Men's involvement in family planning programs: an exploratory study from Karachi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In Pakistan, family planning has traditionally been perceived as primarily a women's concern, resulting in the exclusion of men from relevant initiatives. This situation is further exacerbated by cultural and social barriers that hinder men's access to family planning services. This study addresses a significant research gap by assessing the extent of family planning service provision for men in urban areas of Karachi. It delves into the exploration of men's involvement in family planning service delivery, identifies existing gaps in services catering to men, records men's perceptions of accessibility and acceptability of these services, and ultimately offers recommendations to enhance men's involvement and strengthen service provision to better meet their needs. METHODS: We employed a qualitative exploratory research design using semi-structured interviews to investigate perceptions regarding family planning service provision to men. This approach involved 25 interviews, comprising eight key informant interviews with stakeholders, eight with service providers, and nine in-depth interviews with married men. RESULTS: This study highlights the limited engagement of men in family planning programs, primarily due to entrenched sociocultural norms that confine female healthcare providers to serving women, hindering men's involvement. While national and provincial policies endorse men's participation, they lack defined roles for male providers. Behavioral and information-sharing barriers at the community level discourage male healthcare providers from collaborating with females. Family planning programs, except for NGO-led vasectomy projects, fail to adequately address men's needs. Despite policy recognition, implementation remains inadequate. Bridging the men's involvement gap necessitates more male providers and improved contraceptive stigma combat training. Further research is vital to explore effective methods for involving men in community and service delivery in family planning. CONCLUSION: There is a need to change the perception that contraception is solely the responsibility of women, as men's participation in family planning in Karachi is limited. Engaging men can yield positive health and non-health outcomes. Culturally sensitive services, developed with community input using a couple-centered approach, are crucial for equitable family planning. Further research is needed to explore men's inclusion strategies in service provision and utilization.

Many family planning efforts focus solely on women, leaving out men, especially in Pakistan, due to cultural and social barriers. This study aimed to explore men's involvement in family planning programs in Karachi. We talked to 25 different people, such as those who run family planning programs, provide services, and married men. We found that men aren't much involved in these programs. Female health providers usually help women, which discourages men from participating or getting involved in such programs. Even though there have been policies to include men since 2002, they don't have specific roles defined. Men don't  discuss family planning much with female providers due to behavioral differences and lack of open communication. Men mostly prefer condoms, and apart from a small NGO-run vasectomy project, there are few programs-tailored to their needs. Although policies exist, they're not fully in practice. To change this, we need more male providers and improved training to reduce the stigma around contraception. Future research should  explore more effective ways to involve men in family planning, both in communities and service levels. Overall, getting men involved in family planning is important, and services need to be developed with input from communities and couples to ensure fairness. More research is needed to figure out the best ways to do this.

Encountering the health and social environment after a pregnancy loss: A grounded theory study from male perspective.

AIM: To develop an empirical model that explores and explains the social process of the encounters of men who suffered pregnancy loss with health and social environments. METHODS: A constructivist grounded theory method was performed, whereby 23 couples were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Men that suffered pregnancy loss were analysed iteratively, with line-by-line and incident-to-incident coding, focused coding and axial coding, until data saturation and the emergence of theory. RESULTS: The theory Behind bars that hide and mask them illustrates the social process of the encounters of men who suffered pregnancy loss with the health and social environment. Social taboo and gender stereotypes could repress, marginalize, and hide men's feelings. This transposed into the healthcare setting, which focused on the physical aspects of the woman, and lacked an emotional approach, follow-up, and sensitivity. Men reported a lack of recognition or family and social support. CONCLUSION: Many men report not feeling involved in the care process after pregnancy loss, in addition to the prioritisation of medicalised care, which can be explained by a medical paternalism approach. These results provide a basis to reflect and plan the inclusion of men for the provision of comprehensive and couple-centred care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Communication strategies and emotional management, self-reflection of health professionals, theoretical-practical content with a gender perspective in the training of nurses and midwives, involvement of the organisation and leadership, and further research is required.

Cáncer de mama en el hombre. Reporte de caso / Breast cancer in men. Case repor

Introducción: El cáncer de mama masculino es una patología infrecuente que re-presenta menos del 1% de la patología mamaria maligna, con una edad media de diagnóstico de 67 años. Tiene un peor pronóstico que el cáncer de mama femenino debido a su alto origen genético y baja sospecha, desencadenando diagnósticos inadecuados y tardíos, y disminuyendo la supervivencia a mediano y largo plazo.Objetivo: Describir el caso clínico de un paciente masculino con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama, abordando la presentación clínica, los métodos diagnósticos, el tratamiento oncoespecífico, y la evolución clínica y quirúrgica. Presentación del caso: Se presenta un paciente masculino de 52 años, con evi-dencia de lesión exofítica en mama derecha más ganglio axilar ipsilateral, con diag-nóstico confirmado de patología de cáncer de mama estadio clínico cT4bN1Mx. Se plantea un manejo multidisciplinario: quimioterapia neoadyuvante y mastecto-mía radical derecha. Finalmente recibe tratamiento oncoespecífico y radioterapia con evolución favorable.Discusión: El cáncer de mama masculino tiene una baja incidencia respecto a la mujer, por lo que su sospecha diagnóstica se ve limitada. En etapas iniciales el diagnóstico es inespecífico debido a las pocas manifestaciones clínicas, pero deberá respaldarse en métodos imagenológicos, análisis anatomopatológico e in-munohistoquímico para guiar el tratamiento oncoespecífico.Conclusión: El cáncer de mama masculino posee una sospecha diagnóstica limi-tada que requiere un manejo multidisciplinario específico. La correcta estadifica-ción de la patología depende del seguimiento clínico y un análisis inmunohistoquí-mico oportuno, para un tratamiento adecuado con mejores resultados clínicos y altas tasas de supervivencia.

