Parity Index Research Articles

Teachers as perpetrators of gender‐based violence against girl students within schools: Voices of victims in Tanzania reveal

AbstractUNESCO's member states have made notable achievements in gender equality in education participation. In the East African region, by 2019, Gender Parity Index in lower secondary schools stood at 1.03 for Tanzania, 1.01 for Kenya, 0.89 for Ethiopia, and 1.13 for Rwanda. However, the equal number of boys and girls in schools is a numerical aspect that does not necessarily guarantee the qualitative aspect of equality. This study adds to the existing theories and empirical literature by extending the discussion beyond school participation. It explores girls' experiences of gender‐related violent acts within schools. Intensive interviews and document analysis have revealed several incidences where teachers perpetrate gender‐based violence against girls in schools through a qualitative approach. Sexual harassment, especially by male teachers who forcibly want sexual affairs with their girl students, has been reported by most students. The study informs the global community about the importance of following closely on girls' life in schools to achieve UNESCO's Agenda 2030.

An Analysis of Global Indicators Impacting Gender Parity Index in Secondary Education

An Analysis of Global Indicators Impacting Gender Parity Index in Secondary Education

Gender and Racial Representation Trends Among Internal Medicine Department Chairs from 2010–2020

BackgroundQuality medical education, reduction in health disparities, and healthcare research that includes all members of society are enhanced by diversity in departments of internal medicine (IM). Research on increasing diversity within the academic medicine student body or faculty notes the important role of leadership. Yet, there is a scarcity in research into diversity in leadership.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to go beyond aggregate numbers and answer the question: What is the level of parity representation, by gender and race, at department chair positions in academic IM departments?DesignA cross-sectional analysis of race/ethnicity and gender in IM medical school departments from 2010 to 2020 was conducted using data from the American Association of Medical College’s (AAMC) Faculty Roster. The proportion of IM department chairs to IM faculty by race/ethnicity for each year (2010–2020) was used to calculate the Leadership Parity Index (LPI) in this study. LPI by gender and by gender and race/ethnicity were also calculated for each year.ResultsIn aggregate numbers, Black or African American and Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin faculty remain under-represented in academic IM each making up, on average, approximately 4% of the total IM faculty. The LPI calculations revealed that faculty who identified as White were consistently over-represented as department chairs while Asian faculty were consistently under-represented in leadership and ranked lowest in leadership parity among the ethnic groups studied. The leadership parity index also showed that women faculty across all races were under-represented.ConclusionWomen and Asian faculty encounter a ceiling effect that may be at play in IM departments. While significant progress still needs to be made in the representation of under-represented minorities, the findings of this study show that aggregate data does not provide a true picture of equity and parity in Internal Medicine faculties.

Gender Viewpoints In Budgetary Process: Achieving The Gender Equality And Women Empowerment In India

The paper seeks to examine the importance of gender responsive budgeting and its effectiveness on different gender development indicators in India (particularly on female drop-out rate in education, gender parity index, maternal mortality rate, GDI and HDI etc.). The study also assesses the trends of gender responsive budgeting in India from 2005-06 to 2019-20 within the fiscal perspective. The study has classified gender budgeting expenditure into two parts i.e., women-specific allocation (WSA) and pro-women allocation (PWA) as well. The study used a simple linear regression model to examine the effectiveness of gender budgeting on women development. To work out the link between fiscal policy and gender development the bivariate and multivariate regression models have been estimated. Gender budgeting found highly significant in improving girl’s enrolment ratio and in reducing the drop-out rate among of girls students. The study indicates that only 20 per cent of share approximately covers women specific allocation however pro women allocation consist of 80 per cent of share, reflecting a significant share in gender budgeting. This paper concludes that the gender budgeting is highly correlated with the development of female HDI, GDI, female drop-out rate and gender parity index and maternal mortality rate also. The study also indicates that with a robust gender analysis and ensuring a well gender balance in policies the inequalities within gender can be reduced which is further socially and economically appropriate for the nation. The future study on the outcome and impact of gender budgeting should focus on actual allocations, economic impacts, improvement and change in gender performance indicators and supportive among administration and citizens.

