Significant Proportion Of Females Research Articles

Awareness about senile cataracts in rural patients and their approach to tertiary eye care center for cataract surgery in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh

Background: In rural India, significant portion of cataract patients go untreated. Evidence suggests that this backlog is due to a lack of awareness and attitudinal impediments. Hence, the aim of the present study is to know the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding cataract surgery among rural patients who had attended a tertiary eye care center. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Ophthalmology at Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India. A structured, validated questionnaire containing 13 items was given to 300 senile cataract cases by interview technique. The Chi-square test was used for categorical variables and percentages were used for responses. Results: The mean age of the participants was 61.46 ± 0.44 years. Majority of the patients 218/300 (72.7%) were unaware of cataracts. Only 33 (11%) were aware of cataracts. A wrong attribution of their diminished vision to various other factors was noted in 49/300 (16.3%) of the study participants. A significant proportion of females (91.96%) and illiterates (85.8%) were either unaware or attributed to wrong factors than males (85.8%) and literates (50.5%), respectively. Half of the population – 158/300 (52.7%) had no idea about the treatment of cataracts. Conclusion: As there is a significant information and comprehension gap in the public regarding cataract blindness, there is a clear need for exploring the myths regarding cataracts and their surgery through various information, education, and communication programs. More emphasis has to be made on advance eye surgery so that quality care is provided.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Associated Interventions on Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of University Students.

BackgroundMental health issues have continued to rise globally, including among university students. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the previously existing and concerning problem. Given that coping mechanisms have been proposed to mediate the relationship between stressors and mental health, the aim of our cross-sectional study was to investigate the mediation of coping mechanisms on the relationship between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health.MethodsUniversity students (≥18 years old; N = 676; 31% male, 69% female) were administered an anonymous survey addressing current demographics, COVID-19 pandemic-related demographics, personal experiences, sources of stress and perceived effect on mental health, politics, sources of news/information, and various pre-validated scales addressing mental health (DASS-21), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (IES-R) and coping strategies utilized (Brief COPE).ResultsOur results indicate a substantial proportion of our sample reporting scores in the severe and extremely severe DASS-21 categories, in addition to ~50% reporting a perceived deterioration in mental health relative to pre-COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, a substantial proportion of students reported IES-R scores at levels where PTSD is of clinical concern. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of females (~15%) reported scores reflecting potential long-term PTSD-related implications. Females tended to be more severely impacted in all mental health measures. Mediation analysis indicated that while dysfunctional coping mediated the relationship between the impact of the event (COVID-19 pandemic) and all three mental health outcomes, overall, this was not the case with the positive coping strategies.ConclusionOur study appears to indicate a reduced buffering influence on negative mental health outcomes by the positive coping mechanisms investigated in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and secondary interventions implemented. While the findings of this study pertain specifically to university students, they corroborate the existing extensive body of research (from physiological to behavioral, preclinical to clinical) pertaining to the response associated with major stressful events at every level of society. In this regard, the findings imply the necessity for health and other authorities, tasked with safeguarding public well-being, to avoid reactive interventions that do not appropriately balance the risks and benefits, potentially exacerbating pre-existing psychopathologies and compromising social order.

Physician Gender Preference Amongst Females Attending Obstetrics/Gynecology Clinics.

Introduction: The objective of our study was to explore the views and perceptions of female patients attending the obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) outpatient department towards the gender of their healthcare provider, to look for any preference that might exist in this regard, and to highlight any discrimination towards male obstetricians/gynecologists.Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021 at Combined Military Hospital, Lahore. A total of 280 female patients were included in the study and interviewed consecutively. A self-designed questionnaire was administered. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Chi-square test was used to determine for any statistical significance and p≤0.05 was considered significant. Numerical data were represented as percentages.Results: Over 280 female patients participated in our study, out of which 132 were married and 148 were single. Thirteen of these patients were uneducated, 40 had completed high school and 227 patients had obtained a bachelor's level of education; 120 patients were aged 15-25 years, 95 patients were aged 26-35 years, 30 patients were aged 36-45 years, and 35 patients were aged >46. Women with less education preferred to be seen by a female obstetrician/gynecologist, whereas those with higher education were less biased (p=0.0001). Married patients preferred to be seen by female obstetrician/gynecologists as compared to single patients (p=0.0004). A significant proportion of females were impartial in terms of physician competence but those who did have a preference preferred female obstetrician/gynecologist based on three significant variables: competence, rapport building and empathy, and personal comfort.Conclusion: A female gender preference exists in obstetrics and gynecology clinic attendees. This is significant in those who are married and those with no formal education. Overall, a significant proportion of women feel a higher comfort level with female doctors and find it easier to discuss their medical issues and develop rapport.

