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Volume 6, Number 26
3 July 2006
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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Long-term female condom use among vulnerable populations in Brazil
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
AIDS and Behavior. Online access June 24, 2006.
Telles Dias PR | Souto K | Page-Shafer K
This study examined factors associated with long-term use of female condoms for STI/HIV prevention. Four primary themes were identified as influencing acceptability and adoption of the female condom: (1) personal "assistance" (counseling) during the early adoption phase; (2) safety; (3) pleasure; and (4) increased sense of power for safer sex negotiation. Alternate use of male and female condoms was the norm among participants, but for approximately one third of the sample, the female condom was the preferred option for safer sex. The study findings suggest that providing clients with explicit and sustained intervention strategies may have a decisive influence on long-term adoption of female condoms.
Anal and dry sex in commercial sex work, and relation to risk for sexually transmitted infections and HIV in Meru, Kenya
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. Online access June 21, 2006.
Schwandt M | Morris C | Ferguson A | Ngugi E | Moses S
This article examines the practices of anal intercourse and dry sex within a cohort of female sex workers in Kenya, focusing on the prevalence and perceived risk of the practices, demographic and behavioural correlates, and association with sexually transmitted infections. Both anal intercourse and dry sex were common in this sample, and although perceived as high risk practices, were not adequately protected with condom use, particularly anal intercourse.
Co-infection with HIV and hepatitis C virus in former plasma/blood donors: challenge for patient care in rural China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS. 2006 Jun;20(10):1492-1435.
Qian HZ | Vermund SH | Kaslow RA | Coffey CS | Chamot E | Yang Z | Qiao X | Zhang Y | Shi X | Jiang Y | Shao Y | Wang N
This study estimated the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and to identify associated risk factors in central China with a history of illegal plasma collection activities. The findings show HIV and HCV infections are now prevalent in these Chinese communities.
Condom use measurement in 56 studies of sexual risk behavior: review and recommendations
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
Noar SM | Cole C | Carlyle K. Online access June 24, 2006.
This study revieweed measures of self-reported condom use within correlational studies of sexual risk behavior, and evaluated such measures on the basis of suggestions from the methodological literature. Results indicated a great amount of diversity in terms of how condom use has been measured in the literature. Although results indicated that measures published between 1996 and 2003 were of higher quality on a number of dimensions as compared to 1989-1995, a number of these gains were minimal and in some cases measures have decreased in quality.
Liquid courage: alcohol fosters risky sexual decision-making in individuals with sexual fears
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
AIDS and Behavior. Online access June 27, 2006.
Stoner SA | George WH | Peters LM | Norris J
The interaction of sexual fear and acute alcohol intoxication on the likelihood of risky sexual behavior was explored. Findings underscore the notion that alcohol affects different types of individuals differently and indicate that alcohol may foster sexual risk-taking, in part, by attenuating or counteracting fear or anxiety.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Fast developing Vietnam sees smaller-families
(News Article; Asia)
June 27, 2006
Nhan Dan
Population censuses have showed that there is a rising trend towards small families in Vietnam, a country rated by ESCAP as Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economy in 2006.
Forced sterilization of Roma women continues
(News Article; Europe)
23 Jun 2006
Feminist Majority Foundation
Despite a report confirming the continued use of coercive sterilization on Roma (Gypsy) women, women's advocates charge that the Czech government has failed to take action to stop these atrocities.
Record shows lack of condom use
(News Article; Oceania)
28 Jun 2006
Fiji Times
A report has revealed that people in Fiji are vulnerable to the infection with low records shown for the use of condoms and lack of proper knowledge about the disease.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
New HIV/AIDS bill proposes changes to PEPFAR
(News Article)
28 Jun 2006
Feminist Majority Foundation
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) has proposed a bill that would require all HIV programs funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to address the rapid spread of infection among women and young people.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
Quality education and HIV & AIDS 
(Report; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Paris, UNESCO, 2006.
