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Volume 5, Number 12
21 March 2005
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
The Effects of a Systematically Developed Photo-Novella on Knowledge, Attitudes, Communication and Behavioural Intentions with Respect to Sexually Transmitted Infections among Secondary School Learner
(Abstract)
A pre-post test follow-up design was used to test the effects of a systematically developed photo-novella (Laduma) on knowledge, attitudes, communication, and behavioral intentions with respect to STIs after a single reading by 1,168 secondary school learners in South Africa. The reading resulted in an increase in knowledge on the spread of STIs, change in attitude to condom use, and towards people with STIs and/or HIV/AIDS, as well as increased intention to practice safe sex.
Alcohol Intoxication and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Rural-to-Urban Migrants in China
(Abstract)
This study gathered information about the prevalence of alcohol intoxication and its association with sexual risk behavior among migrants in China. Compared to the general Chinese population, levels of intoxication were elevated among Chinese rural-to-urban migrants. Alcohol intoxication was associated with sexual risk behaviors. HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention efforts should include components of alcohol use/abuse prevention.
The Potential of Mifepristone (RU-486) as an Emergency Contraceptive Drug
(Abstract)
This article reviews the potential of mifepristone to be an emergency contraceptive.
Ghana Trend Analysis for Family Planning Services 1993, 1996, 2002 
(Report)
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This report presents findings on trends in family planning services in Ghana based on data from DHS surveys in 1993, 1996, and 2002.
One Size Fits All? Promoting Condom use for Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention among Heterosexual Young Adults
(Abstract)
This study explored heterosexual young adults' knowledge and beliefs about STIs other than HIV and examined factors that influence condom use for STI prevention. Respondents thought that STI infection and unplanned pregnancy were equally likely, but were less concerned about STIs than unplanned pregnancy. They supported multi-faceted condom promotion campaigns, using multiple styles of communication, and a variety of media.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
UK: Alert Over Fake Durex Condoms
(News Article)
Boxes of fake condoms have been discovered in UK pharmacies and shops leading to a recall of some Durex products yesterday. The bogus condoms, 10 times more unreliable than the international standard, have appeared in fake Durex packaging. Thousands of the "convincing" counterfeits were first discovered in the Republic of Ireland and reported by the Irish Medicines Board.
The Female Health Company Receives Orders for 3.2 Million Units from Southern Africa
(Press Release)
The Female Health Company announced it has received orders for over 3 million female condoms from Southern Africa. The condoms will be used as part of South Africa's and Botswana's comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
The Philippines: "Let's Tell the Truth about Contraceptives"
(Interview)
In this interview run in the SunStar, a Filipino newspaper, the ex-program manager of the Natural Family Planning program from the Department of Health criticizes the government's controversial "Ligtas Buntis [Freedom from Pregnancy]" program, calling it "deceptive and highly immoral" and explains why she resigned her position.
Pakistan: Sharing Best Practice in Reproductive Health
(News Article)
Despite a high rate of population growth, reproductive health and family planning services continue to be in demand in both urban and rural communities in Pakistan.
Inconsistent Labeling of Drug Interactions with the Pill
(News Article)
Researchers call for a standardized approach to labeling of drugs that interact with oral contraceptives.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
UK: Sex Education for All Pupils 'Needed to Fight STD Epidemic'
(News Article)
Britain's soaring rates of STDs means that sex education should be made compulsory for all pupils, according to one of the most influential reports on the issue of the nation's sexual health.
Filipinas Still Fighting for Right to Divorce; New Bill Tabled
(News Article)
In this predominately Roman Catholic nation of 84 million people, divorce is not a legal option. It is the last nation on earth, besides the tiny Mediterranean island state of Malta, where divorce is not legal. And, like contraception, the issue is seldom openly discussed for fear of incurring the wrath of the Catholic Church which still holds considerable influence over the country’s politics and government. But with a growing number of women demanding the right to divorce in the archipelago nation, the controversial subject is now back on the political agenda.
FDA Expects to Make Emergency Contraception Available Without Prescription, Acting Agency Commissioner Says
(News Article)
FDA Acting Commissioner Lester Crawford on Thursday at his confirmation hearing told the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions that the agency is close to approving Barr Laboratories' application to allow the emergency contraceptive Plan B to be sold without a doctor's prescription.
