Young Female University Students Research Articles

Assessing the factor structure and measurement invariance of the eating attitude test (EAT-26) across language and BMI in young Arab women

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to determine the factorial structure and test the measurement invariance of the EAT-26 in a large probability sample of young female university students in Qatar (n = 2692), a Muslim country in the Middle East.MethodsThe maximum number of factors was derived based on results from initial exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in the first-half of the randomly split sample (Sample 1). A subsequent EFA and Exploratory Structural Equation Models (ESEM) were conducted to identify the number of valid factors. A five-factor model with 19 items was identified as the optimal factor structure. This structure was further replicated using ESEM in the second-half of the sample (Sample 2). Multi-group Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) were conducted at this stage and their fit was evaluated with and without further sub-grouping by language (Arabic and English) and BMI (underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese). Finally, measurement invariance tests were conducted in the entire sample assessing equivalence across language and BMI within the final five-factor model.ResultsThe five-factor structure of the new EAT-19 [fear of getting fat (FGF), eating-related control (ERC), food preoccupation (FP), vomiting-purging behavior (VPB), and social pressure to gain weight (SP)] provided the best fit: CFI = 0.976, TLI = 0.952, RMSEA = 0.045 (90%CI 0.039–0.051), SRMR = 0.018, CD =1.000. CFAs supported metric invariance for language and for BMI. Language and BMI-based population heterogeneity comparisons provided modest and small-to-moderate evidence for differential factor means, respectively.ConclusionAlthough the five-factor model of the EAT-19 demonstrated good item characteristics and reliability in this young female population, the lack of scalar invariance across language and BMI-categories pose measurement challenges for use of this scale for screening purposes. Future studies should develop culture- and BMI-specific cut-offs when using the EAT as a screening instrument for disordered eating in non-clinical populations.

‘Kill Me but Make Me Beautiful’: Harm and Agency in Female Beauty Practices in Contemporary Iran

In this paper, drawing on notions, such as harmful cultural practices and beauty, and based on semi-structured interviews with young female university students in Iran, perceptions and experiences on beauty practices and cosmetic surgery are studied. We show how despite existing criticism of the gendered aspects of beauty practices among Iranian women who practice them, they are still practiced on a large scale. In contemporary Iran, the female body as a contested space for expression of social capital is under influence by the globalized beauty standards that predominantly rely on Western beauty ideals. This article explores beauty practices and positions them in the religious and political discourses of body and corporality in contemporary Iran. This empirical study reveal that despite the popularity of particular practices in Iran, especially nose jobs, beauty is not perceived as a common good but as a necessary evil by young Iranian women. We discuss how beauty is perceived, articulated, practiced and potentially resisted by young women in Iran.

Temporary liberties and uncertain futures: young female Muslim perceptions of life in England

ABSTRACTThis article explores how young female Muslim university students in London and Birmingham experience life in England. Through focus groups and interviews, talk about three main topics was collected: how young Muslims frame their identities; how they are perceived by others; and how they perceive Muslims to be portrayed and represented in public life. Analysis shows that the participants: presented themselves as ambitious and autonomous; experienced direct and indirect exclusion as young Muslims; perceived a lack of diverse Muslims role models and ambassadors in public life; and that, despite their optimism, felt their futures in Britain were uncertain. The young people recognised the temporary liberties they have around dress and practice as university students that are potentially restricted in wider society. The research highlights the problems created by stigmatising public discourse around Islamist extremism that fuels narrow, deficit-focused policy that exacerbates the exclusion of young Muslims.