Tic disorders in children and adolescents: does the clinical presentation differ in males and females? A report by the EMTICS group

Tic disorders have a strong male predominance, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1 in Tourette syndrome (TS) and 2:1 in persistent tic disorders. In other neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the disparity in sex distribution has been partially related to differences in symptom presentation between males and females. In tic disorders, however, little research has been conducted on this topic, probably due to the limited access to large samples with a significant proportion of females. The aim of this study was to describe sex differences in the clinical presentation of tic disorders in children and adolescents in one of the largest pediatric samples with TS/persistent tic disorders (n = 709, 23.3% females) recruited as part of the European Multicenter Tics in Children Study (EMTICS). Validated measures assessed the severity of tics and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Using mixed-effect models, we found that sex had a significant influence on the severity of tics, ADHD symptoms, ASD symptoms, and emotional problems. Males had more severe symptoms than females, except for emotional problems. We also observed a statistically significant interaction between sex and age on the severity of tics and compulsions, with females showing higher symptom severity with increasing age than males. These findings indicate that the clinical presentation of TS/persistent tic disorders varies with sex. Males seem to exhibit a more noticeable pattern of clinical symptoms at a younger age that may contribute to their earlier detection in comparison to females.

Awareness, attitude, and acceptance of teenage girls toward going to gynecology clinic

Background: Adolescence is the teenage phase; this period involves a transition and development from childhood to adulthood. Puberty in girls occurs earlier than males; females in the puberty phase experience various changes, including the menstrual cycle. Some abnormalities may occur during puberty, such as menstrual bleeding abnormalities, urogenital dysfunction, and inflammatory process, requiring consulting a gynecologist. This study was aimed to assess the awareness, attitude, and acceptance of teenage girls toward visiting the gynecological clinic. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study performed using a non-probability sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed online. All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 22. Results: This study included 512 teenage females; the large majority was Saudi, 97.3%, and the mean ± SD age of all participants was 16.25 ± 1.6. The primary source of information about puberty was friends, and the most significant proportion of females, 34.2%, reported the first period at 12 years of age. There were 80.3% who knew about puberty; the knowledge of puberty among females was significantly influenced by age (p = 0.0001), education of the mothers (p = 0.01), income (p = 0.04), and source of information about puberty (p = 0.01). Only 19.5% reported visiting gynecology clinics before; each age, level of education of the mother and the father significantly affected the visiting of females (p = 0.009, 0.04, 0.02) respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that teenage girls have good knowledge about puberty; the primary source of information was friends. The teenage girls have a positive attitude to visit the gynecologists, and they were aware of the necessity of the services provided by the gynecologist.

Eating Disorder Risk Among Patients Presenting to a Specialty Concussion Clinic

In this pilot study, we aim to assess the prevalence of eating disorder (ED) risk in patients presenting to a multi-disciplinary concussion clinic. Anxiety and depression are commonly seen after concussion. However, other post-concussive psychiatric disorders, including EDs, have not been as extensively studied. Athletes represent a population at higher risk for concussion; they also have increased risk of EDs, partly due to emphasis placed on body composition for athletic performance. Consecutive new patients evaluated in a multi-disciplinary concussion clinic received questionnaires: the SCOFF ED Screening Tool, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 or PHQ-A for adolescents), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7). Patients 12-52 years old referred for concussion were included. A positive screen for ED behavior was defined as answering 'yes' to = 1 question on the SCOFF and/or reported poor appetite, weight loss, or overeating on the PHQ. Independent Samples Mann-Whitney U Tests were used to assess group differences in demographic and questionnaire data. Twenty-two patients (55% female, mean age 20.2 ± 10.4 years) completed questionnaires. Time from injury ranged from 3 days to >1 year. Injury mechanisms included sport (n = 16), fall (n = 4), struck (n = 1), and other (n = 1). Ten (45% total, 80% female) had positive ED screens. Significant associations were found between positive screens and total PHQ-9 (p = 0.017), GAD-7 scores (p = 0.025), and time since injury (p = 0.036), but not for age. Findings were no longer significant after controlling for gender. A significant proportion of females who present to a concussion clinic may be at risk of EDs. Because ED behaviors may affect concussion management and recovery, routine screening for ED in concussion clinics should be considered. Those with positive screens would benefit from a referral to a registered dietitian for additional evaluation. Further research is needed to verify the prevalence and characterize the effect of subclinical and clinical EDs in this population.

