Women’s empowerment and food consumption:Evidence from female-headed households in Tanzania

Despite the growing recognition of women’s increasing role in the household and corresponding empowerment programs in sub-Saharan Africa,intensive research on the relationship between women’s influence and household food consumption is minimal.Using the most recent(2017-2018)national household survey data from Tanzania,this study examined the influence of women’s empowerment on household food consumption.First,we compared the monthly consumption of eight food categories between female-headed households(FHHs)and male-headed households(MHHs)using both descriptive statistics and the propensity score matching(PSM)method.Furthermore,we adopted the two-stage Linear Expenditure System and Almost Ideal Demand System model(LES-AIDS)to estimate income and price elasticities for the two household types.The results show that FHHs consume bread and cereals,fish,oils and fats,vegetables,and confectionery(sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.)more than MHHs.Moreover,FHHs have a significantly higher income elasticity of demand for all food groups than MHHs.They are also more price elastic than MHHs in meat,fish,oils,fats,sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.

The Impact of Nursing Staff’s Work Attitude on the Fear of Patients Recovering from Benign Tumors:Family Support as a Mediating Variable

The perception of nursing staff’s attitude influences patient fear.Understanding this dynamic is crucial for fostering a supportive environment conducive to patient well-being and effective healthcare practices.The purpose of this research is to investigate how the attitudes and behaviours of nursing staff influence the fear and anxiety levels of patients recovering from benign tumors,aiming to improve patient care and recovery outcomes.Data was collected from a sample of 100 participants,comprising 20 nursing staff and 80 patients recovering from benign tumors.Surveys were administered to gather quantitative data on attitudes and fear levels.Participants were selected randomly from hospital records and outpatient clinics.Our analysis encompassed nursing staff attitude,patient fear levels,the influence of family support,progression of tumor recovery,patient-reported satisfaction,and the quality of healthcare services provided.The quantitative aspect utilized PLS-SEM software to perform regression analysis,evaluating both direct and indirect effects.Statistical analysis assessed the relationships between nursing staff attitudes,patient fear during benign tumor recovery,and the mediating role of family support.The findings of the study demonstrate that better nurse attitudes(Hypothesis 1,β=0.45,p<0.001)and stronger family support(Hypothesis 2,β=0.32;p<0.001) are linked to lower levels of patient fear.Partially mediating the relationship between nurse attitudes and patient fear,according to Hypothesis 3(β=0.28,p<0.002),is family support.Patients’perceptions of family support are highly influenced by nursing behaviour,as demonstrated by Hypothesis 4(β=0.38;p<0.001).Our research showed a strong relationship between the attitudes of nursing personnel and patient fear levels.Family support demonstrated a strong mediating effect on patient fear.Patient-reported satisfaction is positively correlated with family support.However,no significant relationship was found between healthcare service quality and patient fear.

The Three Principles of Institutional Safeguards for Women's Participation in Legislation in China

The participation of women in legislation is an important aspect and means of safeguarding women’s rights.Feminist theory,based on criticism of both the“citizenship identity theory as rights”and the“citizenship identity theory as responsibilities,”proposes the“citizenship identity theory as subjectivity.”Observing the current practice of women’s participation in legislation in China,two institutional safeguard principles can be summarized:the“minimum proportion”and the“influence evaluation.”However,each of these principles has its inherent limitations.Therefore,it is necessary to supplement them with the principle of“subjective participation”in a reflective manner.This principle requires women to participate substantively in the legislative process as subjects,express women’s needs and demands,input women’s perspectives and experiences,and reconstruct the distribution of rights and responsibilities in the existing legislation.The three principles complement each other and work together to comprehensively constitute the institutional structure of women’s participation in legislation,thereby promoting the reproduction of corresponding action structures.

A Historical Review of the Development of Women’s Higher Education in China (1908-2020): Stages, Explanations, and Trends

The development of women’s higher education in China can be divided into four stages:emergence(1908-1948);foundation(1949-1976);accelerating development(1977-2008);and the qualitative leap(2009-2020).This work considers the principal institutional mechanisms that contributed to this development.First,flexibly planned parenthood gradually promoted gender equality and openness in society facilitated by systematic“awards,grants,and loans”initiatives to support women’s higher education economically.Second,compulsory education ensured that left-out and migrant children had access to higher education.Third,effective connectivity across different education types bridged education gaps between those with different levels of education.Fourth,China made great efforts to invite and integrate international experiences that promoted the development of women’s higher education.Looking beyond these achievements,we also discuss the future trends of women’s higher education in China.

