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Volume 5, Number 38
19 September 2005
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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Sexual behaviour, HIV-related knowledge and condom use by intra-city commercial bus drivers and motor park attendants in Lagos, Nigeria
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2005 Apr;9(1):78-87.
Ekanem EE | Afolabi BM | Nuga AO | Adebajo SB
A study was undertaken among 395 intra-city commercial bus drivers, conductors, and motor park attendants in a suburban community in Lagos, Nigeria. It was aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge of the participants on STDs, including AIDS, their sexual practices and perceived vulnerability to these diseases and, in particular, their attitude to and use of condoms. Condom ever-use rate was 65.6%, but consistent and regular use rate with casual partners was 11.6%. Almost all the respondents (96.4%) knew themselves to be at high risk of contracting STDs, while 87.6% felt that it was impossible for them to "catch" AIDS.
Change in contraceptive choices and the effect of education on use of contraception at the family planning clinic of Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Jun;10(2):98-104.
Baksu A | Gunes G | Aki G |Tuysuz F | Goker N
This article investigated change in contraceptive use and the effect of education on fertility and contraceptive attitudes at a family planning clinic in Istanbul. When the patterns of method use were compared, use of intrauterine devices and of coitus interruptus diminished whereas pill and condom use increased. Parallel with the rise in educational level, intrauterine device use declined whereas pill and condom use rose significantly.
Community pharmacy supply of emergency hormonal contraception: a structured literature review of international evidence
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Human Reproduction. 2005 Sept 2;
Anderson C | Blenkinsopp A
This article reviewed, summarized, and evaluated the peer-reviewed evidence relating to community pharmacy supply of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) both in the UK and internationally. There is good evidence that community pharmacy EHC services provide timely access to treatment and are highly rated by women.
Contraception within six-month postpartum in rural Vietnam: Implications on family planning and maternity services
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health. 2005 Jun;10(2):111-118.
Duong D | Lee A | Binns C
This study documents contraception practice and factors influencing contraception decision within the first 6 months postpartum, amongst women residing in the rural Northern Central region of Vietnam. The proportion of contraceptive users at weeks 16 and 24 were 17% and 43%, respectively. At week 24, of contraceptive users, 57% used intrauterine device, 25% used condom, and 14% used traditional methods. Age, sufficient knowledge on contraceptives, and husband/partner opinion can significantly affect the contraception decision.
Client participation and provider communication in family planning counselling and the sample study from Turkey
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Jun;10(2):131-141.
Kirimlioglu N | Elcioglu O | Yildiz Z
This study examined the behavior of family planning clients and their providers in Eskisehir, Turkey. Qualitative analysis of audiotapes of interactions found that most clients' questions concerned contraceptive side effects and symptoms. The next category, social talk, consisted largely of greetings. Most providers (87.6%) were women. Results showed that providers dominate most counselling sessions and clients rarely take on active role.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Urge husbands to use condoms, wives told
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
12 Sept 2005
The Herald (Harare)
Women should urge their husbands to use condoms once they suspect infidelity if Government is to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, a cabinet minister has said.
Gov't buys 305m condoms for AIDS prevention
(News Article; Asia)
15 Sept 2005
China Daily
The government signed its first order for condoms with Gaobang Latex Products Manufactory, China's largest condom producer based in South China's tourist city of Guilin. The government said it believes that the widespread use of condoms is an effective way to combat HIV/AIDS.
New family planning campaign to focus on 'standard days' method
(News Article; Asia)
15 Sept 2005
Khaleej Times
The government has planned to launch a new family planning campaign that would educate women to discourage men from having sex during the fertile period to practice effective family planning.
Prevention is still better than cure
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
18 Sept 2005
TIME
Has the Ugandan government now forgotten its alphabet? A group of Ugandan and Western organizations and a senior U.N. aids expert claim that Uganda has over the last year allowed a condom shortage while promoting a message of abstinence based on religious dogma. The Ugandan government says that's nonsense.
30% of pregnancies unintended
(News Article; Asia)
15 Sept 2005
Xinhuanet
About 30% of pregnancies in large Chinese cities are unwanted, a new survey indicates, and experts say 90% of unintended pregnancies end in abortion.
