Factors influencing adolescents' healthy pregnancy preparation behavior: a cross-sectional gender comparison applying the health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Interventions to prepare for a healthy pregnancy from an early age can ensure the health of both mother and child. This study aims to compare the factors associated with healthy pregnancy preparation behavior (HPPB) among male and female adolescents. METHODS: A total of 690 Korean adolescents participated in this cross-sectional study from July 11 to August 24, 2018. Determinants of the likelihood of engaging in HPPB were described using hierarchical regression about the importance of and confidence in HPPB, the gender equality related to pregnancy and birth, and the health belief model (HBM) constructs about HPPB. RESULTS: Smoking experience (ß = - 0.18, p < 0.001 for boys, ß = - 0.25, p < 0.001 for girls), and HBM constructs were identified as factors correlated with HPPB in both genders. The significant factors in boys were perceived susceptibility (ß = - 0.13, p = 0.005), perceived severity (ß = 0.12, p = 0.015), perceived benefits (ß = 0.23, p < 0.001), and perceived barriers (ß = - 0.18, p < 0.001), whereas the corresponding factors in girls were perceived severity (ß = 0.20, p = 0.001), and perceived barriers (ß = - 0.23, p < 0.001). The importance of HPPB was identified as a factor only among girls (ß = 0.19, p = 0.005), while confidence in HPPB (ß = 0.12, p = 0.401), gender equality related to pregnancy and childbirth (ß = - 0.20, p = 0.001 for women's responsibility variable, ß = 0.14, p = 0.018 for men's responsibility variable), and alcohol (ß = - 0.10, p = 0.022) were factors identified only among boys. CONCLUSIONS: The gender differences in opinions on HPPB identified in this study can help nurses and community health care professionals recognize issues for which they can develop and implement preventive interventions. For healthy pregnancy preparation, interventions based on HBM constructs and smoking should be presented for both male and female adolescents. Imparting education to females on the importance of HPPB and to males on confidence in HPPB, gender equality related to pregnancy and childbirth, and alcohol consumption, should be emphasized. In addition, as perceived susceptibility may be low in a disease prevention model using the health belief model, it is necessary to prioritize increasing the perceived susceptibility of school-age children as an intervention.

In the context of pregnancy preparation, attention has recently shifted from the period just before pregnancy to the early years, or even throughout one's life. The World Health Organization identifies adolescents as requiring specific attention. Adolescents' health behaviors can impact their adulthood years and have significant repercussions on the health of the future generation. In addition, recent studies consistently report that the preparedness of both men and women is essential to pregnancy preparation. Therefore, it is now time to present a new strategy by identifying and grasping the different factors that influence the two genders. This study can raise awareness of healthy pregnancy preparation behavior from adolescence onwards of both genders. There were differences in factors affecting HPPB by gender. For healthy pregnancy preparation, interventions based on HBM constructs and smoking should be presented for both male and female adolescents. Imparting education to females on the importance of HPPB (ß = 0.19, p = 0.005) and males on confidence in HPPB (ß = 0.12, p = 0.401), gender equality related to pregnancy and childbirth (ß = − 0.20, p = 0.001 for women's responsibility variable, ß = 0.14, p = 0.018 for men's responsibility variable), and alcohol consumption (ß = − 0.10, p = 0.022) should be emphasized; and effective healthy pregnancy preventive strategies should be developed based on these findings. Interventions to prepare for a healthy pregnancy from an early age can ensure the health of both mother and child.

Intentions of preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy by gender among unmarried college students in Korea: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Early adulthood is a significant period for preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy. However, previous public health initiatives have not yet emphasized preparation for a healthy pregnancy in this population. In addition, pregnancy planning has traditionally been regarded as women's responsibility, so intervention strategies may differ by gender. This study explored intentions of preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy among unmarried college students, as well as factors influencing those intentions, by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model. METHODS: For this cross-sectional survey, 828 unmarried college students aged 18-29 were recruited from a national university in Korea from July to September 2019. The chi-square test and t-test were used to compare gender differences in general characteristics, the current level of depression, and constructs of the extended TPB. Hierarchical regression was performed to identify factors influencing the intention of preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy. RESULTS: The intention to manage depression was significantly higher in men than in women (t = 2.36, p = 0.019). The factors affecting the intention of preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy were components of TPB in both women and men, of which self-efficacy had the greatest effect (female: ß = 0.34, p < 0.001, male: ß = 0.30, p < 0.001). The current level of depression was a significant factor for women only (ß = 0.10, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results underscore the need for nurses to perform preventive interventions and provide directions to develop interventions to improve the intention of depression management for unmarried college students. It is necessary to intervene with all the constructs of the TPB, especially self-efficacy, for both men and women. It is also important to check and address the current depression status of unmarried female college students.