Fashion model profiles: the intersection of self, ideal and preferred

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how young female fashion consumers assessed the facial attractiveness of an advertising model. The study focused on the consumers exposed to both local and foreign fashion advertising.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample consisted of 161 young female (18-30 years old) university students from the State of Qatar. A research questionnaire was designed to assess the perceptions of young Qatari females toward the facial features of a cluster of international fashion models representing a variety of looks. Due to the cultural sensitivity of the research topic, data were collected online using SurveyMonkey. Apart from the key demographics, the research questionnaire captured the respondent’s own self-assessed facial profile, an ideal facial profile, and the facial profile of the most preferred model from a set of choices. The authors analyze the similarities and differences between the three profiles collected from each respondent: self, ideal and choice.FindingsThe findings indicated that a mix of facial features (a blend of classical Arabic looks and contemporary Western looks) is preferred by most respondents. This matches the expectation of consumers exposed to local as well as international fashion advertising.Practical implicationsIn developing markets (such as Qatar), preference for fashion models is shaped by a combination of local and foreign advertising influences. Hence, it is likely that hybrid models (i.e. representing a combination of Eastern and Western looks) appeal to young female consumers within these markets. Retailers of fashion clothing and accessories can use this information to select models who maximize the appeal of their brands.Originality/valueThe research sheds light on how judgments about the attractiveness of female models are made by triangulation among the self, the ideal and the selection of models available to choose from. The research provides a window into how young women make judgments of physical attractiveness based on facial features.

Knowledge and Awareness about Risk Factors of Osteoporosis among Young College Women at a University in Riyadh, KSA

Objectives: To measure the knowledge and awareness about risk factors of osteoporosis among young females in King Abdullah Female City at Al-Imam Mohammed ibn Saud Islamic University. Methods: This was cross-sectional study based on the self-administered questionnaire. Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT) was used for data collection, OKAT will assess the understanding of symptoms and risk of fractures, knowledge of risk factors for osteoporosis and the preventive factors such as physical activity, diet and treatment availability. The study participants were all female students at Al-Imam Mohammed ibn Saud Islamic University which was 39774 until the academic year of 2017-2018. Results: Participants knowledge about osteoporosis found 79.4% of the 1012 subjects questioned did not have sufficient amount of knowledge about the disease. Our study explored the possible impact of sufficient knowledge and awareness in preventing the occurrence of osteoporosis in young Saudi female college students, using OKAT with cut-off score less than 60%. Conclusion: According to OKAT, young Saudi female college students do not have sufficient amount of knowledge about osteoporosis, which plays a major role in preventing the disease, therefore, an effort should be made to promote health awareness regarding osteoporosis.

Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics – A Survey Among Young Female College Students in Chennai City

Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics – A Survey Among Young Female College Students in Chennai City

Menstrual cycle characteristics of young females with occult primary ovarian insufficiency at initial diagnosis and one-year follow-up with serum amh level and antral follicle count.

Occult primary ovarian insufficiency (also known as incipient ovarian failure or diminished ovarian reserve) is defined as serum AMH level ≤1.1ng/mL in women under age 30. Limited data is available regarding the prevalence of occult POI, the preceding menstrual characteristics and its natural course in otherwise healthy young females. We aimed in this prospective observational study to determine the prevalence of occult POI in young females (< age 30) screened with serum AMH measurement; and analyze the patterns of change in their menstruation at initial assessment and one-year follow-up in relation to the changes in ovarian reserve quantitatively assessed with AMH and AFC. 963 young female college students under age 30 voluntarily participated in this study. 43 of them (4.4%) were diagnosed with occult POI as their AMH levels were ≤ 1.1ng/mL. Thirty-eight (83.4%) of them have regular cycles and denied any menstrual irregularity in the last 12 months. This rate was not statistically different from 7.3% of those with AMH>1.1ng/mL who reported at least one abnormal menstrual cycle in the last year (p = 0.36). Cycle length was significantly shorter in females with AMH ≤ 1.1ng/mL compared to those with AMH>1.1ng/mL (25.1±3.2 vs. 31.2±2.8 respectively, p<0.001). Karyotype, FMR-1 mutation analyses and auto-antibody screening returned normal in all. At one-year follow-up AMH, AFC and mean cycle length were further reduced compared to their values at initial assessment. Now, a greater proportion of the participants with occult POI were menstruating regularly at every 21 days compared to the initial evaluation one year ago (39.5% vs. 13.9% respectively, p = 0.013). Twenty-five underwent oocyte cryopreservation. These findings underscore the importance of screening young females with AMH for possible occult POI. It also emphasizes that young females with critically diminished ovarian reserve may continue to menstruate regularly without any characteristic menstrual abnormality other than shortening of cycle length.

