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Volume 5, Number 3
17 January 2005

"The Pop Reporter" (R) Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs INFO Project. When you click on any link below, 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 INFO Project, Johns Hopkins University, or the US Agency for International Development. All links were verified at the date of mailing. 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.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH

Acceptability and Clinical Performance of a Copper-Containing Frameless IUCD in Hong Kong (research abstract)
This is the first study conducted in Hong Kong to evaluate the acceptability and clinical performance of a copper-containing frameless intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD; GyneFix/Ji Ni™). 62 women chose to use the frameless IUCD for contraception. Pain associated with insertion was acceptable. No pregnancy was reported during the 1-year trial period. There was a 10.7% request rate for removal of the device because of its side effects. The expulsion rate during the first year was 5.3%, and the continuation rate at the end of the first year was 76.7%. 85% of the 40 subjects wished to replace the same device after the product expiry date and 92.5% would recommend this device to their friends.

New Low- and High-Tech Calendar Methods of Family Planning (research abstract)
Calendar-based methods are not usually considered effective or useful methods of family planning among health professionals. However, new “high-” and “low”-tech calendar methods have been developed, which are easy to teach, to use, and may be useful in helping couples avoid pregnancy. The low-tech models are based on a fixed-day calendar system. The high-tech models are based on monitoring urinary metabolites of female reproductive hormones. Both systems have high levels of satisfaction. This article describes these new models of family planning and the research on their effectiveness.

To Reproduce or Not: HIV-Concordant Couples Make a Critical Decision During Pregnancy (research abstract)
This study explored gender-based power relationships and cultural influences on reproductive decision making during pregnancy among 4 HIV-concordant couples in Taiwan. Feminist ethnography was used to explore how reproductive decisions were made during pregnancy. These Taiwanese couples interpreted the meaning of their pregnancy as a “kindly” reminder from God, to make them aware of the HIV status, and having a child as a way for them to demonstrate filial piety. A couple’s perception of substantial support from senior family members and from health care providers was crucial to the decision to continue the pregnancy to term.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS

Senegal: Condom Use Up 300% in Last Decade (news article)
Condom use has increased threefold over the past decade in Senegal, a country with one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates in Africa, according to health workers and officials.

FDA Set to Decide on Morning-after Pill (news article)
Related: news article: Women's Groups Pressure FDA on 'Morning-After' Pill
The government is considering whether to make morning-after birth control available without a prescription.

India: Cash Incentives for Family Planning in Chhattisgarh (news article)
The State Health Minister has said that cash incentives would now be increased for men going in for vasectomy to Rs.250 (US$5.75) from the earlier amount of Rs.140. Women going in for tubectomy would get Rs.200 from the earlier Rs.40.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY

China Will Outlaw Selective Abortions (news article)
China is planning to make selective abortions of female fetuses illegal as a way to close the widening gap between the number of boys and girls in the country.

Youth-Policy.com: A Database of Youth Reproductive Health Policy Information (resource material)
Youth-policy.com is an online resource for improving youth reproductive health and HIV/AIDS policy worldwide. The searchable database contains more than 100 full-text policies addressing youth reproductive health from over 40 countries.

HIV/AIDS RESEARCH

The Impact of the AIDS Epidemic on Teachers in Sub-Saharan Africa (research abstract)
This study presents recent evidence from high HIV prevalence countries in eastern, central, and southern Africa that suggests that teacher mortality rates are considerably lower than those for the adult population as a whole. Furthermore, while demographic projections show AIDS-related mortality for teachers increasing very sharply during the next 5-10 years, teacher mortality rates are in fact declining in a number of high prevalence countries, mainly as a result of behavior change and the increasing availability of anti-retroviral drugs.

Access to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV/AIDS Patients in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand (research abstract)
This study attempted to identify the factors associated with the access to antiretroviral therapy (ARV) among HIV/AIDS patients in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Of the 593 patients included, 24.6% received ARV. Patients who were covered by the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme were significantly more likely to receive ARV than those who were covered by the Universal Coverage Scheme, a publicly funded medical insurance, indicating that there are inequalities in access to and use of ARV among HIV/AIDS patients by health insurance status.

Behavioral Survey for HIV/AIDS Infection in Asosa, Among the General Population and Commercial Sex Workers (research article)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
The objective of this survey was to assess high-risk behaviors for HIV transmission and to describe determinants of willingness to voluntary counseling and
testing.

