Eating disorders (ED), disordered eating (DE) and low energy availability (LEA) can be detrimental to health and performance. Previous studies have independently investigated the prevalence of ED, DE or LEA; however, few combined methods have identified risk within female athletes. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of ED, DE and LEA in UK‐based female athletes and investigate whether associations exist between age, competition level and primary sport. The Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) and Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF‐Q) were used in a cross‐sectional study design. A total of 112 responses eligible for analysis were received. A total of 16%, 44% and 53% of female athletes were at risk of ED (FAST: >94), DE and LEA, respectively. Competition level (recreational, competitive or professional athletes; fishers, p ≤ 0.05) influenced and was a predictor of FAST (R ² = 0.076, F _(1,110) = 10.067, p ≤ 0.05, variance inflation value; VIF = 1.0) whereas age influenced (age: H ₍₂₎ = 13.128, p ≤ 0.05), and was a predictor (R ² = 0.144, F _(2,109) = 9.170, p ≤ 0.05, VIF = 1.0) of LEAF‐Q. A positive correlation was observed between FAST and LEAF‐Q scores (R = 0.496, p ≤ 0.05). Age and competition level may be predicting risk factors of ED/DE and LEA within female athletes; however, further research is required to support the findings of this present study.

Eating disorders (ED), disordered eating (DE) and low energy availability (LEA) can be detrimental to health and performance. Previous studies have independently investigated the prevalence of ED, DE or LEA; however, limited studies have combined methods identifying risk within female runners. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of ED, DE and LEA in United Kingdom‐based female runners and associations between age, competition level and running distance. The Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) and Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF‐Q) were used in a cross‐sectional study design. A total of n = 524 responses eligible for analysis were received. A total of n = 248 (47.3%), n = 209 (40%) and n = 49 (9.4%) athletes were at risk of LEA, DE and ED, respectively. LEAF‐Q scores differed based upon age (Age: H_{(3) =} 23.998, p ≤ .05) and competitive level (Comp: H_{(1 )} = 7.682, p ≤ .05) whereas FAST scores differed based on age (Age: F_(3,523) = 4.753, p ≤ .05). Tukey's post‐hoc tests showed significantly higher FAST scores in 18–24 years compared to all other age categories (p ≤ .05). Stepwise multiple regression demonstrated age and competitive level modestly predicted LEAF‐Q scores (R ² _adj = 0.047, F_(2,523) = 13.993, p ≤ .05, VIF = 1.0) whereas age modestly predicted FAST scores (R ² _adj = 0.022, F_(1,523) = 12.711, p ≤ .05, VIF = 1.0). These findings suggest early identification, suitable screening methods and educational intervention programmes should be aimed at all levels of female endurance runners.Highlights A total of 524 female endurance completed a self‐administered, online questionnaire screening for low energy availability, disordered eating and eating disorders risk. Age and competitive level modestly predicted low energy availability and age modestly predicted disordered eating and eating disorders in female endurance runners. A higher percentage of 18‐ to 24‐year‐old female endurance runners were at greater risk of low energy availability, disordered eating and eating disorders compared to other age categories. These findings highlight the need for regular screening in order to aid early interventions to prevent potential decrements in performance and health as endurance runners mature.

An experimental hut trial of bednets was undertaken in The Gambia to compare six different permethrin treatments, including a wash-resistant formulation, and to test the effect of thorough hand washing of the nets. The wash-resistant formulation on nylon and cotton nets deterred Anopheles gambiae Giles (sensu lato) from house entry. All treated bednets killed a significantly higher number of A. gambiae (sensu lato) than untreated nets. The ability to kill mosquitoes was not diminished with the wash-resistant and Wellcome formulations after washing unlike the normal ICI formulation, this result being consistent with the permethrin residues found by gas liquid chromatographic (GLC) analyses to persist on the nets after washing. The mortality on treated cotton nets was significantly less than on treated nylon nets. Of the unwashed nets only the cotton net was significantly repellent. Both washed and unwashed treated nets significantly reduced the proportion of human bloodfed mosquitoes that survived and were potentially able to transmit malaria. Although the wash-resistant formulation might prove more efficient at killing mosquitoes with time, as compared to the other treatments, in The Gambia, where women wash their nets frequently, we suggest that the cheapest and most readily available formulation is used on nylon nets where possible.

Inequitable access to healthcare has a profound impact on the health of marginalised groups that typically suffer an excess burden of infectious disease morbidity and mortality. The Yanomami are traditionally semi-nomadic people living in widely dispersed communities in Amazonian Venezuela and Brazil. Only communities living in the vicinity of a health post have relatively constant access to healthcare. To monitor the improvement in the development of Yanomami healthcare a cross-sectional survey of 183 individuals was conducted to investigate malaria and anaemia prevalence in communities with constant and intermittent access to healthcare. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Malaria was diagnosed by microscopy and haemoglobin concentration by HemoCue. Prevalence of malaria, anaemia, splenomegaly, fever and diarrhoea were all significantly higher in communities with intermittent access to healthcare (anaemia 80.8% vs. 53.6%, P<0.001; malaria 18.2% vs. 6.0%, P=0.013; splenomegaly 85.4% vs.12.5%, P<0.001; fever 50.5% vs. 28.6%, P=0.003; diarrhoea 30.3% vs.10.7% P=0.001). Haemoglobin level (10.0 g/dl vs. 11.5 g/dl) was significantly associated with access to healthcare when controlling for age, sex, malaria and splenomegaly (P=0.01). These findings indicate a heavy burden of anaemia in both areas and the need for interventions against anaemia and malaria, along with more frequent medical visits to remote areas.

Curtis, C, Mitchell, S, and Russell, M. Match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics of national and international women’s, fifteen-a-side rugby union: a systematic scoping review. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): e569–e580, 2023—An increased professionalization within women's 15-a-side rugby union (R15s) has prompted greater sports science support and a need to better understand demands of the sport. Online database (PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus) searches were performed according to the PRISMA Scoping Review protocol. Studies were eligible if match-play demands or anthropometric characteristics of women's R15s players were investigated. After calibration exercises, the lead and senior authors independently quality assessed each study. A total of 1,068 studies were identified; 15 of which met the study criteria. The mean total match-play distance covered was 5,378 ± 626 m (forwards: 5,188 ± 667 m and backs: 5,604 ± 609 m), with first half values exceeding second half (2,922 ± 87 m vs. 2,876 ± 115 m). The mean relative distance (RD) (72.0 m·min⁻¹) was greater than their male counterparts (64.2 m·min⁻¹–68.2 m·min⁻¹). Backs were exposed to more severe collisions compared with forwards (6 ± 1 vs. 5 ± 4). Work:rest ratios ranged between 1.0:0.7–1.0:0.9. Regarding anthropometric characteristics, the mean lean and fat mass was reported as 51.9 ± 5.2 kg and 18.6 ± 4.6 kg, respectively. The mean body fat percentage was 24.7 ± 5.4%. The mean bone mineral density and bone mineral content was 1.27 ± 0.04 g·cm⁻² and 3.07 ± 0.2 kg, respectively. This scoping review summarizes the current evidence base and key findings relating to the match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics that can be used in practice to inform player welfare and sport science support to women's R15s players at a national and international standard. Numerous gaps in our understanding of how best to develop and optimize performance, physical demands, and anthropometric characteristics of women's R15s players remain.