Introduction: Male breast cancer is an infrequent pathology; it represents less than 1% of malignant breast pathology, with an average age of diagnosis of 67 years. It has a worse prognosis than female breast cancer, due to its high genetic origin and low suspicion, which leads to inadequate and late diagnosis, becoming evident in advanced stages, decreasing survival in the medium and long term.Objective: To describe the clinical case of a patient diagnosed with breast cancer, addressing the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, oncospecific treatment, as well as the corresponding clinical and surgical evolution.Case presentation: We present a 52-year-old male patient, with evidence of exophytic lesion in right breast plus ipsilateral axillary node, with diagnosis confir-med by pathology report of breast cancer, clinical stage: cT4bN1Mx. A multidisci-plinary management is proposed, initially the patient receives neoadjuvant chemo-therapy, then undergoes a surgical procedure: radical right mastectomy. Finally, she receives oncospecific treatment in the specialties of clinical oncology and radiothe-rapy, with favorable evolution.Discussion: Male breast cancer has a low incidence compared to women, so its diagnostic suspicion is limited. In initial stages the diagnosis is unspecific due to the few clinical manifestations, but should be supported by imaging methods and confirmatory methods, an anatomopathological and immunohistochemical analy-sis, to guide oncospecific treatment. Conclusions: Male breast cancer, is an infrequent pathology with limited diagnos-tic suspicion, which requires specific multidisciplinary management. It is important to have a continuous medical follow-up of the patient, to achieve at the time of diagnosis a correct clinical and immunohistochemical staging, which allows to fo-cus on the appropriate management and treatment, with better clinical outcomes and better survival rates.

Systemic effects of the COVID pandemic on rural black American men's interpersonal relationships: A phenomenological examination.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a socionatural disaster that unprecedentedly disrupted the daily lives of individuals, families, and communities. Prior research indicates that Black American men living in rural contexts, particularly in Southern parts of the United States of America, were disproportionately affected by the psychological and economic effects of the pandemic. Despite these disparities, few studies have examined the pandemic's impact on rural Black American men's social networks. This study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural Black American men's interpersonal relationships. Informed by the principles of critical ethnography and guided by van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology, seventeen men were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using an iterative thematic reduction process consistent with van Manen's approach. Four themes were generated: Familial Reorganization, Adaptive Fatherhood, Rona Romance, and Essential Community. Participants recounted how the pandemic motivated them to improve their relationships with family members and children but contributed additional stress to their romantic relationships. Participants further recounted how their friendships were the least impacted as they were willing to make exceptions to their normal protective protocols to socialize with close friends. Participants also noted feeling disconnected from their wider community because they could not attend church even though their religious beliefs remained unchanged. Findings highlight the need for scholars, clinicians, and policymakers to consider men's relational health when developing and implementing pandemic recovery efforts, as it can significantly influence their ability to recuperate mentally and physically. Future research should be dedicated to (1) investigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fathers, as prior research has nearly exclusively focused on mothers' experiences and (2) delineating protective effects of rural Black American men's involvement in the Black Church from their individual spiritualities to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the influence of contextual crisis on their long-term health and wellbeing.

Male perspectives on intimate partner violence: A qualitative analysis from South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects one in four women globally and is more commonly enacted by men than women. Rates of IPV in South Africa exceed the global average. Exploring the background and context regarding why men use violence can help future efforts to prevent IPV. METHODS: We explored adult men's perspectives of IPV, livelihoods, alcohol use, gender beliefs, and childhood exposure to abuse through a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews that were conducted in South Africa. The setting was a peri-urban township characterized by high unemployment, immigration from rural areas, and low service provision. We utilized thematic qualitative analysis that was guided by the social ecological framework. RESULTS: Of 30 participants, 20 were residents in the neighborhood, 7 were trained community members, and 3 were program staff. Men reported consumption of alcohol and lack of employment as being triggers for IPV and community violence in general. Multiple participants recounted childhood exposure to abuse. These themes, in addition to culturally prescribed gender norms and constructs of manhood, seemed to influence the use of violence. CONCLUSION: Interventions aimed at reducing IPV should consider the cultural and social impact on men's use of IPV in low-resource, high-IPV prevalence settings, such as peri-urban South Africa. This work highlights the persistent need for the implementation of effective primary prevention strategies that address contextual and economic factors in an effort to reduce IPV that is primarily utilized by men directed at women.

