiences of community and family stigma. There is limited research on how gender intersects with ethnicity, migrant status and age to inform understandings and realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Explorations of how gender shapes SRHR have typically been unilateral, focusing on one gender: there is a significant gap in scholarship investigating gender differences among MRY experiences of SRHR. This study will fill this gap, contributing to conceptual knowledge about the experience of SRHR among migrant and refugee youth. This cross-sectional study collected data from 107 MRY aged 15–27 years, living in Western Sydney, Australia. An online survey – including multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-text questions – examining behaviour, knowledge, attitudes, service utilisation and rights awareness was used. Key measures included knowledge of various contraceptives and STIs; vaccination rates; attitudes towards SRH taboos; and service use. Participants were recruited using snowball and purposive sampling, incorporating recruitment via social media, community and social service organisations, and word of mouth. Univariate descriptive analysis and bivariate gender analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS. Most participants were female (69%). Non-consensual experiences were gendered: there was a significant association between gender and being pressured into sex (p = < 0.001), with 45% of females experiencing pressure compared with 9% of males, and males significantly more comfortable discussing consent with partners than females (p = .011). Knowledge outcomes were, however, poorer among males, who had significantly lower contraceptive awareness (p = .023), and lower STI awareness. Service access was conspicuously low, with three quarters of participants unaware of local SRH services. Male participants were significantly more likely to select not applicable when asked which services they had used, indicating non-use. In attitudes towards key SRH taboos, females were consistently more liberal than males. Male and female MRY have gender-specific SRHR vulnerabilities. Issues of consent disproportionately impact young women, while males have lower service access and SRH knowledge. Future policy development must consider shared experiences – engaging youth with services – and gender-specific needs – targeting young men in SRH education, addressing continued consent issues.

Understanding Gender Dynamics in Teacher Educators' Computer Self-Efficacy

This study examines computer self-efficacy among teacher educators, defined as the confidence in one's ability to effectively utilize computer technology for educational purposes. The main aim is to investigate gender differences in self-efficacy across three competency levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, a self-constructed questionnaire containing 35 items was distributed to a purposive sample of 100 teacher educators, which included 61 female and 39 male participants. T-tests were employed to analyze the differences in self-efficacy scores between genders. The findings indicate no significant difference in self-efficacy at the basic competency level (t = 0.8391). In contrast, female educators displayed significantly higher self-efficacy scores in intermediate (t = 4.1417) and advanced competencies (t = 4.2159). Furthermore, female educators achieved an average score of 142.62 on the overall computer self-efficacy scale, notably exceeding the average score of 117.28 for male educators (t = 5.0717). Thus, the study reveals important gender dynamics in computer self-efficacy among teacher educators. It indicates that female educators tend to have greater confidence in their computer skills as they advance in competency levels. This highlights the need to address gender disparities in professional development initiatives and suggests that further research should explore the underlying factors that influence self-efficacy in technology use among educators.

Health and Wellness Coaching Can Improve Tobacco Quit Rates and Weight Management Efforts in an Employee Population.

This study aims to investigate gender differences in tobacco quit rates and weight gain among employees undergoing a cessation program with a health and wellness coach. This project was a retrospective observational study of an employee population. All data were collected during health coaching sessions by nationally certified health coaches. 211 men and women (116 males, 95 females, age 51.3 ± 9.9 years) enrolled in a Tobacco cessation health coaching program (TCHC) between January 2020 and December 2021. Data were compared between genders for quit rate, weight, body mass index (BMI), and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) usage across 12-month follow-ups. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, and independent samples t-test. Significantly more men than women successfully quit by the goal date set with their coach (P < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in tobacco use across 12 months, leading to the participant's quit date (P < 0.001). Women (Weight lost ± SD= 1.49 lbs. ±16.06 lbs.) lost significantly more weight than men (0.7 lbs. ± 8.5 lbs.; P < 0.001). NRT users lost significantly more weight than non-users (P = .007). Health and wellness coaching was effective for participants to successfully stop tobacco use while in this program by their quit date. The coaching program also elicited weight loss while achieving smoking cessation for both men and women.

Low Bone Mineral Density Is Associated with High-Frequency Hearing Impairment in Women Over 50: An Observational Study in Korea.

