Differences In Marital Status Research Articles

Effects of Adult Men’s Lifestyle on Scalp Health

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the association of dietary habits and general characteristics of adult Korean men with scalp conditions.Methods: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0 was used for data analysis, with a <i>p</i>-value of 0.05 indicating significance. Frequency analysis was conducted to investigate participants’ general characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to validate the measurement tool and Cronbach’s α coefficient verified reliability. Cross-tabulation was used to explore dietary habits and differences by general characteristics. Independent sample <i>t</i>-test and one-way analysis of variance were utilized to investigate scalp condition following general characteristics and dietary habits, with the Scheffe test used for post-hoc analysis.Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in dietary habits (<i>p</i><0.05), with the low-intake group demonstrating relatively higher scalp conditions than the high-intake group (M=2.27 vs. M=2.10). Analysis by general characteristics revealed significant differences in age, marital status, occupation, stress, sleep, exercise, shampoo type, and frequency (<i>p</i><0.05).Conclusion: Individuals with healthier dietary habits exhibited better scalp conditions. Poorer scalp conditions were associated with older age, higher stress levels, shorter sleep duration, and poor exercise habits. Balanced dietary habits, effective stress management, improved sleep quality, and regular exercise are required for maintaining a healthy scalp. Further investigation on systematic management is warranted.

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Thoughts Regarding Life-Sustaining Treatment for Oneself and Family Members.

This study aims to investigate the thoughts of the general population regarding life-sustaining treatment for both oneself and family members and to assess the factors associated with those thoughts. A total of 1,500 individuals participated in this study by completing a questionnaire consisting of self-reporting items with some instructions, basic demographic information, thoughts on life-sustaining treatment, and psychosocial scales. The disease status was calculated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. The psychosocial scales included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The majority of participants did not want to receive life-sustaining treatment for both themselves and their families. However, more people wanted life-sustaining treatment for their family members (35.9%) than for themselves (21.6%). Among the basic demographic characteristics, there were significant differences in age, sex, marital status, living arrangements, occupational status, religion, and disease status. Regarding the psychosocial scales, there were significant differences in the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores between the group that preferred life-sustaining treatment for family members and the group that did not. The findings suggest that life-sustaining treatment decisions for oneself and for one's family members can be different. We recommend a more clear expression of one's preferences regarding the last moments of one's life, including advance directives.

Assessment of Knowledge and Awareness Levels of Lipoma and Simple Surgical Excision Among Adults in Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Lipoma is a soft tissue tumor primarily composed of fat cells. These slow-growing, painless, subcutaneous nodules can occur in any place in the body where fat is present. Our study aims to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of Makkah region inhabitants regarding lipomas and the surgical excision method. Methodology This study used a cross-sectional methodology to evaluate the general public's knowledge regarding lipomas and the surgical excision method using a self-administered questionnaire in the Makkah region from January to April 2024. Results A total of 367 participants were included, with the majority (56.10%) aged between 18 and 29 years. The survey revealed that 48.50% had heard about lipomas, 42.80% lacked any knowledge about them, and 26.70% acquired their information via social media. Furthermore, 31.60% believed it to affect both genders equally, 46.60% admitted uncertainty, 20.40% correctly identified that lipomas can occur at any age, and 39.80% were uncertain. Overall, 57.20% correctly identified lipomas as benign tumors composed of fat cells. Opinions diverged on whether lipomas cause pain, with 46.90% being uncertain. Moreover, 25.90% of respondents thought that surgery was the sole option for removing a lipoma, while 38.10% recognized the risk of lipoma recurrence after surgical removal. Overall, 85.60% reported never being diagnosed with a lipoma, while 4.10% had been diagnosed, predominantly with single lipomas 6.00%. There were significant differences in the participants' marital status, with widowed people exhibiting the greatest awareness level, followed by single people. Conclusions Our study findings indicate a moderate level of awareness about lipomas among residents of the Makkah region. However, there are significant gaps in understanding various aspects of lipomas, including their characteristics, treatment options, and demographic distribution.