Subnational estimates of life expectancy at birth in India: evidence from NFHS and SRS data.

BACKGROUND: Mortality estimates at the subnational level are of urgent need in India for the formulation of policies and programmes at the district level. This is the first-ever study which used survey data for the estimation of life expectancy at birth ([Formula: see text]) for the 640 districts from NFHS-4 (2015-16) and 707 districts from NFHS-5 (2019-21) for the total, male and female population in India. METHODS: This study calculated annual age-specific mortality rates from NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 for India and all 36 states for the total, male and female population. This paper constructed the abridged life tables and estimated life expectancy at birth [Formula: see text] and further estimated the model parameters for all 36 states. This study linked state-specific parameters to the respective districts for the estimation of life expectancy at birth [Formula: see text]for 640 districts from NFHS-4 and 707 districts from NFHS-5 for the total, male and female population in India. RESULTS: Findings at the state level showed that there were similarities between the estimated and calculated [Formula: see text] in most of the states. The results of this article observed that the highest [Formula: see text] varies in the ranges of 70 to 90 years among the districts of the southern region. [Formula: see text] falls below 70 years among most of the central and eastern region districts. In the northern region districts [Formula: see text] lies in the range of 70 years to 75 years. The estimates of life expectancy at birth [Formula: see text] shows the noticeable variations at the state and district levels for the person, male, and female populations from the NFHS (2015-16) and NFHS (2019-21). In the absence of age-specific mortality data at the district level in India, this study used the indirect estimation method of relating state-specific model parameters with the IMR of their respective districts and estimated [Formula: see text] across the 640 districts from NFHS-4 (2015-16) and 707 districts from NFHS-5 (2019-21). The findings of this study have similarities with the state-level estimations of [Formula: see text] from both data sources of SRS and NFHS and found the highest [Formula: see text] in the southern region and the lowest [Formula: see text] in the eastern and central region districts. CONCLUSIONS: In the lack of [Formula: see text] estimates at the district level in India, this study could be beneficial in providing timely life expectancy estimates from the survey data. The findings clearly shows variations in the district level [Formula: see text]. The districts from the southern region show the highest [Formula: see text] and districts from the central and eastern region has lower [Formula: see text]. Females have higher [Formula: see text] as compared to the male population in most of the districts in India.

The Effect of Menthol Mouth Rinsing and Fluid Temperature on Male Cycling Performance in Thermoneutral Conditions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a menthol (MEN) mouth rinse (MR) on cycling time trial (TT) performance in thermoneutral conditions and to explore the impact of fluid temperature (cold water [CW] or thermoneutral water [TNW]) on MEN's effect on performance. METHODS: Twelve trained male cyclists (VO2 peak, 61.4 ± 12.1 mL/kg/min) completed a cycling TT in thermoneutral conditions (21 ± 0.2 °C, 40 ± 0.6% relative humidity) with four different mouth rinses: (1) MEN + CW; (2) MEN + TNW; (3) CW; and (4) TNW. The time to complete the TT and the power output (W) were recorded. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, Borg 6-20), thermal sensation (TS), and thermal comfort (TC) were recorded prior to and throughout the TT. The core body temperature (Tc) and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout. RESULTS: The TT duration was not significantly different between trials (MEN + TNW: 38:11 ± 12:48, MEN + CW: 37:21 ± 13:00, CW: 38:12 ± 13:54, TNW: 36:06 ± 14:12 mins:secs, p < 0.05). The mean trial power output did not significantly differ between conditions (>0.05). The Tc, HR, RPE, TS, and TC were not significantly different between trials (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a MEN MR with either CW or TNW does not significantly improve cycling TT performance in trained male cyclists compared to a CW or TNW MR in thermoneutral conditions.

Linkage to HIV care and early retention in HIV care among men in the 'universal test-and-treat' era in a high HIV-burdened district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the numerous efforts and initiatives, males with HIV are still less likely than women to receive HIV treatment. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, men are tested, linked, and retained in HIV care at lower rates than women, and South Africa is no exception. This is despite the introduction of the universal test-and-treat (UTT) prevention strategy anticipated to improve the uptake of HIV services. The aim of this study was to investigate linkage to and retention in care rates of an HIV-positive cohort of men in a high HIV prevalence rural district in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. METHODS: From January 2018 to July 2019, we conducted an observational cohort study in 18 primary health care institutions in the uThukela district. Patient-level survey and clinical data were collected at baseline, 4-months and 12-months, using isiZulu and English REDCap-based questionnaires. We verified data through TIER.Net, Rapid mortality survey (RMS), and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) databases. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.1, with confidence intervals and p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 343 male participants diagnosed with HIV and who reside in uThukela District. The median age was 33 years (interquartile range (IQR): 29-40), and more than half (56%; n = 193) were aged 18-34 years. Almost all participants (99.7%; n = 342) were Black African, with 84.5% (n = 290) being in a romantic relationship. The majority of participants (85%; n = 292) were linked to care within three months of follow-up. Short-term retention in care (≤ 12 months) was 46% (n = 132) among men who were linked to care within three months. CONCLUSION: While the implementation of the UTT strategy has had positive influence on improving linkage to care, men's access of HIV treatment remains inconsistent and may require additional innovative strategies.

