scholarly journals Measurement of gender as a social determinant of health in epidemiology—A scoping review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259223
Author(s):  
Céline Miani ◽  
Lisa Wandschneider ◽  
Jana Niemann ◽  
Stephanie Batram-Zantvoort ◽  
Oliver Razum
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
Analytical Perspective ◽  
Femininity And Masculinity ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Analytical Tools ◽  
Social Determinant Of Health

Background The relevance of gender as a social determinant of health and its role in the production of health inequalities is now broadly acknowledged. However, the plethora of existing approaches to capture gender, which often stem from disciplines outside of epidemiology, makes it difficult to assess their practicality and relevance for a given research purpose. We conducted a scoping review to 1) map the evidence of how gender can be operationalised in quantitative epidemiology and 2) design a tool to critically evaluate the measures identified. Methods We identified peer-reviewed articles in electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO). Eligible sources described the quantitative operationalisation of the social dimension of gender. With the help of a newly developed checklist, we assessed their relevance from an analytical perspective (e.g. intersectionality) and their potential for implementation in epidemiology. Results Gender measures principally assessed gender roles and norms, gender-based discrimination and violence, and structural gender (in)equality. Of the 344 measures included in this review, the majority lacked theoretical foundation, and tended to reinforce the binary understanding of gender through stereotypes of femininity and masculinity. Only few measures allowed for an intersectional approach and a multilevel understanding of gender mechanisms. From a practical point of view, gender measures demonstrated potential for use in varied populations and contexts. Conclusions A range of gender measures are readily available for epidemiological research, addressing different levels and dimensions of gender as a social construct. With our theory-informed, practice-driven scoping review, we highlighted strengths and limitations of such measures and provided analytical tools for researchers interested in conducting intersectional, gender-sensitive analyses.

Measurement of gender as a social construct in quantitative health research – a critical review

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Wandschneider ◽  
S Batram-Zantvoort ◽  
O Razum ◽  
C Miani
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
For Profit

Abstract Background The relevance of gender as a social determinant of health inequalities is now broadly acknowledged. However, the plethora of existing approaches to capture gender, which are often stemming from disciplines outside of public health, makes it difficult to assess their practicality and relevance for a given research purpose. We conducted a critical review to 1) map the evidence of how gender can be operationalised in quantitative health research and 2) critically evaluate the identified measures. Methods We identified peer-reviewed articles in electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO), as well as grey literature in OpenGrey and on the website of governmental and not-for-profit organisations that actively encourage gender-sensitive public health research. Eligible sources described the quantitative operationalisation of the social dimension of gender. With the help of a newly developed scorecard, we assessed their relevance from a theory perspective (e.g. intersectionality) and the potential for implementation from a practical, epidemiological point of view. Results Gender measures principally assessed gender roles, gender-based discrimination and gender (in)equality. The majority lacked theoretical foundation, and tended to reinforce the binary understanding of gender identity through stereotypes of femininity and masculinity. An intersectional approach was found mostly in data-driven composite measures. Those also had the advantage of being easy to construct with standard health monitoring data. Conclusions A range of gender measures are readily available for public health research, addressing different levels and dimensions of gender as a social construct. With our theory-informed, practice-driven critical review, we highlighted their strengths and limitations and provided analytical tools for researchers interested in conducting intersectional gender-sensitive analyses. Key messages Gender and its impact on health can be captured through a range of measures (e.g. scales, indices). Among those, non-binary, theory-informed understandings of gender remain underrepresented. With the help of a newly developed scorecard, our critical review highlights the various gender measures’ strengths and limitations from a theory perspective and a practical point of view.

scholarly journals The effects of cohousing model on people’s health and wellbeing: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juli Carrere ◽  
Alexia Reyes ◽  
Laura Oliveras ◽  
Anna Fernández ◽  
Andrés Peralta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Psychosocial Determinants ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Social Determinant Of Health

