Caitlin Murphy is a research scientist in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. She is an expert in maternal and child health, women’s health, reproductive health and disparities in health…
Tag: Women
Allostatic load is higher in women in long-term couples
Chronic stress that develops over decades in long-term couples does not have the same effect on men as on women: the latter is more likely to display negative physiological markers than their spouse, according to a study published in the scientific journal Psychosomatic Medicine .
Study Underscores Social Factors of Low Breast Cancer Screening in the U.S.
To identify major social factors hindering breast cancer screening in U.S. women aged 40 and older, researchers focused on race/ethnicity, employment, education, food security, insurance status, housing and access to quality health care. Access to health care emerged as a statistically significant theme (61 percent) and insurance status was the most reported sub-categorical factor. Language was the third highest issue, highlighting its significance as an influential factor of screening behavior. Race/ethnicity, sex/gender and sexual orientation were additional factors reported.
Droughts may trigger HIV transmission increase among women in rural sub-Saharan Africa, study finds
Droughts have the potential to increase the spread of HIV for women living in rural parts of Africa, researchers at the University of Bristol have found.
Study Reveals Accelerated Aging in Women Living With HIV
Women with HIV experience accelerated DNA aging, a phenomenon that can lead to poor physical function, according to a study led by Stephanie Shiau, an assistant professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the Rutgers School of Public Health.
Expert says hockey world is experiencing ‘watershed’ moment
Amid allegations of sexual assaults involving players at multiple levels, cover ups and slush fund payouts to victims, a West Virginia University scholar and renowned social science expert on violence in the world of hockey predicts radical changes are ahead…
Application of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for premature ovarian insufficiency: Recent advances from mechanisms to therapeutics
The incidence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is increasing worldwide, particularly among younger women, posing a significant challenge to fertility. In addition to menopausal symptoms, POI leads to several complications that profo
Women stroke survivors believe they will receive worse care in the emergency room
Women who have survived a stroke believe they are less likely to receive adequate emergency care – based on gender and race or ethnicity, a study shows. Researchers say future studies must focus on whether the beliefs these women hold about emergency care are leading to delays in stroke care.
UC Irvine-led study links long-term air pollution exposure to postpartum depression in SoCal
Irvine, Calif., Oct. 31, 2023 — Long-term maternal exposure to common air pollutants, both before and after childbirth, has been linked to increased risk of postpartum depression for mothers – with symptoms ranging from anxiety and irritability to suicide – and may lead to cognitive, emotional, psychological and behavioral impairments in their infants, according to research led by the University of California, Irvine.
New research highlights the role of TikTok in spreading videos that encourage violence against women
Researchers focusing on the concerning rise of groups who perpetuate misogyny, sexism and even violence against women have uncovered the use of TikTok by incels to spread their extreme beliefs.
Results: Study Explores Pre-Operative Radiation Boost for Breast Cancer Patients
New Brunswick, N.J., October 3, 2023 – For breast cancer patients undergoing a lumpectomy, a type of breast cancer surgery in which the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue called the margin is removed, the standard mode of treatment…
Tip Sheet: First Lady Jill Biden visits Fred Hutch, new center for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health studies — and health risks from loneliness
Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center research findings and other news. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Rh sensitization treatment may be unnecessary in first trimester pregnancies
A special immune treatment may not be necessary until after the first trimester of pregnancy, according to Penn State-led research. The researchers said their results could change pregnancy care guidelines and possibly close global health equity gaps.
Women’s mood worsens during ‘pill pause’ period of monthly contraceptive pill cycle
Most contraceptive pills are based on a cycle of taking the pill for 21 days, and then stopping the pill for 7 days. Now researchers have found that women’s mood worsens during the 7 pill-free days. This work will be presented at the ECNP congress in Barcelona on 8th October, after recent publication (see notes).
“Barbie” is strong on entertainment value, soft on social change, says Virginia Tech expert
The “Barbie” buzz continues, even months after the blockbuster movie’s release. The box office record-breaking film now is available to rent or buy through various video on demand platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV.
Social media and low self-compassion behind rise in cosmetic surgery
When Kylie Jenner famously admitted that her signature pout was the result of lip fillers, there was a significant increase in interest and uptake of the cosmetic procedure. That’s the power of social media. But why is social media so persuasive and what is driving young women’s attitudes to cosmetic surgery?
FSU researcher uncovers how stereotypes about brilliance shape women’s decisions to study psychology or philosophy
By: Patty Cox | Published: September 21, 2023 | 11:53 am | SHARE: Even though women in high school and college tend to outperform men academically, they still internalize the stereotype that brilliance is more linked to men.
