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Nesterovich Grushina D, Álvarez Moleiro M. Nursing intervention with a gender approach in patients with arterial hypertension: a scoping review. Women Health 2024; 64:626-635. [PMID: 39164794 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2024.2392134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
This scoping review aims to identify and synthesize the available literature describing the use of the gender approach in research and nursing clinical practice related to hypertension. The review was conducted following the scoping review framework recommended by Arksey and O'Malley. Elements related to content were chosen following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Data were extracted using a predesigned table and were presented narratively after the content analysis. The PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Scopus, ScienceDirect and ERIC databases were consulted between March 2022 and June 2024. Reference lists from all sources and gray literature were also reviewed to identify additional publications. A total of 18 studies were finally included in this scoping review. Most of the studies (83 percent) represent gender as a biological variable (sex), and only a few of them (22 percent) analyzed psychological or social differences. In addition, several studies include unequal representations of each sex, most of them use the terms "sex" and "gender" as incorrect or interchangeable, which makes it difficult to evaluate the results from a gender perspective. There is still a substantial gap in the literature related to nurses' intervention with a gender approach in patients with hypertension. Future studies should focus on improving health interventions by considering gender to improve equality and efficiency in health outcomes associated with hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Nesterovich Grushina
- Stress and Health Research Group, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Primary Health Care Center, Congrés, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
- Health and Sports Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Álvarez Moleiro
- Stress and Health Research Group, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Basic, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Schiebinger L. Role of Gender in Health and Disease: Methods of Reporting and Interactions with Sex and Other Factors. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2024:00004623-990000000-01170. [PMID: 39102468 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.24.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sex and gender are distinct terms that must be used correctly. Data regarding sex and gender may be collected using a 2-step method that separates biological sex and self-reported gender identity. The PhenX Toolkit, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is one tool that provides investigators with recommended standard data-collection protocols. Another tool is the Diversity Minimal Item Set questionnaire. Importantly, sex and gender interact: for example, pain has both biological aspects (sex differences in electrical, ischemic, thermal, pressure, and muscle pain sensitivity) and cultural aspects (gender factors in how people report pain and how physicians understand and treat pain in patients). Gender norms, identity, and relations all impact patient care. Gender norms, for instance, may influence how a person experiences pain, gender identity may influence a person's willingness to report pain, and gender relations may influence a physician's gendered expectations in relation to a patient's gendered behaviors. Clinicians may perceive women's pain to be psychological; as a result, women may receive more nonspecific diagnoses, wait longer for treatment, and receive more antidepressants and fewer analgesics than men. Research on gender-diverse people and pain is just now emerging. Resources for methods of reporting include The Lancet, Nature, and the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) Guidelines. We must consider all relevant factors intersecting with sex and gender, including age, disabilities, educational background, ethnicity, family configuration, geographic location, race, sexuality, social and economic status, sustainability, and more.
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Vignoli T, Staccioli MC, Salaris M, Sanchini S, Martino E, Rigoli L, Salis F, Caputo F, Fattore L, Agabio R. Needs of female outpatients with alcohol use disorder: data from an Italian study. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agae054. [PMID: 39118403 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agae054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common mental disorder characterized by sex-gender differences (SGDs). The present study was aimed at evaluating attitudes displayed by Italian AUD treatment services towards investigating the presence of SGDs in their patients and implementing gender-specific treatments for female AUD patients. METHODS Potential SGDs were initially investigated in a sample of AUD outpatients, subsequently followed by a national survey on the adoption of specific interventions for female AUD outpatients. RESULTS The presence of SGDs was confirmed in a sample of 525 (332 men; 193 women) AUD outpatients, including a higher prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders, and episodes of violence and trauma among female AUD outpatients compared to males. Despite the presence of these SGDs, only <20% of a total of 217 Italian AUD treatment services reported the implementation of specific strategies for female AUD outpatients. The majority of services (94%) reported investigating episodes of violence and/or trauma, largely resorting to specific procedures only when these issues were detected. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the presence of SGDs among AUD outpatients, including a higher prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders and episodes of violence and trauma among females compared with males. However, only a small number of services have adopted a gender medicine approach in AUD treatment. These results underline the urgency of investigating the specific needs of female, male, and non-binary AUD patients in order to personalize and enhance the effectiveness and appeal of AUD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teo Vignoli
- Rimini Addiction Unit, Addiction and Mental Health Department, Romagna Local Health Unit, Viale Luigi Settembrini 2, 47923 Rimini, Italy
| | | | - Maristella Salaris
- Rimini Addiction Unit, Addiction and Mental Health Department, Romagna Local Health Unit, Viale Luigi Settembrini 2, 47923 Rimini, Italy
| | - Samantha Sanchini
- Pesaro Addiction Unit, Addiction Department, Pesaro Urbino Local Health Unit, Via Cesare Lombroso 49, 61122 Pesaro, Italy
| | - Elisa Martino
- Ravenna Addiction Unit, Addiction and Mental Health Department, Romagna Local Health Unit, Via Alberto Missiroli 16, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Lorena Rigoli
- Cento Fiori social cooperative, Via Portogallo 10, 47922 Rimini, Italy
| | - Francesco Salis
- Department of Medical Sciences, and Public Health, University of Cagliari, SS 554, km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, SS 554, km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Fabio Caputo
- Centre for the Study and Treatment of Alcohol-Related Diseases, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, University of Ferrara, Via Vicini 2, 44042 Cento (Ferrara), Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- CNR Institute Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, SS 554, km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato (CA) Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberta Agabio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, SS 554, km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
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Salis F, Sardo S, Finco G, Gessa GL, Franconi F, Agabio R. Sex-Gender Differences Are Completely Neglected in Treatments for Neuropathic Pain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:838. [PMID: 39065689 PMCID: PMC11280170 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As sex-gender differences have been described in the responses of patients to certain medications, we hypothesized that the responses to medications recommended for neuropathic pain may differ between men and women. We conducted a literature review to identify articles reporting potential sex-gender differences in the efficacy and safety of these medications. Only a limited number of studies investigated potential sex-gender differences. Our results show that women seem to achieve higher blood concentrations than men during treatment with amitriptyline, nortriptyline, duloxetine, venlafaxine, and pregabalin. Compared to men, higher rates of women develop side effects during treatment with gabapentin, lidocaine, and tramadol. Globally, the sex-gender differences would suggest initially administering smaller doses of these medications to women with neuropathic pain compared to those administered to men. However, most of these differences have been revealed by studies focused on the treatment of other diseases (e.g., depression). Studies focused on neuropathic pain have overlooked potential sex-gender differences in patient responses to medications. Despite the fact that up to 60% of patients with neuropathic pain fail to achieve an adequate response to medications, the potential role of sex-gender differences in the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy has not adequately been investigated. Targeted studies should be implemented to facilitate personalized treatments for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Salis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neurosciences and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Salvatore Sardo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Gabriele Finco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy;