Osteoporosis and hearing impairment are known to be associated, but specific data regarding gender, bone mineral density (BMD) measurement sites, and hearing frequency ranges remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between hearing loss and BMD in adults over the age of 50. Additionally, the study sought to determine the frequency ranges of pure tone audiometry (PTA) related to osteoporosis, identify BMD measurement sites, and investigate gender differences. A total of 1,523 adults (651 men and 872 women) over the age of 50, who participated in a medical health check-up at a university hospital, were included. PTA was conducted to assess hearing, and BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar vertebrae (LV) and femur. In women over the age of 50, a significant association was observed between hearing impairment and osteoporosis (P<0.01), but no such association was found in men. Lumbar BMD (L1-4) in women was significantly associated with hearing loss at 4,000 and 8,000 Hz (both P<0.05), whereas femoral neck and total femur BMD showed no significant relationship. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) between osteoporosis and hearing threshold at 4,000 Hz (OR, 2.078; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.092-3.954) and 8,000 Hz (OR, 2.648; 95% CI, 1.543-4.544) remained statistically significant in women after adjusting for age and other risk factors. In women over the age of 50, low BMD at the LV is significantly associated with hearing impairment, particularly at the high frequencies of 4,000 and 8,000 Hz.

Gender differences in perceptions of leadership and their influence on motivation among faculty members of Taif University.

This study investigates gender differences in perceptions of leadership styles and their impact on faculty motivation at Taif University, Saudi Arabia, within the context of Islamic higher education. Utilizing a quantitative research method approach, the researcher gathered survey responses from 74 faculty members at Taif University. The investigation focused on three main areas: the significant gender differences in perceptions of leadership styles among faculty members at Taif University; the tendency of female faculty members to perceive transformational leadership styles more positively than their male counterparts; and the more favorable response of male faculty members to transactional leadership styles compared to female faculty members. The results of this study revealed significant gender differences, with female faculty members showing a preference for transformational leadership, while male faculty members responded more positively to transactional leadership. By adopting these findings, leaders at Taif University can participate positively on faculty members' motivation. In addition to that leadership practices can move toward sustainability, ensuring the continuous development of faculty, students, and resources. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of gender-based perceptions of leadership in an Islamic higher education setting and offer strategies for enhancing faculty motivation through tailored leadership approaches.

Abstract 4135655: Gender Differences in Invasive Angiography and Early Revascularization after Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Background: Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a first line tool for detecting CAD and assessing need for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Historically, women have higher cardiovascular mortality compared to men with similar coronary plaque burden, yet remain undertreated. This study aims to investigate gender differences in ICA rates and subsequent revascularization following CCTA. Methods: This study included adults who underwent CCTA between 2013-2019 at a single institution. CCTA stenosis severity was categorized as &lt;50%, 50-69% and ≥70%. Plaque burden was assessed by segment involvement score (SIS), defined as number of coronary segments with plaque. Outcomes included ICA and revascularization within 90 days of CCTA. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed after adjustment for demographic, clinical, and imaging variables. Results: Of 5,855 patients (mean age 61 years, 58% men) who underwent CCTA, 582 (9.9%) and 386 (6.6%) underwent ICA and revascularization, respectively. There was no significant difference in ICA rates between men and women with similar CCTA stenosis severity ( Figure 1A ; stenosis 50-69%: 17.9% vs. 19.2%, p=0.677; stenosis ≥70%: 53.8% vs. 58.3%: p=0.313). However, among patients with stenosis ≥70% who underwent ICA, men had significantly higher rates of revascularization ( Figure 1A . 80.1% vs. 69.2%, p=0.029). In multivariable analysis, male gender was an independent predictor of revascularization after adjustment for clinical characteristics, including CCTA stenosis severity and SIS (male gender: OR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.01-2.47, p=0.047). Of note, in patients with stenosis ≥70%, rates of revascularization in women were significantly lower in the early study period (years 2013-2015, p=0.020); however, the difference narrowed in the recent study period (years 2016-2019, p=0.309) ( Figure 1B) . Conclusion: There were comparable ICA rates between men and women. Women with severe stenosis (≥70%) by CCTA had significantly lower rates of revascularization, particularly in the early study period. These findings suggest a disparity in the management of CCTA-identified severe CAD, though it has demonstrated improvement in recent years.

