Female Undergraduate Students Research Articles

(023) THE IMPACT OF TITLE IX MANDATORY REPORTING POLICY ON UNDERGRADUATES' LIKELIHOOD OF REPORTING SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Abstract Introduction In the United States, Title IX requires employees of federally funded universities to report any knowledge of university-related nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs), whether or not the students involved desire to file a report. Research assessing students’ likelihood of reporting sexual violence (SV) to someone at their university under these policies remains sparse; however, extant research indicates students are more likely to report when SV is penetrative, the perpetrator is a professor, and the event is similar to stereotypes of SV but they are less likely to report when alcohol is present or a student is the perpetrator. Alcohol is present in roughly half of all college SV and alcohol is the greatest rape-risk factor for female students. Despite the widespread implementation of MR policies, there is no consensus on how these policies actually impact students’ reporting. None of the previous studies on MR have used an experimental design to evaluate the effects of MR on students’ likelihood of reporting sexual violence to universities. Objective The current study aimed to fill these gaps by (1) using an experimental design to assess students’ likelihood of reporting sexual violence and (2) by evaluating how contextual factors, like perpetrator, violence type and alcohol consumption, impact likelihood of reporting under MR policy Methods 171 female undergraduate students were recruited for the current study. Participants were randomized into two groups: one group was instructed to imagine that their university had MR policies in place while the other was instructed to imagine that university employees were all confidential reporting (CR) sources-- meaning that students could disclose without creating a report. Students read four vignettes alternating perpetrator (professor vs. student) and violence type (penetrative vs. non-penetrative). After each vignette, students indicated their likelihood of reporting if they were the student in the vignette with and without the presence of alcohol. Results Student answers were dichotomized to “would” versus “would not” report and binomial logistic regressions analyzed differences between conditions and vignettes with and without alcohol. Significant differences arose across vignettes, conditions, and alcohol consumption. Conclusions Overall, students who said they would report the SV vignette without alcohol were roughly 4 times more likely to report it with alcohol (p <0.001). Students were significantly more likely to say they would report a professor perpetrating a penetrative assault (PR) over any other vignette; however, perhaps most importantly, students in the MR condition were significantly less likely to do so than students in the CR group (p= 0.032). Students in the MR group were also significantly less likely to report than CR students when alcohol was present (p= 0.004). Despite being most similar to stereotypical SV (e.g., power differential, penetration), students in the MR group reported it significantly less than CR students. As this type of SV is historically most commonly reported, this could have important implications for real-world reporting patterns. MR policy could significantly decrease reporting overall. Disclosure No.

Exploring Perception of Warning Labels: Insights from Color, Signal Words, and Symbol Evaluation

Protecting people from the risks associated with products is a critical concern in today’s economy. Pakistan, being the world’s fifth most populous country, lacks the framework of warning labels and therefore faces a significant gap in product warning labels. Pakistan is a representative of a number of countries that export a variety of products to Pakistan; however, warning labels on these goods are typically in English, which might mislead people of Pakistan in perceiving the hazard level. It is therefore imperative to conduct research into the non-textual and cross-cultural understanding of labels from the perspective of Pakistan. This study examined the applicability of ANSI Z535.4 in the context of Pakistan. A total of 66 (34 male and 32 female) undergraduate students with a mean age of 20.5 participated in this study. A meticulous experiment was designed using a nine-point rating scale with anchors on both sides, where one represented ‘not at all hazardous’ and nine represented ‘extremely hazardous’. Participants rated each component of warning labels, i.e., color, symbol, signal words, and their complex configurations. The results showed alignment with the ANSI Z535.4 standards for some components (i.e., colors, symbols, and signal words) and complex configurations, whereas no significant difference was found in perceived hazard levels between green (M = 3.167), blue (M = 3.591, and yellow (M = 3.652) colors, with a p-value greater than 0.05. Participants did not differentiate significantly between signal words, i.e., caution (M = 5.182) and warning (M = 5.879). Participants also did not differentiate significantly between complex configurations, i.e., safety alert–caution–yellow (M = 5.076) and safety alert–warning–orange (M = 5.197), with p-values greater than 0.05. These results state that discrepancies in the perception of warning labels exist. This study is the first of its kind conducted in the context of Pakistan, which will help policy makers to consider the findings before implementing a policy. In fact, differences in perception could result in failure to take appropriate precautions. Nonetheless, these nuances can be overcome with proper awareness through training for the people.

