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Volume 5, Number 51
19 December 2005
The Pop Reporter will not be published during the upcoming holidays on Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2, 2006. Publication will resume with Monday, January 9, 2006 edition.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Social norms and the fertility transition
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Development Economics. Online access October 5, 2005.
Munshi K | Myaux J
This paper provides a norm-based explanation for two features of the fertility transition that have been observed in many different settings: the slow response to external interventions and the wide variation in the response to the same intervention. Most societies have traditionally put norms into place to regulate fertility. The characterization of the fertility transition as a process of changing social norms is applied to rural Bangladesh, where norms are organized at the level of the religious group and interactions rarely cross religious boundaries. Consistent with the view that changing social norms are driving changes in reproductive behavior in these communities, researchers found that the individual's contraception decision responds strongly to changes in contraceptive prevalence in her own religious group within the village whereas cross-religion effects are entirely absent.
Misoprostol in preventing postpartum hemorrhage: a meta-analysis
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2006 Jan;92(1):10-18.
Langenbach C
This study assessed misoprostol's ability to prevent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) where no alternatives exist. Findings show conventional uterotonic drugs should not be used to set the lowest-accepted level of effectiveness in settings where they are entirely unsuitable. Continuing to weigh the benefits of one effective drug against another only delays the distribution of misoprostol in countries where it is the only feasible choice and must be measured against no treatment at all.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Vaccine prevents genital cancers
(News Article; Global)
16 Dec 2005
UPI
An experimental vaccine now before the FDA for review appears to be 100% effective in preventing vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and genital warts in women who get vaccinated on schedule, researchers said. In fact, even in women who fail to comply with the three-dose vaccination schedule against human papilloma virus there is a 95% reduction in the risk of developing the precancerous changes.
Easing family planning rules leads to fewer abortions and more baby girls, Chinese province finds
(Feature Article; Asia)
15 Dec 2005
UNFPA
The lifting of birth-spacing rules in Hainan Province, China, has led to fewer abortions and a more balanced sex ratio at birth, reports UNFPA.
You've got mail and it's STD!
(News Article; Global | North America)
19 Dec 2005
News-Medical.Net
Related News Article: You've got mail: how America is facing up to STDs
Health authorities in California have found a way a keeping awkward or embarrassing information on STDs, right down to the minimum. By using an independent e-mail service, you can let sexual partners know you have the embarrassing problem of having an STD.
Polygamy is deep-seated cultural practice
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
15 Dec 2005
Daily Graphic
The Northern Regional Population Officer in Ghana, Mr. Alhassan Amadu, has attributed the growing incidence of polygamy in the area to deep-seated socio-cultural practices.
First civil-union couple parting ways
(News Article; North America)
15 Dec 2005
The Associated Press
A lesbian couple who entered into the nation's first same-sex civil union are splitting up amid allegations of violent behavior. Carolyn Conrad, 35, asked a court in October to end her relationship with Kathleen Peterson, 46. Conrad also obtained a restraining order Wednesday against her partner, saying Peterson punched a hole in the wall during an argument and threatened to harm a friend.
Giant condom lands activists in big trouble
(News Article; Europe)
12 Dec 2005
Independent Online
Demonstrators who unrolled an 18m condom over a monument in Serbia to promote safer sex are now facing prosecution.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
Commission presents blueprint to fight HIV/AIDS over the 2006-2009 period
(Press Release; Europe)
15 Dec 2005
European Commission
The European Commission adopted a Communication on “combating HIV/AIDS within the European Union and in the neighbouring countries 2006-2009”. This follows up on the Commission working paper on a “Coordinated and integrated approach to combat HIV/AIDS” adopted in 2004.
Rich men challenge family planning policy
(News Article; Asia)
16 Dec 2005
China Daily
China's nouveaux riches are not only competing with each other to buy grandiose mansions and expensive cars, their latest status symbol is a brood of children. Increasing numbers of wealthy people are skirting around China's family planning policy by simply paying fines to have more children.
