Study Of Women Research Articles

High-density lipoprotein metrics during midlife and future subclinical atherosclerosis in women: the SWAN HDL study.

The clinical utility of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in risk classification is limited, especially in midlife women. Novel metrics of HDL may better reflect this risk. We clustered a comprehensive profile of HDL metrics into favorable and unfavorable clusters and assessed how these two clusters are related to future subclinical atherosclerosis (carotid intima media thickness [cIMT], interadventitial diameter [IAD], and carotid plaque presence) in midlife women. Four hundred sixty-one women (baseline age: 50.4 [2.7] years; 272 White, 137 Black, 52 Chinese) from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation HDL ancillary study who had baseline measures of HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (HDL-CEC), lipid contents (HDL-phospholipids [HDL-PL] and HDL triglycerides [HDL-Tg]), and HDL particle (HDL-P) distribution and size, followed by carotid ultrasound (average 12.9 [SD: 2.6] years later), were included. Using latent cluster analysis, women were clustered into a favorable (high HDL-CEC, HDL-PL, large and medium HDL-P, less HDL-Tg and small HDL-P, larger size) or an unfavorable HDL cluster (low HDL-CEC, HDL-PL, large and medium HDL-P, more HDL-Tg, and small HDL-P, smaller size) and then linked to future subclinical atherosclerosis using linear or logistic regression. The favorable HDL cluster was associated with lower cIMT, IAD, and odds of carotid plaque presence. These associations were attenuated by body mass index, except in Chinese women where the association with cIMT persisted (0.72 [0.63, 0.83]). The association between favorable HDL clusters and a better postmenopausal subclinical atherosclerosis profile is largely explained by body mass index; however, racial/ethnic differences may exist.

Associations between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Diabetes in Vietnam-Era Women Veterans in the HealthViEWS Study.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with incident diabetes. However, past studies have often included predominantly male samples, despite important sex and gender differences in diabetes. To address this limitation, this study examined the association between PTSD and diabetes in older Veteran women, a population with a high burden of PTSD. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 4,105 women (Mage = 67.4 years), participating in the Health of Vietnam-Era Veteran Women's Study (HealthViEWS; Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program #579). Participants completed self-report measures of demographics, health conditions, and health behaviors. Information on military service was obtained through service records. A structured clinical interview was conducted by telephone to assess current and lifetime PTSD and other mental health disorders. Weighted descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between PTSD and diabetes. Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 28.4% among women with current full PTSD compared to 23.4%, 17.6%, and 17.5% for current subthreshold, remitted, and no PTSD. In unadjusted analyses, women with current full and subthreshold PTSD were 1.87 [1.49; 2.33] and 1.44 [1.11; 1.85] times more likely to have diabetes compared to women with no PTSD. Remitted PTSD was not associated with increased odds of diabetes. Effects were attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for relevant covariates. Conclusions: Vietnam-era women with current PTSD, including subthreshold symptoms, had a greater likelihood of diabetes compared to women without PTSD. These findings suggest that women with PTSD may benefit from increased diabetes prevention efforts.

Determinants of urinary dialkyl phosphate metabolites in midlife women: the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study (SWAN-MPS).