Ethnic disproportionality in the school teaching workforce in England

The disproportionality in the school workforce in England’s schools has drawn little interest from policymakers and education practitioners. This article addresses the noted gap in the literature and provides trends empirical evidence in England’s teachers workforce by ethnic background and its disproportionality when compared to the pupils they teach. Our main data source was the School Workforce Census, the largest and most comprehensive source of data on teachers available in England. It used the diversity gap and the teacher-student parity index, for comparing the proportions of teachers and students from different ethnic groups to gain an understanding of the demographic reality of today’s schools. The main findings of the research confirm without doubt the education system in England is characterised by ethnic disproportionality in the school teaching workforce and the ethnic background of the teaching staff does not mirror the profile of the pupils. The evidence clearly shows that there is a growing mismatch between the ethnic diversity of the pupil population and that of the teachers in their schools. This is detrimental to the growth and learning of students. Conclusions and policy implications are given in the final section of the research article.

Sodium concentrations in municipal drinking water are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia

Chronic ingestion of excess sodium has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Limited research has suggested a relationship between increased sodium intake and the development of preeclampsia. This study investigated the association between elevated sodium in drinking water with preeclampsia using a hospital-based case-control study of 10,114 pregnant women in Iowa in the United States. Health records of women who delivered at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, USA, between May 2009 and August 2020 were obtained from the Intergenerational Health Knowledgebase. Water quality data for community water systems from Safe Drinking Water Act compliance reporting and Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) were used to estimate maternal exposure to sodium in drinking water. Logistic regression models were calculated to estimate the odds of preeclampsia based on median sodium concentrations reported by public water systems from 2000 to 2019. Preeclampsia was associated with a 38% increased odds (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-1.69) when women were exposed to concentrations between 20-69 milligrams per liter (mg/L), above EPA's recommendation for individuals on a very low sodium diet. Increased odds of 5% and 16% were also found at concentrations between 70-102 mg/L and greater than 256 mg/L but were not statistically significant. The lower odds at higher sodium concentrations may be due to consumers using alternative drinking water sources due to taste issues that are noted to arise between 30-60 mg/L. Preeclampsia diagnosis was strongly associated with gestational age, parity, newborn count, and body mass index. Better data on individual exposure through drinking water is needed to account for factors like home softeners, which can greatly increase sodium levels at the tap, or those users seeking out alternative water supplies (like bottled water) due to taste issues arising from greater salinity.

Perinatal and neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancies over a 10-year period.

Poor overall neonatal outcomes, small neonatal head circumference, neonatal hypoglycemia, need for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and late-onset neonatal sepsis are more common in adolescents. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the outcomes of adolescent pregnancies. This retrospective study was conducted in adolescent singleton pregnancies with maternal age < 15 years (n = 20, group 1), 16-19 years (n = 1929, group 2), and 20 years (n = 866, group 3). Age, gravidity, parity, and body mass index (BMI) measurements of mothers; mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated and compared. The rate of preterm birth, postpartum hemorrhage, asymmetrical intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR, as 3% percentile), macrosomia, and height of newborn of Group 3 was significantly higher. The rate of asymmetrical IUGR (as 10% percentile) was significantly lower in Group 3. The rate of severe preeclampsia and cesarean section was significantly higher in Group 3. The rate of Small for Gestational Age newborn, neonatal hypoglycemia, and late-onset neonatal sepsis was significantly higher in Group 1. Neonatal problems with poor obstetric outcomes are common in adolescent pregnant women, so that a family planning and baby care social trainings are important in achieving good long-term maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Peripartum Infections Among Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Pregnant patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are frequently treated with immunomodulatory agents and may be at increased risk of adverse outcomes, including peripartum infections. We sought to examine the risk for peripartum infections in patients with IBD compared with control subjects and identify potential risk factors associated with peripartum infections in these patients. This retrospective cohort study compared peripartum infection rates and associated risk factors between pregnant women with and without IBD. The study population included women attending a dedicated joint maternal-fetal medicine and gastroenterology clinic for pregnant women with IBD between 2012 and 2019 at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel, a major referral center for patients with IBD. For each patient, 5 women without IBD were matched according to the newborn's birth date (±2 years), age, parity, and body mass index. Peripartum infection was defined as any 1 of the following: chorioamnionitis, maternal fever (>38°C) detected during labor or postpartum hospitalization, and positive culture taken during the hospitalization. Overall, 195 pregnant women with IBD (72 [37%] with ulcerative colitis, 123 [63%] with Crohn's disease) were matched with 888 control subjects. The mean disease duration was 8.4 ± 7.02 years. IBD therapy, used by 81%, included most frequently 5-aminosalicylic acid (44%) and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (27%). Peripartum infections were observed in 15 (7.7%) patients and 49 (5.5%) control subjects (P = 1.00). No medication significantly increased the likelihood of peripartum infection. Cesarean delivery was more likely among women with IBD but was not associated with an increased risk of peripartum infection. Peripartum infections were comparable in patients with IBD and control subjects. These reassuring data augment existing knowledge of obstetrical outcomes in IBD patients and contribute to the discussion between caregivers and patients.

