female

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of dry eye disease (DED) in Asian populations and among females.

This study utilized the literature‑derived database on DED risk factors, which includes data from 119 studies, and followed an evidence‑based medicine retrieval strategy, searching globally for studies on risk factors for DED. Specifically, we focused on the Asian and Asian female populations. Adescriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the definitions and prevalence of DED as provided in the database.

The study included a total of 139,556 participants, of which 74,258 were females. The overall prevalence of DED in Asians was found to be 23.9%, and it was observed to increase with age. Specifically, the prevalence was 16.2% in the group aged <30 years, and it increased to 26.7% in the group aged over 70 years. Among females, the prevalence of DED was higher at 28.1% compared to males at 20.1%. Furthermore, the prevalence of DED in females also increased with age, ranging from 39.9% in the group aged <40 years to 42.2% in the group aged over 60 years. The prevalence of DED between 2016 and 2022 was 35.3%, which indicated a significant increase of 14.6% compared to the period between 2008 and 2015. Notably, there were variations in the prevalence of DED across different regions and levels of development.

This study reveals a common occurrence of DED among Asians and women. The prevalence rates vary among different countries, regions, development levels, and sample sizes, and there is an observed upward trend with the increase in survey year and age.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is the most effective measure against HPVinfection. Therefore, the study aimed at assessing knowledge and uptake of HPV vaccine amongfemale undergraduates in North-Central, Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design was conducted from March-April 2023 among femaleundergraduate students and a convenience sampling technique was used to select 380 respondentsfor the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was doneusing SPSS version 26. Chi-square test was used to test the association between sociodemographicvariables, knowledge, and uptake of HPV vaccine. Prediction of uptake of HPV vaccine according tosociodemographic variables and knowledge was done using binary logistic regression test. P-value lessthan 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Most of the respondents were between 20 and 25 years and were sexually inactive. Theresults shows that most of the respondents (68.2%) had low knowledge, and only 15% had received theHPV vaccine; of them, 7.6% had completed the doses of the HPV vaccine. Age 20-25 years (β=0.865,P=0.003), 3rd year (β=0.520, P<0.001) and 4th year (β=0.005, P<0.001) of study, sexual activity (β=0.545,P<0.001), multiple sexual partners as 3-4 partners (β=2.454, P<0.001) and 5-6 partners (β=0.576,P<0.001), prior STIs history (β=0.545, P=0.035), and low knowledge level (β=0.362, P<0.001) werepredictors of HPV vaccine uptake. Understanding predictor factors of HPV vaccination uptake can help to design betterpublic health interventions to improve HPV vaccine coverage among female undergraduate studentsin Nigeria.

Infertility in women is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including hormonal imbalances, infections, and lifestyle habits. Estrogen, a key hormone in female reproductive health, is pivotal in these processes. The microbiome, particularly Lactobacillus species, has been associated with improved outcomes in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Furthermore, alterations in both vaginal and gut microbiota can impact reproductive health and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Recent research has highlighted the significant influence of gut microbes on behavioral, metabolic, and immune functions. This narrative review aims to explore the relationship between the microbiome and infertility in women. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases, focusing on full-text original research articles published in English from 2000 to 2024. The search terms included "microbiota," "microbiome," "fertility," and "infertility."Our findings suggest that the gut microbiome and its enzymatic activity, specifically β-glucuronidase, can influence estrogen levels, potentially leading to conditions characterized by estrogen excess or deficiency. Additionally, gut microbiota may contribute to endometriosis, pelvic pain, and infertility through hormonal imbalances. The genital microbiome, particularly the abundance of Lactobacillus species, has also been implicated in female infertility and protection against bacterial vaginosis. The presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Gardnerella vaginalis, as well as a deficiency of Lactobacillus, has been linked to infertility

Context: 

Sex hormones play a vital role in reproductive health and influence muscle function and metabolism. Exercise affects these hormones by raising testosterone levels and improving metabolic markers. However, the impact of team sports on female sex hormone levels remains understudied.

This review aims to systematically examine how sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, and handball influence female sex hormone levels. Evidence Acquisition: This systematic review was conducted without any restrictions on language, publication date, or study type, based on the guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses [preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA)] on Google Scholar, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases on June 22, 2024. The search strategy utilized a combination of keywords and their synonyms from MeSH and Emtree-controlled vocabulary, including "Sex Hormone", "testosterone", "cortisol", "team sport", and "women."

