Participant Gender Research Articles

Early Endocrine and Metabolic Complications in Childhood Cancer Survivors—Experience from a Tertiary Care Pediatric Oncology Center in South India

Background Endocrine abnormalities and metabolic complications remain one of the common late effects after cancer therapy in children. Data on the incidence and pattern of complications would help to guide appropriate monitoring and treatment of childhood cancer survivors. Methods, Aims, and Objectives Purpose of study is to determine endocrine and metabolic effects in childhood cancer survivors including both hematological malignancies and solid tumors due to cancer per se and treatment-related, including different chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy. Results Among 97 participants, 84 children (84.5%) had at least one endocrine or metabolic complication; 41 children (42.3%) had more than two endocrine/metabolic complications. Common endocrine complications included precocious puberty (6.2%), short stature (6.2%), and hypothyroidism (5.1%). Among metabolic complications, dyslipidemia was the highest with an incidence of 68%, followed by fasting hyperinsulinism (32%), diastolic hypertension (18.6%), systolic hypertension (11.3%), obesity (8.8%), and metabolic syndrome (8.2%) and impaired fasting glucose (4.1%).Among endocrine complications, there was a significant increase in incidence of hypothyroidism among children receiving radiotherapy (odds ratio [OR]: 7.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–46.2), and among metabolic complications, a significant increase in incidence of metabolic syndrome in children treated with L-asparaginase compared with those not treated with L-asparaginase was observed (OR: 5.61, 95% CI: 1.07–29.5). There was no significant difference between incidence of observed endocrine and metabolic complications based on type of tumor, gender, and puberty status of study participants. Conclusion This study suggests that there is significant incidence of endocrine and metabolic complications in childhood cancer survivors, hence timely and appropriate recognition of these complications by appropriate screening recommendations and pursuing further endocrine evaluation rationally is needed.

Empowering Narratives: Ideological Constructs through References for Women in True Love East Africa and The Parents Magazines in Kenya

This article examines various references given to women in True Love East Africa and The Parents Magazine and emergent ideological constructs. It presents results of a study whose one of its objective was to identify and analyse the ideological constructs brought out by references for women in the discourses of the two magazines and what these references revealed about the Kenyan women. The study investigated the portrayal of women in the two magazines, employing a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative analyses. Utilizing thematic content analysis and critical discourse analysis (CDA), the research explored how these magazines constructed and negotiated identities for millennial mothers and independent women within a rapidly evolving socio-cultural context. By analyzing the references, the study revealed a significant shift in narratives, showcasing women not as passive subjects but as active participants in societal change. Key themes identified include the emergence of the “millennial mom” ideology, which celebrates women's economic participation and challenges traditional gender roles, highlighting their professional achievements and contributions beyond domestic spheres. The findings underscore a transformation in the depiction of women, reflecting broader societal trends prioritizing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Discourses surrounding single motherhood, professional success, and resilience in the face of societal expectations emerged, illustrating how these narratives challenge entrenched patriarchal norms. The study emphasizes the critical role of media in shaping perceptions of gender, calling for advocacy to amplify diverse and empowering narratives. It recommends policy development that supports equitable representation in media, urging further longitudinal studies to track the evolution of these representations. By highlighting the intersection of media, gender, and societal transformation, this research contributes to the understanding of women's roles in contemporary Kenyan society

Office soundscape assessment: A model of acoustic environment perception in open-plan officesa).