Quality of life and socioeconomic and educational status in patients with congenital hypothyroidism.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) on quality of life, level of education and socioeconomic status (SES). Two independent study cohorts, a national and a regional, were collected from Finnish national registers and patient records. Data on social security benefits, SES, marital status, and education were collected from Statistics Finland. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was studied in the regional patient cohort with the standardized 15D and 16D instruments. There were no statistically significant differences in education level, marital status, or SES between CH patients (n = 40) and their matched controls at the age of 25 years. The mean 15D score was both statistically significantly and clinically importantly lower in CH patients (n = 29) than controls (0.904 vs. 0.953, p = 0.008). CH patients reported significantly lower scores across various dimensions of physical and mental HRQoL, including breathing, sleeping, speech, excretion, mental function, distress, and vitality. The mean 16D score was lower in CH patients compared to controls (0.917, vs. 0.947), but without statistical significance. SES of CH patients did not differ from matched controls. Thus, most CH patients integrate well into society, but their HRQoL is impaired. Most patients with primary congenital hypothyroidism integrate well into society. In the current study, their socioeconomic and marital status did not differ from matched controls at the age of 25 years. However, health-related quality of life measured using 15D instrument was impaired. Every fourth patient reported that congenital hypothyroidism influenced everyday life.

Effectiveness and intention to use a COVID-19 self-management app for epidemiological investigation: a web-based survey study.

Numerous COVID-19-related apps were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among them, those supporting epidemiological investigations were particularly useful. This study explored the effectiveness of apps that support epidemiological investigations, factors influencing users' intention to use them, and ways to encourage their use. We developed and evaluated the KODARI app to demonstrate its importance in epidemiological investigations. After adapting a questionnaire based on an existing evaluation framework for COVID-19-related apps, we collected data from 276 participants through an online survey conducted between April 28 and May 25, 2023. We conducted two independent sample t-tests to determine the differences between each variable according to demographic characteristics and a multiple regression analysis to identify factors affecting intention to use. Users were generally satisfied with the KODARI. We observed differences in sex, age, marital status, occupational characteristics, and experience with epidemiological investigation. Females rated the app's information accuracy higher than males. Males had a higher intention to use than females. Participants aged under 35 years rated information accuracy and transparency highly, whereas single participants rated information accuracy higher than married participants. Occupational groups with frequent interactions with others evaluated their self-determination regarding the application. The app's self-determination was highly valued among participants with experience in epidemiological investigations. By investigating the factors affecting the intention to use the app, we confirmed that effectiveness, self-determination, and usability significantly affected the intention to use. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of app supporting epidemiological investigations, identified meaningful factors that influence intention to use, and confirmed the applicability of our new framework by considering the specificity of infectious disease situations such as COVID-19. This study provides a new basis for future epidemiological studies.

Gender disparity in maintenance hemodialysis units in South India: a cross-sectional observational study.

Diseases manifest differently according to gender in many medical specialties. However, sex differences in kidney diseases have not been well explored worldwide, especially in India. These differences could also be attributed to sociocultural factors. Although CKD is more prevalent in women worldwide, most men are initiated on kidney replacement therapy (KRT). This study aimed to examine sex disparities in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in two maintenance hemodialysis units at the Institute of Nephrourology, a tertiary care referral government center in Bengaluru, India. Demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters were also recorded. In total, 374 adult patients (aged >18 years) were included in the study. Most patients (72.7%) were men. Mean age in men was 46.95 ± 12.65 years, and women was 46.63 ± 13.66 years. There was no significant difference in marital status and the availability of caretakers between the groups. Spouses were the predominant caretakers for both sexes (64% men and 51% women, P = 0.14). Sons cared more for patients with mother than fathers (19.6% vs 8.8%, P = 0.074). Diabetic nephropathy was the most common cause of ESKD in both groups (33.1% vs 31.3%, P = 0.92). Men had a significantly longer duration of HTN and received more HD sessions per week than women. Mean hemoglobin (9.9 ± 1.79 vs 9.46 ± 1.47 g%) and mean serum creatinine (7.76 ± 2.65 vs 6.41 ± 2.27 mg/dl) were higher in men compared to women (P <0.002). Intradialytic complications, such as hypotension and cramps, were significantly more common in women than in men (P = 0.004). Most men (47.1%) were planning a kidney transplant (and were waitlisted) compared with fewer women (43%). There was no significant difference in the average number of hospitalizations per month or HD vintage. Women tend to initiate dialysis later, and a lesser number are waitlisted for kidney transplantation, which might be partly related to varying access to or delivery of health care services. Factors such as lack of education, insufficient identification of and strategies to address cultural obstacles to healthcare, and a shortage of financial means to afford medical care are potentially correctable elements that might explain this discrepancy.

