Married Respondents Research Articles

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence: A Comparative Analysis of a Rural and Urban Area in Ekiti State

Globally ubiquitous, violence against women is a general threat that is often recognized by the victims' loved ones. Men in positions of authority, acquaintances, lovers, and other companions are all possible abusers. However, women are more susceptible to victimization at the hands of an intimate partner. Because of the topic's delicate nature, intimate partner violence is generally underreported; occurrences of such violence are typically not reported to the appropriate authorities. The study examined the prevalence of intimate partner violence in Ado-Ekiti and Ilogbo Ekiti which is a representation of a rural and urban area in the State. The study was carried out on 400 selected respondents in total, 200 respondents in each of the study areas. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires using the purposive sampling technique on 400 married respondents. The findings revealed that one out of every two (56%) respondents in the urban area had experienced intimate partner violence however the same could not be said about the rural area where (28%) had had the experience. The further revealed economic stress to be the most potent factor (70%) causing intimate partner violence in the urban area while patriarchy and rigid cultural practices are most cited (63%) in the rural area. In summary, the findings showed emotional pains as the highest consequence (62.5%) of intimate partner violence in the urban area and deteriorating physical health (68.5%) in the rural area Consequently, the study recommends prompt speaking up by abused persons to relevant authorities; training and re-training of agencies who receive intimate partner violence complaints on globally acceptable gender-based response(s), especially in the rural areas.

Joint Leisure Activities of Older Vietnamese Married Couples.

Leisure activities enjoyed by older married couples play an important part in creating more meaningful married lives. The study focuses on the prevalence of joint leisure activities by older couples, the factors influencing older adults' engagement in leisure activities together, and the relationship between joint participation in leisure activities and marital satisfaction of older couples. The quantitative sample included 414 married respondents aged 55 years and above from different parts of Vietnam. The leisure activities analyzed in the paper include vacation/travel, watching movies, music, karaoke singing outside the house, walking around the house, attending cultural events and festivals, watching TV, drinking tea, and doing exercise. The study results showed that the level of joint engagement in leisure activities in places near home with less cost was higher than those engaged in elsewhere. Couples with better living standards, higher education, better health, and who lived in urban areas more actively participated in leisure activities far from home. Vietnamese couples who engage in more leisure activities together had a higher level of overall satisfaction with their marriage, and greater satisfaction in several dimensions of their marital relationship than those who did not participate in leisure activities with their partners.

Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia: Study of Medical Specialty Students

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major health challenge in Saudi Arabia due to its high prevalence, and healthcare providers play a key role in reducing the prevalence of this genetic disorder.Objective: To assess awareness and knowledge of SCD among medical specialty students in various medical programs and to explore its differences based on the sociodemographics of participants.Methods: The study included a cross-sectional survey of 302 medical students across different years of study at Medical College in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire developed based on a literature review. Descriptive analysis using SPSS V 26 and inferential analyses were utilized.Results: While 61.6% of participants felt they had sufficient SCD information, only 45% had previously received SCD education or awareness training. Only 6.6% reported experiencing college problems due to SCD. Most participants demonstrated good knowledge of SCD's cause, transmission, prevention, and diagnosis. However, fewer were aware of risk factors for children of carriers (6.6%), the disease's prevalence in Saudi Arabia (45%), or the possibility of curing SCD through stem cell transplant (49.7%). The study found married respondents were more aware of SCD than single or divorced students. Conclusion: While medical students grasp SCD basics, more targeted educational initiatives are needed, especially around risk factors and prevalence, to enhance awareness and control the high SCD rate in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the eastern region where it is most common. Expanding SCD education programs in medical institutions could improve future providers' knowledge

Public perception on face mask wearing during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: A cross sectional study.