| | - Flavia Franconi
- Laboratory of Sex-Gender Medicine, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 07100 Sassari, SAR, Italy;
| | - Roberta Agabio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neurosciences and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
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Drover H, Gardiner L, Singh SJ, Evans RA, Daynes E, Orme MW. Protected characteristics reported in pulmonary rehabilitation: a scoping review. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230236. [PMID: 39009405 PMCID: PMC11262624 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0236-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An individual's characteristics are reported to influence access, completion and outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation and may contribute to health inequalities. Many countries have policies to promote equity among individuals' characteristics, including the UK Equality Act 2010 which lists nine protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation). OBJECTIVES To describe the extent to which UK Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics have been collected and reported in UK studies and audits of pulmonary rehabilitation. METHODS A scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines was conducted using five databases. UK studies and audits collecting data on pulmonary rehabilitation from 1 October 2010 (date of Equality Act 2010 inception) were eligible. The protected characteristics collected and how they were reported were extracted. RESULTS Out of 45 included studies and audits (41 studies and four audits), 98% (k=44) reported age. Sex was reported in 40% (k=18), and 20% (k=9) reported gender with only male and female categories. Half (50%, k=2) of audits reported gender with male, female and transgender categories. Race was reported through ethnicity in 2% (k=1) of studies and 75% (k=3) of audits. No studies or audits explicitly reported disability, but all reported measures indicating disease severity (e.g. forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted: 67%, k=30). No studies or audits reported marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief or sexual orientation. CONCLUSIONS Protected characteristics are not commonly reported or are inconsistently reported in UK pulmonary rehabilitation studies and audits. Without reporting these characteristics, health inequalities in pulmonary rehabilitation will remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Drover
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Lucy Gardiner
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Sally J. Singh
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Rachael A. Evans
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Enya Daynes
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- Both authors contributed equally
| | - Mark W. Orme
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- Both authors contributed equally
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Cavanaugh C, Rucci S, Vasquez-Home O. Sex/gender differences in the associations between adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence with mental disorders. Psychiatry Res 2023; 328:115456. [PMID: 37688838 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Sex and gender differences exist in mental and substance use disorders (MSUDs). Studies examining the moderating effects of sex/gender on MSUDs may help understand these differences. This national study explored whether sex/gender moderated (1) the associations between adverse childhood experience (ACEs; i.e., child abuse, child neglect, and child household dysfunction) and intimate partner violence (IPV) with MSUDs and (2) more associations with past year than lifetime MSUDs or mental (i.e., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder) than substance use disorders (i.e., alcohol use disorder and nicotine dependence). Data was used from participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Logistic regression tested the main effects of ACEs, IPV, and sex/gender on five, past-year and lifetime MSUDs along with the ACE-sex/gender and IPV-sex/gender interactions. Sex/gender moderated 60% of the ACEs-MSUD and IPV-MSUD associations and more associations with lifetime (54%) than past year MSUDs (46%) and substance use (94%) than mental disorders (38%). For nearly half of the moderated associations, ACEs and IPV were associated with greater odds of MSUDs for males. Males who experienced IPV had greater odds of lifetime mood, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders than females. This study advances sex and gender informed research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtenay Cavanaugh
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 311 North Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08108, USA.
| | - Skylar Rucci
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 311 North Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08108, USA
| | - Orgelys Vasquez-Home
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 311 North Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08108, USA
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Clark M, Cunguara B, Bialous S, Rice K, Drope J, Labonte R, Lencucha R. Foregrounding women and household dynamics to inform Article 17: a qualitative description analysis of tobacco farming households in Mozambique. Tob Control 2023:tc-2022-057881. [PMID: 37402575 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper examines the intrahousehold dynamics between women and men present in tobacco farming households in Mozambique. Attention to the experiences and realities of the smallholder farmers is crucial for understanding approaches to alternative livelihoods. Intrahousehold dynamics can provide important insights into how these households and their members view tobacco production and engage with the political economy of tobacco farming, how they make decisions, and the rationale and values behind these decisions. METHODS Data were collected through single-gender focus group discussions (n=8) with 108 participants (men=57, women=51). Analysis was informed by a qualitative description methodology. This research presents a gender-based analysis examining the perspectives, roles, decision-making processes and desires of female and male tobacco farmers in four key tobacco-growing districts in Mozambique. FINDINGS Throughout this paper, women are found to hold leverage and influence in tobacco farming households, and this leverage is in part gained via the necessity of women's unpaid labour in achieving profitability in tobacco farming. Both women and men are also found to strongly desire and pursue the well-being of the household. CONCLUSION Women hold agency within tobacco-growing households and participate in decision-making processes regarding tobacco agriculture. Women should be included in future tobacco control policies and programmes pertaining to Article 17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Clark
- Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Benedito Cunguara
- Gabinete de Desenvolvimento do Compacto II, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Stella Bialous
- School of Nursing and Center for Tobacco Control, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Rice
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Drope
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ronald Labonte
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raphael Lencucha
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Pasin C, Consiglio CR, Huisman J, de Lange AMG, Peckham H, Vallejo-Yagüe E, Abela IA, Islander U, Neuner-Jehle N, Pujantell M, Roth O, Schirmer M, Tepekule B, Zeeb M, Hachfeld A, Aebi-Popp K, Kouyos RD, Bonhoeffer S. Sex and gender in infection and immunity: addressing the bottlenecks from basic science to public health and clinical applications. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221628. [PMID: 37416827 PMCID: PMC10320357 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Although sex and gender are recognized as major determinants of health and immunity, their role is rarely considered in clinical practice and public health. We identified six bottlenecks preventing the inclusion of sex and gender considerations from basic science to clinical practice, precision medicine and public health policies. (i) A terminology-related bottleneck, linked to the definitions of sex and gender themselves, and the lack of consensus on how to evaluate gender. (ii) A data-related bottleneck, due to gaps in sex-disaggregated data, data on trans/non-binary people and gender identity. (iii) A translational bottleneck, limited by animal models and the underrepresentation of gender minorities in biomedical studies. (iv) A statistical bottleneck, with inappropriate statistical analyses and results interpretation. (v) An ethical bottleneck posed by the underrepresentation of pregnant people and gender minorities in clinical studies. (vi) A structural bottleneck, as systemic bias and discriminations affect not only academic research but also decision makers. We specify guidelines for researchers, scientific journals, funding agencies and academic institutions to address these bottlenecks. Following such guidelines will support the development of more efficient and equitable care strategies for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Pasin