Abstract Background Housing is a social determinant of health. Extensive research has highlighted its adverse effects on health. However, less is known about the effects of cohousing typology on health, which has the potential to create lively social networks and healthy communities and environments. We report the findings of a scoping study designed to gather and synthesise all known evidence on the relationship between cohousing and wellbeing and health. Method Using the scoping review method, we conducted a literature review in PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and JSTOR in May 2019 and selected articles published from 1960 onwards, with no geographical limit and no design restrictions. Retrieved articles underwent three sequential screening phases. The results were described through a narrative synthesis of the evidence. Results Of the 2560 articles identified, we selected 25 full-text articles analysing 77 experiences. All of them were conducted in high-income countries. Ten studies analysed the impact of cohousing on physical and mental health or quality of life and wellbeing. Eight of the 10 studies found a positive association. In addition, 22 studies analysed one or more psychosocial determinants of health (such as social support, sense of community and physical, emotional and economic security) and most found a positive association. Through these determinants, quality of life, wellbeing and health could be improved. However, the quality of the evidence was low. Discussion The cohousing model could enhance health and wellbeing mediated by psychosocial determinants of health. However, extreme caution should be exercised in drawing any conclusions due to the dearth of data identified and the designs used in the included studies, with most being cross-sectional or qualitative studies, which precluded causal-based interpretations. Because housing is a major social determinant of health, more evidence is needed on the impact of this model on health through both psychosocial and material pathways.

scholarly journals The training needs for gender-sensitive care in a pediatric rehabilitation hospital: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Lindsay ◽  
Kendall Kolne
Keyword(s):  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Pediatric Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Hospital ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Care Training ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Social Determinant Of Health

Abstract Background Gender is an important social determinant of health; however, clinicians often lack training in how to provide gender-sensitive care. Offering appropriate and relevant training could help to address some gender-based health inequalities. Our objective was to identify and describe the training needs for gender-sensitive care among pediatric rehabilitation healthcare providers. Methods This study used an interpretive descriptive qualitative design to conduct interviews with 23 pediatric rehabilitation healthcare providers (19 women, 3 men, 1 transgender man), from a pediatric rehabilitation hospital in a large urban center, in Ontario, Canada from a range of disciplines. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an open-coding inductive thematic analysis. Results Our analysis revealed the following themes: [1] lack of knowledge about gender-sensitive care and the need for more training; [2] content of the desired training (i.e., gender differences, effective communication and how to practice gender-sensitive care) and [3] delivery method of the training. Conclusions Enhanced gender-sensitive training for healthcare providers is required for optimizing patient outcomes and addressing gender-based health inequalities. Educators in pediatric rehabilitation should consider developing gender-sensitive care training that is embedded within post-graduate education and also continuing education within hospitals and community care centers.

In situ TEM studies of irradiation effects for materials improvement

1991 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 452-453
Author(s):  
Charles W. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Austenitic Stainless Steels ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
In Situ Tem ◽  
Irradiation Effects ◽  
Tem Analysis ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Analytical Tools

Irradiation effects studies employing TEMs as analytical tools have been conducted for almost as many years as materials people have done TEM, motivated largely by materials needs for nuclear reactor development. Such studies have focussed on the behavior both of nuclear fuels and of materials for other reactor components which are subjected to radiation-induced degradation. Especially in the 1950s and 60s, post-irradiation TEM analysis may have been coupled to in situ (in reactor or in pile) experiments (e.g., irradiation-induced creep experiments of austenitic stainless steels). Although necessary from a technological point of view, such experiments are difficult to instrument (measure strain dynamically, e.g.) and control (temperature, e.g.) and require months or even years to perform in a nuclear reactor or in a spallation neutron source. Consequently, methods were sought for simulation of neutroninduced radiation damage of materials, the simulations employing other forms of radiation; in the case of metals and alloys, high energy electrons and high energy ions.

scholarly journals Mechanisms linking teenage mothers’ educational attainment with self-reported health at age 50

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Maslowsky ◽  
C. Emily Hendrick ◽  
Haley Stritzel
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Early Childbearing ◽  
Partner Characteristics ◽  
Higher Educational Attainment ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
Social Determinant Of Health

Abstract Background Early childbearing is associated with adverse health and well-being throughout the life course for women in the United States. As education continues to be a modifiable social determinant of health after a young woman gives birth, the association of increased educational attainment with long-term health for women who begin childbearing as teenagers is worthy of investigation. Methods Data are from 301 mothers in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 who gave birth prior to age 19. We estimated path models to assess women’s incomes, partner characteristics, and health behaviors at age 40 as mediators of the relationship between their educational attainment and self-rated general health at age 50. Results After accounting for observed background factors that select women into early childbearing and lower educational attainment, higher levels of education (high school diploma and GED attainment vs. no degree) were indirectly associated with higher self-rated health at age 50 via higher participant income at age 40. Conclusions As education is a social determinant of health that is amenable to intervention after a teen gives birth, our results are supportive of higher educational attainment as a potential pathway to improving long-term health outcomes of women who begin childbearing early.