Since the emergence of COVID-19, the Malaysian government has made wearing a face mask in public mandatory since August 1, 2020, as an effort by the government to control the transmission of COVID-19. However, Malaysians' willingness to wear face masks in public is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate their perception of face mask wearing during COVID-19 and its contributing factors. A total of 1024 respondents, aged ≥ 18 years, participated in this online cross-sectional survey from October 2021 to December 2021. The Face Mask Perception Scale (FMPS) was used to measure their perceptions. Most of the respondents perceived wearing a face mask as uncomfortable. Our findings also revealed statistically significant differences and a small effect (f2 = 0.04) in which respondents who were concerned about being infected by the virus perceived face mask wearing appearance positively (B = - 0.09 units of log-transformed, 95% CI = - 0.15, - 0.04), whereas married respondents perceived it negatively (B = 0.07 units of log-transformed, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.09). There were no statistically significant differences in other domains of FMPS. In conclusion, discomfort was a major complaint. Marital status and fear of COVID-19 infection affected their perceptions. The public health implications of these findings highlight the importance of addressing discomfort and societal perceptions, particularly those influenced by factors such as marital status and COVID-19 experience, to promote widespread acceptance and consistent usage of face masks, which is crucial in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Medicare Eligibility and Changes in Coverage, Access to Care, and Health by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Medicare provides nearly universal insurance coverage at age 65 years. However, how Medicare eligibility affects disparities in health insurance coverage, access to care, and health status among individuals by sexual orientation and gender identity is poorly understood. To assess the association of Medicare eligibility with disparities in health insurance coverage, access to care, and self-reported health status among individuals by sexual orientation and by gender identity. This cross-sectional study used the age discontinuity for Medicare eligibility at age 65 years to isolate the association of Medicare with health insurance coverage, access to care, and self-reported health status, by their sexual orientation and by their gender identity. Data were collected from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for respondents from 51 to 79 years old from 2014 to 2021. Data analysis was performed from September 2022 to April 2023. Medicare eligibility at age 65 years. Proportions of respondents with health insurance coverage, usual source of care, cost barriers to care, influenza vaccination, and self-reported health status. The study population included 927 952 individuals (mean [SD] age, 64.4 [7.7] years; 524 972 [56.6%] females and 402 670 [43.4%] males), of whom 28 077 (3.03%) identified as a sexual minority-lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another sexual minority identity (LGB+) and 3286 (0.35%) as transgender or gender diverse. Respondents who identified as heterosexual had greater improvements at age 65 years in insurance coverage (4.2 percentage points [pp]; 95% CI, 4.0-4.4 pp) than those who identified as LGB+ (3.6 pp; 95% CI, 2.3-4.8 pp), except when the analysis was limited to a subsample of married respondents. For access to care, improvements in usual source of care, cost barriers to care, and influenza vaccination were larger at age 65 years for heterosexual respondents compared with LGB+ respondents, although confidence intervals were overlapping and less precise for LGB+ individuals. For self-reported health status, the analyses found larger improvements at age 65 years for LGB+ respondents compared with heterosexual respondents. There was considerable heterogeneity by state in disparities by sexual orientation among individuals who were nearly eligible for Medicare (close to 65 years old), with the US South and Central states demonstrating the highest disparities. Among the top-10 highest-disparities states, Medicare eligibility was associated with greater increases in coverage (6.7 pp vs 5.0 pp) and access to a usual source of care (1.4 pp vs 0.6 pp) for LGB+ respondents compared with heterosexual respondents. The findings of this cross-sectional study indicate that Medicare eligibility was not associated with consistently greater improvements in health insurance coverage and access to care among LGBTQI+ individuals compared with heterosexual and/or cisgender individuals. However, among sexual minority individuals, Medicare may be associated with closing gaps in self-reported health status, and among states with the highest disparities, it may improve health insurance coverage, access to care, and self-reported health status.

Effect of Crude Oil Spillage and Constraints Associated with Artisanal Fishing in Oil-Spilled Areas of Bayelsa State

This study considered the effect of crude oil spillage and constraints associated with artisanal fishing in oil-spilled areas of Bayelsa State. The study's goals were to find out the respondents' socioeconomic status, determine how the spill of crude oil affected artisanal fishing, and pinpoint the obstacles to artisanal fishing output in particular oil-spilled areas. A simple random selection technique was employed to select 100 respondents, from whom a questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data that was collected. Men made up the majority of respondents (77%), according to the study's main findings. In the region where crude oil spilled, 55% of the artisanal fishermen were between the ages of 45 and 55. Married respondents made up 84% of the sample, and 60% had finished secondary school. The respondents had a mean of 25.4 years of experience and an average household size of 6. The main obstacles to artisanal fishing in the areas affected by the spill of crude oil were the following: water pollution, rising consumption, lack of government support, issues with marketing, spoiled fish, funding and credit issues, absence of extension services, climate change and flooding, poor processing facilities, high labour costs, health issues, and a scarcity of fishing baits. This study makes several recommendations, including better processing facilities, increased access to bank loans at lower interest rates for farmers, expanded and strengthened extension services, and the establishment of policies by the government, private citizens, and corporate entities that will boost output and improve the profitability of artisanal fishing.

Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity and Substance Use in Different Social Mobility Workers

Background: Social mobility workers play crucial roles in community-based activities aimed at societal development, yet their mental health and substance use patterns remain understudied. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and substance use among social mobility workers in Bangladesh to inform targeted interventions. Objective: To assess the prevalence and patterns of psychiatric morbidity and substance use among social mobility workers in Bangladesh. Method: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across four divisionss of Bangladesh, focusing on reverse migrants—individuals employed in Dhaka, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Chittagong for at least six months and currently residing in temporary shelter homes. A random sample of 100 subjects, aged 18 years or older, were enrolled. Data were collected through questionnaires covering diagnostic categories and substance use patterns, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Results: The study revealed significant demographic distributions among respondents, with 67.2% falling within the 21–35 years age range, 25.4% in the 36–50 years group, and 4.1% and 3.3% in the ≤20 years and >50 years categories, respectively. Employment duration showed the highest percentage for durations between 7 and 12 months (29.5%) and exceeding 60 months (23.0%), while marital status indicated a predominance of married respondents (78.7%), followed by single (20.5%) and separated/widowed individuals (0.8%). Among social mobility workers, Community Health Workers constituted the largest group (20%), followed by Social Workers (15%) and Education Volunteers (12%), with other categories ranging from 5% to 10%. Additionally, substance use patterns varied, with alcohol being the most prevalent (21%), followed by tobacco (35.5%), cannabis (2.5%), and cannabis-ganja/charas (0.7%) over a lifetime. Anxiety disorders were the most prevalent psychiatric condition (30%), followed by ..........

Online Training or Face-to-Face Training from the Perspective of Ear, Nose, and Throat and Head and Neck Surgeons?

PurposeTo determine the preferences of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Head-Neck Surgery (HNS) specalists and residents undergoing training for online or face-to-face training and the factors affecting the preference. MethodsAn 16-item questionnaire was created using Google Forms and was administered to residents undergoing training in ENT departments and to specialists working in the same field. The questionnaires were distributed online and requested to be completed between August and October 2020. The study participants were analyzed in two groups according to the preference for online training or face-to-face training. ResultsEvaluation was made of a total of 173 participants, as 68 (39.3%) in online training, and 105 (60.7%) in face-to-face training. Online training comprised 47 (69.1%) females and 21 (30.9%) males with a mean age of 38.9 ±8 years and face-to-face training comprised 68 (64.8%) females and 37 (35.2%) males with a mean age of 37.9 ±7.5 years (gender: p=0.55, age: p=0.10). Of the total sample, 39 (22.5%) subjects were single and 134 (77.5%) were married. Face -to-face training was preferred by 61.2% of the married respondents and by 59% of those who were single. While 43.4% stated that visuals and documents were similar in both forms of training, those who stated that documentation was better in face-to-face training constituted 90.2% of the group that preferred face-to-face training (p=0.0001). Of the total participants, 65.4% stated that concentration was easier in face-to-face training (p=0.0001). When the groups were compared according to areas of interest, more of those involved in rhinology and head-neck surgery were in face-to-face training, and those with an interest in otology were seen to be in online training (p=0.002). A wish to continue online training after the pandemic was expressed by 80.9% of the whole sample, and 68.6% wished to continue with face-to-face training (p=0.0001). Hybrid meetings were determined to have been selected by 86.1% (p=0.0001). ConclusionOnline web seminars have an important role as a teaching and learning tool. There is a need for further research to evaluate how these clinically focused seminars can be presented at high quality and how they can provide benefit in training.

