Nutritional Concerns among Female International Volunteers Based on the Income and Development Status of Their Country of Service.
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Abstract |
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This study aimed to determine the prevalence of female athlete triad risk factors among female international volunteers based on the development and income status of their country of service. A total of 2164 past volunteers completed a retrospective survey. Countries' income and development statuses were coded using the respective annual United Nations World Economic Situations and Prospects reports. Independent t-tests, ANOVAs, and Pearson's Chi-Squared tests were used to assess group differences; corresponding odds ratios were calculated. Volunteers in nondeveloped (OR = 2.25, CI = 1.85-2.75) and non-high-income (OR = 2.17, CI = 1.75-2.70) countries had over twice the odds of experiencing secondary amenorrhea. More volunteers who served in nondeveloped countries reported an increase in exercise while serving ( = 0.005). Those who served in a nondeveloped (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.16-1.98) or non-high-income (OR = 1.45, CI = 1.08-1.94) country had higher odds of weight loss. However, volunteers serving in nondeveloped (OR = 0.52, CI = 0.44-0.63) and non-high-income (OR = 0.50, CI = 0.4-0.61) countries were less likely to report food insecurity compared to those in developed and high-income countries. Bone mineral density was within the expected range regardless of income and development status. Female volunteers who served in nondeveloped and non-high-income countries experienced higher odds of secondary amenorrhea, which was likely influenced by an increase in exercise and higher odds of weight loss. |
Year of Publication |
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2022
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Journal |
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International journal of environmental research and public health
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Volume |
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19
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Issue |
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8
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Date Published |
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2022
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ISSN Number |
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1661-7827
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URL |
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https://www.mdpi.com/resolver?pii=ijerph19084846
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DOI |
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10.3390/ijerph19084846
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Short Title |
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Int J Environ Res Public Health
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