Comparing Gender Diversity in the Process of Higher-Education Expansion in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the UK for SDG 5

Ensuring equal access to affordable higher education for women and men has become a crucial target of the UN’s SDG 5, while gender disparity persists in various systems. This study employed per capita GDP, the gross enrollment ratio (GER), and the gender parity index (GPI) to demonstrate how higher-education systems have expanded, resulting in the transformation of gender parity. We selected Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the UK as research targets, using both cross correlation functions and trend analyses to compare the progress of higher-education systems. Considering the economic factor impacting higher-education expansion, this study found that the series of per capita GDP impacted the GERs in emerging economies, for example, Korea and Taiwan. Both the growth of per capita GDP and the extension of the GERs changed the patterns of the GPIs. The gap in gender diversity was found to be diminishing in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, while the UK could be a unique case, in that females have become a critical mass in higher education. The results of the comparison suggested that gender disparity is likely to continue in Japan, Korea, and the UK in the future. The framework for monitoring gender parity progress is not limited to high-participation higher-education systems, and it can be extended to tackle similar issues in middle- or lower-income regions.

Changes in Vascular Function from Preconception to Postpartum Among Mongolian Women.

Background: Pregnancy is associated with physiological changes to meet the metabolic demands of the growing fetus. To understand adverse pregnancy outcomes it is important to establish vascular changes throughout pregnancy. We examined longitudinal changes in vascular measurements from prepregnancy through postpartum. Materials and Methods: Seventy women planning to conceive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia enrolled in this prospective study. Within 6 months, 44 (63%) had conceived; of which 36 (82%) delivered. Ten (28%) developed complex pregnancies and were analyzed separately. Vascular measures included central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), central diastolic blood pressure (cDBP), augmentation index corrected for heart rate of 75 beats/minute (AIx-75), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Measurements were performed at prepregnancy, second trimester (22-24 weeks), third trimester (34-36 weeks), and 2 months postpartum. Missing values (n = 0-6 per time period) were replaced by multiple imputation. A repeated measures analysis of variance analyzed changes within individual women over the four time points adjusted for age, parity, and body mass index. Results: We observed significant reductions from prepregnancy to second trimester for mean Alx-75 (17.1%-12.6%; p = 0.006) and cSBP (91.7-86.8 mmHg; p = 0.03) but not for cDBP or PWV. Both mean AIx-75 and cSBP increased in third trimester. In the postpartum, cSBP returned to prepregnancy levels, whereas AIx-75 exceeded prepregnancy levels, although this fell short of significance (p = 0.09). Similar vascular patterns were observed in women with complex pregnancies for AIx-75; however, PWV increased from the second trimester and remained higher through postpartum, although not significant. Conclusion: In Mongolian women, we observed a decrease in AIx-75 and cSBP from prepregnancy through second trimester, which resolved postpartum. These results provide an understanding of changes across pregnancies in an Asian country. Future studies should assess vascular changes across pregnancies to determine if it can predict conditions such as pre-eclampsia.