Notification of Positive HIV Test Results in Haiti: Can We Better Intervene at This Critical Crossroads in the Life of HIV-Infected Patients in a Resource-Poor Country? (research abstract)
This study was conducted in Port au Prince, Haiti, to determine if information collected at HIV notification during voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) can predict patients' future adherence with risk reduction counseling and medical referral. Quantitative predictors of seeking medical care include denial at the announcement of HIV test results, belief that HIV can be transmitted by magic, and having symptoms at the time of HIV testing. Predictors of refusal to notify sexual partner of HIV status include being poor, female, and belief that HIV can be transmitted by magic.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV: A Community Based Study in Northwest Ethiopia (research article)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, behavior, and practice of the community on VCT for HIV and prevention of Mother-to-Child transmission (PMTCT). The authors used a cross-sectional survey aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards VCT for HIV and PMTCT. A total of 992 subjects residing in urban and rural Kebeles were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. 89.9% of the respondents were aware that one can check her/his HIV status. However, 732 (73.8%) knew about the availability of VCT services. Urban dwellers were found to be more willing than rural villagers to undergo testing for HIV.

HIV-1 Prophylactic Vaccine Trials in Thailand (PubMed abstract)
In 1991, Thailand was selected by WHO, UNAIDS as one of the countries for potential HIV vaccine evaluation sites, and 10 projects with HIV phase I, II, and III trials have been conducted since 1994. The vaccine designs pursued included synthetic peptides, recombinant protein and recombinant viral vectors followed by or with boosting doses of recombinant proteins. All phase I/II trials indicated that the candidate vaccines were safe and produced binding and a certain level of neutralizing antibodies. The AIDSVAX phase III trial conducted in 1999 was the first efficacy trial of HIV vaccine in Thailand that brought valuable information for further HIV vaccine development. Recently, a phase III trial of ALVAC-HIV priming with AIDSVAX((R)) B/E boosting was launched in 2003, and the findings of this trial will be shared with the international community.

HIV/AIDS NEWS

New AIDS Campaign Uses Animated Characters (news article)
A new global campaign to stop the spread of AIDS uses three animated characters dressed as condoms who deliver a serious message in humorous public service spots in 41 languages: If you're going to have sex, use a condom. The short spots are being offered free to broadcasters, community groups, and universities and have the potential of reaching 80% of the world's population.

Study: AIDS Problem Growing in Russia (news article)
HIV/AIDS is spreading at a devastating pace in Russia, with a new study showing an estimated 1 million people infected — three times the number officially reported — according to U.S. and Russian experts.

HIV Infections Rising in Korea (news article)
The number of Koreans newly infected with HIV reached 614 last year, with the total of HIV carriers now exceeding 3,000. The number of AIDS deaths also exceeded 100 for the first time last year.

Senegal: Gays Fight to be Included in Anti-AIDS Campaigns (news article)
Senegal's fledgling gay movement is battling for recognition in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and hopes to win its first ever government grant to assist homosexuals living with the disease.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH

Access to Appropriate Information on HIV is Important in Maximizing the Acceptance of the Antenatal HIV Antibody Test (research abstract)
The universal HIV antibody testing program was implemented in Hong Kong in September 2001. A survey on acceptance of the test was conducted in the territory's maternal and child health centers. 70% of the respondents indicated their acceptance of the test. A significant association was noted between clients' acceptance and access to HIV information by means of posters, pamphlets, videos, and group talks. Perceived benefits and health care workers' recommendation were the main reported reasons for acceptance, whereas no or low perceived susceptibility was the main reason for refusal. Acceptance was also positively correlated with level of education and HIV knowledge.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS

Kazakhstan: Maternal Mortality Remains Source of Concern (news article)
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Kazakh government, aims to reduce the level of maternal mortality in Central Asia's largest nation, where rates over the past decade reveal little sign of significant progress.

China: Facing the Reality: Baby Dumping (feature article)
Baby dumping has become a grave social phenomenon that is drawing nationwide attention in China. In general, the infants who are discarded are born out of wedlock, in violation of family planning regulations, or with some physical deformity. The overwhelming majority are girls, victims of traditional ideas that value men and disparage women.

Ghana: No Maternal Deaths Recorded at KSH in Four Years (news article)
The Kumasi South Hospital at Kyirapatre has for the past four years not recorded any maternal death, according to the Senior Nursing Officer of the maternity ward. She attributed this to the continuous education of women and pregnant women who attended the hospital.

MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

HIV/AIDS Prevention among the Male Population: Results of a Peer Education Program for Taxicab and Tricycle Drivers in the Philippines (research abstract)
This study assesses the results of a 2-year community-based peer education program aimed at increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes toward condoms, and condom use behavior among taxicab and tricycle drivers in the Philippines. The results indicate a significant change on knowledge about HIV/AIDS from baseline to posttest and from posttest to follow-up. There was also a significant change on attitudes about condom use from baseline to posttest and from posttest to follow-up, and a significant effect on condom use behavior with commercial sex workers from baseline to posttest and follow-up.