The soundscape approach has been utilised in recent research for residential environments, but applications to indoor working environments remain limited. This study investigated the suitability of affective quality evaluations of open-plan office acoustics. Perceptual assessments were completed by occupants of eight open-plan office floorplates, using affective dimensions outlined in PD ISO/TS 12913-3:2019 and indoor soundscape studies. Participant demographic, contextual, work-related quality, and psychological well-being data were collected. Workstation noise levels were measured following BS ISO 22955:2021. Principal component analysis identified Pleasantness, Eventfulness, and Emptiness as the main perceptual dimensions, cumulatively explaining 56% of the total variance. Results indicate the suitability of the PD ISO/TS 12913-3:2019 two-dimensional model for open-plan offices. The perceived presence of human sounds negatively correlated with ISO Pleasantness yet positively correlated with ISO Eventfulness. Participant gender and aural diversity mediated ISO Pleasantness. Psychological well-being and work-related quality correlated positively with soundscape pleasantness. No correlations were found between level-based acoustical indicators-equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq), level exceeded 10% (LA10) and 90% (LA90) of the time, level variability (LA10-LA90) and Liveliness-and perceptual scores. A conceptual representation of open-plan office soundscape perception is presented, offering a framework for evaluating and designing workspaces to enhance well-being.

THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) are reporting thyroid dysfunction at an alarming rate, and there's evidence that thyroid dysfunction—whether overt or subclinical—affects overall glycaemic control. 12.3% of individuals with Type 1 DM have overt hypothyroidism, while around 24.8% of patients have abnormal thyroid autoantibody levels. Objective: This study aimed to determine Thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The present descriptive study was carried out at Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from January 2024 to June 2024 after obtaining permission from the ethical committee of the institute. A total of 110 participants were enrolled in the study. We included all T1DM patients of both genders. All participants with T1DM visiting the OPD were screened. The primary test for assessing thyroid function was TSH, which has an acceptable range from 0.5 to 5 mIU/ml. Triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxin (FT4) levels were also measured. On a Cobos 6000 machine (Roche), thyroid function tests (TFTs) were performed. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of 110 participants of both genders of different age groups were enrolled in this study. 63.63% of them were females and 36.36% were males. 18 individuals (16.36%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, 14 individuals (12.7%) were hypothyroid, and 78 of them (70.90%) were euthyroid. We did not identify any occurrences of hyperthyroidism in current research. In comparison to the rest of the population, individuals with hypothyroidism had significantly different mean Thyroid stimulating hormone, FT4 and FT3 levels (p <0.0001). The mean differences for age, the period of diabetes, randomized blood sugar (RBS), and HbA1c were not statistically significant. When the data was examined for subclinical hypothyroidism, however, there was a substantial variance for mean Thyroid stimulating hormone (p <0.0001) but not for FT4 or FT3. Likewise, there was no difference seen in age (p= 0.35) or gender (p= 0.63). Conclusion: Type 1 diabetes individuals often suffer from thyroid dysfunctions particularly hypothyroidism (12.7%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (16.36%). The analysis of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and other hormonal markers for thyroid function is the most crucial approach.

How does the same piano piece have a different impact on the mood of different age groups and different genders?

developing in the field of music therapy. This study aims to investigate the different emotional changes experienced by participants of different ages and genders when listening to the same piece of piano music. Participants will complete an emotional scale questionnaire (options include calmness, excitemend, anger, happiness, sadness) after listening to the same stimulus (the piano piece). The results will be analyzed through a paired t-test and presented graphically. The study finds that women tend to experience more positive emotions than men. Furthermore, there are significant differences in emotional responses between different age groups, particularly with regard to how older adults react emotionally to music. These findings suggest that the same piece of music can resonate differently with various demographic groups, playing a positive role in music therapy.

CURRENT LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL IN BASIC AND ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT IN ARREST CASES WITH AND WITHOUT COVID-19 INFECTION