Characterizing the daily life, needs, and priorities of adults with autism spectrum disorder from Interactive Autism Network data.

Using online survey data from a large sample of adults with autism spectrum disorder and legal guardians, we first report outcomes across a variety of contexts for participants with a wide range of functioning, and second, summarize these stakeholders' priorities for future research. The sample included n = 255 self-reporting adults with autism spectrum disorder aged 18-71 years (M = 38.5 years, standard deviation = 13.1 years) and n = 143 adults with autism spectrum disorder aged 18-58 years (M = 25.0 years, standard deviation = 8.2 years) whose information was provided by legal guardians. Although the self-reporting subsample had much higher rates of employment, marriage/partnership, and independent living than are typically seen in autism spectrum disorder outcome studies, they remained underemployed and had strikingly high rates of comorbid disorders. Data on both descriptive outcomes and rated priorities converged across subsamples to indicate the need for more adult research on life skills, treatments, co-occurring conditions, and vocational and educational opportunities. Stakeholders also placed priority on improving public services, health care access, and above all, public acceptance of adults with autism spectrum disorder. Findings must be interpreted in light of the self-reporting subsample's significant proportion of females and of later-diagnosed individuals. This study underscores the need for lifespan research; initiatives will benefit from incorporating information from the unique perspectives of adults with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Anti-diphtheria immunity in Nigerian mothers and their newborns

BackgroundImmunity to diphtheria has been noted to wane with age such that previous studies have shown that a significant proportion of females with characteristics comparable to those of Nigerian women of reproductive age have inadequate levels of immunity to diphtheria. Thus, it is envisaged that Nigerian newborns may inherit inadequate levels of immunity to diphtheria from their mothers. MethodsCord blood and peripheral maternal blood samples were collected from 231 mother–infant pairs at delivery. Anti-diphtheria antibody titres were assayed using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Recruited babies were those born at term with normal birth weight. ResultsAs much as 29.9% of both mothers and their babies had no protection (antibody titre<0.01IU/ml) from diphtheria. Ninety (39.0% CI 33%,45%) mothers and 107 (46.3% CI 40%,52%) babies were inadequately protected (antibody titre<0.1IU/ml) from diphtheria. The difference in the geometric mean antibody titres of mothers and babies was statistically significant (p<0.0001). There was a strong positive linear correlation between maternal and newborn antibody titres (“r”=0.983, p<0.0001), such that, as mothers antibody titres increased those of their babies also increased. ConclusionSignificant proportions of Nigerian mothers and newborns are at risk of developing diphtheria. Vaccination of parturient women with booster doses of diphtheria toxoid vaccine is recommended.

Oestradiol and prostaglandin F2α regulate sexual displays in females of a sex-role reversed fish

The mechanisms regulating sexual behaviours in female vertebrates are still poorly understood, mainly because in most species sexual displays in females are more subtle and less frequent than displays in males. In a sex-role reversed population of a teleost fish, the peacock blenny Salaria pavo, an external fertilizer, females are the courting sex and their sexual displays are conspicuous and unambiguous. We took advantage of this to investigate the role of ovarian-synthesized hormones in the induction of sexual displays in females. In particular, the effects of the sex steroids oestradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) and of the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) were tested. Females were ovariectomized and their sexual behaviour tested 7 days (sex steroids and PGF2α) and 14 days (sex steroids) after ovariectomy by presenting females to an established nesting male. Ovariectomy reduced the expression of sexual behaviours, although a significant proportion of females still courted the male 14 days after the ovary removal. Administration of PGF2α to ovariectomized females recovered the frequency of approaches to the male's nest and of courtship displays towards the nesting male. However, E2 also had a positive effect on sexual behaviour, particularly on the frequency of approaches to the male's nest. T administration failed to recover sexual behaviours in ovariectomized females. These results suggest that the increase in E2 levels postulated to occur during the breeding season facilitates female mate-searching and assessment behaviours, whereas PGF2α acts as a short-latency endogenous signal informing the brain that oocytes are mature and ready to be spawned. In the light of these results, the classical view for female fishes, that sex steroids maintain sexual behaviour in internal fertilizers and that prostaglandins activate spawning behaviours in external fertilizers, needs to be reviewed.