Mujeres jóvenes y el aborto en Chile: representaciones polarizadas

El artículo presenta una aproximación exploratoria a la representación social sobre aborto en un grupo de mujeres jóvenes estudiantes universitarias en la ciudad de Chillán, Chile. Su importancia central radica en que la investigación se realiza justo en un marco temporo-espacial caracterizado por el debate nacional sobre la despenalización del aborto en tres causales, el que ha tenido lugar no solo en el ámbito legislativo, sino que a nivel de toda la sociedad chilena. El estudio fue cualitativo y utilizó cuestionarios abiertos y grupos focales. Los resultados muestran que el grupo con el cual se trabajó, representa el aborto de un modo altamente iconizado, con un componente emotivo importante, marcadamente negativo y centrado en aspectos individuales más que colectivos. Lo anterior coincide con los discursos conservadores y opositores a la despenalización del aborto en Chile.&#x0D; &#x0D;

The interaction between 5-HTTLPR genotype and ruminative thinking on BMI.

Negative affect or stress is often found to increase energy intake for high palatable energy-rich foods and hence weight gain. Reduced brain serotonin (5-HT) function is known to increase stress vulnerability and the risk for eating-related disturbances. A short (S) allele polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) is associated with a less efficient functioning brain serotonin system and therefore higher stress vulnerability. It has been suggested that this genotype may be directly linked to an increased risk for weight gain and/or obesity. However, a high amount of variability has been apparent in replicating such a direct gene on weight gain relationship. A most recent suggestion is that this gene by weight relationship might be moderated by an additional (cognitive) vulnerability factor involving repetitive negative thinking (rumination). Our objective was to investigate whether the S-allele of 5-HTTLPR contributes to weight gain particularly in high cognitive ruminating individuals. A total of 827 healthy young male and female college students (aged 21·3 (sd 3·0) years; BMI 16-41·7 kg/m2) were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and assessed for rumination (Event Related Ruminative Index) and body weight. In line with the hypothesis, a hierarchical regression model showed that higher BMI scores were observed in specifically high ruminating S'-carriers (P=0·031, f²=0·022). These results suggest that cognitive rumination may be a critical moderator of the association between 5-HTTLPR and body mass.

Level of serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin correlates with bone quality assessed by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound sonometry in young Japanese females.

The diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis were established based on bone mineral density (BMD). Therefore, BMD measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry has been recognized as the gold standard to diagnose osteoporosis. However, discrepancies between fracture risk and BMD have been recognized. Bone is composed of collagen scaffold reinforced by hydroxyapatite. Both protein scaffold and hydroxyapatite are involved in bone quality. BMD may indicate bone mineralization but potentially fail to assess the protein scaffold. Vitamin K contributes to bone mineralization and as a protein scaffold. A deficiency of vitamin K upregulates the level of serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), and serum ucOC correlates with fracture risk. However, direct association of ucOC and bone quality has not been demonstrated. For the present study, a total of 49 healthy young Japanese female college students underwent calcaneal; quantitative ultrasound sonometry (QUS) and determination of serological bone metabolic markers. QUS parameters were significantly correlated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) concentrations (P<0.05). A significant negative correlation was also identified between log transformed serum ucOC concentrations [Ln(ucOC)] and a QUS parameter, speed of sound (SOS) (P<0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that Ln(ucOC) was an independent determinant of SOS, and 25-OH-D was an independent determinant of the other two QUS parameters, transmission index (TI) and synthetic parameter osteo-sono-assessment index. As vitamin D is involved in bone mineralization, TI may reflect the mineralization. Correlation of vitamin K status, indicated by ucOC, with SOS may clarify the correlation between vitamin K status and bone quality, although the material factors that connect them have not been identified.