Association between Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes and Vitamin D Levels in Maternal Plasma and Umbilical Cord Blood of Newborns: A Prospective Study

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a major cause of preterm birth. There are few reports on vitamin D deficiency associated with PPROM. We aimed to investigate the association between PPROM and vitamin D levels in maternal plasma and the umbilical cord blood of newborns. Methods: This prospective study included 355 pregnant women who delivered live infants between March 2017 and December 2018 at a medical center. Vitamin D levels were measured in the maternal plasma at the first, second, third trimesters of pregnancy and just before delivery, and in the umbilical cord blood of newborns at birth. In addition, we evaluated the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes according to vitamin D status. Results: The rate of PPROM in the vitamin D deficiency group (25(OH)D &lt;20 ng/mL) was higher than in the non-deficiency group (25(OH)D ≥20 ng/mL) (p = 0.003). Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the PPROM group than non-PPROM group in maternal plasma [at the first (p = 0.020) and second trimesters (p = 0.029), just before delivery (p = 0.015)], and in the cord blood of newborns (p = 0.006). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of PPROM by the increase of 1ng/mL of vitamin D levels in the cord blood of newborns was 0.907 (95% confidence interval 0.836–0.983) after adjustment for other confounders (age, gravidity, parity, and body mass index). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency has a significant association with PPROM. Our study would aid in understanding the mechanism of prevention of PPROM associated with vitamin D deficiency as well as reduction in preterm births.

Maternal mortality in the Middle East and North Africa region – how could countries move towards obstetric transition stage 5?

BackgroundMaternal mortality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region decreased significantly between 1990 and 2017. This was uneven, however, with some countries faring much better than others.MethodsWe undertook a trend analysis of Maternal Mortality Ratios (MMRs) of countries in the region in order to understand differences in reduction across countries. Data were extracted from several databases for 23 countries and territories in the region on measures of women’s empowerment, availability of vehicles and human resources for health (as a proxy to the three delays model). We identified factors associated with MMR by grouping countries into five different Stages (I-V) of obstetric transition from high to low MMRs.ResultsAmong the four Stage II countries, MMR is associated with “antenatal care coverage (% with at least one visit)” and “medical doctors per 10,000 population”. Among the eight Stage III countries, MMR is associated with “Gender Parity Index in primary and secondary level school enrolment” and with “nursing and midwifery personnel per 10,000 population”. Among the 10 countries and one territory in Stages IV and V, MMR is associated with “GDP per capita”, “nursing and midwifery personnel”, and “motor vehicle ownership/motorization rate”. Two factors were associated with changes in MMR from the period 2006–2010 to 2011–2015: 1) change in adolescent birth rate (r = 0.90, p = 0.005) and 2) Gender Parity Index in primary level school enrolment (r = − 0.51, p = 0.04).ConclusionThough impressive reductions in MMR have been achieved across countries in the MENA region since 1990, governments should realize that there exists an opportunity to learn from each other to bring MMRs as close to zero as possible. Immediate steps in the right direction would include investment in human resources for health, particularly nurses and midwives; measures to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health; and greater investments in achieving gender equity in education.

Returning to school after COVID-19 closures: Who is missing in Malawi?

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all countries implemented school closures to prevent disease transmission. However, prolonged closures can put children at risk of leaving school permanently, a decision that can reduce their long-term potential and income. This study investigated the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and associated school closures reduced school attendance in Malawi, a low-income African country. We used longitudinal data from a cohort of adolescents interviewed before (2017/18; at age 10–16) and after (2021; at age 13–20) the pandemic school closures. Of those students who had been attending school prior to school closures, we find that 86% returned when schools re-opened. Dropouts were more pronounced among older girls: over 30% of those aged 17–19 did not return to school. This resulted in further lowering the gender parity index to the greater disadvantage of girls. We also found that students already lagging behind in school were more likely to dropout. Thus, our data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified gender inequalities in schooling, at least partially erasing recent progress towards inclusive education. Urgent investments are needed to find and re-enroll lost students now, and to create more resilient and adaptable educational systems before the next pandemic or other negative shock arrives.

