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Volume 3, Number 21
27 May 2003
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Quality Characteristics of Field Workers and Contraceptive Use Dynamics: Lessons from Matlab, Bangladesh 
(research article)
The empirical findings of this study support the proposition that the contraceptive behaviour of an individual is affected not only by his or her personal characteristics, but also by the quality characteristics of the field worker who provides service to him or her.
Effect of Four Oral Contraceptives on Thyroid Hormones, Adrenal and Blood Pressure Parameters (research abstract)
The effect of four oral contraceptives (OCs) on thyroid hormone parameters, cortisol, aldosterone, endothelin-1 and angiotensin II was investigated in four groups composed of 25 volunteers each (aged 18 to 35 years). The investigators report that the four OCs did not influence the serum concentrations of endothelin-1 and no consistent effects were found concerning those of aldosterone. They concluded that the OCs they studied have only minor effects on thyroid function and adrenal and blood pressure serum parameters.
Characterization of Copper in Uterine Fluids of Patients Who Use the Copper T-380A Intrauterine Device (research abstract)
Researchers collected samples from 27 women who had used the IUD for about 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years. They found that the amount of copper released from IUD, although high, is in the form of complexes with proteins. IUDs have a constant copper release for at least 6-12 months. The amount of copper released and the amount of proteins is slightly larger during the menstrual stage.
Health, 'Small-worlds', Fractals and Complex Networks: An Emerging Field (research article)
This article discusses the importance of 'small-worlds,' fractals, and complex networks in relation to medicine. The interrelationship between the concepts is highlighted. 'Small-worlds' (where large populations are linked at the level of the individual) have considerable importance for understanding disease transmission. Complex networks where linkages are based on the concept of 'the rich get richer' are fundamental in the medical sciences - from enzymatic interactions at the sub-cellular level to social interactions such as sexual liaisons.
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Study Finds Women Would Use Microbicide to Combat HIV (news article)
A study of Hartford women at high risk for HIV infection found that these women would like to use a microbicide - a vaginal cream, foam or gel - to help prevent HIV infection during sex. The only problem is that there is no such product yet available.
South Africa Pins Hopes on Hip Safe Sex Campaign (news article)
A bold HIV/AIDS prevention campaign, one of the most audacious and controversial to be attempted in Africa, intentionally uses branding techniques. If it works, safe sex will become as hip and ubiquitous as Coke.
Thailand: Scented Condoms Raise a Stink (news article)
The Sweet Teen condoms, which come in lime, cola, and mixed fruit varieties, and are being advertised with the slogan 'teen confidence', are a symbol of moral decay, a sociologist was quoted as saying.
FAMILY PLANNING / REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
Bush to Sign Bill to Help Fight AIDS (news article)
Signing a $15 billion authorization to fight AIDS abroad gives President Bush more leverage to press other wealthy nations to work harder against the killer disease as he prepares for a European summit.
Argentine Contraceptive Ban 'Absurd' (news article)
The Argentine health minister has attacked as "absurd" and potentially catastrophic a judicial ruling banning certain contraceptives across Argentina.
Puerto Rico: Health Dept. to Have First Accurate Number of HIV Cases (news article)
Up until this year, the local government had no accurate way of knowing how many new cases of HIV are reported every year. Now, following an administrative order, health officials have been able to overcome privacy issues which prevented them from tracking the rate of infection in Puerto Rico.
Pacific Workplaces Come to Terms with HIV/AIDS (news article)
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva adopted a workplace policy on HIV/AIDS that rules out any discrimination against workers with HIV.
Switzerland: HIV Sufferers Tested Without Consent (news article)
The legal rights of the 20,000 people with HIV/AIDS in Switzerland are being repeatedly flouted, according to a new report. The study, conducted by the Swiss National Science Foundation, says confidential medical information is being disclosed without their knowledge and that they suffer discrimination in the workplace.
HIV / AIDS RESEARCH
Evaluation of attitude, risk behavior and expectations among Thai participants in Phase I/II HIV/AIDS vaccine trials (PubMed abstract)
This study assessed and monitored the changes of risk behaviors, attitudes, and expectations among 164 volunteers from 2 studies of different prophylactic HIV vaccines in Thailand. Education and risk reduction counseling were regularly performed at every visit, and questionnaires about risk behaviors, knowledge, attitudes, social influences, and expectations were asked at baseline, 4 months, and 12 months. The researchers found no change of potentially HIV transmission related risk behavior during the study.
The Growing Burden of Tuberculosis: Global Trends and Interactions with the HIV Epidemic (research article)
This article discussed how the HIV pandemic presents a massive challenge to global TB control.
HIV / AIDS NEWS
Cambodia Turns to Soap Opera in Fight Against AIDS (news article)
Cambodia has launched a daring soap opera about star-crossed lovers, prostitutes, and HIV -- the latest weapon in its fight to contain the deadly AIDS virus.