Association between Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cytological Abnormalities in Young Female University Students in Central Brazil

Association between Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cytological Abnormalities in Young Female University Students in Central Brazil

Psychosocial Determinants of Physical Activity in Undergraduate College Students

Less than 50% of adults aged 18-30 years report meeting the current guidelines for physical activity (PA), with the steepest declines occurring in young adulthood. Theory-based psychosocial factors have been proposed to identify possible modifiable psychological barriers to PA. Purpose: To explore the relation between PA and key psychosocial determinants: 1) motivation (MO); 2) self-ef- ficacy (SE); 3) social support (SS); 4) exercise enjoyment (EE); and 5) body image (BI) in young adult college students. A secondary aim was to examine whether young adult females and males differ in psychosocial determinants of PA. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed. Fifty-five females (18.7±0.7 yrs) and 35 males (18.5±0.6 yrs) participated. Weekly minutes of hard PA, very hard PA, and total weekly minutes of PA (7-Day PA Recall) served as the dependent variables. Determinant variables were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Results: For females, SE, EE, MO, SS from friends, and BI were correlated (p&lt;0.05) to total weekly minutes of PA. The combination of EE, MO, SS, and BI explained nearly 43% of the variance in total weekly minutes of PA (R2=0.426, F(4,50)=9.294, p&lt;0.001). For males, EE was correlated (p&lt;0.05) to minutes of hard PA, minutes of very hard PA, and total weekly minutes of PA. A stepwise multiple regression analysis resulted in EE being the only determinant selected for the model (R2=0.174, F(1,33)=6.949, p=0.013). Conclusion: EE was a significant psychosocial determinant of PA among young adult male and female college students. Other psychosocial determinants of PA in females include MO, SS, and BI. These psychosocial variables deserve consideration when designing future behavioral interventions to increase PA in young adult college students.

Influence of Socioeconomic and Anthropometric Factors on Respiratory Function in Female University Students.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate lung function in healthy young female university students and to seek the relation of lung function to socioeconomic and anthropometric indices. The methodology consisted of spirometry tests, anthropometric measures and a questionnaire conducted in November of 2015 among 152 female university students. At first, lung function was analyzed for any relationship with socioeconomic factors and smoking. The results of a multi-factor analysis of variance demonstrate significant differences in the FEV1/FVC ratio depending on the general socioeconomic status. Then, anthropometric and spirometric parameters were tested for correlations. A comparison of underweight, normal weigh, overweight, and obese subjects revealed statistically significant differences for FVC% and FEV1/FVC, with the highest values noted in the subjects of normal weight. Individuals with abdominal obesity had lower FVC% and FEV1% and a higher FEV1/FVC ratio. The findings of our study confirm that both general obesity and abdominal obesity are related to a reduced lung function.

Association of Weight Status and Energy &amp; Macronutrient Intake with the Academic Performance of Female Student of RLAK Govt College of Home Economics Karachi

Nutritional Nutritional depletion is a serious international problem that can lead to long-term deficits in growth, immune function, cognitive and motor development, behavior, and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between weight status and Energy &amp; Macronutrient Intake and academic performance of young female college students (18-24 years). A questionnaire consisting of items regarding subjects’ general information, food intake, and academic records was used as a data collection tool. Information about food intake was collected by quantitative food frequency questionnaire and was used to assess food and nutrient intake. Underweight students were more likely to have poor academic performance but the difference was not significant. There was a significant positive association between protein and energy intake and the academic performance of the students (p=.037 &amp; 0.005 respectively). The proportion of students having below average performance was lower in the group that had adequate protein and energy intake.