Gender, Age and Marital Status Differences in Anger Expression Among Tumu College of Education Students

Gender, Age and Marital Status Differences in Anger Expression Among Tumu College of Education Students

Challenges to epilepsy management in Rwandan women living with epilepsy.

In Rwanda, epilepsy prevalence ranges between 29‰ and 49‰. Many women living with epilepsy (WwE) are of childbearing age. Epilepsy characteristics and management, contraception, pregnancy, puerperium and stigma in WwE presenting at the neurology clinic of Ndera, Rwanda, were investigated. This prospective cross-sectional study investigated demographics, epilepsy characteristics, treatment, contraception, folic acid use, pregnancy, puerperium and stigma in WwE aged ≥18 years. Subgroups were analysed by status of any pregnancy and time of epilepsy diagnosis relative to pregnancy, with significant differences expected. During December 2020 and January 2021, a hundred WwE were enrolled (range 18-67 years). Fifty-two women had never been pregnant, 39 women had epilepsy onset before pregnancy and nine were diagnosed after pregnancy. No significant differences in age, marital status or occupation were observed. Contraception was used by 27%, of whom 50% were taking enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic medication. Valproate was used by 46% of WwE of reproductive age. Thirty-nine women with epilepsy onset before pregnancy reported 91 pregnancies, with 14% spontaneous abortions. None used folic acid before conception, and 59% only during pregnancy. Five of 78 newborns were preterm. No offspring had major congenital malformations. Nearly 25% of WwE were not compliant with their anti-epileptic medication schedule during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Internalized stigma was observed in more than 60%. Up to 25% had been discriminated against at school or work. A comprehensive strategy considering the reproductive health and societal challenges of WwE is needed to drive optimal epilepsy management, reproductive health outcomes and societal inclusion.

Understanding the effects of nutrition and mental health conditions for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD).

The ravaging effects of the opioid epidemic have affected our communities locally and nationally and are multifaceted in their cause and treatment. It is imperative to locate multiple modalities of treatment options and care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) including developing healthy nutrition habits and addressing mental health concerns. Understanding patient perceptions of their personal nutrition habits and mental health status is imperative to providing holistic care in the OUD patient population. An anonymous 31-question Likert-scale and multiple-choice survey was administered to patients with an International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) code in their electronic medical record of OUD (N = 124). χ2 and Fisher's exact test where appropriate were performed to determine the demographics of survey participants who acknowledged history of OUD compared to those who did not acknowledge a history of OUD. Log-binomial models were used to generate adjusted prevalence ratios. Of the 117 patients identified using ICD-10 codes from their medical records as having OUD, only 63 patients acknowledged having a history of OUD, while 54 patients did not. A univariate analysis showed differences in marital status for patients with a self-identified history of OUD. They were also more likely to not be married (divorced or single) (p < 0.01). Patients also tended to be younger than 50 years of age (p < 0.01) and non-White (p < 0.01). There were no differences seen for patients with a history of OUD in the categories of employment (p = 0.31) status or sex (p = 0.51). Patients who acknowledged a history of OUD were significantly more likely to understand the relationship between a healthy diet and reducing the intensity of opioid cravings (p = 0.01) and more likely to consider using nutrition to help combat opioid cravings (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in overall health or the use of supplements as a part of opioid use treatment. Significant differences were found between those acknowledging a history of OUD having higher rates of depression (p = 0.02) and anxiety (p = 0.02) treatment, despite there not being differences in condition rates for these two conditions (depression, p = 0.08; anxiety, p = 0.27) between the groups. Patients with patient-confirmed OUD were more likely to receive medication treatment (p = 0.03) than those without this acknowledgment. A similar disease burden of anxiety and depression existed for patients acknowledging OUD as opposed to patients denying OUD. However, significant differences existed between these groups in medication treatment, with those acknowledging OUD having higher rates of being treated for both depression and anxiety. Understanding a patient's mental health condition(s) can be impactful for the treatment of OUD. Multifaceted treatment options should include addressing nutritional deficiencies that impact cravings and long-term healing for patients. Nutrition and mental health are key parts of a multifaceted treatment modality for patients dealing with OUD. Assisting patients in treatment for depression and anxiety as well as nutrition can change the trajectory of a patient's opioid use recovery.