Among the 690 articles identified, 11 were selected and used based on the inclusion criteria. Studies have shown that football, netball, volleyball, and handball have varying effects on testosterone and cortisol levels in athletes. Football generally increases both hormone levels, whereas netball often raises cortisol and lowers the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio. Volleyball tends to increase testosterone significantly, though with fluctuating trends, whereas handball mainly raises cortisol without a significant change in testosterone levels.

Despite the limitations of the included studies, such as sample size, study design, data collection standards, reporting practices, and potential biases, this systematic review indicated that playing team sports like football, basketball (netball), volleyball, and handball can alter testosterone and cortisol levels in females. However, further research is needed to fully understand these hormonal changes' effects.

Fertility plays a crucial role in population health. With the increasing use of tobacco in many societies, it is important to understand its negative effects on female fertility. Accordingly, this review explores how tobacco use may impact fertility.

This review employed scientific articles and credible sources to investigate the impact of tobacco on fertility. A comprehensive search was conducted between 2001 and 2024, using reputable academic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Various articles, such as review articles, experimental studies, and observational studies, were also analyzed in this field.

Numerous studies have shown that tobacco use can have a negative impact on fertility. These effects may include a decrease in ovulation, disruption of the menstrual cycle, an increased risk of ovarian failure, and infertility.

Considering the harmful impact of tobacco consumption on fertility, it is essential to increase public awareness and focus on reducing tobacco use to safeguard fertility.

The current study investigates the intricate relationship between dispositional optimism, core self-evaluation, and mental well-being among nursing students. The present research aims to understand the mediating role of core self-evaluation on nursing students’ well-being and dispositional optimism. 

The present study was cross-sectional in nature and included a purposively selected sample of 286 (112 females, 172 males) nursing students from Punjab (India). Students completed a measure of a short version of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, The Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), and the Core Self-evaluations Scale. The collected data was analyzed using correlational and multiple regression analysis. Moreover, the mediational analysis was analyzed using the Hayes PROCESS macro.

The results indicated that core self-evaluation (β=0.606, p<0.01) and dispositional optimism (β=0.394, p<0.01) are significant predictors of nursing students’ mental well-being. Mediation analysis showed that core self-evaluation completely mediated the relationship between dispositional optimism and mental well-being. Furthermore, it was found that the measures of t-value of dispositional optimism (t=-1.536), and mental well-being (t=-1.594) were non-significant at the 0.05 level, while significant differences were found in core self-evaluation (t=-2.223).

The results of the present study demonstrated the predictive role of dispositional optimism and core self-evaluation in the mental well-being of nursing students. Moreover, the current study highlighted the underlying mechanism through which dispositional optimism influences nursing students’ mental well-being.

Cultural capital can interestingly mediate what a person prefers to eat and, thus, may be effective in dietary choice. The objectives of this study were to compare the distribution of cultural capital components within the different educational levels and also compare food consumption patterns across the different educational levels; and examine cultural capital’s role in the educational inequalities in food consumption among healthy women. 

The data was obtained in the form of a cross-sectional design with face-to-face interviews with 527 women who had visited shopping centers and parks in Tabriz from September to November 2021, using convenient sampling. Food recall as well as cultural capital questionnaire were completed for the participants, and anthropometric indices were measured. The level of education of the participants was considered as an indicator of socio-economic status. 

Family institutionalized cultural capital, objectivized cultural capital, and most of the incorporated cultural capital’s indicators were significantly differed by educational inequalities. Daily frequency scores of unhealthy food consumption in the participants with primary education was higher than other educational groups (p<0.001). The high-educated individuals’ intakes healthier foods were compared to unhealthy foods, and participants with low total cultural capital score were in adherence of a low overall healthy food consumption (PR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.23-1.68). 

Education levels are significantly associated with cultural capital, and participants with high levels of cultural capital choose healthier foods more often than participants with low cultural capital.

Disturbed self-esteem and self-image can be found in body dysmorphic individuals, and sexual dysfunction is also more frequent among these individuals. Body image concerns may also contribute to the tendency to undergo cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty.

This study aimed to compare sexual dysfunction in married women who were candidates for cosmetic rhinoplasty to a control group.

This case-control study was conducted among 342 married women in Shiraz, Iran, from December 2021-2022. The case group included 192 cosmetic rhinoplasty candidates, and the control group comprised 150 women who were not candidates for cosmetic procedures; they were selected from the ear, nose, and throat outpatient department. Data on demographic features, psycho-social history, and quality of marital life were collected by face-to-face interviews. To evaluate their sexual performance, the participants filled out the female sexual function index questionnaire.