Effects of Self-Esteem and Depression on Abnormal Eating Behavior among Korean Female College Students: Mediating Role of Body Dissatisfaction

Body dissatisfaction is widely acknowledged to exert considerable impact on abnormal eating behavior. Previous studies that reported the mediating role of body dissatisfaction between psychological variables and abnormal eating behavior mostly used western samples. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect association of psychological factors (i.e., self-esteem and depression) on abnormal eating behavior on a Korean sample. In addition, we examined a possible mediating effect of body dissatisfaction in this relationship. A sample of 502 Korean female college students enrolled in a private university participated in this cross-sectional study. Results indicated that self-esteem and depression did not have direct impacts on abnormal eating behavior. However, they did have indirect effects through the mediating factor, body dissatisfaction. Our findings suggest that students who have low self-esteem and high depression are likely to have higher levels of body dissatisfaction, and this, in turn, tends to be associated with greater abnormal eating behavior. Identification of this path has clinical implications in the development of programs to prevent abnormal eating behaviors among young female college students.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among young female college students in Chennai city

Introduction: Late adolescents are tomorrow's adult population; assessment of their nutritional status is, therefore, primary to the prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Methodology: An ex post facto study using a cross-sectional survey design was employed to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young female college students in Chennai. A total of 2765 female college students aged 17-21 from 10 women's colleges in Chennai city were included in the study. Anthropometric assessments included body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent. Dietary intake was assessed using a three 24 h dietary recall. Socioeconomic status (SES) of the sample was assessed using the Kalliath SES inventory. Results: Assessments of BMI indicated that only half the number of female college students (54.8%) had normal weight, while quite a few students were either overweight (13.2%) or obese (5.2%). More than a quarter of female college students were also underweight (26.9%). Mean energy intake of the students was (1828 kcal) lower than the Indian Council of Medical Research recommended values. The average intake of fruits, leafy vegetables, and other vegetables were dismally low. Conclusion: The findings reflect both a dual burden situation and an improper dietary pattern prevailing among the population of young female college students, necessitating the need for appropriate nutrition intervention.

Risk factors for dysmenorrhea among young adult female university students.

The aim of this study was to investigate associated risk factors for dysmenorrhea in a sample of Serbian university students. A case-control study was conducted among undergraduate students (n = 288) attending lectures during 2014/2015 academic year at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac. The only significant associations were between dysmenorrhea and age at menarche (OR adjusted = 0.74; 95% CI 0.58-0.95; p = 0.017), family history of dysmenorrhea (OR adjusted = 3.39; 95% CI 1.74-6.63; p = 0.000), duration of menstrual flow (OR adjusted = 1.52; 95% CI 1.16-1.99; p = 0.002) and smoking at least one cigarette a day (OR adjusted = 5.09; 95% CI 1.83-14.15; p = 0.002). The factors associated with dysmenorrhea were not interacting with each other. Our results suggest that earlier age at menarche, longer duration of menstrual flow, prior family history of dysmenorrhea and smoking at least one cigarette a day are important risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea. Smoking cessation should be strongly encouraged.

Cardiovascular Responses to an Isometric Handgrip Exercise in Females with Prehypertension.

Background:Hypertensive individuals are known to exhibit greater increases in blood pressure during an isometric handgrip exercise (IHE) than their normotensive counterparts.Aim:This study tests the hypothesis that, compared to normotensive individuals, prehypertensive individuals exhibit an exaggerated response to IHE.Materials and Methods:In this study, the effects of IHE were compared in matched prehypertensive vs. normotensive healthy African-American females. Six healthy young adult African–American female university students were screened in a physician's office for blood pressure in the range of prehypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP) 120–139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 80–89 mmHg. Six young adult African–American women were also recruited to serve as a healthy normotensive control group with SBP ≤119 mmHg and DBP ≤79 mmHg. Cardiovascular fitness was determined by peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) measured during a progressive exercise test.Results:During the handgrip exercise, the prehypertensive group exhibited greater increases in SBP (from 139 ± 6 to 205 ± 11 mmHg, +48%) than the controls (from 132 ± 3 to 145 ± 3 mmHg, +10%); intergroup difference P < 0.001. The prehypertensive group also exhibited greater increases in DBP (from 77 ± 2 to 112 ± 5 mmHg, +46%) compared to the controls (from 72 ± 3 to 78 ± 4 mmHg, +8%); intergroup difference P < 0.001. The increase in systemic vascular resistance was also greater in the prehypertensive group (from 1713 ± 91 to 2807 ± 370 dyne.s.cm-5, +64%) than in the controls (from 1668 ± 80 to 1812 ± 169 dyne.s.cm-5, +9%); intergroup difference P < 0.05.Conclusion:These results suggest that blood pressure measurements performed during IHE may be a useful screening tool in evaluating prehypertensive individuals for antihypertensive treatments.