Decomposing differences in the chronic disease condition between rural and urban older adults in China: a cross-sectional analysis.

With the increasing in aging in China, there has been an increase in older adults suffering from chronic diseases. However, little is known about the differences in chronic disease conditions between rural and urban older adults. The objective of this study is to identify chronic disease conditions and investigate the factors that cause differences in chronic disease conditions between urban and rural older adults. The data are from the fourth wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The coarsened exact matching (CEM) method was used to reduce the biases for a comparative study. After the CEM method, this study included 5,927 participants aged 60 and above. Chronic disease condition was used as the indicator to measure the health of older adults. Specifically, Fairlie's decomposition analysis was carried out to discover the differences in chronic disease conditions between urban and rural older adults. The study showed that the proportion of those suffering from chronic diseases was significantly higher among urban older adults (51.26%) than rural older adults (46.56%). In those suffering from chronic diseases, there were significant differences in gender, education level, minorities, religiosities, duration of sleep, drinking alcohol, social activity, insurance, and socioeconomic status between rural and urban older adults, while in those not suffering from chronic diseases, there were significant differences in age, education level, marital status, drinking alcohol, social activity, insurance, region, and socioeconomic status between rural and urban older adults. For rural older adults, those who were widowers [Odds ratios (OR): 1.267], who drink alcohol (OR: 1.421), and having government medical insurance (OR: 4.869) had higher odds of having chronic diseases. However, those who were in high school and above (OR: 0.802), reporting a duration of sleep of 4-8 h (OR: 0.745) or above 8 h (OR: 0.649), having social activity (OR: 0.778), and having the most affluent socioeconomic status (OR: 0.778) had lower odds of having chronic diseases. As for urban older adults, those who were aged 65-74 years (OR: 1.246) and had government medical insurance (OR: 2.362) had higher odds of having chronic diseases. Fairlie's decomposition analysis indicated that 23.57% of the differences in chronic diseases conditions could be traced to duration of sleep, drinking alcohol, social activity, and region. This study illustrated that the proportion of chronic diseases was higher among urban older adults than rural older adults. Considering duration of sleep, drinking alcohol, region, social activity, and region, the study demonstrated health differences between urban and rural older adults and provided evidence for policy-making to narrow the health gap between urban and rural areas.

Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and its Impact on Public Mental Health in Rural versus Urban Population of Sindh, Pakistan: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an immense public mental health threat. Asia has a great mix of rural and urban populations which differ in health-care facilities. Its virulence is escalating the psychological impact but its epidemiological dynamics are still needed to be explored. Therefore, we explored the prevalence of COVID-19 and its impact on public mental health in rural versus urban adults aged 18–65 years in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Sindh, Pakistan, from April to July 2021. Stratified random sampling was used for 1494 respondents. Seven rural and urban districts were chosen. After informed consent, information on demographics, depression, and anxiety was collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS version 26 with mean ± standard deviation for continuous and frequency (percentages) for categorical variables. t-test and Chi-square test were applied at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 was found to be 20.9% in Sindh, Pakistan. Among 1494 respondents, the rural–urban distribution was 757 (50.7%) and 737 (49.3%) with females on the slightly higher side (774 [51.9%]). There was a statistically significant difference in age, household members, earning members, gender, marital status, and occupation. Prevalence of depression and anxiety was 42.2% and 85.5%, respectively. Both were statistically significant for rural–urban populations with P &lt; 0.001 for depression and P = 0.003 for anxiety. Conclusion: The study showed a significant difference in the public mental health of the equitable rural versus urban population of Sindh, Pakistan, during the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires strategies by policymakers.

