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Volume 5, Number 41
10 October 2005
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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Systematic screening to integrate reproductive health services in India 
(Report; Asia)
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Population Council, August 2005.
Das NP | Shah U | Chitania V
This study tested the effectiveness of a systematic screening technique in integrating reproductive health services at the provider level. The study was conducted in large public clinics and small health posts in the city of Vadodara, India. In experimental group clinics the number of services per visit increased by 22% while control clinics experienced a slight decrease. The additional services most frequently provided in experimental clinics were family planning and vaccinations. The effect of systematic screening was smaller in health posts than in clinics. In experimental posts, services per visit increased by 9% compared to a decrease of 16% among controls.
The selection of family planning discussion partners in Nepal
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Health Communication. 2005 Sept;10(6):519-536.
Boulay M | Valente TW
This study examined the criteria women in Nepal use to select their family planning discussion partners and the individual-level factors that promote the addition of a contraceptive user to one's discussion network. Contraceptive use and attitudes toward family planning were both positively associated with the addition of a contraceptive user to one's discussion network, suggesting that women seek contraceptive users to confirm their existing beliefs and behaviors.
A summary of the 'so what?' report: a look at whether integrating a gender focus into programmes makes a difference to outcomes
(Report; Global)
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IGWG & WHO, July 2005.
Feldman-Jacobs C | Olukoya P | Avni M
In a lengthy 2004 publication reviewing those interventions, known as “The ‘So What?’ Report: A Look at Whether Integrating a Gender Focus Into Programmes Makes a Difference to Outcomes,” the IGWG has concluded that the evidence does suggest that integrating gender into reproductive health programs has a positive impact on achieving reproductive health outcomes. This summary of that lengthy review is intended to present policymakers and program managers with a clear and accessible picture of what happens when gender concerns are integrated into reproductive health programs.
STI/HIV co-infections in UCH, Ibadan, Nigeria
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2005 Apr;9(1):42-48.
Kehinde AO | Lawoyin TO
This study ascertained STI/HIV co-infection rate and obtained relevant socio-demographic and reproductive health data associated with STIs in Nigeria. Results reveal a high STI/HIV co-infection rate, indicating that there is a need for proper management of STIs as a way of reducing the spread of HIV infection.
Changes in the etiology of sexually transmitted diseases in Botswana between 1993 and 2002: Implications for the clinical management of genital ulcer disease
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Clinical Infectious Diseases . 2005 Nov;41(9):1304-1312.
Paz-Bailey G | Rahman M | Chen C | Ballard R | Moffat HJ | Kenyon T | Kilmarx PH | Totten PA | Astete S | Boily MC | Ryan C
This study surveyed the prevalence of STDs among patients with STD symptoms and women recruited from family planning clinics in three cities in Botswana in 2002 and compared findings with those from a survey of a similar population conducted in 1993. Findings suggest a decrease in the prevalence of bacterial STDs and trichomoniasis, a reduction in the proportion of ulcers due to bacterial causes, and an increase in the proportion of ulcers due to herpes simplex virus during the period 1993-2002.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Chile's condom promotion campaign sparks heated debate
(News Article; South America)
7 Oct 2005
The Santiago Times
The government’s recently launched effort to promote condom use in the fight against AIDS has run up against the stiff opposition of the Catholic Church.
SDSU sex study finds women lead the liberation charge
(News Article; Global)
4 Oct 2005
San Diego News Services
Young women are taking the lead in dismantling sexual taboos, according to a newly released study by San Diego State University researchers who analyzed five decades worth of sex surveys.
Many in U.S. playing a risky game of sex
(News Article; North America)
10 Oct 2005
MSNBC
MSNBC.com and Zogby International asked online readers to share some intimate details about their personal lives, and more than 56,000 adult men and women — one of the largest responses ever to a sex survey in the United States — revealed that many are playing a pretty risky game. The survey, which was released Monday, found that while a majority of the survey participants consider themselves knowledgeable about AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, many are in denial when it comes to sex with someone new.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
HIV condom decision sets international precedent
(News Article; Global)
6 Oct 2005
Stuff
A ruling that an HIV-positive man did not have to tell his sexual partner of his infection because he used a condom set an important legal precedent in New Zealand and overseas, his lawyer said.
