Drug-using Women Research Articles

Makeup Usage in Women Is Positively Associated to Narcissism and Extraversion but Negatively to Psychopathy.

Appearance modification practices are ubiquitous, serving to enhance physical attractiveness and accrue social advantages, including increased desirability as a potential mate. Facial cosmetics are frequently used for appearance modification, yet individual differences in makeup usage remain understudied. While makeup usage in women has been linked to traits like narcissism and extraversion, the broader association with Dark Triad traits and how personality influences makeup application across diverse social contexts were less explored. Here we examined these relationships in 1,410 Brazilian women (Mage = 29.9, SD = 10.35), who completed online Big Five and Dark Triad personality measures, reported their usual makeup usage habits, and detailed their makeup usage across different social scenarios. Results revealed makeup usage was positively associated with narcissism and extraversion, and negatively with psychopathy. Additionally, women used less makeup when alone (at home, exercises) and more in social settings, particularly for the first date. However, women with higher narcissism and neuroticism showed larger differences among low and high makeup usage situations, while individuals with higher psychopathy used makeup in similar frequencies among different situations. Further, (1) overall greater users of makeup scored higher on narcissism, conscientiousness, and agreeableness; (2) average users displayed lower psychopathy; and (3) lesser users reported lower narcissism and higher psychopathy. These findings underscore the nuanced relationship between makeup usage and personality, particularly highlighting the influence of narcissism. These findings contribute to the interplay between personality traits and makeup usage, considering interindividual differences and intraindividual variation in understanding cosmetic behaviors among women.

Assessment of Effectiveness and Side Effects of Subdermal Implant among User Women

Abstract Background: Implanon is a progestin-only implantable contraceptive; it offers promise, long-term, with a high-efficacy contraceptive. It is one of the most effective reversible contraceptives and is of the same effectiveness to sterilization. Objective: To assess the adverse effect profile and effectiveness of subdermal implants. Materials and Methods: A prospective study involved 48 women attending for insertion of the subdermal implant on days 2–5 of their cycle. The implant was inserted subdermally under the effect of local xylocaine of the nondominant arm. Results: The commonest side effect was weight gain constituted 62.5%. At the same time, amenorrhea was reported in 31.3%. Pain at the site of insertion constitutes 14.6%. While bleeding occurred in one case, which responded to local pressure. The commonest cause of discontinuation was weight gain constituted 12.5%. Followed by disturbances in the menstrual cycle. Discontinuation rate 41.7% (20 out of 48 cases). Conclusion: Implanon is an effective long-term contraception with few adverse effects.

A Review of the Optimal Effects of Sunscreen Usage in Women Residing in Tropical Climate Regions for Melasma Prevention: Insights from Literature Analysis

Melasma is a hyperpigmented patch that is generally found on the face, especially on the cheeks, chin, upper lip, and can extend to the neck. The color of hyperpigmentation in melasma varies, generally light brown to black with an irregular shape. Melasma is often found in countries with tropical climates with skin types III-V. This happens because countries with these climates are exposed to more sunlight. To reduce excessive UV exposure to the skin, you can use sunscreen. Optimal use of sunscreen must also be considered in order to reduce the incidence of melasma. This literature review uses four databases (Google scholar, PUBMED, NCBI and PERDOSKI) using the relevant keywords namely "melasma" and "sunscreen" to find the source of articles published in 2010 to 2022. The search results get 142 articles. in Indonesian and English. After selecting based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 relevant articles were obtained which will be discussed in this literature review. In this literature review, the results show that there is a significant relationship between optimal use of sunscreen for women in countries with tropical climates, especially Asia, and the incidence of melasma. Melasma occurs mostly in women with Fitzpatrick III-V skin types and is susceptible to age 25-60 years. Patients with melasma who used sunscreen optimally by applying it every 2 hours showed a decrease in the degree of severity of melasma compared to those who did not repeat the use of sunscreen.