Diplomatic Implications of Women＇s Work in American Consumer Society

American foreign policies have observed guiding principles of democracy, yet an overemphasis on political values leads to more conflicts than mutual understandings in today＇s world. Therefore, this paper proposes that exploring diplomatic implications of ＂women＇s work＂ provides new insights into cultural values of the Four Freedomsmmajor pillars supporting modern American liberalism. This paper foregrounds the domestic and diplomatic significance of ＂women＇s work＂ by analyzing women＇s contributions as laborers at home, in the labor force, and in American consumer society. As American women participated in the paid labor force and took up most consumptive activities, women outside America also worked hard to provide food and care for families. This paper argues that a more comprehensive definition of＂women＇s work＂ is not only indispensable for the development of American industry, consumer society, and the expansion of marketplace, but integrates a system of dualisms separating wage labor and housework, or divisions between spheres of men and women. Moreover, investigations into hidden values of women＇s work alleviate worries arising from information revolution and economic globalization. Moreover, placing women＇s work in perspective enables diplomats to see through factors leading to international hostilities, to reduce conflicts arising from information revolution and economic globalization, and to understand America＇s soft power pertinently.

Why Brazilian Women Are Not on Top： The Work-Life Reconciliation Hypothesis

The female presence in middle management is already significant in Brazil. Yet, women hold only 7% of the board seats. Why are there so few women in corpomtive top ranks？ Is it possible that prejudice and sexism work selectively, allowing women to ascend not beyond a certain point in corporate hierarchy？ This paper rejects such a perspective and aims at understanding the dynamics that drive women against the executive suite. The premise beneath this research is that women are not victims, but autonomous individuals. In order to test the hypothesis of Brazilian women choosing not to ascend, the first step was to analyze Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics＇ （IBGE） data on work force and employment. Thereafter, the research explores the possibility that organizational dynamics is a major factor for women to deal with work-life issues. Studies of scientific organizations show that flexibility helps conciliate work and life. The conclusion is： if corporations could emulate the scientific organizational environment, probably they would not only attract more women to the executive suite, but also adapt to a transforming society.

Self-Medication of Senegalese Women through Social Networks

Self-medication is a form of self-care which has evolved considerably with the development of digital technology. It particularly challenges public health actors given the risks to which it may be exposed if it is not properly supervised. The aim of this work was to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Senegalese women on self-medication through social networks. A transversal descriptive study was conducted from June 10 to 30, 2019. It concerned all Senegalese women registered in at least one of the following women’s Facebook groups: Femme chic, Femme leader, Ladies club or Entre yaays. A study information sheet was posted on the wall of these different groups, and enabled consenting women to find a questionnaire deployed online directly through a link. Consenting women were able to complete the data collection tool directly online. The proportions were compared by setting the alpha risk at 5%. A total of 508 women were surveyed. The results thus showed a high prevalence (68.9%) of self-medication. A proportion of 46.3% of those self-medicated used Facebook or the Internet as a source of information to find the drugs to use. The advice received from these groups related to hygiene and dietary measures (96.1%), consultation with health personnel (54.6%), consultation with a traditional healer (50.4%) and taking medication (41.8%). The health problems most treated with these self-medications were headaches ((84.6%) and painful periods (45.1%). Simple analgesics (84.6%) and vitamins (66.9%) were the most recommended drugs, but it was also found antibiotics (40.0%), centrally acting analgesics (20.0%), anti-diabetics (6.9%) and antihypertensive (5.4%). Oral tablets (92.3%) remained the most widely used dosage forms, but eye drops (5.4%) and injectables (5.4%) were also found. Although searching for information on Facebook/internet, women obtained the drugs from pharmacies (72.4%) or the family medicine box (19%). Regarding self-medication on Facebook, its easy accessibility (67.8%) was the main motivation for which women chose it, as well as saving time (33.9%). Advice on health through the Facebook network is important for Senegalese women but taking medication on advice from these forums remains low. A better presence for health actors in social networks is becoming urgent in order to promote responsible self-medication.

Participation in Daily Activities among Working Women Following Breast Cancer

Introduction: This study aimed to identify the variables explaining retained activity level for working women with breast cancer;the variables correlating with their performance in daily activities they prioritize;and factors facilitating or restricting their return to work. Method: Sixty working women with breast cancer aged 25 - 65 years completed a personal data questionnaire, the modified Activity Card Sort, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure;and two open- ended questions about facilitators and barriers to work. Results: Activity levels dropped by a quarter following BC treatments. Most women (67%) decreased their weekly working hours, although a third identified work as their highest priority. A higher total retained activity level was explained by fewer limitations on the range of motion (upper extremity), age younger than 45 years, and higher educational attainment. Cognitive limitations and limited range of motion negatively correlated with retained activity level at work. Personal and disease factors, job demands, and environmental factors facilitated or restricted return to work. Conclusion: Interventions should focus on physical and cognitive rehabilitation to regain functioning in the context of work and productive daily activities. Special attention should be paid to the greater needs of younger women.