Family planning policy in Latin America: rights, development and values
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean | South America)
Policy Studies. 2005 Jun;26(2):211-217.
Oakley MR | Rodriguez EA
This article explores changes over time in government family planning policy in the two larger, more developed countries of Mexico and Chile and the two smaller less developed countries of Haiti and Guatemala. The article seeks to identify the factors that most influence governmental policy action. Three forces are examined: neo-liberalism, women's rights groups, and the Catholic Church.
Is law dead in China?
(News Article; Asia)
15 Dec 2005
In These Times
No one but the victims seems to care about the brutal tactics Beijing is using to enforce China's one-child policy.
You've got male
(Commentary; Global | North America)
18 Dec 2005
The Wall Street Journal
This opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal examines the peculiar inequities between men and women in law, health, education, funding, and productive public attention.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
AIDS, conflict and the media in Africa: risks in reporting bad data badly 
(Research Article; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Emerging Themes in Epidemiology. 2005 Dec 13;
Lowicki-Zucca M | Spiegel P | Ciantia F
The manner in which governments, national, and international organizations and the media report on the HIV epidemic in situations of conflict, post-conflict, and reconstruction can have unintended and negative consequences for those affected populations. This study examined such consequences in Sudan, Uganda, and Guinea and found that the media and humanitarian organizations have published misleading and inaccurate HIV data and statements on conflict-affected and displaced populations. More rigorous HIV biological and behavioural surveillance should be undertaken in situations of conflict and displacement and humanitarian guidelines should be integrated with guidance on media relations and reporting responsibilities of humanitarian agencies.
A qualitative study of persons who are 100% adherent to antiretroviral therapy
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global | North America)
AIDS Care. 2006 Feb;18(2):140-148.
Lewis MP | Colbert A | Erlen J | Meyers M
This study examined the medication-taking behaviors and attitudes of participants determined to be 100% adherers to antiretroviral therapy. By adopting realistic expectations and pragmatic attitudes, adherence is fostered when medication taking is a priority, when patients believe in the efficacy of their medications, and when there is a strong patient/provider relationship.
HIV-related risk behaviors in Cambodia and effects of mobility
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 2006 Jan;41(1):81-86.
Sopheab H | Fylkesnes K | Vun MC | O'farrell N
This study examined HIV risk behaviors in different population groups, linkages to bridge populations, and factors affecting such behaviors and links in Cambodia. Results suggest mobility is a strong determinant of casual sex. Although female sex workers may still act as an important bridge for HIV transmission in Cambodia, noncommercial sex is becoming increasingly important due to the relatively low condom use in such relationships.
Antiretroviral adherence in a resource-poor setting
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Current HIV/AIDS Reports. 2005 Nov;2(4):171-176.
Orrell C
Adherence is key to successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). Many countries with increased HIV prevalence and the greatest need for ART have limited health resources. Recent assumptions that the adherence required for successful ART will not be achieved in resource-poor settings have led to calls for caution in expanded access programs. New studies from Africa refute this, showing excellent adherence and virologic outcomes. Major factors contributing to adherence or nonadherence are whether the drug is accessed for free or is self-funded, patient preparedness for use of ART, stigmatization related to being HIV-positive, and ease of use of regimen.
Economic impact of antiretroviral therapy prescription decisions in the context of rapid scaling-up of access to treatment: lessons from Mexico
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
AIDS. 2006 Jan 2;20(1):101-109.
Bautista-Arredondo S | Mane A | Bertozzi SM
Related News Article: Mexico sees poor planning in antiretroviral rollout
Inconsistent prescribing patterns and frequent shifts in regimens hurt Mexico's antiretroviral rollout while increasing costs.
Response to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients attending a public, urban clinic in Kampala, Uganda
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2006;42:252-259.
Spacek LA | Shihab HM | Kamya MR | Mwesigire D | Ronald A | Mayanja H | Moore RD | Bates M | Quinn TC
Related News Article: Good early antiretroviral response in 66%: Kampala
Two thirds of people starting antiretroviral therapy at a public clinic in Kampala, Uganda had an HIV load below 400 copies/mL after up to a year of treatment.