The Upshot of Bs Industrial Technology Graduates' Acquired Competencies Aligned to Employment Opportunities

In today's global economy, competencies and skills are highly valued in employment opportunities. This research examines the employment profile, skills acquired in college, and the challenges of BS Industrial Technology graduates concerning job opportunities and their ability to successfully transition from college to employment. This study utilized concurrent triangulation research design. The respondents were chosen randomly for survey questionnaire and purposively for the interview. The results revealed that all majors have more single respondents than married respondents. The gender distribution of BSIT graduates varies according on their major, with some majors having a male- or female-dominated cohort. Additionally, the number of graduates varies from year to year across all majors, with some years having more or fewer graduates. Meanwhile, many students are also greatly motivated by a personal interest in the topic, highlighting the value of curiosity and passion in choosing a vocation. BSIT graduates have varying work situations which clarifies the characteristics of the labor market and the outlook for employment across a range of field of specialization. All majors agree that salaries and benefits are the main factors influencing employment decisions while career challenge ranks as the second most frequently cited factor. Furthermore, the variability in job opportunities, the impact of specialization, the relevance of education to employment, the role of transferable skills, and employment adjustments to market dynamics are some of the key themes that the challenges faced by BSIT graduates concerning job opportunities and their successful transition from college to employment encompass.

PREVALENCE OF VESICO VAGINAL FISTULA AND COPING STRATEGIES OF WOMEN IN KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) poses a significant challenge for women, particularly in Kebbi State, Nigeria, where a VVF Centre operates to provide surgical repair and healthcare professional training. Despite this, research on VVF prevalence and coping strategies in Kebbi State remains limited, warranting further investigation to address knowledge gaps. This study investigates the prevalence and coping strategies associated with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) among women in Kebbi State. Employing purposive sampling, 49 questionnaires were distributed to women aged 15 years and above. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, including frequency, and inferential statistics, with Spearman rank correlation analyzing variable associations. Results indicate that the mean age of marriage is 16, with the highest frequencies of married (35.9%) and divorced (27.4%) respondents. Occupation-wise, 33.4% are housewives, revealing low-income earners, especially among casual laborers (28.9%) and farmers (26.9%). VVF prevalence is concentrated among ages 14–19 (30.7%), and overall prevalence is 29.3 per 1000 deliveries. The disease exhibits an increasing trend, with the years 2011-2012 having the least frequency (17%) and a mean score of 5.1. Yearly variations are noted in documented VVF cases from Gesse VVF Centre in Birnin Kebbi (2011-2020). Knowledge of VVF prevalence is highest (100.0%) among age groups 30-34 and 40 and above, contrasting sharply with the smaller proportion (15-30 age group). Coping mechanisms predominantly involve accepting fate. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive health education, targeting girls and women to address early marriage and reproductive health, facilitated by government and health workers.

Analysis of Smoked Fish Marketing in Selected Local Government Area of Kebbi State

The study examined the marketing of smoked fish in a few Kebbi State local government areas. The study's main goal was to determine how profitable it was to sell smoked fish in a particular local government area in the state of Kebbi. Using a straightforward random sampling approach, information was gathered from 120 marketers of smoked fish. A well-structured questionnaire was used to gather the information. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of the gathered data. According to the results, the majority of fish marketers (41.7%) fell between the ages of 21 and 30. Male respondents made up the majority of the sample (65%), while married respondents made up around 91.7%) and those without access to formal education made up about 51.7% of the sample. Further, the result revealed that (55%) of the respondents in the study area had 21-30 years of marketing experience. Additionally, the results show that small-scale businesses account for the majority (54.2%) of smoked fish marketers. According to the study, the distribution of smoked fish in a few local government areas (Bagudo, Bunza, and Yauri) is a decentralized system that allows customers to buy fish straight from the supplier. Notwithstanding the difficulties experienced, it was determined that the marketing of smoked fish in a few local government areas of Kebbi State is profitable. Recommendations were made as follows: In order to minimize the high cost of transportation caused by rising fuel prices and poor roads, financing the sale of smoked fish requires access to fast and reasonably priced loan facilities.

