Search Results (965)

Teachers’ and leaders’ gendered beliefs and practices shape students’ learning experiences, yet Estonian schools lack systematic approaches to address these dynamics. This study explored teachers’ and school leadership team members’ gender beliefs and gender-related practices. The framework was developed based on gender belief system theory, which was adapted to suit the educational context and specific aims of this research. Focus group interviews with four teachers and four leadership team members from one school were conducted using a qualitative abductive research strategy and thematic analysis. The findings revealed themes on gender stereotypes, roles, transgender and gender-diverse students, sexual orientation, students’ interests, and gender-related practices in schools. Teachers and leaders held varying and sometimes contradictory gender beliefs, exhibiting both stereotypical views and awareness of biases. Moreover, they were open to dialogue, with some willing to adjust their views. While perceiving their schools as gender-supportive, they acknowledged broader gender inequality issues and practices. Full article

Background: Incarcerated men experience disproportionately high levels of health inequities shaped by social determinants, including poverty, violence, family adversity, trauma, and limited access to healthcare. These long-standing disadvantages, added to the adverse conditions experienced in prisons, may be associated with elevated rates of suicidality in this population. This study examined the prevalence of suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide attempts among men deprived of liberty in Southern Brazil and investigated the role of cumulative adversities and current protective factors in these outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 496 incarcerated men. Participants completed a sociodemographic and background questionnaire assessing lifetime adversity (e.g., hunger, homelessness, sexual abuse, domestic violence, family substance dependence) and current protective factors in prison (e.g., family visits, education, leisure, physical activity, religion, positive self-perception). Cumulative adversity and protective factors were operationalized as composite indices. Logistic regression models tested whether cumulative adversities and protective factors were independently associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Results: Lifetime prevalence was 9.6% for suicidal ideation and 10.8% for suicide attempts. Cumulative adversities were associated with higher odds of both suicidal ideation (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.11–1.84; p = 0.006) and suicide attempts (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.50–2.52; p < 0.001). Protective factors were associated with lower likelihood of suicidal ideation (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.58–0.96; p = 0.020) but were not significantly associated with suicide attempts. No significant interaction effects were observed, indicating that protective factors did not moderate the impact of adversity. Conclusions: Suicidal tendencies among incarcerated men were associated with cumulative structural and psychosocial adversities. Protective factors in prison were associated with lower odds of ideation but not attempts. These associations may inform person-centered and equity-oriented approaches and are consistent with the relevance of social determinants to mental health, although causal inferences are not supported by this project. Full article

The aim of this study was to map global research on community-based strategies to reduce risky alcohol consumption and promote health, aiming to clarify growth, leading contributors, thematic structure, and integration with public-health frameworks. Using a PubMed corpus, we analyzed production, authorship, and collaboration indicators, built a thematic map (centrality/density) to identify core topics, and applied Multiple Correspondence Analysis to assess conceptual proximity between alcohol-specific and broader prevention domains. The dataset comprised 2607 documents across 916 sources, with output led by the USA, with substantial contributions from Australia, Canada, the UK, and rising activity in sub-Saharan Africa. The thematic map showed a mature core centered on adolescents and pregnancy, cross-cutting foundations in health education and sexual behavior with substance-related disorders, measurement-oriented niches at the periphery, and emerging work linking family planning. The Multiple Correspondence Analysis positioned alcohol-prevention terms close to health promotion, primary prevention, and epidemiology, with maternal–child health bridging community programs and clinical prevention. Overall, community-based alcohol prevention is expanding, globally distributed, and embedded in mainstream public-health practice. Limitations include the absence of citation data in PubMed, and future work should integrate citation-enabled databases and compare patterns across income groups. Full article

Background: In Bangladesh, a number of sex workers are involved in commercial sex work in different brothels in both legal and illegal settlements due to reasons such as lack of social support, depression, forced sex, abuse, violence, polyamory, being kidnapped, and unemployment. In this study, we tried to evaluate the demographic characteristics and prevalence of viral and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the study population. Methods: A total of 250 female sex workers were interviewed and tested from the Daulatdia brothel of Rajbari district, Bangladesh, who had been working there for at least 1 month. Through questionnaires, demographic data were collected. Primarily, lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tests were used to investigate HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), and Syphilis, which were reconfirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cases of positive results. Results: The mean age was 27.51 ± 6.69 years with a range of 18–50 years. Most of them (n = 243, 97.98%) had elementary knowledge of STDs. We determined that overall, 96 (38.40%) were positive for either of these diseases. Individually, 10 (4.00%), 18 (7.20%), and 68 (27.20%) were positive for HCV, HBV, and syphilis, respectively. Conclusions: Our observation indicates that females of all ages should be strictly protected from forced sex work. Current sex workers should be educated regarding the dangers and protective mechanisms of STDs. In addition, as a public health concern, regular clinical check-ups and STD associated diagnoses are necessary to ensure the safety of FSW from these highly infectious and concerning diseases. Due to their socio-economic condition, proper treatment and rehabilitation are highly recommended. Full article

