scholarly journals Physical Health of Autistic Girls and Women: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Kassee ◽  
Stephanie Babinski ◽  
Ami Tint ◽  
Yona Lunsky ◽  
Hilary Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Potential Interactions ◽  
Gender Influences ◽  
Women Clinicians ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Background: There is a growing recognition of sex and gender influences in autism. Increasingly, studies include comparisons between sexes or genders, but few have focused on clarifying the characteristics of autistic girls' and women's physical health. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to determine what is currently known about the physical health of autistic girls and women. We screened 1,112 unique articles, with 40 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We used a convergent iterative process to synthesize this content into broad thematic areas. Results: Overall, autistic girls and women experience more physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls and women, and to autistic boys and men. Preliminary evidence suggests increased neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy) in autistic girls and women compared to autistic boys and men. As well, the literature suggests increased endocrine/reproductive conditions in autistic girls and women compared to non-autistic girls and women. Limitations: The literature has substantial heterogeneity in how physical health conditions were assessed and reported. Further, our explicit focus on physical health may have constrained the ability to examine potential interactions between mental and physical health. In addition, the widely differing research aims and methodologies make it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, in keeping with the goals of a scoping review, we were able to identify key themes to guide future research. Conclusions: Emerging themes in the literature suggest that autistic girls and women have heightened rates of physical health challenges compared to autistic boys and men, and non-autistic girls and women. Clinicians should seek to provide holistic care for this population that includes a focus on physical health and recognizes that autistic girls and women have co-occurring conditions that differ from those of autistic boys and men.

scholarly journals Physical health of autistic girls and women: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Kassee ◽  
Stephanie Babinski ◽  
Ami Tint ◽  
Yona Lunsky ◽  
Hilary K. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Influences ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Substantial Heterogeneity

Abstract Background There is a growing recognition of sex and gender influences in autism. Increasingly, studies include comparisons between sexes or genders, but few have focused on clarifying the characteristics of autistic girls’/women’s physical health. Methods A scoping review was conducted to determine what is currently known about the physical health of autistic girls/women. We screened 1112 unique articles, with 40 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We used a convergent iterative process to synthesize this content into broad thematic areas. Results Autistic girls/women experience more overall physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. Emerging evidence suggests increased prevalence of epilepsy in autistic girls/women compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. The literature also suggests increased endocrine and reproductive health conditions in autistic girls/women compared to non-autistic girls/women. Findings regarding gastrointestinal, metabolic, nutritional, and immune-related conditions are preliminary and inconsistent. Limitations The literature has substantial heterogeneity in how physical health conditions were assessed and reported. Further, our explicit focus on physical health may have constrained the ability to examine interactions between mental and physical health. The widely differing research aims and methodologies make it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, in keeping with the goals of a scoping review, we were able to identify key themes to guide future research. Conclusions The emerging literature suggests that autistic girls/women have heightened rates of physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. Clinicians should seek to provide holistic care that includes a focus on physical health and develop a women’s health lens when providing clinical care to autistic girls/women.

A Scoping Review of Literature on Sex and Gender Differences Among Dementia Spousal Caregivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. e802-e815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifah Arbel ◽  
Kathleen S Bingham ◽  
Deirdre R Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Spousal Caregivers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Sex And Gender Differences

Abstract Background and Objectives Sex and gender differences among dementia spousal caregivers have been investigated, but never systematically reviewed or synthesized. A synthesis of findings can help facilitate specificity in practice and in health policy development. As a first step towards such a synthesis, this scoping review reports the available evidence, identifies research gaps, and suggests possible directions for future research. Research Design and Methods A scoping review methodology was used to identify articles, and to chart and analyze data. Systematic searches for published, empirical studies, with an explicit goal or hypothesis related to sex or gender differences were conducted in seven databases. Results Sixty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Most (n = 45) were quantitative, cross-sectional studies. Caregivers included in the studies were generally 61–70 years old, Caucasian, middle-class, and highly educated. The most extensively investigated differences are: depression, burden, objective physical health, and informal supports. Discussion and Implications This scoping review is the first to summarize and critique the research on sex and gender differences that are specific to dementia spousal caregivers. The review can be used by researchers to make decisions regarding future systematic reviews and primary studies. To further strengthen the evidence base, future studies may benefit from including more caregivers of ethnic minorities, using more qualitative, longitudinal, or experimental designs, and focusing on variables needed to inform caregiving models and theories. Overall, this scoping review contributes to furthering gender-sensitive practices and policies that are better tailored to the specific needs of this population.

