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Volume 2, Number 52
30 December 2002
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
FDA
Reproductive Panel Choices Spark Controversy (news article)
The US Food and Drug Administration named 11 new members to an advisory
panel on reproductive health, at least three of whom oppose abortion
or birth control on religious grounds.
US
Revises Sex Information, and a Fight Goes On (news article)
A Web page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used
to say studies showed that education about condom use did not lead
to earlier or increased sexual activity. That statement, which contradicts
the view of "abstinence only" advocates, is omitted from
a revised version of the page. Critics say those changes, far below
the political radar screen, illustrate how the Bush administration
can satisfy conservative constituents with relatively little exposure
to the kind of attack that a legislative proposal or a White House
statement would invite.
China:
Birth Rights (news article)
A new Chinese law allowing unmarried women to have a child of their
own has provoked a widespread debate which is challenging traditional
family and communist values. The law, introduced last month in the
north-east province of Jilin, says that women "who have reached
the legal age for marriage but remain single and without children
may choose to have a child with medical assistance."
Nigeria:
Benue to Pass Bill Outlawing Female Genital Mutilation (news
article)
Speaker of the Benue state House of Assembly, Mr. Nzenda Iho, has
said that the house would pass a bill prohibiting female circumcision
as soon as members return from recess in January.
Bush
Snubs Africa Once Again: War on AIDS subordinated to war on Iraq
(press release)
Over the weekend the White House announced that it was cancelling
the January 10-17 trip which would have been Bush's first official
visit to Africa as President. Citing unnamed "domestic and
international considerations", the White House said the trip
would be delayed to later in 2003. Bush was expected to visit Senegal,
Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Mauritius.
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Husband-Wife
Communication and Couple's Fertility Desires among the Yoruba of
Nigeria (research article)
This study examined the effect of husband-wife communication about
fertility and family planning on fertility desires among marital
dyads in the Yoruba towns of Ogbomoso and Iseyin, in Oyo State,
Nigeria. Of all the variables considered, spousal communication
about family planning, age of husbands and wives, current family
size, education of couples and their level of exposure to the media
have consistent and significant effect on not wanting more children.
Characteristics
of Gonorrhoea in Kermanshah, Iran (research abstract)
This paper describes the characteristics of gonorrhoea and prostitution
in Kermanshah, Iran. The author followed 100 male gonorrhoea patients
for a mean of 18 months to learn that 4% had became infected by
girlfriends, 24% by temporary (sigheh) wives, and 64% by street
prostitutes; the remaining 8% denied coitus with sex workers. 89%
of contacts with prostitutes were unprotected. The author reports
that fear of stigmatisation and presumed severe penalties prevented
prostitutes from seeking medical care, and 26% of patrons reported
self medication.
The
Influence of the Service Availability Environment on Contraception
during the Course of Fertility Transition (research article)
This research examines the relationship between the availability
of contraceptives and their uptake during the different phases of
the fertility transition. The central focus of the paper tests the
hypothesis that "supply creates its own demand," which
is the basis of many family planning programmes.
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Indian
Politicians Want Condom Advertisements Banned (news article)
A group of politicians in India want condom advertisements banned
on decency grounds.
New
Zealand: FPA Warns Health Ministry Over STD (news article)
The Family Planning Association fears making chlamydia a notifiable
disease may actually make the problem worse. The Health Ministry
is considering the move as it struggles to deal with an epidemic
of the sexually transmitted disease. Making it a notifiable disease
would require sufferers to list all their sexual partners. New Zealand
has the world's highest rate of chlamydia.
India:
Condoms Tell, More Than They Sell (feature article)
In India, advertising has changed the way people think about and
use condoms.
HIV / AIDS RESEARCH
Natural
History of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease in Southern India
(research abstract)
There are few reports of the natural history of HIV infection from
Asia. In a retrospective analysis of 594 patients receiving care
at a tertiary HIV referral center in southern India, the mean duration
of survival from serodiagnosis was 92 months. Ninety-three percent
of the patients acquired infection through heterosexual contact.
HIV
Type 1 Group M Clades Infecting Subjects From Rural Villages in
Equatorial Rain Forests of Cameroon (PubMed abstract)
Though the HIV-1 subtypes infecting patients living in urban and
semi-urban areas in Cameroon have been reported, information on
the subtypes infecting patients in rural villages is lacking. This
study suggests that the HIV-1 diversity in rural villages in the
equatorial rain forest of Cameroon is at least as broad as has been
observed in major cities of Cameroon and that multiple HIV-1 group
M subtypes are infecting persons living in the countryside of Cameroon.
