The Pop Reporter®
– Events – Archives – Subscribe – Modify Profile – Headline Sharing Program – The Pop Reporter en Espaņol (Spanish)
Volume 3, Number 11
17 March 2003
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
Russian Military Will No Longer Draft Drug Addicts, Homosexuals, and Men with HIV (news article)
The Russian military will no longer draft drug addicts, homosexuals, men infected with HIV and sexually transmitted diseases into the armed forces.
Burning Bridges: Policy, Practice, and the Destruction of Midwifery in Rural Costa Rica (research abstract)
The author argues that the process of both remodeling and subsequently destroying midwifery practices begun in the formal health care sector at the national level continues at the local level through changing values and meanings associated with midwives' practices.
Major Changes in Contraceptive Options, Method Selection Should Move Criteria for Decision-Making Beyond Efficacy Data (news article)
Leading specialists in women's health education are saying a new framework for choosing contraception is needed, not only by a woman, but also by her clinician. The array of additional methods that have been introduced in the past two years, the growing cultural diversity of this country, and the importance of matching contraceptive method to lifestyle habits and preferences should form the core of a realistic dialogue between a woman and her health provider.
Manipulation or Helpful Information? (feature article)
Critics accuse family planning groups of pushing Western views of birth control, smaller families on developing nations.
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Population-Based Study of Chlamydial Infection in China (research abstract)
Related press release: China Could be at Risk for AIDS Explosion
A significant percentage of Chinese men are contracting chlamydia from engaging in unprotected sex with prostitutes and passing the disease onto their wives.
Natural History of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Ttype 1 Infection (PubMed abstract)
Related news article: Some Types of Genital Herpes Don't Often Recur
Genital herpes can result from either of two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and new research suggests that people infected with the HSV-1 type can expect less frequent recurrences of the disease.
Contraceptive Effectiveness of a Polyurethane Condom and a Latex Condom: A Randomized Controlled Trial (PubMed abstract)
The authors compared the contraceptive effectivenesses of a polyurethane condom and a standard latex condom in 901 couples.
The polyurethane condom was not shown to be as effective as the latex comparator condom for pregnancy prevention. However, the risk of pregnancy in the polyurethane group falls in the range of other barrier methods.
Provider Resistance to Advance Provision of Oral Contraceptives in Africa (research abstract)
The study aims to assess the level of provider resistance to advance provision of oral contraceptives. Questions about advance provision of pills to non-menstruating clients for future use were added to five provider surveys in three African countries. In Kenya, only 16% of providers thought it safe to give women oral contraceptives to be started at a later date. In Ghana and Senegal, fewer than 5% of providers mentioned advance provision as a way to manage nonmenstruating pill clients.
Establishing Reliability and Validity of an Instrument Measuring Jordanian Muslim Women's Contraceptive Beliefs (research abstract)
The authors used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework for developing the intention to use oral contraceptive tool (IUOCT). The internal consistency of the IUOCT ranged from .70 to .94. The stability of IUOCT ranged from .79 to .85.
The Dalkon Shield Saga (editorial)
An editorial on the US vs. UK experience with the Dalkon Shield and how aversion to the IUD method on the part of doctors and the public in the US may have factored into it.
A Case/Comparison Study in the Eastern Region of Ghana on the Effects of Incorporating Selected Reproductive Health Services on Family Planning Services (PubMed abstract)
Twenty-four FP service delivery points in which training in sexually transmitted infection prevention and control services or post-abortion care services had been initiated (case facilities) were compared to 19 control facilities in which similar provider training had not yet been targeted. Case facilities that had integrated these additional reproductive health services experienced consistently higher numbers of clients, and the total number of clients receiving FP services increased over time. There was also a statistically significant increase in continuing FP clients within case facilities.
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Botswana: Female Condom Now Available in 28 Hospitals, Clinics (news article)
The female condom has now been made available in 28 hospitals and some clinics around Botswana.
HIV / AIDS RESEARCH
Age and Race Mixing Patterns of Sexual Partnerships among Asian Men Who Have Sex with Men: Implications for HIV Transmission and Prevention (research abstract)
This study examines the characteristics of sexual partnerships among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) MSM. Multivariate logistic regression analyses found that having an API partner was related to having unprotected anal intercourse after controlling for respondent's age, number of sexual partners, and partner type. Having an API partner and a younger partner were related to respondent reports of unprotected insertive anal intercourse.
