Gender Variation of Health Awareness of Adolescents in India

Gender Variation of Health Awareness of Adolescents in India Evaluation of gender variation in health awareness of Adolescent age groups in rural India Introduction World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescence as the period between 10 and 19 years of age. During this period, they have to face a lot of changes which may include physical, mental, emotional or psychological changes. Yet they are the once whose health is neglected the most, especially that of female adolescent group. [1] Health awareness not only includes the awareness for infections, diseases or disorders but also health related topics like physiological changes, psychological changes, hormonal changes, importance of exercise to stay fit, time for entertainment to stay active and happy etc. Adolescents in rural areas are often devoid of health care facilities and tends to fall sick more often. Both genders faces different types of problems. They even get addicted to un-healthy activities due to lack of awareness and peer pressure.   Government of India has implemented many schemes for the spread of health awareness, but due to unknown reasons, it is not yet uniform among both the genders. If they are aware of health issues surrounding them, they can fight or prevent them and can improve their lives. Females health has been always neglected in rural India and now as to be prioritised because not only they support family by sharing the economic burden but they also take care of the entire family. In order to share all responsibilities both males and females have to be fit and that should start from the very beginning, right after birth. With implementation of new schemes and involvement of latest technology like internet; health awareness is improving[2] The teachers also teach them the benefits of health exercise and the requirement of time for recreational activities so that they can live a happy life. Various studies and survey have been conducted before but none showed the difference of health awareness between males and females of adolescent group. So we conducted this study to access the gender variation in health awareness in adolescent age group [15-19 years]. Their answers to the questionnaire can help us to understand the awareness of health in rural areas and we could bring further changes or implement new plans for spreading health awareness especially if one of the gender is lacking behind in one area. Material and Methods The present study was conducted as a cross-sectional study in September, 2014 at a local school in Nhava village, Raigad District in Maharashtra State, India. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed randomly to 102 high school students which included 60 males and 42 females between 15 to 19 to evaluate gender variation in health awareness and attitude towards awareness of side effects of tobacco consumption leading to oral or lung cancer, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and its transmission route, reaction on stress situations, knowledge of body mass index and ill effects of being malnourished, importance of having breakfast and in between meals with time for exercise and recreational activities, evaluating depression by asking mood changes. Their family type, number of members and average family income, per capita income were also found out. They were asked if they suffered from any other disorders or diseases. The required official permission to select and collect the relevant data from selected subjects was solicited and obtained from the Principal of the respective school. There were 13 questions and the questionnaire was collected on the spot from participants after explaining them the importance of study and obtaining their oral consent. Writing names on the form was optional and was informed that their identity will be kept hidden in all ways possible if they chose to write their names. The survey was carried out in their school timings and free periods. Inclusion Criteria All Students between 15-19 years Exclusion Criteria Students out of target i.e. above 20 years of age and below 15 years Who did not wanted to be a part of the survey Statistical analysis The data were entered into the computer (Microsoft Office, Excel) and were subjected to statistical analysis using the statistical package SPSS version 19. Results In the present study, we got 102 samples out of which 60 were males and 42 were females having 41.18 percentage of females and 58.82% of males. Also the ages ranged from 15-19. Most number of the students were in 17th year. Breakfast Everyday In between meals 2-3 hours (Table 1) Here we noticed that only 69% Females said that they were able to have breakfast as compared to 81.7% Males. Values are given in Table 1. n=Number, %= percentage Sex Breakfast everyday In between meals every 2-3 hours Yes Not able to have Total N % N % n % F 29 69.0 13 31.0 42 