scholarly journals The integration of sex and gender considerations in health policymaking: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Williams ◽  
Joonsoo Sean Lyeo ◽  
Sophie Geffros ◽  
Alexander Mouriopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Gender Diverse ◽  
Policy Development Process ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Health Policymaking

AbstractWhile the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ represent distinct concepts, their influence may intersect as important determinants of health. Despite their influence in shaping individual health outcomes, there is often inaccuracy and inconsistency in the degree to which sex and gender considerations are integrated in the health policymaking process. This primary aim of this paper is to fill the gap in the current understanding of how sex and gender considerations are integrated in this process. A scoping review methodology was used with the objective of assessing the extent to which sex and gender were considered inclusively and comprehensively in established examples of health policy planning and development. One hundred seventy-five documents from the academic and grey literature were found to meet the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. The authors charted the data from these publications, assessing the ways in which sex and gender were incorporated in their policy development process. Five key findings were ascertained from this review: (1) the terms sex and gender are often used interchangeably; (2) the terms sex and gender are often used with a limited and binary scope; (3) the most inclusive and comprehensive documents included transgender and gender diverse populations; (4) there are significant variations in the degree of inclusivity and comprehensivity of these documents based on geographic distribution; and (5) documents published within the last 5 years were more inclusive than older documents. This paper concludes with an acknowledgment of the limitations of the study design, a summary of the findings, future research directions, and implications for policymakers.

scholarly journals Elucidating the Relationship Between Insomnia, Sex, and Cardiovascular Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 247028972098001
Author(s):  
Rebecca Leeds ◽  
Ari Shechter ◽  
Carmela Alcantara ◽  
Brooke Aggarwal ◽  
John Usseglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sex Research ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cvd Mortality

Sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality have been attributed to differences in pathophysiology between men and women and to disparities in CVD management that disproportionately affect women compared to men. Similarly, there has been investigation of differences in the prevalence and presentation of insomnia attributable to sex. Few studies have examined how sex and insomnia interact to influence CVD outcomes, however. In this review, we summarize the literature on sex-specific differences in the prevalence and presentation of insomnia as well as existing research regarding the relationship between insomnia and CVD outcomes as it pertains to sex. Research to date indicate that women are more likely to have insomnia than men, and there appear to be differential associations in the relation between insomnia and CVD by sex. We posit potential mechanisms of the relationship between sex, insomnia and CVD, discuss gaps in the existing literature, and provide commentary on future research needed in this area. Unraveling the complex relations between sex, insomnia, and CVD may help to explain sex-specific differences in CVD, and identify sex-specific strategies for promotion of cardiovascular health. Throughout this review, terms “men” and “women” are used as they are in the source literature, which does not differentiate between sex and gender. The implications of this are also discussed.

scholarly journals Gender Informed or Gender Ignored? Opportunities for Gender Transformative Approaches in Brief Alcohol Interventions on College Campuses

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Wolfson ◽  
Julie Stinson ◽  
Nancy Poole
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Gender Equity ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Specific Population ◽  
Alcohol Interventions ◽  
Risky Alcohol ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Multiple Health

Brief alcohol interventions are an effective strategy for reducing harmful and risky alcohol use and misuse. Many effective brief alcohol interventions include information and advice about an individual’s alcohol use, changing their use, and assistance in developing strategies and goals to help reduce their use. Emerging research suggests that brief interventions can also be expanded to address multiple health outcomes; recognizing that the flexible nature of these approaches can be helpful in tailoring information to specific population groups. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on the inclusion of sex and gender in brief alcohol interventions on college campuses, highlighting available evidence on gender responsiveness in these interventions. Furthermore, this scoping review offers strategies on how brief alcohol interventions can be gender transformative, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions as harm reduction and prevention strategies, and in promoting gender equity.

scholarly journals The puzzle of sex, gender and Alzheimer’s disease: Why are women more often affected than men?

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 174550651881799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa K Andrew ◽  
Mary C Tierney
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Dementia Research ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Influences ◽  
Sex And Gender Differences ◽  
Biological Differences

Objective: There are impressive differences in the incidence, prevalence and experience of women and men with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Notably, two-thirds of those with AD, the most common form of dementia, are women. Our objective was to provide a literature-based framework to understand these sex and gender differences in AD. Methods: We conducted a narrative review to examine sex and gender influences on AD. Results: We present a framework to understanding why these sex and gender differences exist in AD. This includes the influence of longevity (women live longer than men), biological differences (hormonal differences, epigenetics and frailty), differences in cognitive performance (women and men tend to perform differently on some cognitive tests), and gendered social roles and opportunities (educational and occupational opportunities, functional roles post-retirement). Our review clearly indicates the complex interaction of these sex and gender differences and variability within each. Conclusions: Given these important sex and gender differences in AD, we provide recommendations and steps forward describing how both sex and gender should be considered in dementia diagnosis and management and in the design and implementation of dementia research, including studies of caregiving interventions and models of dementia care.