MARITAL BIOGRAPHY AND ACCELERATED AGING: EVIDENCE FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY

Abstract It is well-established that marriage promotes health and longevity. While a large body of research has examined marital status differences in health, no studies have focused on how marital status is linked to biological age. Moreover, the association between marital biography – transitions in and out of marriage across the life course – and biological aging also remains to be explored. Biological age, which refers to the “physiological functioning relative to the average physiological state at a specific chronological age,” has been steadily gaining attention as a measure indicative of an individual’s health status. In this study, we advance the literature on marital status and health by examining how marital status and marital transitions are associated with biological aging among a representative sample of U.S. older adults. We use an expanded measure of biological age that incorporates 22 biological indicators, more than half of which were not used in previous studies, to better assess how marital experiences shape accelerated aging. Using data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study, we find that the pace of aging of those who have experienced one disruption is not statistically different from those continuously married. However, for both currently and previously married individuals, the experience of multiple marital disruptions is associated with accelerated aging. Health behaviors account for the association between multiple marital disruptions and accelerated aging for previously married older adults but not for currently married older adults. Psychosocial resources did not mediate the influence of marital biography on accelerated aging.

Factors impacting fertility anxiety among Chinese young women with marital status differences

BackgroundChina's societal and cultural significance placed on female fertility and the changing roles of women can lead to fertility anxiety in both married and unmarried women. This anxiety is shaped by factors such as social media use, intergroup emotions, fertility risk perceptions, and national policies. This study examines the interplay of these factors in understanding fertility anxiety among Chinese women. MethodsThis study surveyed 607 young Chinese women using the Fertility Anxiety Scale developed by Zhang and Zhao. Mplus software was used for latent class analysis of respondents' fertility anxiety. A three-step approach with multinomial logistic regression was used to explore factors influencing fertility anxiety among married and unmarried women. ResultsThe latent class analysis supported a two-category model: “high fertility anxiety” (65.70 % married, 53.70 % unmarried) and “low fertility anxiety” (34.30 % married, 46.30 % unmarried). Multinomial logistic regression showed that increased social media usage intensity and perception of health-family risks correlated with higher fertility anxiety in both married and unmarried women. Among unmarried women, intergroup emotions and perceptions of occupational-economic risks also influenced fertility anxiety. Attention to national policies did not significantly impact fertility anxiety among young women. ConclusionThis study sheds light on the complex interplay of societal and individual factors in shaping fertility anxiety among young Chinese women. It underscores the enduring cultural significance placed on female fertility and the evolving roles of women in modern China. Regardless of their marital status, both married and unmarried women experience fertility anxiety, highlighting the pervasiveness of this concern.

Marital Status and Happiness During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study examines the long-observed marital advantage in happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic may have altered the marital advantage in happiness due to changes in social integration processes. However, this has not been explored in previous studies. Data were from the COVID-19 substudy of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N=2622). A series of regressions were estimated to understand marital status differences in pandemic happiness and changes in relationships with non-resident family and friends. Karlson-Holm-Breen mediation analysis was conducted to examine whether relationships with non-resident family and friends explained the marital association with pandemic happiness. From pre-pandemic to pandemic, married respondents experienced a greater increase in unhappiness than unmarried counterparts, narrowing happiness gaps. However, unmarried individuals, including cohabiting, divorced, widowed, and never married individuals, continued to report higher levels of unhappiness during the pandemic than married peers. These differences primarily stemmed from pre-pandemic happiness. After controlling for pre-pandemic happiness, cohabiting, widowed, and never married older adults did not significantly differ from their married counterparts in reporting unhappiness during the pandemic. In contrast, divorced individuals remained consistently more unhappy than married individuals during the pandemic, mainly due to deteriorated relationship quality with non-resident family. During a global crisis, it is crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers to develop innovative interventions to promote happiness and healthy aging among all older adults, paying special attention to those who are divorced.