Females wanna-be entrepreneurs need empathic heroes

PurposeDespite the well-documented importance of empathy and mentoring in entrepreneurship, there is a need for a deeper understanding of how empathy influences individuals’ “willingness to be mentored”.Design/methodology/approachThis paper investigates gender differences in “Willingness to be mentored” based on the mentor’s types of empathy (cognitive vs affective) and entrepreneurship (social vs for-profit). Drawing on the personal identification and the entrepreneurship literature, we measured the respondents’ “Willingness to be mentored” by manipulating the type of empathy and entrepreneurship and comparing its effect between male and female respondents. Primary survey data were collected from master’s degree students in entrepreneurship from diverse business schools. An explanatory qualitative study on female start-uppers complemented the findings.FindingsThe results from the quantitative study show that female respondents prefer to be mentored by an entrepreneur who exhibits some affective empathy rather than only cognitive empathy, with a preference for a social entrepreneur. The qualitative study confirms the evidence. This research contributes to the discussion on developing social capabilities to succeed in new ventures. It extends our understanding of the importance of empathic entrepreneurs as mentors to foster entrepreneurship among women.Originality/valueTheoretically, we demonstrate the existence of a gender difference in “Willingness to be mentored” based on the type of empathy displayed by the entrepreneur. Additionally, we introduce a new construct in the entrepreneurship literature, “Willingness to be mentored”, and differentiate it from “Attitude toward entrepreneurship”.

Community crime and safety: An investigation of gender differences in the daily stress process.

Few studies have investigated the associations between community crime rates and affective well-being, and how that relationship may differ according to gender. Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences and the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the current study examined gender differences between daily affective experiences, crime rates, and perceptions of neighborhood safety. Although feeling unsafe in one's neighborhood was related to worse affective well-being (i.e., higher negative affect/lower positive affect) and larger affective responses to daily stressors, crime rates were not. Women's negative affect was more strongly tied to daily stressors, whereas men's was more strongly tied to lower perceived neighborhood safety. Findings reveal the importance of understanding factors, such as gender, that impact safety concerns beyond that from crime. They also suggest that increasing visibility within communities might dissuade perpetrators and enhance residents' feelings of safety.

Exploring career choice and retention among engineering undergraduate students and systems engineers: A gender perspective

The underrepresentation of women in engineering is a significant concern. This study applies the social cognitive theory and the social career cognitive theory (SCCT) to investigate gender differences in engineering career choices. We examined reasons given by 19 systems engineers and 330 undergraduate engineering students for choosing engineering and categorizing them according to SCCT themes. We compared the distribution of reasons across themes and categories by career stage and gender. For engineers, the category &lt;i&gt;self-efficacy&lt;/i&gt; correlated significantly with &lt;i&gt;challenges and opportunities&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;current job suitability&lt;/i&gt; categories, and women engineers cited challenges mainly with work-life balance and the gender glass ceiling. Undergraduate students cited personal reasons more frequently than environmental ones, with behavioral reasons being the least common. The extended SCCT model includes the categories &lt;i&gt;challenges and opportunities&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;current job suitability&lt;/i&gt; within the behavioral theme, with the latter pertaining specifically to career retention. This research the set of provides insights into gender-dependent engineering career choice and retention by expanding the set of SCCT categories.

Where Are They Now? Attrition Rates of Emergency Medicine Residency Graduates by Gender

Prior studies examined the retention of women emergency physicians through residency training, but their career paths on completing residency are less well understood. Our primary objective was to identify a difference in attrition rates between binary genders of practicing clinical emergency physicians within 10 to 30 years after residency graduation. Our secondary aims investigated gender differences in geographic practice location, academic, and community practice. We hypothesized that women emergency physicians have higher rates of attrition from clinical practice than men. In this cohort study, we tracked employment over 10 to 30 years of graduates from allopathic emergency medicine residency programs established before 2005 and those who graduated before 2010. We obtained graduate lists from 21 residency programs representing geographically diverse training programs in the United States. We utilized public databases to investigate current licensure, board certification, practice location, and occupation for graduates more than 10 years after residency graduation. Physicians who do not practice clinically in emergency medicine or an emergency medicine subspecialty were placed in the "attrition" category. "Not available" was defined as those individuals who did not have adequate information available online. We analyzed differences in attrition of women and men emergency physicians in clinical practice in 2020. We also noted whether they worked in an academic or community setting and assessed their geographic clinical practice region. We identified a total of 4,170 graduates. Of those, 445 (10.6%) were excluded because of insufficient information. Of the 3,725 emergency medicine residency graduates, 71% were men. The attrition rate from clinical emergency medicine for men was 5.3% (95% confidence interval, 4.4% to 6.1%) and the attrition rate for women was 5.8% (95% confidence interval, 4.4% to 7.2%). The difference between the 2 proportions was -0.005 (95% confidence interval, -0.02 to 0.01). There were no gender differences in geographic location or practice type. We did not observe differences in attrition rates by gender in our sample from 21 programs over a 30-year period. The findings from this cohort are disparate from reports of recent emergency medicine graduates and identifying reasons for attrition of emergency physicians will be important to understanding the workforce needs of the future.