scholarly journals Sexual health (excluding reproductive health, intimate partner violence and gender-based violence) and COVID-19: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054896
Author(s):  
Navin Kumar ◽  
Kamila Janmohamed ◽  
Kate Nyhan ◽  
Laura Forastiere ◽  
Wei-Hong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing socioeconomic and health disparities, including disparities in sexual health and well-being. While there have been several reviews published on COVID-19 and population health disparities generally—including some with attention to HIV—none has focused on sexual health (ie, STI care, female sexual health, sexual behaviour). We have conducted a scoping review focused on sexual health (excluding reproductive health (RH), intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence (GBV)) in the COVID-19 era, examining sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes.MethodsA scoping review, compiling both peer-reviewed and grey literature, focused on sexual health (excluding RH, IPV and GBV) and COVID-19 was conducted on 15 September 2020. Multiple bibliographical databases were searched. Study selection conformed to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. We only included English-language original studies.ResultsWe found that men who have sex with men may be moving back toward pre-pandemic levels of sexual activity, and that STI and HIV testing rates seem to have decreased. There was minimal focus on outcomes such as the economic impact on sexual health (excluding RH, IPV and GBV) and STI care, especially STI care of marginalised populations. In terms of population groups, there was limited focus on sex workers or on women, especially women’s sexual behaviour and mental health. We noticed limited use of qualitative techniques. Very few studies were in low/middle-income countries (LMICs).ConclusionsSexual health research is critical during a global infectious disease pandemic and our review of studies suggested notable research gaps. Researchers can focus efforts on LMICs and under-researched topics within sexual health and explore the use of qualitative techniques and interventions where appropriate.

scholarly journals Conceptual causal models of socioeconomic status, family structure, family functioning and their role in public health

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederik Booysen ◽  
Ferdi Botha ◽  
Edwin Wouters
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Family Structure ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Causal Models ◽  
Family Socioeconomic Status ◽  
The Family ◽  
Social Determinant Of Health

AbstractSocial determinants of health frameworks are standard tools in public health. These frameworks for the most part omit a crucial factor: the family. Socioeconomic status moreover is a prominent social determinant of health. Insofar as family functioning is poorer in poor families and family structure and functioning are linked to health, it is critical to consider the pathways between these four constructs. In this correspondence, we reflect on how empirical studies of this conceptual nexus mirror two causal models. We conclude by reflecting on future directions for research in this field.

scholarly journals Exploring equity, gender and social determinants aspects of antimicrobial resistance: Scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Saint ◽  
A Mohsenpour ◽  
C Mühling ◽  
K Bozorgmehr
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
Structural Inequities

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a considerable threat to modern medicine and global health. Inequity, gender and social determinants of health (SDH) have a significant impact on health and health services, including in relation to AMR. Despite this, there is a lack of systematic focus on these dimensions in AMR research, policy and practice. We aimed to scope and review the existing evidence related to the equity, gender and SDH considerations for AMR globally through a systematic, iterative approach. Methods We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL for empirical research on AMR in humans, with consideration of equity, gender or SDH, published in English between January 2000 and September 2019. In a two-stage process, we analysed full texts to extract information about explicit and then implicit references to equity, gender or SDH. Results The search yielded 4628 articles after removing 578 duplicates. 737 articles were analysed with explicit reference to equity, gender or SDH in title or abstract. Preliminary results show that 93.2% of these studies mentioned gender but mostly meaning biological sex (90.8%) rather than its social construct. Articles on equity (6.0%) and SDH (1.1%) reported on associations between AMR rates and income and non-income dimensions of inequality, health system issues and disadvantaged subpopulations within countries. Other articles in this category explored public and policy discourse or approaches for AMR (0.8%) and equity issues for AMR-related R&D (0.7%). These results combined with the PROGRESS-Plus acronym informed the subsequent analysis of the 4628 articles for implicit considerations of equity, gender and SDH. Conclusions Despite casting a wide net, we found relatively little research explicitly considering equity, gender and SDH aspects of AMR especially at a systematic or structural level. This reflects an important gap in the current understanding of and efforts to tackle AMR. Key messages We conducted a scoping review on equity, gender and social determinants considerations of AMR that indicates limited research on these important aspects of the social and structural drivers of AMR. Further research on these aspects is essential to inform the design of effective policy and practice interventions that target vulnerable groups and address structural inequities.

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