Biomonitoring data and determinants of urinary dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites, markers of organophosphate pesticides, in racially diverse, non-occupationally exposed populations are scarce. This study evaluated urinary concentrations and potential determinants of DAP metabolites of organophosphate pesticides in a multi-site, multi-racial/ethnic cohort of women aged 45-56 years, the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study (SWAN-MPS). We analyzed 963 urine samples collected in 1999-2000, the baseline of SWAN-MPS for longitudinal studies, and quantified DAP metabolites, including dimethyl alkylphosphates (DMAPs): dimethylphosphate (DMP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP); and diethyl alkylphosphates (DEAPs): diethylphosphate (DEP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP), diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP), using gas chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy. Adjusted least squared geometric means (LSGMs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to compare DAP concentrations by socio-demographic, behavioral and dietary factors. The geometric means (geometric standard deviations) of total DAPs, DMAPs, and DEAPs were 141 (2.63) nmol/L, 102 (2.99) nmol/L, and 26.8 (2.46) nmol/L, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was inversely associated with DMAPs and DEAPs: LSGM (95% CI) = 68.8 (55.7-84.9) and 21.0 (17.7-25.0) nmol/L for women with obesity vs. 102 (84.7-123) and 30.1 (25.7-35.1) nmol/L for women with normal/underweight, respectively. Fruit consumption was positively (74.9 (62.1-90.2) for less than 5-6 servings/week vs. 105 (84.8-130) nmol/L for 1 serving/day and more) whereas meat consumption was inversely associated with DMAPs (110 (95.0-128) for seldom vs. 82.3 (59.5-114) nmol/L for often consumption). Fresh apple consumption appears to be attributed to the DMAP differences. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with DEAPs (27.5 (23.1-32.7) for 2 drinks/week and more vs. 23.0 (20.0-26.6) nmol/L for less than 1 drink/month). Black women had higher concentrations of DEAPs compared with White women (27.3 (21.2-35.2) vs. 23.2 (20.2-26.7) nmol/L). Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are synthetic chemicals and currently the most widely used type of insecticides. We examined multi-site, multi-ethnic cohort of midlife women in the U.S. that offers a unique opportunity to evaluate major determinants of OP exposure. We improved OP metabolite detection rates and obtained accurate concentrations using an improved analytical technique. Our findings suggest that consumptions of fruit, meat and alcohol are important determinants of OP exposure for midlife women. Higher concentrations of diethyl OP metabolites in Black women compared to White women, even after accounting for dietary intake, suggests additional, but unknown racial-ethnic differences that affect exposure.

Reimagining Feminism and Gender Relations in Saudi Arabia: A New Theoretical Framework

Reimagining Feminism and Gender Relations in Saudi Arabia: A New Theoretical Framework

Gender Asymmetries: An Exploratory Study of Women’s Experiences in Portuguese Football Organizations

The main objective of this exploratory study is to analyze the negative effects associated with the phenomenon of tokenism for Portuguese women in non-playing football roles, as well as their strategies for integration into a context where they are a minority and the social functions are dominated by men. To this end, we carried out semi-structured individual interviews with eight men and eight women, undertaking functions in the fields of coaching, psychology, medical team, planning, refereeing, and management in football organizations, and with their contents then subject to thematic analysis. Our analysis confirms how the football context strongly demarcates gender differences with women being more visible and leads to the stereotypical roles being associated with traditional femininity. The findings also observe how, in order to integrate, women align with the norms imposed by the dominant group (men) and accept being circumscribed to the spaces that hegemonic gender ideologies and practices attribute to them.

Rural Women’s Response to Climate Change: An Exploratory Study of Women’s Grassroot Network in Odisha

The emergence of Feminist Political Ecological (FPE) position allows to rethink about social institutions like Self Help Groups (SHGs) as foundations for building green movements through everyday practice. The collective voice that has helped them emerge economically self-sufficient is reflected in their decision making, when the larger cause of climate change or environmental decision-making are involved. It is time that their actions permeating the ecology and environment gains credence and such coalitions provide ground as movements for achieving the larger collective agenda.   Idea of SHGs as social capital helped the marginalized women create different ‘gendered subjectivities’ and endowed them with a collective voice, be it conservation of their own ecological settings or confronting the social system. The case of Climate Credit Pilot Project and/or conservation of indigenous seed varieties in remote villages of Odisha bear testimony to women’s consciousness regarding climate mitigation initiatives and the meaningful actions associated with environmental justice. Such interventions show that the embedment of economic, social and cultural values of SHG groups align with their instinct for attaining a larger goal of environment protection through household and community level actions.   The gendered subjectivities including increased social consciousness among women, better access to new information, up-skilling has made them better and enlightened decision makers. The practice of joint or consensual action by SHG collectives enable them to address multi-scalar issues like climate change. However, the broader agenda of social and economic empowerment has to align with their decision making power relating to their immediate ecology and environment. In this context, the proposed study will probe emerging social consciousness of women on climate change issues, while examining their larger environmental responsibility in local situation, wherein the women remain at the receiving end. This is a field-based exploratory study of women from subsistence and indigenous communities of three districts in Odisha which interrogates the role of SHGs in creating a social space for women to engage with the question of environmental decision making. The study intends to analyse the field data in relation to environmental rights, responsibilities and knowledge of rural and Adivasi women within the institution of SHGs. It aims to formulate the concept, i.e., can SHGs be seen as co-linear spaces which needs to be strengthened as bearers of green movements at the local level as a response to the climate crisis.