Religious Leaders Try to Stop Condom Promotion, Distribution in Malawi (news article)
In an African nation where at least 14% of the population is HIV positive, a group of religious leaders is trying to stop the distribution of condoms. The religious leaders in Malawi say the teachings of Christianity and Islam -- the main religions there -- don't support the use of condoms.
Top Russian Official Says One In 25 Could Have HIV In Five Years (news article)
The top Russian government HIV/AIDS expert said in a new report that at least 500,000 Russians have HIV and that as many as 1.5 million of the country's 147 million people may be infected.
Spreading HIV/AIDS as a Gift (news article)
This article discusses a documentary film, "The Gift," screened last weekend at the Seattle International Film Festival, which studies the subculture of gay men who actively seek out getting infected with HIV/AIDS.
Bayer Division 'Knowingly Sold' HIV-infected Protein (news article)
According to newspaper reports, a division of the German pharmaceutical company Bayer knowingly sold blood-clotting agents infected with HIV to Asia and Latin America months after withdrawing them from Europe and the US.
US: New System Quickly Tracks HIV Prevalence (news article)
Until now, it has been impossible for health departments to track the ups and downs of the AIDS epidemic until months or years after infections occurred. The newest generation of tests, however, lets officials figure out whether patients were recently infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Micronutrient Status during Pregnancy and Outcomes for Newborn Infants in Developing Countries (research abstract)
This paper reviews the findings for individual nutrients and then summarizes the current situation. The authors recommend that, to translate knowledge into policy, community evaluations of effect and an expanded evidence base that includes affordability, acceptability and scalability are required.
A Rapid Assessment Approach for Public Health Decision-making Related to the Prevention of Malaria During Pregnancy (research article)
The authors developed a rapid field assessment methodology to address the burden of malaria during pregnancy and the options for intervening within the existing antenatal care system in Kenya. This methodology can be used by ministries of health to collect data for decision-making regarding malaria control during pregnancy; it can also provide a baseline measurement on which to evaluate subsequent interventions.
Modeling Breastmilk Infectivity in HIV-1 Infected Mothers (research abstract)
In this article the authors present their model to estimate breastmilk infectivity, along with the probabilities of in-utero and intrapartum transmission. In addition, the model allows separate estimation of early and late breastmilk infectivity, and individual variation in maternal infectivity. Methods for hypothesis testing of binary risk factors and a method for assessing goodness of fit are also described. Data from a randomized trial of breastfeeding versus formula feeding among HIV-1 infected mothers in Nairobi, Kenya, are used to illustrate the methods.
Maternal Psychosocial Well-being in Eritrea in Complex Emergency Settings (research article)
In this paper the authors set out to establish the context in which maternal psychosocial well-being is understood in war-affected settings in Eritrea.
Variations in Practice of the Management of the Third Stage of Labour (research article)
The objective of this study was to determine the use of the active management of the third stage of labour in 15 university-based obstetric centres in ten developing and developed countries and to determine whether evidence-based practices were being used.
The researchers found significant intracountry and intercountry variation in the practice of the active management of the third stage of labour, confirming the existence of a large gap between knowledge and practice.
Potential Cost-Effectiveness of Nutrition Interventions to Prevent Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Developing World (research abstract)
This article reviews the potential cost-effectiveness of antenatal nutrition interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes in the developing world.
Role of Psychosocial and Nutritional Stress on Poor Pregnancy Outcome (research abstract)
The authors reviewed the epidemiological data linking maternal stress, physical stain, and fasting to preterm birth and low birth weight and reviewed the plausible biological pathways through which these exposures may increase risk of preterm birth.
Women's Opinions on Antenatal Care in Developing Countries: Results of a Study in Cuba, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Argentina (research abstract)
This study was conducted in the context of a randomised controlled trial to test the benefits of a new antenatal care protocol that reduced the number of visits to the doctor, rationalised the application of technology, and improved the provision of information to women in relation to the traditional protocol applied in each country. Three areas are particularly addressed in this paper: 1) concepts about pregnancy and health care, 2) experience with health services and health providers, and 3) opinions about the modified Antenatal Care (ANC) programme. In all three topics, similarities were identified as well as particular opinions related to country specific social and cultural values. In general, the researchers found that women had a positive view of the new ANC protocol, particularly regarding the information they receive.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
New Semen Quality Scores Developed by Principal Component Analysis of Semen Characteristics (research abstract)
The objective of this paper was to determine whether semen characteristics can be reduced to two semen quality scores and whether these new scores can help the clinician in assessing the reproductive outcome.