Blind social activist, lawyers beaten in China
(News Article; Asia)
4 Oct 2005
Radio Free Asia
A social activist who blew the whistle on official abuses under China’s one-child policy in the eastern province of Shandong was beaten by local officials Tuesday, while lawyers attempting to mediate with local government were set upon by unidentified thugs, residents and lawyers said.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
Communicating HIV and AIDS, what works? A report on the impact evaluation of soul city's fourth series
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Health Communication. 2005 Aug;10(5):465-483.
Goldstein S | Usdin S | Scheepers E | Japhet G
This article describes the evaluation of the HIV/AIDS communication aspect of the multimedia Soul City health promotion intervention in South Africa. Researchers found numerous instances of community change and how the change is mediated at the community level.
Randomised controlled trials in Africa of HIV and AIDS: descriptive study and spatial distributio
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
British Medical Journal. 2005 Oct 1;331(7519):742.
Siegfried N | Clarke M | Volmink J
This study identified and described randomized controlled trials on HIV and AIDS conducted in Africa and to map their spatial distribution using exact geographic coordinates. Researchers found that the relatively small number of HIV/AIDS trials conducted in Africa is not commensurate with the burden of disease.
The needs of AIDS-infected individuals in rural China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Qualitative Health Research. 2005 Nov;15(9):1149-1163.
Lu YL | Trout SK | Lu K | Creswell JW
The purpose of this exploratory case study was to describe the needs and present the voices of 21 AIDS-infected individuals who contracted the disease through the selling of blood in rural China. Three themes emerged: living in a vicious circle, awakening from the dead end, and escaping the vicious circle through education. Education emerged as an overarching theme and was identified as the catalyst that would either keep the families of those affected trapped in the vicious circle or rescue them from it. Findings are explained within the theoretical contexts of social capital, motivation theory, and Confucius’s philosophy on education.
Impact of AIDS on adult mortality: a morgue-based study in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS. 2005 Oct 14;19(15):1683-1687.
Le Coeur S | Halembokaka G | Khlat M | Brouard N | Purhuence F | M'pele P | Baty G | Barin F | Lallemant M
This study measured the impact of AIDS on adult mortality by systematically investigating all deaths during 3 months in the city of Pointe-Noire where the HIV epidemic emerged 20 years ago and levelled off around 5% among adults. The AIDS-mortality rate among adults was 6.3 per thousand for women and 4.9 per thousand for men. Among 1,000 young adults aged 15 years, 442 girls and 482 boys will not reach age 60 years. Without AIDS these would have been 216 and 307, respectively. In the most productive age group, 25-44 years, mortality is tripled by AIDS.
"If we have to die, we just die": challenges and opportunities for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS prevention and care in Northern Thailand
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Qualitative Health Research. 2005 Nov;15(9):1164-1179.
Ngamvithayapong-Yanai J | Winkvist A | Luangjina S | Diwan V
In this study, the authors identify opportunities for and challenges in reducing the risks of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS transmission in Thailand. Out of strong virtue, many caregivers felt a responsibility to care for their ill loved ones, thus putting themselves at risk of transmission. For the older generation, this was unimportant, as they had already completed their life cycle ("let it be"). However, strong human bonds encouraged the patients to complete TB treatment until cured or deceased.
Institutional and structural forms of HIV-related discrimination in health care: A study set in Beijing
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS Care. 2005 Jul;17(2):129-140.