P-786 Perinatal outcomes of assisted reproduction technology (ART) pregnancies after transfer of mosaic blastocysts: a single centre matched cohort study

Abstract Study question Do viable pregnancies after transfer of mosaic blastocysts present different perinatal outcomes as compared to those deriving from transfer of euploid blastocysts? Summary answer Pregnancies from transfer of mosaic vs. euploid blastocysts showed an increased rate of fetal structural malformations and postpartum haemorrhages (PPH). What is known already The incidence of mosaicisms in the trophoectoderm is a relatively frequent event and most true embryo mosaicisms result in spontaneous intrauterine demise. The confirmation of the mosaic aneuploidy in the fetus is related to the type and grade of the aneuploidy with higher risk for chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 21 and X monosomy. On the other hand, selected mosaic blastocysts have been transferred with subsequent birth of healthy neonates. However, the risk of abnormal obstetric outcomes after transfer of mosaic embryos remains to be completely elucidated. Study design, size, duration Explorative cohort study between 2016 and 2021 including consecutive viable ART pregnancies developing from transfer of mosaic blastocysts (n = 39 cases). Transfer of available mosaic embryos was considered for patients with a poor response to ovarian stimulation or recurrent implantation failures and no available euploid blastocysts, after genetic counselling. Cases were matched for maternal age, parity and body mass index to women with viable pregnancies after transfer of euploid blastocysts (n = 39, controls) and followed-up until delivery. Participants/materials, setting, methods All patients recruited at San Raffaele, Scientific Institute of Milan, underwent a prenatal genetic testing by trophoectoderm biopsy and next-generation sequencing analysis. Patients with a viable fetus at 12 weeks gestation were included and underwent detailed ultrasound assessment at 12, 20 and 32 weeks including fetal biometry and anatomical survey. Frequency of adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes including maternal, fetal and delivery complications were compared between patients who received a mosaic versus a euploid blastocyst. Main results and the role of chance No difference in indications to preimplantation diagnosis was found between cases and controls. In the group who transferred mosaic embryos, median rate of mosaicisms was 35% (IQR 30%-40%) and they were characterized by heterogeneous anomalies including complex aneuploidies (n = 12), autosomal monosomies (n = 13), trisomies (n = 8) and duplications/deletions (n = 6). Invasive testing was performed in 62.0% of mosaics (5 chorion villous samplings; 19 amniocenteses; 2 anomalies: confined placental mosaicism trisomy 15 after transfer of mosaic monosomy 6 and fetal microduplication 6p after transfer of mosaic deletion 10p) vs 2.5% of controls (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Structural malformations were observed in 6 neonates in the study group (tanatophoric skeletal dysplasia, complex central nervous system anomaly, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cerebral arteriovenous fistulae, pyeloureteral junction stenosis, diffuse haemangiomatosis) compared to 1 in controls (pulmonary stenosis) (p = 0.04). One neonate per group was followed-up for future surgery. PPH rate was significantly higher in cases vs controls (15 vs 7; p = 0.04). Neonatal survival at hospital discharge was not different in the two groups (p = 0.30). No significant differences were recorded in rates of preterm birth, small or large for gestational age, fetal growth restriction, miscarriage, preeclampsia and median birthweight centile or gestational age at birth. Limitations, reasons for caution Data from our exploratory study should be interpreted cautiously given the limited sample size which makes it challenging to infer a causal relationship between the association found and transfer of mosaic blastocysts. Wider implications of the findings The higher rates of structural malformations and PPH in ART pregnancies after transfer of mosaic embryos strongly suggest the need for strict monitoring of these patients. First and second trimester ultrasound screening for structural defects, and preventive measures to minimize bleeding at delivery should be implemented. Trial registration number not applicable

The role of serum ADAMTS-1 levels in Hyperemesis Gravidarum

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the levels of ADAMTS-1, which is secreted from the extracellular matrix during trophoblastic invasion in hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we compared 45 HEG patients aged between 21 and 34 in terms of ADAMTS-1 levels with a control group consisting of 44 healthy pregnant women. The demographic characteristics and several laboratory parameters of the patients were recorded. Both groups were also compared in terms of ketonuria. We evaluated the correlation between ADAMTS-1 levels and ketonuria.ResultsThe 2 groups were matched in terms of age, gestational age, gravidity, parity, and body mass index. Some inflammatory markers, such as neutrophil count, MPV, PDW, and PCT levels, were significantly higher in the HEG groups compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). However, mean MCV and serum TSH levels were statistically significantly lower in this group (both p < 0.001). ADAMTS-1 levels were 12.6 ± 1.4 ng/ml in the HEG group and 6.2 ± 1.6 ng/ml in the control group (p < 0.001). It was significantly and positively correlated with urine ketone, neutrophil count, and PDW, whereas negatively correlated with MCV and TSH value in the HEG group. ROC analysis showed that a threshold value of 11.275 ng/ml for ADAMTS-1 predicted HEG patients with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 95.5%.ConclusionADAMTS-1 serum levels are increased in HEG patients, and there is a positive correlation between ADAMTS-1 levels and ketonuria.

