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Volume 6, Number 5
6 February 2006
The Pop Reporter is available in CD-ROM (January 2004 to present) format. Contact Robert Jacoby with your request and complete mailing address
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Condom use after voluntary counselling and testing in Central Mozambique
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Tropical Medicine & International Health. 2006 Feb;11(2):176-181.
Mola OD | Mercer MA | Asghar RJ | Gimbel-Sherr KH | Gimbel-Sherr S | Micek MA | Gloyd SS
This study evaluated the efficacy of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS in changing risky sexual behavior in central Mozambique. It was concluded that people who undergo voluntary counselling and testing for HIV/AIDS change their behavior, presumably as a result of their counselling.
Unmet fertility expectations and the perception of fertility problems in a Malawian village
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2005 Aug;9(2):14-25.
Barden-O'Fallon J
This study analyzed men and women living in a rural Malawian village to know how fertility problems are identified and interpreted in a context of high fertility demand. Results show that although ideal family size may be falling, expectations to quickly achieve pregnancies remain high. Individual and social expectations about childbearing inform the perception of fertility problems if more than a few months pass without a noticeable pregnancy. Such problems are usually attributed to women, especially if the male partner has proven his fertility with another spouse/sexual partner. Therefore, community education on variation in the time to conception is needed, as is an understanding of how perceived infertility, regardless of actual waiting time to pregnancy, can lead to treatment seeking and risky sexual behavior.
What happened to the IUD in Ghana?
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2005 Aug;9(2):76-91.
Osei I | Birungi H | Addico G | Askew I | Gyapong JO
An exploratory study was conducted in Ghana to examine the client, provider, and system characteristics that have affected the demand for the IUD. The stagnating demand for the IUD in Ghana was attributed to clients' perceptions and rumors about side effects. The fear of excessive bleeding and weight loss also discouraged potential users, and the product design was perceived to be unacceptable. Demand creation for the IUD has been poor and the number of providers with practical experience of insertion is insufficient. Therefore, both the public and private sectors should give equal attention to the IUD to make it attractive to prospective clients. Branding the product may also improve marketing and promotion.
Quality of family planning services in northwest Ethiopia 
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Ethiopian Journal of Health Development. 2005;19(3):195-202.
Fantahun M
This study assessed the quality of family planning services provision in terms of clients’ perspectives, technical competence, and interpersonal relations of providers and resources for the provision of effective family planning services. The author suggests that several aspects of the quality of services observed in this study need to be improved, and measures should also be taken to improve the provision of family planning services through training and maintaining adequate resources.
Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis among injecting drug users in Russia: a multi-city study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Addiction. 2006 Feb;101(2):252-266.
Rhodes T | Platt L | Maximova S | Koshkina E | Latishevskaya N | Hickman M | Renton A | Bobrova N | McDonald T | Parry JV
This study focused on the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis in injecting drug users (IDUs) in Russia. HIV prevalence among IDUs was markedly higher than city routine surveillance data suggests and at potentially critical levels in terms of HIV prevention in two cities. HCV prevalence was high in all cities. Syphilis prevalence highlights the potential for sexual risk and sexual HIV transmission. Despite large-scale testing programs, knowledge of positive status was poor. The authors conclude that the scaling-up of harm reduction for IDUs in Russia, including sexual risk reduction, is an urgent priority.
Comparison of knowledge, attitudes, experience, and opinions between teachers and guardians regarding the emergency contraceptive pill in Chiang Mai, Thailand
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Nursing and Health Sciences. 2006 Mar;8(1):27-35.
Sripichyakan K | Tangmunkongvorakul A
This study compared knowledge, attitudes, experience, and opinions regarding emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) among teachers and guardians of eight randomly selected high schools and vocational schools in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Researchers found significantly more teachers who knew about the existence of ECPs than guardians. However, more guardians reported some accurate information regarding ECPs than did teachers. More teachers than guardians believed that the use of ECPs was not morally wrong. Both teachers and guardians had similar experience with ECP use and similar agreement in teaching female adolescents about ECPs. The teachers and guardians had some different opinions on teaching barriers. The authors suggest that both teachers and guardians are suited to teach female adolescents about ECPs, but they need preparation in different aspects.