Herpes
Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection as a Risk Factor for Human Immunodeficiency
Virus Acquisition in Men Who Have Sex with Men (research abstract)
In this study, only 15% of HSV-2 infected MSM reported herpes outbreaks
in the past year. HIV acquisition was associated with prior HSV-2
infection, reporting >12 sex partners, and reporting fewer herpes
outbreaks in the past year. HSV-2 increases the risk of HIV acquisition,
independent of recognized herpes lesions and behaviors reflecting
potential HIV exposure. HSV-2 suppression with antiviral therapy
should be evaluated as an HIV prevention strategy among MSM.
HIV / AIDS NEWS
Democratic
Republic of Congo: Military, Police to Launch HIV/AIDS Campaign
(news article)
The military and police in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(DRC) are to launch a countrywide HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, according
to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). A meeting held on 3 December
with the International Centre for Migration and Health (ICMH), over
100 senior military and police officers, as well as the DRC ministers
of interior, defence and health, had ended with a consensus on priority
actions to be taken by both the military and police at all levels.
These would include education programmes to disseminate HIV/AIDS
messages, and condom-distribution programmes, studies and evaluations,
and workshops.
Fighting
AIDS-Related Stigma in Africa (news article)
Stigma and discrimination remain a major fact of life for the estimated
29.4 million people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and for the more
than 11 million children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
Whether it is a worker afraid of being fired from a job or a woman
terrified of losing her children and her home, well-founded fears
exist for many with the virus. But despite agreement that stigma
and discrimination must be overcome to adequately turn the tide
on the epidemic, communities and governments in Africa, as elsewhere,
continue to struggle to protect people's rights and dignity.
Nigeria:
Doctors Also Contribute to Spread of HIV/AIDS (news article)
The former deputy governor of Cross River state has indicted medical
doctors for the spread of HIV/AIDS besides the identified source
of the dreaded disease. Doctors often overlook infected blood if
they are faced with the choice of saving a life or allowing it to
die in an emergency situation. In such dilemma doctors prefer to
use infected blood with the hope that the blood could give some
ten or more years of life to the patient. The former deputy govenor
also blamed laboratory experts for the lapses and called on the
government to compel HIV/AIDS test on all Nigerians.
Lesotho
Faces 'Biggest Challenge' (news article)
The government of Lesotho, a small mountainous kingdom landlocked
by South Africa and at the centre of a hunger crisis, has said the
country is fighting its biggest ever challenge: the double tragedy
of hunger and HIV/AIDS.
Thailand:
Orphans to Reach Peak in 3 Years (news article)
With the AIDS mortality rate increasing, the problem of AIDS orphans
is expected to peak in the next 3 years, according to the national
committee on HIV/AIDS. With approximately 289,000 cases, Thailand
had the highest number of AIDS orphans in Asia in 2001, and the
number is expected to continue to rise, reaching 380,000 in 2005.
Iran
Steps Up Measures to Control AIDS (news article)
Doctors in Iran have received a government order not to turn away
patients infected with HIV or AIDS as part of a new effort to control
the spread of the disease. According to the health ministry directive,
doctors consulted by people infected with the AIDS virus or suffering
from AIDS-related illnesses have been ordered to catalogue the cases
and provide immediate treatment, or else face an undisclosed punishment.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Voluntary
Counseling and Testing for HIV Among Pregnant Women Presenting in
Labor in Kigali, Rwanda (PubMed abstract)
This study investigated factors related to acceptability of voluntary
counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV among pregnant women presenting
in labor in Kigali, Rwanda, in an era of free and effective antiretroviral
drugs for prevention of perinatal transmission of HIV. Two factors
correlated significantly with the acceptance rate. The strongest
predictive factor for acceptability of HIV testing was the profession
of the male partner. Women whose partners had skilled and well-paid
jobs were about four times more likely to accept HIV testing than
were women whose partners were unemployed. The other factor significantly
associated with the acceptance rate was maternal age. The likelihood
of acceptance of HIV testing was about three times higher among
women 35 years or older than among younger mothers.
Survival
of Ugandan Infants with Subtype A and D HIV-1 Infection (HIVNET
012) (PubMed abstract)
Virologic factors may influence survival of HIV-1-infected infants.