Is body composition important in young people's weight management decision-making?

Young people are often seen as an important target for prevention of overweight, but we know little about the factors which are important for their weight management decisions. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which elements of body composition and dimensions were implicated in their decisions to change their weight. Participants were 116 male and 126 female volunteers from a tertiary college in the south-west of England with a mean age of 17.90 (s.d. = 1.90) y. Body composition measures included height (m), weight (kg), waist and hip circumferences (mm), shoulder and hip girths (mm) and skinfold thicknesses (triceps, calf and subscapular, mm). Students also provided self-reported information on dietary practices they had undertaken in the last year. More females reported attempting weight loss in the last year compared to males (51.5 vs 17.6%), although more males reported attempting weight gain (19.3 vs 2.3%). Reported dietary strategies for both males and females centred around eating less fatty foods, eating less than usual and exercising more. However, a significant proportion of females also reported excessive strategies, such as self-induced vomiting and regular crash dieting. Results indicated that females who desired to lose weight were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier, and bigger in terms of circumferences and skeletal breadths, compared to females who did not wish to change their weight. For males, the 'weight loss' group were significantly (P < 0.05) bigger, heavier and fatter compared to the 'no change' and 'weight gain' group. For females only, the previously significant main effect for body dimensions across weight management groups (Pillais F(14,188) = 3.81, P < 0.001) was extinguished when controlling for bone dimensions (Pillais F(12,198) = 1.68, P = 0.074). These results indicate that frame size, particularly in the lower trunk, is a more important predictor of female weight management decision-making, than their levels of fatness. For males, fatness appears to drive their weight management decision-making processes to a greater extent.

Diapause Termination, Gonoactivity, and Differentiation of Host-Seeking Behavior from Blood-Feeding Behavior in Hibernating Culex Tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae)

Diapausing Culex tarsalis were collected from mine tunnels in Boulder Co., Colorado, during late September and early October 1980 and studied in the laboratory. Exposure to a long photophase (L:D 15:9) resulted in diapause termination in essentially all mosquitoes by day 7 at 25 °C. Warming alone (at 25 °C) for up to 8 days did not terminate diapause in a significant proportion of females maintained at typical autumn day lengths. Diapause was terminated in Cx. tarsalis by topical application of methoprene, a juvenile hormone (JH) mimic, suggesting that the physiological pathway for diapause termination involves secretion of JH by a reactivated corpus allatum. Host seeking and blood feeding were shown to represent discrete stages in the biting cycle of Cx. tarsalis , and these were differentiated in diapausing females by varying the size of the feeding chamber. Diapausing females could be induced to take a blood meal only when the host-seeking step in the biting cycle was bypassed by placing the females in close proximity to a host. Gonotrophic dissociation occurred in a significant proportion of females only when 3 conditions were met: females had to be in a state of diapause when fed, and fed females had to be incubated at a cool temperature (15 °C) and under short-day conditions during the time of blood meal digestion. The demonstration that gonotrophic dissociation can occur under experimental conditions probably has no relation to what occurs in nature. Warm Indian-summer conditions notwithstanding, typically short autumn day lengths are sufficient to suppress host-seeking behavior in diapausing populations and host seeking is a requisite for blood feeding in nature.

Contiguity to male foetuses affects morphology and behaviour of female mice.

DURING studies on the role of gonadal hormones in aggressive behaviour of mice, we observed large variations in both the morphology and behaviour of females. At birth, variation was evident with respect to the principal external sex-differentiating marker—distance between the anus and the genitals, with some females being difficult to distinguish from males. Moreover, a significant proportion of females, upon reaching adulthood, were more responsive to androgen than others, exhibiting male-like aggressive behaviour more quickly following its administration. These observations led to the speculation that a certain proportion of females had been masculinised naturally during prenatal development. We present here data which show that such masculinisation does occur and that it is mediated by proximity to male foetuses.