How men influence young women taking PrEP: perspectives from young women, male partners, and male peers in Siaya county, Western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention option for those who are most vulnerable to HIV infection, especially young women (YW). Objection by or lack of support from male sexual partners has been shown to impact YW's ability to take PrEP consistently. We explored the views of YW, and male partners and male peers of YW in Siaya County, Western Kenya, to illustrate how men influence, and can support, YW in using PrEP. METHODS: We used Photovoice to capture the views of YW ages 18-24 who were currently or previously enrolled in the DREAMS program and with current or previous experience taking PrEP. We also captured the views of YW's sexual partners and male peers. The YW completed eight photo assignments that focused on identifying factors influencing their PrEP use, and male participants completed four photo assignments focused on identifying ways men support or hinder YW's PrEP use. Photographs were presented and discussed in same- and mixed-gender groups using the SHOWeD method. YW also participated in in-depth interviews. The analysis focused on identifying themes that described men's influence on YW's PrEP adherence and persistence. RESULTS: Among YW, a restricting male influence on PrEP use emerged in the majority of photo assignments such that YW's photographs and discussions revealed that men were more often viewed as barriers than supporters. YW perceived that they had little autonomy over their sexual lives and choice to use PrEP. YW's PrEP use was perceived to be hindered by stigmatizing community narratives that influenced men's support of PrEP use among women. Male participants suggested that men would support YW's PrEP use if PrEP was better promoted in the community and if men were more knowledgeable about its benefits. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of support from male partners and peers and stigmatizing community narratives influence YW's PrEP use. Community-based programs should include education about PrEP specifically for male partners and peers of YW to positively influence PrEP use among YW.

Using Focus Groups to Explore Older Black Men's Perception of Dietary Interventions.

Older Black men are underrepresented in research despite being disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors related to AD compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Although dietary interventions have shown promise to reduce modifiable CV risk factors related to AD, Black Americans have lower adherence likely due to lack of cultural considerations. Using a noninterventional convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, this study examined the cultural contexts that inform perceptions of dietary interventions among older Midwestern Black men. All participants completed an online demographic and dietary habit survey prior to focus group discussions. Two focus group discussion sessions were conducted with a total of 10 cognitively normal Black men aged 55 years and older. Survey data were analyzed using a frequency analysis and qualitative data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis process. Most men indicated having hypertension (N = 7, 77.8%) and currently not following a dietary eating pattern (N = 8, 88.9%). Emerging themes identified included (1) knowledge of dementia, (2) perceptions of dietary interventions, (3) barriers impacting participation in dietary interventions, and (4) overcoming barriers to engage Black men in dietary interventions. Findings from this study should inform the design of future dietary interventions for AD prevention to enhance participation among older Black men.

Men's involvement in maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review of enablers and barriers.

BACKGROUND: Globally, there are about 800 maternal deaths every day, with low-to-middle-income countries accounting for most of these deaths. A lack of access to maternal healthcare services is one of the main causes of these deaths. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), one of the barriers to accessing maternal healthcare services by women is a lack of their male partners' involvement. This scoping review aimed to assess the enablers and barriers to men's involvement in maternal healthcare services. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was used as a guide for this review. We searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2023 in the English language from SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Africa Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar databases. Two reviewers independently conducted the data extraction and article selection. All of the authors discussed and decided on the codes and categories for enablers and barriers after using NVivo to generate them. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles were used in this review. Of these, seventeen were qualitative studies, six were quantitative studies, and four were mixed-methods studies. The enablers of men's involvement in maternal healthcare were grouped into sociodemographic factors, health system factors, and policy factors, while barriers were grouped into sociodemographic, cultural, economic, and health system barriers. The lack of maternal health knowledge, insufficient economic resources, and unfriendly staff at healthcare facilities all contributed to a lack of involvement by men. CONCLUSION: To improve men's involvement in maternal healthcare in SSA, there should be economic empowerment of both men and women, health education, and the provision of adequate infrastructure in healthcare facilities to accommodate men.

One-Year Changes in Bioelectrical Impedance Data in Adolescent Athletes.