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people report considerable dissatisfaction with health services compared to heterosexual and/or cisgender people, with health professionals highlighting insufficient training. Teaching about the health of SGM people is not mandated in UK health professionals’ educational curricula. A review of published and unpublished surveys and of UK training courses evaluating LGBTQ+ content, in the UK and Ireland, examining the teaching of the health of SGM people to health professionals was conducted. Fifteen surveys from the perspectives of educators and students were compared and contrasted. Surveys were found from educators from undergraduate medicine, nursing and midwifery, and pharmacy schools, from students at dental, medical, and pharmacy schools, and from qualified doctors and paramedics. Students and clinical staff perceived that they have insufficient training in SGM health, although there is a contradiction in the perception of teaching amount between students and educational staff. Two curriculum reviews of Royal College postgraduate medical training showed either no or very few requirements on SGM health. Although some courses make considerable efforts to fully incorporate SGM health into mandatory curricula appropriately, professionals mention insufficient training. Until curriculum setters mandate SGM health, patient complaints will continue. Full article

Background: HIV is one of the deadliest viruses in the world and the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the Sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia. Millions of new HIV infections are reported every year among the population in the 15–24 age group. Particularly, adolescents are vulnerable to HIV infection due to a lack of adequate information and engagement in risky sexual practices. Thus, the assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) is one of the cornerstones in the fight against HIV/AIDS for designing appropriate prevention strategies. This study aimed to assess the KAPs regarding HIV/AIDS among high school students in Burayu town, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted on students from three higher secondary schools in Burayu town from February to June 2022. A total of 394 students were selected using a stratified proportional sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-tested and self-administered questionnaires and analyzed by SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were conducted, and logistic regression was used to determine the associations between variables. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant in all cases. Results: Out of the 394 students, the majority of respondents (70%) had sufficient knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, while only 61% demonstrated a positive attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In bivariate analysis, a higher level of knowledge was significantly associated with a positive attitude towards PLWHA at OR 23.4, 95% CI, 2.9–185.5, p = 0.003, and not having had sexual practice at OR 4.1, 95% CI, 1.2–13.9, p = 0.025. In multivariate analysis, sexual practice was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with the level of knowledge, age, gender, and places of residence at AORs values of 5.5, 9.7, 3.4, and 5.5, respectively. Conclusions: This study suggests that students with high levels of knowledge had a positive attitude towards PLWHA and less sexual practice compared to students with low levels of knowledge. Furthermore, students’ sexual practice was significantly associated with knowledge level, age, gender, and place of residence. This underscores the urgent need for targeted education to empower vulnerable groups, foster positive attitudes and practive, and curb HIV/AIDS transmission for improved health outcomes. Full article

Background: Bullying in university settings is a significant yet understudied contributor to psychological distress. Differentiating the sources of victimization, may reveal distinct risk profiles associated with mental health and substance use outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with bullying victimization among medical students, and to identify associations with mental disorders and substance use. Methods: A nested case–control cohort study was conducted with 124 medical students. Participants completed nine validated psychometric instruments evaluating neurobehavioral traits, emotional distress, substance use, and scholar bullying. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to estimate coefficients and odds ratios for key outcomes. Results: 42.7% of the students reported victimization, with teacher harassment (37.1%) more frequent than peer harassment (27.4%); 22.6% experienced both. Teacher harassment was primarily characterized by intentional harm (78%); peer harassment involved abuse of authority (63%). ADHD, severe stress, and substance use were associated with teacher-related victimization, while peer victimization was linked to ADHD, stress, impulsivity, and suicide risk. Childhood abuse, high stress levels, and non-heterosexual orientation as predictors of teacher harassment (p < 0.05). Notably, students with a non-heterosexual orientation were over six times more likely to report teacher harassment, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability of sexual minorities within academic power dynamics. Conclusions: Teacher- and peer-related harassment are prevalent and often co-occur, with teacher-perpetrated bullying emerging as both more frequent and more strongly associated with mental health and identity-based vulnerabilities. Students with ADHD, high stress levels, and non-heterosexual orientation are at significantly greater risk. These findings emphasize the need for institutional accountability, inclusive academic policies, and targeted mental health support to protect vulnerable students and prevent harm within educational environments. Full article