Effectiveness and cost effectiveness of early and late prevention of HIV/AIDS progression with antiretrovirals or antibiotics in Southern African adults
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2006 Feb;18(2):109-120.
Bachmann MO
This study compared the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of different treatment options for HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa, based on published estimates of disease progression, treatment effectiveness, and health care costs. Cost and outcome values were discounted. Quality of life was considered. Late ARV plus both antibiotics was the strategy most likely to be cost effective if society was willing to pay more than $2,000 per life year gained. Cost-effectiveness estimates were sensitive to discounting and assumed treatment costs but were less sensitive to assumed treatment effectiveness.
The search for social validation and the sexual behavior of people living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Understanding the role of treatment optimism in context
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
Social Science & Medicine . Online access November 28, 2005.
Kerrigan D | Bastos FI | Malta M | Carneiro-da-Cunha C | Pilotto JH | Strathdee SA
This study explored the influence of HIV treatment optimism on the sexual behavior of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) at public health clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Researchers also explored the psycho-social dynamics of participants’ sexual relationships in order to understand more broadly how these factors influence the sexual behavior of PLWHA and how they shape HAART-related beliefs. Conclusions show short-term information, education and communication interventions surrounding treatment optimism, disclosure and condom use are appropriate and necessary; but that they are not sufficient to address the core challenges to unsafe sex among PLHWA.
Perceived social environment and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Thailand
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS Care. 2006 Feb;18(2):128-132.
Ichikawa M | Natpratan C
Researchers examined the relationship between people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) perception of social environment and quality of life (QOL). Findings suggest that supportive social environment, especially community acceptance, is important for mental aspects of PLWHA's QOL irrespective of the disease stages and for women who usually take on multiple roles in the Thai traditional family.
Impact of health education on knowledge and attitudes of Saudi paramedical students toward HIV/AIDS
(Abstract; Middle East)
Saudi Medical Journal. 2005 Nov;26(11):1788-1795.
Al-Mazrou YY | Abouzeid MS | Al-Jeffri MH
This study assessed the impact of health education on the knowledge and attitudes of paramedical students in Saudi Arabia toward HIV/AIDS. The intervention shows a positive effect on students' knowledge regarding means of transmission of HIV and means of protection from HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, it has a positive impact on students' attitudes toward accepting discussion of AIDS topics with others, acceptance of home care for HIV infected family member and acceptance of HIV-infected individual's right at work. Preference of confidentiality was also significantly increased after intervention.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
Majority of HIV/AIDS prevention funding to be diverted to abstinence programs with new Bush administration directive
(News Article; Global)
15 Dec 2005
US Newswire
Related News Article: More HIV funds to promote abstinence
A new directive from the president's Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) significantly restricts the use of HIV/AIDS prevention funding. Two-thirds of all prevention funding for the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS is now limited to abstinence-until-marriage programs. The directive, which took effect Oct. 1, applies to only international HIV prevention. In fiscal year 2005, the U.S. spent $295 million on such programs. The budget is likely to increase in 2006.
South Africa: enough about AIDS already? No -- too little
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
15 Dec 2005
Inter Press Service News Agency
South Africa's high HIV prevalence has been described as the biggest challenge facing the country since apartheid. In light of this, one would expect to be bombarded with AIDS prevention messages on radio, television, billboards, and bus stops. Yet some say that not enough of these messages are available.
WHO includes additional antiretroviral products in list of prequalified medicines
(Press Release; Global)
14 Dec 2005
WHO
The World Health Organization today lists seven HIV/AIDS medicines that have received approval or tentative approval by the United States FDA.
Xinjiang to hold mass HIV/AIDS check-up
(News Article; Asia)
13 Dec 2005
Xinhua
A mass medical examination among HIV/AIDS-prone people has been launched recently in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Medical workers will visit various parts of the region to take blood samples of HIV/AIDS-prone people including prisoners, drug users, unlicensed prostitutes, venereal disease patients, spouses, and offspring of AIDS patients.