Rural Women's Aspirations through Art Work

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Women on Women Femininity and Independence in the Work of Chinese Contemporary Female Artists

■The history of China, as seen through the eyes of a Chinese woman, would no doubt present a very different story to that which we are accustomed to. The centuries of oppression endured by Chinese women were ratified by the teachings of Confucius which assert

Broad-based Network for Protecting the Rights and Interests of Women and Children——A story about the Women's Federation of Qinhuangdao City

The room is in utter chaos, with chairs piling up in a comer and the cable TV not connected to the power source. But one thing is put in place： a slogan on the wall ＂Creating an outstanding WFQ team for the benefit of all women and children.＂

ADVANCES OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION FOR TREATMENT OF WOMEN'S CLIMACTERIC SYNDROME

To introduce the advances of experimental research on acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of Women＇s Climacteric Syndrome.The recent years experimental research literature of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of Women＇s Climacteric Syndrome were reviewed.The research literatures on acupuncture treatment were major,focusing on the field of acupuncture and moxibustion regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis and nerval-endocritic-immune net.Acupuncture and moxibustion could regulate the endocrine environment of menopausal women.Taking advantage of combination biomedicine with multi-sciences,to improve the acupuncture and moxibustion curative effct and probe the mechanism of menopausal pathology and acupuncture and moxibustion function to Women＇s Climacteric Syndrome,is the research direction afterward.

Women＇s speech in variation studies

It is demonstrated by sociolinguistic variation studies that women are more likely than men to use standard speech. This paper reviews the operational methods and analytical means of classic quantitative studies in this field, intending to provide guidance and enlightenment for relevant studies and verifications in the context of Chinese culture.

The Women Characters of the 1930s in the Chinese TV Serials

The women of the 1930s in the Chinese TV serials deduct inspiring stories.They play different roles in the big wealthy families such as mothers-in-law,daughters-in-law,and maidservants.There are unceasing conflicts between these women,because of their struggle for men's love,wealth or social position.The theme of their stories is always about fertility,love,kindness and evil,with the ending being either comic or tragic.The stories of various kinds of women of the 1930s in the Chinese TV serials decorate and enrich the lives of many of us latecomers and their names are passed on from generation to generation.

“流动与赋能”:外出务工经历影响农村青年女性创业及其绩效的路径——基于CFPS数据的实证研究

农村青年女性创业对实现女性赋能和自我成长具有重要意义。本研究匹配CFPS 2018-2020数据,研究外出务工经历是否能提升农村青年女性创业概率和创业绩效,并分析心理资本的中介作用。研究发现:(1)外出务工经历虽然能显著提高农村青年女性创业的可能性,但并不能明显提升其创业绩效。外出务工的贡献具有教育门槛效应,即外出务工质量能显著提升农村青年女性创业概率和经营收入;(2)外出务工经历对农村青年女性创业概率的提升作用在东部地区26-34岁群体中表现最明显;(3)心理资本在务工质量对农村青年女性创业概率影响中起到部分中介作用,且作用大于在外出务工经历对农村青年女性创业概率影响中的部分中介作用;(4)心理资本在务工质量对农村青年女性创业绩效的影响中起到部分中介作用。

Patterns of medication use for the treatment of menopausal symptoms before and after the women’s health initiative;implications for decision-making practices of women and women’s health professionals

Background: The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) published findings in 2002 that changed the perception of the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the reduction of cardiovascular risks. Menopausal women using HRT for the relief of vasomotor symptoms were advised to use the lowest possible dose of HRT over the shortest possible duration. Objective: This study sought to examine patterns of HRT use for the treatment of menopausal symptoms before and after the WHI among women at least 40 years of age. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 1367 women in the pre-WHI group and 6467 women in the post-WHI group using the U.S. General Electric (GE) Centricity electronic medical record database. Menopause diagnosis was assessed using ICD-9 codes. Clinical characteristics and medication use were assessed for women with at least 3 years of enrollment (1 year baseline, 2 years follow-up). Results: The proportion of women in the post-WHI group that initiated HRT was significantly less than that of women in the pre-WHI group (31.3% vs. 56.9%, respectively;p < 0.001). Combination HRT use declined significantly (21.9% pre-WHI cohort vs. 7.2% post- WHI cohort, p < 0.001) among increases in non-HRT use, namely SSRIs (15.2% pre-WHI cohort v. 22.3% post-WHI cohort, p < 0.001) and tranquilizers (9.5% pre-WHI cohort v. 15.8% post-WHI cohort, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of the WHI 2002 publication made an impression on the perception of HRT’s role in the relief of menopausal symptoms. Decision-making on the part of women seeking treatment for vasomotor symptoms and women’s health professionals demonstrates that despite HRT precautions, women continue to exhibit a need for HRT use. This study’s findings suggest that women seeking treatment for menopausal symptom relief and women’s health professionals continue to work together to find the appropriate balance between therapy use and adherence to therapy use guidelines.

