Search Results (1,950)

Online sexual victimization, closely linked to pornography consumption, is a significant problem among young people. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of online sexual victimization and patterns of pornography consumption among college students, as well as the variables that predict such victimization. The sample comprised 540 college students aged 17 to 25. Descriptive, correlational, and predictive analyses were conducted. Results showed a 69.1% prevalence of online sexual victimization, with females reporting a greater number of experiences, and a 71.5% prevalence of pornography consumption, which was higher among male students (97.5%) than female students (60.3%). Being female (IRR = 4.15), being older (IRR = 1.14), engaging in sexting (IRR = 1.14), frequently consuming pornography (IRR = 1.14), and exhibiting higher levels of attitudes toward aggressive behaviors in dating situations (IRR = 1.01) and of benevolent sexism (IRR = 1.01) predicted a higher number of experiences of online sexual victimization. Conversely, perceived family support (IRR = 0.97) emerges as a protective factor. The overall model showed a Nagelkerke R² of 0.2587. The study highlights the importance of addressing the multiple digital risks faced by college students from a gender perspective, training them to intervene in these issues, and extending this knowledge across all age groups, including children and adolescents. Full article

Achieving social inclusion is one of the significant purposes of education; however, although there are advances in regulations, the persistence of structural inequality in Latin America, and the predominance of colonial approaches in the construction of knowledge, both hinder the achievement of authentic inclusion. In this sense, this research, carried out in a Global South university (Ecuador), analyzes the academic thinking on the issue of inclusion and curricular change as a means of including students in a decolonizing epistemic perspective. From a qualitative perspective, the interpretation and analysis of academic narratives, embedded within the conceptual and contextual framework that determines their experiences, show that academics do not appreciate an adequate gender perspective, an inclusive vision, or decolonized knowledge in current university curricula. Most participants see the need to move toward a curricular vision from the Global South that provides more proximate, contextual, and diverse knowledge—in short, one that is socially inclusive. Full article

Depression among students has emerged as a critical issue within educational institutions, leading to the need for approaches that can support early identification of students at risk. This study developed an explainable machine learning framework for predicting student depression risk using non-clinical demographic, academic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors. Using a public OpenML dataset containing approximately 27,901 student records, logistic regression, random forest, and XGBoost models were developed and evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC-AUC. Fairness evaluation was conducted across gender and financial stress groups, while SHAP and LIME were applied to provide global, class-level, and local explanations of model predictions. Results showed that all models achieved strong predictive performance, with XGBoost performing best (accuracy = 0.846, recall = 0.883, F1-score = 0.870, ROC-AUC = 0.920). The fairness evaluation showed relatively consistent performance across gender groups, while models performed better in identifying depression cases among students in the high financial stress group. Further, explainability analysis identified Suicidal Thoughts, Academic Pressure, and Financial Stress as the most influential predictors. A Streamlit prototype was developed to demonstrate practical deployment. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential of explainable machine learning to support student depression risk identification and provide interpretable model predictions. Full article

The study aims to identify specific gaps in people’s indoor air quality (IAQ) literacy, to design public health education programs and provide suggestions for built environment interventions. An easy-to-complete questionnaire to assess the population’s knowledge and practices regarding IAQ was developed. The tool, consisting of 30 statements on the main aspects of indoor air, was administered using a web platform (Google Forms) to a convenience population sample from various parts of the country. The pilot study included 243 respondents (52.3% male gender), with an average age of 35 years (min–max: 13–81 years), and 51.8% were graduates. Cronbach’s alpha indicated good internal consistency of the questionnaire, with a value of 0.781. Logistic regression showed that graduates had significantly higher overall knowledge of IAQ issues (OR = 1.619, p = 0.034). The pilot study showed the reliability of the questionnaire. The results, although based on a self-selected sample, are consistent with those observed in previous studies; they support the need to develop targeted training interventions, especially for people with lower educational backgrounds, technological innovation, and building resilience. Full article

