Search Results (128)

Background/Objectives: Despite legal frameworks acknowledging the need to protect the rights of female prisoners, penitentiary systems often neglect gender-specific needs, particularly for foreign women. Among them, Muslim women face distinct challenges linked to cultural and religious practices, which are frequently unmet in prison contexts. This review aims to explore the academic literature on the experiences of Muslim women in detention. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using three major bibliographic databases—Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science—covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies examining the condition of Muslim women in prison. Of the initial pool, only four articles met the criteria and were included in the final analysis. Results: The review reveals a marked scarcity of research on Muslim women in prison at both national and international levels. This gap may be due to their limited representation or cultural factors that hinder open discourse. The selected studies highlight key issues, including restricted access to services, limited ability to practice religion, and language and cultural barriers. These challenges contribute to increased psychological vulnerability, which is often underestimated in prison settings. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for targeted research and culturally competent training for prison staff to adequately support Muslim women in detention. Greater academic and institutional attention is essential to develop inclusive policies that consider the intersection of gender, religion, and migration, particularly in the post-release reintegration process. Full article

Approximately 10% of the US Black diaspora were born either in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) or Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), projected to account for a third of the Black US diaspora by 2060. Yet, details on foreign-born Black women’s labor and delivery (L&D) characteristics, such as the type of birth attendant, remain scarce. We used the National Center for Health Statistics 2016 to 2020 Natality data (n = 2,041,880). The associations between detailed maternal nativity (DMN) and the type of attendant at birth (i.e., physician, certified nurse-midwife (CNM), certified professional midwife (CPM)) among US-born, LAC-born, and SSA-born Black women were examined using multivariate multinomial regression. The study revealed that LAC-born women were more likely to have a CNM during birth than US-born Black women, but Haitian-born and Jamaican-born women had lower odds of having a certified professional midwife (CPM) at birth. When compared to US-born Black women, Cameroonian-born women had decreased odds of having either a CNM or CPM during birth. Findings suggest that DMN could be an indicator of cultural preferences in maternity care. There is a need for further investigation beyond DMN and comprehensive data collection methods for future research to understand the specific needs and preferences of different ethnocultural groups to improve maternity care and prevent adverse maternal health outcomes. Full article

Background: Previous research has examined the idea of the healthy immigrant effect and its potential application to pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, particularly inracial and ethnic minority groups. The aim of this study is to examine how nativity, race, and ethnicity are related to prevalence of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the PRAMS CDC dataset. These data were analyzed via Χ² comparisons of prevalence of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders in foreign and US-born mothers, including subgroup analyses for Black and Hispanic women. Results: A sample size of 63,648 was analyzed, and revealed significant differences in the prevalence of gestational hypertension between US-born vs. foreign-born Black mothers (12.6% vs. 8.0%, Χ² (1, N = 12,046) = 36.92, p < 0.001), Hispanic mothers (9.5% vs. 7.2%, Χ² (1, N = 11,524) = 18.236, p < 0.001), and the larger sample of mothers across all reported racial and ethnic backgrounds (11.0% vs. 7.0%, Χ² (1, N = 63,648) = 163.835, p < 0.001). The results also revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension eclampsia between US-born and foreign-born Hispanic mothers (0.8% vs. 0.3%, Χ² (1, N = 11,152) = 8.480, p = 0.004). Conclusions: The study results showed evidence of significantly lower prevalence of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders among foreign-born mothers as compared to their US-born counterparts, both in the full study sample and specifically in the subsamples of women who self-identified as Black and women who self-identified as Hispanic. These variances by nativity, race, and ethnicity provide further insight into how the healthy immigrant effect can apply to pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, particularly for women of racial and ethnic minorities. Full article