Communication for the Abandonment of Female Genital Cutting
(Commentary)
In this article, Neil Ford, UNICEF’s regional advisor for program communication in Eastern and Southern Africa, advocates using communication for social change based on human rights principles to help stop female genital cutting, a practice that violates the right of young women to sexual and reproductive health.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific Responses in Adult Ugandans: Patterns of Cross-Clade Recognition
(Abstract)
AIDS is currently the leading cause of death in Uganda, with at least three HIV clades (subtypes) accounting for most new infections. Whether an effective vaccine formulated on viruses from a single clade will be able to protect against infection from other local clades remains unresolved. This study examined the T-cell immune responses from a cohort of HIV-seropositive individuals in Uganda with predominantly clade A and D infections. The data suggest that the level of viral sequence variability between distinct HIV strains does not predict the degree of cross-clade responses.
Interruption of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV Clinical Practice: Results from the Italian Cohort of Antiretroviral-Naive Patients
(Abstract)
This study investigated the frequency of a first therapy interruption, to identify the factors associated with TI and with therapy resumption, and compared the risk of developing clinical events during TI and during continuous therapy. Patient decision (47.4%) and toxicity (24.0%) were the main reasons for TI. TI occurring in clinical practice was associated with an increased risk of clinical progression; hence, it should be discouraged outside strictly experimental settings.
Abacavir Once or Twice Daily Combined with Once-Daily Lamivudine and Efavirenz for the Treatment of Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-Infected Adults
(Abstract)
A randomized double-blind clinical trial compared the efficacy and safety of 600 mg of abacavir (ABC) administered once daily versus 300 mg of ABC administered twice daily in combination with 300 mg of lamivudine (3TC) and 600 mg of efavirenz (EFV) administered once daily in antiretroviral-naive patients over 48 weeks. The ABC once-daily and twice-daily regimens were similar with respect to infrequency of virologic failure, emergence of resistance mutations, CD4+ cell increases from baseline, safety profile, and incidence of ABC-related hypersensitivity reactions. ABC administered once daily in combination with 3TC and EFV administered once daily was non-inferior to the ABC twice-daily dosing schedule when combined with 3TC and EFV over 48 weeks.
Establishment of a Public Antiretroviral Treatment Clinic for Adults in Urban Botswana: Lessons Learned
(Abstract)
Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are under significant pressure to open large-scale, public antiretroviral treatment clinics. Many lessons have been learned in Botswana, where the first public antiretroviral treatment clinic in Africa was established. The availability of core, well-trained medical staff will be the primary factor that limits a rapid scale-up of antiretroviral treatment programs.
Communication for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Kenya: Social–Cultural Considerations
(Abstract)
This article examines the discrepancy in Kenya from a communications perspective addressing social cultural and related factors contributing to the lack of change in behavior and sexual practices. Key findings indicate that although awareness of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS is high in Kenya, a majority of the population, particularly those in the rural communities, lack understanding of the communicated messages. They also lack the knowledge of other ways of transmitting HIV particularly among those not sexually involved.
Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Acceptance, Sexual Risk Behavior and HIV Incidence in Rakai, Uganda
(Abstract)
This study assessed the acceptance of voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) and the effects of VCT on sexual risk behavior and HIV acquisition in Rakai, Uganda. Receipt of results was not significantly associated with age, gender, and self-perception of HIV risk. There were no significant differences in sexual risk behaviors or in HIV incidence between acceptors and non-acceptors.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
South Africa: HR Shortage Handicaps ARV Treatment
(News Article)
South Africa's ambitious HIV/AIDS treatment plan is lagging as the government struggles to plug a shortage of doctors and pharmacists and other professionals needed to battle the world's biggest HIV/AIDS caseload.
AIDS Spreading at Alarming Pace in Russia
(News Article)
Health experts and non-governmental organizations are warning of a rapid spread of HIV/AIDS in Russia. Spread of the virus is rising particularly among up to 4 million Russians on drugs.
South Africa: Signs HIV Pandemic Might Be Levelling Off
(News Article)
There were "encouraging signs" that the HIV pandemic in SA was beginning to level off, Medical Research Council interim president Dr. Anthony Mbewu told Parliament recently.