Raw bioelectrical impedance (BI) data and vector analysis (BIVA) have been used to evaluate fat-free mass (FFM) cross-sectionally in adolescent athletes; however, there have been no longitudinal studies about it. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of changes in raw BI data (resistance [R], reactance [Xc], and phase angle [PhA]), BIVA, and FFM in adolescent athletes (n = 137, 40% female). BI data were collected using a single-frequency device at baseline and after one year of sports practice. Baseline chronological age categorized the participants (11, 12, or 13 years [y]). In females, Xc/H increased (13 to 14 y, p = 0.04) while R/H decreased in all age groups (p = 0.001). PhA (11 to 12 y, p = 0.048) and FFM (11 to 12 y and 12 to 13 y groups p = 0.001) increased and showed the lowest magnitude of changes in the 13 to 14 y group (p = 0.05). In males, Xc/H decreased (11 to 12 and 12 to 13 y groups, p = 0.001) with a higher magnitude of changes in the 13 to 14 y group (p = 0.004); R/H decreased (p = 0.001); FFM increased in all groups (p = 0.001); however, no magnitude of changes was observed. PhA increased in the 13 to 14 y group (p = 0.004). BIVA showed no differences among ellipse distances in females. In males, a high distance was observed in the 11 to 12 y group. "Time interval" influenced PhA and Xc/H in the female group and R/H and Xc/H in the male group. "Initial age" and "time interval" influenced the increase in PhA in the male group. Raw BI data and BIVA patterns can detect the magnitude of the changes in a sex-dependent manner.

The relative age effect and its influence on athletic performance in Chinese junior female' tennis players.

The relative age effect (RAE) has been the focus of numerous studies; however, there are still fewer studies in women's sports than in men's sports. In this study, all female players (N = 2,255) who participated in Chinese junior tennis competitions (U12, U14, U16, and the National Junior Team) from 2014 to 2019 were investigated in terms of competitors' birth dates and year-end rankings. For the purposes of the analysis, the birth dates were also separated into quarters and half years. The study's objectives were to analyze the prevalence of the RAE among young Chinese female tennis players and to further examine how the RAE affects athletic performance. Differences between the observed and expected distributions of birth dates were tested using the chi-square statistic, and subsequent calculations were tested using odds ratios. The RAE was discovered to be present in every group of Chinese junior female tennis players (p < 0.001), with the proportions of those born in the first half of the year being 56.4% (U12), 53.1% (U14), and 57.0% (U16), respectively. The RAE for athletes selected for the National Women's Junior Tennis Team was even more significant, with the percentage of birth dates in the first half of the year at 61.2%. Finally, we observed a tendency for the effect of the RAE on the athletic performance of adolescent female tennis players to diminish with age.

Strategies to enhance indigenous men's support for utilisation of long-acting reversible contraceptives among women in Kiboga and Rubanda rural districts in Uganda.

Unintended pregnancies, a global public health concern with an annual incidence of about 74 million, significantly impact Africa, representing 25% of cases. These pregnancies, linked to health risks and mortalities, underscore the critical need for effective family planning especially the Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Long-acting reversible contraceptives offer a significant solution, yet their uptake in Uganda faces challenges due to insufficient male support. This qualitative study in Rubanda and Kiboga revealed negative perceptions and belief systems among rural Indigenous Ugandan men regarding the use of LARCs by their wives, which acted as barriers to utilization. Recommendations include enhancing Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) and improving LARCs service delivery to counter limited knowledge and service concerns, aiming to foster better understanding and correcting the negative perceptions, belief sytems and acceptance of these contraceptive methods for improved maternal and child health outcomes.

Les grossesses non désirées, une préoccupation mondiale en matière de santé publique avec une incidence annuelle d'environ 74 millions, impactent significativement l'Afrique, représentant 25 % des cas. Ces grossesses, liées à des risques sanitaires et à des mortalités, soulignent le besoin critique d'une planification familiale efficace, en particulier des contraceptifs réversibles à longue durée d'action (LARCs). Les contraceptifs réversibles à longue durée d'action offrent une solution significative, mais leur adoption en Ouganda est confrontée à des défis en raison du manque de soutien des hommes. Cette étude qualitative menée à Rubanda et Kiboga a révélé des perceptions négatives et des systèmes de croyances parmi les hommes indigènes ougandais ruraux concernant l'utilisation des LARCs par leurs épouses, ce qui a agi comme des obstacles à leur utilisation. Les recommandations incluent le renforcement de la communication pour le changement social et comportemental (SBCC) et l'amélioration de la prestation de services de LARCs pour contrer le manque de connaissance et les préoccupations concernant les services, visant à favoriser une meilleure compréhension et à corriger les perceptions négatives, les systèmes de croyances et l'acceptation de ces méthodes contraceptives pour des résultats améliorés en matière de santé maternelle et infantile.

Exploring Information Seeking Anxiety Among Localized Prostate Cancer Patients.