Abstract PO2-10-02: 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is disproportionately prevalent among U.S. Black women. Black women diagnosed with TNBC are less likely to receive the primary treatment options for TNBC, and more likely to die from the disease compared to white patients with the same diagnosis. Given TNBC’s impact on Black women, there is an urgent need to better understand their needs for information and support and any unique barriers to care they may face. Thus, this study explored the perspectives, needs, and lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Methods: Our study was guided by the transformative paradigm and used a multi-method approach. Study-eligible participants self-identified as: a) Black or African American; b) 18 years or older; c) being diagnosed with TNBC within the previous 5-7 years; d) receiving TNBC treatment in the U.S.; and e) English-speaking. From August-October 2022, SHARE Cancer Support (a national nonprofit focused on cancer) and 15 partner organizations used social media and listservs to recruit potential participants from their constituencies to complete a quantitative survey (n=49). From the survey participants, a stratified, purposeful sample of 20 Black women diagnosed with TNBC completed in-depth interviews from November 2022-February 2023. Two Black women researchers conducted virtual interviews with the participants via Zoom. The research team performed thematic analysis on the professionally transcribed data using NVivo 12. A Black Feminist lens was used to analyze codes and interpret emerging themes present across the interviews. The University of South Carolina's Institutional Review Board approved this study. Results: About half of those interviewed were between 35 and 44 years old, had a bachelor's degree or higher, and their annual household income ranged from less than $25,000 to $175,000. Eight major themes emerged from the personal stories of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. From diagnosis to survivorship, Black women discussed the importance of advocacy, including self-advocacy, others advocating on their behalf, and being motivated to become an advocate for others. The participants shared the significance of their identity as Black women and desired that cancer care team members acknowledge their identity and subsequently culturally tailor their care needs. Some participants also noted instances of racism and discrimination that occurred during their TNBC diagnosis or treatment experience. Participants overwhelmingly stressed the vital nature of having “someone who looks like me” to inform them about treatment options and existing resources, as well as to provide emotional support through their shared lived experiences with TNBC. Additionally, participants recognized the importance of embracing the uncertain yet inevitable future. They also emphasized that mental health support is not uniformly provided in care settings but should be an essential component of the TNBC treatment plan. Having support was essential to all the women, but they noted that support can look different for everyone and many existing support resources need to be improved. The themes were adapted into a list of recommended action steps for support organizations, clinical care team members, and TNBC patients to help improve the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Conclusions: The lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC can serve as a meaningful source of data and provide solutions to addressing persistent health disparities these women face. Findings from this study can inform future research and clinical practice about how to support the holistic needs of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Recommendations for improving the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The 8 major themes that emerged in the qualitative study were adapted into a list of actionable recommendations for key interest groups to improve the lives of Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Citation Format: Tisha Felder, Lucy Ingram, Megan Austin, Victoria Burke, Stephanie Poland, Megan-Claire Chase, Christine Benjamin. 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-10-02.

Neighborhood physical environments and change in cardiometabolic risk factors over 14 years in the study of Women's health across the nation