Error Climate and Gender as Factors Influencing Error Reactions in Primary School Children

Errors can support learning processes when students react to errors on an affectivemotivational adaptive and action-adaptive level. Empirical findings indicate that these adaptive reactions to errors are influenced, among others, by the error climate in the classroom as an overarching factor of different dimensions. There is further evidence that there are gender differences in student reactions to errors and that these are differently associated with the dimensions of the error climate. Less is known about the interaction between these variables and whether there are gender-specific differences in adaptive reactions to errors, specifically in primary schools. The aim of the study was to replicate findings on the relevance of error climate as an overarching factor and its dimensions for adaptive reactions to errors in primary school children. The study also investigated gender differences in student perceptions of the error climate, which may explain gender differences in students' adaptive reactions to errors. The sample encompassed third and fourth graders (N=675). Analyses at both the individual and class levels replicated findings from the secondary level for the primary level and revealed further gender-specific differences in student learning from errors that were associated with gender differences in primary school children’s perception of the error climate.

Gender Differences in Cognitive Function of Schizophrenia Patients

Objectives: Cognitive impairment is a fundamental symptom of schizophrenia, an often-overlooked aspect of the disorder that has gained recent attention due to its direct relation with functional outcomes and implications for medical and social costs. This study aims to investigate gender differences in cognitive function among patients with schizophrenia using Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (K-WAIS-IV).Methods: Data were collected from inpatients and outpatients treated at Presbyterian Medical Center between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia underwent evaluation with the K-WAIS-IV. Multivariate analysis of variance was utilized to assess cognitive differences between men and women participants, while correlation analysis was performed to explore associations between cognitive performance and clinical data.Results: Among 101 candidates, 26 male and 26 female patients were selected for analysis of their K-WAIS-IV scores and clinical data. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in cognitive function between male and female patients concerning Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and the four index scores: Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI). A trend indicating preserved verbal intelligence relative to performance intelligence was observed. Additionally, the VCI exhibited a positive correlation with age, while both FSIQ and PSI demonstrated positive correlations with years of education.Conclusion: The findings of this investigation suggest that there are no significant differences in cognitive function between male and female patients with schizophrenia via K-WAIS-IV. Given the heterogeneity of the sample and potential limitations of the neurocognitive assessments employed, further research utilizing more targeted methodologies and sensitive measures is warranted.

Difference in long-term mortality after takotsubo syndrome. The role of gender, socioeconomic profile, and psychological distress

Abstract Background While Takotsubo Syndrome is less common in men, their mortality rates surpass those of women. The influence of socioeconomic factors and psychological distress, remains unexplored in this context. The aim of the study was: 1) to investigate gender differences in socioeconomic profile, and psychological distress in patients with incident Takotsubo Syndrome. And 2) to investigate gender differences in survival in patients discharged alive after incident takotsubo syndrome when taking into account differences in socioeconomic profile and psychological distress. Method A nationwide cohort study using the Danish national registers was performed. All patients discharged alive from Danish hospitals with an incident Takotsubo Syndrome diagnosis between 2008 and 2018 were eligible. Socioeconomic factors covering marital status, cohabitation status, labour market attachment, highest formal education and family income, and psychological distress was explored, and compared. Multivariable Cox-regression models were performed to assess the mortality risk. Results A total of 662 patients with Takotsubo Syndrome were discharged alive from Danish hospitals. Of those, 79 (11.9%) were men with a median age of 67 years (IQR 62-77). Men with Takotsubo Syndrome were socioeconomically disadvantaged compared to their women counterparts, and this disparity was also reflected in mortality rates. Secondly, mortality within three years after an incident Takotsubo Syndrome diagnose was higher among men than women, HR 2.19, 95%CI 1.04-4.61, most pronounced among men with a low family income, HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.03-4.18, and increase in comorbidity score, HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06-1.43. Conclusion Results unveiled notable gender differences in the socioeconomic profile of individuals diagnosed with TS. Furthermore, the identified gender disparities in mortality can be attributed to socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors, the use of psychiatric medication as an indicator of psychological distress, and a greater comorbidity burden.Survival according to socioeconomy