- Collegium Helveticum, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Camila R. Consiglio
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana S. Huisman
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Physics of Living Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ann-Marie G. de Lange
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Hannah Peckham
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL, UCLH and GOSH, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | | | - Irene A. Abela
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrika Islander
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nadia Neuner-Jehle
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Pujantell
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olivia Roth
- Marine Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Melanie Schirmer
- Emmy Noether Group for Computational Microbiome Research, ZIEL – Institute for Food and Health, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Burcu Tepekule
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marius Zeeb
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Hachfeld
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karoline Aebi-Popp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lindenhofspital, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Bonhoeffer
- Collegium Helveticum, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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Mascaro L, Drummond SPA, Leota J, Boardman JM, Hoffman D, Rajaratnam SMW, Aidman E, Facer-Childs ER. Cognitive fitness modulates gender differences in sleep and mental health among competitive athletes under chronic stress. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1118822. [PMID: 36969596 PMCID: PMC10031072 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1118822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Mental fitness is increasingly considered a key component of an athlete’s competitive arsenal. Active domains of mental fitness include cognitive fitness, sleep, and mental health; and these domains can differ between men and women athletes. Our study investigated the associations of cognitive fitness and gender to sleep and mental health, and the interaction between cognitive fitness and gender on sleep and mental health, in competitive athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: 82 athletes competing at levels from regional/state to international (49% women, M-age = 23.3 years) completed measures of self-control, intolerance of uncertainty, and impulsivity (together representing constructs of cognitive fitness), items about sleep (total sleep time, sleep latency, and mid-sleep time on free days) and a measure of mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress).Results: Women athletes reported lower self-control, higher intolerance of uncertainty, and higher positive urgency impulsivity compared with men athletes. Women reported sleeping later, but this gender difference disappeared after controlling for cognitive fitness. Women athletes—after controlling for cognitive fitness—reported higher depression, anxiety, and stress. Across genders, higher self-control was associated with lower depression, and lower intolerance of uncertainty was associated with lower anxiety. Higher sensation seeking was associated with lower depression and stress, and higher premeditation was associated with greater total sleep time and anxiety. Higher perseverance was associated with higher depression for men—but not women—athletes.Conclusion: Women athletes in our sample reported poorer cognitive fitness and mental health compared to men athletes. Most cognitive fitness factors protected competitive athletes under chronic stress, but some exposed them to poorer mental health. Future work should examine the sources of gender differences. Our findings suggest a need to develop tailored interventions aimed at improving athlete wellbeing, with a particular focus on women athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Mascaro
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sean P. A. Drummond
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Josh Leota
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Johanna M. Boardman
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Hoffman
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- St Kilda Football Club, Australian Football League, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shantha M. W. Rajaratnam
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eugene Aidman
- Defence Science & Technology Group, Edinburgh, SA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Elise R. Facer-Childs
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- St Kilda Football Club, Australian Football League, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Elise R. Facer-Childs,
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10
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Giner-Soriano M, Prat-Vallverdú O, Ouchi D, Vilaplana-Carnerero C, Morros R. Sex and gender differences in the use of oral anticoagulants for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A population-based cohort study in primary health care in catalonia. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1110036. [PMID: 36825151 PMCID: PMC9941166 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1110036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To describe the sex and gender differences in the treatment initiation and in the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients initiating an oral anticoagulant (OAC), and the sex and gender differences in prescribed doses and adherence and persistence to the treatment of those receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). Material and methods: Cohort study including patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who initiated OAC in 2011-2020. Data proceed from SIDIAP, Information System for Research in Primary Care, in Catalonia, Spain. Results: 123,250 people initiated OAC, 46.9% women and 53.1% men. Women were older and the clinical characteristics differed between genders. Women had higher risk of stroke than men at baseline, were more frequently underdosed with DOAC and discontinued the DOAC less frequently than men. Conclusion: We described the dose adequacy of patients receiving DOAC, finding a high frequency of underdosing, and significantly higher in women in comparison with men. Adherence was generally high, only with higher levels in women for rivaroxaban. Persistence during the first year of treatment was also high in general, being significantly more persistent women than men in the case of dabigatran and edoxaban. Dose inadequacy, lack of adherence and of persistence can result in less effective and safe treatments. It is necessary to conduct studies analysing sex and gender differences in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giner-Soriano
- Fundació Institut Universitari Per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària De Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain,Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Bellaterra, Spain,*Correspondence: Maria Giner-Soriano,
| | | | - Dan Ouchi
- Fundació Institut Universitari Per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària De Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain,Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carles Vilaplana-Carnerero
- Fundació Institut Universitari Per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària De Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain,Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Bellaterra, Spain,Plataforma SCReN, UIC IDIAPJGol, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Morros
- Fundació Institut Universitari Per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària De Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain,Plataforma SCReN, UIC IDIAPJGol, Barcelona, Spain,Departament De Farmacologia, Terapèutica i Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Bellaterra, Spain,Institut Català De la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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A Narrative Review of Sex and Gender Differences in Sleep Disordered Breathing: Gaps and Opportunities. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122003. [PMID: 36556368 PMCID: PMC9786006 DOI: 10.3390/life12122003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common condition, associated with multiple comorbidities including cardiovascular and metabolic disease. It has been previously established that SDB is more prevalent in men than women, shifting the literature's focus away from the latter population. As such, underdiagnosis, and thus undertreatment, of SDB in women exists. METHODS To establish the differences in prevalence, clinical presentation, and pathophysiology of SDB between the two sexes, a narrative review of the current literature was performed. RESULTS Rates of SDB are higher among men, likely driven by differences in symptom presentation between men and women, with women presenting with more "atypical" symptoms, and lack of sensitivity in SDB screening tools to detect SDB in women. In addition to the cardiovascular risks of SDB, women with SDB may have worse quality of life, higher prevalence of insomnia, and respiratory issues. DISCUSSION More research is needed to better define the unique pathophysiology and clinical presentation of SDB in women. In addition, an increased awareness among health care providers and the lay public of the SDB-specific sex and gender differences will serve to minimize disparities in identification and treatment of SDB in women.
