Gender differences in the processes of change for condom use: patterns across stages of change in crack cocaine users.

Interventions to increase condom use in crack users have had mixed results. For interventions to achieve greater success, the mechanisms of behavior change in this population need to be understood. One mechanism, the processes of change, was examined across stages of change for condom use. Results from the analysis of variance for males and females revealed that stage of change was associated with different levels of three experiential processes: consciousness raising, social liberation and self-reevaluation. However, these analyses found that male and females seem to have different patterns of behavioral process use. Specifically, females in the preparation stage were different from those in precontemplation, whereas this difference was not pronounced in males. In general, people had high levels of experimental processes in every stage of change. The patterns of behavior process use mimicked patterns found for other behaviors with a linear increase across the stages of change. This may indicate that for maintaining condom use, more emotional and behavioral activities are required throughout the process of acquisition and maintenance than are necessary for other health-related activities. Implications of this research are that interventions for increasing condom use in drug users may target behavioral steps differently for males and females.     

Gender differences in Israeli physicians' career patterns, productivity and family structure

In the three principal Israeli medical practice settings, men and women physicians in internal and family medicine, cardiology, gastroenterology, geriatrics and general practice (no specialization) were compared on a number of career pattern, productivity and family structure variables. The results revealed gender differences in the functioning and status of men and women physicians similar to those found in other countries. Processes of 'sorting and tracking' of physicians by gender, level and area of specialization and country of medical studies appeared implicated in the concentration of women in 'generalist' specialties and primary care settings and of men in higher status specialties and hospital settings. The nature of professional activities in primary care and hospital settings differed, with research-related activities more common in the hospital setting. This appeared relevant to the higher status achieved by men physicians in the Israeli medical-professional hierarchy. Family roles appeared to affect men and women physicians differently. The findings are compared to those from other countries, and explanations in the Israeli context are proffered.     

Gender differences in the consumption of meat, fruit and vegetables are similar in Finland and the Baltic countries

BACKGROUND: Women's diets are healthier than men's. Finnish women eat more fruits and vegetables but less meat than men. Gender differences may be larger in the Baltic countries, which represent Eastern European transition societies than in Finland, a society characterized by the Scandinavian welfare ideology and a high degree of gender equality. METHODS: The data are based on questionnaires to random samples of adults in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The data provide a way of addressing gender differences at the turn of the century in the economically and culturally different countries. The purpose is to explore whether the consumption of foods classified as masculine or feminine-meat, fruits and vegetables-follow a similar gender pattern in Finland and the Baltic countries. RESULTS: Men ate meat more often while women ate fruits and vegetables. A high educational level was associated with frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables. Educational differences in the consumption of meat were few and inconsistent. The consumption of fruits and vegetables was more common in urban areas except in Finland. Gender differences were similar in all countries throughout age and educational groups and in rural and urban areas. CONCLUSION: The consistent association of gender and food and the similarity of gender patterning in population subgroups point to the stability of masculine versus feminine food habits. The similarity suggests that food habits contribute equally to the gender gap in health in the Baltic countries as they do in Finland.     

Gender differences in recreational and transport cycling: a cross-sectional mixed-methods comparison of cycling patterns, motivators, and constraints

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Gender differences in cycling are well-documented. However, most analyses of gender differences make broad comparisons, with few studies modeling male and female cycling patterns separately for recreational and transport cycling. This modeling is important, in order to improve our efforts to promote cycling to women and men in countries like Australia with low rates of transport cycling. The main aim of this study was to examine gender differences in cycling patterns and in motivators and constraints to cycling, separately for recreational and transport cycling. METHODS: Adult members of a Queensland, Australia, community bicycling organization completed an online survey about their cycling patterns; cycling purposes; and personal, social and perceived environmental motivators and constraints (47% response rate). Closed and open-end questions were completed. Using the quantitative data, multivariable linear, logistic and ordinal regression models were used to examine associations between gender and cycling patterns, motivators and constraints. The qualitative data were thematically analyzed to expand upon the quantitative findings. RESULTS: In this sample of 1862 bicyclists, men were more likely than women to cycle for recreation and for transport, and they cycled for longer. Most transport cycling was for commuting, with men more likely than women to commute by bicycle. Men were more likely to cycle on-road, and women off-road. However, most men and women did not prefer to cycle on-road without designed bicycle lanes, and qualitative data indicated a strong preference by men and women for bicycle-only off-road paths. Both genders reported personal factors (health and enjoyment related) as motivators for cycling, although women were more likely to agree that other personal, social and environmental factors were also motivating. The main constraints for both genders and both cycling purposes were perceived environmental factors related to traffic conditions, motorist aggression and safety. Women, however, reported more constraints, and were more likely to report as constraints other environmental factors and personal factors. CONCLUSION: Differences found in men's and women's cycling patterns, motivators and constraints should be considered in efforts to promote cycling, particularly in efforts to increase cycling for transport.     