No significant difference was observed between rhinoplasty subjects and the control group in the female sexual function index (23.63 ± 3.6 vs. 23.19 ± 4.28, p = 0.43). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among cosmetic rhinoplasty candidates and the control group was 75% and 76%, respectively (p = 0.60). No significant difference was observed in the sexual dysfunction domains between the groups.

Our study indicated a significant sexual dysfunction among the studied population, but the difference was not statistically significant between the rhinoplasty and the control group.

Inappropriate dietary habits, particularly the growing tendency to consume fast food, pose significant health challenges in modern society, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a health education program based on the theory of planned behavior in reducing fast food consumption among female high school students.

 In this study, the sample size was determined to be 38 individuals per group (95% CI and 90% power), but 50 individuals were included to increase accuracy. Thus, cluster random sampling divided 100 students from District 4 of Tehran into control and intervention groups. Data were collected via a valid questionnaire assessed by five health education professors, covering demographic information, knowledge, and theory of planned behavior constructs. The intervention group participated in three 50-minute educational sessions, which included lectures, Q&A discussions, and the distribution of brochures and books. The data were analyzed using SPSS-22, employing statistical tests, such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and independent t-tests.

Following the educational intervention, the mean scores for attitude (p=0.002), subjective norms (p=0.005), and perceived behavioral control (p=0.005) were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. However, no significant changes were observed in knowledge (p=0.936), behavioral intention (p=0.393), and behavior (p=0.721) related to reducing fast food consumption.

The educational program based on the theory of planned behavior is effective in improving attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

The present study aimed to assess the frequency, Lingual Concavity Angle (LCA) and the different types of lingual concavity in the posterior mandible. In this study Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) images of 670 mandibular bodies in the molar areas were evaluated. Cross-sectional images of the mandible were reconstructed at furcation points of first molar area. The LCA was measured. The subjects with LCA smaller than 85° were considered as concave. Then, the concave subjects were classified into three groups: angle less than 40°, angle between 40-60°, and angle between 60-85° were designated as extremely deep, deep, and mild deep, respectively. The most common type of lingual concavity was mild deep, followed by deep, and extremely deep. There was a significant positive correlation between the LCA and the age of participants (p<0.001). There was also significant relationship between the age of participants and the type of lingual concavity (p<0.001). The subjects in mild deep group were significantly older than deep group (p=0.032). Also, the non-concave subjects were significantly older than deep and mild deep subjects. (p=0.001 and 0.040, respectively). The LCA was significantly higher in males than females (p=0.020). The LCA was significantly larger on the left side (p<0.001).  The presence of deep lingual concavity was common (95%.). Also, mandibular lingual concavity types were found to vary by age, and laterality. Moreover, the LCA was significantly different according to patient age, sex, and laterality.

To prepare for future personal, family, and social responsibilities, young girls need to promote and maintain their health. Since physical activity has an effective role in maintaining women’s health, the present study aimed to examine the factors affecting the physical activity of female high school students. The participants in this qualitative grounded theory study were 20 female high school students living in District 20 in Tehran in 2021. The students were selected using purposive sampling. The data were collected using individual interviews and focus groups. The collected data were analyzed using the constant comparative method with MAXQDA-10 software. The results showed that psychological, individual, environmental, educational, social, economic, and family factors were effective in the physical activity of female high school students. The identified factors were used to develop a conceptual model for the factors affecting the physical activity of female students. The extracted factors were further divided into some subcategories including sports facilities, gender discrimination, community management views on sports, physical health, interests, educational facilities, knowledge and information, time management, and women’s limitations. The findings from the present study showed that several factors can affect the physical activity of female students. These factors should be taken into account when developing and implementing educational interventions and plans to promote physical activity in female students.

Infertility, defined as a woman's inability to conceive and carry a pregnancy, is a significant health concern requiring careful attention and treatment. This study aims to describe the nursing process for a patient with infertility using King's goal attainment model.

The case involves a patient with infertility who has undergone six unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts and declined surrogate uterus transplantation. Following each IVF attempt, the patient experienced renal complications, resulting in three hospitalizations. Data were collected through observations, interviews with the patient and her family, and paraclinical tests and documents. The nursing process was customized according to the patient's preferences.

The results of the study indicated that the patient was able to interact with nurses but did not adhere to health-promoting behaviors and treatments. The analysis led to eight nursing diagnoses and 25 care goals, with the patient managing to act according to her prioritized goals through the nursing process utilizing King's goal attainment model. These findings underscore the importance of a systematic and structured approach, such as King's goal attainment model, in providing effective nursing care for patients with infertility.