Exploring international travel behavior helps to understand the diverse factors that motivate travelers across cultures and demographics, offering valuable insights into their unique travel patterns and preferences. This paper examines generational differences in motivational drivers and travel preferences among Slovak women, focusing specifically on their international travel behavior. The study investigates how different generations (X, Y, Z) influence various aspects of travel, including travel preferences for domestic versus foreign destinations, seasonal preferences, transportation choices, travel companions, travel arrangements, and motivation levels. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 269 Slovak women. The hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests. While some factors, such as transportation choices and travel companions, appear unaffected by generational identity, others—such as seasonal preferences, travel arrangements, and certain motivations (e.g., fun, pilgrimage, and education)—show clear generational differences. These findings contribute to a better understanding of women’s travel patterns and offer practical insights for tourism professionals aiming to develop more personalized and effective tourism offerings for diverse women travelers. Full article

This study aims to investigate the impact of board size on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) controversies using data from Chinese-listed companies during 2007–2022. In addition, we explore the moderating effects of female participation on corporate boards, board age, financing constraints, and internal control. ESG controversies are measured by an ESG controversies score from the LSEG Workspace, and fixed effects models are used to perform the analysis. The results show that larger boards can lead to more ESG controversies in China. This impact is greater in non-manufacturing, heavily polluted, and non-high-tech industries, in state-owned enterprises, eastern regions, and non-foreign-funded companies. Additionally, women on boards and internal control weaken the impact of board size on ESG controversies, while financing constraints strengthen this impact. The moderating effect of board age is not significant. The findings can help Chinese-listed companies improve their ESG performance and achieve sustainable development through strengthening corporate governance. Full article

This study examines the acoustic properties of vowels in foreigner-directed speech (FDS) in interactions between female Omani-Arabic-speaking employers and their foreign domestic helpers (FDHs). Particularly, it investigates whether Arabic corner vowels /i:/, /a:/, and /u:/ undergo acoustic adaptations in FDS. The study also explores the influence of foreign interlocutors’ psycholinguistic characteristics, such as degree of foreign accent, religion, and length of residence (LoR), on the extent of these adaptations. Data were collected from 22 Omani-Arabic-speaking women interacting with their 22 FDHs and with a native speaker (NS) confederate using a spot-the-difference task. Acoustic measures including vowel space area, formant frequency measures (F1 and F2), fundamental frequency (f0), intensity, and duration were compared across speech directed at FDHs and the NS. The results revealed that FDS exhibited greater vowel space expansion, higher F1, and increased pitch (f0) and intensity compared to speech directed at the NS confederate. However, FDS did not significantly affect F2 values. Unexpectedly, vowel duration in FDS was shorter than in speech directed at the NS. Furthermore, the psycholinguistic factors of foreign interlocutors had no significant effect on vowel space expansion in FDS. These findings provide evidence that FDS is characterized by heightened prosodic and acoustic features, potentially contributing to clearer speech. Additionally, the study highlights that NSs employ FDS when interacting with foreigners perceived to have a foreign accent. Full article

Evangelical immigrants from the Global South have a high degree of confidence in their own ability to start a business in the UK, and they report a significant amount of entrepreneurial engagement within their communities. This article explores how these Christians developed their skills and dispositions, how they are launching businesses in the UK, and—most importantly—how the action of God can be perceived through their experiences. The author constructs a metanarrative which begins in the Global South. Through their encounter with evangelical faith, women and men are developing the ‘spiritual capital’ that has historically been proven to foster entrepreneurship. In many instances, however, this potential for success lies latent in a societal context that hampers and threatens entrepreneurial enterprise. The story then shifts to the UK. When these evangelicals immigrate, many find success in business as they choose to put their spiritual capital to work. It is here argued that the actions of God can be discerned within this story. In the same way that God acted in Biblical times to raise the helpless and to bless exiles in a foreign land, so he seen by his people to be working today. Full article

This study explores the impact of audit quality and the proportion of women on an audit committee on earnings management. Moreover, we examined how age diversity and the presence of non-foreign women on audit committees influence earnings management. Our study utilizes data from 165 UK-based listed companies between 2011 and 2021. A combination of static and dynamic analysis was used to empirically reveal our results. The results show a negative and significant relationship between audit quality and earnings management, as per the Kothari model. The presence of a female audit committee does not affect earnings management. However, when we control for demographic variables like age and nationality, we found that non-foreign female members of the audit committee reduced earnings management, while age diversity among female members had no effect. Additional analysis using the Dechow model revealed that both the presence of a female audit committee and their nationality affected earnings management. Our findings contribute to ongoing discussions on corporate governance by providing evidence that female audit committees and audit quality influence earnings management in UK-listed companies. This study is one of the few that examines demographic attributes (e.g., nationality or age). Full article