Experiences of Female Undergraduate Engineering Students in Academia and Industry: A Literature Review

Experiences of Female Undergraduate Engineering Students in Academia and Industry: A Literature Review

Perceptions of Undergraduate Students with Hearing Impairments (HI) Pertaining to their Job Placement

This research aims to investigate the perceptions of undergraduate students with hearing impairments regarding their job placement. The study is descriptive in nature and conducted through questionnaires. The main objective of this study is to compare the problems that male and female undergraduate students with impaired hearing face regarding their job placement. For this purpose, data was collected from 78 students of private and public sector universities in Lahore through convenient sampling. The variables related to students’ perceptions were mainly demanded, job readiness, employment, and barriers. The collected data is then tabulated and analyzed through SPSS. The findings revealed that the pupils with Hearing Impairments (HI) faced difficulties in getting a job, as they considered their impairments to be a great barrier

Association of dysmenorrhea with stress among female students at Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa

Background: Dysmenorrhea, the cramping pain experienced by women during menstruation, can significantly impact their daily lives and academic performance. Mental stress is a potential trigger for dysmenorrhea, but their association remains to be precisely determined. This study aims to explore the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among undergraduate female students at Universal College of Medical Sciences and investigate its association with perceived stress.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate female students at Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire, including anthropometric data, menstrual history, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), were used for data collection. PSS scores were used to categorize stress levels as low, moderate, or high.Results: Total 196 female students participated in the study. Dysmenorrhea was present in 80.1% of the participants, with 34.7% seeking treatment for the condition. Additionally, 29.6% of the students reported moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms. Most students (81.6%) had a moderate level of perceived stress. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between dysmenorrhea and level of perceived stress (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The study findings highlight a considerable prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female students at Universal College. The association between dysmenorrhea and perceived stress underscores the importance of addressing the psychosocial well-being of these students. Implementing supportive measures, such as mental health support and stress management programs, can create a more conducive environment for students to manage dysmenorrhea and its impact on their academic performance.

How Female Undergraduate Students’ Holistic Experiences Predict Their Payment Methods

Female undergraduate students have drastically increased in higher education over the last three decades. The increase in the number of students has come during unprecedented cost increases associated with attending a four-year higher education institution. The increases can be related to tuition but are also associated with mandatory fees (fees all students must pay regardless of status). These fees are associated with programs and services that enhance the collegiate experience (academic tutoring, health services, and Game Day activities). Conversely, little is known concerning how holistic experiences (prior experiences) can shape payment methods. Through a quantitative survey analysis that collected female participants’ self-reported data on payment methods across four states, we employed a regression analysis to predict their payment methods. Our findings suggest the (a) demographic characteristics, (b) university knowledge, (c) knowledge and attitudes toward mandatory fees, and (d) several academic capital subsets that shape women’s payment methods.

Physical activity levels and junk food intake among female undergraduate students in Mandya: a cross sectional study

Physical activity levels and junk food intake among female undergraduate students in Mandya: a cross sectional study

Determinants of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among regular undergraduate students at Hawassa University Southern, Ethiopia, 2023: institution-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition causing severe emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms before menstruation. It greatly hinders daily activities, affecting academic and interpersonal relationships. Attention is not given to premenstrual disorders among female students in higher education. As a result, students are susceptible to stress, and their academic success is influenced by various factors, including their menstrual cycle, and the long-term outcomes and consequences are poorly researched. Even though PMDD has a significant negative impact on student’s academic achievement and success limited research has been conducted in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia, especially in the study setting. Therefore, a study is needed to assess premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among regular undergraduate students at Hawassa University.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 regular undergraduate female students at Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences. A self-administered structured premenstrual symptoms screening tool for adolescents was used to assess premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The collected data were loaded into a statistical package for the social science version 25 and analyzed using it. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Each independent variable was entered separately into bivariate analysis, and a variable with a p-value less than 0.25 were included in the multivariate analysis to adjust the possible confounders. Statistically significant was declared at a 95% confidence interval when variable with a p-value less than 0.05 in the multivariate analysis with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.ResultsThe magnitude of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in this study was 62.6% (95% CI 57.4–67.5). Having severe premenstrual pain (AOR = 6.44;95%CI 1.02–40.73), having irregular menstrual cycle (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.32–3.70), students who had poor social support (AOR = 5.10;95%CI, (2.76–12.92) and moderate social support (AOR = 4.93;95%CI (2.18–11.18), and students who used contraception (AOR = 3.76;95%CI, 2.21-6,40) were statistically significant factors with the outcome variable.ConclusionThe prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder was high as compared to other studies. There was a strong link between irregular menstrual cycle, severe menstrual pain (severe dysmenorrhea), poor social support, and contraception use with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This needs early screening and intervention to prevent the complications and worsening of the symptoms that affect students’ academic performance by the institution.