Gender differences in physical activity patterns among older adults who fall

ObjectiveThis study describes gender differences in the level and pattern of physical activity in groups of older adults who were frequent fallers, intermittent fallers, or non-fallers.MethodsInterviews were conducted with adults aged 50 years and older (N = 1834) at senior centers across Pennsylvania from 2010 to 2011. Self-reported falls and validated measures of physical activity were collected at baseline and at 6- and 12-month follow-up assessments.ResultsComplete follow-up data were available for 1487 participants. Men who fell frequently decreased in recreational/leisure activity and household/yard work compared to the intermittent fallers and non-fallers. This association remained even when controlling for baseline health status. All women—regardless of fall group—engaged in similar levels of recreational/leisure activity and household/yard work over time. For both men and women, frequent fallers also showed a greater decrease in walking activities compared to intermittent fallers and non-fallers.DiscussionFrequent falling among older adults is associated with declines in common leisure, household, and walking activities. The effect of falling frequency on physical activity appears to affect men and women differently, generating the hypothesis that interventions to promote physical activity among fallers need to be gender specific.     

Gender differences in meal patterns: role of self-caught fish and wild game in meat and fish diets

The hypothesis that there are gender differences in consumption patterns of self-caught fish and wild game in the meat and fish diet was examined for 415 people attending the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic in Columbia, South Carolina. Women were less likely to eat most types of wild fish and game than were men, although there were no gender differences in the percentage eating beef, chicken, pork, and restaurant and store-bought fish. Similarly, women consumed significantly fewer meals of wild-caught fish and game than did men, although the number of meals of most store-bought foods did not differ. Both men and women who ate more meals of fish ate a higher percentage of wild-caught fish than either store-bought or restaurant fish. People with low number of fish and meat meals ate mainly fish; people eating over 30 meals of meat and fish a month ate mainly meat. Only about 9% of those interviewed said that they changed their fish consumption patterns when they, or their spouse, were pregnant. These gender-specific data on protein consumption can be used for exposure assessment and risk management decisions regarding consumption advisories for wild-caught fish and game.     

Gender differences in familial aggregation of obesity-related phenotypes and dietary intake patterns in Korean families

PURPOSE: To investigate familial influences on obesity-related phenotypes and dietary intake patterns, and to examine gender differences in Korean families with adolescent children. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 134 biologically related families composed of 260 parents and 231 adolescent children aged 11 to 19 years. Anthropometric measurements, including total fatness and fat distribution, were measured. Dietary intake was assessed by the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: The odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for overweight were 6.6 (range, 1.5-29.7) in the sons and 13.7 (range, 2.5-76.4) in the daughters of overweight parents. Obesity and fat distribution in the adolescents were more significantly correlated with mothers than fathers. Daughters had more significant familial aggregations with their parents than did sons. The dietary intake patterns of both sons and daughters correlated more strongly with their mothers than their fathers. We observed significant correlations in anthropometric variables and dietary intake patterns between spouses and between siblings. CONCLUSIONS: In the contemporary Korean nuclear family, maternal anthropometry and dietary behavior have a greater impact on children than do paternal contributions, and daughters resemble their parents more than sons. Genetics and environmental factors within the family infrastructure may provide strategies for the prevention and treatment of adolescent obesity.     