Nigeria faces AIDS treatment crisis
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
16 Dec 2005
Globe and Mail
Despite oil wealth, corruption is forcing aid agencies to re-evaluate AIDS funding in Nigeria.
HIV rate stagnates at 6.5%, lowest among Muslims
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
15 Dec 2005
The New Vision
The HIV prevalence rate has stagnated at about 6.5% over the last three years, according to the 2005 Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey.
Unprotected sex pays double, so poverty helps spread of HIV
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
19 Dec 2005
Guardian Unlimited
In Congo, Médecins sans Frontières is encouraging prostitutes and pimps to use condoms.
HIV and AIDS worsens the food insecurity situation in Malawi
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Dec 2005
Reuters
As more people fall ill to AIDS in Malawi, productivity decreases and poverty will increase, worsening an already dire situation.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Predictors of nonadherence to single-dose Nevirapine therapy for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 2006 Jan;41(1):114-118.
Albrecht S | Semrau K | Kasonde P | Sinkala M | Kankasa C | Vwalika C | Aldrovandi GM | Thea DM | Kuhn L
Adequate adherence is required for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (pMTCT) programs to be effective. Researchers investigated predictors and extent of nonadherence to single-dose nevirapine in Lusaka, Zambia. Findings show that excellent adherence to single-dose nevirapine for pMTCT can be achieved. Nonadherence seems to be affected by place of birth and by poor health status of the newborn.
Increased risk of pre-eclampsia and fetal death in HIV-infected pregnant women receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
AIDS. 2006 Jan;20(1):59-66.
Suy A | Martinez E | Coll O | Lonca M | Palacio M | de Lazzari E | Larrousse M | Milinkovic A | Hernandez S | Blanco JL | Mallolas J | Leon A | Vanrell JA | Gatell JM
Pre-eclampsia and/or fetal death have increased sharply in HIV-infected pregnant women receiving HAART. This occurrence was analyzed in women who delivered after at least 22 weeks of gestation for all women (January 2001 until July 2003) and for HIV-infected women (November 1985 until July 2003). HIV infection treated with HAART prior to pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk for pre-eclampsia and fetal death.
Maternal health-seeking behavior and associated factors in a rural Nigerian community
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Maternal and Child Health Journal. Online access December 13, 2005.
Osubor KM | Fatusi AO | Chiwuzie JC
This article assessed maternal health services and health-seeking behavior in a rural community (Ologbo) located in the South–south zone of Nigeria. Education was found to be significantly associated with choice of place for delivery, but no association was found with respect to age and marital status. Only 11.4% of mothers were practicing family planning.
Perinatal HIV counseling and rapid testing in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico: seroprevalence and correlates of HIV infection
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 2006 Jan;41(1):87-92.
Viani RM | Araneta MR | Ruiz-Calderon J | Hubbard P | Lopez G | Chacon-Cruz E | Spector SA
This study evaluated the acceptance of counseling and rapid HIV testing and determined the associated risk factors for HIV infection in pregnant women in Baja California, Mexico. Findings indicate a wide acceptance of HIV counseling and testing and document a higher HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women delivering at Tijuana General Hospital than current established estimates in Mexico.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
Cot death link to troubled pregnancies
(News Article)
16 Dec 2005
Today Online
A woman whose infant dies from cot death or SIDS is more than twice as likely to have problems in further pregnancies, a study published in The Lancet says.
Motherhood after 30, say most British women
(News Article; Europe)
16 Dec 2005
Earthtimes.org
Official statistics for England and Wales show that the number of women having their first babies well into their thirties in on the rise. It was also found that the fertility rates for women over 30 were at the highest level since 1960.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Internalized oppression and high-risk sexual practices among homosexual and bisexual males, Mexico
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Revista de Saude Publica. 2005 Dec;39(6):956-964.