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12
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Moving beyond gender identity: the need for contextualization in gender-sensitive medical research. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2022; 24:100548. [PMID: 36643661 PMCID: PMC9832263 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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13
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Sodhi A, Pisani M, Glassberg MK, Bourjeily G, D'Ambrosio C. Sex and Gender in Lung Disease and Sleep Disorders: A State-of-the-Art Review. Chest 2022; 162:647-658. [PMID: 35300976 PMCID: PMC9808608 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The terms sex and gender often are used interchangeably, but have specific meaning when it comes to their effects on lung disease. Ample evidence is now available that sex and gender affect the incidence, susceptibility, presentation, diagnosis, and severity of many lung diseases. Some conditions are more prevalent in women, such as asthma. Other conditions are seen almost exclusively in women, like lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Some life stages-such as pregnancy-are unique to women and can affect the onset and course of lung disease. Clinical presentation may differ as well, such as higher number of exacerbations experienced by women with COPD and greater cardiovascular morbidity in women with sleep-disordered breathing. In addition, response to therapy and medication safety may also differ by sex, and yet, pharmacogenomic factors often are not addressed adequately in clinical trials. Various aspects of lung and sleep biology and pathobiology are impacted by female sex and female reproductive transitions. Differential gene expression or organ development can be impacted by these biological differences. Understanding these differences is the first step in moving toward precision medicine for women. This article is a state-of-the-art review of specific effects of sex and gender focused on epidemiology, disease presentation, risk factors, and management of lung diseases. Pathobiological mechanisms explaining sex differences in these diseases are beyond the scope of this article. We review the literature and focus on recent guidelines about using sex and gender in research. We also review sex and gender differences in lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amik Sodhi
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Margaret Pisani
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Marilyn K Glassberg
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AR
| | - Ghada Bourjeily
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Carolyn D'Ambrosio
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
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14
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Kling JM, Sleeper R, Chin EL, Rojek MK, McGregor AJ, Richards L, Mitchell AB, Stasiuk C, Templeton K, Prasad J, Pfister S, Newman CB. Sex and Gender Health Educational Tenets: A Report from the 2020 Sex and Gender Health Education Summit. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:905-910. [PMID: 35849755 PMCID: PMC9483836 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sex as a biological variable and gender as a sociocultural variable influence many health conditions and outcomes. However, they have not been incorporated systematically into education across health professions. Methods: Areas of knowledge and abilities that apply to sex and gender education across health professions were summarized from the 2015 and 2018 Sex and Gender Health Education Summits. Results: Using this summary, draft tenets were developed by facilitated interprofessional discussion groups at the 2020 Summit, and then reviewed, edited, and refined by a writing group who recommended four tenets that health care professionals should be able to do: (1) demonstrate knowledge of sex and gender specific health (SGSH), (2) evaluate literature and the conduct of research for incorporation of sex and gender, (3) incorporate sex and gender considerations into clinical decision making, and (4) demonstrate patient advocacy with respect to sex and gender. Conclusion: These tenets provide the framework for collaborative interprofessional education about SGSH. Individual professions can also use the tenets to develop practice-specific competencies, competency statements, and/or assessment benchmarks within the structures of their respective accrediting bodies to advance the health of women, men, and sex and gender minority persons. Interprofessional collaborations are key for sharing best practices in development, curricular integration, and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Kling
- Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, USA
| | - Rebecca Sleeper
- Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Eliza Lo Chin
- American Medical Women's Association, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
| | - Mary K Rojek
- American Medical Women's Association, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
| | - Alyson J McGregor
- Division of Sex and Gender, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lorie Richards
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Ann Bradley Mitchell
- Thomas Jefferson University-College of Nursing, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina Stasiuk
- Cigna, Senior Medical Director, Clinical Performance and Quality, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimberly Templeton
- American Medical Women's Association, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA.,Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Joanne Prasad
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sandra Pfister
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Kern Institute for the Transformation of Medical Education, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Connie B Newman
- American Medical Women's Association, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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15
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Colineaux H, Soulier A, Lepage B, Kelly-Irving M. Considering sex and gender in Epidemiology: a challenge beyond terminology. From conceptual analysis to methodological strategies. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:23. [PMID: 35550193 PMCID: PMC9103114 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiologists need tools to measure effects of gender, a complex concept originating in the social sciences which is not easily operationalized in the discipline. Our aim is to clarify useful concepts, measures, paths, effects, and analytical strategies to explore mechanisms of health difference between men and women. Methods We reviewed concepts to clarify their definitions and limitations for their translation into usable measures in Epidemiology. Then we conducted methodological research using a causal framework to propose methodologically appropriate strategies for measuring sex and gender effects in health. Results (1) Concepts and measures. We define gender as a set of norms prescribed to individuals according to their attributed-at-birth sex. Gender pressure creates a systemic gap, at population level, in behaviors, activities, experiences, etc., between men and women. A pragmatic individual measure of gender would correspond to the level at which an individual complies with a set of elements constituting femininity or masculinity in a given population, place and time. (2) Main analytical strategy. Defining and measuring gender are not sufficient to distinguish the effects of sex and gender on a health outcome. We should also think in terms of mechanisms, i.e., how the variables are linked together, to define appropriate analytical strategies. A causal framework can help us to conceptualize “sex” as a “parent” of a gender or gendered variable. This implies that we cannot interpret sex effects as sexed mechanisms, and that we can explore gendered mechanisms of sex-differences by mediation analyses. (3) Alternative strategy. Gender could also be directly examined as a mechanism, rather than through a variable representing its realization in the individual, by approaching it as an interaction between sex and social environment. Conclusions Both analytical strategies have limitations relative to the impossibility of reducing a complex concept to a single or a few measures, and of capturing the entire effect of the phenomenon of gender. However, these strategies could lead to more accurate analyses of the mechanisms underlying health differences between men and women. A pragmatic individual measure of individual gender would correspond to the level at which an individual complies with a set of elements constituting femininity or masculinity in a given population, place and time Comparing outcomes by sex and gender is not sufficient, and even misleading, to understand the mechanisms underlying biological and health differences between men and women Causal analysis framework is a powerful tool for refining hypotheses and identifying the effects that can and should be estimated to meet the objectives Gender could also be measured at the populational-level as an interaction between sex and environment, which would be more compatible with the sociological concept of gender
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Colineaux
- EQUITY Team,, CERPOP, INSERM, Batiment E, 1er Etage, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31062, Toulouse, France.
| | | | - Benoit Lepage
- EQUITY Team,, CERPOP, INSERM, Batiment E, 1er Etage, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31062, Toulouse, France.,Epidemiology Department, CHU Toulouse, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31062, Toulouse, France.,Biostatistic Department, Toulouse III University, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Michelle Kelly-Irving
- EQUITY Team,, CERPOP, INSERM, Batiment E, 1er Etage, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31062, Toulouse, France
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16