Lack of health awareness and access to menstrual hygiene goods is a challenging issue in some parts of the world, creating a situation where menstrual hygiene becomes a privilege. This issue reflects the broader social determinants of health and gender-based inequities affecting women. This essay discusses why hygiene access remains unequal for women and outlines ways to address the disparity. The sources of this essay draw on the relevant literature in healthcare focusing on women’s hygiene practices. Various factors, including socio-economic-cultural factors and hygiene education, were identified to trigger hygiene behaviors. Strategies to enhance menstrual hygiene include structured and targeted education, school-based programs and menstrual hygiene management, and community-led and WASH approaches. Inadequate access to hygiene products and sanitation facilities is linked to poverty, educational disparities, stigma, and structural inequities that compromise women’s health, dignity, and social participation. Menstrual hygiene should be recognized as a fundamental human right and a public health necessity. Multisectoral interventions involving healthcare providers, educators, communities, and policymakers are essential to reduce hygiene inequities and promote women’s dignity and health equity. Full article

Gender-based discrimination in medical education remains a critical yet overlooked issue that may adversely affect the mental health and professional development of future physicians. This study investigated the prevalence of such experiences and their association with mental wellbeing, self-esteem, self-efficacy and career choices among the medical students at Rīga Stradiņš University in Latvia. Using a cross-sectional design, 294 medical students completed a survey incorporating the gender discrimination questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Overall, 36.05% (n = 106) of respondents self-identified as personally having experienced gender-based discrimination. The most encountered or witnessed discriminatory behaviours were inappropriate gender-related jokes or comments and patronizing pet names. After adjustment for age, self-reported gender, and study year, self-reported discrimination was associated with higher odds of clinically significant depressive symptoms and anxiety, as well as lower self-esteem and self-efficacy. It was also associated with a higher relative likelihood of having no current specialty option, uncertainty about pursuing residency, or no intention to pursue residency. These findings indicate the need to address gender-based discrimination within academic and clinical training environments to support student wellbeing and professional development. Full article

The development of teachers’ digital competence has become a key issue in contemporary education systems, particularly in contexts where technology integration remains uneven. This study aims to profile teachers’ digital competence through a cluster analysis based on pedagogical digital competence, digital integration, and contextual conditions, and to examine its relationship with selected professional and demographic variables. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 299 teachers from Educational District 16-02 in the Dominican Republic. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on the DigCompEdu framework. The internal consistency of the instrument was assessed, and principal component analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation was applied to the nine composite dimension scores for dimensionality reduction, yielding a three-component solution. Subsequently, cluster analysis (hierarchical and k-means) was conducted to identify differentiated teacher profiles. The results indicate the existence of three distinct profiles characterized by different levels of pedagogical digital competence, integration of technology in teaching, and contextual conditions. Statistically significant associations or differences were identified for educational level, teacher age, and student age, whereas no statistically significant associations or differences were identified for gender or duration of technology use in the classroom. Within the studied educational context, these findings highlight the heterogeneity of teachers’ digital competence profiles and suggest the potential value of considering both pedagogical and contextual factors when designing targeted professional development strategies. The study is limited to selected professional and demographic variables, which should be interpreted as contextual correlates rather than broad sociodemographic determinants. Full article

Black neurodiverse women with postsecondary education occupy an underexamined intersection of race, gender, and neurodiversity, yet little research has examined their access to affirming community support. This survey study (N = 53) examines community access and mental health among Black neurodiverse women with postsecondary education. Findings reveal a 54.7 percentage-point gap between how many participants rated community support as important (96.2%) and how many had found it (41.5%). Participants also reported high rates of anxiety (90.6%), depression (79.2%), and masking (77.4%). Using qualitative reflexive thematic analysis, the following four themes were developed, defined, and named: (1) living at the intersection of race, gender, and neurodiversity; (2) structural barriers to access; (3) finding and building community; and (4) community as emotional validation and intersectional recognition. Framed through Black Feminist Disability Theory and intersectionality, these findings position access to affirming community as a structural health need and a health equity issue. Implications are drawn for campus mental health services, community organizations, and future research. Full article

Cape Verdean immigrants are a growing yet understudied population in the United States (U.S.), with limited data on HPV and cervical cancer prevention knowledge. This descriptive qualitative study explored awareness, knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions related to HPV and cervical cancer prevention among Cape Verdean immigrant mothers of children aged 11–17 residing in Massachusetts, a state in the northeastern U.S. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 Cape Verdean immigrant mothers of adolescents aged 11–17 residing in the study area. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically using inductive and deductive approaches guided by the literature and emergent narratives. MAXQDA was used for data management, and coding reliability was established through independent review by bilingual researchers. Participants demonstrated varying levels of awareness, ranging from comprehensive understanding to limited knowledge. Two major themes emerged: (1) knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer and (2) knowledge and beliefs about HPV. Findings revealed fragmented knowledge, misconceptions about screening and transmission, and gendered perceptions of HPV as a “women’s issue.” While many mothers valued prevention and recognized HPV’s link to cervical cancer, uncertainties remained regarding vaccination, screening recommendations, and vaccine effectiveness. Findings highlight the need for culturally and linguistically tailored interventions addressing HPV misinformation, strengthening parental confidence, and supporting Cape Verdean mothers as informed health decision-makers to improve HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention. Full article