Gender Differences in Sexual Information Needs and Relating Factors in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

This study aimed to identify the sexual information requirements and related factors according to gender to improve sexual health in cancer patients. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 687 cancer patients from a single cancer center in Korea completed a self-reported questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compare the sexual information requirements and related factors among cancer patients. The results showed that male cancer patients had higher demands for sexual information than female cancer patients (t = 27.11, p < 0.001). Men appeared to have a greater need than women in the need for sexual information (t = 30.41, p < 0.001) and professional sexual intervention (t = 21.97, p < 0.001). Regarding sexual information needs, income (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.73) was a significant factor in men. In women, age (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.86), alcohol consumption (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.12-3.16), and chemotherapy (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.12-3.12) were significant factors. Significant differences in the overall sexual information needs and related factors were observed between male and female cancer patients. Therefore, a strategy needs to be established to improve the sexual health of cancer patients considering gender differences.

Gender Differences in Factors Influencing Self-Efficacy Toward Pregnancy Planning among College Students in Korea.

The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing college students' self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning by gender using the health belief model (HBM). Utilizing a comparative descriptive design, a total of 819 college students were recruited. A survey was administered to gather information on health beliefs related to pregnancy planning, self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning, fertility knowledge, and general characteristics. The main variables were compared by gender. The factors influencing self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning were identified using hierarchical regression analysis. Female students (476) had lower self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning than male students (343). The significant factors influencing self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning in female students were: depression (ß = -0.09, p = 0.030), fertility knowledge (ß = 0.08, p = 0.025), barriers (ß = -0.57, p < 0.001), and cues to action (ß = 0.16, p < 0.001), whereas the corresponding factors in male students were benefits (ß = 0.12, p = 0.020), barriers (ß = -0.44, p < 0.001), and cues to action (ß = 0.16, p = 0.001). The present study confirmed the suitability of the HBM as a conceptual framework for identifying factors influencing self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning. Based on the findings of this study, gender-based similarities and differences in factors influencing self-efficacy should be considered when taking steps to promote self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning among college students.

Prebiotic UG1601 mitigates constipation-related events in association with gut microbiota: A randomized placebo-controlled intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder and its etiology is multifactorial. Growing evidence suggests that intestinal dysbiosis is associated with the development of constipation. Prebiotics are subjected to bacterial fermentation in the gut to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can help relieve constipation symptoms. The prebiotic UG1601 consists of inulin, lactitol, and aloe vera gel, which are known laxatives, but randomized, controlled clinical trials that examine the effects of this supplement on gut microbiota composition are lacking. AIM: To assess the efficacy of the prebiotic UG1601 in suppressing constipation-related adverse events in subjects with mild constipation. METHODS: Adults with a stool frequency of less than thrice a week were randomized to receive either prebiotics or a placebo supplement for 4 wk. All participants provided their fecal and blood samples at baseline and at the end of intervention. Gastrointestinal symptoms and stool frequency were evaluated. The concentrations of serum endotoxemia markers and fecal SCFAs were determined. The relative abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria and the gut microbial community in the responders and non-responders in the prebiotics supplementation group were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms between groups, although the prebiotic group showed greater symptom improvement. However, after prebiotic usage, serum cluster of differentiation (CD) 14 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations were significantly decreased (CD14, P = 0.012; LPS, P < 0.001). The change in LPS concentration was significantly larger in the prebiotic group than in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Fecal SCFAs concentrations did not differ between groups, while the relative abundance of Roseburia hominis, a major butyrate producer, was significantly increased in the prebiotic group (P = 0.045). The abundances of the phylum Firmicutes and the family Lachnospiraceae (phylum Firmicutes, class Clostridia) (P = 0.009) were decreased in the responders within the prebiotic group. In addition, the proportions of the phylum Firmicutes, the class Clostridia, and the order Clostridiales were inversely correlated with several fecal SCFAs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Alterations in gut microbiota composition, including a decrease in the phylum Firmicutes and an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria, following prebiotic UG1601 supplementation might help alleviate symptom scores and endotoxemia.