UNAIDS Inter-Agency Task Team on Education
This paper presents a framework for quality education that demonstrates how education systems can and must change in their analysis and conduct in relation to HIV and AIDS. It summarizes the 10 dimensions of the framework, considers how HIV and AIDS manifests itself in relation to these quality dimensions, and summarizes some practical applications of how education has responded and can respond to the pandemic from a quality perspective. A more detailed annex to the paper provides evidence on the manifestations of the pandemic on education systems and how systems have responded in practical ways. Some general conclusions are drawn, and a final section promotes some practical and strategic actions in support of quality education that reflects and responds to HIV and AIDS.
Disclosure of HIV status and adherence to daily drug regimens among HIV-infected children in Uganda
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS and Behavior. Online access June 22, 2006.
Bikaako-Kajura W | Luyirika E | Purcell DW | Downing J | Kaharuza F | Mermin J | Malamba S | Bunnell R
Using in-depth interviews at a comprehensive HIV/AIDS clinic in Uganda, researchers evaluated the adherence experiences of HIV-infected children taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) for purposes of program improvement. To ensure adherence to life-extending medications, findings underscore the need for providers to support caregivers to disclose, provide on-going support and maintain open communication with HIV-infected children taking cotrimoxazole prophylaxis and ART.
Clinical outcomes improve with highly active antiretroviral therapy in vertically HIV type-1–infected `children
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2006 Jul;43(2):243-52.
Resino S | Resino R | Maria Bellon J | Micheloud D | Gutierrez MD | de Jose MI | Ramos JT | Fontelos PM | Ciria L | Munoz-Fernandez MA | Spanish Group of Pediatric HIV Infection
This study determined the effectiveness of different antiretroviral therapy protocols on clinical outcome for HIV-infected children. Researchers observed that receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy produces a decrease in adverse clinical outcomes (i.e., hospital admission, AIDS, and death) in children with vertical HIV-1 infection
Understanding sexual behaviour change in rural southwest Uganda: A multi-method study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2006 Jul;18(5):479-488.
Pool R | Kamali A | Whitworth JA
This study investigated the exact nature of behavior change and the reasons for change or lack of change since people became aware of HIV/AIDS in rural southwest Uganda. After triangulation between all sources of data, 48% of respondents had ever used a condom. Condom use in 76% of all cases was at least partly AIDS related, while 19% was exclusively for protection against HIV. Condom use tended to be sporadic: only 13% of condom users currently used a condom regularly and most of this use was for family planning. After triangulation, 45% had reduced the number of sexual partners. Of all partner reductions, 93% was at least partly AIDS related; 29% was exclusively to avoid HIV. Half of those who had reduced the number of partners either stuck to one partner or abstained. Men reported more change than women. Of those who reported no partner reduction, 89% could not reduce the number of partners because they already had only few or a single partner or abstained; most of these were women.
Depression and CD4 cell count among persons with HIV infection in Uganda
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS and Behavior. Online access June 27, 2006.
Kaharuza FM | Bunnell R | Moss S | Purcell DW | Bikaako-Kajura W | Wamai N | Downing R | Solberg P | Coutinho A | Mermin J
This study assessed factors associated with depression among HIV-infected adults undergoing anti-retroviral eligibility screening in Eastern Uganda. Findings show depression was common among HIV-infected persons in rural Uganda and was associated with low CD4 cell counts.
HIV/AIDS peer counselors’ perspectives on intervention delivery formats
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
Clinical Nursing Research. 2006 Aug;15(3):177-196.
Messias DK | Moneyham L | Murdaugh C | Phillips KD
This research elicited HIV/AIDS peer counselors' perspectives about delivery formats for a counseling intervention. Peer counselors identified personal contact as the major advantage of the face-to-face format. Personal contact afforded counselors better opportunities to understand and assess clients' physical, emotional, and environmental status and allowed them to connect with peers in more concrete and personal ways. Being physically present was also a very direct and effective way to role model for other HIV-positive women.