Prevalence of-and risk factors for work disability in Dutch patients with inflammatory bowel disease

AIM To determine the prevalence of work disability in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), and to assess risk factors associated with work disability.METHODS For this retrospective cohort study, we retrieved clinical data from the Dutch IBD Biobank on July 2014, containing electronic patient records of 3388 IBD patients treated in the eight University Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Prevalence of work disability was assessed in 2794 IBD patients and compared with the general Dutch population. Multivariate analyses were performed for work disability(sick leave, partial and full disability) and long-term full work disability(> 80% work disability for > 2 years).RESULTS Prevalence of work disability was higher in Crohn's disease(CD)(29%) and ulcerative colitis(UC)(19%) patients compared to the general Dutch population(7%). In all IBD patients, female sex, a lower education level, and extra-intestinal manifestations, were associated with work disability. In CD patients, an age > 40 years at diagnosis, disease duration > 15 years,smoking, surgical interventions, and anti-TNFα use were associated with work disability. In UC patients, an age > 55 years, and immunomodulator use were associated with work disability. In CD patients, a lower education level(OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.02-2.58), and in UC patients, disease complications(OR = 3.39, 95%CI: 1.09-10.58) were associated with long-term full work disability.CONCLUSION The prevalence of work disability in IBD patients is higher than in the general Dutch population. Early assessment of risk factors for work disability is necessary, as work disability is substantial among IBD patients.

Influence of group B streptococcus and vaginal cleanliness on the vaginal microbiome of pregnant women

BACKGROUND The vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in the health of pregnant women and their newborns.Group B Streptococcus(GBS)and vaginal cleanliness significantly affect the vaginal microecosystem and are closely associated with vaginal diseases.AIM To explore the effects of GBS status and vaginal cleanliness on vaginal microecosystems.METHODS We collected 160 vaginal swabs from pregnant women and divided them into the following four groups based on GBS status and vaginal cleanliness:GBS-positive+vaginal cleanliness I–II degree,GBS-negative+vaginal cleanliness I–II degree,GBS-positive+vaginal cleanliness III–IV degree,and GBS-negative+vaginal cleanliness III–IV degree.Samples were subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.RESULTS Alpha diversity analysis showed that the Shannon index did not significantly differ between the four groups.We identified significant variation in taxa abundance between the GBS-positive and GBS-negative groups and between the vaginal cleanliness I–II degree and III–IV degree groups.Principal coordinate analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis further confirmed the microbial diversity of the four groups.Moreover,the linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that Lactobacillus jensenii and Actinobacteria were strongly associated with GBS-positive status,and Lactobacillus iners,Lactobacillaceae,Lactobacillus,Lactobacillales,Bacilli and Firmicutes were closely correlated with GBS-negative status.CONCLUSION GBS status and vaginal cleanliness significantly affect vaginal microbiome differences in pregnant women.Our findings provide instructional information for clinical antibiotic treatment in pregnant women with different GBS statuses and vaginal cleanliness degrees.

Impact of the Changes in Women’s Characteristics over Time on Antenatal Health Care Utilization in Egypt (2000-2008)

Objectives: This study empirically assesses the impact of the changes in women’s characteristics, empowerment, availability and quality of health services on woman’s decision to use antenatal care (ANC) and the frequency of that use during the period 2000-2008. Study Design: The study is a cross-sectional analytical study using 2000 and 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys. Methods: The assessment of the studied impact is conducted using the Zero-inflated Negative Binomial Regression. In addition, Factor Analysis technique is used to construct some of the explanatory variables such as women’s empowerment, the availability and quality of health services indicators. Results: Utilization of antenatal health care services is greatly improved from 2000 to 2008. Availability of health services is one of the main determinants that affect the number of antenatal care visits in 2008. Wealth index and quality of health services play an important role in raising the level of antenatal care utilization in 2000 and 2008. However, the impact of the terminated pregnancy on receiving ANC increased over time. Conclusions: Further research of the determinants of antenatal health care utilization is needed, using more updated measures of women’s empowerment, availability and quality of health services. In order to improve the provision of antenatal health care services, it is important to understand barriers to antenatal health care utilization. Therefore, it is advisable to collect information from women about the reasons for not receiving antenatal care.