Yang Y | Zhang KL | Chan KY | Reidpath DD
This paper presents key findings of a situational analysis of institutional and structural levels of HIV/AIDS-related discrimination in Beijing, China, with a focus on the area of health care.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
HIV/AIDS campaigns not reducing pandemic
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
7 Oct 2005
Mail & Guardian Online
The massive HIV/AIDS campaigns that South African society is constantly bombarded with has no effect on reducing the pandemic's prevalence rate. This is according to Warren Parker, a researcher and director of the Johannesburg-based Centre for AIDS, who was addressing the Gauteng AIDS conference in Midrand on Friday morning. He said the only impact the campaign had was on condom usage.
Zimbabwe HIV infection rate drops
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
10 Oct 2005
BBC
There has been a drop in the level of HIV/AIDS infections in Zimbabwe, one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to record such a decline.
Cote d Ivoire: Truckers in volatile west are taking more HIV/AIDS precautions
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
3 Oct 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Whether they're buying condoms by the roadside or abstaining from sex altogether, truckers in Cote d'Ivoire's war ravaged 'Wild West' are becoming more cautious about HIV/AIDS, according to the Ivorian Red Cross.
New HIV diagnoses in Germany soar by 20%
(News Article; Europe)
7 Oct 2005
Aidsmap
Diagnoses of new HIV infections in Germany rose by 20% in the first half of 2005 compared with the first half of 2004, according to the latest figures from the Robert Koch Institute, Germany's center for public health and disease control. Gay and bisexual men accounted for almost 60% of these new HIV diagnoses, a 30% rise from 4 years ago.
Dying village illustrates impact of AIDS on farmers
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
5 Oct 2005
China Post
Death and despair hang heavy over a desolate village, a symbol of the hopelessness caused by the AIDS epidemic which is intensifying Malawi's cycle of poverty, hunger, and disease.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Underreporting of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States and Europe
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America | Europe)
Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2005 Oct;106(4):684-692.
Deneux-Tharaux C | Berg C | Bouvier-Colle MH | Gissler M | Harper M | Nannini A | Alexander S | Wildman K | Breart G | Buekens P
This study uniformly measured underreporting of mortality from pregnancy in official statistics from selected regions within the U.S. and Europe, and to provided comparable revised profiles of pregnancy-related mortality. Findings show the limitations of maternal mortality statistics based on International Classification of Diseases cause-of-death codes alone. Linkage of births and deaths registers should routinely be used in the ascertainment of pregnancy-related deaths. In addition, extension of the definition of a maternal death should be considered.
Breastfeeding and postpartum amenorrhea in rural Guatemala
(Research Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
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Poblacion y Salud en Mesoamerica. Jul-Dic 2005;3(1)
Aguirre GP | Jones RE
The association between breastfeeding patterns and resupmtion of postpartum menstruation was examined in rural Guatemalan women. It was found that weaning and infant mortality before menses resumes are significant risk factors for resumption of postpartum menstruation.
Increased risk of incident HIV during pregnancy in Rakai, Uganda: a prospective study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Lancet. 2005 Oct 1;366(9492):1182-1188.
Gray RH | Li X | Kigozi G | Serwadda D | Brahmbhatt H | Wabwire-Mangen F | Nalugoda F | Kiddugavu M | Sewankambo N | Quinn TC | Reynolds SJ | Wawer MJ
This study estimated HIV incidence rates during pregnancy and lactation in Uganda. Findings show that the risk of HIV acquisition rises during pregnancy. This change is unlikely to be due to sexual risk behaviours, but might be attributable to hormonal changes affecting the genital tract mucosa or immune responses.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
Poll: Moms say financial aid would keep birth rate stable
(News Article; Asia)
10 Oct 2005
The Asahi Shimbun
Most mothers rank government financial aid for child rearing as the top way to keep the nation's birth rate from declining further, according to a Cabinet Office survey released over the weekend. In a similar survey six years ago, mothers had a different top answer: They wanted measures to help them keep working after having kids.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Men's influence on the onset and progress of fertility decline in Ghana, 1988–98
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Population Studies. 2005 Jul;59(2):197-210.