Effects of internal medicine residency training in AIDS care in Taiwan
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS Care. 2006 Jul;18(5):426-432.
Hsiung PC | Tsai YF | Liang CC | Hung CC | Chen MY | Chang SC
This study investigated the impact of one-month residency training in an AIDS inpatient unit on internal medicine residents in Taiwan. At follow-up, residents who received training in the AIDS unit (experimental group) were significantly more knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, had more positive attitudes and greater intention to care for HIV-infected patients than residents who did not receive this training (control group).
Routine, rapid HIV testing
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
AIDS Education and Prevention. 2006 Jun;18(3):273-280.
Rotheram-Borus MJ | Leibowitz AA | Etzel MA
This article argues that rather than relying on one international standard, customizing HIV testing procedures to local environments may be more efficient and effective.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
Malaysia to imprison blood donors who knowingly spread HIV
(News Article; Asia)
29 Jun 2006
The China Post
Malaysia will impose mandatory prison terms on HIV-positive people who knowingly spread the virus to others by donating blood, the government recently.
HIV/AIDS and hunger in Southern Africa
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
29 Jun 2006
Reuters
HIV/AIDS is aggravating chronic hunger in southern Africa and despite better harvests across the region, more than three million people will remain short of basic food supplies through to December.
HIV/AIDS drugs running low in Uganda
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
30 Jun 2006
People's Daily Online
The supply of free antiretroviral drugs is fast dwindling in Uganda, raising fears that the people using them might find themselves with no treatment after August.
No condoms for prisons to fight HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
29 Jun 2006
Jamaica Gleaner
Following a meeting between officials from the Ministries of Health and National Security yesterday, an agreement has been reached not to distribute condoms in penal facilities in Jamaica.
HIV/AIDS on the rise among Iranian addicts
(News Article; Middle East)
28 Jun 2006
IranMania News
The number of HIV/AIDS infections in Iran is far higher than previously thought because of a large rise in intravenous drug use, a health ministry official was quoted as saying recently.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Active management of the third stage of labor: a simple practice to prevent postpartum hemorrhage
(Technical Report)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University. Bloomberg School of Public Health. Center for Communication Programs, 2006. (Global health technical briefs, No. 13)
Stephenson, P
A technical brief on preventing postpartum hemorrhage.
HIV incidence among post-partum women in Zimbabwe: risk factors and the effect of vitamin A supplementation
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS. 2006 Jun;20(10):1437-1446.
Humphrey JH | Hargrove JW | Malaba LC | Iliff PJ | Moulton LH | Mutasa K | Zvandasara P | Nathoo KJ | Mzengeza F | Chidawanyika H | Zijenah LS | Ward BJ | the ZVITAMBO Study Group
This study tested whether post-partum vitamin A supplementation can reduce incident HIV among post-partum women and identify risk factors for HIV incidence. Among post-partum women, a single large-dose vitamin A supplementation had no effect on incidence, although low serum retinol was a risk factor for seroconversion.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the United States: many HIV-infected women are now planning to have children. what are the risks to mother and infant?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America)
American Journal of Nursing. 2006 Jul;106(7):56-63.
Cibulka NJ
This article reviews the literature on the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission in the United States and the factors that influence that risk, details current practice recommendations, and discusses implications for practice.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
PanAfrica: maternal, child deaths on the rise, say experts
(News Article; North Africa | Sub-Saharan Africa)
26 Jun 2006
The East African Standard (Nairobi)
Cases of maternal and child deaths have increased drastically in Africa, despite commitments by governments to reverse the trend.
Nigeria: country tops world maternal mortality rating, says NGO
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
28 Jun 2006
Daily Trust (Abuja)
Nigeria has been rated as having one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world with an estimated 800 women dying out of every 100,000 giving birth and an estimated 52,000 women dying each year.