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Hall M, Krishnanandan VA, Cheung MC, Coburn NG, Haas B, Chan KKW, Raphael MJ. An Evaluation of Sex- and Gender-Based Analyses in Oncology Clinical Trials. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:1186-1191. [PMID: 35477781 PMCID: PMC9360459 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate whether sex- and gender-based analyses and proper sex- and gender-terminology were used in oncology trials leading to regulatory drug approval. METHODS The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Hematology/Oncology Approvals and Safety Notifications page was used to identify all anti-cancer therapies that received FDA approval between 2012 and 2019. The trials used to support FDA-drug approval were collected along with all available supplemental tables and study protocols. Documents were reviewed to determine if there was a plan to analyze results according to sex and gender and to determine if consistent sex and gender terminology were used. RESULTS 128 randomized-controlled trials were identified corresponding to a cancer medicine which received FDA-approval. No study specified how sex and gender were collected or analyzed. No study reported any information on the gender of participants. Sex and gender terminology was used inconsistently at least once in 76% (97/128) of studies. Among the 102 trials for non-sex-specific cancer sites, 89% (91/102) presented disaggregated survival outcome data by sex. No study presented disaggregated toxicity data by sex or gender. CONCLUSION The majority of pivotal clinical trials in oncology fail to account for the important distinction between sex and gender and conflate sex and gender terminology. More rigor in designing clinical trials to include sex and gender based analyses and more care in using sex and gender terms in the cancer literature is needed. These efforts are essential to improve the reproducibility, generalizability, and inclusiveness of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Hall
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vaishali A Krishnanandan
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew C Cheung
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie G Coburn
- Department of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barbara Haas
- Department of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelvin K W Chan
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Centre of Applied Research in Cancer Control, Canada
| | - Michael J Raphael
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Lau ES, Binek A, Parker SJ, Shah SH, Zanni MV, Van Eyk JE, Ho JE. Sexual Dimorphism in Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Clinical and Research Implications. Circ Res 2022; 130:578-592. [PMID: 35175850 PMCID: PMC8883873 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sex-based differences in cardiovascular disease presentation, diagnosis, and response to therapies are well established, but mechanistic understanding and translation to clinical applications are limited. Blood-based biomarkers have become an important tool for interrogating biologic pathways. Understanding sexual dimorphism in the relationship between biomarkers and cardiovascular disease will enhance our insights into cardiovascular disease pathogenesis in women, with potential to translate to improved individualized care for men and women with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. In this review, we examine how biologic sex associates with differential levels of blood-based biomarkers and influences the effect of biomarkers on disease outcomes. We further summarize key differences in blood-based cardiovascular biomarkers along central biologic pathways, including myocardial stretch/injury, inflammation, adipose tissue metabolism, and fibrosis pathways in men versus women. Finally, we present recommendations for leveraging our current knowledge of sex differences in blood-based biomarkers for future research and clinical innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S. Lau
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aleksandra Binek
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sarah J. Parker
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Svati H. Shah
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Markella V. Zanni
- Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer E Van Eyk
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Ho
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Ash T Zemenick
- University of California Berkeley's Sagehen Creek Field Station, Truckee, California, United States
| | - Shaun Turney
- university-educated parents, currently on paternity leave from his work as a non-tenure-track course lecturer, biology
| | - Alex J Webster
- University of New Mexico's Department of Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
| | | | - Marjorie G Weber
- Michigan State University's Plant Biology Department and Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
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19
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Gogovor A, Zomahoun HTV, Ekanmian G, Adisso ÉL, Deom Tardif A, Khadhraoui L, Rheault N, Moher D, Légaré F. Sex and gender considerations in reporting guidelines for health research: a systematic review. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:62. [PMID: 34801060 PMCID: PMC8605583 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite growing recognition of the importance of sex and gender considerations in health research, they are rarely integrated into research design and reporting. We sought to assess the integration of sex, as a biological attribute, and gender, as a socially constructed identity, in published reporting guidelines. Methods We conducted a systematic review of published reporting guidelines listed on the EQUATOR website (www.equator-nework.org) from inception until December 2018. We selected all reporting guidelines (original and extensions) listed in the EQUATOR library. We used EndNote Citation Software to build a database of the statements of each guideline identified as a "full bibliographic reference" and retrieved the full texts. Reviewers independently extracted the data on use of sex and gender terms from the checklist/abstract/main text of guidelines. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis. Results A total of 407 reporting guidelines were included; they were published between 1995 and 2018. Of the 407 guidelines, 235 (57.7%) mentioned at least one of the sex- and gender-related words. In the checklist of the reporting guidelines (n = 363), “sex” and “gender” were mentioned in 50 (13.8%) and 40 (11%), respectively. Only one reporting guideline met our criteria (nonbinary, appropriate categorization, and non-interchangeability) for correct use of sex and gender concepts. Trends in the use of "sex" and "gender" in the checklists showed that the use of “sex” only started in 2003, while “gender” has been in use since 1996. Conclusions We assessed the integration of sex and gender in reporting guidelines based on the use of sex- and gender-related words. Our findings showed a low use and integration of sex and gender concepts and their incorrect use. Authors of reporting guidelines should reduce this gap for a better use of research knowledge. Trial registration PROSPERO no. CRD42019136491. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13293-021-00404-0. Omission of sex and gender considerations is a recurring deficiency in research design and reporting Integration of sex and gender considerations in health research reporting guidelines is very low Three criteria were used to assess correct use of sex and gender concepts Only one reporting guideline met the three criteria A call to action is made to address these deficiencies
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Affiliation(s)
- Amédé Gogovor
- Quebec SPOR-SUPPORT Unit, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,VITAM-Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Pavillon Landry-Poulin, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J 0A4, Canada
| | - Hervé Tchala Vignon Zomahoun
- Quebec SPOR-SUPPORT Unit, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,VITAM-Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Pavillon Landry-Poulin, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J 0A4, Canada
| | - Giraud Ekanmian
- Quebec SPOR-SUPPORT Unit, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,VITAM-Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Pavillon Landry-Poulin, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J 0A4, Canada
| | - Évèhouénou Lionel Adisso
- Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,VITAM-Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Pavillon Landry-Poulin, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J 0A4, Canada
| | - Alèxe Deom Tardif
- Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,VITAM-Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Pavillon Landry-Poulin, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J 0A4, Canada
| | - Lobna Khadhraoui
- Quebec SPOR-SUPPORT Unit, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,VITAM-Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Pavillon Landry-Poulin, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J 0A4, Canada
| | - Nathalie Rheault
- Quebec SPOR-SUPPORT Unit, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,VITAM-Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Pavillon Landry-Poulin, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J 0A4, Canada
| | - David Moher
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus, Centre for Practice Changing Research Building, 501 Smyth Road, PO Box 201B, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - France Légaré
- Quebec SPOR-SUPPORT Unit, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Shared Decision Making and Knowledge Translation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,VITAM-Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Pavillon Landry-Poulin, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J 0A4, Canada.