Preliminary Estimates of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevalence and Incidence Among Cocaine Abusers of Porto Alegre, Brazil (research abstract)
A sample of 193 southern Brazilian inner-city cocaine abusers was studied to assess the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Following the exclusion of those who were seropositive, a cohort of 138 HIV-negative cocaine abusers was followed for 18 months to assess seroincidence rates and the associated characteristics. The overall seroprevalence was 28.5%, and the variables associated with HIV seropositivity were age older than 25 years, being single, having less than 8 years of education, and having injected cocaine at least once. Seroconversions in the 18-month period, yielded an incidence rate of 5.03/100.
Religion and Women's Health in Ghana: Insights into HIV/AIDs Preventive and Protective Behavior (research abstract)
This article examines whether a woman's knowledge of HIV/AIDS is associated with her religious affiliation, and whether religious affiliation influences AIDS preventive (protective) attitudes. Findings from analysis of Ghanaian data indicate that religious affiliation has a significant effect on knowledge of AIDS. Women from the Christian churches were more likely to report a lower level of AIDS risk than those among the non-Christian groups. However, religious affiliation did not seem to be associated with changes in specific protective behavior, particularly the use of condoms.
HIV / AIDS NEWS
FDA Approves First Drug in New Class of HIV Treatments for HIV Infected Adults and Children With Advanced Disease (press release)
The Food and Drug Administration announced the accelerated approval of Fuzeon (enfuvirtide) for use in combination with other anti-HIV medications to treat advanced HIV-1 infection in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
Former WHO Official Touts Ugandan Focus On Abstinence, Fidelity (news article)
A former World Health Organization researcher has said Uganda's "ABC" strategy to combat HIV/AIDS -- Abstinence, Be faithful, use Condoms, in that order -- could cut HIV infections by 80% if expanded across Africa. But international aid workers have rebuffed the policy, calling it a cover for a right-wing agenda.
Changing Attitude Toward Sex Threatens South Korea. Growing Promiscuity, Lack of Education May Lead to Increase in AIDS, Experts Say (news article)
Health officials say reluctance to use condoms, a rise in infections among homosexuals, an increase in young Koreans' sexual activities, and lack of information about contraception are likely factors that could lead to a significant increase in HIV infections in future years.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Effects of Alternative Maternal Micronutrient Supplements on Low Birth Weight in Rural Nepal: Double Blind Randomised Community Trial (research article)
426 communities were randomised to five regimens in which pregnant women received daily supplements of folic acid, folic acid-iron, folic acid-iron-zinc, or multiple micronutrients all given with vitamin A, or vitamin A alone (control). Supplementation with maternal folic acid alone had no effect on birth size. Folic acid-iron increased mean birth weight by 37 g and reduced the percentage of low birthweight babies (<2500 g) from 43% to 34%. Multiple micronutrients conferred no additional benefit over folic acid-iron in reducing this risk.
Analysis of Ante-partum Maternal Morbidity in Rural Bangladesh (research abstract)
This paper presents the results of a prospective study of maternal morbidity during the ante-partum period in rural areas of Bangladesh and examines data from a maternal morbidity in Bangladesh survey conducted between November 1992 and December 1993. Results indicate that women aged 25-29 years are less susceptible to most of the selected life-threatening and high-risk complications during pregnancy. Younger women (age < 25 years) are more likely to have excessive vomiting during pregnancy, and older women (age 30 years) are at greater risk of haemorrhage, fits/convulsion, and oedema.
Immunization Safety Review: Vaccinations and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (report)
Related press release: SIDS Not Linked to Number and Variety of Childhood Vaccines
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news.nsf/isbn/0309088860?OpenDocument
A new report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies says there is no evidence of a link between crib death (known as sudden infant death syndrome) and multiple vaccines given in infancy.
Costs of Maternal Health Care Services in Three Anglophone African Countries (research abstract)
This paper is a synthesis of a case study of provider and consumer costs, along with selected quality indicators, for six maternal health services provided at one public hospital, one mission hospital, one public health centre and one mission centre, in Uganda, Malawi and Ghana. The authors found that costs differ between hospitals and health centres as well as among mission and public facilities. They explain this variation by differences in the role of the facility, use and availability of materials and equipment, number and level of personnel delivering services, and utilization levels of services.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Epidemiology of Erectile Dysfunction (research article)
This article reviews the current epidemiological literature on erectile dysfunction (ED). It suggests that approximately 5% to 20% of men have moderate-to-severe ED. Different definitions of ED, age distributions, and concomitant medical conditions, as well as methodological differences, may explain much of the variance in reported prevalence rates.
HIV Risk and Prevention Among Asian/Pacific Islander Men Who Have Sex with Men: Listen to Our Stories (PubMed abstract)
The authors conducted five focus groups with API MSM (N = 38) to identify psychological, social, and cultural factors related to HIV risk and protection. Narrative data indicate that multilevel HIV prevention intervention strategies are necessary for addressing the unique psychosocial and behavioral HIV risk factors among API MSM, such as dual stigma stemming from homophobia and racism, discomfort with sexuality, power dynamics and stereotypes in relationships with White men, substance use, and low utilization of health and social services.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Cigarettes Send Male Sex Life Up In Smoke (news article)
Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, according to a study reported at the recent American Heart Association's Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention.