Researchers compared survival of Ugandan infants with subtype A
and subtype D HIV-1 infection. This study was performed in the context
of the Ugandan clinical trial HIVNET 012, which compared the efficacy
of single-dose nevirapine (NVP) and short-course zidovudine (AZT)
for prevention of HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission. Results found
no association between HIV-1 subtype (A vs. D) and infant survival
in the cohort of children infected by 6 to 8 weeks of age.
Transmission
of HIV-1 Through Breastfeeding Among Women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(PubMed abstract)
The authors examined the timing and correlates of HIV-1 transmission
through breastfeeding among 1078 HIV-infected pregnant women from
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania enrolled in a trial to examine the effect
of vitamin A and other vitamin supplements on mother-to-child transmission
of HIV-1 and other health outcomes. Authors concluded that the rate
of breastfeeding transmission of HIV-1 is high, and early weaning
is likely to be associated with reduced transmission. Antiretroviral
drugs given to HIV-infected mothers are likely to reduce the risk
of breastfeeding transmission. In their absence, interventions that
enhance immune reconstitution, such as micronutrient supplements,
may be beneficial against transmission. Methods to prevent and treat
nipple cracks and mastitis may also be important.
Efficacy
of Strategies to Reduce Mother-to-Child HIV-1 Transmission in Argentina,
1993-2000 (PubMed abstract)
This study evaluated the success of a national program for the prevention
of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 in 874 mother-infant
pairs from Buenos Aires and surroundings. This population was referred
to the National Reference Center for AIDS for diagnosis of neonatal
infection during 1993-2000. Data on the time of diagnosis indicated
that only 42.7% of the women knew about their HIV status before
pregnancy, 44.8 knew during pregnancy, and 12.3% knew after the
birth of their child. The main risk factor for HIV infection in
the mothers was heterosexual contact (73%), and in the fathers,
it was injection drug use (67%). These results point out the urgent
need to develop additional strategies for prevention of MTCT of
HIV-1 to generalize education, counseling, and testing of young
women.
Polygyny
and Child Survival in Nigeria: Age-dependent Effects (research
abstract)
Researchers estimated mortality risks for children <5 using data
from the 1990 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey for children
in monogamous and polygynous families. They found polygyny to be
significantly associated with lower child mortality during the post-neonatal
period (1 to 11 months), but not during childhood (12 to 59 months).
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
CDC:
About 25 Percent Of Fertility Treatments Successful (news article)
More than 25,000 women had babies after seeking help at fertility
clinics in 2000, a success rate of about one in four, according
to federal officials.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Screening
for Prostate Cancer: An Update of the Evidence for the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force (clinical guidelines)
Related news article: Value
of Routine Prostate Cancer Testing Uncertain
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has concluded that there
is insufficient scientific evidence to promote routine prostate
cancer screening for all men and inconclusive evidence that early
detection improves health outcomes. The task force's recommendation
was based on a review of studies regarding the effect of screening,
including both the prostate-specific antigen test and digital rectal
exams, to prevent death in men 40 or older. While the group found
that the tests are effective in detecting the disease, it also found
the evidence insufficient to show that the tests improve long-term
health outcomes
British
Andrology Society Guidelines for the Assessment of Post Vasectomy
Semen Samples (2002) (research article)
The British Andrology Society guidelines for the assessment of post
vasectomy semen samples recommend that initial assessment is undertaken
16 weeks post vasectomy and after the patient has produced at least
24 ejaculates. The laboratory should examine a freshly produced
seminal fluid specimen by direct microscopy and if no sperm are
seen the centrifugate should be examined for the presence of motile
and non-motile spermatozoa. It is recommended that the clinician
should give clearance after the production of two consecutive sperm
free ejaculates. In cases of persistent identification of non-motile
spermatozoa the referring clinician should advise the patient regarding
the cessation of other contraceptive precautions. Surgeons are responsible
both preoperatively and postoperatively for the counselling of couples
regarding complications and the possibility of late recanalisation
after clearance.
Scaling
HIV Vaccine Attitudes among Gay Men in Sydney, Australia (PubMed
abstract)
This study aimed to develop reliable scales of HIV vaccine attitudes.
Gay men were recruited at the 2001 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi
Gras Fair Day, a large gay community gathering of thousands of people.
A total of 776 participants completed a questionnaire containing
38 items about HIV vaccines. Of the HIV-negative/untested men, 162
(27.7%) were likely/very likely to volunteer for HIV vaccine trials,
and 422 (72.3%) were unlikely/very unlikely to do so. Alongside
HIV vaccine trials, these scales may be a useful adjunct to social
research in gay communities; to monitor and be responsive to community
concerns about HIV vaccine trials as well as their potential to
undermine safe sex practices.