Strengthening SRHR research networks
(Report; Sub-Saharan Africa)
SIDA, 2005.
Lazarus JV | Jerker Liljestrand J | Mirembe F
This paper assesses preconditions for a possible renewal
of the Swedish support to regional sexual and reproductive health and rights research and research training activities in sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes that a regional network/center to strengthen research capacity on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues should be
re-started.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Lack of birth control spurs abortions in Uganda
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
3 Feb 2006
Reuters
Related Research Article: The incidence of induced abortion in Uganda
Poor access to contraceptives has led to an unusually high rate of abortions in Uganda, straining already scarce health care in a country where abortion is illegal, researchers in New York and Kampala reported.
UNFPA governing body approves new country programme for China
(Press Release; Asia)
30 Jan 2006
UNFPA
The Executive Board of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, approved the sixth UNFPA program of assistance to China, totalling $27 million over 5 years.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
Family planning row in Guatemala
(News Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
2 Feb 2006
BBC
A power struggle has erupted in Guatemala over a family planning law. The law was vetoed by President Oscar Berger, but congress decided to enact it unilaterally on Tuesday. The new legislation requires the government to promote the use of contraceptives and provide sex education classes.
Doctors 'to report underage sex'
(News Article; Europe)
6 Feb 2006
Daily Mail
New guidelines for health workers might require them to tell police about underage girls who they believe are having sex, it is reported. The Daily Mail claims the new guidance would make it compulsory for general practitioners, social workers, and nurses to contact police if a girl of 13 or under contacted them to seek advice about contraception. The guidelines are reported to be the result of a consultation launched by the Department for Education late last year.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
HIV/AIDS knowledge and condom use among Somali and Sudanese immigrants in Denmark
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. 2006;34(1):92-99.
Lazarus JV | Himedan HM | Ostergaard LR | Liljestrand J
This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Somali and Sudanese immigrants in Denmark with regard to HIV/AIDS and condom use. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS is low in these two immigrant groups, both of which are characterized by reported incidence rates that are higher than the national average. Condom knowledge is particularly low among poorly educated women, and men have a negative attitude to condom use. The findings indicate a need for targeted, culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS information and advice.
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of clients presenting for HIV voluntary counselling and testing in Moshi, Tanzania
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2005 Oct;16(10):691-696.
Chu HY | Crump JA | Ostermann J | Oenga RB | Itemba DK | Mgonja A | Mtweve S | Bartlett JA | Shao JF | Thielman NM
Researchers surveyed 813 HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients in Moshi, Tanzania to document their sociademographic and clinical characteristics. the seroprevalence was 16.7%. The strongest associations with seropositivity were reporting diarrhea, an ill sexual partner, or being a woman. In a separate regression, the number of symptoms also predicted HIV infection. VCT clients who tested positive had more HIV-related symptoms, suggesting presentation at a later stage of HIV infection.
Prevalence of HIV-1 in blood donations following implementation of a structured blood safety policy in South Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
The Jounal of the American Medical Association. 2006 Feb 1;295(5):519-526.
Heyns Adu P | Benjamin RJ | Swanevelder JP | Laycock ME | Pappalardo BL | Crookes RL | Wright DJ | Busch MP
This study focused on whether the implementation of a new donor selection policy and educational program introduced in 1999 was associated with reductions in the incidence and prevalence of HIV-1 in blood donations and the reduced transmission risk. It was concluded that the implementation of enhanced education and selection policies in South Africa was associated with decreased prevalence of HIV-1 in blood donation.
A randomized crossover study to determine bioequivalence of generic and brand name Nevirapine, Zidovudine, and Lamivudine in HIV-negative women in India
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2006 Feb 1;41(2):131-136.
Vezina HE | Henry K | Ravindran GD | Kurpad AV | Raj TD | Fox K | Weller D | Brundage RC | Cavert W | Balfour HH Jr
Low-cost generic antiretroviral drugs are available in resource-limited settings for treatment of HIV infections. However, few bioequivalence data in specific populations in which these generics are likely to be used are available. Therefore, a randomized crossover bioequivalence study of generic and brand name formulations of nevirapine, zidovudine, and lamivudine in HIV-negative Indian women was conducted. The authors found that nevirapine and lamivudine but not zidovudine in Duovir-N (Cipla Pharmaceuticals) met FDA criteria for average bioequivalence.