Susan G. Komen® To Host MORE THAN PINK Walk in Dallas this Fall
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today announced it will host a MORE THAN PINK Walk in Dallas on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. The events will raise critical funds that support breast cancer patients, advance research and provide patient navigation services to better serve those impacted by the disease.
UCI Division of Continuing Education welcomes Krissyvan Truong as new associate dean
Irvine, Calif., September 20, 2023 – UCI Division of Continuing Education (UCI DCE) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Krissyvan Truong as its new associate dean.
In major breakthrough, researchers close in on preeclampsia cure
Researchers from Western and Brown University have made groundbreaking progress towards identifying the root cause and potential therapy for preeclampsia.
Study: Diet, Exercise Improve Outcomes of Chemotherapy for Women with Breast Cancer
A new Yale Cancer Center study finds a targeted diet and exercise intervention could improve outcomes for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Maintaining Stable Weight Increases Longevity Among Older Women
UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science researchers investigated the associations of weight changes later in life with exceptional longevity and found that women who maintained their body weight after age 60 were more likely to reach exceptional longevity.
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association Announces New Leadership for 2023-2024
On July 5, as the 2023 ADHA Annual Conference got underway at McCormick Place in Chicago celebrating the association’s 100th anniversary, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association installed a new Board of Directors, along with ADHA’s new slate of officers for the fiscal year. Newly installed president, Becky Smith, CRDH, EdD, FADHA, spoke in both English and Spanish to the national and state leaders who attended the ceremony, focusing on the power of unity.
New National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence Is Transformational
The new National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, set to be unveiled today at the White House, “represents the most transformational policy development in the U.S. on this topic since the 1994 Violence Against Women Act,” according to Michele R.…
Mother’s Day 2023: Maternal Mental Health
It is clear that maternal mental health issues exert a toll not only on the mother, but the family. This is why CIHR is committed to funding research that aims to meet the needs of mothers and women of child-bearing…
Kroc Institute releases special report on implementation status of gender approach within Colombian Peace Agreement
The Peace Accords Matrix at the University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies has released a new special report outlining the current implementation status of the gender approach within the 2016 Colombian Peace Accord. The implementation of the gender approach has been fundamental to guaranteeing the protection and promotion of the rights of women and LGBTQ+ people.
UC Irvine Police Department commits to advancing women in law enforcement
The University of California, Irvine Police Department is among law enforcement agencies nationwide committing to the 30×30 Pledge, which is a collection of low- and no-cost actions to improve the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. These actions can help policing agencies assess the current state of a department regarding gender equity; identify factors that may be driving disparities; and develop and implement strategies and solutions to eliminate barriers and advance women in policing.
Rising Through The Ranks: From Nurses To Hospital Executives, Hackensack Meridian Health Cultivates Female Leaders
A feature story for Women’s History Month on 5 female hospital executives, who got their start as nurses.
Gender targets miss the mark for women in leadership
Gender diversity experts at the University of South Australia are urging governments to rethink their approach to gender targets as new research shows that they do not lead to expected improvements in gender equity for women in leadership.
Exposure to green space linked to reduced risk of postpartum depression
In an analysis of more than 415,00 electronic health records of healthy, full-term births in Southern California, a team of researchers led by the University of California, Irvine determined that exposure to green space and tree coverage was associated with a decreased risk of postpartum depression among mothers.
US falls far behind most of the world in support for fathers and caregivers of aging adults
Today, the WORLD Policy Analysis Center (WORLD) at UCLA, launched “Equality within Our Lifetimes,” the most comprehensive analysis to date of laws and policies related to gender equality in all 193 U.N. member states. While the U.S. performs well in some areas, it has become even more of an outlier when it comes to care.
‘Pursue what you want, believe in yourself and push as many boundaries as you can’
In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on Feb. 11, Northern Arizona University asked a variety of woman scientists why they chose their field and what advice they had for women and girls hoping to follow the same path.
Salary Transparencies Spur Universities to Pay Females More Equitably
Publicly available salary information prompts organizations to reduce the gender pay gap, according to a new study from the University of California San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy.
Cluster Headache May Be More Severe in Women
While cluster headache is more common in men than in women, a new study suggests that the disorder may be more severe for women. The study is published in the December 21, 2022, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
FAU Receives $1 Million NSF Grant to Empower Women in STEM Faculty
The three-year NSF ADVANCE ADAPTATION grant will help transform faculty diversity and ensure appropriate representation of women in STEM. This grant continues the work of the late Emmanuelle Tognoli, Ph.D., who served as a research professor in FAU’s Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and a member of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute.