Objective: The knowledge of healthcare professionals about life support is crucial for saving lives. It was aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level of healthcare professionals about advanced life support. Materials and methods: Our study was conducted between 15.02.2021 and 15.03.2021 with healthcare personnel working in our hospital. Data were collected by the questionnaire method. The researcher prepared the survey questions according to the European Resuscitation Council COVID-19 guidelines and American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support algorithms updated in 2020. 265 healthcare personnel (physicians, physician assistants, family physicians, nurses, health officers, and anesthesia technicians) participated in the study. Demographic characteristics of the participants (gender, age, duration of service, duties, duty stations), training and practice status, and level of knowledge were evaluated. Results: 67.2% of the participants were female, and 32.8% were male. The majority of the participants were nurses working in the inpatient clinics. 49.9% had a tenure of 1-5 years. 52.0% had received advanced cardiac life support training, and 19.6% had obtained and used automatic external defibrillators. 63.8% had performed advanced cardiac life support on a patient. In our study, the general level of advanced cardiac life support knowledge of the participants was found to be low. There was no significant difference in advanced cardiac life support scores in terms of gender, age, occupation, workplace, and tenure (p=0.604; p=0.986; p=0.927; p=0.982; p=0.295, respectively). Conclusion: Providing in-service resuscitation training to healthcare workers in line with current guidelines and supporting them with practical applications can provide quality knowledge and skills and increase their awareness of their responsibilities.

Food and exercise practices among British Pakistanis; how can Bourdieu's theory of practice help to understand them?

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are significant among the Pakistani ethnic group in the UK. Existing literature has identified food and exercise practices as contributing factors. This qualitative inquiry investigates food and exercise practices among this group. The study also identifies any cultural resistance to changing prevailing unhealthy practices. Five qualitative semi-structured interviews with local Pakistani community leaders, two focus group discussions, and 40 individual interviews with participants of both genders. Bourdieu's theory of practice was used to analyse the data. The lifestyle choices of the participants mainly follow the cultural practices of their home country. In particular, three cultural phenomena might have been contributing to CVDs among this community: a culture of consuming fatty and calorie-dense food, complexity in joint decision-making among family members, and a lack of motivation and cultural support for healthy physical activities, especially among women and older adults. It would be challenging to significantly influence this unhealthy lifestyle in the short term. Integrating religious discourse within health promotion, adopting a whole-family approach, and working with the community on healthier cooking and making exercise options culturally relevant could be helpful for reducing the prevalence of CVDs among the Pakistani community in the UK.

Diabetic patients' knowledge and related factors towards insulin therapy: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the knowledge of diabetic patients and related factors regarding insulin therapy. A comprehensive search was systematically conducted across several international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search employed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords including "knowledge", "insulin", and "diabetes", covering records up to May 1, 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A thorough analysis of fourteen cross-sectional studies involving 2,471 diabetic patients revealed an average knowledge level of 56.51 out of 100 regarding insulin therapy. The study identified several significant factors influencing this knowledge level: age, education level, duration of insulin treatment, practical experience, marital status (specifically being single), participation in training courses, urban residence, and male gender. These findings underscore the crucial role of health policymakers and managers in improving diabetic patients’ knowledge of insulin therapy. By targeting interventions toward these specific factors, they can make a significant difference in the lives of diabetic patients.

Substance use patterns and negative urine opioid screen among patients on methadone treatment at a referral hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

Background Substance use is a global health concern, with opioids contributing significantly to the disease burden. In Kenya, Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) programs using methadone have been implemented to address opioid use disorder. Despite the effectiveness of methadone, the concurrent use of other substances remains a critical challenge. This study aimed to assess substance use patterns at enrolment and evaluate the prevalence of negative urine opioid screens among patients attending a MAT clinic at a tertiary hospital in Kenya. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the medical records of 713 patients enrolled in the MAT clinic between December 2014 and February 2018. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, concurrent substance use at enrolment, and urine opioid screen results at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were collected. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with concurrent substance use, and the likelihood of achieving negative urine opioid screens. Results At enrolment into the MAT program, nearly all participants (712 out of 713) reported concurrent use of additional substances, with tobacco (91%) and cannabis (82.9%) being the most common. Concurrent substance use was significantly influenced by participants age, gender, education level, and route of administration of the substance. The program achieved an 81.3% retention rate at 24 months. However, the prevalence of negative urine opioid screens was lower compared to other populations, with a gradual increase from 61.3% at 6 months to 81.4% at 24 months. Notably, male patients (HR = 1.411, 95% C.I. 1.063–1.873, p = 0.01700) and those receiving higher methadone doses (HR 7.052, 95% CI 3.408–14.593, p<0.0001) were more likely to achieve negative urine opioid screens. Conclusions This study reveals a high prevalence of concurrent substance use among patients enrolling in the MAT program in Kenya, which may affect their likelihood of achieving negative urine opioid screens. These findings underscore the need for methadone treatment programs to adopt comprehensive approaches that address all substance use disorders to improve treatment outcomes.