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20
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Campesi I, Montella A, Seghieri G, Franconi F. The Person's Care Requires a Sex and Gender Approach. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4770. [PMID: 34682891 PMCID: PMC8541070 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to optimize pharmacology therapy with a consideration of high interindividual variability and economic costs. A sex-gender approach (which considers men, women, and people of diverse gender identities) and the assessment of differences in sex and gender promote global health, avoiding systematic errors that generate results with low validity. Care for people should consider the single individual and his or her past and present life experiences, as well as his or her relationship with care providers. Therefore, intersectoral and interdisciplinary studies are urgently required. It is desirable to create teams made up of men and women to meet the needs of both. Finally, it is also necessary to build an alliance among regulatory and ethic authorities, statistics, informatics, the healthcare system and providers, researchers, the pharmaceutical and diagnostic industries, decision makers, and patients to overcome the gender gap in medicine and to take real care of a person in an appropriate manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Campesi
- Laboratory of Sex-Gender Medicine, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Andrea Montella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Seghieri
- Department of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, 50124 Florence, Italy;
| | - Flavia Franconi
- Laboratory of Sex-Gender Medicine, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
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21
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Antonio M, Lau F, Davison K, Devor A, Queen R, Courtney K. Toward an inclusive digital health system for sexual and gender minorities in Canada. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 29:379-384. [PMID: 34605910 PMCID: PMC8757318 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most digital health systems (DHS) are unable to capture gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) data beyond a single binary attribute with female and male options. This binary system discourages access to preventative screening and gender-affirming care for sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. We conducted this 1-year multi-method project and cocreated an action plan to modernize GSSO information practices in Canadian DHS. The proposed actions are to: (1) Envisage an equity- and SGM-oriented health system; (2) Engage communities and organizations to modernize GSSO information practices in DHS; (3) Establish an inclusive GSSO terminology; (4) Enable DHS to collect, use, exchange, and reuse standardized GSSO data; (5) Integrate GSSO data collection and use within organizations; (6) Educate staff to provide culturally competent care and inform patients on the need for GSSO data; and (7) Establish a central hub to coordinate efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcy Antonio
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
- Corresponding Author: Marcy Antonio, MPH, BSc, School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada ()
| | - Francis Lau
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Kelly Davison
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Aaron Devor
- Chair in Transgender Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Roz Queen
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Karen Courtney
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
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22
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Dessie A, Alvarez A, Lewiss RE. Standardizing terminology in academic medical journals: understanding sex and gender. Eur J Emerg Med 2021; 28:331-332. [PMID: 34433787 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Almaz Dessie
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Al'ai Alvarez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Resa E Lewiss
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Abstract
Disparities in health care have risen to the forefront of medicine in the past several years. One of the most notable disparities in the research and delivery of health care relates to sex and gender. Sex and gender affect the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and outcomes of disease and social determinants of health and access to medical care. This article discusses some of the history of considering sex as a biologic variable in medical research and clinical care. It also clarifies the definitions and terminology necessary for understanding the biologic and social underpinnings of sex and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Kay
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208057, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Margaret A Pisani
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208057, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
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24
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Campesi I, Racagni G, Franconi F. Just a Reflection: Does Drug Repurposing Perpetuate Sex-Gender Bias in the Safety Profile? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:730. [PMID: 34451827 PMCID: PMC8402096 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines constitute a strategy to reduce the burden of COVID-19, but the treatment of COVID-19 is still a challenge. The lack of approved drugs for severe COVID-19 makes repurposing or repositioning of approved drugs a relevant approach because it occurs at lower costs and in a shorter time. Most preclinical and clinical tests, including safety and pharmacokinetic profiles, were already performed. However, infective and inflammatory diseases such as COVID-19 are linked with hypoalbuminemia and downregulation of both phase I and phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters, which can occur in modifications of pharmacokinetics and consequentially of safety profiles. This appears to occur in a sex- and gender-specific way because of the sex and gender differences present in the immune system and inflammation, which, in turn, reflect on pharmacokinetic parameters. Therefore, to make better decisions about drug dosage regimens and to increases the safety profile in patients suffering from infective and inflammatory diseases such as COVID-19, it is urgently needed to study repurposing or repositioning drugs in men and in women paying attention to pharmacokinetics, especially for those drugs that are previously scarcely evaluated in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Campesi
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- National Laboratory of Pharmacology and Gender Medicine, National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystem, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Racagni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Flavia Franconi
- National Laboratory of Pharmacology and Gender Medicine, National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystem, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
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25
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Zou J, Schiebinger L. Ensuring that biomedical AI benefits diverse populations. EBioMedicine 2021; 67:103358. [PMID: 33962897 PMCID: PMC8176083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can potentially impact many aspects of human health, from basic research discovery to individual health assessment. It is critical that these advances in technology broadly benefit diverse populations from around the world. This can be challenging because AI algorithms are often developed on non-representative samples and evaluated based on narrow metrics. Here we outline key challenges to biomedical AI in outcome design, data collection and technology evaluation, and use examples from precision health to illustrate how bias and health disparity may arise in each stage. We then suggest both short term approaches-more diverse data collection and AI monitoring-and longer term structural changes in funding, publications, and education to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Zou
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, United States
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26
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Lau ES, McNeill JN, Paniagua SM, Liu EE, Wang JK, Bassett IV, Selvaggi CA, Lubitz SA, Foulkes AS, Ho JE. Sex differences in inflammatory markers in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection: Insights from the MGH COVID-19 patient registry. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250774. [PMID: 33909684 PMCID: PMC8081177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men are at higher risk for serious complications related to COVID-19 infection than women. More robust immune activation in women has been proposed to contribute to decreased disease severity, although systemic inflammation has been associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 infection. Whether systemic inflammation contributes to sex differences in COVID-19 infection is not known. Study design and methods We examined sex differences in inflammatory markers among 453 men (mean age 61) and 328 women (mean age 62) hospitalized with COVID-19 infection at the Massachusetts General Hospital from March 8 to April 27, 2020. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association of sex with initial and peak inflammatory markers. Exploratory analyses examined the association of sex and inflammatory markers with 28-day clinical outcomes using multivariable logistic regression. Results Initial and peak CRP were higher in men compared with women after adjustment for baseline differences (initial CRP: ß 0.29, SE 0.07, p = 0.0001; peak CRP: ß 0.31, SE 0.07, p<0.0001) with similar findings for IL-6, PCT, and ferritin (p<0.05 for all). Men had greater than 1.5-greater odds of dying compared with women (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04–2.80, p = 0.03). Sex modified the association of peak CRP with both death and ICU admission, with stronger associations observed in men compared with women (death: OR 9.19, 95% CI 4.29–19.7, p <0.0001 in men vs OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.52–5.18, p = 0.009 in women, Pinteraction = 0.02). Conclusions In a sample of 781 men and women hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, men exhibited more robust inflammatory activation as evidenced by higher initial and peak inflammatory markers, as well as worse clinical outcomes. Better understanding of sex differences in immune responses to COVID-19 infection may shed light on the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S. Lau
- From the Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jenna N. McNeill
- From the Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Samantha M. Paniagua
- From the Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth E. Liu
- From the Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jessica K. Wang
- From the Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Division Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Caitlin A. Selvaggi
- Biostatistics Center of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Steven A. Lubitz
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Andrea S. Foulkes
- Biostatistics Center of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer E. Ho