The Need for Islamic Counseling Services for Couples with Marital Problems

Every couple hopes for eternal married life until the end of life. However, various challenges faced them. The divorce rate in Indonesia is increasing. Based on an interview with the counselor of the Advisory Board for the Development and Preservation of Marriage (BP4), one of the leading causes is the lack of religious internalizing. So that couples need help to build family relationships that are blessed by Allah SWT, one of which is through counseling services with an Islamic psychology perspective. This study wants to empirically examine the description of the needs of married couples who have marital problems in obtaining Islamic counseling services. This study using a mixed method with an explanatory sequential design type. The data collection tool is a questionnaire which uses descriptive quantitative analysis. Survey was carried out using a google form to 205 married respondents with accidental sampling. Then, in-depth interviews were added to the three of them. The results showed that when facing problems in their marriage, more than 50% of respondents stated that they tried to think positively that they were able to face the problem, then looked for the best information and solutions, made self-introspection and increased worship. This explains the importance of focusing on individual strengths, from a spiritual aspect. Meanwhile, for responses related to seeking assistance from external source, only less than 50% of respondents. For this external source, most of the respondents prefer to discuss with their close person compared to professionals. When talking to external parties, they are also more likely to come to ustaz to obtain suggestions from the spiritual side compared to professionals such as counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. It describes that the religious perspective serves as one of the important factors needed in solving any problems faced by married couples.

818 Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Depression, Anxiety, and Burnout in U.S. Neurosurgical Residents

INTRODUCTION: Rates of mental illness are disproportionately higher among medical residents. Neurosurgical trainees are no exception and may be more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and/or burnout than other residents. An assessment of the prevalence of mental illness in U.S. neurosurgical residents in the post-COVID-19 era is lacking in the literature and understanding the risk factors is vital to combating these mental health disorders. METHODS: Cross-sectional study analyzing responses to a 28-question survey from March-May 2023 distributed to U.S. neurosurgery residents. The survey included demographic and program-specific information, as well as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screening questions. PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores >5 represent at least mild depression and anxiety, respectively. RESULTS: Forty-eight responses were included in the analysis, which consisted of 35 males (74%), 36 married respondents (77%), and 27 junior residents (56%, PGY-1 to 4). Twenty-four residents (50%) screened positive for depression, 19 residents (40%) screened positive for anxiety, and 26 residents (54%) reported feeling burned out. Depressed residents were highly more likely to also suffer from anxiety (70%, p < 0.0001) and burnout (79%, p = 0.001). Further, junior residents (63%, p = 0.042), female residents (83%, p = 0.008), and residents on a neurosurgical rotation (60%, p = 0.036) were more likely to screen positive for depression. However, being married (p = 0.318), practicing in one’s home state (p = 0.724), having a 24-hour call system (0.188), having formal didactic time (p = 0.125), and having program-led wellness initiatives (p = 0.069) were not protective. CONCLUSIONS: Half of U.S. neurosurgery residents who responded screened positive for depression, 40% screened positive for anxiety, and 54% felt burned out. Depression was strongly correlated with both anxiety and burnout. Neurosurgery residents who were female, in their junior years, and on-service were at particularly high risk for depression.

Organizational Commitment and Employee Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a BPO Company

The pandemic necessitated remote workplace setup, and as employees’ homes doubled as their workplaces, it became difficult to distinguish between the two. With this reality came the challenge of enhancing employee performance and organizational commitment. This study investigated the correlation between organizational commitment and employee performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study involved 158 employees of a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) company situated in Quezon City, Philippines. Non-parametric statistical testing such as Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to examine the significant differences in the respondent's ratings when their demographic profiles were considered. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to measure the strength of the relationship between the constructs of organizational commitment and dimensions of employee performance. Results of the study revealed a high positive relationship between continuance commitment and employee performance. Furthermore, this study also explored organizational commitment along four demographic variables, resulting in the detection of significant differences in the perception of continuance commitment on account of gender, age, civil status, and length of service. A significant difference was also detected in affective commitment considering the length of service. Single, married, and widowed respondents also differed in their opinions on normative commitment. While research on organizational commitment exist, few studies have explored the role of demographic factors in shaping employee responses to pandemics. This study demonstrates value by examining the influence of demographic variables on organizational commitment and employee performance during the pandemic, adopting an intersectional perspective, and offering practical implications for organizational management, theoretical advancement, and future research directions.