Ortiz Hernandez L | Garcia Torres MI
This study assessed the relationship between engaging in high-risk sexual practices for HIV infection and the internalized oppression of homo- and bi-sexual males due to the prejudice and discrimination they face. Conclusions demonstrate that engaging in high-risk sexual practices is still frequent among homo- and bi-sexual males. Of the three forms of internalized oppression studied, homophobia was associated with higher high-risk sexual practices.
Heterosexual anal intercourse increases risk of HIV infection among young South African men
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS. 2006 Jan;20(1):123-125.
Lane T | Pettifor A | Pascoe S | Fiamma A | Rees H
Data from a nationally representative household survey of South African youth aged 15-24 years found that sexually active men reporting anal intercourse were nearly twice as likely to be HIV infected as men reporting only vaginal sex. The associated risk was more pronounced among men aged 15-19 years. The association among women was not significant.
Comprehensive clinical care on-site in men-only saunas: confidential STI/HIV screening outreach clinic
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Oceania)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2005 Dec;16(12):794-798.
Lister NA | Smith A | Tabrizi SN | Garland S| Hayes P | Fairley CK
During 2001 and 2002 an anonymous outreach-screening program in Melbourne, Australia, offered testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia on-site at men-only saunas. Modifications were made to this screening program to offer a comprehensive testing clinic for STIs, including HIV. The findings int his evaluation show the value of STI/HIV testing program in local men-only saunas.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Male attitudes key target in war on AIDS
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
16 Dec 2005
Chicago Tribune
As South Africa battles to curb a runaway AIDS epidemic, attention is focusing increasingly on how to change men's sexual behavior and expectations in a nation where multiple partners are common, condom use is inconsistent, older men regularly bed much younger women, rape is rampant, and women have limited ability to say no to risky sex.
A push for a federal focus on men's health
(Feature Article; Global | North America)
15 Dec 2005
MSNBC News
Of the 15 leading causes of death in the United States, men lead women in all 15. Men also have an average lifespan that's 6 years less than that of women. One recent study found men to be much less likely than their wives or girlfriends to see a doctor, especially in their younger years. Advocates say it's time to devote more attention to men's health.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Demographic alternatives for aging industrial countries: increased total fertility rate, labor force participation, or immigration
(Working Paper; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Bonn, Germany, Institute for the Study of Labor, 2005. (No. 1885)
Holzmann R
This paper investigates the demographic alternatives for dealing with the projected population aging and low or negative growth of the population and labor force in the North. Without further immigration, the total labor force in Europe and Russia, the high-income countries of East Asia and the Pacific, China, and, to a lesser extent, North America is projected to be reduced by 29 million by 2025 and by 244 million by 2050. In contrast, the labor force in the South is projected to add some 1.55 billion, predominantly in South and Central Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. A review of the policy measures to make effective demopgraphic changes suggests that governments may not be able to initiate or accommodate the required change.
The population effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy: are good drugs good enough?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Current HIV/AIDS Reports. 2005 Nov;2(4):177-183.
Giordano TP | Suarez-Almazor ME | Grimes RM
Despite the success of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at reducing mortality from HIV infection, there is evidence that it is not reaching the all of the population that needs it, even in the developed world. To be maximally effective at the population level, all persons with HIV infection must be diagnosed; those persons with an indication for HAART must enter care, must receive HAART, and then must adhere to appointments and, finally, HAART itself. There is considerable evidence that significant portions of the population infected with HIV have not completed all of these steps of HIV care even in the developed world. Although new medications to treat HIV are certainly needed, significant improvements in viral, immunologic, and clinical outcomes could be achieved from improving timely diagnosis, access to HAART, and adherence to appointments, as well as adherence to HAART.
Assessing the robustness of demographic projections in OECD countries
(Working Paper; Global)
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2005. (Economics Department Working Paper No. 464)
Gonand F
This paper aims at assessing the robustness of demographic projections to different assumptions on mortality, fertility, and migration. It builds on a small-scale simulation model for 23 OECD countries, which reproduces closely national projections under similar demographic assumptions. Up to 2020, projections are relatively robust to alternative hypothesis. However, uncertainty about future longevity gains and fertility rates account for a
large range of results for dependency ratios by 2050. Eventually, a long lasting surge in fertility may not be enough to fully offset the impact on dependency ratio of increases in longevity in line with past trends (i.e.,
around two years every decade).