Khat chewing habit as a possible risk behaviour for HIV
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Ethiopian Journal of Health Development. 2005;19(3):174-181.
Abebe D | Debella A | Dejene, A | Degefa A | Abebe A | Urga K | Ketema L
This study investigated whether the widespread chewing of Khat (Catha edulis), a psychostimulant, in Ethiopia, alone or in conjunction with other behaviors associated with its use, constitutes a risk behavior that accelerates the spread of HIV infection. Results showed that Khat chewing, in conjunction with alcohol intake and casual sex, were observed more in people with HIV than in the control group. Khat chewing was significantly associated with multiple sexual practice, which in turn was strongly linked with HIV cases. The authors recommend mainstreaming khat control into national development planning initiatives.
Immunological and virological responses to highly active antiretroviral therapy in a non-clinical trial setting in a developing Caribbean country
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
HIV Medicine. 2006 Mar;7(2):99-104.
Kilaru K | Kumar A | Sippy N | Carter A | Roach T
This study evaluated the virological and immunological responses of HIV-infected adults starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Barbados. In this cohort of antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected adults, there was a high rate of virological and immunological success after 6 months of HAART, irrespective of the pre-HAART viral load and CD4 cell count.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
Dramatic fall in Zimbabwe HIV infections
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
3 Feb 2006
The Guardian
Changes in sexual behavior are believed to have triggered a striking decline in HIV in eastern Zimbabwe. Blood tests taken from people across the region show that HIV prevalence has dropped most steeply among the young, with 49% fewer women aged 15 to 24 testing positive and a 23% drop in infections among men of 17 to 29 years old. The reduction was attributed to sex education programs.
Philippines HIV cases double over three years
(News Article; Asia)
2 Feb 2006
TODAY
An AIDS crisis threatens the Philippines as the number of people who are HIV carriers has doubled in just over 3 years.
Botswana: Routine HIV testing not as straightforward as it sounds
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
1 Feb 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Botswana's decision to introduce routine HIV testing in all its health facilities was driven by the growing realization that plans to provide anti-AIDS medication were likely to fail unless more people were tested. But activists have expressed concern that the policy could be eroding the patient's right to confidentiality, with the risk of informed consent being compromised.
Tanzania: Condom taboo in Zanzibar hampers fight against HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
1 Feb 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Campaigns to fight HIV/AIDS often focus on the "ABC" strategy - or Abstinence, Be faithful, and use Condoms. However, on the ultra-conservative, predominantly Muslim island of Zanzibar, the condom remains taboo and is rarely incorporated into public awareness messages.
Illegal blood banks mushrooming in Bangladesh
(News Article; Asia)
30 Jan 2006
People's Daily Online
Illegal blood banks are mushrooming in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh in the absence of any government control, putting at risk the life of patients needing blood. The blood from these private blood banks is reportedly seldom screened for blood-borne infections, and the blood banks are not registered or licensed to do business.
60% sex workers have HIV – Okware
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
4 Feb 2006
New Vision Online
Between 47% and 60% of sex workers are infected with HIV, the acting Director General of health services in Uganda, Dr. Sam Okware, has said. Addressing a press conference at the ministry, he said there has been confusion over the ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful, and Condom use) strategy.
More with: Deborah Landey
(Interview; Global)
Jan 2006
UNAIDS
With 26 years of working for the UN at both country and headquarter level, recently-appointed Deputy Executive Director Debbie Landey brings a wealth of experience to UNAIDS. This piece catches up with Debbie in Geneva to find out more about her ‘UN story’, her time in Botswana and Manila - where she gained different and vital perspectives into the challenges posed by HIV - and her hopes for the future at UNAIDS.
Emphasise condom use, says VP Bukenya
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
3 Feb 2006
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
The Vice President of Uganda, Gilbert Bukenya, has asked HIV/AIDS partners to put more emphasis on the promotion of condom use in the fight against AIDS.
New licensing agreement to maximize AIDS drug development
(Press Release; Global)
1 Feb 2006
EurekaAlert
Longtime collaborators CONRAD and the Biosyn Division of Cellegy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement to research and develop Biosyn-patented microbicides for the prevention of HIV and other STDs.