COVID-19 information source and behavior preference in later life: the role of health satisfaction, socio-demographic background, and country of residence

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to clarify how health satisfaction, socio-demographic background, and country of residence in older internet users correspond with their preference for COVID-19 information sources or for behaviors aimed at acquiring this information. Methods The sample (N = 4233) was drawn from the 2020 wave of the Ageing + Communication + Technologies (ACT) cross-national longitudinal research study. Multinomial and logistic regression models were employed to analyze the data. Results An association was found between health satisfaction and preference for interpersonal communication to obtain COVID-19 information over traditional media consumed via traditional devices. Substantial socio-demographic (gender, age, education, marital status) differences were found, particularly regarding preference for digital media. Moreover, sizable cross-country differences were detected. Conclusions The results point to the existence of a remarkable divide with respect to the COVID-19 information source/behavior preference even in a digitally advantaged population. Public decision makers and communities should be more involved in assisting older adults to obtain necessary and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

Study on the Consumers’ Satisfaction Extension for Self-service Technology and the Role of Demographic Characteristics in Hong Kong Fast-food Restaurants During the COVID-19 Epidemic

This study explores the effects of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, service speed, and perceived enjoyment on experience satisfaction and experience extension when Hong Kong fast-food restaurant consumers use self-service technology and the impact of different consumer characteristics on the degree of different experience satisfaction. Using a mixed research method, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, using focus groups and literature discussions as the collection of qualitative data, using interview questionnaires and large-scale questionnaires as the collection of quantitative data. Moreover, recovering effective data by snowballing is one of the non-probability methods. There are 315 questionnaires in total. Using the SPSS system to analyze the collected data, the results show that all factors are essential, and the relationship between each group of variables is positively correlated. Age, gender, and education level of consumer characteristics all have significant differences in experience satisfaction, while income and marital status have no significant differences in experience satisfaction. It is recommended that policymakers, technology providers, and industry work together to improve existing technologies and allow seniors to have a more inclusive experience, reduce the gap in experience satisfaction among consumers with different educational levels, and increase the satisfaction of the self-service experience of consumers with lower education levels.

FRI525 Gender Differences In Fears Related To Low Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer And Its Treatment

Abstract Disclosure: A.M. Sawka: None. S. Ghai: None. L. Rotstein: None. J.C. Irish: None. J.D. Pasternak: None. P.J. Gullane: None. E. Monteiro: None. J. Su: None. W. Xu: None. J.M. Jones: None. A. Gafni: None. N.N. Baxter: None. D.P. Goldstein: None. Background: It is important to understand the fears of individuals newly diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) to optimize patient counselling and supportive care. Our aim was to explore for potential gender differences in fears experienced by individuals with PTC prior to treatment. Methods: In this prospective study conducted in Toronto, Canada, we enrolled patients with untreated small low risk PTC (&amp;lt; 2 cm in maximal diameter), and offered them the choice of thyroidectomy or active surveillance (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03271892). All participants had a surgical consultation prior to assessment. Participants completed Fear of Progression (Short Form) and Fear of Surgery (referring to thyroidectomy) questionnaires, prior to making a decision on PTC management. We also evaluated potential fears that were specific to thyroidectomy (e.g. voice change, thyroid hormone treatment, hypocalcemia, and scar appearance). Total fear scores were calculated for the respective questionnaires. We compared data collected in women and men and explored for factors associated with respective fears using multivariable linear regression analyses. Results: We included 153 women of mean age 50.7 years (standard deviation, SD 15.0) and 47 men of mean age 56.3 years (SD 13.8). There were no significant differences in primary tumor size, marital status, education, parental status, or employment status of women and men. On a scale of 5 to 60 (where 60 is the worst), the mean total fear of disease progression questionnaire score was 26.2 (SD 9.7) in women and 23.0 (SD 9.2) in men (p=0.031). On a scale of 0 to 80 (80 being the worst), the mean total surgical fear questionnaire score was 34.1 (SD 20.3) in women and 22.0 (17.9) in men (p&amp;lt;0.001). Women were also more fearful than men about potential postoperative change in voice (p=0.001), hypocalcemia (p=0.003), and scar appearance (p&amp;lt;0.001). In respective multivariable linear regression analyses, age group (p&amp;lt;0.001) was independently inversely associated with fear of disease progression, whereas being a woman was independently associated with surgical fear (p=0.002). Conclusions: Demographic factors appear to be associated with fears of low-risk PTC patients who are considering primary disease management. Younger patients may have a greater fear of disease progression while women may have a greater fear of the morbidity from thyroidectomy. These factors may be important to consider in patient counselling. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Gender Differences in Self-Reported Oral Health–Related Quality of Life Among Older Men and Women at Two Midwest Senior Centers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in functional, psychosocial, and pain-related consequences of oral health among older men and women at two Midwest senior centers. Method: The Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used to assess self-reported oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older men and women at two Midwest senior centers. Researchers also collected demographic information, including age, gender, marital status, level of education, annual income, and ethnicity. Results: Older women reported significantly lower overall OHRQoL than men did, and this difference was not better explained as being due to differences in annual income or marital status. Furthermore, women scored significantly lower on the Physical Functioning and Psychosocial Functioning subscales of the GOHAI, while women also had lower average scores on the Pain/Discomfort subscale. This difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Older women were reportedly more negatively impacted by OHRQoL issues than older men. Women reported significantly lower levels of physical and psychosocial functioning due to oral health problems. Data regarding gender differences in oral health related pain and discomfort were inconclusive. Further research is needed to examine this question, as well as to determine the reasons why women seem to experience lower OHRQoL than men do in old age.

