A multiplicative effect of Education and Wealth associated with HIV-related knowledge and attitudes among Ghanaian women

Empowerment and utilization of HIV testing among partnered women in Zambia: Evidence from the Zambia demographic and health survey 2018

In Zambia, women are disproportionally more affected by HIV compared to men. This has mainly been attributed to harmful gender norms that enhance male dominance and disempower women, preventing them from exercising their right to negotiate for safe sex and utilizing HIV prevention services such as HIV testing. This study examined associations between empowerment and HIV testing among married and partnered women. We analyzed secondary data from the couple's recode of the 2018 Zambia demographic and health survey. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. We included a total of 5,328 married and partnered women in the analysis, of which 5057 (94.9%) had undergone an HIV test before. After adjusting for confounders, decision-making was the only independent predictor of HIV testing among measures of empowerment. Women who were highly empowered in decision-making were more likely to have undergone an HIV test compared to those who were less empowered (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5, 2.9). Women aged 20-29 years (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.6, 3.6), 30-39 years (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 3.4, 8.2), or 40-49 years (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.7), those with primary education (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.4) or secondary and higher (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.3, 7.2), rich women (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.7) or women with middle wealth (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.2) and those who gave birth in the last 5 years (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 2.5, 4.5) were more likely to have been tested for HIV. This study highlights the critical influence of women's empowerment in decision-making on HIV testing. Additionally, level of education, wealth, age, and having given birth before are essential factors to consider in promoting HIV testing among women in Zambia.

Exploring socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and cardiometabolic disease outcomes in the United States: insights from a population-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cardiometabolic diseases are a major global health concern. This study aims to identify areas for targeted interventions and investigate the impact of socioeconomic status and lifestyle as a potential mediator in the context of the US.

METHODS

Our study analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 5, a nationwide survey by the National Cancer Institute. Using standardized scales and questions, we examined cardiometabolic disease outcomes, lifestyle factors, and socioeconomic status of non-institutionalized civilians aged 18 + in the US. We analyzed the data using structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

Our findings show that socioeconomic status and lifestyle significantly predict cardiometabolic disease outcomes. However, our analysis did not support lifestyle as the primary mediating factor in the association between socioeconomic status and cardiometabolic diseases, suggesting that other factors may significantly influence this relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiometabolic diseases require lifestyle and structural interventions addressing socioeconomic factors. Policymakers must consider multifaceted factors to prevent, detect, and manage these diseases effectively and equitably.

Perceived discrimination as a mediator between cultural identity and mental health symptoms among racial/ethnic minority adults in the United States: insights from the Health Information National Trends Survey 6

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the role of perceived discrimination as a mediator between cultural identity and mental health symptoms among adults from racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States.

METHODS

Data were gathered from the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 6, a nationally representative survey. The mediating role of perceived discrimination was investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis.

RESULTS

The study found significant associations between demographic and lifestyle factors and mental health symptoms. Non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans and Hispanics were less likely than Non-Hispanic Whites to have mental health symptoms. Individuals between the ages of 35 and 49, 50 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 and older had lower odds of mental health symptoms. Gender differences revealed that females had a higher risk of mental health issues than males. Socioeconomic factors, such as household income and employment status, played a significant role, with higher household income and employment status being associated with a decreased likelihood of mental health symptoms. The study emphasizes the role of perceived discrimination as a mediator, suggesting that it fully mediated the association between cultural identity and mental health symptoms. These findings highlight the significance of addressing discrimination experiences in fostering the mental health of adults from diverse backgrounds.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the need to take racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities, as well as cultural identity and prejudice, into account in mental health research and interventions. The identified risk and protective factors can guide interventions and policies to enhance this population's mental health.