BackgroundNeighborhood physical environments may influence cardiometabolic health, but prior studies have been inconsistent, and few included long follow-up periods. MethodsChanges in cardiometabolic risk factors were measured for up to 14 years in 2830 midlife women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a multi-ethnic/racial cohort of women from seven U.S. sites. Data on neighborhood food retail environments (modified Retail Food Environment Index) and walkability (National Walkability Index) were obtained for each woman's residence at each follow-up. Data on neighborhood access to green space, parks, and supermarkets were available for subsets (32–42%) of women. Models tested whether rates of change in cardiometabolic outcomes differed based on neighborhood characteristics, independent of sociodemographic and health-related covariates. ResultsLiving in more (vs. less) walkable neighborhoods was associated with favorable changes in blood pressure outcomes (SBP: −0.27 mmHg/year, p = 0.002; DBP: −0.22 mmHg/year, p < 0.0001; hypertension status: ratio of ORs = 0.79, p < 0.0001), and small declines in waist circumference (−0.09 cm/year, p = 0.03). Small-magnitude associations were also observed between low park access and greater increases in blood pressure outcomes (SBP: 0.37 mmHg/year, p = 0.003; DBP: 0.15 mmHg/year, p = 0.04; hypertension status: ratio of ORs = 1.16, p = .04), though associations involving DBP and hypertension were only present after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. Other associations were statistically unreliable or contrary to hypotheses. ConclusionNeighborhood walkability may have a meaningful influence on trajectories of blood pressure outcomes in women from midlife to early older adulthood, suggesting the need to better understand how individuals interact with their neighborhood environments in pursuit of cardiometabolic health.

Research Protocol and Recruitment Redesign of a Study of Pregnant Women and Their Infants During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Childhood Allergy and the NeOnatal Environment (CANOE)

BackgroundRecruitment for research studies is a challenging endeavor that was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We launched a new NIH-supported multi-center birth cohort, “Childhood Allergy and the NeOnatal Environment” (CANOE) in January 2020 across four sites. While the pandemic temporarily halted clinical research, we restructured the study and instituted novel recruitment methods that we hypothesized would enable brisk enrollment when research activities resumed. ObjectiveDevelop protocol modifications and recruitment methods that promote successful recruitment of diverse populations in clinical research despite a global pandemic. MethodsWhile study activities were suspended, we modified recruitment strategies to limit in-person contact, shifting toward alternative HIPAA-compliant methods like clinician referrals, institutional social media, and telemedicine screening and consent procedures. Protocol changes included reducing the frequency of in-person visits, leveraging clinical care visits to collect biospecimens, expanded self-collection of samples at home, and making study materials available online. ResultsRemote methods, including targeted social media posts, mailed letters, and email, combined with in-clinic recruitment with modifications for social distancing led to successful recruitment at all sites. Rates of consent have been similar across recruitment sites, with the highest rates of enrollment of mother-infant dyads realized by sites that implemented multiple recruitment strategies. ConclusionsStudy procedures that prioritize health and safety measures such as social distancing, study participant convenience, and diverse recruitment strategies enable successful enrollment of pregnant women and their newborns into clinical research while adhering to public health restrictions during a global pandemic.

Effects of Abaloparatide on Bone Mineral Density in Proximal Femoral Regions Corresponding to Arthroplasty Gruen Zones: A Study of Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis.

Low hip bone mineral density (BMD) in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) increases the risk of periprosthetic fractures, implant instability, and other complications. Recently, emphasis has been placed on bone health optimization: treating low BMD prior to a planned orthopaedic implant procedure in an effort to normalize BMD and reduce the potential risk of future complications. Abaloparatide is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved osteoanabolic agent for men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and a candidate drug for bone health optimization that, in addition to benefits at the spine, increases hip BMD and reduces nonvertebral fracture risk. We hypothesized that abaloparatide would improve BMD in proximal femoral regions surrounding a virtual THA stem. This post hoc analysis obtained dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) hip scans from 500 randomly selected postmenopausal women with osteoporosis from the Phase-3 Abaloparatide Comparator Trial in Vertebral Endpoints (ACTIVE, NCT01343004) study after 0, 6, and 18 months of abaloparatide (250 patients) or placebo (250 patients). Hip DXA scans underwent 3-dimensional (3D) modeling via 3D-Shaper, followed by virtual resection of the proximal femur and simulated placement of a tapered, flat-wedge hip stem that guided delineation of the Gruen zones that were fully (zones 1 and 7) or largely (zones 2 and 6) captured in the scanning region. Integral, cortical, and trabecular volumetric BMD, cortical thickness, and cortical surface BMD (the product of cortical volumetric BMD and cortical thickness) were determined for each zone. Compared with placebo, the abaloparatide group showed greater increases in integral volumetric BMD in all zones at months 6 and 18; cortical surface BMD in zones 1, 6, and 7 at month 6; cortical thickness, cortical volumetric BMD, and cortical surface BMD in all zones at month 18; and trabecular volumetric BMD in zones 1 and 7 at months 6 and 18. Abaloparatide increases BMD in proximal femoral regions that interact with and support femoral stems, suggesting that abaloparatide may have value for preoperative or potentially perioperative bone health optimization in patients with osteoporosis undergoing THA. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Eating Behaviors and Adiposity Indicators – Observations from the 2016/17 Examination of the Population Study of Women in Gothenburg