Fear of Professional Backlash May Keep Women from Speaking Up at Academic Conferences
Women are less likely to ask questions during question-and-answer sessions at academic conferences. Research in Psychological Science suggests that this may be due to anxiety about how colleagues will receive their comments.
UCI-led study finds pay practices, job barriers to blame for women making less than men
Irvine, Calif., Nov. 28, 2022 — Despite advances in gender equality, women still earn less than men in all advanced, industrialized societies. Who – or what – is to blame? A new 15-country study led by Andrew Penner at the University of California, Irvine, divides fault evenly between inequitable within-job salary structures and the decisions that route men and women into differently compensated roles.
Sylvester’s Sexual Health After Cancer Program Expands to Meet Needs of Women with Cancer
Kristin E. Rojas, M.D., FACS, FACOG, assistant professor of surgical oncology in the DeWitt Daughtry Department of Surgery and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University Miami Miller School of Medicine, realized she had struck a chord with women being…
Youngest Girls Who Get Pregnant Have Highest Risk of Poor Outcomes, Study Finds
Pregnant teens in the U.S. have long been known to face increased health risks and pregnancy complications, but a new study for the first time finds that girls ages 13 or younger who get pregnant face even greater risks. These very young girls are significantly more likely to experience preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) compared to older pregnant teens.
Study: Live Chat Boosts College Women’s Class Participation
Women much more enthusiastically embraced the live chat function during pandemic Zoom classes than men, according to a new UNLV study. Researchers hope the data could be a key to broadening underrepresented groups’ access to STEM disciplines as colleges incorporate technology into hybrid and even in-person courses.
UAlbany Study: Pandemic Had Disproportionate Impact on Female Educators
A new study by University at Albany researchers found that female educators experienced the COVID-19 pandemic more negatively than their male counterparts. The study, which was conducted by NYKids, a research-practice partnership housed within the University’s School of Education, adds to emerging research that is finding the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on women in the workforce, who have dropped out at much higher rates than men.
Expert: How the Las Vegas Aces’ championship win changes the game for women & the entire sports industry
For decades, Las Vegas — a city world famous for sports betting — was one of the few U.S. metropolises without a professional sports team. That all changed in 2017 when the NHL’s Golden Knights took a gamble by setting up shop in Southern Nevada, soon followed by the WNBA’s Aces and NFL’s Raiders. Just a few short years later, the Aces have upped the ante on their “raise the stakes” tagline and became the first major professional sports team to win a championship for Las Vegas.
Women’s mental well-being more sensitive to exercise than men’s during different stages of pandemic
Women’s mental health was more likely to be affected by physical exercise frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic than men’s, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
Research shows exercise can improve the lives of women experiencing homelessness
The “Exploratory study of physical activity programming for women experiencing homelessness” has found that participants of a four-week physical activity program reported a significant decrease in the number of mentally unhealthy days they experienced.
Women already live longer. They can live better with an improved diet
Women tend to live longer than men but typically have higher rates of illness. Now, new research from University of Georgia suggests these higher rates of illness can be improved by a better diet, one that is high in pigmented carotenoids such as yams, kale, spinach, watermelon, bell peppers, tomatoes, oranges and carrots. These bright-colored fruits and vegetables are particularly important in preventing visual and cognitive loss.
Motherhood is equal to partner absence as a cause of economic disadvantage in single mothers
New research highlights the major impact of motherhood earning penalties on the economic prospects of single mother families.
The COVID-19 pandemic increased depression among young adults, particularly women
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on many people’s lives. Emerging adults may have been particular impacted, given their transition from adolescence to adulthood during such a time of upheaval, with their educational and career aspirations thrown into disarray. A new study has found that the risk for depression tripled among young people – particularly younger women – during the pandemic, and that this risk persisted into 2021.
Trauma history and alcohol’s effects on the brain combine to make women more vulnerable to alcohol use disorders
Prior research has demonstrated greater addiction vulnerability in women; for example, women advance from casual substance use to addiction at a faster rate, experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, exhibit higher rates of relapse, and have less treatment success than men. A new study shows that biobehavioral interactions in alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among women are cyclical in nature: women’s greater risk of personal histories of trauma coupled with a greater vulnerability to alcohol-related brain deficits can lead to more severe AUD effects.
Disparities in opioid treatment access remain for women, Black and Hispanic people
Buprenorphine is a prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that effectively treats opioid dependence or addiction. But women, as well as Black and Hispanic populations, do not have equal access to this potentially lifesaving medication, new Mayo Clinic research finds.
Kristine Collins is named dean of the UCI Division of Continuing Education
The University of California, Irvine has appointed Kristine Collins to be its dean of the Division of Continuing Education, following a North American-wide search. She will assume the post on Aug. 22.