Meeting the challenge in Latin America
(Feature Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
Jan 2006
UNAIDS
Lowering the prices of AIDS medicines and other essential commodities, securing additional donor support, increasing international awareness of the epidemic in the region, and reducing homophobia and gender discrimination were among the priority actions identified at the Latin America regional consultation on scaling up towards universal access.
AIDS scourge travels fast on ancient Chinese road
(Feature Article; Asia)
5 Feb 2006
Chicago Tribune
The ancient road in China has had many names, old tea-horse trail, the Burma Road, Route 320, but the label that matters most today is one that appears on no sign at all: the AIDS road. It is the main road through the epicenter of AIDS in the world's most populous country, where a new national study shows that 200 people are being infected every day.
Chad: Worries about AIDS funding crunch after World Bank spat
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
3 Feb 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Chad's fight against AIDS is set to be one of the main victims if a standoff between the government and the World Bank drags on, senior UN officials have warned.
Going global
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Mar 2006
Bicycling Magazine
This spring, Kona Bikes will distribute 200 AfricaBikes to groups fighting HIV/AIDS in Botswana's capital, Gaborone, and in rural Bobonong. The bikes are for use primarily by home-health-care workers, all of whom are employed by programs funded by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation's Secure the Future project (securethefuture.com). They will use the bikes to distribute anti-retroviral drugs and provide home care to people infected with HIV, and to disseminate information about how people can protect themselves from HIV and on the importance of being tested for the virus.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Botswana: an ethical perspective on mandatory testing
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Developing World Bioethics. 2006 Mar;6(1):1-12.
Clark PA
This article examines the scientific evidence regarding the status of perinatal HIV prevention; gives an ethical analysis of the arguments for and against mandatory HIV testing and treatment of all pregnant women in Botswana; and determines if the national guidelines of Botswana should be revised to include mandatory HIV testing of all pregnant women.
High acceptability of voluntary counselling and HIV-testing but unacceptable loss to follow up in a prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programme in rural Malawi: scaling-up requires a different way of acting
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Tropical Medicine & International Health. 2005 Dec;10(12):1242-1250.
Manzi M | Zachariah R | Teck R | Buhendwa L | Kazima J | Bakali E | Firmenich P | Humblet P
This prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) study focused on the acceptability of offering 'opt-out' voluntary counselling and HIV-testing (VCT); the progressive loss to follow up of HIV-positive mothers during the antenatal period, at delivery and to the 6-month postnatal visit; and the proportion of missed deliveries in the district in Malawi. In a rural district hospital setting, at least 9 out of every 10 mothers attending antenatal services accepted VCT, of whom approximately one-quarter were HIV-positive and included in the PMTCT program. According to the authors, the progressive loss to follow up of more than three-quarters of this cohort by the 6-month postnatal visit demands a 'different way of acting' if PMTCT is to be scaled up.
Distribution of postpartum amenorrhea in rural Bangladeshi women
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
American Journal of Physical Anthropology. Online access December 12, 2005.
Holman DJ | Grimes MA | Achterberg JT | Brindle E | O'Connor KA
Previous studies of postpartum amenorrhea (PPA) demonstrated distinct subgroups of women with short and long durations of amenorrhea. This phenomenon was attributed to cases where breastfeeding is absent because of pregnancy loss or infant death, or confusion of postpartum bleeding with resumption of menses. This study explored these ideas using data from an 11-month prospective study in Bangladesh in which 858 women provided twice-weekly interviews and urine specimens for up to 9 months. Results indicate that bimodal distribution of PPA reflects biological or behavioral heterogeneity rather than shortcomings of data collection.
Knowledge and attitude towards mother to child transmission of HIV and it's prevention among post natal mothers in Tikur Anbessa and Zewditu Memorial Hospitals, Addis Ababa
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Ethiopian Journal of Health Development. 2005;19(3):211-218.