Eating Behaviors and Adiposity Indicators – Observations from the 2016/17 Examination of the Population Study of Women in Gothenburg

Physical activity volume, frequency, and intensity: Associations with hypertension and obesity over 21 years in Australian women

BackgroundOptimal patterns of accrual of recommended levels of physical activity (PA) for prevention of hypertension and obesity are not known. The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether different patterns of accumulation of PA are differentially associated with hypertension and obesity in Australian women over 21 years of age. Specifically, we investigated whether, for the same weekly volume of PA, the number of sessions (frequency) and vigorousness of PA (intensity) were associated with a reduction in the occurrence of hypertension and obesity in women. MethodsData from the 1973–1978 and 1946–1951 cohorts of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health were analyzed (n = 20,588; 12%–16% with a Bachelor's or higher degree). Self-reported PA, hypertension, height, and weight were collected using mail surveys every 3 years from 1998/2000 to 2019/2021. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association of PA volume (none; 33–499; 500–999; 1000+ MET-min/week), weekly frequency (none; 1–2 times; 3–4 times; 5–7 times; 8+ times), and the proportion of vigorous PA to total volume of PA (none; 0%; 1%–33%; 34%–66%; 67%–100%) with odds of hypertension and obesity from 2000 to 2021. ResultsThe cumulative incidence of hypertension was 6% in the 1973–1978 and 23% in the 1946–1951 cohort; 27% of women in the 1973–1978 and 15% in the 1946–1951 cohort developed obesity over the period. Overall, a higher volume of PA was associated with reduced odds of hypertension and obesity. When the volume of PA was considered, the odds of hypertension did not vary according to the frequency or intensity of PA. However, increased proportion of vigorous PA to the total volume of PA was associated with a small additional reduction in the risk of obesity. ConclusionPA volume appears to be more important than the pattern of accumulation for the prevention of hypertension and obesity. Incorporating more sessions, particularly of vigorous-intensity PA, may provide extra benefits for the prevention of obesity.

The Interplay of Anemia and Cardiovascular Disease in Pregnant Women and APGAR Scores of their Newborn: A Retrospective Study in Pregnant Women

Objectives: The implications of maternal anemia extend beyond the immediate physiological consequences; moreover, the consequences of maternal anemia are not limited to the mother alone. It may lead to low Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores. It, further, adds up to higher incidence of morbidity rates in neonates. The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence and severity of anemia during pregnancy, to establish a correlation between maternal hemoglobin (Hb) levels and APGAR scores in newborns, and determine the association between cardiovascular disease and severity of anemia. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a private medical college in Bareilly from March 2022 to March 2023. The study focused on pregnant females aged 15–49 years who were admitted and delivered within the facilities of the private medical college during this period. Pregnant females with pre-existing chronic conditions affecting Hb levels were excluded from the study. A total of 130 subjects were included in the study, and their Hb levels and APGAR scores at 1 min were considered for analysis. Results: The results show a spearmen rank correlation coefficient (r) = 0.575 between maternal Hb levels and APGAR scores at 1 min, indicating a significant positive relationship (P &lt; 0.05). Infants born to mothers with moderate anemia exhibited the highest prevalence of low APGAR scores (&lt;4), highlighting the potential impact of maternal anemia on immediate neonatal well-being. No significant association was found between cardiovascular diseases in pregnancy and severity of anemia. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the optimization of maternal Hb levels is a critical intervention to ensure a healthier start for the neonate. This study provides a crucial foundation for evidence-based practices in maternal healthcare and neonatal well-being. Focus on improving maternal Hb provides multifaceted benefits both in mothers and neonates.