GHB, Chemsex and Chemical Submission: Investigating the Role of Sexuality on Victim Empathy and Blame Attribution in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault against Men.

Literature is sparse regarding men's attitudes towards male sexual assault and the role that the sexuality of those involved may have. Despite the high prevalence of chemsex and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) participation among men who have sex with men, no study has yet investigated attitudes towards such. Utilising a community sample of 141 UK men, participants were randomly assigned into one of six conditions based on victim sexuality (heterosexual or homosexual) and the drug used present during the sexual assault (chemsex, chemical submission, or no drugs). All participants completed the Male Rape Victim and Perpetrator Blaming Scale and Victim-Blaming Empathy Scale to measure victim-blame and empathy attributions. Results of a two-way MANOVA revealed a significant difference between participant gender and empathic ratings, with heterosexual participants significantly less likely to empathise than their homosexual counterparts. A non-significant difference was observed between the conditions alongside a non-significant interaction. Nevertheless, results indicate that victims in the chemsex condition, along with heterosexual victims, encountered the greatest victim-blaming attributions and the lowest rates of participant empathy overall. Findings overall appear to indicate a general decline in victim-blame attitudes towards men who have sex with men, though a level of uncertainty was apparent among the sample. Implications and limitations of the work are discussed alongside the importance of future research and psychoeducation interventions.

Similar, not universal: the cognitive dimensions of conceptual prototypes of basic emotions in English and in Polish.

The current study explores the differences in conceptualisation of the prototypical basic emotion lexicalisations (anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, surprise) in English and in Polish. Measures of concreteness, imageability and context availability were collected and analysed across the six semantic categories of basic emotions, across different parts of speech and between the self-determined genders of the study participants. The initial results indicate that within these cognitive dimensions the conceptualisations of basic emotions in English and in Polish are only similar on the more general but not the higher levels of conceptualisation. The folk-psychological division between positive and negative emotions and the grammatical parts of speech reveal similar patterns in basic emotion concepts in both Polish and in English. However, on the higher levels of conceptualisations that include specific basic emotion semantic categories and self-identified gender, marked language-specific differences become apparent. Different negative emotions drive the statistical differences in Polish and in English, and the gender effects on the measures of concreteness, imageability and context availability are opposite from one language to the other. In other words, basic emotions may be broadly mutually intelligible, but not exactly the same when communicated across languages and cultures.

Is It Possible to Prevent Organizational Broken Windows with an Organizational Spirituality Shield From the Disaster of the Century to the Solidarity of One

Purpose –The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived organizational spirituality and organizational broken windows of employees who were directly affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. In addition, it was aimed to determine whether the mentioned variables varied according to the demographic characteristics of the participants. Design/methodology/approach –The sample of the research, designed in descriptive and cross-sectional type, consisted of earthquake victims (n=226) who were directly affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and working in one of the two production enterprises during June when the research data were collected. The data were collected using the Organizational Spirituality Scale and Organizational Broken Windows Scale. SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 package programs were used in the analysis of the data. Findings –According to the findings, it was determined that organizational spirituality had a negative (β: -.764) effect on organizational broken windows. In addition, according to the parametric test results conducted between organizational spirituality and organizational broken walls and demographic variables, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the participants' organizational spirituality levels and gender, marital status, age and total duration of professional experience. Similarly, a statistically significant difference was found between the participants' perception of organizational broken windows and gender, marital status, age and total duration of professional experience.Discussion –The meaning that earthquake victim participants attach to their work and the commitment they have with a sense of responsibility for their community and compliance with organizational values will allow them to avoid attitudes and behaviors (broken windows)that may threaten the institution and the social order.