Human Sperm Volume Regulation. Response to Physiological Changes in Osmolality, Channel Blockers and Potential Sperm osmolytes (research abstract)
The identification of sperm osmolytes, ion channels, and mechanisms involved would contribute to the understanding of male infertility and offer a lead for male contraception. In this study the authors studied 52 donor ejaculates incubated in medium of female tract fluid osmolality and measured by flow cytometry.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
More UK Men Carry Chlamydia than Thought: Study (news article)
About 10% of British men could be carrying the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia, according to new research that highlights the need for men to be screened for the disease.
POPULATION RESEARCH
How Summary Measures of Population Health are Affecting Health Agendas (editorial)
The writer discusses how summary measures of population health have affected changes in health policy.
POPULATION NEWS
Geneticist Advocates Sex Selection (news article)
A leading Hungarian geneticist has stirred controversy by advocating a technique for selecting the sex of babies in order to reverse the falling birth rate in this central European country.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Women's Autonomy and Uptake of Contraception in Pakistan (research article)
The results of this study and other recent work suggest the need for greater attention in future studies to the husband-wife relationship, intra-household distribution and control of resources, as well as inter-household linkages.
Promoting Knowledge of Sexual Illnesses among Women in Bangladesh: Can Non-governmental Organizations Play a Role? (research article)
This study assessed the knowledge of the transmission, symptoms, and prevention of STIs among women in rural Bangladesh. Data came from the demographic and health surveillance system of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) covering 70 villages in 10 regions. The surveillance system provided an updated sampling frame from which a total of 1,663 adult women were selected at random. Findings revealed that sociodemographic factors such as years of schooling and the duration of involvement with NGO forum activities had a significant positive association with the knowledge of sexual illnesses. Multivariate analysis also suggested that the education of women and their participation in NGOs were significantly more likely to raise the knowledge when the influence of age, media exposure, and occupation of husband were controlled.
Role of Family History in Identifying Women With Thrombophilia and Higher Risk of Venous Thromboembolism During Oral Contraception (research abstract)
The authors evaluated 479 thrombosis-free women before oral contraceptives (OC) (age range, 15-49 years); family history was positive in 49 (10.2%). Thrombophilic defects were identified in 36 participants (7.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-10%), 3 of whom had a positive family history (8.3%). The sensitivity and positive predictive value of family history of thrombophilic defects were 8.3% (95% CI, 2%-22%) and 6.1% (95% CI, 1%-17%), respectively. We also evaluated 189 women after VTE complications during OC (age range, 15-49 years); family history was positive in 48 (25.4%; 95% CI, 19%-32%), 22 of whom had a thrombophilic defect (45.8%; 95% CI, 31%-61%). Thrombophilic defects were identified in 81 women (42.8%; 95% CI, 36%-50%). The sensitivity and positive predictive value of family history of thrombophilic defects were 27.2% (95% CI, 18%-38%) and 45.8% (95% CI, 31%-61%), respectively. Family history of VTE has low sensitivity and positive predictive value for identifying women with thrombophilia who are more susceptible to VTE complications during OC.
Parity, Reproductive Factors, and the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in Women (research abstract)
The authors examined parity, breast feeding history, age at first birth, menstrual factors, and exogenous hormone use in relation to pancreatic cancer risk in a prospective cohort study of women. Information on parity and other reproductive factors was assessed by questionnaires in 1976 and updated biennially. Multivariate relative risks were adjusted for cigarette smoking, body mass index, diabetes, and height. During 22 years of follow-up (1976-1998), 115,474 women contributed 2.4 million years of person time, and 243 cases of pancreatic cancer were identified. Compared with nulliparous women, the relative risk of pancreatic cancer was 0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-1.36] for women with 1-2 births, 0.75 (95% CI, 0.48-1.17) for 3-4 births, and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.34-0.98) for those with 5 births after adjusting for other factors. An analysis for linear trend indicated a 10% reduction in risk for each birth (P trend = 0.008). Other reproductive factors and exogenous hormone use were not significantly related to pancreatic cancer risk.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Mass Media Exposure among Urban Youth in Nepal (research article)
This article presents data on both lifetime and daily exposure to specific media sources among Nepal's urban youth. It also presents information on preferred radio stations and television channels; the role of the mass media in disseminating messages about social and health issues; the mass media as a source of information on contraceptive methods, HIV/AIDS and puberty; and their role as a source of sex education for boys and girls. Finally, it examines the factors that influence urban youths' exposure to the mass media in Nepal.
14 and Younger: The Sexual Behavior of Young Adolescents (summary report)
Related news article: One in Five US Teens Have Sex Before Age 15
One in five US teens are having sex before they reach 15, according to a report. Much of that sex is unprotected, for only one-half to three-quarters of adolescents said they had used contraception the first time they had sex, and only about half of girls had done so during the most recent time they had sex. Furthermore, one in seven sexually experienced 14-year-old girls say they have been pregnant.
Adolescent Sexual Risk Assessment (PubMed abstract)
This article describes the use of a self-administered event history calendar and interviews about sexual partners, sexual activity, and contraception within the broader context of the adolescent's life.
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