Symphysiopathy during pregnancy, assessment of risk factors

Objective: to assess the significance of clinical and anamnestic characteristics of women as risk factors for the development of symphysiopathy during pregnancy. Materials and methods: a retrospective analysis of 26 birth histories of patients with a diagnosis of symphysiopathy/symphysitis delivered in the GUZ «Clinical Maternity Hospital No. 2» in Volgograd at 38–39 weeks of pregnancy from 2016 to 2020. All patients diagnosed symphysiopathy was made at the management of pregnancy in the antenatal clinic on the basis of complaints, the data of physical examination and by ultrasound. The data of all pregnant women were ordered, encoded and entered into tables in the program MS Excel. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program for windows 16.0. Results: clinically, symphysiopathy was manifested by pain in the area of the pubic in 100% of cases. According to the medical cards, only two cases (7.7%) were treated with physical therapy. The conducted statistical analysis showed that such risk factors for the development of symphysiopathy as age, parity and body mass index (BMI) do not have statistical significance as possible factors affecting the course of symphysiopathy. A statistical analysis of the possible effect of weight gain on the width of the diastasis was carried out, according to which the compared groups have a statistical difference in the width of the diastasis (p=0.007). Conclusion: the study shows that there is no significance of such clinical and anamnestic factors as age, parity, BMI for the manifestation of symphysiopathy during pregnancy. In this study, the only statistically significant criterion affecting the course of symphysiopathy is increased overall weight gain during pregnancy.

Nutrition Knowledge, Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Practice of Mothers in Cirebon Regency

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding should be supported by early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), provision of colostrum and not providing pre-lacteal feeding. Objectives: The study objective was to analyze nutritional knowledge and factors related to breastfeeding and feeding practices of lactating mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March–November 2020 in Sibubut, Kedungdalem, and Bayalangu Kidul Villages, Cirebon Regency. Study respondents were 44 lactating mothers with under six months infants. Mothers’ nutritional knowledge of breastfeeding and breastfeeding/feeding practice were obtained using a validated questionnaire, while the food consumption data of mothers was obtained from two days of 24-hour food recall (weekday and weekend). Spearman’s correlation test and Chi-Square analysis were used to analyze the correlation between variables, while the Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the difference in nutritional knowledge and breastfeeding/infant feeding practice variables based on education level. Results: Family characteristics (age, mother’s education and occupation, household income, parity, family size, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were not correlated with breastfeeding/infant feeding practice (p=0.427; 0.136; 0.481; 0.056; 0.699; 0.241; 0.547, respectively). There was no significant correlation between nutritional knowledge and breastfeeding/infant feeding practice of mothers (p=0.728). No significant difference was found in the nutritional knowledge of breastfeeding (p=0.828) and breastfeeding/feeding practice of infants (p=0.572) between mothers with education &gt; elementary school and &lt; elementary school. More mothers with low education provided pre-lacteal food than mothers with higher education (p =0.046). Conclusions: The breastfeeding/feeding practice of mothers are still poor regardless of education level. Nutrition education for breastfeeding mothers is required to encourage good breastfeeding/infant feeding practices.

ГЕНДЕРНІ АСПЕКТИ «ПРИХОВАНОГО НАВЧАЛЬНОГО ПЛАНУ»

