Volume 6, Number 27
12 July 2006

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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH

Syphilis among female sex workers in southwestern China: potential for HIV transmission
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Online access May 15, 2006.
Ruan Y | Cao X | Qian HZ | Zhang L | Qin G | Jiang Z | Song B | Hu W | Liang S | Chen K | Yang Y | Li X | Wang J | Chen X | Hao C | Song Y | Xing H | Wang N | Shao Y
This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of syphilis infection among female sex workers in a southwestern Chinese city along a drug trafficking route. 15.7% of female sex workers (FSWs) were infected with syphilis. The prevalence of HIV, gonorrhea, and C. acuminatum was 0.6%, 2.0%, and 1.5%, respectively. Nearly 10% of FSWs reported using illicit drugs. Consistent use, inconsistent use, and never use of condoms with commercial sex clients in the last month were reported by 53.9%, 38.5%, and 7.6% FSWs, respectively. Longer duration of sex work, working at low-end establishments, and if primary sex partners had sex with other women in the past 6 months were independently associated with syphilis infection.

Condoms and sexually-transmitted infections
(Commentary)
The New England Journal of Medicine. 2006 Jun;354(25):2642-2643.
This article argues that common ground on the issue of condom use is now being reached, as it becomes clearer that for many people, neither abstinence until marriage and subsequent faithfulness nor consistent condom use alone is a practical preventive solution.

Mapping transactional sex on the Northern Corridor highway in Kenya
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Health Place. Online access June 30, 2006.
Ferguson AG | Morris CN
The Kenyan section of the Northern Corridor highway was studied to characterize the 'hot spots' where transactional sex is concentrated and to provide estimates of numbers of truckers and sex workers and the volumes of transactional sex taking place on the highway. Analysis of 403 sex worker diaries showed an average of 13.6 different clients and 54.2 sex acts in a month. Condom use was 69% in liaisons with regular clients and 90% with casual clients.

Brazilian multicenter study - transdermal contraceptive patch: users' preference and satisfaction
(Abstract; South America)
Revista Brasileira de Medicina. 2006 Apr;65(4)
Ferriani RA | Andrade RP | Neto LF | Nakagava HM | Dias R | Finotti MF | Bacarat EC | Freitas FM | Tadini V | Neto AA
This study assessed satisfaction with the weekly transdermal contraceptive patch, compared to the previous contraceptive method. Results indicate the weekly contraceptive transdermal patch is a safe and effective method, and there was a high rate of satisfaction with its use among Brazilian women. The patch was associated to a good cycle control, with easiness of use, improvement in the physical and emotional well-being and improvement in the pre-menstrual symptoms and lipid profile.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS

Male participation in family planning, reproductive health urgently needed
(News Article; Asia)
7 Jul 2006
Philippine Information Agency
The participation of men is urgently needed in family planning and reproductive health issues of the family. This was the appeal of local family planning and reproductive health advocates during the Kapihan forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency in Tanjay City.

Syria and Japan sign an agreement on reproductive health
(News Article; Middle East)
3 Jul 2006
Syrian Arab News Agency
The Minister of Health in Syria recently signed an agreement with the head of the Japan Team of International Cooperation Agency on developing services of mother care and child sector as well as reproductive health in Northern region of Manbij.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY

Education plans changes in sex lesson
(News Article; Asia)
3 Jul 2006
Manila Standard Today
The Department of Education in Manila is now accepting suggestions on how to improve or revise its sex education modules for public high schools.

HIV/AIDS RESEARCH

Capacity of health-care facilities to deliver HIV treatment and care services, Northern Tanzania, 2004
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2006 Jul;17(7):459-462.
Landman KZ | Kinabo GD | Schimana W | Dolmans WM | Swai ME | Shao JF | Crump JA
Researchers evaluated the current capacity of Tanzanian health-care facilities to deliver antiretroviral therapy (ART). Overall in 2004, facilities needed strengthening to increase staff training in ART management and to implement INH for treatment of latent tuberculosis. Laboratory facilities for ART monitoring were inadequate, and outpatient ART was limited.

High rates of HIV in surgical patients in Soweto, South Africa: impact on resource utilisation and recommendations for HIV testing
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene . Online access June 28, 2006.
Martinson NA | Omar T | Gray GE | Vermaak JS | Badicel M | Degiannis E | Steyn J | McIntyre JA | Smith M
This study reports HIV prevalence and its associations in a prospective study of adults admitted to surgical units in Soweto, South Africa. In this high HIV prevalence setting, resource utilization is similar between HIV-infected and uninfected patients in surgical wards where high rates of HIV in young adults support routine HIV testing.