여성 노인의 사회적 관계, 건강정보 리터러시 및 신체 건강에 관한 연구

This study aims to examine the health of older women in relation to their social relationships and health literacy, utilizing the data from the ‘Korean Study of Women’s Health-Related Issues(K-Stori)’. The dataset comprises a final sample of 3,000 older women, with 683 residing in single-person households (SPH) and 2,317 in multi-person households (MPH). The key findings of the analysis are as follows: Firstly, older women in SPH exhibited lower levels of physical health compared to those in MPH. Secondly, it was observed that the overall level of social relationships among older women in SPH was inferior to that of those in MPH. Thirdly, MPH residents displayed a higher level of health literacy than their counterparts in SPH. Lastly, this study revealed that health literacy plays a mediating role in the relationship between social relationships and physical health for both SPH and MPH residents. Specifically, health literacy completely mediated the association between family relationships and health outcomes for both SPH and MPH, while it entirely mediated the connection between friend relationships and health solely for MPH residents. Drawing from these findings, policy and practice implications for enhancing the health of older women were proposed.

Cardiovascular Health, Race, and Decline in Cognitive Function in Midlife Women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

Cognitive decline may progress for decades before dementia onset. Better cardiovascular health (CVH) has been related to less cognitive decline, but it is unclear whether this begins early, for all racial subgroups, and all domains of cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CVH on decline in the 2 domains of cognition that decline first in White and Black women at midlife. Subjects were 363 Black and 402 White women, similar in baseline age (mean±SD, 46.6±3.0 years) and education (15.7±2.0 years), from the Chicago site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Cognition, measured as processing speed and working memory, was assessed annually or biennially over a maximum of 20 years (mean±SD, 9.8±6.7 years). CVH was measured as Life's Essential 8 (blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, physical activity, diet, sleep). Hierarchical linear mixed models identified predictors of cognitive decline with progressive levels of adjustment. There was a decline in processing speed that was explained by race, age, and the 3-way interaction of race, CVH, and time (F1,4308=8.8, P=0.003). CVH was unrelated to decline in White women but in Black women poorer CVH was associated with greater decline. Working memory did not decline in the total cohort, by race, or by CVH. In midlife Black women, CVH promotion may be a target for preventing the beginnings of cognitive decline, thereby enhancing independent living with aging.

Gendered Citizenship Rights: A Case Study of Women in Morang District

This paper attempts to identify the intricate factors contributing to the alienation of rural women from obtaining citizenship and the far-reaching consequences this has on their overall wellbeing and livelihood options. The study delves into the underlying causes and seeks to shed light on the multifarious challenges faced by rural women in their pursuit of citizenship rights. The study is a qualitative research, following an exploratory research approach. The study site for this research was Morang District, which is one of the southern eastern Terai districts in Koshi Province of Nepal. The study has employed an experience survey to present the lived experiences of the affected women due to lack of citizenship. Analysis of data was done to identify recurring themes and patterns among the participants’ experiences that have faced discrimination in accessing citizenship rights. The collected data were analyzed using phenomenological analysis to explore the participants’ subjective experiences, perceptions and emotions to fulfill the research objectives. The major reasons for women to lack citizenship as identified by the field study was poverty, landlessness, illiteracy, patriarchal value system, and unjust provision, which make women dependent on their male counterparts to get citizenship, inaccessibility and lack of social network and administrative complexities.

What's colour got to do with it? A psychometric assessment of Peggy McIntosh's white privilege

AbstractPeggy McIntosh's (White privilege and male privilege: A personal account of coming to see correspondences through work in women's studies, Working Paper 189, Wellesley Center for Research on Women, 1988) list of 50 racial privileges, which purportedly benefit persons of white skin colour, has had enormous impact on social science research and educational curriculum and pedagogy. Surprisingly, to date, no attempt has been made to empirically explore the validity and reliability of her list of racial privileges. To address this issue, we conducted a psychometric analysis on McIntosh's list of racial privileges with 204 adult Australian university students. Using a combination of factor analyses and Rasch modelling on McIntosh's list of racial privileges we identified a 27‐item multidimensional scale consisting of three well‐functioning and reliable subscales (i.e. a 15‐item Racial Representation, a six‐item Social Interaction and a six‐item Culture and Politics subscale). Moreover, the derived multi‐dimensional white privilege instrument was found to have good criterion validity in that persons’ experiences of racism significantly predicted white privilege (i.e. the more racism experienced the less white privilege experienced and vice versa). Finally, analysis of variance comparisons indicated that persons with white skin colour had significantly more white privilege than persons with black skin colour and Asians, while Asians had more white privilege than persons with black skin colour. Overall, this study presents evidence of a psychometrically valid and reliable 27‐item multi‐dimensional white privilege instrument and lends empirical support to the theoretical underpinnings of McIntosh's contentions.