The Association between the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio and Body Mass among European Population with the Highest Proportion of Adults with Obesity: An Observational Follow-Up Study from Croatia.

Background/Objectives: The phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the main constituents of the gut microbiota. An imbalance in the gut microbiota is a sign of dysbiosis, and the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio has been proposed to be a marker of it, especially in the context of obesity. Since Croatia is the country with one of the highest obesity rates in Europe, a pilot observational study was conducted. The aim of the study was to investigate the validity of this potential biomarker in a methodological study using sample processing, DNA sequence analysis and characterization of recruited participants, including various health factors. Methods: A study involving Croatian population was conducted. Participants age, body weight, gender, health history and lifestyle factors were recorded. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. The F/B ratio was calculated and evaluated in the context of health factors. Statistical analysis was performed to detect the possible association of F/B ratio and excess body weight (kg) and possible impact of certain lifestyle factors. Results: No association between the F/B ratio and excess body weight (kg) was found. Excess body weight was significantly associated with higher age, male gender, and history of appendectomy. No significant health predictors of the F/B ratio were found, but weight gain was positively associated with a higher average F/B ratio. Conclusions: Although this study could not confirm the predictive value of the F/B ratio or any other phyla-related biomarker for excess body weight in the study population, it demonstrated interesting insights into the obesity-associated gut microbiota.

Sex differences in physiological responses and thermal perception during repeated extremely cold exposure (−15 °C)

People working in cold regions often need to move frequently between indoor and outdoor environments. Due to sex differences in metabolic rates and thermal sensitivity, repeated exposure to large temperature differences may stress physiological and perceptual systems of males and females differently. This study aims to explore the physiological responses and thermal perception changes in males and females repeatedly exposed to −15 °C. The experiment involved 20 participants (gender balanced), who experienced two consecutive cycles of cold exposure. Each cycle included 30 min of cold exposure and 30 min of recovery. During the experiment, multiple physiological parameters as well as overall and local thermal perception were recorded. The experimental results indicate that repeated cold exposure can lead to thermal habituation in both males and females. Males exhibited higher skin temperatures in extremities such as the hands, fingers, face, and feet, while females reported lower thermal sensations in these areas during the recovery period. Furthermore, repeated cold exposure has a greater impact on the rate of recovery of extremity skin temperatures in females, requiring a longer recovery time compared to males. This article has reference value for considering sex differences in the design of temporary transition spaces in winter, which is beneficial to improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

Evaluating forest conservation policies of Bhutan: sensitiveness and responsiveness to gender considerations

Putting gender at the centre of policy analysis is a crucial task, yet one rarely accomplished effectively. Gender research in South Asia has increasingly emphasised the importance of evolving dynamics and balancing the gender participation in forest policy and practice. Efforts have been undertaken to enhance women involvement in local governance including forest conservation through policy measures that include community forestry initiatives across South East Asia as well as in Bhutan. However, this has not led to a more equitable role for men and women in the forestry industry since it has not properly addressed the underlying issues of power dynamics and inequality. This investigation aimed to evaluate the incorporation of gender issues in Bhutan's forest policies over 50 years. In order to gauge the level of forest conservation policy responsiveness towards gender needs and demands, we employed content analysis and discourse analysis based on an analytical framework centred on various dimensions including socio-economic, socio-cultural, political and operational procedures. The results highlight that the policies concerning forest conservation utilized gender-neutral language when referring to the larger discourse of communities. Notably, terms with connotations specific to men outweigh those associated with women. While phrases specifically addressing women were irregularly and inconsistently employed in certain policy documents, discerning distinct trends in their usage remains challenging. The analysis underscores that only a limited number of forest policies in Bhutan display gender responsiveness, necessitating a greater comprehension of gender roles in forest conservation.

