Public awareness and influencing factors regarding hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Chongqing municipality and Chengdu City, China: a cross-sectional study with community residents

ObjectiveHepatitis B and hepatitis C cause a heavy disease burden in China. This paper aims to investigate the public’s knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Chongqing municipality and Chengdu City, China.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to April 2017.SettingTwo communities from Chongqing and Chengdu were involved in this study.ParticipantsData from 928 community residents were analysed.OutcomeDemographic characteristics, knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C and sources of hepatitis knowledge were obtained from questionnaires. The participants’ scores ranged from 0 to 24, and a test score about more than 14.4 (60% of the total score) was defined as sufficient knowledge.ResultsAmong the participants, only 36.10% presented sufficient knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and about 40% were unaware of the two antidiscrimination policies in China. The sources of information about hepatitis were mainly from doctors and the internet. Unmarried individuals, people with secondary education and above and those with an annual income above US$2108 tended to exhibit a higher level of knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C.ConclusionsThe community members demonstrated limited awareness and level of knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C, particularly in relation to the antidiscrimination policies. Extensive health education should be provided to the public, particularly to those with low educational status and income.

Historical Views of Homosexuality: Asia

How does Asia compare to other regions in terms of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) rights? While Asia lags behind the West on typical metrics of LGBT rights, this fails to capture the diversity of tolerance historically in the region. At the same time, conservative backlashes to LGBT policies are evident across the region, often invoking traditionalist or religious opposition, as also seen outside of the region. Moreover, much of the literature myopically focuses on one or two countries in Asia, rarely attempting to make broad comparisons across East, South, and Central Asia. Part of this is due to terminology differences, where “homosexual” is commonly used in some countries as a catch-all term for members of the LGBT community, compared to others in the region countries, especially in South Asia, with a longer history of specialized terminology for transgendered people. Yet broader comparisons in the absence of terminology differences remain rare despite growing attention to LGBT issues in public opinion polls, news, and academic work and despite the fact that the legal avenues chosen by LGBT rights proponents often mirror those chosen in the West. State policies on LGBT policies also range considerably in the region, with only Taiwan currently recognizing same-sex marriage at the national level, but with decriminalization and antidiscrimination policies at the national and local levels increasingly common. However, a commonly overlooked trend is that of harsher LGBT policies enacted by local governments. Meanwhile, despite trends in the West of growing public tolerance on LGBT issues, far less consistency emerges in Asia, further complicating state efforts. It is important to highlight Asia’s diversity in terms of rights and tolerance, but it is equally important to integrate evidence from Asia into cross-national research on LGBT issues to understand what is unique about the region and what may have been ignored in other regions.

Redistribution and Recognition in Spanish Transgender Laws

Since 2012, 16 laws granting rights to trans individuals have been passed in Spanish regions. How can we assess the quality of these laws? Do they all profoundly and positively transform trans people’s well-being? Do they tackle the economic marginalization of trans people? Do they have a symbolic impact? Using multidimensional criteria, I analyze trans-specific and LGBTI+ antidiscrimination policies to define trans-positivity in policymaking. This article uses feminist theory to judge this legislation’s value, contrasting that with the insights of activists and policymakers interviewed for this purpose. Benefiting from the discussion between Nancy Fraser (1995) and Judith Butler (1997), the quality of trans legislation can be assessed by looking at both cultural recognition and economic redistribution. In addition, following Andrea Krizsan and Emanuela Lombardo (2013), I also analyze these laws through the lens of empowerment and transformation. Having made the elusive relationship between sexuality and political economy in trans laws in Spain visible, I call for greater imagination to envisage other sorts of political actions for trans people.

Stigma and work discrimination among cancer survivors: A scoping review and recommendations

Background. Stigma and workplace discrimination can hinder employment opportunities for cancer survivors. Purpose. This study explored perceptions of stigma and workplace discrimination for cancer survivors to understand the impact on survivors’ engagement in paid work and to identify strategies to address stigma and workplace discrimination. Method. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, we searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL for evidence that intersected three concepts: cancer, stigma, and employment/workplace discrimination. Of the 1,514 articles initially identified, 39 met our inclusion criteria. Findings were charted, collated, and analyzed using content analysis. Findings. Myths regarding cancer (i.e., it is contagious, will always result in death) persist and can create misperceptions regarding survivors’ employability and lead to self-stigmatization. Workplace discrimination may include hiring discrimination, harassment, job reassignment, job loss, and limited career advancement. Strategies to mitigate stigma and workplace discrimination include education, advocacy, and antidiscrimination policies. Implications. Occupational therapists can enhance awareness of workplace concerns and advocate on behalf of cancer survivors.

"The Gender Agenda": New Strategies in Catholic Fundamentalist Framing of Non-Heterosexuality in Europe

Catholic fundamentalists attempt to mobilize a social movement against the EU's antidiscrimination policies by engaging with feminist and other scientific theories. The framing strategies they employ will be studied through narrative analysis of different Catholic fundamentalist texts. A particular focus will be placed on the public statements of Pope Benedict XVI on homosexuality and on the anti-EU narrative "The Gender Revolution" by the German writer Gabriele Kuby. It is argued that in their discourses they use a specific framing strategy, namely to present themselves and (fundamentalist) Christianity as gender experts and preservers of European democracy.