- From the Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Lau F, Antonio M, Davison K, Queen R, Devor A. A rapid review of gender, sex, and sexual orientation documentation in electronic health records. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 27:1774-1783. [PMID: 32935124 PMCID: PMC7671624 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The lack of precise and inclusive gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) data in electronic health records (EHRs) is perpetuating inequities of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). We conducted a rapid review on how GSSO documentation in EHRs should be modernized to improve the health of SGM. Materials and Methods We searched MEDLINE from 2015 to 2020 with terms for gender, sex, sexual orientation, and electronic health/medical records. Only literature reviews, primary studies, and commentaries from peer-reviewed journals in English were included. Two researchers screened citations and reviewed articles with help from a third to reach consensus. Covidence, Excel, and Atlas-TI were used to track articles, extract data, and synthesize findings, respectively. Results Thirty-five articles were included. The 5 themes to modernize GSSO documentation in EHRs were (1) creating an inclusive, culturally competent environment with precise terminology and standardized data collection; (2) refining guidelines for identifying and matching SGM patients with their care needs; (3) improving patient-provider relationships by addressing patient rights and provider competencies; (4) recognizing techno-socio-organizational aspects when implementing GSSO in EHRs; and (5) addressing invisibility of SGM by expanding GSSO research. Conclusions The literature on GSSO documentation in EHRs is expanding. While this trend is encouraging, there are still knowledge gaps and practical challenges to enabling meaningful changes, such as organizational commitments to ensure affirming environments, and coordinated efforts to address technical, organizational, and social aspects of modernizing GSSO documentation. The adoption of an inclusive EHR to meet SGM needs is a journey that will evolve over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Lau
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Marcy Antonio
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Kelly Davison
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Roz Queen
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Aaron Devor
- Department of Sociology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
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28
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Mohr V, Kleinherenbrink A, Varis P. "You Can't Ignore a Number This Big": Gender, Risk, and Responsibility in Online Advocacy for Women's Brain Health. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:677-690. [PMID: 33371785 PMCID: PMC7883008 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320981893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease affects more women than men and has therefore been highlighted as a women's issue. However, there is much debate regarding the nature of this gap, with some studies pointing to sex/gender differences in longevity to explain the disparity. Against this background of empirical uncertainty, we ask how online women's brain health campaigns position women as specifically at risk of developing the disease. Using a multimodal approach, we examine how these platforms relate womanhood to risk, prevention, and responsibility. Four main themes emerged: risk quantification, risk management, risk dispersion, and the gendering of risk. We confirm previous studies that identified a dual discourse in which Alzheimer's is represented as both a catastrophic threat and as a fate that individuals can and must prevent. We find that both constructions are intensified on women-oriented platforms compared with nonspecific websites. Ethical implications of the individualization and gendering of risk and responsibility are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piia Varis
- Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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29
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Abstract
Background In this paper, we argue for Gender as a Sociocultural Variable (GASV) as a complement to Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV). Sex (biology) and gender (sociocultural behaviors and attitudes) interact to influence health and disease processes across the lifespan—which is currently playing out in the COVID-19 pandemic. This study develops a gender assessment tool—the Stanford Gender-Related Variables for Health Research—for use in clinical and population research, including large-scale health surveys involving diverse Western populations. While analyzing sex as a biological variable is widely mandated, gender as a sociocultural variable is not, largely because the field lacks quantitative tools for analyzing the influence of gender on health outcomes. Methods We conducted a comprehensive review of English-language measures of gender from 1975 to 2015 to identify variables across three domains: gender norms, gender-related traits, and gender relations. This yielded 11 variables tested with 44 items in three US cross-sectional survey populations: two internet-based (N = 2051; N = 2135) and a patient-research registry (N = 489), conducted between May 2017 and January 2018. Results Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses reduced 11 constructs to 7 gender-related variables: caregiver strain, work strain, independence, risk-taking, emotional intelligence, social support, and discrimination. Regression analyses, adjusted for age, ethnicity, income, education, sex assigned at birth, and self-reported gender identity, identified associations between these gender-related variables and self-rated general health, physical and mental health, and health-risk behaviors. Conclusion Our new instrument represents an important step toward developing more comprehensive and precise survey-based measures of gender in relation to health. Our questionnaire is designed to shed light on how specific gender-related behaviors and attitudes contribute to health and disease processes, irrespective of—or in addition to—biological sex and self-reported gender identity. Use of these gender-related variables in experimental studies, such as clinical trials, may also help us understand if gender factors play an important role as treatment-effect modifiers and would thus need to be further considered in treatment decision-making. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13293-021-00366-3.
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30
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Lau F, Antonio M, Davison K, Queen R, Bryski K. An Environmental Scan of Sex and Gender in Electronic Health Records: Analysis of Public Information Sources. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e20050. [PMID: 33174858 PMCID: PMC7688387 DOI: 10.2196/20050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Historically, the terms sex and gender have been used interchangeably as a binary attribute to describe a person as male or female, even though there is growing recognition that sex and gender are distinct concepts. The lack of sex and gender delineation in electronic health records (EHRs) may be perpetuating the inequities experienced by the transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) populations. Objective This study aims to conduct an environmental scan to understand how sex and gender are defined and implemented in existing Canadian EHRs and current international health information standards. Methods We examined public information sources on sex and gender definitions in existing Canadian EHRs and international standards communities. Definitions refer to data element names, code systems, and value sets in the descriptions of EHRs and standards. The study was built on an earlier environment scan by Canada Health Infoway, supplemented with sex and gender definitions from international standards communities. For the analysis, we examined the definitions for clarity, consistency, and accuracy. We also received feedback from a virtual community interested in sex-gender EHR issues. Results The information sources consisted of public website descriptions of 52 databases and 55 data standards from 12 Canadian entities and 10 standards communities. There are variations in the definition and implementation of sex and gender in Canadian EHRs and international health information standards. There is a lack of clarity in some sex and gender concepts. There is inconsistency in the data element names, code systems, and value sets used to represent sex and gender concepts across EHRs. The appropriateness and adequacy of some value options are questioned as our societal understanding of sexual health evolves. Outdated value options raise concerns about current EHRs supporting the provision of culturally competent, safe, and affirmative health care. The limited options also perpetuate the inequities faced by the TGNB populations. The expanded sex and gender definitions from leading Canadian organizations and international standards communities have brought challenges in how to migrate these definitions into existing EHRs. We proposed 6 high-level actions, which are to articulate the need for this work, reach consensus on sex and gender concepts, reach consensus on expanded sex and gender definitions in EHRs, develop a coordinated action plan, embrace EHR change from socio-organizational and technical aspects to ensure success, and demonstrate the benefits in tangible terms. Conclusions There are variations in sex and gender concepts across Canadian EHRs and the health information standards that support them. Although there are efforts to modernize sex and gender concept definitions, we need decisive and coordinated actions to ensure clarity, consistency, and competency in the definition and implementation of sex and gender concepts in EHRs. This work has implications for addressing the inequities of TGNB populations in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Lau
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marcy Antonio
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kelly Davison
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Roz Queen
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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31
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Kronk CA, Dexheimer JW. Development of the Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation ontology: Evaluation and workflow. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2020; 27:1110-1115. [PMID: 32548638 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study sought to create an integrated vocabulary system that addresses the lack of standardized health terminology in gender and sexual orientation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated computational efficiency, coverage, query-based term tagging, randomly selected term tagging, and mappings to existing terminology systems (including ICD (International Classification of Diseases), DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ), SNOMED (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine), MeSH (Medical Subject Headings), and National Cancer Institute Thesaurus). RESULTS We published version 2 of the Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation (GSSO) ontology with over 10 000 entries with definitions, a readable hierarchy system, and over 14 000 database mappings. Over 70% of terms had no mapping in any other available ontology. DISCUSSION We created the GSSO and made it publicly available on the National Center for Biomedical Ontology BioPortal and on GitHub. It includes clarifications on over 200 slang terms, 190 pronouns with linked example usages, and over 200 nonbinary and culturally specific gender identities. CONCLUSIONS Gender and sexual orientation continue to represent crucial areas of medical practice and research with evolving terminology. The GSSO helps address this gap by providing a centralized data resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clair A Kronk