Determining the Fitness Level of People with Down Syndrome Living in Kosovo Based on the ALPHA Protocol

Purpose: This study aimed to establish national norm values for body composition and fitness levels among individuals with Down syndrome. It also aimed to investigate gender differences in body composition features and fitness parameters, analyze the impact of the region where individuals with Down syndrome reside, and compare their fitness levels with international peers. Methods: The sample included 81 participants, 40 females (height: 146.6±4.88 cm, weight: 63.6±16.4 kg) and 41 males (height: 157.4±6.21 cm, weight: 66.8±14.8 kg). To assess the physical fitness levels of the participants with Down syndrome, a modified version of the ALPHA testing protocol was used. Findings: The results demonstrated significant gender differences (p&amp;lt;0.05) in body composition and fitness parameters, with males generally exhibiting better outcomes compared to females. Moreover, significant disparities (p&amp;lt;0.05) in body composition and fitness parameters were observed among individuals with Down syndrome residing in different regions of Kosovo. Noteworthy gender disparities exist in terms of body composition and physical fitness metrics, with male participants achieving superior results compared to their female counterparts. Furthermore, noticeable variations were observed among the regional Down syndrome centers, with participants from older centers displaying improved fitness metrics and body composition features compared to those from newly established facilities. Conclusion: Gender differences in body composition and fitness were evident, with males outperforming females, except in muscle mass. Future studies should explore fitness and health barriers in Kosovo's DS population, with a focus on improving physical activity through tailored strategies.

Which Attributes Explain Gender Differences in Impostor Syndrome Scores in Medicine and Health Sciences Students: A Secondary Multivariate Analysis

Impostor Syndrome (IS) is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds, despite evidence of success. This study investigates gender differences in IS among 753 medical and health sciences students and graduates, using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. We aim to discern item-specific gender disparities in IS manifestations and develop a canonical variable that encapsulates these differences. Our findings reveal significant disparities: women display higher scores related to self-doubt and fear of failure, while specific IS aspects in men are associated with overcompensation. These insights suggest the need for gender-specific educational and clinical strategies to address IS in medicine and health sciences. By employing a multivariate analysis of variance, this study refines our understanding of how IS differently affects genders, aiding in the design of targeted interventions that can enhance well-being and professional efficacy among future healthcare professionals. Such strategies are crucial, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments to foster resilience in these high-stakes fields.

Gender Stereotypes in Slovakia and Portugal

The aim of the article is to compare selected indicators of gender equality investigated in the Slovak Republic and allegedly currently published in Portugal. This intention resulted from the previous cooperation of the authors with Portuguese colleagues in the given field. An important part of this article will also concern the conducted research study, which focuses on the investigation of gender differences in managerial positions. We will search an employment in managerial positions in terms of gender and the amount of salary for managerial work done at the same level. Work experience in a managerial position, regardless of its level and industry, will be a condition of the research. The research sample consists of randomly selected managers of a selected region of various countries. An instrumentalism is a questionnaire survey with subsequent statistical processing. The form we use is an electronic form and disseminated through social networks in such a way that the anonymity of the respondents is fully preserved. The mentioned research study will present one of the possible approaches to the investigation of the issue of gender differences in managerial positions.

Gender Differences in the Relationship between Physical Activity, Postural Characteristics and Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Young Adults.

Background/Aim: University students are a particularly vulnerable population, as they spend increasing amounts of time sitting, which poses a major threat to their musculoskeletal health and posture. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate gender differences in the relationships between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior, spinal curvatures and mobility, the endurance and balance of the trunk muscles, and the possible presence of non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) in young adults aged 18-25 years. Methods: A total of 139 students completed all required tests. Results: Male students engaged in significantly more PA related to recreation, sports and leisure and were significantly more likely to be hyperkyphotic than female students. The more the male students participated in sports, the more pronounced the thoracic kyphosis. Female students had significantly more pronounced lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt that correlated with lumbar lordosis. Female students generally had significantly higher trunk extensor endurance and more balanced trunk musculature than males. NS-LBP correlated with PA in female students who generally had higher levels of NS-LBP than male students, with a statistically significant difference between those who practiced the most PA. Conclusions: Our results suggest that female students practice less PA and have pronounced lordosis and trunk extensor endurance, in contrast to males who practice more PA and have pronounced trunk flexor endurance and hyperkyphosis. Our findings suggest that more PA should be encouraged but implemented with caution and as an individualized gender-specific approach to prevent postural deformities and chronic musculoskeletal disorders, including NS-LBP.