High-Risk Behaviour in Young Men Attending Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics in Pune, India (research abstract)
This study reports sexual risk factors associated with HIV infection among men attending two STD clinics in Pune, India and compares these behaviors between young and older men. The overall HIV prevalence was 22.2%. HIV risk was associated with being divorced or widowed, less educated, living away from the family, having multiple sexual partners, and initiation of sex at an early age. Younger men were more likely to report early age of initiation of sex, having friends, acquaintances or commercial sex workers as their regular partners, having premarital sex and bisexual orientation. Young men were more educated and reported condom use more frequently compared with the older men.

MEN'S HEALTH NEWS

Taiwan: Men's Willingness to Reproduce 'the Key to Parenthood' (news article)
Men play the dominant role when it comes to making decisions about planned parenthood, according to social and medical experts in Taiwan. "In recent years, birthrate research conducted in the US has been focusing on men instead of women, because studies show that men's willingness to reproduce is the key to parenthood," said Joyce Feng, vice president of the Child Welfare League Foundation of the ROC.

POPULATION RESEARCH

Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: A Single Center Study of Epidemiologic Migration-Specific and Clinical Features (research abstract)
This study examined epidemiologic, clinical, and migration-specific characteristics of HIV-infected migrants at the HIV clinic of the University Hospital of Berne in Switzerland. Among the 1331 patients northwestern European patients decreased from 88% before 1989 to 67% in the late 1990s while the number of patients from sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia increased from 1.6% to 14% and from 1% to 5%, respectively. Sub-Saharan Africans and Southeast Asians were more likely to be younger, female, and infected heterosexually. Sub-Saharan Africans and Southeast Asians were often diagnosed to be HIV-positive after showing suggestive symptoms of infection, while European patients were more often diagnosed in a screening setting. Increasing migrant populations attending the HIV clinic suggest the need for targeted prevention programs.

POPULATION NEWS

Russian Population Likely to Shrink by One Third by 2050 (news article)
Russia's population will likely fall by about a third by 2050 to 100 million, the Russian Security Council said recently.

Many Japanese Don't Want Any Children (news article)
Nearly one in four childless Japanese do not want to have any children, a newspaper survey has revealed.

WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

Factors Associated with Reproductive Options in HIV-Infected Women (research abstract)
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Campinas, Brazil, in HIV-infected women to evaluate factors associated with reproductive practices. Among women interviewed, 23% were pregnant, 18% had been sterilized and 59% were using a reversible contraceptive method. Being younger was associated with reproductive practices that preserved the possibility of having a child. Reversible contraceptive users had fewer pregnancies and more often reported a desire to have children compared to the other groups. Partner's desire for parenthood was associated with pregnant and sterilized women. The clinical condition of the women and their partners, the serologic status of partner nor counseling about contraceptive choices influenced reproductive practices.

Seroepidemiology of Trichomonas vaginalis in Rural Women in Zimbabwe and Patterns of Association with HIV Infection (research abstract)
Serological assays using dried blood spots from 5,221 women in rural areas of eastern Zimbabwe were used to assess the epidemiology of Trichomonas vaginalis infection, and its association with HIV. In total, 9.9% women were seropositive for T. vaginalis and seroprevalence increased with age among younger women. Divorced, widowed, single, and highly sexually active women were more likely to be seropositive. There was increased risk for being HIV-positive amongst T. vaginalis-seropositive women regardless of residence, employment, or education.

WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS

Bangladesh: Violence Against Women on the Rise (news article)
The incidents of violence against women took a sharp rise in the last few years mainly due to negative attitude of men towards women and the government's apathy to discrimination against women in family laws.

Amnesty Faults Algeria on Women's Rights (news article)
Algeria's government has failed to take needed measures to protect women from rape, beatings and widespread legal and economic discrimination, Amnesty International told a U.N. panel recently.

YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH

Youth and Contraception: Needs and Challenges (report)
Young people today face greater risk of unintended pregnancies than ever before. More education about contraception is needed, as well as greater access to services and products. According to this Global Health Technical Brief, integrating such services into existing youth programs is often the most cost-effective approach.