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Judith W Dexheimer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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32
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Koerte IK, Schultz V, Sydnor VJ, Howell DR, Guenette JP, Dennis E, Kochsiek J, Kaufmann D, Sollmann N, Mondello S, Shenton ME, Lin AP. Sex-Related Differences in the Effects of Sports-Related Concussion: A Review. J Neuroimaging 2020; 30:387-409. [PMID: 32533752 PMCID: PMC8221087 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sports-related concussion is a serious health challenge, and females are at higher risk of sustaining a sports-related concussion compared to males. Although there are many studies that investigate outcomes following concussion, females remain an understudied population, despite representing a large proportion of the organized sports community. In this review, we provide a summary of studies that investigate sex-related differences in outcome following sports-related concussion. Moreover, we provide an introduction to the methods used to study sex-related differences after sports-related concussion, including common clinical and cognitive measures, neuroimaging techniques, as well as biomarkers. A literature search inclusive of articles published to March 2020 was performed using PubMed. The studies were reviewed and discussed with regard to the methods used. Findings from these studies remain mixed with regard to the effect of sex on clinical symptoms, concussion-related alterations in brain structure and function, and recovery trajectories. Nonetheless, there is initial evidence to suggest that sex-related differences following concussion are important to consider in efforts to develop objective biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of concussion. Additional studies on this topic are, however, clearly needed to improve our understanding of sex-related differences following concussion, as well as to understand their neurobiological underpinnings. Such studies will help pave the way toward more personalized clinical management and treatment of sports-related concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga K Koerte
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Vivian Schultz
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Valerie J Sydnor
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David R Howell
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO.,Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Jeffrey P Guenette
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Emily Dennis
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Janna Kochsiek
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - David Kaufmann
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Radiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nico Sollmann
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Martha E Shenton
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | - Alexander P Lin
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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33
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Cavanagh A. When i say … gender. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2019; 53:1176-1177. [PMID: 31667863 DOI: 10.1111/medu.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cavanagh
- Health Policy PhD Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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34
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Heraty E, Griffin BL, Vest KM. Faculty insights regarding incorporation of gender- and sex-related differences in the PharmD curriculum: Phase 2. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2019; 11:1167-1171. [PMID: 31783964 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While pharmacists should be aware of gender and sex-related differences in treatment related decisions, this is not a required doctor of pharmacy curricular component. A regional pilot study demonstrated that approximately half of pharmacy practice faculty discussed these differences in their content area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of inclusion of gender and sex-related differences on a national level in doctor of pharmacy curricula and to determine if faculty are comfortable teaching the topic. METHODS An electronic message with a link to an online survey was distributed to 7250 faculty members at 139 colleges of pharmacy. The survey remained open for three weeks and potential participants received weekly email reminders. The survey was voluntary, and responses were de-identified. RESULTS Overall, 641 faculty participated in the survey (8.8% response rate). Most respondents indicated that they do not teach about gender or sex-related differences (54.9%). Of those faculty reporting teaching gender and/or sex-related differences, 28% indicated that it was addressed in one clinical topic, while some (7.7%) indicated that the content was included in up to five topics. Half of faculty (53.6%) indicated that they believe this topic is somewhat important. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest that gender and sex-related differences are not adequately addressed in current pharmacy curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Heraty
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, United States.
| | - Brooke L Griffin
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, United States.
| | - Kathleen M Vest
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, United States.
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35
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Westrop SC, Melville CA, Muirhead F, McGarty AM. Gender differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2019; 32:1359-1374. [PMID: 31373127 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults with intellectual disabilities are reported to be highly inactive, with research required to understand contributory factors. This systematic review aimed to investigate gender differences in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in adults with intellectual disabilities. METHODS This systematic review was reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases were searched up to, and including, January 2018. Screening identified papers that assessed gender-specific PA and/or SB outcomes in adults with intellectual disabilities. Data were synthesized using a narrative synthesis and random effects model meta-analyses. RESULTS Twenty-six papers were included; 25 measured PA, and eight assessed SB. Women with intellectual disabilities were least active with a significant overall effect of gender identified. For SB, no consistent gender differences were found. CONCLUSIONS Reflecting the general population, men with intellectual disabilities were most active. Intellectual disability research should consider the role of gender to inform future interventions targeting inactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Westrop
- College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig A Melville
- College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fiona Muirhead
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Arlene M McGarty
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Werbinski JL, Rojek MK, Cabral MDI. The Need to Integrate Sex and Gender Differences into Pediatric Pedagogy. Adv Pediatr 2019; 66:15-35. [PMID: 31230691 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janice L Werbinski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-1284, USA.
| | - Mary K Rojek
- Sex and Gender Health Collaborative, American Medical Women's Association, 1100 Woodfield Rd. #350, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA
| | - Maria Demma I Cabral
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-1284, USA
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37
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Day S, Wu W, Mason R, Rochon PA. Measuring the data gap: inclusion of sex and gender reporting in diabetes research. Res Integr Peer Rev 2019; 4:9. [PMID: 31080635 PMCID: PMC6503434 DOI: 10.1186/s41073-019-0068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Important sex and gender differences have been found in research on diabetes complications and treatment. Reporting on whether and how sex and gender impact research findings is crucial for developing tailored diabetes care strategies. To analyze the extent to which this information is available in current diabetes research, we examined original investigations on diabetes for the integration of sex and gender in study reporting. Methods We examined original investigations on diabetes published between January 1 and December 31, 2015, in the top five general medicine journals and top five diabetes-specific journals (by 2015 impact factor). Data were extracted on sex and gender integration across seven article sections: title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and limitations. Results We identified 155 original investigations on diabetes, including 115 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 40 observational studies. Sex and gender were rarely incorporated in article titles, abstracts and introductions. Most methods sections did not describe plans for sex/gender analyses; 47 (30.3%) articles described plans to control for sex/gender in the analysis and 12 (7.7%) described plans to stratify results by sex/gender. While most articles (151, 97.4%) reported the sex/gender of study participants, only 10 (6.5%) of all articles reported all study outcomes separately by sex/gender. Discussion of sex-related issues was incorporated into 21 (13.5%) original investigations; however, just 1 (0.6%) discussed gender-related issues. Comparison by journal type (general medicine vs. diabetes specific) yielded only minor differences from the overall integration results. In contrast, RCTs performed more poorly on multiple sex/gender assessment metrics compared to observational studies. Conclusions Sex and gender are poorly integrated in current diabetes original investigations, suggesting that substantial improvements in sex and gender data reporting are needed to inform the evidence to support sex- and gender-specific diabetes care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Day
- 1Women's Xchange, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2 Canada.,2Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 130 Mason Farm Road, 2nd Floor, Campus Box #7030, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030 USA
| | - Wei Wu
- 3Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2 Canada
| | - Robin Mason
- 1Women's Xchange, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2 Canada.,3Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2 Canada.,4Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7 Canada
| | - Paula A Rochon
- 1Women's Xchange, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2 Canada.,3Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2 Canada.,5Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8 Canada
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Peters SAE, Norton R. Sex and gender reporting in global health: new editorial policies. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e001038. [PMID: 30105095 PMCID: PMC6074620 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne A E Peters
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robyn Norton
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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