Articles

This article presents a mathematical model designed to simulate the impact of targeted interventions aimed at preventing HIV transmission among female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients, while also analyzing their effects on the health of the general population. The compartmental model distinguishes between high-risk populations (FSWs and their clients) and low-risk populations (sexually active men and women in the general population), and links prevention efforts in high-risk groups to the evolution of the epidemic in the low-risk population. The fundamental properties of the model, such as the positivity of solutions and the boundedness of the system, have been verified, and the basic reproduction number R<SUB>0</SUB> has been calculated. Finally, the stability of the model was studied using Varga’s theorem and the Lyapunov method. Simulation results show that targeted prevention among FSWs and their clients reduces HIV incidence in the general population. This framework provides a valuable tool for guiding policymakers in the design of effective strategies to combat the epidemic, especially relevant in the context of suspension of USAID funding.

This review article provides a comprehensive anatomical analysis of soccer footwear, delving into the intricate structure and functional roles of its constituent components, including the upper, heel counter, tongue, toe box, outsole/sole plate, studs, and insole. Manufacturing processes influencing these structural elements are also discussed. Current market offerings and patented innovations in soccer cleat technology are examined through a biomechanical lens, highlighting their intended functions and limitations. A critical synthesis of existing knowledge underscores the anatomical and biomechanical distinctions between male and female athletes' feet, arguing for the necessity of sex-specific footwear design. This review culminates in emphasizing the imperative for specifically engineered soccer footwear for female athletes to optimize performance, enhance comfort, and mitigate the elevated risk of lower extremity injuries prevalent in the female game, thereby identifying crucial directions for future research in sports biomechanics and footwear engineering.

The anterior collateral ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in the knee, connecting the tibia and femur and acting as a key stabilizer. Factors influencing these injuries include playing surface, training programs, athlete strength, technique, and gender. Female athletes are at a higher risk of ACL injuries, being four to nine times more likely than males, often due to differences in biomechanics and training patterns. It ss important that rehab focuses on both legs, as overworking the injured leg increases the risk of injuries elsewhere. Prevention training, such as proprioceptive-balance and plyometric agility training, has been shown effectiveness in minimizing ACL injuries. Despite some limitations in research, these programs highlight the importance of improved training techniques. Kinesio taping might help reduce pain but lacks strong evidence for preventing ACL tears.

<b>Background: </b>Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and vaping tobacco have increased rapidly worldwide, raising concerns about their health effects, social acceptability, and regulatory challenges. In many countries, e-cigarettes are more commonly used by individuals from higher socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, who, in theory, should have greater knowledge about e-cigarettes and their associated risks. However, it remains unclear why a group with more knowledge about e-cigarette risks would also hold more positive attitudes toward vaping and exhibit higher usage rates — a phenomenon that may represent a knowledge-behavior paradox. Understanding this paradox, along with the complex relationships between e-cigarette knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, is critical for informing effective public health interventions, campaigns, social media messaging, and regulatory policies. <b>Objectives: </b>This study aimed to evaluate the complex relationship between SES, e-cigarette knowledge, pro-vaping attitudes, and e-cigarette use. <b>Methods: </b>The SMOKES Study (Study of Measurement of Knowledge and Examination of Support for Tobacco Control Policies) used a multi-center, cross-sectional design, collecting data from 2,403 college and university students across 15 provinces in Iran (covering nearly half of the country's provinces). The survey measured family income, age, sex, ethnicity, e-cigarette use, knowledge, and attitudes. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the interrelations between SES, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, while adjusting for age, sex, and ethnic minority status. <b>Results</b>: SEM analysis confirmed the hypothesized paradox. Although greater knowledge about e-cigarettes was linked to less favorable attitudes toward vaping and lower use, pro-vaping attitudes emerged as the strongest predictor of vaping behavior, while knowledge played a weaker protective role. Notably, individuals with higher SES simultaneously showed higher knowledge and, paradoxically, more pro-e-cigarette attitudes and greater usage. Female students and ethnic minority students reported higher correct knowledge and lower pro-vaping attitudes and use. Although age and higher family income were associated with more favorable attitudes, they did not directly predict vaping behavior. These results suggest that for higher SES individuals, poor knowledge is not the main driver of e-cigarette use; rather, their pro-e-cigarette attitudes, which seem to outweigh the influence of knowledge, play a key role. <b>Conclusions: </b>Although individuals from higher SES backgrounds report greater correct knowledge about e-cigarettes, this knowledge does not necessarily translate into reduced positive attitudes or lower usage. This study highlights the complexity of these paradoxical effects and suggests that public health strategies need to go beyond simple education and knowledge-based interventions. Targeted approaches should address industry messaging, challenge misconceptions, and strengthen regulatory efforts to reduce e-cigarette use among young adults, including those from higher SES backgrounds.