Few women seek family planning support
(News Article; Asia)
16 Sept 2005
Daily Times (Pakistan)
Only 1% of the women seeking family planning advice visit the family planning centers established by NGOs.
US customs detains Ansell condoms
(News Article; Oceania)
15 Sept 2005
Stuff.co.nz
The United States is holding up imported shipments of condoms made by Australia's Ansell Ltd after two lots that were randomly tested in the past seven weeks failed to meet safety standards.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
China abortion cited in U.N. funds denial
(News Article; Global)
16 Sept 2005
Associated Press
For the fourth consecutive year, the Bush administration has decided to withhold funding from the U.N. Population Fund, saying the agency contributes to China's "coercive abortion" program.
The effect of China's one-child family policy after 25 years
(Report; Asia)
New England Journal of Medicine. 2005 Sept 15;353(11):1171-1176.
Hesketh T | Lu L | Wei Xing Z
In this article, the authors examine to what extent China's goal of a voluntary small-family culture has been achieved through their one-child policy and the implications for the future of the policy. First, they explain why the policy was introduced and how it is now implemented. They also examine the consequences of the policy in regard to population growth, the ratio between men and women, and the ratio between adult children and dependent elderly parents. Finally, they examine the relevance of the policy in contemporary China and whether the time has come for the policy to be relaxed.
Enemies of the State? How local officials in China launched a brutal campaign of forced abortions and sterilizations
(Feature Article; Asia)
12 Sept 2005
Time
Related News Article: China seizes activist challenging forced sterilization and abortion
Related News Article: County in Shandong forcibly sterilizes at least 7,000 people
At least 7,000 people in eastern China were forcibly sterilized earlier this year by officials under pressure to limit the growth of the country's massive population, Time magazine reported in an edition published yesterday. Quoting lawyers who spoke to local family-planning officials, the magazine said that between March and July, 7,000 people underwent forced abortions and sterilizations in Yinan County, Shandong Province. It further reported that the lawyers alleged that several villagers were beaten to death while under detention for trying to help family members avoid sterilization.
Government to pay clerics to promote family planning
(News Article; Asia)
18 Sept 2005
Daily Times
In a move to dilute Islamic opposition to contraceptives, Pakistan announced it would pay stipends to Muslim clerics who promoted its family planning programme, state media reported.
China Says One-Child Policy Must be Maintained
(News Article; Asia)
17 Sept 2005
ANTARA News
China is in no position to relax its Draconian one-child policy as it struggles to keep its population within 1.37 billion by the end of the decade, state media reported.
Family planning subtracted from MDG equation
(News Article; Global)
13 Sept 2005
Inter Press Service
"The omission of a direct reference to population and family planning in the U.N. Millennium Development Goals was not an oversight, but rather a deliberate calculation," Werner Fornos, president of the Washington-based Population Institute, has said.
Groups challenge abstinence curriculum
(News Article; North America)
13 Sept 2005
Guardian
Two organizations that promote sex education are taking an unorthodox approach in their fight against federal funding of abstinence-only education programs.
Paternity leave - Five short days represent a huge step forward
(News Article; South America)
13 Sept 2005
Inter Press Service
Men can now stay home during the first five days after the birth, thanks to a new paternity leave law that just went into effect in Chile.
FDA approves ParaGard IUD for women who have not yet had children
(Press Release; Global)
13 Sept 2005
PRNewswire
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an updated label for ParaGard® T 380A Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
Patterns of HIV prevalence among injecting drug users in the cross-border area of Lang Son Province, Vietnam, and Ning Ming County, Guangxi Province, China 
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
BMC Public Health. 2005 Aug 25;5(89)
Des Jarlais DC | Johnston P | Friedmann P | Kling R | Liu W | Ngu D | Chen Y | Hoang TV | Donghua M | Van LK |Tung ND | Binh KT | Hammett TM
This study assessed patterns of injecting drug use and HIV prevalence among injecting drug users in an international border area along a major heroin trans-shipment route. Results show there are strong geographic gradients for length of drug injecting and for HIV seroprevalence. Both mean years injecting and HIV seroprevalence declined from the Vietnamese site farthest from the border to the Chinese site farthest from the border.