Sexual
Dysfunction in HIV-Infected Patients Treated with Highly Active
Antiretroviral Therapy (PubMed abstract)
Related news article: Study
Looks at Sexual Dysfunction, HIV Drugs
For years, people taking HIV fighting medications have suspected
that the drugs can interfere with sexual function. Now a study by
Spanish researchers shows that about one in five HIV-infected men
report sexual dysfunction, most of them patients who are taking
protease inhibitors. While the tie was particularly strong for protease
inhibitors, it was noted that all HIV treatments the researchers
investigated could potentially interfere with sexual function.
Ultrasound
Guided Needle Localization and Microsurgical Exploration for Incidental
Nonpalpable Testicular Tumors (PubMed abstract)
Related news article: New
Technique for ID'ing, Treating Testicle Tumors (news article)
Doctors say a new surgical technique they have pioneered may make
it possible for more men with testicular tumors to avoid having
the affected testicle removed, thus saving their fertility. The
technique allows doctors to identify and remove benign and malignant
tumors and preserve the testis when the tumor is benign. It could
also allow the testicle to be preserved in some men with small malignant
tumors.
Vasectomy
and the Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Meta-analysis Examining Vasectomy
Status, Age at Vasectomy, and Time Since Vasectomy (PubMed abstract)
The aim of this study was to conduct a quantitative review of prostate
cancer studies to pool relative risk (RR) estimates on the association
between prostate cancer and vasectomy, in an attempt to determine
whether there is an association, and if so, its magnitude. Random-effects
models were examined along with a linear model for time since vasectomy.
The pooled RR estimate was 1.37 (95% CI=1.15-1.62) based on five
cohort studies and 17 case-control studies. These results suggest
that men with a prior vasectomy may be at an increased risk of prostate
cancer, however, the increase may not be causal since potential
bias cannot be discounted. The overall association was small and
therefore could be explained by bias.
Sildenafil
Influences Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PubMed abstract)
Related news article: Viagra
May Improve Urinary Tract Problems in Men
Men who take Viagra for erectile dysfunction may also see an improvement
in lower urinary tract symptoms such as bladder pain or poor urinary
flow.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
US:
Family Planning Clinic Reaches Out to Men (news article)
A male-only clinic on Monday nights opened in December in Wareham,
Massachusetts, with the help of a $50,000 federal grant from the
Office of Population Affairs. While the clinic typically counsels
up to 20 women a week on issues such as birth control, sexually
transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDs, only two or three men a week
have sought the services of its Monday night, male-only counseling
sessions.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Southeast
Asian Urbanization and the Growth of Mega-urban Regions (research
abstract)
The author argues that, in studying the dynamics of growth of extended
metropolitan regions in Asia, it is important to designate zones
around the official metropolitan areas. Otherwise, one might conclude
that Asian mega-urban growth is slowing, which is misleading. Realistic
appraisal of the planning needs of Southeast Asia 's mega-urban
regions requires integrated research on the broader metropolitan
region surrounding the metropolis proper.
Optimal
Age of Retirement and Population Growth (research abstract)
The purpose of this paper is to study intergenerational optimal
resources sharing when the social planner can choose the retirement
age in addition to consumptions and investment.
POPULATION NEWS
World
Population 5.8% of People Who Have Lived on Earth (news article)
A demographer for the Population Reference Bureau has calculated
that a total of 106.4 billion people have lived on the planet since
homo sapiens is first believed to have appeared about 50,000 B.C.
With a global population of 6.2 billion people today, that means
that 5.8 percent of all the people who have ever been born are alive
at this moment.
Rwanda:
Rwandans Now 8.16 Million, Preliminary Population Census Shows
(news article)
The population of Rwanda has reached 8.16 million, according to
the preliminary results of a nationwide census published on Monday
on the Rwandan government website. The latest figures showed the
population had grown by only just over one million, or 12 percent,
in the last 12 years since the previous census was undertaken in
1991. According to the census 52.3 percent of the population was
found to be female, while 47.7 percent was male. The population
over the age of 16 years was 4.19 million, 53.5 percent of whom
were female.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Estimation
of Prevalence of RTIs/STDs Among Women of Reproductive Age Group
in District Agra (research article)
Participants in this study were 600 ever married women in the reproductive
age group (i.e. 15-45 years) in 60 clusters, comprising villages
in rural area and localities in urban area of district Agra, India.