Information seeking anxiety is a multidimensional construct that is operationalized as having elements of worry, confusion, and disorganization. Much remains unknown about the ways information seeking anxiety operates among cancer patients in the United States. This study investigated the application of the information seeking anxiety concept among prostate cancer patients by documenting their assessment experiences and examining relationships between information seeking anxiety and treatment information search behaviors. A purposive sample of African American and Caucasian men (N = 63) within 5 years of being diagnosed with localized disease (stage T1 or T2) were recruited to participate through cancer registries, advertisements, and word-of-mouth. Participants completed a self-administered survey with items that collected demographic information, treatment information-seeking behaviors, and information seeking anxiety evaluations. All surveys were completed in one sitting and a majority of men (82.5%, N = 52) completed the information seeking anxiety assessment with no assistance. During their first interactions with available sources of information (e.g., doctors, internet, peers), most survivors (95.2%, N = 60) reported some level of information seeking anxiety. Specifically, 55.5% (N = 35) were confused about what to look for, 60.3% (N = 38) were worried they would not find the right information, 55.5% (N = 35) were uncomfortable with the search process, and 49.2% (N = 31) reported being disorganized. The composite information seeking anxiety measure was moderately correlated with men's self-reported time to start searching for treatment information (p = .02; r = .306). Information seeking anxiety appears to delay the treatment information gathering activities of prostate cancer survivors with localized disease. This previously undocumented barrier to the delivery of prostate cancer care services should be investigated in other studies with larger and more diverse samples.

Older adults, males, and sedentary individuals had a higher number of hospitalizations for COVID-19: prevalence and associated factors in Barbacena-MG, Brazil, 2021-2022 / Idosos, homens e sedentários tiveram maior número de hospitalizações por COVID-19: prevalência e fatores associados em Barbacena-MG, Brasil, 2021-2022

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and to investigate associated factors in adult patients in the city of Barbacena, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Method: This cross-sectional study included a sample of 248 community participants (≥18 years old) with post-COVID-19 complaints treated at an outpatient clinic of the Unified Health System. Data were collected between September 2021 and January 2022. The dependent variable was hospitalization due to COVID-19 (no/yes). The independent variables were operationalized as: age group (18-59/≥60 years), sex (female/male), race (white/other), education (higher/secondary/elementary education+illiterate), marital status (no/with partner), physical activity (active/sedentary), comorbidities (no/yes), systemic arterial hypertension (no/yes), diabetes mellitus (no/yes), use of medication as a treatment for COVID-19 (no/yes), and doses of COVID-19 vaccine (none or one/≥two or three). The prevalence of hospitalization was presented as a percentage. The association between the dependent and independent variables was assessed using binary logistic regression and expressed as odds ratio (OR). Result: The prevalence of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 was 41.5% (36.0% in women and 50.0% in men). Multivariate association analysis showed that age ≥60 years (OR=2.58 [1.41-4.73]), male sex (OR=1.98 [1.10-3.55]), physical inactivity (OR=2.24 [1.38-4.40]), presence of comorbidities (OR=3.15 [1.61-6.17]), and use of medication as a treatment for COVID-19 (OR=3.68 [1.78-7.59]) remained significantly and positively associated with greater odds of hospitalization. Conclusion: Four of 10 patients were hospitalized due to COVID-19. The burden of hospitalization was especially high among older patients, males, sedentary individuals, those with comorbidities, and those who used medication to treat COVID-19

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de hospitalizações por COVID-19 e investigar os fatores associados em pacientes adultos do município de Barbacena-MG. Método: Estudo transversal que incluiu uma amostra de 248 participantes comunitários (≥18 anos) com queixas pós-COVID-19 atendidos em um ambulatório do Sistema Único de Saúde. Os dados foram coletados entre setembro/2021 e janeiro/2022. A variável dependente foi a hospitalização por COVID-19 (não/sim). As variáveis independentes foram operacionalizadas como: faixa etária (18-59/≥60 anos), sexo (feminino/masculino), raça (branca/outras), escolaridade (ensino superior/médio/fundamental+analfabeto), estado civil (sem/com companheiro), atividade física (ativo/sedentário), comorbidades (não/sim), hipertensão arterial sistêmica (não/sim), diabetes mellitus (não/sim), uso de medicamentos como tratamento para a COVID-19 (não/sim) e doses de vacina contra a COVID-19 (nenhuma ou uma/≥duas ou três). A prevalência de hospitalizações foi fornecida em porcentagem. A associação entre as variáveis dependente e independentes foi avaliada por meio de regressão logística binária e expressa como odds ratio-OR. Resultado: A prevalência de hospitalizações por COVID-19 foi de 41,5% (36,0% em mulheres e 50,0% em homens). A análise de associação multivariada evidenciou que idade ≥60 anos (OR=2,58 [1,41-4,73]), sexo masculino (OR=1,98 [1,10-3,55]), sedentarismo (OR=2,24 [1,38-4,40]), presença de comorbidades (OR=3,15 [1,61-6,17]) e uso de medicamentos como tratamento para a COVID-19 (OR=3,68 [1,78-7,59]) mantiveram-se significativa e positivamente associadas com maior chance de hospitalização. Conclusão: Quatro em cada 10 pacientes avaliados foram hospitalizados devido à COVID-19. A carga de internações demonstrou-se especialmente elevada em indivíduos idosos, do sexo masculino, sedentários, com comorbidades e que usaram algum medicamento para tratar a COVID-19.

The relationships of sexually harassing behaviors to organizational context factors and working men's dark personality traits.