Jebessa S | Teka T
This study focuses on mothers’ knowledge of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV including breastfeeding in two government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It also describes mothers’ attitudes towards voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services. The results showed that most mothers in this study knew that HIV could be transmitted from mother to child and that it can be prevented. A majority were of the opinion that VCT can be a preventive strategy, and most would want counseling and testing before the next pregnancy. The authors suggest that well-organized VCT centers and PMTCT programs should be established to halt the epidemic from affecting the next generation.
Place, community education, gender and child mortality in North-east India
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Population, Space and Place. 2005 Dec 20;12(1):65-76.
Ladusingh L | Singh CH
This article examines the relevance of socio-cultural and environmental factors in explaining child mortality in Northeast India. Findings indicate lack of hygiene in the household and poor women's engagement in physically demanding agriculture-based work contributes to higher risk of child mortality. Unlike in other parts of India, female children have an edge over boys in childhood survival and living with the paternal grandmother tends to lower the risk of child death in the first 5 years of life. Community education was found to be the dominant factor outside the household to have a significant effect on child mortality.
Development of Nevirapine resistance in infants is reduced by use of infant-only single-dose Nevirapine plus Zidovudine postexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2006 Feb 15;193(4):479-481.
Eshleman SH | Hoover DR | Hudelson SE | Chen S | Fiscus SA | Piwowar-Manning E | Jackson JB | Kumwenda NI | Taha TE
This study analyzed the development of nevirapine (NVP) resistance in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)–infected Malawian infants who received regimens containing single-dose NVP (SD-NVP) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1. All infants received SD-NVP, and some randomly received zidovudine (ZDV) as well. Mothers did or did not receive SD-NVP on the basis of when they arrived at the hospital for delivery. It was concluded that the risk of MTCT of HIV-1 was comparable with these regimens and that infant-only prophylaxis eliminates the development of NVP resistance in mothers.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Patterns of differentials of and factors influencing male participation in family planning in Indonesia
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Population. 2005;11(1)
Samosir OB | Perwira SM | Nargis | Widodo PT
Despite 30 years of government-supported Family Planning programs in Indonesia, the participation of men has been low. This study describes the causes of low male participation in diverse regions of Indonesia. Results show that the percentage of husbands who were practicing a male FP method was higher among couples whose wives were older, who had no children, who came from higher income families, whose wives were currently working or ever worked and husbands were currently working, among others.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Iraq: Male homosexuality still a taboo
(News Article; Middle East)
5 Feb 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Discrimination against homosexuals in Iraq remains rampant. Since 2001, an amendment to the 1990 Penal Code has made homosexual behavior between consenting adults a crime. In that year, the Revolutionary Command Council issued a decree making the offences of prostitution, homosexuality, incest, and rape punishable by death, according to Amnesty International.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Province of residence and active syphilis infection among Zambian men and women: new evidence from population-based data
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2005 Aug;9(2):107-117.
Powell AM | Seage G | Larsen U
This study examined the risk factors for active syphilis infection in a subset of Zambian men and women. Province, age, education, age at first intercourse, marital status, history of genital sore or discharge, and having ever paid for sex were independent predictors of syphilis infection. Syphilis prevalence was 6.5% for women and 7.4% for men. The authors recommend that, given the ongoing HIV-1 epidemic in Zambia, more aggressive diagnosis and treatment of active syphilis infections, particularly in high-risk provinces, are important strategies to reduce reproductive morbidity and curb HIV-1 transmission.
Low male-to-female sex ratio of children born in India: national survey of 1.1 million households
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
The Lancet. 2006 Jan 21;367(9506):211-218.
Jha P | Kumar R | Vasa P | Dhingra N | Thiruchelvam D | Moineddin R
This study ascertained the contribution of prenatal sex determination and selective abortion as measured by previous birth sex to explain the low sex ratio of females in India. Prenatal sex determination followed by selective abortion of female fetuses is the most plausible explanation for the low sex ratio at birth in India. Women most clearly at risk are those who already have one or two female children. Based on conservative assumptions, the practice accounts for about 0.5 million missing female births yearly, translating over the past 2 decades into the abortion of some 10 million female fetuses.
Policy lessons of the East Asian demographic transition
(Working Paper; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
New York, Population Council, 2006.