Gender differences in nutritional status and feeding patterns among infants in the Gaza Strip.

OBJECTIVES. This study examined gender variation in nutritional treatment and anthropometric status of infants in the Gaza Strip. Numerous studies have documented gender differences in health status in developing areas, generally finding boys to be at an advantage over girls. Social and economic characteristics in Gaza suggest that one might expect preferential treatment of boys there. METHODS. The study used data on two samples of infants 0 to 18 months of age collected from five health centers in Gaza. A variety of different analytic methods were used to look for gender differences in feeding patterns, prevalence of malnutrition, and anthropometric status. RESULTS. Although some differences in nutritional treatment and anthropometric outcome for infants of different socioeconomic status and between the earlier and later samples were found, no consistent gender differences were revealed. CONCLUSIONS. The findings are consistent with several different explanations. First, expectations of finding gender differences may have been unfounded. Alternatively, such differences may have existed previously but have been eliminated through successful public health intervention, rising levels of education, and economic development.     

Gender differences in sarcoidosis: symptoms, quality of life, and medical consumption

The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in quality of life (QOL) and in constitutional symptoms that coincide with sarcoidosis. The study population included 1026 sarcoidosis patients--all members of the Dutch Sarcoidosis Society--who completed the WHOQOL-100 and a symptom checklist. Women experienced more symptoms than men. With regard to QOL, male and female patients who suffered from symptoms differed in the broader domains of Physical Health and Psychological Health. Specific facets reflected pain, sleep, positive affect, appearance, mobility, and activities of daily living. Future studies should focus on the different experience of the disease between male and female patients more extensively. Studies are needed to evaluate whether the differences in the present study between male and female sarcoidosis patients are caused by a subject selection bias or life style differences; have a genetic, hormonal or biological base; or just are an epiphenomenon.     

Gender, age, and behavior differences in early adolescent worry

Early adolescents in the United States are increasingly exposed to a culture of worrisome messages. A degree of adolescent worry is normal, but the likelihood of a young person being anxious or depressed increases with the perceived number of worries. This study examined the effect of age, gender, and worry behavior on frequency of 8 adolescent worries. Data were obtained from 1,004 9- to 13-year-old students visiting 10 health education centers in 7 states. Students responded via individual, electronic keypads. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that boys worry more about the future, whereas girls worry more about being liked or being overweight. The oldest adolescents worry most about their appearance, being overweight, their friends, and problems at home. Adolescents who prefer talking to parents when worried are less likely to worry about being liked, while those who keep worries to themselves have more worries about grades. Those who turn to parents for information are less likely to worry about being liked, failure, their future, and their friends than those who turn to other sources (teachers, Internet, and friends). Recommendations are given to assist health educators and other school staff to recognize frequent worriers and plan school-based approaches to address their needs.     

Gender differences in patterns of risk factors among children receiving mental health services: Latent class analyses

Latent class analyses were used to analyze data from a sample of children participating in the national evaluation of the Comprehensive Communities Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program (N = 6786). Lifetime risk experiences of the child were analyzed to identify 4 classes of boys and girls with similar risk patterns. While low-risk, status-offense, abuse, and high-risk classes were identified for both boys and girls, there were nearly half the number of girls in the low-risk class, almost as many in the status-offense class, twice as many in the abuse class, and more than 3 three times as many in the high-risk class as there were boys. These findings suggest that there are specific groups of children entering services who differ as a function of their lifetime risk exposure. In addition, the relationship between class membership and child functioning, and class membership and family lifetime risk experiences. Understanding these differences provides critical information to the service planning process. In addition, it may result in immediate improvement in the triage of children into services and a better understanding of their behaviors during and after treatment.     