Community pharmacists play an increasingly important role in the care of transgender individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). However, the content of structured pharmaceutical consultations tailored to this population has not yet been clearly defined. This systematic review aimed to identify therapeutic issues relevant to community pharmacy practice in order to inform the development of structured pharmaceutical consultations. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement. The review question was structured using the PICo framework, with transgender individuals as the population, treatment-related issues associated with GAHT as the phenomenon of interest, and community pharmacy practice as the context. Electronic searches of Medline, Google Scholar, and APA PsycINFO were performed on 17 July 2024. Studies involving transgender adolescents or adults receiving GAHT and reporting therapeutic effects, adverse events, monitoring requirements, or medication-related issues were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened the studies and extracted data using a standardized form. Owing to the heterogeneity of study designs, the findings were synthesized narratively according to therapeutic domains relevant to community pharmacy practice. Among 755 screened records, 116 articles met the inclusion criteria. Seven therapeutic domains relevant to pharmacist-led consultations were identified: cardiovascular and cardiometabolic effects, dermatologic effects, gynecologic effects, musculoskeletal effects, biological and pharmacological effects, psychiatric effects, and other adverse effects or specific clinical situations. The evidence highlighted treatment-specific monitoring needs, medication-related risks, fertility and contraceptive considerations, laboratory monitoring requirements, drug–drug interactions, and mental health outcomes. Community pharmacists may contribute to the monitoring and optimization of GAHT, adverse effect management, patient education, fertility and contraceptive counseling, pharmacovigilance, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the scope of their professional practice. These findings provide an evidence-informed basis for the future development of structured pharmaceutical consultations tailored to transgender individuals. Full article

Climate change awareness is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional issue related to understanding climate risks, adoption, and climate-friendly behaviors. This paper aims to explore and assess the socioeconomic contextual factors of climate change awareness in the West Bank, Palestine. In order to achieve this, a cross-sectional online survey, conducted from September to November 2024 and including 1059 participants, was carried out to measure awareness based on the Climate Change Awareness Scale (CCAS) to investigate knowledge, attitudes, personal concern, multiplicative action, and climate-friendly behavior. Descriptive statistics have demonstrated a moderate overall awareness level (M = 3.97 and SD = 0.71) with comparatively high climate-friendly behavior (M = 4.43 and SD = 0.89). On the other hand, the lowest scores were reported for multiplicative action (M = 3.30 and SD = 0.97). Additionally, multiple linear regression with robust variance estimators showed that awareness is statistically correlated with age and some contextual factors related to place of residence. In other words, younger age groups have shown lower awareness than that of older adults. Moreover, individuals living in refugee camps have demonstrated lower awareness when compared to village residents. Similarly, people in contact areas with the occupation manifested higher awareness than that of those in non-contact areas. On the contrary, gender, education level, and monthly income did not show statistical significance. These results indicate that climate change awareness in the West Bank is formed via social and contextual differences. Furthermore, recognizing these differences requires taking into account the local context when designing climate awareness programs and urging collaborative efforts. Full article

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute an integrated framework for global sustainability, yet progress remains inconsistent across regions and indicators four years before 2030. Identifying the key issues and factors that influence SDG performance is therefore essential for effective implementation and the post-2030 sustainable development agenda. This paper presents a systematic review and thematic synthesis of empirical studies investigating the factors associated with SDG outcomes. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2026 were identified across Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases and coded according to the SDGs examined, geographic scope, methodological approach and key findings. A total of 43 studies were selected from 684 initial records, covering all 17 SDGs across diverse geographical contexts. Seven cross-cutting themes were identified: governance and institutional capacity; socioeconomic status and cultural barriers; gender equality; education; technology, digital connectivity and innovation; environmental factors; and healthcare infrastructure and access. Theoretically, this review advances sustainable development literature by shifting the paradigm from single-goal evaluations towards an integrated, cross-cutting systems framework. Practically, it highlights the necessity of multi-sectoral financing, institutional capacity building and localised policy interventions to accelerate global progress leading up to and beyond 2030. Full article