McNicoll G
The usual lessons drawn from East Asia's striking experience of health and fertility transition concern the efficacy of well-designed government programs catering to an existing or ideationally stimulated demand. An alternative interpretation sees the demographic change, and the uptake of services, as a byproduct of social and economic development together with, in some cases, strong government pressures. This paper probes more deeply into this experience, seeking to identify common features of development design and administration that underlay it and to derive lessons for policies elsewhere. The study is mainly focused on seven countries: Taiwan and South Korea ("tiger" economies), Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia ("second wave" countries), and China and Vietnam ("market-Leninist" economies). The period is roughly from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The determinants of mortality
(Working Paper; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
National Bureau of Economic Research, 2005. (NBER Working Paper No. 11963)
Cutler D | Deaton A | Lleras-Muney A
In both the time-series and the cross-section data, there is a strong correlation between income per capita and mortality rates, a correlation that also exists within countries, where richer, better-educated people live longer. The authors review the determinants of these patterns over history, over countries, and across groups within countries. While there is no consensus about the causal mechanisms, they tentatively identify the application of scientific advance and technical progress (some of which is induced by income and facilitated by education) as the ultimate determinant of health.
Trends in sexually transmitted infections in general practice 1990-2000: population based study using data from the UK general practice research database
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
British Medical Journal. Online access January 26, 2006.
Cassell JA | Mercer CH | Sutcliffe L | Petersen I | Islam A | Brook MG | Ross JD | Kinghorn GR | Simms I | Hughes G | Majeed A | Stephenson JM | Johnson AM | Hayward AC
This study describes the contribution of primary care to the diagnosis and management of STIs in the United Kingdom, from 1990-2000, in the context of increasing incidence of infections in genitourinary medicine clinics.
Female education and the intensification of son preference on regional fertility in India
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Population. 2005;11(1)
Potdar R
The study examines the impact of son preference on the pace of fertility among women of different educational levels in the 14 Indian states with reference to the findings of the NFHS 2 survey (1998-99). In the northern/western states there appears to be an increased preference for at least one son in 1992-99 as compared to the southern/eastern states. In contrast to their counterparts in the southern states, educated women in the northern/western states demonstrate a greater inclination toward continuing childbearing for a son on the basis of having only daughters. Son preference continues to affect fertility at lower parities and could slow down fertility decline, especially in the populous northern/western sates.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Distinguishing the temporal association between women's intravaginal practices and risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection: a prospective study of South African women
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
American Journal of Epidemiology. Online access January 27, 2006.
Myer L | Denny L | de Souza M | Wright TC Jr | Kuhn L
This study examines the temporal nature of the association that intravaginal practices, such as douching or "dry sex", may increase women's susceptibility to HIV infection in a South African setting.
Perceptions of Nigerian women on domestic violence: evidence from 2003 Nigeria demographic and health survey
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2005 Aug;9(2):38-53.
Oyediran KA | Isiugo-Abanihe UC
This paper highlights the cultural factors responsible for, and negative effects of, domestic violence against women in Nigeria and makes a case for raising public consciousness against it. Descriptive and analytical methods were used to assess the net effects of socio-demographic factors on women's perceptions of domestic violence. The study demonstrates that a large percentage of Nigerian women agreed that a man is justified in beating or hitting his wife; 66.4% and 50.4% of ever-married and unmarried women, respectively, expressed consent for wife beating. Respondents' approval of wife beating or abuse varied by personal attributes. Ethnic affiliation, level of education, place of residence, wealth index, and frequency of listening to radio were significantly related to concurrence with wife beating.
Weight changes in clients on hormonal contraceptives in Zaria, Nigeria
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2005 Aug;9(2):92-100.
Sule S | Shittu O
Misconceptions exist in Nigeria about the effects of hormonal contraceptives on weight, which may have negative effects on contraceptive use. Data from case notes of clients attending the reproductive health center in Zaria, Nigeria, between 1993 and 1995, were analyzed to determine the effects of hormonal contraceptives on body weight, comparing them to clients using intrauterine contraceptive devices. Weight changes were not significantly different in clients using hormonal contraceptives and those using intrauterine contraceptive devices.
Women's experiences of and preferences for services after rape in South Africa: interview study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
British Medical Journal. 2006 Jan 28;332(7535):209-213.