Botswana: Anti-AIDS Drugs for Armed Forces
(News Article)
Botswana has started providing antiretroviral drugs to soldiers in an effort to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on its armed forces.
China Plans Database of AIDS Victims
(News Article)
China plans to set up a national database containing the records of its HIV/AIDS victims in a bid to get a better grip of the extent of the epidemic.
Ethiopia: Nationwide HIV/AIDS Hotline Launched
(News Article)
A new HIV/AIDS hotline was launched in Ethiopia to provide accurate information, counselling and free referrals to callers across the country.
China Testing AIDS Vaccine on Humans
(News Article)
China has begun testing a new AIDS vaccine on a group of volunteers after they were given physical exams and signed waivers, the government said.
Cote d' Ivoire: Doctor Concerned by High HIV Prevalence Rate in Forgotten Northeast
(News Article)
Olivier Oura is the only trained doctor available for Ivorians living with HIV/AIDS around Bondoukou, and he's worried that poor security and communication in this northeastern corner of Cote d'Ivoire may have landed it with the country's highest HIV prevalence rate.
AIDS, TB, Malaria Body Warns "Ad Hoc" Funding Risky
(News Article)
A global fund dreamt up by U.N. chief Kofi Annan to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria is facing a shortfall just three years after its birth and needs donors to commit billions of dollars over the next few years.
Brazil May Seek to Break AIDS Drug Patents
(News Article)
In its latest bid to reduce the cost of HIV and AIDS drugs, Brazil's government has threatened to break the patents of American pharmaceutical firms unless they share their technology with local drug makers.
Egypt: Refugees See HIV as Pass to Treatment
(News Article)
If asylum-seekers who are accepted by the United Nations' refugee office test positive for HIV, they and their families stand an excellent chance of being quickly resettled in a western country, usually the United States, where the infection will be treated. This may lead to dangerous decisions regarding HIV infection in Egyptian refugees.
Uganda: Goverment to Waive Taxes on ARVs
(News Article)
The Government will waive taxes on anti-retroviral drugs to enable patients to easily access them.
Additional $8B Needed to Fight HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries over Next Three Years, UNAIDS Says
(News Article)
An additional $8.2 billion from donors will be needed over the next 3 years to fight HIV/AIDS in low- and middle-income countries, UNAIDS announced recently.
Nixing Nonoxynol-9: U.N. Distributes Condoms with Spermicidal Lubricant That May Lead to Increased Risk of HIV
(News Article)
The UN Foundation distributed Trojan-Enz condoms last month in conjunction with National Condom Awareness Week, even though the condoms used spermicidal lubricant containing nonoxynol-9, an ingredient deemed ineffective against HIV that may actually lead to an increased risk of infection.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Midwifery at the Crossroads in Estonia: Attitudes of Midwives and other Key Stakeholders
(Abstract)
The aim of this study was to draw on the perceptions of Estonia's midwives and other health care stakeholders to delineate the current situation of midwifery in the country, in the context of an HIV epidemic. Almost half of the responding Estonian midwives are dissatisfied with their job, especially their salary. Increased responsibility for antenatal and postpartum counseling, with concurrent salary adjustments, may help stop the decline in the number of midwives, as could the opening up of new areas of work.
Improved Obstetric Outcomes and Few Maternal Toxicities Are Associated With Antiretroviral Therapy, Including Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy during Pregnancy
(Abstract)
Data from 2,543 HIV-infected women were analyzed to correlate antiretroviral therapy (ART) used during pregnancy with maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Results revealed ART to be independently associated with few maternal complications: ART use was associated with anemia and late use of ART was associated with gestational diabetes, among other complications. However, benefits of ART continue to outweigh observed risks.
Water, Socioeconomic Factors, and Human Herpesvirus 8 Infection in Ugandan Children and Their Mothers
(Abstract)
This study evaluated 600 Ugandan children with sickle cell disease and their mothers for factors associated with HHV-8 seropositivity in a cross-sectional study. For children, seropositivity was associated with age, mother's HHV-8 serostatus, lower maternal education level, mother's income, and low-status father's occupation. For mothers, HHV-8 seropositivity was significantly associated with water source and maternal income.