<b>Background: </b>The dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes poses significant public health concerns due to the compounded risks associated with the use of both products. Understanding the predictors of dual use can inform targeted interventions and tobacco control strategies aimed at reducing nicotine dependence and health risks among adults.<b> </b><b>Objective: </b>This study aims to identify the sociodemographic predictors of dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes among U.S. adults using baseline data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.<b> </b><b>Methods: </b>We analyzed baseline data from the PATH Study, focusing on adult participants who reported the use of both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes. Logistic regression models were used to identify the associations between dual use and key sociodemographic variables, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education level.<b> </b><b>Results: </b>The analysis revealed that dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes was predominantly observed among young, female, non-Latino, White, and highly educated adults. Younger adults were more likely to engage in dual use compared to older age groups. Females showed higher rates of dual use compared to males. Non-Latino White individuals were more likely to be dual users than individuals from other racial/ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, higher educational attainment was associated with increased dual use, contrary to traditional smoking patterns.<b> </b><b>Conclusion: </b>The findings highlight specific demographic groups that are at higher risk of dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes, particularly younger, highly educated, non-Latino White females. These insights suggest the need for tailored public health interventions that address the unique needs and behaviors of these populations. Future research should explore the underlying motivations and contextual factors contributing to dual use to enhance the effectiveness of tobacco control policies and cessation programs.

<b>Introduction:</b> Meigs’ Syndrome, characterized by a benign ovarian tumor that leads to ascites and occasionally pleural effusion, is a rare condition that often presents significant diagnostic challenges, particularly in young female patients. This case report highlights an 18-year-old-female with persistent gross ascites and pleural effusion unresponsive to diuretics, paracentesis, and thoracentesis. Despite extensive diagnostics evaluations including negative results from several tumor makers, histology and pathology reports, Liver and renal function tests, abdominal CT scans, ECHO, Ecg, Chest X-rays and HBV screening PCR test, the underlying causes of the ascites and pleural effusion remained elusive. The diagnosis was only made following an exploratory laparotomy, which revealed the presence of bilateral benign ovarian tumors. Subsequent bilateral Oophorectomy and Salpingectomy resulted in the complete resolution of the ascites. This case underscores not only the importance of considering ovarian pathology in young females with unexplained ascites but also highlights the critical role of exploratory laparotomy when non-invasive diagnostics fails to provide answers. <b>Conclusion:</b> This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicious for Meigs’ Syndrome in young females presenting with persistent ascites and pleural effusion, even when standard diagnostic tests yield negative results. It highlights the potential necessity of surgical intervention when other diagnostic approaches fail to identify the underlying causes. Clinicians should be aware of this condition and consider it in their differential diagnosis to ensure appropriate and effective management

The role and contribution of women in modern organisations have been phenomenal. However, societal norms and other patriarchal values continue to stifle the progress of women leaders. The study's overall purpose was to examine the leadership styles of female leaders in managing senior high schools in the Central Region of Ghana. The study adopted non-numerical data and used a purely qualitative research approach. A phenomenological design supported the study framework, and the required data was collected through interviews. The target population for the study were female headmistresses and assistant headmistresses in the various Senior High Schools in the Metropolis. The study involved all six female headmistresses and eight assistant headmistresses in the Metropolis. The participants were sampled using the census to meet the study objectives. The data were analysed thematically. The study revealed that married couples use the participatory leadership style, but those who are single use the assertive style. The study also concluded that women leaders who are single and are farther from 60 years old are more likely to have problems in the discharge of their duties as leaders since men, per societal influence, will always try to resist the control of women leaders. The Ghana education service should package special incentives for women who aspire to achieve the utmost leadership role of becoming heads of senior high schools. It will motivate the young women generation. It is also recommended that women in leadership positions in the Ghana Education Service are advised to learn by updating their skills and competencies to grow in confidence and share ideas with colleagues in the same field to adopt and adapt leadership styles that have worked in other institutions to handle institutional challenges.