Summer undergraduate biomedical research program for underrepresented minority students in a rural, low-income state

IntroductionDiversity can enhance the agenda and quality of biomedical research, but a dearth of underrepresented minorities and women serve as biomedical researchers. The study purpose was to examine the impact of the a summer undergraduate research program on self-efficacy in research, scientific communication, and leadership as well as scientific identity, valuing objectives of the scientific community, and intent to pursue a biomedical research career.MethodsUnderrepresented minority and female undergraduate students participated in a mentored research experience in a rural, low-income state.ResultsStudents' self-efficacy in research, scientific communication, and leadership as well as scientific identity, valuing objectives of the scientific community, and intent to pursue a biomedical research career increased post-program compared to pre-program.ConclusionThis study supports implementation of a biomedical summer undergraduate research program for URM and women in a poor, rural, settings.

Perceptions and Challenges of Online Group Work Among Emirati Female Undergraduates

This study investigates the experiences of female undergraduate students at a federal university in the UAE with online group work. Using a questionnaire, the attitudes and perceptions of 32 female Emirati students were analyzed. Results indicate a generally positive attitude towards online group projects, highlighting the development of skills such as time management, teamwork, and leadership. Despite these benefits, challenges such as low contribution and poor communication were noted. The study recommends the careful design of online group assignments to ensure meaningful participation. Further research is suggested to explore faculty perspectives and conflict management in online group settings.

The Experience of Cultural Globalization and the Consumption of Western Clothing

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the experience of cultural globalization (based on the three indicators of using foreign music, using foreign media, and individualism) and consuming western clothing. Methods: The type of research was descriptive and the method was survey. The statistical population included all female undergraduate students of Shiraz University in the academic year of 2022-23, of which 384 of them who responded came from colleges of economics, management, social sciences, literature and humanities who were selected trhough random multi-stage cluster sampling. Findings: Based on data analysis, it can be said that there is a positive and significant relationship between the use of foreign music and the consumption of western media (B=0.459), and between the use of foreign media and the consumption of western media. There is a positive and significant relationship with medium intensity (B=0.563); and finally, there was a positive and significant relationship between individualism and consumption of western clothing with relatively high intensity (B=0.667). In addition, the results showed that the three variables of using foreign music, using foreign media, and individualism (as indicators of cultural globalization) were able to explain and predict about 52% of the changes related to the dependent variable (consumption of western clothing). Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is suggested that the cultural policy makers, while taking the necessary measures to promote the media literacy of the youth, should make some kind of contextual adjustment in the direction of using satellite networks, in relation to the representation of the interests and tastes of the young generation in the programs of the domestic networks. To prevent the influence of culturally heterogeneous elements, the necessary investment should be applied in the direction of good music productions according to the taste of young people. Finally, in the field of Islamic-Iranian clothes, a variety of new and diverse designs according to the taste of women should be considered.

The interaction between brain-based learning strategies and patterns of infographics and its influence on the development of information concepts among Saudi undergraduate cybersecurity students

The study reported in this paper investigates the impact of the interaction between brain-based learning strategies (spaced repetition and distributed practice - mental models) and patterns of infographics (static/animated) in e-learning environments and its impact on the development of informational concepts among cybersecurity students. The quantitative data were collected by means of Information Concept Test to determine the levels of information concepts according to the Frayer model (1969). The research sample consists of 80 male and female undergraduate students in Qassim University, who were classified into four quasi-experimental groups according to their preferred patterns in the infographic. Quantitative analysis of findings from this study shows an effect for the interaction between the variables of brain-based learning strategies (spaced repetition and distributed practice - mental models) and patterns of infographics (static/animated) in e-learning environments in the test scores of information concepts in the post-administration, where the significance level (.011) is less than the significance level (0.05). Findings also revealed that the repetition of information at increasing intervals of time using the infographics is effective to learning concepts in an organized manner and to improving short memory. Furthermore, the mental model’s strategy also helped to retain information. The study recommends encouraging the use of brain-based learning strategies and patterns of infographics (static/animated) in e-learning environments to explore the relationships between different scientific concepts, to expand students’ knowledge, and to discover inter-relationships between different subject elements. The study provides a platform for further research to employ different brain-based learning strategies within e-learning environments to acquire higher-order thinking skills and improve students’ memory and mental capacity with the use of modern technological techniques that achieve learning quality.