Factors associated with teachers’ implementation of HIV/AIDS education in secondary schools in Cape Town, South Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2006 May;18(4):388-397.
Mathews C | Boon H | Flisher AJ | Schaalma HP
This study investigated the factors influencing whether high school teachers implemented HIV/AIDS education. The independent variables included constructs derived from expectancy value theories, teachers’ generic dispositions, their training experience, characteristics of their interactive context and the school climate. The existence of a school HIV/AIDS policy, a climate of equity and fairness, and good school-community relations were the school characteristics associated with teaching HIV/AIDS.

The influence of antiretroviral therapy on the uptake of HIV testing in Tutume, Botswana
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2006 Jul;17(7):479-481.
Warwick Z
This paper describes how the national antiretroviral program in Botswana has influenced the willingness of the community of Tutume District, Botswana to come forward for HIV testing. A retrospective review of Tutume Primary Hospital records was performed for three different periods: prior to the national antiretroviral therapy (ART) program, once ART was available in limited centers and once ART was available locally. There was a five-fold increase in the number of HIV tests performed once treatment became available locally, primarily due to female voluntary testing.

Out-of-pocket costs of HAART limit HIV treatment responses in Botswana's private sector
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS. 2006 Jun;20(9):1333-1336.
Bisson GP | Frank I | Gross R | Re VL 3rd | Strom JB | Wang X | Mogorosi M | Gaolathe T | Ndwapi N | Friedman H | Strom BL | Dickinson D
A large number of HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa pay out-of-pocket for HAART. This analysis from Botswana indicates that higher median out-of-pocket regimen costs to patients for the initial 30 days of HAART are associated with failure to achieve a viral load less than 400 copies/ml. HAART costs should be minimized as scale-up efforts in sub-Saharan Africa progress.

Effect of an armed conflict on human resources and health systems in Côte d'Ivoire: prevention of and care for people with HIV/AIDS
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2006 May;18(4):356-365.
Betsi NA | Koudou BG | Cisse G | Tschannen AB | Pignol AM | Ouattara Y | Madougou Z | Tanner M | Utzinger J
This study assessed and quantified the effect the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire had on human resources and health systems that provide the backbone for prevention, treatment and care associated with HIV/AIDS. Researchers found significant reductions of health staff in the public and private sector along with a collapse of the health system and other public infrastructures, interruption of condom distribution and lack of antiretrovirals. On the other hand, there was a significant increase of non-governmental organizations, some of which claim a partial involvement in the combat with HIV/AIDS.

Therapeutic immunization for the control of HIV-1: where are we now?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2006 Jul;17(7):436-441.
Dorrell L
In this review, progress in the development of therapeutic HIV immunization strategies is discussed.

HIV/AIDS NEWS

1 pill a day to treat AIDS: 3-drug combo expected soon
(News Article)
9 Jul 2006
The Seattle Times
The first complete treatment for AIDS that is taken once a day as a single pill is expected to be available soon.

South African soap opera breaks the taboo on AIDS
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
8 Jul 2006
Telegraph
The scriptwriters of Isidingo, South Africa's most popular soap opera, are striking a blow against the stigma attached to AIDS by inflicting it upon one of their leading characters.

The temporary miracle
(Feature Article; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
Johns Hopkins Public Health Magazine. Spring 2006;
Simpson BW
Antiretroviral drugs can save lives, but can they solve Africa's AIDS epidemic?

Côte d'Ivoire: addressing HIV/AIDS in a country in crisis
(Press Release; Sub-Saharan Africa)
7 Jul 2006
Relief Web
The political and military crisis in Cote d'Ivoire has thrown its HIV/AIDS programs into disarray, prompting a UN official to warn that a plan for tackling one of the country's leading causes of death is urgently needed.

Hotline on HIV information launched
(News Article; Asia)
5 Jul 2006
The Himalayan Times
The Nepali National Hotline Service on HIV/AIDS and National Information Resource Center for HIV/AIDS were launched with a view to providing free service to people seeking information on HIV/AIDS, its care, treatment and support.

Angola: Kwanza Sul: theatre group sensitises people on HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
6 Jul 2006
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
The theatre group in Sumbe, central Kwanza Sul Province, is carrying out a sensitization and mobilization campaign of the population for the fight against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

In competition, Vietnamese journalists explore new angles on HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Asia)
7 Jul 2006
Internews
Over 50 journalists from Vietnam’s television, radio and print media recently gathered in Halong Bay in one of the country’s hotspot provinces for HIV/AIDS, Quang Ninh. They came to compete – to see whose features, news reports and stories on HIV/AIDS would be judged the best. The event focused on challenging stereotyping and stigma and conveying the "human face" of the epidemic in features and news reports.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH

AIDS and pregnancy: meanings of risk and challenges for care
(Research Article)
Revista Saude Publica. 2006 Jun;40(3):474-481.
Silva NE | Alvarenga AT | Ayres JR
This study examined how the risk of vertical HIV transmission is perceived and interpreted by people living with HIV/AIDS, when making decisions regarding reproductive health. The risk of vertical transmission was used by health professionals both for discouraging pregnancy and for giving guidance on transmission prophylaxis. However, reproductive issues were not voiced at the health clinics, either by the patients or by the healthcare providers.