POPULATION NEWS
Japan's population set to decrease
(News Article; Asia)
16 Dec 2005
Associated Press
Japan's population has peaked and is set to start declining next year, threatening the country with a labor shortage, tax shortfalls, and an overburdened pension system.
Americans can expect to live to be 77.6 or so
(News Article; North America)
9 Dec 2005
Newsday
U.S. life expectancy hit another all-time high - 77.6 years - and deaths from heart disease, cancer and stroke continue to drop, the government said recently.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
High HIV prevalence among a high-risk subgroup of women attending sexually transmitted infection clinics in Pune, India
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 2006 Jan;41(1):75-80.
Mehta SH | Gupta A | Sahay S | Godbole SV | Joshi SN | Reynolds SJ | Celentano DD | Risbud A | Mehendale SM | Bollinger RC
This study investigated changes over a decade in prevalence and correlates of HIV among high-risk women attending STI clinics in Pune, India, who deny a history of commercial sex work (CSW). Increases in HIV prevalence over time was paralleled by changes in clinic visitor characteristics; in later periods, women were older, more often employed, less likely to be currently married, and more likely to report condom use. Factors independently associated with HIV were calendar period, lack of formal education, having been widowed, current employment, and genital ulcer disease on examination.
An ethnographic study of cervical cancer among women in rural Kenya: is there a folk causal model?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. 2005 Nov;15(6):1049-1059.
Gatune JW | Nyamongo IK
This article assesses knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer among rural women of Kenya. About 40% knew of cervical cancer, although many still lack factual information. A history of STDs (61.5%), multiple sexual partners (51.2%), and contraceptive use (33%) were identified as risk factors. Other factors mentioned include smoking, abortion, and poor hygiene standards. High parity, early sexual debut, and pregnancy were not readily mentioned as risk factors. We propose a folk causal model to explain the link between these factors and cervical cancer. Lack of knowledge constrains utilization of screening services offered at the clinics.
Women find it easy and prefer to collect their own vaginal swabs to diagnose Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2005 Dec;32(12):729-733.
Chernesky MA | Hook EW 3rd | Martin DH | Lane J | Johnson R | Jordan JA | Fuller D | Willis DE | Fine PM | Janda WM | Schachter J
This study surveyed women's opinions on ease and preferences as to sampling after collecting their own vaginal swab and urine and a physician collection of vaginal swab and cervical swab. A total of 90.4% found it very easy to self-collect a vaginal swab. This was not influenced by age, education, or study site. Seventy-six percent preferred a vaginal swab over a pelvic examination, 60% over a urine collection, and 94% indicated that they would be tested more often if a vaginal swab was available.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Female condoms to be launched
(News Article; Asia)
15 Dec 2005
New Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram : "Passion Rings for Women", in other words a female condom produced by state-owned Hindustan Latex Limited, is to be launched commercially in select Indian cities very soon.
U.S. women seek a second first time with hymen surgery
(News Article; North America)
15 Dec 2005
The Wall Street Journal
Hymenoplasty, a controversial medical procedure to restore the hymen known mostly for its prevalence in the Middle East and Latin America, is becoming popular in the U.S. Although there are no hard data, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says vaginal surgery, including hymenoplasty, is one of the industry's fastest-growing segments.
S. Africa arrests 7,000 for crimes against women, children
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
15 Dec 2005
People's Daily Online
South African police have arrested more than 7,000 suspects since November 25 for crimes committed against women and children, the Ministry of Safety and Security said recently.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
The state of the world's children 2006: excluded and invisible
(Report; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2005.