100.0 M 49 81.7 11 18.3 60 100.0 Total 78 76.5 24 23.5 102 100.0 Table 1 Time for Exercise Recreation ( Table 2) We noticed that 57.1% females here just said that they are able to do exercise and spare some time for recreation as compared to 80% approval from the males regarding the same. Sex Time for exercise and recreation Yes No Total N % n % n % F 24 57.1 18 42.9 42 100.0 M 48 80.0 12 20.0 60 100.0 Total 72 70.6 30 29.4 102 100.0 (Table 2) Consume Tobacco in any form or any other substance abuse (Table 3) It is interesting to see that only 5 males used to consume tobacco in cigarettes form which is 4.90%. Females denied taking any tobacco in any form. The values are depicted in table 3 Sex Consume tobacco in any form or any other substance abuse Yes No Total N % n % n % F 0 .0 42 100.0 42 100.0 M 5 8.3 55 91.7 60 100.0 Total 5 4.90 97 85.10 102 100.0 Table 3 Awareness of the side effects of taking Tobacco in any form (Table 4) Here we noticed that Females are more aware of the side effects of taking tobacco. Their awareness rate is 95.2% as compared to 78.3% of Males. The values are depicted in table 4. Sex Awareness of side effects regarding tobacco Substance abuse Yes (Aware) No Total N % n % n % F 40 95.2 2 4.8 42 100.0 M 47 78.3 13 21.7 60 100.0 Total 87 85.3 15 14.7 102 100.0 Table 4 Awareness of STDs at least one route of spread (Table 5) Mostly everyone knows about STD and its of route of spread. More details are depicted in table 5. Sex Awareness of STD Yes No Total N % n % n % F 42 100.0 0 .0 42 100.0 M 58 98.04 2 1.96 60 100.0 Total 100 98.04 2 1.96 102 100.0 Table 5 BMI Status Awareness to ill effects of malnourishment (Table 6-8) BMI of the study subject was calculated by using the formula weight (kg)/ height2 (m2). For grading proposed criteria of BMI for Asians (Choo V 2002) and CDC (2010) was adopted. We noticed that females tend to be more underweight as compared to males. Males being more prone to obesity at this age. The mean BMI for females was 20.41 Sex BMI Status Normal Obese Over Weight Underweight Total N % N % n % n % n % F 29 69.0 0 .0 1 2.4 12 28.6 42 100.0 M 42 70.0 1 1.7 2 3.3 15 25.0 60 100.0 Total 71 69.6 1 0.98 3 2.94 27 26.47 102 100.0 Table 6 Sex Statistic Std. Error BMI F Mean 20.417341 .4574878 95% Confidence Interval for Mean Lower Bound 19.493425 Upper Bound 21.341256 Std. Deviation 2.9648599 Minimum 15.0597 Maximum 26.3146 M Mean 21.016615 .4933969 95% Confidence Interval for Mean Lower Bound 20.029330 Upper Bound 22.003900 Std. Deviation 3.8218361 Minimum 16.0231 Maximum 40.4281 Table 7 BMI values are depicted in Table 7 We also asked them if they knew the ill-effects of being malnourished? Almost 90% males knew the ill effects. Whereas 78.6% Females knew about the ill effects. The details are in  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   table 8. Sex Aware of ill-effects of being malnourished? Yes No Total N % n % N % F 33 78.6 9 21.4 42 100 M 54 90.0 6 10.0 60 100 Total 87 85.29 15 14.70 102 100 Table 8 Mood Study duration in a day (Table 9 10) We also asked whether they stay happy content always or unhappy and grumpy or scared or always angry. Most of them answered that they stay happy always. Most also mentioned that they study for 1-2 hours daily. Sex Mood Always Happy Content Always unhappy Always Scared Alway angry Total n % n % n % n % n % F 37 88.1 4 9.5 1 2.4 0 .0 42 100.0 M 55 91.7 2 3.3 2 3.3 1 1.7 60 100.0 Total 92 90.19 6 5.88 3 2.94 1 .98 102 100.0 Table 9 Sex Average hours of study per day 1-2 hours 2-4 hours 4-6 hours Total n % n % n % n % F 25 59.5% 14 33.3% 3 7.1% 42 100.0% M 41 68.3% 17 28.3% 2 3.3% 60 100.0% Total 66 64.70% 31 30.39% 5 4.90% 102 100.0% Table 10 Reaction on Stress or Depression (Table 11) We noticed that almost half of them prefer to talk to their friends when they are depressed. Few females do cry or starve as well. Sex Reaction on being stressed / depression Be alone / lock yourself Cry / Starve Call your friend Talk to your elders Total n % n % N % n % n % F 8 19.0 7 16.7 18 42.9 9 21.4 42 100.0% M 15 25.0 5 8.3 28 46.7 12 20.0 60 100.0% Total 23 22.54 12 11.76 46 45.09 21 20.58 102 100.0% Table 11 We also asked for any other diseases or disorder which they may be suffering from. 2 of males said that they are suffering from Diabetes and 1 female had ulcers.   We also took family history which included number of family members, earning members, total family income per month and level of education. Discussion Adolescents are the future of the country. As they reach puberty, they face a lot of changes in many ways which includes physiological, hormonal, emotional and mental. Females tends to receive more challenges because of the physiological and hormonal changes occurring with the start of their puberty. [3] With the rise of menstrual cycle they often tend to get more depressed before getting adjusting to it. BMI Importance Awareness of malnourishment Females may face malnourishment due to male children being given priority to eat first [4] or may be due to body weight consciousness leading to disorders like bullaemia or Anorexia nervosa   or depression. [5] Dr. Shah had conducted a study on nutrional assessment of adolescent girls in karamsad and had found out that only 8% girls were overweight while 63.2% were of normal weight and 28.5% were underweight. While 23.4% boys were overweight and only 21.2 % were underweight.