Derose LF | Ezeh AC
While lower fertility is commonly associated with women's reproductive autonomy, this research demonstrates that the influence of men's education on reproductive decision-making increased during the first decade of rapid fertility decline in Ghana. Husband's education exerts a stronger influence on wife's fertility intentions than does her own education, and the magnitude of the effect of his education increased significantly from 1988 to 1998. Lower fertility in Ghana seems to be associated more with men's declining fertility desires than with women's increasing reproductive autonomy. Nevertheless, there is some indication that women's education may play a relatively greater role in reproductive decision-making as fertility decline progresses still further.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Man wanted for TV vasectomy
(News Article; Global)
4 Oct 2005
Herald Sun
Not-for-profit sexual and reproductive health provider Marie Stopes International wants an Australian man to reproduce the efforts of a British man who submitted to a vasectomy live on TV last week. Father-of-one John Klapvijk, 40, went under the knife in the UK last week and said the worst thing about the operation was the ribbing from friends watching the footage. Marie Stopes International Australian CEO Suzanne Dvorak said the health provider wanted to dispel common misconception about the procedure, including pain and its impact on sexual performance.
'Sex' camp reconstructs men's view of women
(News Article; Asia)
5 Oct 2005
Inquirer News Service
Re-education camps in the Philippines seek to teach men between 16 and 20 on gender issues. One attendee described himself as a "reconstructed male."
`Pop?' The question
(Feature Article; North America)
2 Oct 2005
Boston Herald
Of the 1,838 children genetically tested in paternity cases before 14 Probate and Family courts involving the state Department of Revenue during fiscal year 2005, 17% of men were ruled out as fathers of the children in question. Nationally, the American Association of Blood Banks reports a paternity exclusion rate of more than 28% among its 44 accredited labs.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Population implosion? Low fertility and policy responses in the European Union
(Review/Synthesis; Europe)
RAND Europe, 2005.
Currently across Europe, birth rates are falling and the population is ageing. This study assesses which policies can prevent or mitigate the adverse consequences of these two trends. A framework highlights the interrelationships among government policies, macro-level conditions, and household-level demographic behaviour. Guided by this framework, the RAND team reviewed the research literature, examined European demographic data, and conducted case studies of five countries.
How many years of life could be saved if malaria were eliminated from a hyperendemic area of northern Ghana?
(Working Paper; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
New York, Population Council, 2005. (Working Paper No. 203)
Bawah AA | Binka FN
This paper uses demographic methods to examine the impact of mortality from malaria on overall mortality in a hyperendemic rural African setting. Results suggest that as many as one-third of deaths in this population are attributable to malaria, depending on the age group under consideration, and that life expectancy at birth would likely increase by more than 6 years if malaria were eliminated as a cause of death.
Cause of death in Thailand: Gender differential perspective
(Abstract; Asia)
Journal of Population and Social Studies. 2005 Jan;13(2)
Rojroongwasinkul N | Isarabhakdi P | Prasartkul P | Kanchanachitra C
This study examines the effect of income and income inequality on life expectancy at birth in the 76 provinces of Thailand. The effect of relative income on life expectancy at birth among the "Not Poor" and "Poor" provinces was less important compared to absolute income, which had a greater effect on life expectancy at birth than relative income. However, relative income had a reverse association with aspects of mortality, possibly due to aggregation bias or unknown sources of confounding factors.
POPULATION NEWS
Rapid birth rate "undermining" economic recovery in Ethiopia
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
3 Oct 2005
Addis Tribune
The Ethiopian government faced calls recently to step up the distribution of contraceptives to help curb its spiralling population.
Campaign urges families to make more babies
(News Article; Europe)
6 Oct 2005
The Guardian
In an effort to reverse a prolonged downward trend in Ukraine's population, President Viktor Yushchenko's government has launched a campaign to encourage families to have babies.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and breast cancer
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2005 Oct;106(4):813-817.