Liberia: tetanus vaccinations to fight infant deaths
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
27 Jun 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
The Liberian government and the UN have launched a nation-wide campaign to vaccinate women against tetanus, a simple measure which aid agencies estimate could help slash infant deaths by up to 70%.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Potential bridges for HIV infection to men who have sex with men in Guangzhou, China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS and Behavior. Online access June 27, 2006.
He Q | Wang Y | Lin P | Liu Y | Yang F | Fu X | Li Y | Sun B | Li J | Zhao X | Mandel J | Jain S | McFarland W
This study assessed the potential for HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China. The currently low prevalence of HIV but high level of unprotected anal sex, high prevalence of syphilis infection, and sexual networks that include foreign MSM point to a transient window for HIV prevention among MSM in Guangzhou.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Health agency won't stop circumcision studies
(News Article)
29 Jun 2006
San Francisco Chronicle
Hopes for early and stunning results in a closely watched AIDS experiment in Africa were deflated this week after a National Institutes of Health panel ruled there was no reason to stop two ongoing studies of male circumcision as a means of reducing risk of HIV infection.
POPULATION NEWS
Village at the forefront of campaign to stem skewed sex ratio
(News Article; Asia)
27 Jun 2006
Gulf Times
In Jalahmajra, India there is an average of 1,020 girls per 1,000 boys, a national aberration that has put the village at the forefront of a campaign to stem the crisis.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Change trajectories in women's STD/HIV risk behaviors following intervention
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
Prevention Science. Online access June 27, 2006.
Beadnell B | Baker SA | Morrison DM | Huang B | Stielstra S | Stoner S
Three 16-month sexual risk-taking trajectories were identified in 287 women in an STD/HIV intervention study. The Risk Eliminator group reported no sex risk following intervention while the Risk Reducer group reported continuous drops over time. The High Risk group reported higher initial risk than the other two and no subsequent changes. The trajectory groups showed no between- or within-group effects of intervention exposure. Trajectory groups were compared on baseline characteristics. No differences were seen in demographics or STD/HIV knowledge. Compared to one or both of the other groups, the High Risk women reported more lifetime partners, recent paying partners, adult rape, and recent substance use. Their steady partners were more likely to be abusive, intoxicated during sex (as were the women themselves), and believed to be non-monogamous. The Risk Eliminator group differed from the other two by being less likely to report a history of childhood sexual abuse.
Multiple disadvantages of Mayan females: the effects of gender, ethnicity, poverty, and residence on education in Guatemala
(Working Paper; Central America and the Caribbean)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
New York, Population Council, 2006. (Policy Research Division Working Paper no. 211)
Hallman K | Peracca S | Catino J | Ruiz MJ
Although access to primary education in Guatemala has increased in recent years, particularly in rural areas, levels of educational attainment and literacy remain among the lowest in Latin America. Problems include late entry, grade repetition, and early dropout. Inequalities in school access and grade attainment linked to ethnicity, gender, poverty, and residence remain. Age trends show that Mayan females are the least likely to ever enroll, and, if they do enroll, to start school the latest and drop out earliest. Mayan females are not a homogeneous group, however.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Trafficked women's symptoms akin to torture victims'
(News Article)
27 Jun 2006
Reuters
Women and girls trafficked for forced sexual or domestic work suffer post-traumatic stress on a par with torture victims, researchers said recently.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Observational cohort study of HIV-infected African children
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 2006 Jul;25(7):623-627.
Laufer MK | van Oosterhout JJ | Perez MA | Kanyanganlika J | Taylor TE | Plowe CV | Graham SM
This study observed a cohort of African children identified through voluntary counseling and testing. 45 children were enrolled in the study. 33% of participants had a serious acute disease at the time of enrollment. The most common diagnoses were symptomatic malaria and pneumonia. The children were more ill than adults who were enrolled in a simultaneous study and had a higher death rate. The mortality rate was 22%. Undernutrition and low CD4 cell count were independently associated with increased risk of death.