[6] The present study showed that 28.6% females were underweight as compared to 25% males. 2.4% females were overweight whereas we did not find any obese female during the study. 4% males were above normal stage which includes overweight and obese. Almost 90% males knew the ill effects. Whereas 78.6% Females knew about the ill effects. STD Awarness its route of transmission In later years of adolescent age, teenagers especially males tends to get physically attracted and intimated with the opposite sex and the risk of contacting STDs rises if proper protection not used.7]   Dr. Kotecha had conducted two studies in urban and rural areas respectively, amongst school going students regarding reproductive health awareness and found out that in both rural and urban areas; about one-third of the boys and one-fourth of the girls knew about contraception. Two-thirds of boys and girls had information of HIV/AIDS, and about half of them correctly knew various modes of transmission of HIV in both urban and rural areas. Majority of the adolescent were even ready to visit the Adolescent Friendly clinic if there was any in near-by areas. [8,9] The awareness regarding modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS was found to be higher among boys as compared to girls which contradicts the present study. [10] The present study showed that all females knew about STDs and at least one route of spread as compared to 98.04% males. The contradiction might be due to improvement of health awareness in recent times. Tobacco Consumption Along with rise in STDs prevalence and incidence there is a rise in increase of cigarette smoking among adolescent age [11] andstudents are vulnerable to tobacco addiction, especially males.[12]This can have harmful effect. A study conducted in state of Gujarat, India, showed that there has been increasing trend of smoking cigarettes at younger which is a matter of great concern13]. Early use of tobacco smoking may lead to many harmful effects like hypertension, lung cancer and may even lead to end stage organ in later years of life[14]. A study conducted by Sharma Et Al showed 18.4% males have tried cigarettes or bidis at least once in life time compared to 11% females in adolescent age group. Tobacco use was much higher among the adolescent aged 16-19 group than those in the age group of 14-15 years. Tobacco use was appreciably higher among the males (23.8%) than the females adolescent age group (14.9%), (P=0.016).The prevalence rate of current smoking is 7.1%[15]. The present study showed that 4.9% males has consumed tobacco in any form in a rural area which leads to a conclusion that the tobacco consumption might be at a larger scale in urban areas. All females denied taking tobacco in form. It also noticed that females are more aware of the side effects of taking tobacco. Their awareness rate was 95.2% as compared to 78.3% of Males. Also adolescents are at increased risk of getting stress related depression. [16]They are easily influenced by changes around them which affects their biological, emotional, cognitive, and social functions. Unhealthy and anti-social behaviours are manufactured in these years but if stopped, can be moulded back or may change permanently. [17]These anti-social changes are common in males as compared to females Conclusion: There are many differences in health awareness between males and females of the adolescent age group. We need to decrease the bridge between them and for that we need to change some of our health policies. In some areas females have better health awareness like awareness in STD spread and side effects of taking tobacco in any form, whereas males have better knowledge in understanding the importance of taking proper breakfast and in taking some time off for entertainment. Along with that they also know the ill effects of  Ã‚   malnourishment. If we need our youth to progress at a faster rate, we need them to be healthy at mind, body and free from diseases. For that, we need to inculcate health awareness in both genders and should decrease the bridge between the awareness. Limitation future perspective: Sample size of study was small due to limited number of students in the school. In future, we want to study on more than 500 students of multi-schools in more than 5 districts involving rural areas. References Mahajan P, Sharma N. Awareness level of Adolescent Girls Regarding HIV/AIDS (A comparative study of rural and urban areas of Jammu) J Hum Ecol. 2004;17:313-4. Gray NJ, Klein JD. Adolescents and the internet: health and sexuality information. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2006;18(5):519-24. doi: 10.1097/01.gco.0000242954.32867.76. Goldenring J. A Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network, Medline plus. 2004 Borooah VK. Gender bias among children in India in their diet and immunization against disease. Soc Sci Med. 2004;59:1719-31. Reijone JH, Pratt HD, Patel DR, Greydanus DE. Eating disorders in the adolescent population: An overview. J Adolesc Res. 2003;18:209-22. Hasmukh, S., Wasim, S., Singh, S. K. (2012). Are Indian adolescent girl students more conscious about their body image than their colleague boys? National Journal of Community Medicine, 3(2), 344-347. Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted diseases in American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates. Perspect Sex Reprod Health 2004366-10.10 Kotecha PV, Patel SV, Mazumdar VS, et al. Reproductive health awareness among urban school going adolescents in Vadodara city. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2012;54(4):344-348. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.104821. Kotecha PV, Patel S, Baxi RK, et al. Reproductive health awareness among rural school going adolescents of Vadodara district. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2009;30(2):94-99. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.62765.

The Compare, Contrast About the Usa and Canada

Full name: Hoang Hong Ngoc (Jade) The USA and Canada: The compare and contrast This essay will compare and contrast the similarities and differences between two North American countries, The USA and Canada. Both of them are young countries, their histories are linked. Therefore, culturally and historically they are closely related. Although they have many similarities, the two countries still have differences in population, languages and climate factors. Firstly, the USA and Canada have very different populations.The USA has a thriving 300 million whereas Canada has about 32 million (socyberty. com). The second largest country in the world is Canada but as far as its population is concerned, it just has the 33rd position (www. mapsofworld. com). However, the United States has the world's third largest population. Canada and the USA have somewhat similar population distribution patterns. Both of them have population mostly concentrated in major urban centres. However, Canada has only 4 major cities: Ottawa, Toronto, Victoria and Montreal although the USA has over 10 major centres.This is why the population of the United States is more than Canada. Secondly, Canada has two main languages French and English, while the United States which only uses English. In the past both countries are similar where waves of immigration from other countries have created their subculture. Therefore, they have many different languages such as Chinese, German, Russian,†¦ However, English is the most spoken languages of Canada except some province. Furthermore, the USA and Canada support to each other about economy.As geographic neighbor, the USA is the most trading partner with Canada because 70 percent of Canada’s products export to the USA and also Canada is the largest export customer of the United States. Almost the trade in goods between them is source of natural resources, because many of Canada’s important industries are based on them. In addition, investme nt and technology have benefited by Canadians while the USA of markets. Anyway, one part of Canada’s economy depends on the USA. Finally, the climate also has the similarities. The climate varies between different areas, regions.The weather changes from one year to another. For example, the whole of the south of the USA is normally hot from late May to middle September, with the southwest usually being very hot and dry, and the southeast also hot and humid. If planning when to come the USA or Canada you also need to consider how the air change, depending on the time of year, and how the cost and accommodation. In conclusion, it can be seen that the population, languages, economy and climate of the USA and Canada have some similarities as well as differences.In general, the similarities are in languages whereas the differences are in population. However, they still support each other and develop together. REFERENCES Eighth Edition (2013) National Geographic Atlas of the World. http://travel. nationalgeographic. com/travel/countries/canada-facts/ [2013, 03 March] Unknown author (2013) U. S. PopClock Projection http://www. census. gov/population/www/popclockus. html [2013, 03 March] Unknown author (2013) Economy and Finance http://london. usembassy. gov/econ. html [2013, 03 March]

The Social Theory Of Rape - 952 Words

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Ski Resorts and Their Impact on the Environment