Perceived impact of COVID-19 lockdown on access to healthcare services, food affordability and family income among married patients of a resource-limited primary care setting

Objective: To examine the perceived impact of COVID-19 lockdown on access to healthcare services, food affordability, and family income during the first phase of the pandemic among married people of a resource-limited primary care setting in Kano, Nigeria. Methods: This survey involved 432 married respondents systematically selected from attendees of a primary care clinic in Kano, Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire. Results: Over half (53.5%) of respondents or their family members fell ill during the lockdown; 67.1% felt it difficult to access hospital treatment, while 32.9% sick patients resorted to self-medication. Over half (57.2%) could afford food as they used to, 75.0% reported that food items were costly, while 35.9% received government assistance. Only 29.9% had employment, of which 49.6% received a salary, while 29.5% had their salaries reduced. Educational level was significantly associated with ease of accessing healthcare services (χ2 =8.528, P=0.014). Age (χ2=12.209, P<0.001), family type (χ2 =12.943, P<0.001), home location in Kano state (χ2= 15.397, P<0.001) and family headcount (χ2=3.968, P=0.044) were significantly associated with perceived food affordability. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the negative impact of the lockdown on healthcare access, food affordability, and family income among respondents’ families. This suggests the need for more investments in promoting and scaling up telemedicine services as platforms for accessing healthcare, which could be utilized in similar future events. More studies will be needed to ascertain the complete picture of the implementation of social assistance in the study area to enhance planning and distribution of future government social assistance.

Physiological Response and Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic among Malaysian Citizens: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Studies have shown that staying at home for prolonged periods of crisis can pose a significant challenge to individuals and affect their mental health. Hence, this study was conducted to identify the susceptible subgroups among Malaysian citizens that are prone to mental health problems during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with sociodemographic factors. Methods: The mental health status was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21) questionnaire. The survey link was distributed online between October and December 2020. Results: Of 637 respondents, one-third experienced mild to extremely severe depression and anxiety (31.1% and 35.1%, respectively). Female respondents (odds ratio = 1.516, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.057-2.172) were 1.5 times more likely to experience mild to severe depression than male respondents. Unmarried and divorced respondents were 2.1 times more prone to experience mild to severe depression than married respondents. A significant association was also found between employment status and age with depression symptoms among the respondents. For anxiety, a significant association was observed between the age group with mild to severe anxiety symptoms. Marital status, age, and employment status were socio-demographic factors significantly impacting stress levels. Conclusion: According to our findings, females, individuals aged 18-30 years old, students, unmarried and divorced respondents were more susceptible to mental health problems, suggesting that mental health support shall also be provided for these vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 crisis.

Prospective Health Outcomes of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Patterns Associated with Sociodemographic and Ethnic Factors among Chinese Adults

Background: The consumption rate of artificially sweetened beverages, 100% fruit juices, and soft drink products has been proliferating since the 1980s among the Chinese population. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) prevalence and high intake of SSBs are associated with several noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). This trend presents a serious public health threat to the Chinese population. Purpose: The present cross-sectional study examined the association between added sugar-sweetened beverage consumption patterns and prospective adverse health outcomes among Chinese sociodemographic and ethnic groups. Methods: The study population of 662 male and female adults partook in the study. The study cohort was randomly drawn from four Chinese cities in three provinces. Participants responded to an adapted cross-sectional self-administered paper-and-pencil 24-hour dietary intake recall protocol questionnaire, including 23 closed-ended questions on the type and frequency of the beverage consumed, sociodemographic characteristics, and ethnic group affiliation. A t-test was conducted to analyze the interactions between the parametric variables and Chi-square analyses were performed to determine interactions between the nonparametric variables. Results: The consumption frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages at least once/day was examined. For all respondents, water consumption was employed as a benchmark for a healthy beverage compared to all other sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Findings suggest that water was the most frequently consumed beverage with the highest rate of intake (53.17%) compared to sugar-sweetened beverages consumption Regarding ethnicity, Han's water consumption was reported at (67.94%) compared to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption combined at (32.06%). Concerning Huis, water consumption was (60.56%) contrasted with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of (39.44%). Hans were more likely to consume both water and sugar-sweetened beverages compared to Hui participants. Males' water consumption rate was at (66.74%) juxtaposed with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of (36.26%). Females' water consumption rate was (66.51%) contrasted with a sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rate of (39.44%). There were no significant differences in the water and sugar-sweetened beverages between men and women. Married respondents' water consumption was (65.44%) compared to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rate (34.55%). Regarding marital status, the single respondents' water consumption was (64.89%) compared to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of (33.49%). There were no significant differences in water and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption between the marital status groups. Conclusions: There is a need to introduce short-term and long-term strategies to curtail sugar-sweetened beverage consumption through excise taxes, making water more readily accessible in public schools, and launching a public health education campaign aimed at the health risks associated with added sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