Background: </b>Vitamin D plays an important role in the development of bone health and possibly non-communicable diseases. Arab countries had made their own national studies to assess serum vitamin D level among women, yet in Egypt there is no national survey<b> </b>done. The aim of the current study was to identify risk factors affecting vitamin D level among Egyptian females during the child-bearing period.<b> Subjects and methods: </b>A total of 100 healthy adult females in their childbearing period who were attending a Family Medicine Center were included in our study. The age of the included women ranged from 19 to 49 years old with a mean age of 34 (SD 8.47) years. The majority of participants had deficiency (43%) and insufficiency (13%) of vitamin D level. <b>Results: </b>Unemployed women were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency than employed women (P<0.05). Participants who were exposed to sun ˃30 minutes/day were more likely to have sufficient vitamin D level (P<0.05). All participants who consume fish ≥3 times/week had sufficient vitamin D level. Therefore, there was a statistically significance association between a number of consuming fish/week and vitamin D3 level groups. Also, there was statistically significant association between number of consumed milk cups/day and vitamin D3 level groups. All participants who drink 2 cups of milk have sufficient vitamin D level.<b> </b>No statistically significance association was found between using multivitamins and vitamin D3 level groups.<b> Conclusion: </b>Unemployment, low fish consumption and infrequent sun exposure were significant risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Future research on the role of multivitamins supplements in improving vitamin D nutrition is warranted.

A regular menstrual cycle is important to maintain a woman’s fertility. This cycle has been linked to optimal function of the thyroid gland in the production of its hormones. Disturbance of thyroid gland functions could result to female infertility due to changes in menstrual patterns.<b> </b>Aim of this research was to determine the correlation between thyroid gland functions and menstrual patterns amongst infertile and fertile women attending a tertiary care hospital in North-Central Nigeria.<b> </b>This comparative, cross-sectional study recruited 106 women who visited the hospital's Gynecology Clinic and Family Planning Clinic. 53 of the 106 patients were women with a history suggestive of either primary or secondary infertility and the remaining 53 women with no history of infertility served as the control. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on the patients’ menstrual patterns. Anthropometric data were measured and obtained. Collected blood samples were analyzed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to determine the serum levels of thyroid hormones. All obtained data was analyzed, and the level of significance was set at <i>p</i><0.05, at a 95% confidence interval.<b> </b>33 patients had menstrual anomalies (78.8% infertile women; 21.2% fertile women who served as control, <i>p</i>=0.012). The incidence of menstrual anomalies in the infertile women group and control group was 7.5% versus 0.0% for amenorrhea; 20.8% versus 5.7% for menorrhagia; 9.4% versus 7.5% for oligomenorrhea; 7.5% versus 0.0% for hypomenorrhea; nil polymenorrhea for both groups; and 50.9% versus 86.8% for normal menstrual patterns. Ten (9.43%) patients were diagnosed with thyroid dysfunctions (80% in infertile group; 20% in control group, <i>p</i>=0.046). Six (18.2%) out of 33 women with menstrual anomalies were diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction. Five (83.3%) out of these 6 women with both menstrual anomalies and diagnosed thyroid dysfunction were infertile while only one (16.7%) was fertile.<b> </b>Thyroid gland dysfunction correlates strongly with abnormal menstrual patterns, which implies that it is vital to evaluate thyroid hormone levels in blood serum in the course of treating menstrual irregularities and female infertility. Early detection of thyroid dysfunction is important in achieving a positive treatment outcome for female infertility.

Qualitatively the study adopted a case study research design to examine the parental factors that motivate female students to complete formal education in Tolon District. The population for this study comprised of all females in the Tolon District who have successfully completed formal education. A purposive sampling technique was used to select ten (10) females who have successfully completed formal education and are now working in the Tolon District. The main instrument used for data collection was interview. Data were analysed by the use of the Interpretive Method based on the themes arrived at during the data collection. The themes were related to the research question and interpreted on the number of issues raised by respondents. The study revealed that, financial support of parents was vital to enrolment, sustenance and ultimate completion of the education of females. The study also indicated that parents give support in the form of guidance and counseling as well as moral support through encouragement of the Girl-Child played a key role to their successful education. It is recommended that, parents still need more advocacies on the importance of educating the girl child in order to enhance their interest in sending or motivating the girl child in school. It is also recommended that parents should discouraged early marriages to help girls to fully complete their formal education.

Street vending is a vital part of global urban life and not a local phenomenon. It can be found in various countries and forms; stationary and mobile. In Egypt, street vendors’ activities are considered illegal, an image of backwardness, blocking investors and tourism. This study aims at monitoring and investigates the female street vendors' role in placemaking in Heliopolis, Cairo. Challenging the authoritarian illegality aspect, literature review, observational walks, and spontaneous interviews are adopted in obtaining data and evaluating the female street vendors’ role in constructing a sense of place and identity. Female street vendors' expression, displaying arrangement, socio-cultural identities and chancy events create livable public places, territorial identities and a sense of place.