Epidemiology of HIV infection among brothel-based sex workers in Kolkata, India
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Journal of Health Population and Nutrition. 2005 Sept;23(3):231-235.
Sarkar K | Bal B | Mukherjee R | Niyoogi SK | Saha MK | Bhattacharya SK
This study assessed the status of HIV infection among brothel-based sex workers in Kolkata city, India. The prevalence of HIV infection was 9.6%, but was much higher among younger sex workers aged 20 years or less (27.7%) compared to the older age group (8.4%). HIV was not associated with duration of sex work, average number of clients entertained per day, condom use, practice of sex during menstruation, pre-coital examination of penis for visible ulcer/discharge, suffering from sexually transmitted infections, and entertaining clients outside the brothel. There was a big gap between the reported and the evaluated condom use by sex workers.
AIDS knowledge and attitudes in a Turkish population: an epidemiological study
(Research Article; Europe)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
BMC Public Health. 2005 Sept 13;5(95)
Ayranci U
This study investigated and presented some pertinent comments concerning AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions among the general population in a city of west Turkey. In general, the respondents' attitudes towards AIDS and people with AIDS were found to be tolerant and positive, with one answer choice showing that the majority of the respondents agreed with the statement that those with HIV/AIDS must be supported, treated, and helped (90.7%). Moreover, the proportions of the respondents' misconceptions were found to be significantly low for all the items. However, nearly one fourth of the respondents agreed with the misconceptions 'AIDS is a punishment by God' and 'One is not infected with HIV/AIDS if engaged in sport and well nourished'.
Stalling HIV through social marketing: prospects in Pakistan
(Review/Synthesis; Asia)
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Journal of the Pakistani Medical Association. 2005 Jul;55(7):294-298.
Husain S | Shaikh BT
This paper gives an account of the elements needed for the success of a health promotion strategy adopted in a developing country and makes a case for social marketing to be adopted as the lead strategy for stalling HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.
HIV prevalence in three predominantly Muslim residential areas in the Cape Town metropole
(Abstract; Sub-Saharan Africa)
South African Medical Journal. 2005 Jul;95(7):512-516.
Kagee A | Toefy Y | Simbayi L | Kalichman S
This article reports on the results of a random and representative household survey of HIV prevalence in three predominantly Muslim areas in the Cape Town metropole. HIV prevalence among Muslims living in the three areas was calculated to be at 2.56%. None of the individuals who tested HIV-positive had been previously tested for HIV. There were no HIV infections in the remainder of the sample.
Marginalized and socially integrated groups of IDUs in Hungary: Potential bridges of HIV infection
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Journal of Urban Health. 2005;82(3 suppl 4):101-112.
Gyarmathy VA | Neaigus A
Researchers identified two groups of injecting drug users (IDUs) in Budapest, Hungary, marginalized IDUs (M-IDUs) and socially integrated IDUs (SI-IDUs) and compared their HIV/hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus social and risk network characteristics, risk behaviors, and travel patterns. SI-IDUs may form a potential "bridge" of HIV infection between high-risk IDU populations and the low-risk general population, whereas M-IDUs may become cores of infection.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
AIDS creeps up on unsuspecting Philippines
(Feature Article; Asia)
13 Sept 2005
Reuters
The more than 8 million Filipinos working abroad are just one ingredient in a cocktail of risk factors, raising worries about a creeping AIDS problem in the Philippines, a mostly Roman Catholic country.
$200 million pledged to Clinton's initiative
(News Article; Global)
16 Sept 2005
Reuters
Former President Bill Clinton received pledges of more than $200 million for economic development in Africa and to fight HIV/AIDS at a private summit on some of the world's most pressing woes.
Uganda: Inquiry starts into mismanagement of AIDS funds
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
A six-man commission has opened its inquiry into allegations of mismanagement of Uganda's anti-AIDS program and will hold public hearings, officials said recently.