Male Sexual Assault More Common Than Thought-Study (news article)
Sexual assaults on men are more common than previously thought, but victims often do not report them for fear of being considered weak or gay.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Patterns of Local Migration and Their Consequences in a Rural Ethiopian Population (research abstract)
Based on observations of over 336,000 person-years in nine rural villages and one small town, 48% of individuals migrated in or out of the study area at some stage, as recorded in monthly household visits. There was a net incidence of migration into the urban area, particularly among young adults. Mortality was higher among residents compared with in-migrants, with rates of 10.5 and 8.2 per 1,000 person-years respectively after adjustment for age, sex, and area of residence.
POPULATION NEWS
US Foreign-Born Population Hits High (news article)
The US foreign-born population has reached a record high, though the rate at which people came to America has slowed considerably.
The Gender Gap (news article)
There are nearly 1 billion adults in the world. Two out of every three of them are women. Women outlive men in almost every country. On average, women are expected to live four years longer than men. The life expectancy of men is 63.7 years. The life expectancy of women is 67.8 years.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Do Cycle Disturbances Explain the Age-Related Decline of Female Fertility? Cycle Characteristics of Women Aged Over 40 Years Compared With A Reference Population of Young Women (research abstract)
An earlier start of follicle growth in a possibly less favorable hormonal environment, as well as a limited oocyte pool, may contribute to a decreased follicle and oocyte quality, resulting in diminished fertility in women aged 41-46 years.
Simulators for Intimate Examination Training in the Developing World (PubMed abstract)
The authors assessed the usefulness of a pelvic simulator for intimate examination and intrauterine device insertion training and for enhancing reproductive education for women. They found that where working and training conditions are crowded and lacking in privacy, inappropriate examination practices are likely to be propagated and that training for intimate examinations can be enhanced by the use of pelvic simulators.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
FDA OKs New Form of Controversial Estrogen Drug (news article)
US regulators have approved a low-dose version of Prempro, a hormone-replacement product that was at the center of a public health controversy last year. A large federally sponsored trial reported last July found that women who were long-term users of Prempro, a combination of estrogen and progestin, had an increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
Eritrean Females Struggle Against Circumcision (feature article)
Eritreans do not discuss FGM openly because it is taboo to talk about sex in general. However, people's fear of a clampdown is leading to more secrecy than a decade ago when the government launched a campaign against the ancient practice.
Scarred by Tradition, Senegalese Women Start to Abandon Centuries-old Practice of Genital Cutting
Despite more than 20 years of campaigning by health and human rights activists, female genital cutting remains a custom in much of Africa. Many people consider girls unclean, unchaste, and undeserving of marriage unless they undergo the rite.
"One Stop" Approach May be Effective in Preventing Cervical Cancer in Thailand (news article)
Treating women for potentially precancerous cervical lesions the same day they are detected could offer a practical approach to preventing cervical cancer in some developing countries.
Lesbians Face Unique Set of AIDS Risks (news article)
Two recent studies suggest that lesbian and bisexual women may not be receiving appropriate messages about how to protect themselves against HIV.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Adolescent Behavior in the Context of AIDS in South Africa (review)
South Africa is one of the countries hardest hit by HIV. Nearly 25 percent of the women who obtain antenatal care in South Africa are living with HIV; in the country's most populous province, KwaZulu-Natal, the figure is 34 percent. Risky sexual behavior among youth is common; more than 35 percent of 19-year-old South African girls have been pregnant at least once. A recent study, "Transitions to Adulthood in the Context of AIDS in South Africa," investigates factors that may influence the lives and sexual behavior of young people in KwaZulu-Natal. The working papers discussed in this article analyze evidence from the first round of data collection.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
Nurse Visits "Reduce Teenage Pregnancy Problems" (news article)
Teenage pregnancy levels and related health problems could be partly reduced by post-natal nurse visits.
China: Teen Pregnancy on Rise (news article)
Since China opened its door to the outside world two decades ago, the concept of "sexual freedom" in Western countries has had a considerable influence on Chinese young people's attitude toward premarital sex. Compared to the early 1980s, when only 10 percent of young people in China's urban areas had premarital sex, nowadays, more than 50 percent of them are doing so, and the proportion is even higher in coastal cities.
BOOKS / BOOK REVIEWS
Sexual Health and Development of Adolescents and Youth in the Americas: Program and Policy Implications 
Spanish (book)
This document argues for a paradigm shift for policy makers and program planners to take on a new, positive outlook on youth, with a holistic approach that includes their sexuality.