Plastic use for food and drinks and related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among a sample of Egyptians.

Plastic is extensively used in everyday life, particularly for food and beverage containers. The inappropriate use of these containers may lead to the leaching of various chemicals from plastic, such as bisphenol A, phthalate, and styrene, which cause numerous adverse health effects. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward using plastic for food and drinks among a sample of the Egyptian population. A questionnaire was designed based on scientific literature to assess sociodemographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward the use of plastic for food and drinks. A total of 639 participants were recruited by employing the convenience sampling technique. More than half of the participants (347, 54%) had poor knowledge scores. Personal experiences, social media, and web pages represented the most common knowledge sources. A comparison between plastic-related knowledge scores and the studied sociodemographic characteristics revealed statistically significant differences in age, gender, education, marital status, residence, working, and socioeconomic standard. A good attitude was reported by the majority (515, 80.6%) of participants. The majority (493, 77.2%) were occasional and frequent plastic users and the practice scores were significantly associated with age, education, residence, and socioeconomic standard. Higher educational level, gender (women), and rural residence were predictors of good participants knowledge, while lower socioeconomic status and urban residence were predictors of bad participants practice in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The observed unsatisfactory knowledge and practice scores vs. the high attitude indicates a knowledge gap that can help direct future improvements. We call for public awareness programs about safe plastic use and the related health hazards of plastic chemicals. We also stress upon the urgent need for a collaboration between health authorities and the plastic and food industry to guarantee that information about proper plastic use is conveyed to consumers.

The environmental challenges of urban living: Why willingness to pay for apartments matters

This study aims to understand the willingness of urban communities in Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi) to move to apartment dwellings, and a study was conducted using a quantitative survey method. The study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic factors influencing the decision to switch to vertical housing. The survey collected data from a sample of individuals representing the entire population in Jabodetabek. The participants in the study were selected from various locations within Jabodetabek, including Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi. These areas were chosen to comprehensively represent the metropolitan region and its urban communities. By including participants from different locations within Jabodetabek, the study aimed to capture individuals' diverse perspectives and experiences in this region. The survey covered a range of sociodemographic factors such as gender, income, education level, marital status, occupancy, and residence ownership. The participants were divided into two groups: those willing to pay for an apartment and those who wereilling to pay for an apartment and those not. By comparing the characteristics of these two groups, the study aimed to identify significant differences and understand the factors influencing the willingness to move to apartment dwellings. The study results showed significant differences in income level, education level, marital status, and occupancy between the two groups. Income level was the most significant factor affecting an individual's willingness to pay for an apartment. Additionally, the perception of better apartment productivity, which includes reduced transportation time and costs associated with work or other business purposes, increased the demand for apartments. The study found that income level was the most significant factor affecting an individual's willingness to pay for an apartment. The perception of better apartment productivity also increased demand for apartments, as it reduces transportation time and costs associated with work or other business purposes. The study suggests that vertical development in metropolitan areas can provide a solution to increase population density and overcome the problem of limited land availability. The government can use the findings from this study to support policies that promote vertical development in cities.