In Africa, AIDS programs target fathers
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
19 Sept 2005
The Boston Globe
For several years, AIDS programs have been trying to save the lives of babies and put their mothers on treatment throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Now the focus is expanding to prolong the lives of fathers, but it hasn't been easy to persuade men to get tested or treatment, and their lack of knowledge is leading to untold more infections and deaths.
Somalia: HIV/AIDS commission launched in Somaliland
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
16 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Authorities in the self-declared republic of Somaliland, in northwestern Somalia, launched a national HIV/AIDS commission on Thursday which will plan and coordinate multisectoral efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic in the region.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Availability and use of emergency obstetric care services in four districts of West Bengal, India
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Journal of Health Population and Nutrition. 2005 Sept;23(3):266-274.
Biswas AB | Das DK | Misra R | Rpy RN | Ghosh D | Mitra K
A health facility-based study was carried out in 2002 in four districts of West Bengal, India, to analyze process indicators for availability and use of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services. Major obstetric complications contributed to 85.7% of maternal deaths, and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia was the most common cause. It can be concluded that all the process indicators, except proportion of deliveries in the EmOC facilities, were below the acceptable level. Certain priority measures, such as making facilities fully functional, effective referral and monitoring system, skill-based training, etc., are to be emphasized to improve the situation.
Rapid HIV screening for women in labor
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics. 2005 Sept;5(5):673-679.
Merhi Z | Minkoff H
This article summarizes the epidemiology of HIV and focuses on testing policies, technologies for rapid screening for HIV infection, and antiretroviral regimens that can reduce the risk of perinatal transmission from the intrapartum patient whose rapid HIV test comes back positive.
Addressing the paediatric HIV epidemic: A perspective from the Western Cape Region of South Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene . 2005 Sept 8;
Eley B
In the Western Cape province of South Africa, a prevention of mother-to-child-transmission intervention program, based on short-course nevirapine, achieved universal coverage in 2003. Despite this program, an estimated 1,400–1,650 HIV-infected children were born in the province in that year. This article discusses several strategies that could collectively reduce the size of the pediatric epidemic and improve the outcome of HIV-infected children in the region.
Routine use of antimicrobials by pregnant Indian women does not improve birth outcome: a randomized controlled trial
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Journal of Health Population and Nutrition. 2005 Sept;23(3):236-244.
Sen A | Mahalanabis D | Mukhopadhyay S | Chakrabarty K | Singh AK | Bisai S | Chakrabarty M | Halder D | Islam MA
In a randomized controlled trial, the effect of antimicrobials in pregnant women on improving birth-weight and duration of gestation was evaluated. Due to small sample size, it is cautiously concluded that routine antimicrobials for genital and urinary tract infections of pregnant women do not improve birth-weight or duration of gestation. Rather an unexpected observation was the proportion requiring caesarian section or forceps, which was five-fold higher in the treated group.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
Bridging the equity gap in maternal and child health
(Editorial; Global)
British Medical Journal. 2005 Sept 17;331:585-586.
Bhutta ZA
Differences in health status caused by such disparities in wealth are often avoidable and unjust, and inequities in maternal and child health are the starkest examples.
Delaying babies 'defies nature'
(Editorial; Global)
15 Sept 2005
BBC
Related Editorial: Which career first?
Related Commentary: Late baby blues? Blame the men
Women who wait until their late 30s to have children are defying nature and risking heartbreak, leading obstetricians have warned. Over the last 20 years pregnancies in women over 35 have risen markedly and the average age of mothers has gone up.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Cultivating Men’s Interest in Family Planning in Rural El Salvador
(Abstract; Central America and the Caribbean)
Studies in Family Planning. 2005;36(3):173–188.
Lundgren RI | Gribble JN | Greene ME | Emrick GE | de Monroy M
A pilot project in rural El Salvador tested the integration of family planning into a water and sanitation program as a strategy for increasing male involvement in family planning decisionmaking and use. This article examines data from a community-based household survey to assess the impact of the intervention and finds significant changes in contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behavior from baseline to endline. Because the differences between baseline and endline are greater than the differences between participants and nonparticipants at endline, the study demonstrates the power of informal networks for spreading information.