Comparing Individualized Rehabilitation to a Group Wellness Intervention for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew A. Plow ◽  
Virgil Mathiowetz ◽  
Dawn A. Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Impact Scale ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Fatigue Impact Scale ◽  
Wellness Intervention

Purpose. Compare the efficacy of two interventions designed to promote health and physical activity (PA). Design. This study was a randomized clinical trial using a time series design. Subjects were randomized into individualized physical rehabilitation (IPR) and group wellness intervention (GWI). Primary questionnaires were administered twice preintervention and twice postintervention. Physical fitness and PA frequency were assessed preintervention and postintervention. Setting. Clinic based in a metropolitan area. Subjects. Fifty volunteers with multiple sclerosis. Interventions. IPR consisted of four physical therapy sessions plus three telephone calls. GWI consisted of seven educational sessions. Measures. Primary: SF-36 Health Survey, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Mental Health Inventory. Secondary: physical assessment, PA frequency. Analysis. Stability of primary questionnaires between the two pretests was examined. Efficacy of interventions was evaluated by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and effect sizes. Results. Primary measures were stable between pretests. MANOVA showed nonsignificant differences between interventions. Eight weeks postintervention, both groups had improved PA, fatigue, resting heart rate, and strength. Effect sizes suggested that IPR had a greater effect on preventing decline of physical health, whereas GWI had a greater effect on improving mental health. Conclusion. Preliminary evidence indicated that health and PA improved in both groups. Effect sizes suggested that participants benefited more physically from IPR and more mentally from GWI. Future research should determine whether combining therapeutic exercise with group education improves both mental and physical health.

scholarly journals Three Decades of Progress in Sleep Disorders and Sleep Health for Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 247028972094187
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Marsella ◽  
Katherine M. Sharkey
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Rem Sleep Behavior Disorder ◽  
Behavior Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Sleep Health ◽  
Sleep Behavior ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Over the past 3 decades, significant strides have been made in the field of sleep medicine for women. The impact of sex and gender on sleep health and sleep disorders received little attention in the early 1990s, but driven by policies ensuring inclusion of women in medical research, more recent studies have identified sex differences in sleep and investigated gender differences in sleep disorders. Nevertheless, disparities remain: diagnosis of sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder are often delayed and underdiagnosed in women. Future research should continue to examine how biological sex and identity across the gender spectrum influence sleep health and sleep disorders, allowing for more personalized health care for all patients.

Comparing the Health of Transgender Women, Transgender Men, and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals Using Population-Level Data

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arryn A. Guy ◽  
Wren Yoder ◽  
Kelly Manser ◽  
Stephen D. Ramos ◽  
Steve N. Du Bois
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Transgender Men

Converging evidence indicates transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals generally experience poorer health than their cisgender counterparts. Less is known about TGNC health across gender identity subgroups. Extant work has yielded mixed findings, precluding conclusions regarding the comparative health of transgender women, transgender men, and gender non-conforming individuals. Additionally, this work is limited methodologically, e.g., utilizing convenience samples and operationalizing “transgender” differently across studies. This study aims to improve upon these limitations, and more broadly add to the literature on within-group health differences among TGNC individuals. We used 2016 U.S. population-level data (N = 1,117), conducting MANCOVA (multivariate analysis of covariance) and logistic regression to compare the health of transgender women, transgender men, and GNC individuals. Health outcomes of mental and physical health, substance use, and healthcare access/utilization were selected based on empirical and theoretical support for their relevance to TGNC health. We also completed interaction analyses to test the intersectional effects on health of gender identity and emergent sociodemographic variables, e.g. race/ethnicity. Across TGNC subgroups, individuals reported similar alcohol use, mental health, and healthcare access/utilization. Transgender men reported worse physical health than their counterparts, and GNC individuals reported lower smoking prevalence than their counterparts. Interaction analyses by race/ethnicity indicated Hispanic transgender women reported worse physical health than other Hispanic TGNC individuals, while Black transgender men, Multiracial GNC individuals, and Hispanic transgender women reported worse mental health than some of their intra-racial/ethnic TGNC counterparts. Findings add to the growing literature on TGNC health and highlight TGNC subgroups that may be vulnerable regarding mental and physical health.

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