العوامل المؤثرة في استخدام المرأة اليمنية لتكنولوجيا الأموال عبر الهاتف المحمول

The study aimed to investigate the factors affecting Yemeni women's use of mobile money technology, through a set of variables derived from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. A descriptive analytical approach was used, and a questionnaire was designed to collect data from a sample of (401) of Yemeni women users and non-users of mobile money technology. The data was analyzed using simple, multiple, stepwise regression and structural modeling to test the study model. The results showed that the factors (innovation adoption, perceived enjoyment of Try and use, social influence, financial and technological knowledge, ease of use, trust and privacy, compatibility, perceived usefulness) collectively explained 78% of the variance in the dependent variable represented by (Yemeni women's use of mobile money technology). It also showed a positive statistically significant impact of the independent variables (compatibility, perceived enjoyment of Try and use, perceived usefulness, trust and privacy) on Yemeni women's use of mobile money technology. While the impact of the factors (innovation adoption, social influence, financial and technological knowledge, ease of use) was statistically insignificant. The study recommended the need for financial and technological awareness for Yemeni women and highlighting the importance of their use of mobile money technology and spreading awareness of its benefits to increase women's usage rates.

A Whole-Person Approach to Harm Reduction for Women.

Women are the fastest-growing population of people who use drugs in the US. As a group, they are more likely than men to experience stigma, poverty, and negative mental health outcomes. This article discusses the unique needs of women drug users in the US and provides suggestions on how to leverage national attention - and federal funding - to make harm reduction services in the US more gender sensitive, and, as a result, more effective in reducing harm for women who use drugs in this country.

Making frugal innovations inclusive: A gendered approach

When an innovation meets the needs of customers with low purchasing power, typically located in emerging markets, it is considered a frugal innovation (FI). While frugal innovation subserves the development objectives in any country, it could also serve as a tool for enhancing the lives of marginalized sections of any region. Prior research has been sparse in understanding the role of FIs in inclusive development. The current study attempts to explore whether the frugal innovation process has the potential to enhance the empowerment and well-being of marginalized women. It uses the framework proposed by Vossenberg (2018) to examine the contributions of FIs to the empowerment and well-being of women and the role of institutions in mitigating gender inequality. Interviews of 25 marginalized women were conducted in various rural parts of India, which is one of the largest emerging economies and is considered the hotbed of frugal innovations. Using this primary data, we tested the Vossenberg model and have proposed a new outcome “Developing Resilience”, as an extension of the model. In addition to the already existing contribution of frugal innovation to sustainability, our analysis highlights that frugal innovation directly contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 5 related to Gender Equality. The study offers recommendations to industry practitioners and policymakers to make their strategies and policies more gender inclusive. It also makes a case to reconsider market assumptions about women's usage of frugal products as well as re-examine the existing governance structures to make them more encompassing and effective.

“They are survivors”. Violence against women drug users: a qualitative analysis of the professionals’ narratives

Background Women who use drugs are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV), with serious psychological, social, physical and inter-generational consequences. The professionals who attend to the women who seek help when they have a problem with a psychoactive substance are an essential group for detecting and intervening in cases of GBV against women who use drugs. Methods We have conducted a qualitative investigation. Our sources are eight focus groups with Spanish professionals from all the disciplines involved in the field. The total sample was purposive in nature and comprised 55 professionals from the field of drug dependence. Results Both the invisibility of women who use drugs as victims of GBV and the androcentrism present in drug treatment centers define the institutional violence that appears in the professionals’ narratives. According to professionals, being a victim of GBV can increase the use of psychoactive substances, while the latter in turn makes women more vulnerable to GBV. Conclusions In order for the treatment of drug dependence to be sensitive and successful, it needs to include the different forms of GBV suffered by women who use drugs, alongside the effective coordination of resources and support networks.

Effect of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) blocks on Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) opioid usage in women undergoing Robotic-Assisted (RA) Hysterectomy (1179)

Effect of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) blocks on Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) opioid usage in women undergoing Robotic-Assisted (RA) Hysterectomy (1179)

(Counter-)stereotypical Gendering of Robots in Care: Impact on Needs Satisfaction and Gender Role Concepts in Men and Women Users