Influence of Gender Participation in Sport on Students’ Academic Performance in Public Day Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Muhanga District

The study explored the influence of gender participation in sport on students’ academic performance in day public secondary schools in Rwanda, specifically the case of Muhanga district. The specific objectives of this research were to assess the availability of sport resources in day public secondary schools in Muhanga district, Rwanda, to examine the students’ academic performance in day public secondary schools in Muhanga district, Rwanda, and to evaluate the relationship between gender participation in sport and students’ academic performance in day public Secondary schools in Muhanga District, Rwanda. The research targeted a population of 912 including 720 students, 144 teachers and 48 Head teachers selected from different schools in all sectors of Muhanga district, Rwanda. A sample size of 279 respondents were used, this include 221 students and 44 teachers were randomly selected and 14 head teachers selected purposively. Data collection was through questionnaires made for students and teachers, and interview guides designed for school head teachers. The method of data analysis involved the utilization of IBM SPSS 22.0. Every piece of information from the surveys and interviews was consistently grouped into categories. Following that, the information was showcased and talked about through the use of tables and figures. The research findings reveal critical gaps in sports resources in public day secondary schools in Muhanga district, Rwanda. A significant 57.9% of students reported inadequate sports facilities, and 52.9% cited insufficient equipment, highlighting the need for improvement. While 54.8% felt sports did not enhance their academic performance, 44.8% indicated it motivated academic engagement. Regarding gender participation, 54.3% believed sports positively influenced academic results, yet 56.1% felt insufficient efforts were made to promote gender equality in sports. Teachers largely recognized the academic benefits of athletic involvement. These findings emphasize the need for improved sports resources and greater gender inclusivity to enhance academic success. The research emphasizes the need for educational policymakers to integrate sports with academics to enhance student development and ensure gender equality in sports participation. It advocates for structured programs that develop essential skills and calls on the Ministry of Education to provide adequate resources and training for teachers.

Multi-Modal Emotional Understanding in AI Virtual Characters: Integrating Micro-Expression-Driven Feedback within Context-Aware Facial Micro-Expression Processing Systems

To engage users, AI Virtual Characters must comprehend emotions. The paper develops and evaluates Chinese-specific context-aware facial micro-expression processing algorithms and feedback mechanisms to improve AI virtual characters' multi-modal emotional comprehension in Chinese culture. Specialized algorithms were used to collect and evaluate Chinese micro-expressions and assess AI virtual characters' emotional comprehension in user interactions. Chinese participants of various ages, genders, and places were recruited for micro-expression recognition to ensure cultural inclusion. A comprehensive method collected quantitative and qualitative data. We integrated interview and AI virtual character feedback with quantitative indicators like emotion recognition accuracy, user engagement, and micro-expression intensity. In the study, demographics affect emotion recognition accuracy and age, gender, and location-specific virtual avatars increase emotional resonance. A study demonstrated that context influences micro-expression interpretation, particularly in distinguishing urban and rural surprise and grief. Textual micro-expression recommendations and real-time AI character expression modifications increased accuracy and user experience. Micro-expressions, visual and auditory cues, and physiological reactions are linked, requiring multimodal signal processing for emotional awareness. Interactive virtual help, gaming, and education may benefit from culturally appropriate AI characters. Deep learning, multimodal fusion, and explainable AI are used in AI emotional interaction theory and technique. Finally, using Chinese cultural intricacies, our study improves AI virtual character multi-modal emotional comprehension. Culturally sensitive AI personalities and emotional AI technologies are developed using context-aware face micro-expression analysis algorithms and feedback systems.