The symptomatic characteristics of anxiety and depression among physical education (PE) teachers have not received sufficient attention in existing research. However, these characteristics are crucial for formulating targeted interventions for such issues. This study aimed to explore the symptomatic characteristics of the comorbid anxiety–depression network among Chinese PE teachers, so as to initially provide a direction for targeted interventions. A total of 519 Chinese PE teachers (69.56% male; M_age = 31.58, SD_age = 8.18) were recruited as research subjects, who were asked to complete a set of questionnaires covering demographic information, anxiety scales and depression scales. Both psychometric network analysis and Network Comparison Tests (NCTs) were adopted to identify the core symptoms, bridge symptoms, overlapping items, and gender-specific effects in the anxiety–depression comorbidity network. The results indicated that the psychometric network structure was relatively stable. “Psychomotor change” was identified both as the core EI (1.26) and bEI (0.62) indicators, while “depressed mood” also served as a key bEI (0.70) indicator. Moreover, “restlessness”, “irritability”, “self-deprecation”, and “psychomotor change” were the four overlapping symptoms. Additionally, network comparison yielded mixed findings across gender groups: symptom interconnections patterns were largely comparable, while global strength differed significantly between male and female PE teachers. Collectively, symptom nodes demonstrated heterogeneous importance within the network. Nodes occupying core positions may play a crucial role in guiding prevention and intervention for anxiety and depressive symptoms. Full article

This article reviews CFO gender as a role-specific executive diversity issue and addresses the fragmented literature in which gender effects are often interpreted without separating appointment selection from the authority and organizational context of the CFO position. Using a hybrid design, we combine bibliometric analysis with a systematic literature review. A Web of Science title-and-abstract search reported through PRISMA 2020 and manual eligibility assessment identifies 68 peer-reviewed journal papers published from 2010 through 2026 across 46 outlets. The bibliometric stage maps publication growth, outlet distribution, recurring vocabulary, a ten-topic Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model, and term co-occurrence. The evidence shows a recent and dispersed field: more than four-fifths of the sample appear from 2019 onward, and the papers span governance, management, finance, accounting, ethics, and sustainability journals. The systematic stage compares evidence on the internal and external determinants and consequences associated with CFO gender across financial policy, earnings management, executive governance, capital markets, compensation and labor-market signals, and adjacent business fields. The findings do not support a universal gender effect. Observed associations depend on CFO authority, CEO power, board composition, incentives, task domain, institutional setting, and research design. Relative to broad reviews of executive characteristics, this article provides a current CFO gender-specific cross-outcome synthesis. The review concludes by identifying selection and endogeneity, direct measurement of CFO influence, review scope limitations, and underdeveloped applications as future directions, and developing implications for boards, executive recruitment, governance practice, professional development, and policy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutrition during school age is a key public health issue, as eating habits formed in this period may affect growth, cognitive development, and future health. This study aimed to assess food consumption frequency and age, gender, and socio-demographic differences in dietary patterns among schoolchildren aged 7–17 years in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among schoolchildren aged 7–17 years attending state secondary schools in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, from September 2025 to February 2026. Food consumption frequency was assessed using a bilingual Russian–Kazakh questionnaire developed by the authors based on food frequency questionnaire approaches and adapted to the Kazakhstani context; the questionnaire included 41 food items, including national meat products and traditional fermented milk drinks, and Principal Component Analysis was applied to identify dietary patterns. Results: A total of 864 schoolchildren aged 7–17 years were included in the study, with comparable distribution by sex and age groups. Frequent consumption of fast food, coffee, processed and canned meat products increased markedly with age, while consumption of milk, fermented dairy products, juices, fresh fish and berries was lower, especially among older adolescents. Principal Component Analysis identified three dietary patterns—“processed and fast-food”, “traditional meat-based”, and “mixed dairy-based pattern”—with the processed and fast-food pattern more strongly associated with older age, non-Kazakh ethnicity, and school location in the South-East district. Conclusions: The findings indicate age-related shifts toward less balanced dietary choices among Karaganda schoolchildren, particularly among adolescents, supporting the need for targeted school- and family-based interventions to reduce fast food, sugary drink, coffee, and processed meat consumption while promoting healthier food choices. Full article