Backman T | Rauramo I | Jaakkola K | Inki P | Vaahtera K | Launonen A | Koskenvuo M
This study analyzed the relationship between breast cancer and use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. The results suggest that the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Family planning practices among currently married women in Khairpur District, Sindh, Pakistan
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. 2005 Jul;15(7):422-425.
Ali S | White FM
This study determined the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with family planning practices among currently married women in Khairpur District, Sindh, Pakistan. Exposure to family planning messages was greater by television (66%) than by radio (55%). The prevalence of family planning methods among married women was 27%. Oral contraceptive pills were the predominant method used (32%). Regarding sociodemographic factors, more than four living children, exposure to family planning messages on TV, and husband’s approval were the main factors associated with the use of family planning methods.
Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and condom use among female street sex workers in Padua
(Abstract; Europe)
Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Panonica Adriat. 2005 Sept;14(3):107-110.
Fornasa CV | Gai F | Tarantello M | Gallina P
This study investigated knowledge of STDs and condom use in a population of young female street sex workers from eastern Europe and other non-EU countries based in the Padua area (north-eastern Italy). Sex workers often engaged in unprotected intercourse with clients, they practiced their profession even in the presence of STD-related symptoms, and they did not use a condom during intercourse with non-paying partners or pimps.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Study: Vaccine blocks cervical cancer
(News Article)
6 Oct 2005
The Associated Press
The first major study of an experimental vaccine to prevent cervical cancer found it was 100% effective, in the short term, at blocking the disease and lesions likely to turn cancerous, drug maker Merck & Co. said.
Custom made for the spread of AIDS
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
4 Oct 2005
Telegraph
Anyone who wonders why AIDS has spread faster in Africa than anywhere else in the world needs only to consider the experience of one woman. A tradition known as "kulowakufa" dictates that any woman whose husband dies must submit to sex with one of his male relatives. This, supposedly, "cleanses" her of her spouse's spirit. But, given the risk this tradition carries, it might as well have been designed to spread AIDS.
Tajikistan: Domestic violence remains rife
(Feature Article; Asia)
6 Oct 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Domestic abuse is an ongoing problem for many women in Tajikistan.
Thailand urged to adopt law against demoestic violence
(News Article; Asia)
5 Oct 2005
People's Daily Online
A UN official has urged the Thai government to accelerate the process for adopting an anti-domestic violence law to deal with increased violence against women.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
Nigeria: Children orphaned by AIDS slipping through the cracks
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
6 Oct 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
In Nigeria, almost four million people are living with the virus, of which more than 300,000 are under 15 years of age, according to the United Nations. By the end of 2003, almost 2 million children had lost at least one parent due to AIDS-related illnesses.
Tanzania: Survey indicates high HIV vulnerability among youth
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
4 Oct 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
A recent survey in Tanzania on HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and youth suggests that young people are increasingly vulnerable to HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy.
Calendar of Events
October 26, 2005 - October 28, 2005Bridges of Hope Training of Trainers Programme
The 3-day workshop program will be highly participatory, structured along the lines of this well proven framework: For the participants first experience the training tools and activities as participants and apply them to address some of their personal issues around HIV and AIDS (Day 1), then practice using them with other participants (Day 2), then try using them in 'Real Life Training Practice' with groups from the local businesses and community (Day 3).
E-Mail: npina@telkomsa.netEvent Location: Durban, South Africa
November 7, 2005 - November 11, 2005
Effective Management for Development
The aim of this short intensive course is to develop and improve the management capabilities of NGO staff and development workers.
E-Mail: training@intrac.orgEvent Location: Oxford, UK
January 9, 2006 - January 13, 2006
Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation
The aim of this course is to introduce participants to the issues around and approaches to managing a participatory monitoring and evaluation process. The course focuses on M&E for people who work within the field of international development.
Event Location: Oxford, UK
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