Clinical nurses' awareness and caring experiences for patients with cervical cancer: A qualitative study.

To determine the degree to which nurses are aware of cervical cancer and to describe nurses' experiences of caring for patients with cervical cancer. To promote quality of nursing care of cervical cancer, we need to explore their perceptions and nursing experience in doing cervical-cancer care. This study was a qualitative descriptive design. Interviews were conducted with 14 registered nurses. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed. Content analysis was performed. Fourteen nurses who had been working at wards and cancer education centers were recruited in this study. Nine key themes emerged from three categories such as nurses' awareness of cervical cancer, awareness of cervical cancer patient and caring experience. Nurses expressed fear of cervical cancer and helplessness in the face of a life-threatening prognosis. Nurses stated that they might have prejudice about cervical cancer, since it is caused by a sexually transmitted disease. They also recalled that patients with cervical cancer were more sensitive and demanding. Our findings provide a comprehensive and in-depth perspective in understanding the experience of caring for cervical cancer patients. Clinical nurses showed complex emotional reactions to cervical cancer, and expressed prejudice against the sex life of cervical-cancer patients. More education is required to ensure that clinical nurses can provide a nurse-led intervention with patients by managing nurses' fear, prejudice, and the care burden.

[Comparison of Awareness about Alcohol Use during Pregnancy among Female College Students by Drinking Levels: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the awareness of alcohol use during pregnancy and factors influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy by drinking levels. METHODS: Utilizing a comparative descriptive design, a total of 359 female college students were recruited. Measurements were Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables related awareness of alcohol use during pregnancy, Korean Version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, knowledge about alcohol use during pregnancy, and socio-demographic factors. Main variables were compared by drinking levels. The factors influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy were identified using hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: Non-problematic alcohol behavior group (n=185) had higher the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy than problematic alcohol behavior group (n=174) (t=3.13, p=.002). The significant TPB variables influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy were that attitudes (ß =-.44, p<.001), subjective norms (ß =.14, p=.026), and perceived behavior control (ß =.19, p=.002) in non-problematic alcohol behavior group, whereas the corresponding variables in the problematic alcohol behavior group were attitudes (ß =-.51, p<.001) and subjective norms (ß =.21, p=.006). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to increase the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy for the female college students having problematic alcohol behavior. The following strategies are recommended for them; decreasing acceptable attitudes toward alcohol use during pregnancy and reinforcing the influence of social pressure toward to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.

Trend Analysis of Research Articles Published in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing from 2013 to 2017.

PURPOSE: To analyze articles published in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing from 2013 to 2017 to determine the latest research trends and understand how 2013 Korea Women's Health Statistics were reflected in journal articles. METHODS: A total of 130 studies were analyzed. Research design, types of research, research framework, research subjects, characteristics of quantitative research, characteristics of qualitative research, and keywords were analyzed using a structured analysis format. RESULTS: Quantitative and qualitative research accounted for 83.8% and 13% of these 130 studies analyzed, respectively. Non-experimental and experimental research accounted for 70.7% and 13.1% of these studies, respectively. The most frequent study subjects were childbearing women (62.8%), including college students, mothers, and adults. A total of 69.1% of non-experimental research and 88.2% of experimental research used convenience sampling. Questionnaires were most frequently used for data collection. The most frequent keyword domain involved health-related concepts (41%) among nine domains and the most frequently used keyword was "women." CONCLUSION: This study suggest that further experimental research should be conducted in the future. Also, adolescent and the elderly women should be focused on as subjects in future studies based on results of 2013 Korean Women's Health Statistics.