Counselling needs of secondary school students during the post-COVID-19 period

This study investigates the counselling needs of secondary school students as they face challenges in the post-pandemic era. It examines six domains of counselling needs: personal development, academic, family, emotional, peer relationships, and career development. A sample of 400 students from four secondary schools was selected using a cluster sampling technique. The study, which employed the quantitative research method, utilised the Secondary School Students' Counselling Needs Assessment Instrument to gather data from the respondents. The analysis revealed a significant gap between students' desired and current needs across all six counselling domains, with personal development emerging as the most required by the students, followed by academic, emotional, career development, peer relationships, and family needs. The study also investigated gender differences in counselling needs, showing that while both male and female students share similar patterns of counselling needs, female students have shown larger gap scores, which indicate gender-specific counselling needs that school counsellors must recognise and address in their intervention strategies. The research findings emphasise the need for school counsellors to develop tailored intervention programmes that specifically address the highlighted needs, providing students with necessary support as they navigate the evolving educational landscape of the post-pandemic era. The study highlights the vital role of responsive counselling services in promoting students' well-being and academic success, ensuring they are equipped to adapt to the new educational and social challenges they face.

An Investigation of Gender Differences in E-Commerce Shopping Frequency During COVID-19: Evidence From Türkiye

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s daily lives, individuals’ shopping habits have begun to change. This study investigates factors associated with citizens’ e-commerce shopping frequency, taking into account gender differences during COVID-19. The study utilized the Household Information Technologies Usage Survey microdata set conducted by TurkStat in 2021. Various factors related to citizens’ e-commerce shopping frequency, specifically considering gender differences during the COVID-19 period, were examined using the generalized ordered logit model. According to the research results, the frequency of e-commerce shopping inversely decreases with age for both men and women. The number of e-commerce purchases made by individuals, regardless of gender, increases in direct proportion to their education levels. Additionally, as individuals’ incomes rise, their engagement in e-commerce purchases increases. Men who actively search for information about products and services are more likely to participate in e-commerce compared to those who do not. This dynamic differs for women based on the quantity of their intakes. Regarding gender distribution, it was determined that, moving from east to west, women make more e-commerce purchases than men. For both local governments and service providers, developing healthier, sustainable, and more predictable policies and strategies for extraordinary situations such as pandemics is crucial. Businesses are recommended to build customer and supplier portfolios, focusing on areas such as platform accessibility, inventory management, distribution, transportation, and payment methods. Strengthening infrastructure and keeping systems up-to-date are also crucial for effectively responding to consumer demands.

Gender differences in e-cigarette knowledge, attitudes, and practice among adults in Bahrain: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionE-cigarettes smoking is a global health concern due to its associated risks and unexpected rise in e-cigarette smoking among adults and nonsmokers. This study aims to investigate gender differences in e-cigarette knowledge, attitude, and practice among adults in Bahrain.MethodsThe data was collected using an online questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, reporting mean and SD for continuous variables, frequencies, and percentages for categorical variables. A chi-square test was conducted to assess the association between variables and gender with a significance level of p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 555 participants completed the questionnaire, with the majority being females (66.8%), with a mean age of 31 (SD 8.5). Among respondents, 23.2% were smokers with a higher percentage of male smokers 58.7% compared to female smokers 5.7%. E-cigarette smoking was prevalent among 18% of participants, with 86% of them being male e-cigarette smokers compared to 14% of female e-cigarette smokers. The chi-square test showed that there was statistical significance between males and females when it comes to knowledge and attitudes toward e-cigarette smoking (p = 0.000). Males have inadequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward e-cigarette smoking compared to females. There was no statistical difference in the analysis of practice between both genders.ConclusionE-cigarette smoking is very prevalent among adults in Bahrain, especially among males. Educational interventions and robust laws and policies should be implemented to address this issue and contribute to improving community health.