Стресс и стратегии совладания у студенческой молодежи: обзор исследований

<p>Global socio-economic crises, new pandemics, climate disasters, and other large-scale factors create an unfavorable background for humanity, often involving painful processes that lead to significant changes in personality and the social situation of development. Students, as they navigate personal and professional development during their university education, determine their life prospects and societal roles for many years to come. A normative age crisis, combined with everyday and global stresses, can lead to adverse consequences such as high anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, other emotional and behavioral problems, and social maladjustment. The issue of coping strategies that help students effectively manage stress becomes increasingly relevant. The review included 75 full-text Russian and English papers, mainly from 2019–2024, sourced from bibliographic databases such as Elibrary, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The analysis included articles where the participants were aged 17–25, primarily students. The analysis of theoretical and empirical studies allowed us to systematize the types of students' stressors and the specifics of coping strategies. It is important to distinguish whether coping is a response to a specific stressor (situational coping) or if its use is related to an individual's personality traits (dispositional coping). Additionally, it is informative to consider socio-demographic characteristics such as the gender of participants, year, and field of education, which help to identify additional factors associated with the use of different coping strategies. The choice of effective or ineffective coping strategies is characterized by different relationships between stress, existing emotional problems (such as anxiety and depression), and mental toughness (adaptive resource). Thus, a scientifically based approach to effective coping strategies for students, with detailed consideration of perceived stress, mental toughness, the level of emotional problems, and demographic factors, can be considered the most relevant theoretical model.</p>

Social Prescribing in a Japanese Community Library Shows Positive Impacts on Participants

A Review of: Morimoto, Y., Koga, Y., Kenzaka, T., & Son, D. (2023). Social prescribing initiative at community library and its impact on residents and the community: A qualitative study. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 14, https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319231181877 Objective – To determine the impacts of social prescribing in community libraries when medical and social professionals participate. Design – Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews Setting – A community library operated by medical and social support staff in Toyooka City, Japan. Subjects – 10 library participants of various ages, genders, occupations, and levels of involvement. Methods – Two of the authors in this study conducted semi-structured interviews with the users, volunteers, and staff of a community library to solicit their experiences in participating in this initiative. Using an interview guide, data was collected from study participants at the community library site or at a local college, and interviews took place in Japanese, but data was later translated to English post-transcription and analysis. This analysis was completed using the Steps for Coding and Theorization method (or SCAT) (Otani, 2008) for qualitative analysis. Main Results – The authors’ analysis of interview data revealed 11 major categories that participants spoke of the community library offering them, such as “a place to stay, attractive space design, diverse accessibility, choosability of various roles, consultation function, social support, empowerment, mutual trust, formation of connections across generations/attributes, co-creation, and social impact”. Conclusion – Embedding primary care medical providers and staff who recommend or provide social supports in community libraries can reduce barriers to access in both domains and improve the local community overall. This study has implications for all libraries that welcome users to partake in supplemental services and events. However, public libraries should take special note of this study’s findings as they could be inspired to incorporate community members, primary care providers, and social supports into their service provision.

Social networks as facilitators and barriers to behavior change among U.S. South Asian adult participants of a culturally adapted, group lifestyle intervention

ObjectivesThis qualitative study aimed to characterize how social networks influence cardiovascular health behaviors among U.S. South Asian adults in a culturally adapted, group lifestyle intervention. MethodsA purposive sample of participants (n = 24) from the South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Intervention (SAHELI) randomized trial’s intervention arm participated in semi-structured process evaluation interviews. Specific open-ended questions were used to probe participants’ behavior changes, personal social networks, and social support for behavior change. The team transcribed interviews and identified themes using inductive and deductive coding, based on a theoretical model of social influence. ResultsAmong 24 participants (67 % female, mean age 50.5 years, 88 % foreign-born, 50 % with limited English proficiency), three themes emerged: 1) SAHELI participants and their family members provided bidirectional social support for behavior change; 2) intervention participants provided social support to one another; and 3) participants faced resistance to change from some community members. ConclusionsBehavior changes initiated during SAHELI diffused to participants’ close family members. Several social network influences varied by participant gender, English language proficiency, and network member type. Practice ImplicationsHealth professionals should ask patients about how their social networks facilitate or hinder behavior changes. Gender and cultural factors may modify how social networks influence behavior change.