This article is devoted to the analysis of the results of theoretical and applied research of gender aspects of the "hidden curriculum" at the level of secondary educational institution. It is determined that the Ukrainian education system declares the importance of gender equality, proclaims the development of gender-oriented education, but gender stereotypes are often reproduced in practice of educational activities, certain gender roles and patterns of thinking, social expectations, ways of behaving are imposed, that is, the gender aspects of the "hidden curriculum" are implemented. The article presents an analysis of gender aspects of such structural elements of the "hidden curriculum" as the educational environment of a secondary school; the content of education; interpersonal communication in the learning process. In the study of the components of the "hidden curriculum" were used: gender analysis of the educational institution with the calculation of the index of gender parity; web application (Voyant Tools) for analysis of school documentation; questionnaires, interviews, surveys to identify gender stereotypes and segregation by gender; gender expertise of textbooks in certain fields of gender analysis; gender expertise of lessons. The analysis of the results of the survey of teachers and gender expertise of lessons showed manifestations of "hidden curriculum" among educators. Gender stereotypes about the "sexuality" of human qualities and psychological traits were revealed; rejection of feminine gender-specific job title and gendered educational space; support for various programs for girls and boys on labor training (Design and technology). Although the vast majority of educators consider achieving gender equality a pressing issue, they acknowledge their ignorance of the "hidden curriculum" and are willing to work with gender experts. The results of the survey of the students in 5-8 grades also confirmed the presence of gender stereotypes in the communication of teachers with the students; the dominance of students' sympathies for various subjects; found gender stereotypes regarding the use of free time. Gender examination of textbooks revealed a small number of gender stereotypes and showed positive changes in terms of gender equality and sensitivity in the new textbooks.

Analysis of Vitamin D Levels in Vaccinated and Non Vaccinated Pregnant Women with Covid-19

Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine the levels of vitamin D in pregnant women who have been vaccinated and those who have not been vaccinated. Study Design: Comparative/Observational study Place and Duration: CMH Bahawalpur.Jun-2019-Feb 2020 Methods: A total of 106 cases of coronavirus illness in pregnant women were reported. Permission to collect detailed demographic information such as age, gestational age, parity, and body mass index was obtained by written informed permission. Women were mostly between the ages of 18 and 42. Patients were grouped into two distinct categories. Group A included 53 people who had vaccinations, whereas group B included 53 women who had not received vaccinations. Serum 25-hydroxy vitaminD3 [25 (OH) D3] levels were measured in all individuals. The levels of vitamin D insufficiency in the two groups were compared. Vitamin D sufficiency was defined as a blood level of &gt;30ng/ml. The full dataset was analyzed by using SPSS 24.0. Results: In group number of primigravida was 24 (45.2%) and in group II 26 (49.1%) cases were. Frequency of vitamin D deficiency was lower in group I 44 (83.01%) patients as compared to group II in 50 (94.3%) cases. In group I, severe deficiency (&lt;10ng/ml) was found in 10 (18.9%), deficiency (10-20ng/ml) were found in 14 (26.4%) and not-sufficient (20-30ng/ml) were in 20 (37.7%) while in group II severe deficiency (&lt;10ng/ml) was found in 15(28.3%), frequency of deficient patients (10-20ng/ml) was 17 (32.1%) and not-sufficient cases (20-30ng/ml) were 18 (33.9%). In group I deficient vitamin D serum levels was 16.03±2.42 and in group II was 13.14±8.41. Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, vitamin D insufficiency is more common in pregnant women who have not been vaccinated and is more likely to occur in these women, as well as in non-vaccinated patients who do not have low blood levels. Keywords: Vaccination Pregnancy, Vitamin D, COVID-19

Maternal serum midkine level in fetal growth restriction: a case-control study.

To compare maternal serum midkine (MK) level in pregnant women with idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) and healthy. In addition, we assessed the value of maternal serum MK level in predicting neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. A total of 144 pregnant women were included, 72 with idiopathic FGR and 72 healthy in this study. The control group was matched for the mother's age, parity, gestational age, and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) with the idiopathic FGR group at the time of recruitment into the study and sample collection. Serum MK level is higher in the idiopathic FGR than the control group (0.24ng/mL (0.19-0.32) vs. 0.18ng/mL (0.14-0.23), p<0.001). In addition, we compared the maternal serum MK level of those with and without NICU admission in the FGR group (0.25ng/mL (0.19-0.37) vs. 0.21ng/mL (0.18-0.28), p=0.014). We performed ROC curve analysis to serum MK level predicting NICU admission in the FGR group (AUC: 0.668, %95 CI [0.550, 0.785], p=0.014). A sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 62% for the serum MK level were achieved with a cut-off value of 0.22 for NICU admission. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to compare maternal serum MK level in pregnant women with idiopathic FGR and healthy. We showed that maternal serum MK level was significantly elevated in pregnant women with FGR than healthy.