One of the patterns among teenagers is the consumption of all types of tobacco, especially cigarettes, which are widely and commonly available. Currently, smoking is the main cause of preventable deaths in the world and accounts for a significant part of social inequalities in health and mortality. So, applying the reliable measures for assessment this domain is crucial.  The purpose of this research is to investigate the validity and reliability of smoking temptation coping questionnaire (STCQ) among second-year high school boys and girls in Tehran.

The target population studied in this research consisted of male and female students in six districts of Tehran. First, six districts were selected among the schools in the districts of Tehran city by cluster sampling method. Considering Morgan's table, a sample size of 341 people was selected. Collecting the required information was done STCQ. Also, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, content validity, and correlation coefficient were analyzed by SPSS and LIRSEL softwares.

The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that the indicators of the questionnaire were influenced by 2 underlying factors. These 2 factors were able to explain more than 52% of the variance of the total score of STCQ. Examining the convergent and discriminant validity of the construct also showed this scale has convergent and discriminant validity. The results showed that each factor was able to explain some percentage of the variance of the set of variables. Therefore, from the total of 13 indicators, they can be reduced to 1 conceptual factor. The examination of the convergent and discriminant validity of the construct also showed that this scale has convergent and discriminant validity. According to the experts, the content and form validity results were reported to be acceptable. In the end, concurrent validity was confirmed by using Pearson's correlation coefficient due to the significance of the correlation coefficients between the variables in the studied samples (p<0.05).

Persian version of smoking temptation coping questionnaire (STCQ) is a valid and reliable tool for assessment among both geners in adolescence.

Comprehensive studies on the determinants of modern contraceptive use in humanitarian settings are relatively uncommon in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and determinants of modern contraceptive use among Rohingya women living in the refugee camp of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 Rohingya refugee women aged 15-49 living in   unregistered camps (Camps 7 and 14) in Ukhiya Upazila, Cox's Bazar. In the study, participants were selected using a convenience sampling method, and the sample size was calculated using the single population proportion formula. However, only 160 participants were recruited due to travel restrictions and safety measures implemented throughout Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were gathered via a structured questionnaire. Results were summarized using both descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS v.23 software was used for data analysis at 5% level of significance.

The prevalence of contraceptive use was found to be 41.9%. The most commonly used contraceptives were Injection Depot-Provera (65.7%) and Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) (28.4%) followed by implant (4.5%) and intrauterine device (IUD) (1.5%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed lower odds of modern contraceptive use among women who had more than a 1.5 year interval between the last two pregnancies (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.07– 0.51) and higher odds were found who expressed a lack of desire for future pregnancies (OR = 13.69; 95% CI = 3.43–54.68). Community Health Workers (CHWs) (80.4%) were the main sources of information on modern contraceptives, whereas hospitals (83.6%) were the most accessible places to obtain contraceptives.

Community health workers play a vital role in disseminating information, emphasizing the need for their training and involvement in relevant programs. These findings are crucial for shaping future research, policies, and reproductive health services in humanitarian settings.

the aim of this study was to compare the immediate effects of a session of Reactive Neuromuscular Training (RNT) with warming up exercises on shoulder proprioception and dynamic balance in female handball players with shoulder impingement.

In this controlled laboratory study, 18 female adolescent handball players from 14 to 18 years old were recruited from Samen City. The participants participated once in the warm-up routine program and once in the RNT program. Before and after each exercise program, shoulder proprioception was measured by photogrammetry, and dynamic balance of the upper limb was measured using the Wye balance test. The paired t-tests, with a significance level of 0.05, were employed to compare pre-test and post-test data.

both exercise protocols had no significant effects on shoulder repositioning error (P>0.05). However, participation in both exercise programs resulted in a significant improvement in the dynamic balance score of the upper limbs of the athletes (P<0.001). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the effect of routine handball exercises with the effect of RNT exercises on shoulder repositioning and dynamic balance in female handball players (P>0.05).

It seems that routine warm-up exercises and RNT could not improve proprioception in the shoulders of student-athletes with round shoulders. However, both training methods caused a significant improvement in the dynamic balance of the upper limb, although there was no significant difference between the effects of the two methods.


Keywords: Students, Female, Proprioception, Shoulder, Therapeutic Exercises

Road traffic injuries are the eighth leading cause of deaths in all ages. Considering the fact that driving is a social context with different rules and behaviours, the present study was aimed to explore the patterns of gender-based driving behaviours focusing on women driving in the context of Iran.  