Background: Sex work is one of the oldest trades in the world. It is the practice of sexual activity in exchange for money or material goods. It has traditionally been carried out by women, although in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of male sex workers. Sex workers have been recognized as a population at high risk of contracting and transmitting sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus and have had limited access to multiple services, including health care. Objective: The aim was to identify the epidemiological profile and risk factors of a population of sex workers in the province of Granada, southern Spain. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records at a specific sexually transmitted infection center in Spain. Results: A total of 157 sex workers’ records were analyzed, most of whom were women, who mainly identified as heterosexual, with a mean age of 28.52 years and a high percentage of foreign nationality. Some sexual behaviors associated with the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections were also analyzed. Conclusions: The results revealed a deficient coverage of the health needs of a highly vulnerable and stigmatized social group, highlighting the need for interventions to prevent risky habits, as well as to promote behaviors aimed at achieving better sexual health. Full article

Introduction: The most commonly encountered foreign body in the vagina is a tampon, which is routinely removed during gynaecological examinations. While these cases are common and well-known in medical practice, there are also situations involving much more unusual foreign bodies. This article focuses on these rare and often surprising cases, which can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Highlighting this topic aims to draw attention to the variety of situations gynaecologists may encounter in their daily professional practice. Case Study: A 62-year-old woman was admitted to the Gynaecological Obstetric Clinical Hospital of the Poznan University of Sciences to have a foreign body removed from her vagina. An MRI examination revealed a calcified well-defined structure (94 mm × 68 mm × 96 mm). The material removed during surgery were calcified fragments surrounding a plastic deodorant cap. After decalcification of the lesion, a histopathological examination ruled out cancerous cells. The patient received gynaecological and urological treatments due to a vesicovaginal fistula. Conclusions: The gynaecologists’ expertise and skills in diagnosing and removing foreign bodies are essential in order to provide postmenopausal women with comprehensive and responsible medical care. Full article

Background/Aims: Immigrant populations face unique dietary challenges influenced by food security and acculturation, particularly regarding sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This study examines the interplay of nativity and food security on SSB consumption patterns. Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2020 (N = 23,331) were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. SSB consumption was assessed through 24 h dietary recalls. Food security was categorized as high/marginal or low/very low, and nativity as U.S.-born or foreign-born. Stratified regression models by sex evaluated associations between nativity, food security, and SSB consumption. Results: U.S.-born adults with low food security had the highest sugar intake (men: β = 27.5, 95% CI [14.8, 40.3]; women: β = 30.4, 95% CI [11.0, 49.7]) and SSB consumption (men: β = 14.7, 95% CI [11.2, 18.3]; women: β = 23.6, 95% CI [15.2, 31.9]). Conclusions: The findings highlight associations that suggest the importance of culturally tailored interventions targeting vulnerable groups to address disparities in SSB consumption influenced by food security and nativity. Full article

Using a macro-panel data set from 20 Italian regions, this study explores the relationship between unemployment and fertility in Italy between 2006 and 2018. It contributes to recent literature on this subject by considering gender-specific unemployment measures and examining the influence of two important compositional factors on fertility responses, namely the presence of foreign women and daily childcare coverage, and the influence of both of these on the link between unemployment and fertility. The study reveals a procyclical relationship between unemployment rates, used as a proxy of variations in business cycles, and fertility. Positive influences of foreign women’s contribution and daily childcare coverage on fertility are uncovered, suggesting a potential mitigation effect on declining fertility trends during the period under observation. Full article