(1) Background: Criminogenic cognitions can influence criminal behavior and recidivism. The validation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) within the cultural and social context of Romanian offenders, along with an understanding of their profiles, is essential for the development of effective rehabilitation. (2) Methods: The CCS was administered to 460 inmates across eight Romanian prisons, with the respondents having a mean age of 39.23 (SD 10.36; range 21–71). Data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the Kruskal–Wallis test. (3) Results: The Non-Acceptance of Responsibility (FAR) subscale had the highest internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.707), followed by Notions of Entitlement (NOE) (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.683). The Negative Attitudes Toward Authority (NATA) subscale was considered valid with caution (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.529). The highest FAR scores were observed among inmates convicted of sexual offenses, those who were widowed, and those with lower education levels. Higher scores were recorded on all scales for inmates who identified as drug users and those who perceived their punishment as unjust (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The CCS is valid in the Romanian context, and the variability of criminogenic cognitions based on education level, type of offense, and perception of punishment should be considered when implementing rehabilitative measures. Full article

This study addresses the persistence of gender inequalities among university students by analysing the acceptance of modern myths about sexual assault and ambivalent sexism in the academic context. These beliefs, although subtle or socially accepted, contribute to the normalisation of sexual violence and hinder progress towards real equality. The aim of this research was to analyse the presence of these attitudes among students at the University of Granada and to examine their relationship according to gender. A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 210 students. Data were collected using the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) and the Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression Scale (AMMSA-21) and analysed using descriptive statistics, correlations and non-parametric tests. The results show greater acceptance of myths and sexist attitudes among men, as well as a positive correlation between ambivalent sexism (hostile and benevolent) and acceptance of myths. These findings confirm the persistence of symbolic justifications for sexual violence in the university setting. The study concludes by highlighting the need for preventive educational interventions and institutional strategies that promote equality and consent. Full article

Introduction: Women and LGBTQ+ undergraduates face higher rates of sexual assault and rape compared to cisgender male peers—the overwhelming majority of perpetrators. Federal policies have aimed to curb campus sexual violence, yet questions remain about the efficacy of consent education, particularly among cisgender heterosexual men. Methods: This study surveyed 1567 undergraduate students at a large Northeastern public university in 2017 and 2022. Responses to a nine-item consent scale were analyzed by gender, sexuality, and demographic factors. Results: Cisgender heterosexual (cis-het) men had poorer understanding of consent compared to women and LGBTQ+ students, both in 2017 and 2022. Cis-het men’s consent scores showed no improvement, and for some items worsened from 2017 to 2022, while other groups showed significant improvements in recognizing the nuances of consent. Conclusions: Findings suggest that, despite increased focus on sexual assault prevention and social awareness campaigns like #MeToo, cisgender heterosexual men’s understanding of consent has not improved, highlighting the persistent challenge in shifting deeply ingrained beliefs about consent. Educational efforts should address these beliefs more directly, focusing on transforming societal norms around masculinity and sexual entitlement. Policy Implications: These results underscore the need for more comprehensive, gender-transformative education on consent. Current programs primarily focus on victims rather than perpetrators, which fails to address the root causes of sexual violence. To reduce sexual assault, consent education, delivered K-12 and in higher education, must consistently challenge harmful gender norms and promote equitable relationships. More targeted strategies are necessary to engage cisgender heterosexual men in these discussions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LHRHa) are widely used to induce ovarian suppression in premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Although effective, abrupt medical menopause may negatively affect sexual health and intimate partner interactions. Sexual coercion—ranging from manipulation to explicit pressure—remains an underrecognized psychosocial burden in oncology. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the association between LHRHa therapy and sexual coercion, including relational dynamics measured through the Sexual Coercion in Intimate Relationships Scale (SCIRS). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 81 premenopausal breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy at three tertiary centers in Türkiye. Participants were categorized into tamoxifen monotherapy users (n = 39) and LHRHa users (n = 42). Sexual coercion was assessed using the validated Turkish SCIRS, which includes Resource Manipulation/Violence, Defection Threat, and Commitment Manipulation domains. Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and ANCOVA analyses were performed, adjusting for age, treatment duration, surgery type, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and education level. The study was ethically approved (2023-KAEK-148) and prospectively registered (NCT06840847). Results: LHRHa users demonstrated significantly higher SCIRS scores across all domains compared with non-users (RM/V: p = 0.039; DT: p = 0.001; CM: p < 0.001; Total: p = 0.004). ANCOVA confirmed LHRHa therapy as an independent predictor after adjusting for covariates (p = 0.001–0.006). The largest effect was observed in the Commitment Manipulation domain (partial η² = 0.177). Younger patients (≤ 36 years) reported significantly greater coercion exposure across all domains (p = 0.018–0.042). Conclusions: LHRHa therapy is associated with increased sexual coercion and strained relational dynamics in premenopausal breast cancer patients, particularly among younger women. These findings emphasize the need for routine sexual health assessment, confidential psychosocial screening, and age-sensitive supportive interventions in endocrine therapy management. Full article