<b>Background:</b> Everyone, irrespective of age, sex, colour, ethnicity, or present overall fitness level, can benefit from regular exercise. To improve one's health, one must engage in regular physical activity. People with underlying illnesses like long-term impairment can benefit from regular physical activity at the individual level, especially young women. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of physical activity among female school-aged adolescents in the West Coast Region of The Gambia. <b>Methods: </b>The present study used an institutional-based cross-sectional analytical study to collect quantitative data from 384 female high school students in The Gambia. The study used a content-validated, pretested structured questionnaire that consisted of both open and closed-ended questions on physical activity. The data were processed and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square and/or Fisher exact test were used with a p-value <0.15 for inclusion in the logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, while p-value <0.05 was considered for statistical significance. <b>Results: </b>The proportion of female students involved in physical activity was 37.5%.<b> </b>The mean age of students was 18.8 years with a standard deviation of 1.7 years. Factors such as female students between 17 – 20 years (aOR:3.05, 95% C.I. (1.807 – 5.138)), father never been to school (aOR: 2.82, 95% C.I. (1.495 – 5.334)), primary education (aOR: 2.15, 95% C.I. (1.027 – 4.493)), upper basic school (aOR: 2.31, 95% C.I. (1.055 – 5.074)) and science major students (aOR: 2.21, 95% C.I. (1.203 – 4.047)) had increased odds of involving in PA. Furthermore, students who knew that exercise would strengthen bones (aOR: 2.62, 95% C.I (1.444 – 4.739)), do a planned brisk walking (aOR: 19.16, 95% C.I. (6.698 – 54.811)), basketball/football (aOR: 29.76, 95% C.I. (10.004 – 88.512)) and skipping with rope (aOR: 29.15, 95% C.I. (9.726 – 87.333)) had increased odds to involved in PA after controlling for confounders. Other factors such as students whose mother never been to school (aOR: 0.31, 95% C.I. (0.140 – 0.674)), primary level (aOR: 0.25, 95% C.I. (0.123 – 0.518)), senior secondary level (aOR: 0.42, 95% C.I. (0.189 – 0.935)), nuclear family (aOR: 0.23, 95% C.I. (0.119 – 0.458)) and extended family (aOR: 0.45, 95% C.I. (0.225 – 0.915)) had reduced odds of involving in PA. <b>Conclusion: </b>There is low physical activity among female adolescents in schools. For this, it is imperative that suitable interventions be implemented to raise the level of physical activity among secondary school students. A future intervention for school-aged adolescents could benefit from these findings.

The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with low female participation in colleges of education sports. The population of the study was made up of female colleges of education athletes from Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana. Purposive and simple random techniques were used to the colleges of education and the respondents for the study. All the all the six colleges of education were purposively sampled and sampling technique was used to select the one hundred and eighty (180) participants who participate in the College of Education Sports Association (CoESA) games and in the Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana were used for the study. The main instrument for the study was a self-structured questionnaire (r= 0.92) containing items based on a five-point Likert scale was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages and Chi-square test to determine the relationship among the factors. The study revealed that there is the need for college authorities and female coaches in the colleges of education to take care of female athletes and make adequate provision for more modern sports facilities and equipment to sustain their interest in sports participation. The study recommended that, that the coaches should be mindful of their approach to prospective sportswomen. It is also recommended that, various colleges of education should make a concerted effort to organize programmes and seminars regularly to educate females in the colleges on the career benefits of sports participation and iron out their misconceptions.

The study used qualitative research approach and a case study research design to explore the factors that motivate females to complete formal education in Tolon District. The population for this study comprised all females in the Tolon District who have successfully completed formal education. A purposive sampling technique was to select ten (10) females who have successfully completed formal education and are now working in the Tolon District. The main instrument used for data collection was interview guide. Data were analysed by the use of the Interpretive Method based on the themes arrived at in the data collection. The themes were related to the research questions and interpreted on the number of issues raised by participants. The study concluded that the Girl–Child requires a conducive learning environment free from limitations to successfully acquire formal education. The presence of an impressive teacher-student relationship in schools contributes immensely to the academic accomplishment of the academic goals of the female student. The study also concluded that the female students need self determination to rise above the socio-cultural limitations encountered in formal education. They obviously have to work hard and persevere enough to achieve their desired academic accomplishment. It is recommended that teachers should be encouraged as part of their teaching responsibility to give equal opportunity to both boys and girls, in answering their questions during classes. Thus, the Girl–Child deserves extra attention to ensure their participation and fair inclusion in curricular and other extra-curricular activities whiles in school. It is also recommended that teachers should sensitize and advise the female students to eschew the habit of associating with men, during the early stage of their life.