We present a video-based online study (N = 222) examining the impacts of gendering an in-home, socially assistive robot designed to aid with rehabilitative engagement. Specifically, we consider the potential impact on users’ basic psychological need (BPN) fulfillment alongside measures of the robot’s effectiveness as well as the potential impact on human caregiver gender preferences and propensity to gender stereotype more broadly. Our results suggest that the male-gendering of care robots might be particularly beneficial for men, potentially leading to greater BPN fulfillment than female-gendering. Whilst women also showed some similar gender-matching preference (i.e. preferring the female-gendered robot) this effect was less pronounced. Men who saw the male-gendered robot were also significantly more likely to indicate they would prefer a man, or had no gender preference, when asked about human caregiver preferences. Overall, and in line with (some) previous work, we find no evidence of universal positive impact from robot task-gender typicality matching. Together, our results further strengthen existing calls to challenge the default female-gendering of assistive agents seen to date, suggesting that male-gendering might simultaneously boost positive impact for men users whilst challenging stereotypes regarding who can/should do care work.

Postmenopausal women's usage of complementary and alternative medicine and its relationship to sexual function: A cross-sectional study in southeastern Iran.

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common problems in postmenopausal women that affect their lives. Due to the widespread disadvantages and age limit of drug and hormone therapy, the demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods has increased. This was a descriptive-analytical study. A total of 297 postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Kerman, southeastern Iran, were selected during the years 2020-2021. The use of CAM and sexual function were examined by Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index, respectively. Data were collected through a combination of face-to-face and online forms. More than half of the participants used at least one type of CAM in the preceding year for any general reason. The mean satisfaction score for CAM use was 21.7 ± 5.84; Most reasons of use were for improving quality of life, improving physical function, reducing sleep disorders, improving mood status, reducing vasomotor symptom, and improving sexual function, respectively. Most reasons of use were related to sexual dysfunction. Specifically, the mean score for sexual function was 17.96 ± 7.50 which was lower than the scale's midpoint of 28. According to different subscales of sexual function, 52.9% of participants had good desire, 49.5% good arousal, 34.7% good lubrication, 56.9% good orgasm, and 2% had no pain, and 52.5% were satisfied with their sexual function. There were no significant differences between CAM users and nonusers about sexual functions and all its subscales. There were no significant differences between CAM users and nonusers about sexual functions and all its domains. Further research in different communities with different health systems is recommended to investigate the relationship between CAM and sexual function among postmenopausal women.

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF VARIOUS CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONG WOMEN IN AN URBAN AREA OF SHIMLA, NORTH INDIA

Uncontrolled population growth is a global concern. Adoption of family planning is crucial to limiting the unsustainable growth of the population. This exponential growth of the population puts a large stress on the finite resources worldwide. The magnitude of the burden is further increased in developing and underdeveloped countries where there is a paucity of resources. With majority of population in India in reproductive age group, adoption of family planning methods will not only play an important role in stabilizing the population but will also significantly contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. We did the study to determine the prevalence and pattern of contraceptive usage in women attending our OPD in an urban hospital in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Determinants of Control over Usage of Women’s Cash Earnings in the Households of Rural Areas: A Case of Wanging’ombe District Council in Tanzania

The study was conducted in the Wanging’ombe district council in the Njombe region, Southern highlands of Tanzania. The objective of the study was to assess the determinants of women’s control over their earnings. The study employed a cross-section research design. Data were collected from 150 women who engaged in various economic activities. The structured interview method was used to collect data using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed and analysed using IBM SPSS statistics version 20 and Stata version 11. The analysis involved descriptive analysis in exploring the characteristics of women in the study area, a chi-square test for association, and a binary logistic regression to explore the predictors. The results revealed that more than half (54.7%) of women reported that their husbands/partners decide for them on the use of money earned. Three factors, namely ownership of the house, kind of earning activity (source of income), and amounts of money earned per month are predictors of the control over women’s cash earnings in the household. The study concluded that, although husbands have less chance to decide on income earned by women who engage in economic activities other than farming and those who earn a higher income, household resources including women’s earnings are controlled by husbands to a large extent. The local government authorities in Wanging’ombe and non-government organisations interested in women’s empowerment should intensify efforts to address violence against women, especially economic abuse. This will enable women to engage in different economic activities and be employed in informal and formal sectors

Assessing the Preliminary Efficacy of a Nonrandomized, Clinic-Based HIV Risk Reduction Pilot Intervention for PrEP-Initiated, Alcohol- and Other Drug-Using Women of Color in Miami, FL