Sexual violence amongst female undergraduate students in institution of higher learning in Enugu: Prevalence and awareness

Background: The rising cases of domestic violence has been a great concern to the general public. Objective: The prevalence and awareness of sexual violence on female undergraduates attending Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu was evaluated. Method: The study was a cross-sectional study that involved 400 female students, self-administered questionnaires was employed. Data was analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Associations were tested using Chi square and p< 0.05, at 95% CI. Data was summarized as frequency distribution and chart. Result: Mean age of participants was 23.2 ±1.8. 354(88.5%) participants head about sexual violence prior to this study with one hundred and eighteen respondents (29.5%) being victims of sexual violence in one way or the other. 32.2% of them knew people who had suffered sexual violence. Commonest age of awareness was between 20-24 years(p=0.001). The source of sexual violence awareness was largely from friends (26%), face book (23.2%) and whatsap (20.3%) with least awareness from school teachers and newspaper (4.5%). Close relatives 52.6% were noted to be the commonest perpetrators of sexual violence, followed by family friends 31.6% and unknown persons 15.8%. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of sexual violence with little or no institutional based awareness program on sexual violence that is a threat to the general public.

Marriage and motherhood: Insights on a crucial life course process from the perspective of female arab-palestinian undergraduate students

Despite changes in women's status in recent decades in Arab-Palestinian society in Israel, marriage and motherhood still play a central role. Moreover, although the increase in the integration rates of young Arab-Palestinian women into the higher education system, as girls belonging to a minority group with traditional structures, they are expected to prioritize family and community expectations over personal aspirations. This study focuses on art projects of female Arab-Palestinian college students in Israel, which serve as a prism for detecting cultural perceptions of pathways to entering adulthood among this population today. These topics are central themes in the projects in question. Working on these projects forced the students to profoundly contemplate their life stage - being engaged or newly married and young mothers. The aim of the study was to decode the artworks in order to explore the students’ feelings and thoughts on a topic rarely considered through the eyes of the young women themselves. The study provides a nuanced examination of the social processes that young educated Arab-Palestinian women experience in the current family structure. By analysing the projects using visual tools from semiotics and art history, along with verbal texts provided by the students, we assert that these projects serve as a crucial avenue for students’ self-expression regarding topics seldom addressed. Even though the projects cannot be understood as critical of traditional gender expectations, we did find some interesting voices of unease regarding them. The move from their parents' home to their new one is widely described as difficult, where sadness and concern about the future are highly noticeable. In addition to accepting the stages of marriage and motherhood with joy and excitement, they also express fear and hesitation. This tension between fulfilling their expected roles and being unsure and hesitant about them exists in the projects. We claim that even if implicit and careful, these signs are important to recognize. However, it seems that higher education has failed to significantly undermine patriarchal and gender expectations.

Physical Activity of Undergraduate Students in Medicine and Physiotherapy Programmes in a Nigerian Medical University

Background: There appears to be dearth of empirical data to ascertain the physical activity level of Nigerian undergraduate students, especially among medical students. Hence, there would be need to investigate the physical activity level of students in a Nigeria university community. Aim: The aims of the study were to assess and compare the physical activity of undergraduate students studying Medicine and Physiotherapy. Methods: Two hundred and sixteen undergraduate students studying Medicine and Physiotherapy were recruited using Stratified sampling technique. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to each student and the data generated was used to compute the Physical activity scores of each participant. Descriptive statistics and Inferential statistics of ANOVA and Independent t-test (student) were used to compare physical activity of the students. Results: The results obtained from this study showed skewness in the mean Physical Activity of students at different studying levels due to some that are physically hyperactive. There was no significant difference in the overall Physical Activity of students studying medicine and physiotherapy. However, there were significant differences in the vigorous physical activity of the students (F= 2.54, p = 0.04). The mean vigorous physical activity of 500 level students studying physiotherapy was significantly higher than that of the 400 level students studying in both programmes (p=0.003 and p = 0.032 respectively). There were no significant differences between in the vigorous activity of the final year students in physiotherapy and medicines; and between male and female, although, the sitting PA of female undergraduate students was significantly higher that of male. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the total physical activity of students studying medicine and physiotherapy. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the physical activity of male and female students, excluding that of sitting component of physical activity score which was higher for the later.

