Test of the cross-cultural generalizability of a model of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment research has been primarily limited to examination of the phenomena in U.S. organizations; attempts to explore the generalizability of constructs and theoretical models across cultures are rare. This study examined (a) the measurement equivalence of survey scales in U.S. and Turkish samples using mean and covariance structure analysis and (b) the generalizability of the L. F. Fitzgerald, F. Drasgow, C. L. Hulin, M. J. Gelfand, and V. J. Magley (1997) model of sexual harassment to the Turkish context using structural equations modeling. Analyses used questionnaire data from 336 Turkish women and 455 women from the United States. The results indicate that, in general, the survey scales demonstrate measurement equivalence and the pattern of relationships in the Fitzgerald et al. model generalizes to the Turkish culture. These results support the usefulness of the model for explaining sexual harassment experiences in a variety of organizational and cultural contexts.

Night pain in arthritis: patients at risk from prescribed night sedation.

To assess the problem of night pain and the use of hypnotic drugs in patients with rheumatic diseases 165 consecutive patients (mean age 58.5 years) were assessed and questioned about night pain and the use of drugs including night sedation. Most of the patients (106 (64%)) were women. A total of 32 (19%) patients were receiving night sedation for a mean duration of 43.9 months. Fourteen patients (13 women) were using these drugs to treat insomnia related to pain. The mean visual analogue pain score for night pain showed a significant difference between those receiving night sedation (5.2) and those who were not (3.7). Of the 70 patients who answered the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), those receiving night sedation also had a significantly higher mean score (1.91) than those who were not (1.2), suggesting that patients receiving night sedation were more clinically disabled. Codeine was used by more (34%) patients receiving night sedation than those who were not (18%) suggesting that those receiving night sedation had more pain. These results highlight the need for better pain management in patients with rheumatic diseases to minimise the risk of prescribing addictive drugs such as hypnotic drugs and codeine.

Diet and nutrition: a knowledge, attitude and practice study of pregnant women in Karachi.

PIP: This study determines knowledge, attitude, and practice of diet and nutrition during pregnancy among women in Karachi, Pakistan. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from a randomized convenience sample of 150 pregnant women from outpatient clinics of 3 hospitals: Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi Adventist Hospital, and Civil Hospital. Daily caloric intake was based on a single day. Two dietary patterns were observed. Meals among individuals with monthly income under Rs. 5000 consisted of flatbread, lentils, and/or vegetables. Meat was eaten under twice/week. Calories came primarily from flatbread, cereals, and cooking oil. Those with income over Rs. 10,000/month ate a great variety of foods and meat frequently. The source of calories was diverse and more balanced. The women preferred milk and fresh fruit during pregnancy. Milk was desired for fetal bone development, enhanced lactation, good skin, and a settled stomach. Desired foods were described as cold and justified since the womb was a source of heat production. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups did not trust their judgment about beneficial foods and could not afford the foods they desired. Many women had food avoidances, such as hot foods. The percentage of women with food avoidances increased with increased SES. Most women valued increased food consumption during pregnancy, but 68% did not increase their caloric intake and 40% decreased caloric intake. The mean caloric intakes, from low to high SES, were 1087, 1656, and 1750 kcal/day/woman, respectively.^ieng