Through a conventional content analysis, overall, 30 participants with different social and educational levels were recruited. A purposeful sampling method was used in which 7 males and 23 females were included because of sample triangulation. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed through inductive content analysis.

Overall, three main categories and 10 subcategories were extracted from the data including unsafe risky behaviours against female drivers (subcategories of scary behaviours, aggression and violence against female drivers, ignoring women and revenge-based behaviours), protective and friendly behaviours (helping and caring for women drivers, respecting women drivers, being patient for women driving subcategories) and specific driving behaviours of women (preventive and cautious behaviours, driving based on traffic rules and cultural characteristics subcategories). 

Different patterns of driving behaviors focused on female drivers were found in the present research. Reducing the aggressive gender-based driving behaviors against female drivers and strengthening the protective behaviors for women can be achieved through establishing appropriate rules and public education. Further research is required to explore the process of gender-based driving behaviours, as well as identifying different consequences of such behaviours on communities.

The improper length and direction of pedicle screw may also cause it to penetrate the adjacent organs. Unknowing the safe zone of dimensions and directions of the pedicles is essential to proper screw placement. 

The present study is a cross-sectional morphometric study on patients with spinal trauma referred to the neurosurgical department in 2021. The MARCO PACS software scale measured the CT scan images and included the vertebral left pedicle diameter, pedicle body distance, body aorta distance, pedicle diameter, height, and area. The entry point and direction of the pedicle screw were made with the “free-hand” method. 

301 patients were included, consisting of 113 females (37.5%) and 188 males (62.5%). The mean age of the participants was 42.87±12.3 years. “Among all T12 vertebra parameters, just body aorta distance was not significant between genders (p-value=0.311). The pedicle height and body aorta distance were lowest among 18-35 years patients (p-value=0.001) (p-value=0.003), respectively. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between 18-35 and 51-70 years for body aorta distance in the L1 vertebra (p-value=0.002). 

The present investigation has shown significant differences between genders for optimal left pedicle screw parameters, which should be considered before surgery.

The present study was conducted to predict attitudes towards illness based on early maladaptive schemas and intolerance of uncertainty in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 62 patients with MS (72% of them were female). They were selected based on availability and voluntary participation. Data were collected through three questionnaires: the Illness Attitudes Scale, the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale, and the Yang Schema Questionnaire. The mean age (±SD) of the participants and duration of diagnosis was 36.10±7.05 yr, and 4.21±3.78 yr, respectively. The results showed that 18 early maladaptive schemas, together with intolerance of uncertainty, can predict up to 8.9% of illness attitude in patients with MS. Among the early maladaptive schemas, schemas of emotional deprivation, social isolation-alienation, abandonment-instability, failure, dependence-underdeveloped self, vulnerability, trapped-victim, emotional inhibition, stubborn/fault-finding standards, self-control disciplinary, seeking attention-seeking approval, and negativity/pessimism had a significant relationship with attitudes towards illness (p<0.05). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and all its dimensions with attitudes towards illness (p<0.05). Early maladaptive schemas and intolerance of uncertainty can predict illness attitudes in patients with MS. Patients with MS who have high intolerance of uncertainty are more likely to interpret ambiguous information as threatening. Therefore, effective interventions in the field of uncertainty intolerance for these patients can likely be effective in improving their attitudes towards illness and preventing the exacerbation of their symptoms.

Sexual dysfunction can cause many injuries and problems for people and adversely affect their marital relationships. Addressing women’s sexual issues is very important in light of sociocultural issues. To this end, this study aimed to predict female sexual dysfunction based on a history of child abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional) and sexual shame.

This predictive correlational study was conducted on 402 women who were selected by voluntary sampling in Ahvaz, Iran in 2021. The data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI), NorVold Abuse Questionnaire (NorAQ) and Kyle Inventory of Sexual Shame (KISS). Based on the cut-off score of the FSFI, the women were divided into two groups with and without sexual dysfunction. Data analysis was performed using stepwise and discriminant analysis. 

The data showed a significant difference between the women with and without sexual dysfunction in terms of child abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional) and sexual shame (P <0.001). Moreover, child abuse and sexual shame could, together and separately, discriminate the women with and without sexual dysfunction.

Given the role of history of abuse and sexual shame in explaining women’s sexual dysfunction, preventive interventions need to be implemented for women to reduce sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Besides, effective training for women can reduce sexual shame. Moreover, therapeutic interventions need to be conducted to reduce the previous effects of sexual abuse and sexual shame, which could consequently, reduce sexual dysfunction in women.