Utilization of delivery services in the context of prevention of HIV from mother-to-child (PMTCT) in a rural community, South Africa
(Abstract; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Curationis. 2006 Mar;29(1):54-61.
Peltzer K | Mosala T | Shisana O | Nqeteko A
This study investigated the utilization of delivery services in the context of prevention of HIV from mother-to-child (PMTCT) in a rural community in South Africa. Childbirth experiences of the mother or mother-in-law greatly influenced the delivery choices in terms of home delivery. The majority of the pregnant women were aware of mother-to-child HIV transmission but only 9% of the pregnant women had ever been tested for HIV. HIV knowledge, HIV testing behaviour and attitudes were found to be not associated with the delivery option.

Maternal single-dose nevirapine versus placebo as part of an antiretroviral strategy to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Botswana.
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS. 2006 Jun;20(9):1281-1288.
Shapiro RL | Thior I | Gilbert PB | Lockman S | Wester C | Smeaton LM | Stevens L | Heymann SJ | Ndung'u T | Gaseitsiwe S | Novitsky V | Makhema J | Lagakos S | Essex M
This study determined whether the maternal nevirapine dose could be eliminated to avoid resistance in the setting of zidovudine prophylaxis. Results show that in the setting of maternal zidovudine and infant zidovudine plus single-dose nevirapine, infant HIV infection rates were similar whether women received single-dose nevirapine or placebo. This strategy avoids the potential for maternal nevirapine resistance.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS

Medical experts lament rate of eaths from unsafe abortion
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
5 Jul 2006
The Ghanaian Chronicle
Some medical experts have expressed worry at the alarming rate of maternal mortality, especially in the area of unsafe abortion, which is estimated as the second largest contributor to maternal deaths in the country with the highest numbers in the Upper East, West and Northern regions of Ghana.

Uganda: Tororo leads in maternal mortality
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
4 Jul 2006
The Monitor (Kampala)
The Tororo district of Uganda is leading in maternal mortality levels in the country.

Liberia: random HIV/AIDS test for pregnant women in Liberia
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
7 Jul 2006
The Liberian Times
The National Aids Control Program in Liberia (NACP) has disclosed the random HIV/AIDS test among pregnant women shortly so as to identify and work along with the carriers of the virus. Briefing scores of Journalists yesterday in Monrovia, the deputy program Director of NACP Madam Lorpu Bruce said the test would be conducted among pregnant women at over ten (10) sites, which will begin this month and continue on a yearly basis around Liberia.

Iraq: insecurity, under-funding threaten children’s health in Basra
(News Article; Middle East)
9 Jul 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
NGOs devoted to health issues in southern Iraq say that dozens of children have died of relatively common diseases since January due to a lack of medicine.

Liberia: maternal mortality on the rise
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
4 Jul 2006
The NEWS (Monrovia)
The World Health Organization Country Representative, Dr. Eugene Nyarko, has disclosed that several childbearing mothers died daily during childbirth in Liberia.

POPULATION RESEARCH

Internal migration and household living conditions in Ethiopia
(Research Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Demographic Research. 2006 Jun;14(21):509-540.
Mberu BU
This paper examines the relationship between internal migration and household living conditions in Ethiopia. The analysis finds significant living condition advantage of permanent and temporary migrants over non-migrants, primarily linked to migration selectivity by education and non-agricultural income. Once the independent effects of these variables are controlled, no statistical significant
independent association exists between migration status and living conditions.

POPULATION NEWS

One last thing: birthrate decline will be our global peril
(News Article)
9 Jul 2006
The Philadelphia Inquirer
This column discusses the impending peril of declining worldwide fertility rates.

Middle East: Cairo, Sana’a cope with exploding populations
(News Article; Middle East)
9 Jul 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
On the occasion of the internationally recognized World Population Day, commemorated recently, several countries in the region – particularly Egypt and Yemen – are taking a closer look at the impediments to development caused by exploding populations.

WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

Assessing sexually transmitted infections in a cohort of women living with HIV/AIDS, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2006 Jul;17(7):473-478.
Grinsztejn B | Bastos FI | Veloso VG | Friedman RK | Pilotto JH | Schechter M | Derrico M | Andrade A | Lourenco MC | Moreira RI | Russomano F | Morgado M | Currier JS
A cohort of 458 HIV-positive women under antiretroviral therapy were followed at a reference hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Most of them belonged to impoverished social strata. Patients were screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and gynecologic conditions. Some STIs were found to be uncommon (e.g. chlamydial and gonococcal infections), while some conditions (bacterial vaginosis) and STIs, e.g. hepatitis B and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, were found to be quite prevalent. The latter is of special concern, due to the high prevalence of HIV/HPV co-infection (51%) and its association with severe immunodeficiency, in a context of unacceptable high levels of uterine cancer and uneven gynecological care.

Sex work in Tallinn, Estonia: the socio-spatial penetration of sex work into society
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. Online access June 28, 2006.
Aral SO | St Lawrence JS | Uuskula A
This study describes the socioeconomic and cultural determinants, organizational structure and distinct categories, and spatial patterning of sex work; and identify recent temporal changes in sex work patterns. Results show sex work takes place in a variety of locations in Tallinn ranging from love-flats and elite brothels to truck stops. There are full-time, part-time and intermittent; male and female sex workers. Among others, the taxi driver, madam and the bartender are central roles in the organization of sex work. Due to the impact of cell-phone and internet technology sex work is highly dispersed and spatially mobile.

Sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and HIV-1 infections in two at-risk populations in Barcelona: female street prostitutes and STI clinic attendees
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
International Journal of Infectious Diseases . Online access June 22, 2006.
Vall-Mayans M | Villa M | Saravanya M | Loureiro E | Merono M | Arellano E | Sanz B | Saladie P | Andreu A | Codina MG
This study determined the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrheae, and HIV-1 infections in female street prostitutes and STI clinic attendees in Barcelona. Overall CT prevalence is currently lower than in other European countries, although it could increase as a result of immigration.

Access to gynecological services and Papanicolau tests in HIV-infected Italian women: a questionnaire survey
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
AIDS Care. 2006 May;18(4):376-378.
Murri R | Franceschi S | Ravizza M | Fiore S | Bini T | Mussini C | Fasolo M | Liuzzi G | Ippolito G | D'Arminio Monforte A
This study evaluated the access to Papanicolau (Pap) tests of HIV-infected women in Italy. Despite the published guidelines in Italy, only 38% of women had ever had a Pap test before coming to the HIV clinic and only 43% had had a Pap test in 2001.

WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS

Discounts for India sex workers
(News Article; Asia)
7 Jul 2006
BBC
Sex workers are being given smart cards in the southern Indian city of Mysore as part of a project to combat AIDS. Card holders get discounts at selected shops for groceries and clothes, and some restaurants, on the condition they have regular health checks.

Prostitution growing in India, says survey
(News Article; Asia)
2 Jul 2006
The Times of India
From poverty to erosion of values, several factors are pushing more and more women and young girls to take to prostitution all over India, says a new study.

YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH

Guardianship of orphans and vulnerable children. A survey of current and prospective South African caregivers
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2006 May;18(4):302-310.
This study assessed the views of 1400 adults (both current and prospective caregivers) regarding the placement of children. Most current caregivers believed that either their partner (30%), a grandparent (25%) or another family member (33%) would look after the child/children if they were no longer able to. However, 12% of parents could not identify a carer or predicted only a bleak future for their children.

Interdependence between sexual debut and church attendance in Italy
(Research Article; Europe)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Demographic Research. 2006 May;14(19):453-484.
Caltabiano M | Dalla Zuanna G | Rosina A
This paper examines the dynamic bi-directional effect between first coital experience and discontinuance of church attendance among a representative sample of Italian students. Both effects work, where only the effect of religion on sex has been detected. The present results do not change when the two processes are considered simultaneously and unobserved heterogeneity is taken into account.

YOUTH HEALTH NEWS

Young and blur about HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Asia)
10 Jul 2006
New Straits Times
Despite years of public education on HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted infections, a third of teenagers in Malaysia still do not know the consequences of unprotected sex.

CPFC, UNFPA push repro health for young
(News Article; Asia)
7 Jul 2006
Viet Nam Net
The National Committee for Population, Family and Child Care has announced alarming figures on young people’s awareness of reproductive health and safe sex in Vietnam.

Depression may lead teens to take risks with sex, study says
(News Article)
5 Jul 2006
Bloomberg
Related Abstract; subscription needed for full text: Depressive symptoms as a longitudinal predictor of sexual risk behaviors among US middle and high school students
Teens who show signs of depression may be more likely to take sexual risks that increase their chances of pregnancy or disease, researchers said.

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Volume 6, Number 2712 July 2006