PROFILES / SPECIAL REPORTS / RESOURCES
A Tool for Maternal Health Advocates: MNPI (maternal and neonatal program effort index) (resource)
The Maternal and Neonatal Program Effort Index (MNPI) is a tool that reproductive health care advocates, providers, and program
planners can use to assess current health care services; identify program strengths and weaknesses; plan strategies to address deficiencies; encourage political and popular support for appropriate action; and track progress over time.
You will need Adobe Acrobat to access the following documents:
Bangladesh | Cambodia | Egypt | Ethiopia | Ghana | Indonesia | Kenya | Malawi | Nepal | Nigeria | Philippines | Uganda | Vietnam | Zambia
CONTINUOUS IDENTIFICATION OF RESEARCH EVIDENCE RELATED TO FAMILY PLANNING GUIDANCE
New evidence has been identified that is directly related to guidance provided in the Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (MEC) or the Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (SPR). Identification begins with screening of new articles entered into the POPLINE® database, with further review for relevance to the WHO guidance. This new evidence will be monitored on an on-going basis by WHO and will be evaluated at future WHO expert meetings to update the MEC and SPR.
_________________________________________________
Goldberg AB, Cardenas LH, Hubbard AE, and Darney PD. Post-abortion depot medroxyprogesterone acetate continuation rates: a randomized trial of cyclic estradiol. Contraception. 2002 Oct;66(4):215-220
Findings in this article have been found relevant to WHO SPR Question: 11. What can be done if a woman has menstrual abnormalities when using a POI?
Link to CIRE Evidence | Link to POPLINE Record
_________________________________________________Hendrix SL and Alexander NJ. Primary dysmenorrhea treatment with a desogestrel-containing low-dose oral contraceptive. Contraception. 2002 Dec;66(6):393-399
Findings in this article have been found relevant to the following MEC and SPR:
Method: Combined OCs Condition: Severe dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation)Link to CIRE Evidence | Link to POPLINE® Record
_________________________________________________Baheiraei A, Ardsetani N, and Ghazizadeh S. Effects of progestogen-only contraceptives on breast-feeding and infant growth. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2001;74:203-205
Findings in this article have been found relevant to the following MEC and SPR:
Method: Progestogen-Only Injectables Condition: Breastfeeding
Method: Progestogen-Only OCs Condition: BreastfeedingLink to CIRE Evidence | Link to POPLINE Record
_________________________________________________Istre O and Trolle B. Treatment of menorrhagia with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system versus endometrial resection. Fertility and Sterility. 2001 Aug;76(2):304-309
Findings in this article have been found relevant to the following MEC and SPR:
Method: Levonorgestrel IUDs Condition: Vaginal bleeding patternsLink to CIRE Evidence | Link to POPLINE Record
_________________________________________________Bjarnadottir RI, Gottfredsdottir H, Sigurdardottir K, Geirsson RT, and Dieben TO. Comparative study of the effects of a progestogen-only pill containing desogestrel and an intrauterine contraceptive device in lactating women. BJOG. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2001 Nov;108(11):1174-1180
Findings in this article have been found relevant to the following MEC and SPR:
Method: Progestogen-Only OCs Condition: BreastfeedingLink to CIRE Evidence | Link to POPLINE Record
_________________________________________________Stanwood NL, Grimes DA, and Schulz KF. Insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device after induced or spontaneous abortion: a review of the evidence. BJOG. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2001 Nov;108(11):1168-1173
Findings in this article have been found relevant to the following MEC and SPR:
Method: Copper IUD and Condition: PostabortionLink to CIRE Evidence | Link to POPLINE Record
_________________________________________________Lubianca JN, Faccin CS, and Fuchs FD. Oral contraceptives: a risk factor for uncontrolled blood pressure among hypertensive women. Contraception. 2003 Jan;67(1):19-24
Findings in this article have been found relevant to the following MEC and SPR:
Method: Combined OCs and Condition: High blood pressure (Hypertension)Link to CIRE Evidence | Link to POPLINE Record
When you click on any link, your Internet browser will access a Web site not connected to "The Pop Reporter.®" Information accessed through these links and contained in this issue of "The Pop Reporter®" does not necessarily state or reflect the views of the Population Information Program, Johns Hopkins University, or the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
All links were verified at the date of posting. Your computer and/or network configuration regarding Java script, cookies, and other security issues may not allow you to view certain Web sites. Consult your computer technician if you are having problems.
Information & Knowledge for Optimal Health (INFO) Project
111 Market Place Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-659-6300 Fax: 410-659-6266 Security & Privacy Policy