This research examined the roles of organization contexts factors and dark personality traits in men's (N = 600) self-reports of sexually harassing behaviors toward women in the workplace. Four organization context factors (a permissive climate, a masculinized job/gender context, male/female contact, and Masculinity Contest Culture [MCC] Norms) and four dark personality traits (psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sadism) were examined. While only one organizational context factor, MCC Norms correlated with men's admissions of sexually harassing behaviors at work, all four dark personality traits evidenced significant correlations. In a multiple regression analysis, MCC Norms emerged again as the single organizational context predictor and psychopathy as the single personality predictor of men's admissions of sexually harassing behaviors at work. Moderation analyses showed that a masculinized job/gender context interacted with psychopathy to produce more admissions of sexually harassing behaviors. Mediation analyses showed that psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism had indirect relationships with admissions of sexually harassing behaviors through MCC Norms. Higher levels on these traits were related to higher levels of these workplace norms which, in turn, predicted more admissions of sexually harassing behavior. This research sheds new light on how both organizational contexts and enduring personal characteristics of men are related to sexual harassment in the workplace.

Greater muscle strength is associated with better hemodynamic parameters, physical, cognitive and kidney function in older nursing-home residents / Maior força muscular está associada a melhores parâmetros hemodinâmicos, função física, cognitiva e renal em idosos residentes em casas de repouso

Objective: To analyze hemodynamic parameters, kidney and cognitive function, and physical performance of institutionalized older adults with high- and low-strength. Method: Cross-sectional study. Twenty-one older adults (11 women, 10 men) participated in this study. Blood samples were collected for analysis of biochemical parameters. Cognitive function was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), clock drawing test (CDT), and verbal fluency test, while physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and, blood pressure, heart rate, and Framingham Risk Score were evaluated. Result: Based on the median value, participants were divided into low-strength (81.63 ± 3.03 years) and high-strength (82.10 ± 2.11 years). The high-strength group showed significantly lower systolic (138.8 ± 3.6 vs. 116.5 ± 3.1; p<0.05), diastolic (84.9 ± 2.14 vs. 72.9 ± 2.2; p<0.05), mean blood pressure (102.2 ± 2.4 vs. 87.4 ± 2.4; p<0.05), and cardiovascular risk (39.7 ± 4.6 vs. 26.0 ± 3.5; p<0.05) than the low-strength group. In addition, the high-strength group had better HDL-c levels (27.4 ± 1.7 vs. 35.6 ± 3.4; p<0.05), higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (51.5 ± 4.9 vs. 86.2 ± 5.5; p<0.05), and lower creatinine (0.94 ± 0.1 vs 0.57 ± 0.1; p<0.05) than the low-strength group. For cognitive data (MMSE and CDT p<0.05) and physical performance (semi-tandem, tandem and walking speed p<0.05), the high-strength group had better scores compared to the low-strength group. Conclusion: Institutionalized older adults with high-strength has better hemodynamic parameters, physical performance, kidney and cognitive function than those with low-strength levels

Objetivo: Analisar os parâmetros hemodinâmicos, a função física, cognitiva e renal de idosos institucionalizados com alta e baixa força. Método: Estudo transversal. Vinte e um idosos (11 mulheres, 10 homens) participaram do estudo. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue para análise de parâmetros bioquímicos. A função cognitiva foi avaliada por meio do miniexame do estado mental (MEEM), do teste de desenho do relógio (TDR) e do teste de fluência verbal, enquanto o desempenho físico foi avaliado por meio da Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) e foram aferidas a pressão arterial, a frequência cardíaca e o escore de risco de Framingham. Resultado: Com base no valor da mediana, os participantes foram divididos em baixa força (81,63 ± 3,03 anos) e alta força (82,10 ± 2,11 anos). O grupo de alta força apresentou pressão arterial sistólica (138,8 ± 3,6 vs. 116,5 ± 3,1; p<0,05), diastólica (84,9 ± 2,14 vs. 72,9 ± 2,2; p<0,05), média (102,2 ± 2,4 vs. 87,4 ± 2,4; p<0,05) e risco cardiovascular (39,7 ± 4,6 vs. 26,0 ± 3,5; p<0,05) significativamente menores do que o grupo de baixa força. Além disso, o grupo de alta força apresentou melhores níveis de HDL-c (27,4 ± 1,7 vs. 35,6 ± 3,4; p<0,05), maior taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (51,5 ± 4,9 vs. 86,2 ± 5,5; p<0,05) e menor creatinina (0,94 ± 0,1 vs. 0,57 ± 0,1; p<0,05) do que o grupo de baixa força. Em relação aos dados cognitivos (MEEM e TDR, p<0,05) e ao desempenho físico (semi-tandem, tandem e velocidade de caminhada, p<0,05), o grupo de alta força apresentou melhores escores em comparação com o grupo de baixa força. Conclusão: Os idosos institucionalizados com altos níveis de força têm melhores parâmetros hemodinâmicos, desempenho físico, função renal e cognitiva do que aqueles com baixos níveis de força.PALAVRAS-CHAVEAvaliação GeriátricaCardiovascularDesempenho CognitivoFunção RenalForça Muscular