Related Press Release: Children out of sight, out of mind, out of reach
Hundreds of millions of children are suffering from severe exploitation and discrimination and have become virtually invisible to the world, UNICEF said today in a major report that explores the causes of exclusion and the abuses children experience.
Social-cognitive predictors of consistent condom use among young people in Moscow
(Research Article; Asia)
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2005 Dec;37(4):174-178.
Bobrova N | Sergeev O | Grechukhina T | Kapiga S
Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,203 Muscovites aged 15–29 in September 2002 to assess condom use, HIV knowledge and sexual behavior. Forty-four percent of sexually experienced respondents reported using condoms consistently. In multivariate analysis, the likelihood of consistent use was elevated among single women and men (odds ratios, 1.8 and 2.6, respectively), those who considered condoms reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy (2.4 and 1.6) and those who believed that most of their peers use condoms (2.9 and 4.6).
Role of HCV coinfection towards disease progression and survival in HIV-1 infected children: a follow-up study of 10 years
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics. Online access December 8, 2005.
Onkar Shivraj S | Chattopadhya D | Grover G | Kumar A | Baveja UK
The present study was taken up to evaluate the pattern of disease progression and survival in a group of HIV-1 positive children, coinfected with HCV infection in comparison to those without such coinfection. It appears that HCV infection may be an important contributor to the rapid disease progression and increase in mortality in HCV-HIV-1 coinfected children.
Selecting, implementing, and evaluating teen pregnancy prevention interventions: lessons from the CDC’s community coalition partnership programs for the prevention of teen pregnancy
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America)
Journal of Adolescent Health. 2005 Sep;37(3):S42-S52.
Shearer DL | Gyaben SL | Gallagher KM | Klerman LV
This study summarized 13 communities’ experiences with selecting, implementing, and evaluating teen pregnancy prevention interventions within the CDC Community Coalition Partnership Programs for the Prevention of Teen Pregnancy. The study focuses on decision-making processes and barriers encountered in five categories of interventions: reproductive health services, reproductive health education, parent-child communication, male involvement, and programs for pregnant and parenting teens. Decision-making was influenced most often by project staff, the coalition, or related work groups. Teens were infrequently viewed as primary decision-makers in the selection of interventions. Communities with family planning services as hub agencies were more likely to address reproductive services and reproductive health education. Communities with child advocacy or youth-serving agencies were more likely to focus on other intervention categories.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
1,000 children infected with HIV in Venezuela: UNICEF
(News Article; South America)
17 Dec 2005
Xinhua
At least 1,000 Venezuelan children are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, the UN Childrens' Fund was quoted as saying recently. Of the total, some 390 have been abandoned by their families.
Young people need more sex education
(Feature Article; Asia)
19 Dec 2005
VietNamNet Bridge
A survey conducted by an online newspaper in Vietnam shows that of 4,700 voters, 3.7% learnt about sex at school and 2.6% from their parents. According to recent research on gender equality, the rate of female youth who can talk with their parents about friendship, love, and sex is higher than males. However, much sex education within families exists only as warnings and admonishments.
Malawi acts against child brides
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Dec 2005
BBC
The government of Malawi is considering raising the legal age of marriage in the country to 18 as a result of a growing number of cases of young girls being forced to marry much older men.
Calendar of Events
February 8, 2006 - February 12, 2006Highway to HIV/AIDS Awareness
The overall objective is to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and to fight the spread of the virus by improving tools of information and communication used to convey the message of prevention and the promotion of sexual behaviour change to individuals and communities, especially youth.
Contact's Name: Roland Futterer / E-Mail: info@maaango.org
Event Location: Marangu, Kilimanjaro Area, Tanzania
March 13, 2006 - March 17, 2006
Developmental Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
In this five-day course participants will explore and develop alternative approaches that enable planning, monitoring and evaluation processes to support rather than obstruct a developmental field practice – a PME approach beyond logframes. For Directors, Programme/Project Managers and Field-team Leaders as well as Donors who are looking for alternative ways to assist their partners to manage their practice. This is not a basic skills training course in PME.
Event Location: Cape Town, South Africa
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