Intentions to use hormonal male contraception: The role of message framing, attitudes and stress appraisals
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
British Journal of Psychology. 2005 Aug;96(3):351-369.
O'Connor DB | Ferguson E | O'Connor RC
Two studies are reported. Study one explored the extent to which male hormonal contraception is perceived as risky compared to other prevention behaviors. Study two examined the effects of message framing on intentions to use hormonal male contraception and investigated whether attitude moderates message framing effects.
Is patriarchy the source of men’s higher mortality?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 2005;59(10):873-876.
Stanistreet D | Bambra C | Scott-Samuel A
Related News Article: Sexism may shorten men\\\'s lives: study
In a somewhat unexpected finding, societal male dominance over women -- patriarchy -- may help explain why men have a lower life expectancy than women worldwide. British researchers analyzed rates of female murders and male death rates from all causes in 51 countries in Europe, Asia, Australasia, and North and South America. The prevalence of violence against women was used to indicate the extent of patriarchal control in each of the countries. Socioeconomic factors were also taken into consideration. The study found that women lived longer than men in all 51 countries.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Housing environment and women's health in a Palestinian refugee camp
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Middle East)
International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2005 Jun;15(3):181-191.
Al-Khatib IA | Arafat RN | Musmar M
This study was carried out during January and February 2002 in Al- Ein Refugee Camp in Nablus city in Palestine. Interviews were held with 150 women of different age groups and different marital status. The results show a positive relationship between women's physical and mental health and housing conditions. There is a statistically significant relationship between the family size represented by the number of children in the household, the number of children that sleep in one room, and the number of children that sleep in one bed, the house size, and number of rooms and women's feeling of privacy (mental health and well-being).
Fertility trends in China's more developed urban districts: the case of four cities
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Population, Space and Place. 2005 Sept 2;11(5):411-424.
Liu L
This research examines fertility trends in more developed urban districts in China and provides empirical evidence which enhances theoretical understanding of fertility. The research found major differences in demographic characteristics and behaviours between generations and among different demographic groups and the four cities. Very low fertility and reproductive desire were found in these places, together with a high proportion of childless families and a high male/female sex ratio. Career pressure and financial constraints were found to be more important than the one-child policy in explaining these trends.
Recent developments in population projection methodology: a review
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Population, Space and Place. 2005 Sept 2;11(5):337-360.
Wilson T | Rees P
In this paper researchers survey five streams of research that have made important contributions to population projection methodology over the last decade. These are: (i) the evaluation of population forecasts; (ii) probabilistic methods; (iii) experiments in the projection of migration; (iv) projecting dimensions additional to age, sex and region; and (v) the use of scenarios for what if? analyses and understanding population dynamics. Key developments in these areas are discussed, and a number of opportunities for further research are identified.
Model-based clustering of sequential data with an application to contraceptive use dynamics
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
Mathematical Population Studies. 2005 July-September;12(3):135-157.
Dias JG | Willekens F
A cluster-based, discrete-time multi-state model is presented, where transition probabilities are estimated simultaneously for several subpopulations of a heterogeneous population. The subpopulations are not defined a priori but are determined on the basis of similarities in behavior in order to determine which women exhibit similar characteristics with respect to method choice, method switch, discontinuation and subsequent resumption of contraceptive use. The data are from the life history calendar based on the Brazilian Demographic and Health Survey 1996.
POPULATION NEWS
Viet Nam behind 2005 fertility target
(News Article; Asia)
13 Sept 2005
Viet Nam News
Viet Nam’s failure to reach a replacement fertility rate by the planned end of this year means that the target is now unlikely to be hit before 2010, concedes Viet Nam Commission for Population, Family and Children deputy chairman Nguyen Thien Truong.
China's population unlikely to top 1.6 bln: expert
(News Article; Asia)
13 Sept 2005
Xinhuanet
China's population is unlikely to top 1.6 billion people in the late 2020's when it is projected to peak, according to an expert quoted in a Beijing newspaper.
UN urges measures to avert urban housing crunch
(News Article; Global)
12 Sept 2005
Reuters
Two billion more people will be moving into the world's already overcrowded cities over the next 25 years, requiring 4,000 new housing units per hour between now and 2030 to accommodate them, a U.N. agency said recently.