Variasi Ukuran Payudara sebagai Daya Tarik Fisik Perempuan di Masyarakat Lampung

Sexual selection occurs when living organisms, including humans, exhibit specific preferences for morphological traits related to health and fertility when choosing a mate. Various physical characteristics such as body size and shape, leg length, skin color, hair length and color, facial features, and breast size contribute to the physical attractiveness of females in mate selection. Breasts can serve as a particular attraction for males, as they are believed to be associated with health and fertility for reproductive purposes. Sexual selection leads to a range of breast sizes, from small to large, within a population. The aim of this research is to investigate the variation in breast size preferences among females in the Indonesian society, specifically in Lampung. The study was conducted by distributing both online and offline questionnaires randomly with breast size stimuli in the form of images. Descriptive data analysis was employed to examine the variation in breast size preferences. Very large breast sizes were considered healthy and feminine by respondents, while medium sizes were deemed attractive. Married male respondents preferred larger breast sizes on average compared to unmarried respondents. Higher-income respondents tended to select larger breast sizes. Respondents with lower educational backgrounds tended to prefer smaller breast sizes. Respondents residing in rural areas preferred larger breast sizes compared to those living in urban areas. In conclusion, sexual selection applied among the population of Lampung in the context of breast size preferences.

DYNAMICS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING ACROSS THE TRANSITION TO WIDOWHOOD

Abstract The present study examines within-person changes in psychological well-being (PWB) associated with the transition to widowhood. We analyzed 9-wave data collected annually from a probability sample of Medicare beneficiaries. The analyzed sample included married respondents at baseline (N=3,711). Five hundred ten respondents, 208 men and 202 women, became widowed in the survey period. We created variables to indicate widowhood status, the time before and the time since widowhood. Depressive symptoms measured by the PHQ9 and positive well-being assessed by a 6-items scale (e.g., My life has meaning and purpose) were dependent variables. Fixed-effect linear regression, which uses only within-person change over time in the panel data, was used. Results show that immediately after the spouse’s death, depressive symptoms increased and positive well-being decreased. There is a curvilinear relationship between time since widowhood and both depressive symptoms and positive well-being. Specifically, after the widowhood transition year, depressive symptoms began to decline, positive well-being began to increase, up to about four years after widowhood when depressive symptoms slightly rose and positive well-being slightly declined. Men and women have similar patterns. The findings suggest that right after spousal loss is challenging for older adults; some may need counseling and extra support. About two years after the spouse’s death, they return to the pre-loss level of PWB and continue improving until about four years after widowhood. Improvement in depressive symptoms and positive well-being shows older adults’ resilience and potential for personal growth after adversity.

INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS OF MARRIED PERSONS WITH THEIR PATRILINEAL AND MATRILINEAL PARENTS IN CHINA

Abstract Objective Guided by modernization theory and intergenerational solidarity theory, this study examined the general patterns of intergenerational relations with patrilineal and matrilineal parents in contemporary China and explored its influencing factors and mechanism. Methods Data from the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey were examined. Analytic samples consisted of married respondents with at least one patrilineal parent and one matrilineal parent alive (N = 1098). Latent class analysis (14 functional, structural and associational indicators) classified the intergenerational relations and multinomial logistic regression explored how these intergenerational relation patterns were associated with education, and marital and kinship relation by gender. Results Five intergenerational relation types were revealed, three types (close to both parents and support upward more, 35.7%; close to both parents and reciprocal, 26.4%; distant to both parents, 11%) showed balanced patterns and two types (close to patrilineal parent but distant to matrilineal parent, 20%; close to matrilineal parent but distant to patrilineal parent, 6.9%) with unbalanced patterns. Children with higher educational level tended to form more egalitarian and bilateral intergenerational relations, both for husbands and wives. Moreover, good marital relation and more brothers facilitated this tendency for wives only. Conclusions Results provided evidence for the maintenance and changes of patrilineal culture, and the increased importance of marital relation in China. Findings reaffirmed that married children had different interaction patterns with their patrilineal and matrilineal parents, and discussed the changes in social norms governing the responsibilities of husbands and wives. Keywords: intergenerational relations, patrilineal/matrilineal parents, latent class analysis, gender, China