Women's Health Groups to Improve Perinatal Care in Rural Nepal
(Research Article)
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This article describes an intervention that aimed to harness the power of community planning and decision making to improve maternal and newborn care in rural Nepal.
The Effects of Birth Spacing on Infant and Child Mortality, Pregnancy Outcomes, and Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Matlab, Bangladesh
(Report)
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Using a large, high-quality longitudinal dataset on around 145,000 pregnancy outcomes gathered over a period of more than 20 years from an experimental setting in Matlab, Bangladesh, researchers sought a better understanding of the effects of the lengths of interbirth intervals on infant and child mortality and on maternal mortality and morbidity.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
Ethiopia: Over 50% of Children Stunted
(News Article)
More than half of all Ethiopian children are stunted, according to a government report on the state of the country’s health released recently.
Helping Afghan Women be Healthy
(News Article)
The difficulties in providing care to women in childbirth highlight the problems which are still being faced in Afghanistan. The country has the highest maternal death rate in the world, with 1,600 women out of every 100,000 dying in childbirth.
Zimbabwe's Population of AIDS Orphans to Peak in 2008
(News Article)
Zimbabwe's population of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS is expected to peak at 1.4 million in 2008 before declining, a municipal official said recently.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Evidence of a Previously Undocumented Epidemic of HIV Infection among Men who have Sex with Men in Bangkok, Thailand
(Abstract)
This study examined HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviours in Thai men who have sex with men (MSM). HIV prevalence was 17.3% and mean age was 26.9 years. Analyses showed lower education, recruitment from a park, self-identification as homosexual, receptive and insertive anal intercourse, more years since first anal intercourse, and more male sex partners to be significantly and independently associated with HIV prevalence.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Monitoring Low Birth Weight: An Evaluation of International Estimates and an Updated Estimation Procedure
(Research Article)
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In this article from the World Health Organization Bulletin, the authors critically examine the data used to produce estimates of the proportion of infants with low birth weight in developing countries and describe biases in these data. They also assess the effect of adjustment procedures on the estimates and propose a modified estimation procedure for international reporting purposes.
POPULATION NEWS
Slovakia: Reforms, Not Babies, Will Save Us
(News Article)
An aging population poses one of the biggest threats to Slovakia's economic stability in the coming decades. Reforms, not newborns, will mitigate the risks, experts say.
Japan Town to Pay Women Who Have 3rd Kid
(News Article)
To combat a shrinking population, a small town in northern Japan has decided to give a cash award worth about US$9,600 to each female resident who has a third child.
EU Heads Towards a Population Crisis
(News Article)
The European Commission is warning that dramatic demographic changes will have serious consequences for the European social and economic model.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
The Natural Course of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in Asymptomatic Colombian Women: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study
(Abstract)
The natural course of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and its risk factors were studied in Colombian women with normal cytological results, during a 5-year period. An inversed rate of clearance of C. trachomatis infection was observed with oral contraceptive use and first sexual intercourse at less than 20 years of age. Serovars of group B (B, D, and E) and C (H, I, J, and K) had a decreased rate of clearance, compared with that for serovars of the intermediate group (F and G). At 4 years of follow-up, 94% of the women had cleared their infections.
Papillomavirus Infection in Rural Women in Southern India
(Abstract)
This study investigated the prevalence of, and the risk factors for, cervical infection with 44 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in a rural area in the Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India. HPV prevalence was 16.9% overall and 14% among women without cervical abnormalities, or 17.7% and 15.2%, respectively, age-standardized to the world standard population. HPV prevalence was constant across the age groups and was inversely associated with education level among women with high school vs. no education and positively associated with widowhood and divorce, nulligravidity, and condom use.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
India: Muslim Women Opting for Family Planning
(News Article)
More and more Muslim women across Bihar are opting for family planning measures. Driven mainly by economic reasons, the women are increasingly approaching state-run clinics and medical camps. Growing awareness propelled by education is also credited with the change.