Jordan: Growth rate falls but families still large
(News Article; Middle East)
14 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Progress in reducing Jordan's population growth over the last decade was slowed by large families among poorer Jordanians that hindered efforts to combat poverty and unemployment, according to the findings of a national survey.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Condom use among female sex workers in China: Role of gatekeepers
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2005 Sept;32(9):572-580.
Yang H | Li X | Stanton B | Fang X | Zhao R | Dong B | Liu W | Liang S | Zhou Y | Hong Y
This study assessed the potential role of gatekeepers of establishments in promoting condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. Perceived gatekeeper support for condom use was low among FSWs. Perceived support was positively associated with condom use communication with sexual partners, condom use frequency and intention, but not associated with proper condom use among FSWs. Perceived support was significantly associated with most condom use-related perceptions (e.g., self-efficacy of condom use, barriers to condom use, and perceived peer condom use) among FSWs.
Women who have sex with women: Their sexual biography, reproductive health and violence experience
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Gynécologie Obstétrique & Fertilité . 2005 Sept 8;
Saurel-Cubizolles MJ | Lhomond B
This study compared sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and reproductive biographies, and experience of violence according to the fact that women have or have not had homosexual relationship. Women who have had sexual relationships with women more often have high level social positions and live in large cities. They have a more diverse sexual life that they begin younger and more partners, mainly men. They use contraception less often. They have more STIs and are more often tested for HIV. They visit gynecologists as often as other women. They are more often victims of violence, especially physical violence as adults.
Domestic violence against women in Egypt—wife beating and health outcomes
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North Africa)
Social Science & Medicine . 2005 Aug 31;
Diop-Sidibe N | Campbell JC | Becker S
This study examined the association of ever-beating, beating in past year, or frequency of beatings in past year with contraceptive use, pregnancy management, and report of health problems in Egypt. Ever-beaten women were more likely to report health problems necessitating medical attention as were women beaten in the past year compared to never-beaten women. Regarding reproductive health, higher frequency of beating was associated with non-use of a female contraceptive method, while ante-natal care (ANC) by a health professional for the most recent baby born in the past year was less likely among ever-beaten women. Unexpectedly, among professional ANC patients, those ever-abused were more likely to make four or more visits.
Factors associated with condom use in women from an urban area in southern Brazil
(Research Article; South America)
Cadernos de Saude Publica. 2005 Sept/Oct;21(5):1557-1564.
Silveira MF | Santos IS | Beria JU | Horta BL | Tomasi E | Victora CG
This study investigated the prevalence of factors associated with condom use during last sexual intercourse in 15 to 49-year-old women in a probabilistic sample from the urban area of Pelotas, southern Brazil. 1,543 women were included, and losses and refusals amounted to 3.5%. Prevalence of condom use in last sexual intercourse was 28%. Condom use was positively associated with younger age, greater schooling, non-white color, single marital status, and greater number of sex partners in the previous 3 months.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
A woman's centre takes on domestic violence in the Gaza Strip
(Feature Article; Middle East)
14 Sept 2005
UNFPA
The Al-Bureij Women's Health Centre was established by the Culture and Free Thought Association in 1995. It provides a wide array of services including ante-and post-natal care, family planning, legal and psychosocial counselling, health education, physiotherapy, exercise classes and lab services. "It responds to a real need for the community," said Fatima Masalha, a journalist from Gaza and a client at the center.
Survey finds more women experiment with bisexuality
(News Article; North America)
15 Sept 2005
USA Today
More women (particularly those in their late teens and 20s) are experimenting with bisexuality or at least feel more comfortable reporting same-sex encounters, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control. The survey found that 11.5% of women, ages 18 to 44, said they've had at least one sexual experience with another women in their lifetimes, compared with about 4% of women, ages 18 to 59, who said the same in a comparable survey a decade earlier. For women in their late teens and 20s, the percentage rose to 14% in the more recent survey. About 6% of men in their teens and 20s said they'd had at least one same-sex encounter.