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior in individuals with stable COPD non-infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic / Inatividade física e comportamento sedentário em indivíduos com DPOC estável não infectados pelo SARS-CoV-2 durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Objective: to identify factors associated to sedentary behavior and physical inactivity in individuals with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) non-infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify possible favorable conditions during social isolation in individuals who performed pulmonary rehabilitation in the pre-pandemic period. Method: time/day in sedentary activities and moderate/vigorous physical activities (SA and MVPA, respectively), history of previous rehabilitation, laboural activity, symptoms, insecurity and quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]) were assessed during strict social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals were classified as sedentary if presenting time/day in SA >8.5 h/day and physically inactive if presenting time/day in MVPA <150 min/week. Result: The sample consisted of 33 individuals (69±7 years; 20 male). Regarding the SF-36, non-sedentary individuals presented better functional capacity than sedentary individuals (65 [38-73] vs. 33 [20-63] points; p=0.01) whereas physically active individuals presented better physical and social function than physically inactive individuals (100 [100-100] vs. 50 [25-100] points, p=0.049; and 100 [100-100] vs. 75 [69-100] points, p=0.022, respectively). Having a professional activity and working outside were associated with non-sedentary behavior (X2=5.93; p=0.025 and X2=7.03; p=0.009, respectively). Having undergone rehabilitation previously to the pandemic was associated with less insecurity to walk outside (X2=4.95; p=0.034) and better perception of symptoms' worsening (X2=5.46; p=0.033). Conclusion: non-sedentarism was associated with functional capacity and laboural activity; active lifestyle was associated with physical and social function; and previous rehabilitation was associated with better symptoms' recognition and less insecurity

Objetivo: identificar fatores associados ao comportamento sedentário e inatividade física em indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) estável não-infectados pelo SARS-CoV-2 durante o isolamento social causado pela pandemia de COVID-19, e identificar eventuais condições favoráveis durante o isolamento social em indivíduos que realizaram reabilitação pulmonar pré-pandemia. Método: tempo/dia em atividades sedentárias e em atividades físicas moderadas/vigorosas (AS e AFMV, respectivamente), reabilitação prévia, atividade laboral, sintomas, insegurança e qualidade de vida (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]) foram avaliados durante a vigência de isolamento social devido à pandemia de COVID-19. Foram considerados sedentários aqueles que apresentassem tempo/dia em AS >8,5 h/dia e fisicamente inativos os que apresentassem tempo/dia em AFMV <150 min/semana. Resultado: a amostra consistiu em 33 indivíduos (69±7 anos; 20 homens). Pelo SF-36, indivíduos não-sedentários apresentaram melhor capacidade funcional do que sedentários (65 [38-73] vs. 33 [20-63] pontos; p=0,01) enquanto indivíduos fisicamente ativos apresentaram melhor função física e social do que os fisicamente inativos (100 [100-100] vs. 50 [25-100] pontos, p=0,049; e 100 [100-100] vs. 75 [69-100] pontos, p=0,022, respectivamente). Ter atividade profissional e trabalhar fora de casa associou-se com comportamento não-sedentário (X2=5,93; p=0,025 e X2=7,03; p=0,009, respectivamente). Ter participado de reabilitação pulmonar pré-pandemia associou-se com menos insegurança para caminhar em lugares públicos (X2=4,95; p=0,034) e melhor percepção de piora dos sintomas respiratórios (X2=5,46; p=0,033). Conclusão: não-sedentarismo associou-se com capacidade funcional e atividade laboral; ser fisicamente ativo associou-se com função física e social; e ter realizado reabilitação prévia com menos insegurança e melhor percepção dos sintomas

Healthcare providers' experience of identifying and caring for women subjected to sex trafficking: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Men's violence against women, including human trafficking for sexual exploitation, is a severe threat to global health. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to identify and care for women subjected to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. They are among the few professionals the women interact with while being exposed to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. This study aims to describe healthcare workers' experience of identifying and caring for women subjected to human trafficking for sexual exploitation seeking women's healthcare. METHOD: A qualitative design was chosen and nine qualitative interviews with healthcare providers were conducted and analyzed using the content analysis method. RESULTS: Three main categories were revealed: (1) the importance of being attentive, (2) the importance of providing safety, and (3) the importance of collaborating, followed by a number of subcategories: behavioral and physical signs, limited time to interact, security measures, value of confidence building, organizational collaboration, essential external network, and information transmission. CONCLUSIONS: As the women subjected to sex trafficking have limited time in healthcare, it is important for healthcare providers to be attentive and act immediately if suspecting human trafficking for sexual exploitation. It may be the only possibility for the healthcare providers to care for these women and reach them. They must endeavor to provide the women with safety due to their vulnerable position at the hospital. However, these women may leave the healthcare setting unidentified and unaided, which highlights the importance of collaboration on multiple levels.