Christofides NJ | Muirhead D | Jewkes RK | Penn-Kekana L | Conco DN
This study describes the delivery of health services after rape, including trade-offs, that would most influence choice of service, and compares views of patients who had used such services with views of members of the community who may be future users or may have experienced barriers to service use. Results showed that factors such as the availability of prophylactic treatment for HIV infection and having a sensitive healthcare provider who could provide counselling are more important in women's decisions to seek care after rape than the travel time necessary to access those services.
Accuracy of papanicolaou test among HIV-infected women
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America)
Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2006 Feb 15;42(4):562-568.
Anderson JR | Paramsothy P | Heilig C | Jamieson DJ | Shah K | Duerr A
Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy among women in the United States and may be the most common AIDS-related cancer among women. This study focuses on the accuracy of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test among women with HIV and those women at a high risk for the same.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Ambitious rural women’s empowerment campaign launched in Indian capital
(News Article; Asia)
4 Feb 2006
One World South Asia
The National Commission for Women launched an ambitious Chalo Gaon ki Ore campaign aimed at empowering women in the villages in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. The campaign will focus on the pressing problem of female foeticide and the missing girl child.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Youth Infonet 21 - January 2006
(Newsletter; Global)
Family Health International, 2006.
This issue of the electronic newsletter features 23 program resources focusing on youth reproductive health and HIV prevention, with some resources available in French and Spanish. It also includes summaries of four peer-reviewed articles featuring research on youth reproductive health and HIV/AIDS from Tanzania, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and Russia.
Formative research on youth peer education program productivity and sustainability
(Working Paper; Central America and the Caribbean | Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Family Health International, 2005. (Youth Research Working Paper No. 3)
Svenson G | Burke H
This 64-page paper discusses the first phase of a two-part study, which identified core elements of programs through an examination of program dynamics, activities, costs, and outputs in two countries. Based on this data, the first phase developed frameworks and eight checklists to use in assessing youth peer education effectiveness and sustainability.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among secondary school adolescents in Calabar - Nigeria
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Annals of African Medicine. 2005;4(1):2-6.
Oyo-Ita AE | Ikpeme BM | Etokidem AJ | Offor JB | Okokon EO | Etuk SJ
The aim of this study was to establish the impact of media, workshops, and peer education awareness programs on students. Although HIV/AIDS awareness is high among secondary school adolescents in Calabar, the knowledge of the disease is still poor and mass media as a source of information does not allow in-depth knowledge of the disease. The authors recommend that parents, teachers, and health workers be more involved in educating youth.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
UNICEF hails progress toward ending female genital cutting
(Press Release)
6 Feb 2006
UNICEF
Related Report: Female genital mutilation and cutting: a statistical consideration
UNICEF recently applauded the women and men who are working together to end the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting and to respect the right of girls to grow to womanhood without harm to their bodies. Over the last 6 years, thousands of villages in West Africa have joined together in public pledging ceremonies to abandon FGM/C, bringing greater hopes of ending the practice globally within a single generation.
AIDS camp focuses on youth
(News Article; Asia)
3 Feb 2006
The Telegraph
Tata Steel Family Initiative Foundation has launched a project, "Sahas", to address the lack of awareness on adolescent and reproductive health in the society. The project will target schoolchildren, school dropouts, and married and unmarried youths between the ages of 12 and 24 and aims to educate them about HIV, AIDS, and other STDs. Informing about the benefits of late marriages, small families, and gender equality also figure on the list of the social undertaking.
Calendar of Events
March 6, 2006 - March 18, 2006Public Health in Complex Emergencies
The Public Health in Complex Emergencies training program is a 2-week residential course that focuses on critical public health issues faced by NGO and Ministry of Health personnel working in complex emergencies.
Contact's Name: Dr. Muna al-Khalidi / E-Mail: ma77@aub.edu.lb
Event Location: Beirut, Lebanon
May 15, 2006 - May 17, 2006
The Eastern European and Central Asian AIDS Conference
The conference's theme is "Facing the Challenge". The three-day Eastern European and Central Asian AIDS Conference will include a number of sessions featuring plenaries, poster presentations, best practice, skills-building workshops and satellite events.
Contact's Name: Elena Tamazova / E-Mail: tamazovae@unaids.org
Event Location: Moscow
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