In this paper, we assessed the preliminary efficacy and acceptability of a quasi-experimental, clinic-based sexual risk reduction pilot intervention for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-initiated, alcohol- and other drug-using women of color and explored their self-reported barriers to, and facilitators of, PrEP use. Using a mixed methods design, analyses incorporated pre- and post-intervention study assessment data from 38 women and semi-structured process evaluations using a subsample of 25. The intervention administered over an 8-week period consisted of 4 one-on-one in person educational sessions, a process evaluation, and study assessments conducted at baseline and 3 and 6 months. Post intervention, statistically significant changes in sexual risk scores were not observed; however, we found significant decreases in alcohol use (Z = − 3.02, p = .003, η2 = .41). Process evaluation data revealed interpersonal relationships as a key motivator for PrEP initiation as well as a prominent barrier to PrEP use; these relationships rarely facilitated adherence. Overall, women found the intervention to be acceptable and reported a wide range of benefits of participation—most notably its therapeutic benefits. Findings from this study provide preliminary evidence of the potential for the Talking PrEP with Women of Color intervention to improve risky behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes related to sexual risk taking. Furthermore, findings suggest that interventions to increase PrEP uptake and adherence in at-risk women may benefit from supporting them in accurately estimating their risk for HIV and increasing their sense of social support.

Health Equity Considerations: HIV Intervention Adaptation for Black Women in Community Corrections

Objectives: This article describes the process used to adapt the only group-based, computer-assisted, HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention intervention designed for drug-using Black women in community corrections using an integrated health equity ADAPT-ITT framework with a peer engagement lens. Methods: Key adaptation partners included cisgender, drug-using Black women in community corrections, and Black, female, community reentry providers slated to deliver the adapted intervention. Focus groups and a study pilot were held. Results: The resulting intervention, Empowering African-American Women on the Road to Health (E-WORTH), features HIV/STI-specific Afrocentric themes of risk and resiliency tailored for and by Black women in the criminal legal system. Evaluation of E-WORTH confirms its cultural resonance. Participants had a 54% lowered odds of testing positive for any STI and reported 38% fewer acts of condomless vaginal or anal intercourse at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: Findings underscore the need to develop an adaptation model that is explicitly health equity in focus.

The association between self-reported mobile phone usage with blood pressure and heart rate: evidence from a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWith the advancement of technology, the rate of access and use of mobile phones in different communities has increased significantly. Mobile phones emit electromagnetic waves and therefore excessive use of them may have harmful effects on physical and mental health and especially on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported mobile phone use duration and blood pressure and heart rate (HR) using data from Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD) cohort study.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was performed using the data of 8905 out of 10,065 participants in the RaNCD study in Iran. According to the mean self-reported duration of mobile phone usage (min/day) over the previous 12 months, all users were divided into four groups. The first and fourth groups had the least and most time using mobile phones respectively. The relationship between blood pressure and the duration of mobile phone use was determined using univariate and multiple linear regression.ResultsOf 8905 participants aged 35–65 years, 1515 (17.0%) of them didn't use mobile phones. The minimum, maximum, and mean duration of self-reported mobile phone use between users were 3.4, 50.4, and 19.5 min/day, respectively. A decrease in women's systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and HR was observed by increasing the duration of mobile phone use. With adjustment for effective confounding factors, there was a significant negative association between SBP [-2.52 (-4.11, -0.94)], DBP [-1.86 (-2.83, -0.89)], and duration of mobile use.ConclusionIn this study, a significant decreasing trend was found between SBP, DBP, and HR and higher mobile phone usage in women. Based on regression analysis, SBP, DBP, and duration of mobile phone use were associated negatively in those who used their phones for at least 8 h.