HIV, Malaria and Beyond: Reducing the Disease Burden of Female Adolescents (research article)
This paper argues that female adolescents require a continuum of care for malaria and HIV - prior to conception and during and after pregnancy - and that this should be provided through adolescent services. A number of African countries commencing to formulate and implement adolescent-friendly policies and services and disease control programs for malaria and HIV will need to locate their interventions within such programs to ensure widespread coverage of this important target group. Failure to prioritize adolescent health in this way will seriously limit the success of disease control programs for malaria and HIV prevention.

Pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening in an African District Hospital (research abstract)
In order to evaluate alternative tests and strategies to simplify pediatric HIV screening at the district hospital level, a cross-sectional exploratory study was organized in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Venous and capillary phlebotomies were performed on 941 Congolese children, aged 1 month to 12 years. The HIV prevalence rate was 4.7%. The results of this study suggest that the ultrasensitive p24 antigen assay may be performed on capillary plasma stored on filter paper instead of venous plasma. The use of glucolets, instead of syringes and needles, may reduce procedural pain and the risk of needle stick injuries at a comparable cost.

Abstinence and Delayed Sexual Initiation for Youth (report)
Complete sexual abstinence is the most effective means of protection against both pregnancy and HIV infection. This Global Health Technical Brief shows that messages encouraging abstinence appear to work best when aimed at younger youth who are not yet sexually active, especially girls.

Reducing Discriminatory Attitudes Toward People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Hong Kong: An Intervention Study Using an Integrated Knowledge-Based PLWHA Participation and Cognitive Approach (research abstract)
This paper describes the development and evaluation of an intervention program aiming to reduce adolescents' discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA. The intervention program integrates components of 'virtual interaction' with PLWHA (watching a documentary), knowledge enhancement, and a simple cognitive exercise, Measurements were taken before and after the intervention. A notable improvement on the level of acceptance of PLWHA and knowledge about HIV/AIDS was found after the implementation of the program. Negative perceptions about PLWHA also reduced substantially. Female respondents tended to be less discriminatory toward PLWHA and responded more favorably to the program than their male counterparts.

Pregnancy and Child Health Outcomes among Adolescents in Ethiopia (research article)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
This study compared teenage (below 20 years of age) and adult (20-34 years of age) mothers on sociodemographic
characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and child survival from a population-based national data. Significantly larger proportion of the teenage mothers, were from rural areas, were poorer, less educated, and gave a history of no marriage. Controlling for potential socio-demographic confounders cancelled the difference between teenage and adult mothers in the rate of pre-natal care attendance, and operative and low birth weight deliveries. A larger percentage of home delivery was reported among teenage mothers.

YOUTH HEALTH NEWS

Nepal: Youth Population - Future Challenges (feature article)
At a time when developed countries and some developing countries around the world are facing the problems of aging population with continual declining in younger population, Nepal continues to enjoy surplus younger population, which could lead to future problems.

Zimbabwe: Girl Child's Life Under Threat (news article)
An entire generation of HIV and Aids-free girls could be completely wiped out as violence against girls, mainly through rape, increases in Zimbabwe.

BOOKS/BOOK REVIEWS

From Population Control To Reproductive Health (book)
In this critical examination of India's family planning program, the author concludes that the health sector in India is influenced by ideas of eugenics and of Malthus. He explains how these ideas have moulded the discipline of demography and helped to construct the family planning program.

SPECIAL REPORTS/PROFILES/RESOURCES

The Impact of a Programme to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: Disease Transmission and Health-Seeking Behaviour among HIV-Positive Mother-Child Pairs in Jamaica (report)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
This report presents the results of an assessment of Jamaica's pilot program to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT). The pilot program sought to identify and counsel HIV-positive, pregnant women in high-risk areas and/or practicing high-risk activities. The counseling was designed to encourage these women to reduce risky behavior, increase family planning, and accept PMTCT practices. The program especially encouraged women to notify relevant healthcare providers of HIV-positive status and sought to strengthen counseling on feeding options.

"The Pop Reporter" (R) Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs INFO Project. 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 INFO Project, Johns Hopkins University, or the US Agency for International Development. All links were verified at the date of mailing. 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. Problems and comments can be addressed to rjacoby@jhuccp.org. Archives available at http://www.infoforhealth.org/popreporter/. Subscribe at http://prds.infoforhealth.org/signup.php. Modify your account at http://prds.infoforhealth.org/modify.php. Have an item to contribute for consideration in The Pop Reporter? E-mail the URL and description to rjacoby@jhuccp.org. Forward this message to a friend who could benefit from INFO project activities! Sincerely, Robert Jacoby, rjacoby@jhuccp.org Editor, The Pop Reporter

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: The INFO Project

Volume 5, Number 317 January 2005