The effect of moxibustion on alleviating menstrual pain in a population of young nursing students: A prospective randomized cross-over pilot study

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of moxibustion on alleviating menstrual pain and relieving the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in a cohort of young nursing students in China. MethodsA randomized double blind clinical trial of crossover design was used. In the two-phase study, a total of 56 nursing students with menstrual pain in Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China was randomly allocated into two groups. In the first treatment phase, the participants in Group A (n=28) received moxibustion therapy from five days before the menstrual period to the onset through a specific heating box in which burning moxa stick was fixed, the participants in Group B (n=28) received the same heating box but with a paper-wrapped stick incense fixed inside (placebo therapy) during the same intervention period. The acupoints Guanyuan(CV4) and Shenque(CV8) were selected for treatment. After the first treatment phase for two menstrual cycles, the intervention was stopped for three menstrual cycles during a wash period. In the second treatment phase, the intervention of two groups were switched. Group A received the placebo therapy and Group B received moxibustion therapy. NRS, VRS, PRI, VAS and BRS-6 were evaluated at the baseline and after each treatment phase. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in age, history of dysmenorrhea, length of menstrual cycle, age at menarche, duration of menstrual flow, PRI score, VAS score, BRS score and RSS score between Group A and Group B (p>0.05). After the first treatment phase, the score of BRS-6 has significant differences between two groups at the first menstrual cycle (p<0.05). At the second menstrual cycle, the score of VAS, BRS-6,sensory of PRI, affective dimension of PR and total score of PRI in Group A were much lower than Group B (p<0.05). NRS and VRS had significant differences between two groups with Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney test after the first treatment phase (p<0.05). The frequency rating of weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and the total score had significant differences between two groups at the first menstrual cycle (p<0.05). And the frequency rating of weakness, backache, facial blemishes, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and the total score had significant differences between two groups at the second menstrual cycle (p<0.05). The severity rating of backaches, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and the total score had significant differences between two groups after the second menstrual cycle (p<0.05). After three months’ wash period, the score of VAS, BRS-6, sensory of PRI, affective of PR, total score of PRI and VRS had significant differences between two groups after the second treatment phase (p<0.01). And the frequency rating of leg aches, dizziness, nervousness and the total score had significant differences between two groups after the second treatment phase (p<0.05). And the severity rating of abdominal pain, weakness, leg aches, dizziness, nervousness and the total score had significant differences between two groups after the second treatment phase (p<0.05). ConclusionsThe results suggested that moxibustion therapy with a heating box was effective for alleviating menstrual pain and symptoms of young female university students in China. The effect of moxibustion might not only due to heat stimulation, but also from the burning of moxa stick. Boxing moxibustion could be recommended as a nonpharmacological pain relief intervention for university students for its cost effectiveness, practical design and relative safety, and it is easy for the university students themselves to self-administer at home.

Body Dissatisfaction among Female University Students: Metacognitive Awareness

This study intended to explore the subsistence of body image dissatisfaction among young female university students, their locus of control and their metacognitive knowledge about their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their body. Thirty female university students (age ranged 21–24 years) participated in the study. Assessment through a screening information schedule confirmed all participants being of normal-weight category (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) on the BMI scale without any present or past diagnosis of eating disorder. The results demonstrated prevalence of body dissatisfaction among majority of participants, who were also seen to have less metacognitive awareness than the rest.