Alpine skiing and snowboarding are great ways to spend time in the mountains during the most unforgiving season of the year. In order to be able to offer this, ski resorts rely on a complex and energy-demanding infrastructure, with scores of employees and heavy use of water. The environmental costs associated with resort skiing come in multiple dimensions, and so do the solutions. Disturbance to Wildlife Alpine habitats above the tree line are already threatened by global climate change, and interference from skiers is just another stressor. These disturbances can scare wildlife and even harm their habitat by damaging vegetation and compacting soils. For example, ptarmigan (a type of grouse adapted to snowy habitats) in Scottish ski areas declined over several decades because of collisions with lift cables and other wires, as well as from losing nests to crows, which had become common at the resorts. Deforestation In North American ski resorts, most of the skiable terrain is located in forested areas, requiring a large amount of clear-cutting to create ski trails. The resulting fragmented landscape negatively impacts habitat quality for many bird and mammal species. One study revealed that in the forest remnants left between slopes, bird diversity is reduced due to a negative edge effect; wind, light, and disturbance levels increase near the open slopes, reducing habitat quality. A recent expansion of a ski resort in Breckenridge, Colorado prompted concerns that it would damage Canada lynx habitats. A deal with a local conservation group was achieved when the developer invested in lynx habitat protection elsewhere in the region. Water Use As a result of global climate change, most ski areas experience shorter winters with more frequent thawing periods. To maintain services to their clients, ski areas must make artificial snow to have good coverage both on the slopes and around the lift bases and lodges. Artificial snow is made by mixing large volumes of water and high-pressure air, meaning the demand skyrockets for water from surrounding lakes, rivers, or purpose-built artificial ponds. Modern snowmaking equipment can easily require 100 gallons of water per minute for each snow gun, and resorts can have dozens or even hundreds in operation. For example, at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, a modest-size resort in Massachusetts, snowmaking can pull as much as 4,200 gallons of water per minute. Fossil Fuel Energy Resort skiing is an energy-intensive operation, relying on fossil fuels, producing greenhouse gases, and contributing to global warming. Ski lifts usually run on electricity, and operating a single ski lift for a month requires about the same energy needed to power 3.8 households for a year. To maintain the surface of the snow on the ski runs, a resort also deploys a nightly fleet of trail groomers each operating on about 5 gallons of diesel per hour and producing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate emissions. These numbers are even incomplete, as a truly comprehensive estimate of the greenhouse gases emitted in association with resort skiing would also include those produced by skiers driving or flying to the mountains. Solutions and Alternatives Many ski resorts have made substantial efforts to minimize their environmental impact. Solar panels, wind turbines, and small hydro turbines have been deployed to supply renewable energy. Improved waste management and composting programs have been implemented, and green building technologies have been employed. Forest management efforts have been planned to improve wildlife habitat. It is now possible for skiers to gather information about a resort’s sustainability efforts and make informed consumer decisions, and the National Ski Area Association even gives out yearly awards to the resorts with outstanding environmental performances. As an alternative, an increasing number of outdoor enthusiasts seek snowy slopes by practicing lower-impact forms of skiing. These backcountry skiers and snowboarders use specialized equipment that allows them to make their way up the mountain on their own power, and then to ski down natural terrain that has not been logged or groomed. These skiers have to be self-sufficient and able to mitigate a multitude of mountain-related safety risks. The learning curve is steep, but backcountry skiing has a lighter environmental impact than resort skiing. Still, alpine areas are incredibly sensitive, and no activity there is impact-free: A study in the Alps found that black grouse showed elevated stress levels when frequently disturbed by backcountry skiers and snowboarders, inciting consequences on reproduction and survival. Sources Alettaz et al. 2007. Spreading Free-riding Snow Sports Represent a Novel Serious Threat for Wildlife.Laiolo and Rolando. 2005. Forest Bird Diversity and Ski Runs: A Case of Negative Edge Effect.MNN. 2014. Snowmakers Are Saving Ski Resorts†¦For Now.Wipf et al. 2005. Effects of Ski Piste Preparation on Alpine Vegetation.