Pioneer Mother

Pioneer Mother

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Education with an Attitude of Islamic Concepts on Impulsive Decision Making and Cognitive Flexibility of Women Drug Users

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Education with an Attitude of Islamic Concepts on Impulsive Decision Making and Cognitive Flexibility of Women Drug Users

Cannabis health survey on usage in women with spinal cord injury and knowledge among physicians: A cross-sectional study

Objective Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) report using cannabis to self-manage chronic pain and spasticity. However, its safety and efficacy are not well understood. As more women with SCI are pursuing motherhood, clinicians must consider the possibility of maternal cannabis use and its impact on fetal development. Moreover, due to the lack of current evidence for cannabis, it is important to characterize the perceptions and knowledge of physicians towards both recreational and synthetic cannabinoids. Design Two anonymous surveys (10-items each) were conducted. Setting and Participants Women with SCI (n = 20) completed an anonymous, online survey regarding cannabis use. Physicians at a Canadian SCI rehabilitation center (n = 15) completed a survey on their knowledge of recreational and synthetic cannabinoids among individuals with SCI. Outcome measures Survey 1 evaluated cannabis use patterns and perceptions before/after SCI in women, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The aim of Survey 2 was to understand the perception and current knowledge of physicians regarding recreational cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid use by patients with SCI. Results At the time of survey, 7 women with SCI reported use of cannabis, only 4 of them used prior to injury. Managing tone/spasticity (n = 5) was the major reported benefit of cannabis use. Women used cannabis during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding as a sleep aid or relief for morning sickness (n = 1 pregnancy, n = 1 breastfeeding, n = 1 both). The most-reported challenge with cannabis use was difficulty obtaining consistent, desirable effects (n = 5). Almost all physicians (n = 13) described their knowledge on recreational cannabis products as “none, very little or poor”, with greater overall comfort and knowledge of synthetic cannabinoids. Conclusion Due to the reported use of cannabis during pregnancy/breastfeeding and current impoverishment of physicians’ knowledge (particularly regarding recreational cannabis products), it is imperative to further investigate the safety and efficacy of cannabis use in women with SCI.

The contrasting effects of body image and self-esteem in the makeup usage.

Women wearing makeup are perceived by others as more attractive, competent, dominant, and more socially prestigious. Individuals differ in how much and how frequently they use makeup. Some studies show that women with lower self-esteem use more makeup, probably to hide imperfections. However, women with higher self-esteem can also use makeup to attract attention. This study verified whether social and general self-esteem and body image are associated with makeup usage in Brazilian women. We collected data from 1,483 women (Mage = 31.08; SD = 11.15) about body image (appearance orientation and appearance evaluation), social self-esteem, general self-esteem, and makeup usage (frequency of makeup usage, time spent applying makeup per day, and money spent on makeup per month). Appearance orientation positively predicted frequency of makeup usage, time spent applying makeup, and money spent on makeup, whereas appearance evaluation inversely predicted money spent on makeup per month. Social self-esteem and general self-esteem also positively predicted money spent on makeup, but in different directions. The results suggest that the significance given to appearance and social interactions are importantly associated with makeup usage in women.

Does neoadjuvant chemotherapy diminish the sex disparity in bladder cancer survival after radical cystectomy?

Sex-specific survival disparities for bladder cancer outcomes after radical cystectomy (RC) have been demonstrated in several studies. However, these studies predate the widespread adoption of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We evaluated the differences in sex-specific survival between patients who received NAC with those who did not, using a contemporary national outcomes database.The National Cancer Data Base was queried from 2004 to 2015 to identify subjects who underwent RC. Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was performed to compare all-cause mortality between men and women at each pathologic (p) TNM stage group: T1-4N0, N+ and M+ disease. Associations for all-cause mortality were identified using an adjusted Cox regression analysis, and our findings were confirmed with a subgroup analysis.A total of 9,835 subjects (7,483 men and 2,532 women) were included in the analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis demonstrated female sex was not associated with worse overall survival compared to males (HR 0.947, 95%CI 0.852-1.053, P = 0.947) in the overall cohort. Stratified by pT stage and node positivity, worse overall survival was seen in women with pT4 disease who did not receive NAC compared to men (5-year OS 9.6% women vs. 15.2% men, P < 0.001), but no sex-specific difference was seen across all groups in patients who received NAC. Subgroup multivariable analysis showed that female sex conferred a survival disadvantage for pT4 (HR 1.369, P = 0.026) disease only in patients who did not receive NAC.In a contemporary cohort of subjects who underwent RC, administration of NAC narrows the sex survival-gap in advanced stage bladder cancer. Strategies to improve NAC usage in women should be adopted to overcome potential sex-specific differences such as delayed diagnosis, anatomic differences in higher stage disease, or altered tumor biology which may contribute to differences in oncologic outcomes.