Objectives: Despite high overall vaccination coverage in Galicia, Spain, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains below the 90% target set by the World Health Organization for 2030. This study aimed to assess baseline knowledge of HPV and attitudes towards HPV vaccination among Galician adolescents and to evaluate the impact of a brief educational intervention delivered as a “pill of knowledge”. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-/post-intervention study was conducted among 967 students aged 12–16 years from 16 secondary schools in Galicia during the 2023–2024 academic year. A concise, structured 15-min educational session termed a “pill of knowledge” was delivered, and HPV-related knowledge and vaccination intention were measured immediately before and after the intervention using a standardized questionnaire. Results: Following the “pill of knowledge”, the mean proportion of correct responses increased by 30.1 ± 16.6% across all knowledge items. Among unvaccinated participants, intention to accept HPV vaccination rose from 77.7% to 94.4% in girls and from 64.7% to 85.8% in boys. Pre-intervention predictors of vaccination intention included perceived vaccine efficacy and baseline HPV knowledge. Post-intervention independent predictors comprised being female, younger age (12–13 years), and prior sexual education delivered by teachers or parents. The overall predictive accuracy of the logistic regression model for vaccination intention improved from 75.6% before the intervention to 92.7% afterwards. Conclusions: A brief, school-based “pill of knowledge” produced substantial and immediate improvements in HPV knowledge and vaccination acceptance among Galician adolescents. These findings strongly support the systematic incorporation of short, evidence-based educational interventions of this kind into the school setting as an effective public health measure to increase HPV vaccine coverage and advance progress toward WHO elimination targets. Full article

Enhancing sexual literacy through sex education from an early age is vital for preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The “Beginning of Life” section of sex education presents a crucial opportunity to educate students on fertilization and fetal development. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and usability of the Beans Education Project Card (BEPC), a novel teaching tool for this section, in a real-world educational setting. Five midwives with sex education experience were provided with the BEPC for use with elementary, middle, and high school students over an approximate 3-month period (October 2024 to January 2025). Subsequently, group interviews were conducted with the midwives to gather feedback on the design, feasibility, and usability of the tool. The interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative analysis, with large language model-assisted thematic exploration employed as a supplementary method to identify key themes. The analysis showed that the BEPC was highly regarded for its visual appeal, ease of use, and potential to engage families. The hierarchical design and visual representations, such as the use of small holes and beans to represent different stages of fetal development, were particularly effective in facilitating student understanding. The findings suggest that the BEPC has the potential to be a visually engaging tool for interactively teaching the process of fertilization and fetal development in the “Beginning of Life” part of sex education. Future research should focus on collaborations with parents and the development of strategies for reaching out to absent or home-schooled students. Full article

This study examines the perceptions and experiences of Indigenous Kankuamo women in northern Colombia regarding their sexual and reproductive rights (SRR), exploring how cultural traditions and public policies shape their exercise. The main objective was to understand the tensions between ancestral values, community leadership, and internationally recognized rights. A mixed-methods approach (qualitative–quantitative) was employed, based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 women. The instrument included closed Likert-type questions and open-ended items addressing perceptions, cultural practices, access to health services, and government programs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, and content analysis through thematic development. The findings revealed a strong correlation between trust in health services, accessibility, cultural compatibility, and the frequency of adolescent pregnancies. Divided perceptions regarding the role of community leaders were identified, along with a recurring demand for education and awareness-raising on sexuality and rights. Participants also noted limitations in state programs, mainly due to their limited cultural relevance. Kankuamo women face ongoing tensions between cultural preservation and sexual autonomy. Strengthening education, inclusive leadership, and policies with an ethnic and gender perspective is recommended to ensure the full exercise of their SRR. Full article

Romantic relationship satisfaction is widely recognized as a foundational contributor to both psychological and physical well-being. However, research on its association with other key constructs, such as body appreciation, sexual esteem and sexual assertiveness, is still lacking, especially in reference to romantic relationships. The present study investigates the interplay between body appreciation, sexual esteem, and sexual assertiveness, and their combined influence on relationship satisfaction in individuals in heterosexual relationships in Italy. Participants were 473 adults (50.1% men, 49.7% women, 0.2% other; age range 18–49). Structural equation modeling revealed that while body appreciation was indirectly associated with sexual assertiveness, it significantly predicted sexual esteem. Sexual assertiveness, but not sexual esteem, was positively associated with relationship satisfaction. No significant gender differences were found in the structural relationships among the variables. These findings underscore a process through which sexual assertiveness and body appreciation can enhance relational well-being and inform educational programs aimed at promoting healthy romantic relationships. Full article