Coping with infertility in couples: Gender differences

Despite the fact that the incidence of infertility is increasing, health care professionals know very little about gender differences in responses to infertility. This study was designed to (1) explore gender difference in the problems of infertile women and men, (2) compare and contrast how women and men cope with the problems, and (3) explore gender differences in personal and social resources available for coping with infertility. Sixty‐six individuals, 39 females and 27 males, responded to a self‐administered questionnaire. Results of this study confirmed that women and men experience infertility differently. Women had significantly more problems in the areas of self‐esteem, personal life, health care systems, and occupation. There were no gender differences in social support ratings or in access to a confidant. Both women and men used a similar number of problem‐focused coping strategies. Women, however, also employed significantly more emotion‐focused coping strategies than did men. Results of this study suggest directions for nurses and others providing support and counseling for infertile couples.     

Gender and health: reassessing patterns and explanations

Recent research on gender and health challenges the prevailing notion of women's generalized health disadvantage by revealing a more variable pattern of gender differences in health. As such differences come to be comprehended as more complex than previously thought, there is a need to reassess the pathways linking gender and health. Using data from a Canadian national probability sample, we examine: (1) gender differences in distress, self-rated health, chronic conditions, restricted activity and heavy drinking; and (2) the role of gender-based differential exposure and vulnerability to chronic stress and life events in explaining observed differences. We find that women report more distress and chronic conditions than men, but gender differences are reversed for heavy drinking, and negligible for self-rated health and restricted activity. Although women reported more chronic stress and life events, their greater exposure accounted for only some of the gender disparity in health, and only for distress. Differential vulnerability to stressors played no role in explaining gender differences in health. These findings raise questions about a gendered, generalized health response to the vicissitudes of life and suggest the need for further theoretical and empirical exploration of "gendered" experiences and their pathways to health.     

Gender differences in informal caring

Men have hitherto largely been invisible in research on informal care. This paper examines gender differences in informal caring, focusing on gender differences according to the relationship between the carer and care-recipient and the location of caring. The paper uses secondary analysis of the 1990–91 General Household Survey, which identified over 2700 adults as informal carers. Four per cent of men and women provide care for someone living in the same household. More women than men, 13% compared with 10%, provide care for someone living in another household. Men carers are less involved in care provision than women, providing fewer hours of care each week, and are less likely to be the main carer. However, gender differences are most marked among married carers, apart from those caring for their spouse, and least among unmarried carers. Married men can often rely on their wives to perform caring roles rather than performing them personally. Women carers are more likely to provide personal care than men carers, but the gender difference is least among those caring for their spouse or for disabled children. Cross-sex personal care is performed within the marital relationship and by parents caring for disabled children, but seldom by adult children caring for their parents or in more distant caring relationships. Evidence of cross-sex taboos in giving personal care is largely restricted to care provided in another household. Since the majority of elderly people in need of care are women, such cultural taboos may reinforce the pressure on mid-life women to care for mothers and mothers-in-law.     

Gender differences in smoking cessation

Men and women have traditionally consumed cigarettes very differently, demonstrating widely varying patterns of prevalence during the past eight decades. For example, though the prevalence of smoking among men increased dramatically soon after the turn of the century, an analogous though less dramatic increase among women was not observed for another 25-30 years. Similarly, when a dramatic decrease in smoking prevalence among men was observed following the 1964 Surgeon General's Report, a comparable decrease among women was not seen until 15 years later. Such differences in smoking patterns have led to the widespread belief that giving up smoking is more difficult for women than it is for men. This paper reviews various studies which address this issue and suggests areas in which further research is needed.     

Gender differences in teenage smoking

This study analyzes the patterns and correlates of gender differences in cigarette smoking in a national sample of white high school seniors in 1985. More females than males were smokers, because females had higher rates for the early stages of smoking adoption. Specifically, females were more likely to have tried smoking at least once and, among those who had tried smoking, females were more likely to have smoked more than once or twice. Gender differences in smoking varied, depending on the students' characteristics. For example, the female excess in the early stages of smoking adoption was small or absent among rural students or very religious students, apparently because traditional values inhibit smoking adoption more among females than among males. We estimated the contributions of gender differences in students' characteristics to gender differences in smoking adoption. For example, males were more involved in sports, and this appears to be one reason why males had lower rates of smoking adoption than females. On the other hand, males had more deviant behavior and attitudes, and this would be expected to contribute to greater smoking adoption by males. The findings of this study indicate important gender differences in the determinants of smoking adoption.