The prevalence of RTIs/STDs was 35.2%, with rural prevalence higher
(49%) than urban (27%). More than two third of symptom-positive
women were less then 34 years of age.
Role
of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Female Infertility (PubMed
abstract)
Related news article: Acupuncture
Does Boost Fertility in Women (news article)
Women who are trying to conceive may get a push in the right direction
from acupuncture, according to a new report. A review of medical
literature regarding the benefits of acupuncture to women's fertility
reveals that the ancient technique can help reduce stress, increase
blood flow to the reproductive organs and help normalize ovulation--all
of which can help a woman conceive.
Inhibition
of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Lactobacillus Species That Are Commonly
Isolated from the Female Genital Tract (research abstract)
Related news article: Bacteria
Protect Against Gonorrhea
Researchers tested the ability of four species of lactobacilli commonly
found in the vagina to inhibit the reproduction of Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
the bacterium that causes gonnorhea, under different pH conditions.
While all four inhibited growth in acidic conditions, only two were
able to inhibit growth under neutral pH. The researchers believe
that the lactobacilli were able to inhibit growth by producing hydrogen
peroxide.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Gay,
Bisexual Women Take More Risks Than Gay Men (news article)
New research shows that college-aged women who say they are attracted
to women are more likely to use drugs, attempt suicide, and adopt
other risky behaviors than their male peers who have sex with men.
YOUTH RESEARCH
Opportunity
for Prevention of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Kenyan
Youth: Results of a Population-Based Survey (PubMed abstract)
The purpose of this study was to provide baseline data for targeted
sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV infection prevention
interventions by studying parameters of sexual behavior and knowledge
of HIV infection and STIs, measuring health-seeking behavior related
to STIs, and measuring gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV-1
prevalences. Researchers concluded that this study emphasizes the
vulnerability of young adults, in particular young women, to HIV
infection and the need for intensive interventions in this group.
The low use of condoms, incomplete knowledge of HIV infection and
STIs, the high number of reported STIs, and the relatively low HIV-1
seroprevalence among the 15- to 19-year-old group indicate a large
need for intensive STI and HIV infection prevention programs.
Study
of Some Epidemiological Factors in Teenage Pregnancy - Hospital
Based Case Comparison Study (research article)
The authors used a hospital based cross-sectional study to compare
teenage mothers (<20 years of age) with a comparison group (20
to 29 years of age) in the Government Medical College and Hospital,
Nagpur, India. Teenage mothers were more likely to experience still
birth, preterm delivery, low birth weight and complications during
pregnancy and labour. The relation of antenatal care services and
favourable outcome did not show any difference.
YOUTH NEWS
Teens,
Sex, and the 'Santa Claus Effect' (news article)
School's out for the holidays. Teens have got time on their hands,
and perhaps even a crackling fire to set the mood. What are they
planning for vacation? Apparently, losing their virginity is high
on the list for those with significant others, according to researchers
who reviewed data from a federal health survey.
PROFILES / SPECIAL REPORTS
How
Does Educational Attainment Affect the Risk of Being Infected by
HIV/AIDS? Evidence from a General Population Cohort in Rural Uganda
(research report)
The author uses data from the General Population Cohort of the Medical
Research Council Programme on AIDS in Uganda to test his hypothesis
that education increases people's life expectancies in the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. The author reports that early in the epidemic, in 1990,
there was no robust relation between HIV/AIDS and education. In
2000, after more than a decade of efforts about the dangers of the
epidemic, for individuals who started their sexual life after the
start of the prevention campaigns, the higher the education level,
the lower the risk of being HIV positive. He states this result
is new in Africa, as previous studies of the
HIV/education relation have generally concluded that there was either
a positive or no association between HIV infection and schooling
levels. He estimates that more educated individuals have reacted
much stronger to the arrival of the information about the epidemic
than individuals with less education.
When
One Isn't Enough (feature article)
For two decades China has vigorously enforced its one-child policy
by slapping harsh penalties on violators. But China's fast-paced
economic growth of the 1990s left many families, especially in the
booming coastal cities, flush with cash--enough, in fact, to pay
fines that would have been well beyond their reach a few years ago.
In Shanghai's affluent circles, it is not uncommon to hear of couples
who have given birth to a second, or even a third, child and paid
the fines as an afterthought. China's wealthy citizens are realizing
that money, in addition to supplying material comforts, is giving
them a way to assert their independence, including the ability to
break one of Beijing's cardinal rules.
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