Iraq: Focus on increasing cases of abused women
(News Article; Middle East)
14 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
There have been hundreds of cases of sexual abuse in the country that have taken place since the US-led invasion in 2003, when thousands of criminals were set free from the prisons.
India sex workers demand rights
(News Article; Asia)
17 Sept 2005
BBC
Sex workers from across India have pledged to intensify their campaign for legalization of their profession.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Sexual behaviour and contraceptive use among secondary school students in Ilesha South West Nigeria
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2005 Apr;25(3):269-272.
Orji EO | Esimai OA
This paper investigates the sexual behavior and contraceptive use among teenage secondary school students in Ilesha, southwest Nigeria. The conclusion from this study is that 50% of teenage secondary school girls in this part of Nigeria are sexually active; 68.7% of whom have multiple sexual partners, and 86.7% of them did not use contraception at sexual debut. This unsafe sexual behavior puts them at a great risk of acquiring STDs including HIV infection, and unwanted pregnancy.
Female genital mutilation – an exported medical hazard
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Jun;10(2):93-97.
Elgaali M | Strevens H | Mardh PA
This study investigated types of female circumcision (FC) found in a group of immigrants from northern Africa with a current domicile in Scandinavia. Results show that FC is performed in immigrant women even after settling in areas where this practise is legally banned. Religion (95% of the responders were Muslims and 5% Christians), cultural tradition, and increased chance of marriage or of continued health were the reasons put forward in favor of the continuation of FC by 58%, 27%, 10%, and 4 %, respectively.
Experiences of stigma and access to HAART in children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
Social Science & Medicine . 2005 Aug 15;
Abadía-Barrero CA | Castro A
This study describes and conceptualizes the experiences of stigma in a group of children living with HIV in São Paulo, Brazil, and evaluates the impact of access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) over the social course of AIDS and over the children's experiences of stigma. Researchers found that structural violence in the forms of poverty, racism, and inequalities in social status, gender, and age fuels children's experiences of stigma.
Knowledge of students regarding hepatitis and HIV/AIDS of a private medical university in Karachi
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Journal of the Pakistani Medical Association. 2005 Jul;55(7):285-288.
Anjum Q |Siddiqui H | Ahmed Y | Rizvi R | Usman Y
This study assessed the level of awareness among students of a private medical college regarding HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C. There is a lack of awareness among the medical students entering into the profession. A significant difference was noted on comparing the knowledge between preclinical and clinical students regarding medical/surgical procedures causing these infections and also regarding the ways to protect against these diseases.
The effect of increased access to emergency contraception among young adolescents
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America)
Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2005 Sept;106(3):483-491.
Harper CC | Cheong M | Rocca CH | Darney PD | Raine TR
This study analyzed data on young adolescents with increased access to emergency contraception (EC). Adolescents aged younger than 16 years behaved no differently in response to increased access to EC from the other age groups. As with adults, EC use was greater among adolescents in advance provision than in clinic access (44% compared with 29%), and other behaviors were unchanged by study arm, including unprotected intercourse, condom use, sexually transmitted infection acquisition, or pregnancy. Additionally, adolescents with increased access to EC did not become more vulnerable to unwanted sexual activity.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
CDC: Oral Sex Common Among U.S. Teens
(News Article; North America)
16 Sept 2005
FOXNews.com
According to a study carried out by the National Center for Health Statistics, there seems to be a shift taking place in the sexual practices of American teenagers. Many see oral sex as a safer alternative to full sexual intercourse.
Niger: Food crisis drives young women to sell their bodies
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
12 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
A wave of young women have recently taking to the streets of the Niger capital to sell their bodies to buy food for their families.
Calendar of Events
July 22, 2007 - July 25, 2007Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention
The Conference will provide an opportunity to build on the biomedical prevention agenda newly introduced at the Rio Conference, while maintaining the emphasis on treatment and pathogenesis. With epidemics in most countries of the region either limited or concentrated in subgroups defined by behavioural or geographic factors, the Conference will also provide a focus on this region, which is home to 60% of the world’s population and an estimated 19% of people living with HIV infection.
Event Location: Sydney, Australia
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