Changes in Adipose Tissue and Circulating Concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Midlife Women.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that bioaccumulate in adipose tissue. We investigated the relationship between change in central adiposity and changes in circulating concentrations of POPs over a 12-year period during the midlife. Serum concentrations of 34 PCBs and 19 OCPs were measured at four time points (1999/2000, 2002/03, 2005/06, 2009/11) in a cohort of midlife women, the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Linear mixed models were used to test the association between a change in waist circumference and a change in serum POP concentrations. Sixty-five women contributed 181 PCB observations. Fifty-nine women contributed 151 OCP observations. After adjustment for covariates (study site, race and ethnicity, age at baseline, parity), a one-inch (2.54 cm) increase in the change in waist circumference between visits was associated with a 4.9% decrease in the change in serum concentration of PCB 194 (95% CI: -8.0%, -1.6%). No associations were observed for other PCB congeners or the presence of OCPs. An increase in the difference in waist circumference over time was not associated with a change in the difference in serum concentrations of PCBs and OCPs except for PCB 194, possibly due to the high lipophilicity.

Research on the Challenges of Gender Equality in Real Life

Nowadays, feminism is a very popular topic throughout the world, and a large number of people attach great importance to female’s rights, even many universities set some course relating to it. But, there are still some problems through the protection of women. Nowadays, women face the discrimination in occupation, which has bad effect on choosing jobs. In order to promote and increase salary, a large number of women are refuse to get married and give birth to babies, which cause lack of labour and do damage to the development of economic. The challenge is that although women have several ally, some of them are “Pseudo-ally”, promoting the legitimate needs of stigmatizing women. This article will discuss the current state of gender equality, the challenges, and the importance of advancing women's rights. a fascinating narrative unfolds in the intricate field of women's studies, a captivating narrative unfolds, encompassing historical shifts, psychological exploration, and a heightened understanding of domestic violence. The article’s aim is that let people to have a better understanding of women, diminish the discrimination of female, and let more real ally to help women.

The role of lifestyle factors in the association between education and self-reported fibromyalgia: a mediation analysis

BackgroundSocioeconomic status as measured by education, income, or occupation, has been associated with fibromyalgia but the underlying mechanism and the role of lifestyle factors are unclear. Thus, we examine the role of modifiable lifestyle factors (body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking) in the association between education and self-reported fibromyalgia.MethodsWe used data from 74,157 participants in the population-based prospective Norwegian Women and Cancer (NOWAC) study. Socioeconomic position, operationalized as years of educational attainment, and lifestyle factors were assessed via self-reported questionnaires. Multiple mediation analysis was used to decompose total effects into direct and indirect effects. Estimates were reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe cumulative incidence of fibromyalgia was 3.2% after a median follow up time of 13 years. Fibromyalgia was inversely associated with years of educational attainment for ≤ 9 years (HR = 2.56; 95% CI 2.32–2.91) and for 10–12 years (HR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.72–2.02), compared with ≥ 13 years of education. Overall, all lifestyle factors together jointly mediated 17.3% (95% CI 14.3–21.6) and 14.1% (95% CI 11.3–18.9) of the total effect for ≤ 9 years and 10–12 years of education, respectively. Smoking and alcohol consumption contributed the most to the proportion mediated, for ≤ 9 years (5.0% and 7.0%) and 10–12 years (5.6% and 4.5%) of education.ConclusionThe association between education and self-reported fibromyalgia was partly explained through lifestyle factors, mainly smoking and alcohol consumption.