Out of the loop: Taking a one-week break from social media leads to better self-esteem and body image among young women

This study experimentally tested the effects of taking a one-week break from social media (SM) on body image and self-esteem among young women. Female undergraduate students (N = 66) were randomly assigned to either take a one-week break from SM or continue their normal use (control condition). State self-esteem and body satisfaction were measured at baseline (Time 1) and one week later (Time 2). As predicted, participants in the break condition reported higher body satisfaction and higher state self-esteem (total, performance, social, and appearance domains) at Time 2 than did those in the control condition, controlling for Time 1 scores. The benefits of taking a break from SM on body satisfaction were especially pronounced for women with higher baseline levels of thin-ideal internalization. The findings demonstrate the short-term benefits of taking a break from SM for one week on self-esteem and body image among young women.

Differential Adjustment Outcomes of International Students at U.S. Universities

We present a methodological example of an initial use of critical quantitative analysis (CritQuant) in international education research focused on international students to explore differences in social-emotional experiences intersectionally. Drawing on a sample of 558 international students attending 14 colleges and universities in the United States, we examined students' belonging, social support, academic stress and confidence, COVID-19 related stress, and social integration by students' gender, graduate level, and region of origin as well as by combinations of gender, graduate level, and region of origin. Key findings include that graduate and undergraduate female students as well as graduate male students reported better social-emotional experiences compared with undergraduate male students and that students' region of origin accounted for a range of differences in student outcomes. Findings are discussed in relation to the current literature and with respect to opportunities in the field of international student engagement and global student mobility.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment Pattern of Menstrual-Related Headache Among Undergraduate Health Sciences Students at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment Pattern of Menstrual-Related Headache Among Undergraduate Health Sciences Students at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

IJCM_382A: Awareness regarding use of menstrual cups among female college students in Mangalore

Background: Menstruation is a normal body function requiring proper menstrual hygiene products. There are many products available for management of mensuration among which one of the most undervalued products is the menstrual cup. Despite all of the many sustainable advantages it offers, the use of menstrual cup is limited to not even 10 percent of menstruating women Objective: 1. To assess the knowledge of usage of menstrual cups amongst female non-medical students. 2. To evaluate the willingness to use menstrual cups amongst female non-medical students Methodology: The study was conducted in non-health science colleges of Mangalore. The participants were undergraduate female students. Non-random convenient sampling was used and the study was conducted in March 2022. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was created using Google Forms. Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval and permission from college authorities was obtained prior to commencement of study. Results: Majority of students had heard about a menstrual cup (92.1%) but 87.7% of the participants used sanitary pads and only 4.6% used menstrual cups. After obtaining knowledge from the study, 45% of the participants agreed to use a menstrual cup if available and 46.9% would recommend it to their family and friends. Menstrual cup knowledge was found to be significantly correlated with study course (p=0.043) and current sanitary product use (p=0.001). Conclusion: The main concerns regarding menstrual cups among participants were limited knowledge, discomfort, and limited availability. Many participants had no idea about menstruation cups and it’s functioning and method to dispose of them.

IJCM_360A: Do Body Image Concerns Affect Our Adolescent girls? A Cross-sectional Study among female undergraduate medical students in Guntur medical college.

Background: People’s thoughts and feelings about their own bodies are related to their body image. Adolescents want to gain or lose weight in order to achieve the ideal physique in today’s culture due to the developing notion of ideal body image. Because there are currently few studies on body image, this research aims to fill in the gaps in our understanding of the still-developing field of body image perception. Objectives: 1. To find out the proportion of girls dissatisfied about body image. 2. To find the association of various factors with body image dissatisfaction and to ascertain the weight control behaviours adopted by adolescent medical under graduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done among 300 medical undergraduate college girls in Guntur medical college. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on various factors associated with body image dissatisfaction. Body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. Results: Body image dissatisfaction was there among 65.3% of the girls. It was found that factors such as higher BMI, sociocultural pressure to be thin and depression were all significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction. The most commonly followed weight control behaviours were eating small meals and skipping meals. Improving the appearance and body shape were the main reasons for weight control behaviour. Conclusion: This study establishes the fact that body image dissatisfaction is no longer a western concept and affects Indian adolescent girls to a great extent. Hence, effective interventions have to be planned to increase awareness on ideal body weight and protect our young generation from pressures of negative body image.