Objectives: In South Korea, there has been a continuous decrease in the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) attributable to a national TB elimination program; however, TB still poses a significant socioeconomic burden. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with successful TB treatment and to identify refractory patient groups with unfavorable outcomes. Methods: We analyzed anonymized data on 89,150 patients with TB provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Specifically, we collected independent variables, which were categorized as individual, regional, and medical facility factors. Individual factors included age, sex, nationality, TB type, drug-resistant status, category of TB, housing type, underlying disease status, number of referrals, and smoking status. Regional factors referred to the region where the TB case was reported. Medical facility factors included the first visit to a medical facility, categorized by hospital type and the distinction between private–public mix (PPM) and non-PPM depending on the presence or absence of dedicated TB nurses. These factors were analyzed in relation to treatment success to identify refractory patient groups with unfavorable outcomes. Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the following significant factors associated with successful TB treatment: sex, nationality, status of drug-resistant TB, category of TB, number of referrals, region of TB registry, underlying diseases, and smoking status. Specifically, compared with their relevant counterparts, male patients had a lower rate of successful treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.66, reference [Ref.]: women); Korean nationals had a higher rate of treatment success (aOR: 7.20, Ref. foreign residents in Korea); resistant TB was associated with a lower rate of treatment success (aOR: 0.35, Ref.: non-resistant TB status); newly treated patients had a higher rate of treatment success (aOR: 1.75, Ref.: retreatment patient); switching hospitals once (aOR: 1.78), never (aOR: 1.41), or twice (aOR: 1.37) was associated with increased treatment success (Ref.: three or more times); having zero (aOR: 1.45), one (aOR: 1.31), or two (aOR: 1.24) underlying diseases was associated with a higher rate of treatment success (Ref. three or more underlying diseases); and past smokers (aOR: 1.40) and non-smokers (aOR: 1.35) had a higher rate of treatment success (Ref.: current smokers). Conclusions: Our study identified several factors contributing to unfavorable treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients, including male patients, foreign residents in Korea, drug-resistant TB, retreatment patients, frequent hospital switching, multiple underlying diseases, and current smoking status. These research findings could inform the development of efficient management strategies and policies for improving the treatment success rate among patients with TB. Full article

This article analyzes the hysterical narration styles of two major characters in Richard Marsh’s The Beetle (1897) to reveal the ways late-Victorian discourses attempted (and often failed) to distance particular social anxieties from their modern origins. Attending to previous literary criticism regarding socially Othered groups of this period—racialized foreigners, New Women, and the urban poor—as well as (pseudo)scientific studies from the 1870s–80s, this reading notes the ways that Victorian cultural biases surrounding race, gender, and class could be projected onto Gothicized, Orientalized figures in literary texts. Pairing a postcolonial examination of the novel’s spatial and temporal elements with a psychoanalytic reading of this text, I argue that the slowing pace in Robert Holt’s narrative and the compulsive repetition of Marjorie Lindon’s both reflect the novel’s disruption of space and time and structurally parallel the symptoms of a “hallucinatory hysterical attack,” as conceived by Josef Breuer and Sigmund Freud. Together, these hysterical narratives reveal the failure of particular cultural and scientific discourses to completely bury Victorian anxieties about modernity into different, explicitly Othered spaces and times by collapsing both space and time in the narration of psychic trauma. Full article

The Acts of Thomas is a long, rich, and fascinating narrative about the Apostle Thomas who was forced to travel to India as a missionary. When Thomas hesitates to go, his master Jesus literally sells him as a slave to an Indian merchant. Like other Apocryphal Acts, the Acts of Thomas revolves around the apostolic figure battling both human and demonic adversaries. Celibacy is central, although familiar narrative elements from ancient romances and novels are also present. On his way, Thomas sings, prays, teaches, heals, converts, and baptizes. His travel follows open trade routes in the ancient world, by land and by sea. He participates in various social events like parties, weddings, and family celebrations. His own status as a foreign slave/apostle, with a strange religion, is negotiated and contested: Sometimes he is treated like a foreign slave, suffering violence and harassment. On other occasions, his exotic strangeness in language and religion gives him access to royal palaces and influential men and women. By examining the role played by slavery in initiating this travel, as well as various intersections of religion and gender in the overall narrative, this article explores the Acts of Thomas to draw a more nuanced picture of travel in the ancient world. Full article