Vietnam: Women's Role in HIV/AIDS Control
(News Article)
Women's unions at all levels nationwide have made great contributions to helping female HIV/AIDS patients and their families, providing guidelines on taking care of HIV patients, and building communication models to raise public awareness about gender in HIV development.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
The Impact of Life Skills Education on Adolescent Sexual Risk Behaviors in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Abstract)
This article assessed the impact of exposure to life skills education by youth in KwaZulu-Natal Province (KZN, South Africa) on knowledge and behaviors associated with the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Bangkok, Thailand
(Abstract)
This study identified the prevalence of risk behaviors and related risk factors in adolescents in Bangkok, Thailand. Being male was a risk factor for every untoward behavior except depression. Other risk factors included poor self-esteem, poor school performance, and early school leaving. Factors relating to the family included a low socioeconomic status, poor relationships, broken families, and parental substance abuse. Socioenvironmental factors included being in a gang and loneliness. Some risk behaviors started at younger than 8 years old. Schools and media were given as the sources of information regarding sex, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and substance abuse.
Adolescent Reproductive Health and Gender Role Attitudes in Oman
(Abstract)
The aim of the study was to investigate the attitudes of Omani adolescents towards the different gender roles and women empowerment with regard to taking household decisions, and to study how they influenced the adolescents' knowledge and attitudes towards some reproductive health issues in Oman. High scores of Attitudes Toward Gender Roles and adolescents Attitudes Toward Women Empowerment were found to significantly predict sound adolescents' reproductive health knowledge or positive attitudes.
After the Promise: The STD Consequences of Adolescent Virginity Pledges
(Abstract)
Related News Article: Pledges on Staying Virgin Do Not Reduce Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Studies carried out at Yale and Columbia Universities have indicated that getting loads of young people to take virginity pledges makes absolutely no difference to the spread of STDs. In fact, the researchers found that the pledges could actually encourage higher risk sexual behavior among young adults.
Protecting Youth from AIDS in the Developing World
(Commentary)
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The director of the Office of HIV/AIDS in the Bureau for Global Health at the US Agency for International Development discussses the emphasis placed on youth and HIV prevention in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
UK: Teenagers Demand More Help to Beat High Pregnancy Rates
(News Article)
Young people have taken the lead in trying to bring down Lambeth's teenage pregnancy rate the highest in the country by calling on chemists and teachers to be more frank. Asking for contraception should be made less embarrassing and better sex education is needed, teenagers told a health scrutiny meeting.
Botswana: Anti-AIDS Drive Identifies Sexually Active Group
(News Article)
A recent survey shows that the most sexually active people in Botswana are those in the 15-19 year age group followed by the 20-24 years olds, prompting national behavior change, intervention and communications programs which target this group.
One Third of Chinese Youth Condone Extramarital Sex
(News Article)
One-third of urban Chinese youth believe extra-marital affairs and sex before marriage should be tolerated, while viewing pre-marital sex as "good" for married life, according to a survey conducted by the Beijing-based Parent's Reading magazine, which surveyed Chinese youths in eight major cities. Of the 1,040 men and women aged 23 to 26, 33% said they could tolerate extra-marital affairs, while 34.8% said pre-marital sex was good for married life.
Sierra Leone: Female Circumcision is a Vote Winner
(News Article)
It is difficult to combat female genital mutiliation (FGM) in Sierra Leone because it remains popular with most women. In fact, the president's wife has sponsored the circumcision of 1,500 young girls to win votes for her husband, and the woman who is now Minister of Social Welfare, Gender, and Women's Affairs has threatened to "sew up the mouths" of those who preach against FGM.
Africa: Youth Meet to Discuss Ways of Fighting HIV/AIDS
(News Article)
An Africa-wide youth organization is holding a five-day conference in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to draw up a plan of action for the continent's youth to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.
BOOKS/BOOK REVIEWS
Handbook of Families and Health: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
(Book)
This handbook presents a wide range of chapters representing state-of-the-art summaries of research related to couple, marital, and family influences on health. In addition, coverage includes issues related to public policy, healthcare financing, and the conduct of funded research related to families and health.
SPECIAL REPORTS/PROFILES/RESOURCES
A Conversation with Everett Rogers (February 2004)
(Interview)
Everett Rogers, a ground-breaking communication scholar, researcher, teacher, and practitioner, passed away late in 2004. This interview is a tribute to him by the Communication for Social Change Consortium, in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the communication field.
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