An adolescent-targeted HIV prevention project using African professional soccer players as role models and educators in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS and Behavior. Online access June 22, 2006.
Clark TS | Friedrich GK | Ndlovu M | Neilands TB | McFarland W
In this study, professional soccer players provided HIV education in an interactive curriculum for 7th grade boys and girls in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Students in intervention classrooms demonstrated significant increases in knowledge and attitudes using pre-, immediately post- and five-month post-intervention surveys. There was a delayed increase in these factors among control students, suggesting a possible diffusion of information from their peers who received the intervention curriculum.
Individual and environmental impacts on sexual health of Caribbean youth
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Scientific World Journal. 2006 Jun;6:707-717.
Lerand SJ | Ireland M | Blum RW
This study explores the associations between individual factors, socioenvironmental factors, and sexual health-related behaviors in Caribbean youth. It examined age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, history of pregnancy, and condom use. The predictor variables were rage, depressed mood, expectation of early death, self-reported school performance, parental mental health or substance abuse problems, and family connectedness.
Love, lifestyles and the risk of AIDS: the moral worlds of young people in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Culture, Health & Sexuality . 2006 May-Jun;8(3):211-224.
Samuelsen H
This paper explores local moral worlds of young people in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, and discusses how the HIV epidemic affects their reflections on their everyday life and their perceptions of sexual relationships. The data shows that the HIV epidemic contributes to and accelerates their feeling of living in a risk society and of being at risk. In order to cope with these uncertainties and contingencies, local discourses of trust and fidelity become extremely important and to most young people HIV prevention is synonymous with finding a faithful partner and/or using condoms.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
Nationwide AIDS awareness campaign involving youth launched
(News Article; Asia)
28 Jun 2006
The Hindu
Volunteers will travel to different parts of the country to spread AIDS awareness as part of the Youth Unite for Victory on AIDS, a nationwide program launched here recently.
Report: South African HIV/AIDS television serial drama leads to decrease In stigma and improved prevention behaviors among youth
(Press Release; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Health Communication Partnership
A new report from the Health Communication Partnership demonstrates how a powerful television serial drama about young adults living in a rural South African town impacted by HIV/AIDS led to improved attitudes about HIV/AIDS, stigma, living openly and positively with HIV and faithfulness among its viewers.
FGM: Father forces daughter to undergo mutilation
(News Article)
4 Jul 2006
IPP Media
A Swedish court recently sentenced a Somali man to four years in prison for forcing his daughter to be circumcised.
Condom sales down as young Czechs lose fear of AIDS
(News Article; Europe)
27 Jun 2006
Radio Prague
Sales of condoms in the Czech Republic have fallen quite dramatically, according to figures just released: around 10% fewer condoms were sold between May 2005 and April 2006 than in the same period two years earlier. Experts suspect it is due to a lack of fear among youth of becoming infected with HIV.
Iraq: displaced children suffer depression and poor health
(News Article; Middle East)
27 Jun 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
According to the Ministry of Displacement and Migration, about 40,000 children have been displaced in Iraq due to ongoing sectarian violence since the attack on 22 February of a revered Shi’a shrine in Samarra. Most of them, said the ministry, do not have access to schools or medical care and many of them suffer from depression and poor health.
Calendar of Events
August 12, 2006Making the Connection: Vulnerable Populations, HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
On Saturday August 12, from 9:00 - 3:00, immediately prior to the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto, the Government of Canada (Health Canada, Canadian International Development Agency, Foreign Affairs Canada), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Action Canada for Population and Development (ACPD), the International Community of Women living with HIV/AIDS (ICW), the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), and CARE Canada will be hosting a one day workshop entitled, “Making the Connection: Vulnerable Populations, HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights”.
Contact's Name: Heather McMullen / E-Mail: heather@acpd.ca
Event Location: Toronto, Canada
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