Volume 6, Number 37
18 September 2006

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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH

Contraceptive practices in Armenia: Panel evaluation of an Information-Education-Communication campaign
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Social Science and Medicine. Online access September 5, 2006.
Thompson ME | Harutyunyan TL
The Green Path Campaign for Family Health, an information-education-communication campaign, was launched in June 2000 in Armenia. Exposure to the campaign was associated with increases in: knowledge, favorable attitudes toward modern methods, favorable attitudes toward family planning services, and information seeking and utilization of family planning services. New visits to family planning centers increased by 84%. Additionally, use of modern contraceptive methods increased by 4.6%. The results highlight the relatively untapped potential of media-based health promotion efforts in post-Soviet Republics.

Preparing for microbicide trials in Rwanda: Focus group discussions with Rwandan women and men
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Culture, Health and Sexuality. 2006 Sep-Oct;8(5):395-406.
Veldhuijzen N | Nyinawabega J | Umulisa M | Kankindi B | Geubbels E | Basinga P | Vyankandondera J | Van De Wijgert J
In preparation for microbicide research in Rwanda, focus group discussions assessed sexual and contraceptive behavior, preferences for vaginal lubrication, and acceptability of microbicides. The results indicate that condom use is low among Rwandans and that condoms are mainly used by men during commercial sex. Women have limited power to negotiate condom or family planning use. Lubrication during sex is highly preferred by both men and women. Hypothetical microbicide acceptability after an explanation of what microbicides are and a demonstration with lubricant jelly was high.

China's one child policy
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
British Journal of Medine. 2006 Aug 19;333(7564):361-362.
Potts M
The Chinese one child policy was a source of great pain for one generation, but 30 years later it is yielding important economic benefits. As China's economy has grown by 7-8% a year over the past decade, it lifted an unprecedented 150 million people out of abject poverty. Without the decline in fertility due to the one child policy, economic growth might not have been so dramatic. By comparison, the Indian economy started to grow rapidly much later, but unlike China the decline in fertility has been uneven, and states with high fertility rates remain mired in poverty.

Implementing a comprehensive cost information system in rural health facilities: The case of Nouna health district, Burkina Faso
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Tropical Medicine and International Health. 2006 Sep;11(9):1452-1465.
Flessa S | Kouyate B
The article presents findings of a cost-of-illness (COI) information system implemented in Burkina Faso. The activity concentrated on the development of a provider cost information system in rural first-line health facilities. In 2003, the average costs per service unit were 1.34 US$ for a general consultation, 0.51 US$ for ambulatory nursing care, 6.73 US$ per delivery, 3.64 US$ per vaccination and 1.11 US$ per service unit of other care. The major share of costs is fixed; consequently, the costs of first-line facilities will hardly increase if the demand for health services rises.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS

No condoms please, we are Indians
(News Article; Asia)
3 Sep 2006
Hindustan Times
Sex isn't taboo for Indian men but condoms are. Buying the condoms over the counter is embarrassing to most Indian men, according to a study conducted as part of a USAID/ICICI condom promotion campaign.

Malawi: Rural women comfortable with Nkuzi family planning method
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
12 Sep 2006
The Chronicle Newspaper
While the government of Malawi, through the Ministries of Education and Reproductive Health Care, are advocating heavily for men and women to undertake artificial family planning methods, most women in rural areas prefer the age-long traditional method of wearing nkuzi (string) charms around their waists, saying it is effective and it has never failed a single woman.

Average age of Russian women having first baby rises to 35
(News Article; Asia)
14 Sep 2006
ITAR-TASS
Russia is not an exception to the worldwide increase in the age at which women have their first baby. The average age of a Russian woman having her first baby rose to 35 years. Researchers suggested that material support be given to families having their first and second children when the parents are younger than 40 years of age. Until now, such support was given to parents younger than 30.

Phillippines: Wanted: More men advocates in family planning
(News Article; Asia)
12 Sep 2006
Phillippine Information Agency
Health workers in the Philippines believe that more men should advocate for use of family planning methods. They also say that most husbands are hesitant to practice family planning and when they are persuaded to do so, most often they let the wives undergo tubal ligation, take pills, or use DPMA. Most men would not consider using condoms or having a vasectomy.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY

Chile court suspends day-after pill to minors
(News Article; South America)
13 Sep 2006
Reuters AlertNet
A Chilean court temporarily suspended the Health Ministry's move to provide emergency contraceptive pills to minors without parental consent, but the government said it will appeal the decision.

HIV/AIDS RESEARCH

A multicenter observational study of the potential benefits of initiating combination antiretroviral therapy during acute HIV infection
(News Article; Global)
Journal of Infectious Diseases . 2006 Sep 15;194(6):725-733.
Hecht F M | Wang L | Collier A | Little S | Markowitz M | Margolick J | Kilby J M | Daar E | Conway B | Holte S
Related News Article: Studies suggest possible benefits of treating primary HIV infection
Uncontrolled studies have suggested a benefit, after treatment discontinuation, of initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) during primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study assessed whether initiation of HAART within 2 weeks of (acute treatment) or between 2 weeks and 6 months after (early treatment) HIV seroconversion was associated with improvements in the viral load and the CD4+ T cell count after discontinuation of treatment in an observational cohort.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy: How much is enough?
(Editorial; Global)
Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2006 Oct 1;43(7):942-944.
Gulick RM
The development of effective antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s led to reductions in HIV-related morbidity and mortality. However, initial potent antiretroviral regimens were inconvenient: a standard regimen that was associated with dramatic decreases in HIV RNA levels required that a patient take 20 pills per day, divided every 8 hours, in a fasting state. Improved antiretroviral drugs, that both reduced the pill count and eliminated the need for refrigeration, improved convenience. Because of these improvements, every-8-hour regimens have yielded to twice-daily and even once-daily regimens.

HIV prevalence among injection drug users in rural Guangxi China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Addiction. 2006 Oct;101(10):1493-1498.
Liu W | Chen J | Rodolph M | Beauchamp G | Masse B | Wang S | Li R | Ruan Y | Zhou F | Leung MK | Lai S | Shao Y | Jackson JB
This study sought to determine the HIV-1 seroprevalence, risk behaviors, and demographic characteristics associated with HIV-1 infection among injection drug users (IDU) in rural Guangxi, China. The following risk factors were associated significantly with an increase in risk for HIV seropositivity: age greater than 26 years, sharing of rinse water, and not having sex in the last 6 months. HIV infection among IDU in Guangxi, one of China's major HIV epidemic regions, is high and the infection occurs predominantly among older IDU males who share rinse water.

Dispelling "heterosexual African AIDS" in Namibia: Same-sex sexuality in the township of Katutura
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Culture, Health, and Sexuality. 2006 Sep-Oct;8(5):435-438.
Lorway R
This paper questions theories that characterize AIDS in Africa as an unambiguous heterosexual epidemic. It does so by describing a community of Namibian youth who engage in same-sex sexual practices. The paper discusses the HIV sexual risk perceptions and practices of young men, highlighting the complexities in sexual subjectivity that form within the cultural politics of competing masculinities, state-sponsored anti-homosexual rhetoric and transnational homosexual rights protest. Narrow ideas of gender and sexual identity do not lend themselves to HIV risk and vulnerability analysis in this community.

Predicting the epidemiological impact of antiretroviral allocation strategies in KwaZulu-Natal: The effect of the urban-rural divide
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Online access September 12, 2006.
Wilson DP | Kahn J | Blower SM
This study predicts the impact of drug allocation strategies (DAS), using data from the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. In modeling the South African government's treatment plan from 2004-2008, the analysis predicts the consequences of one DAS that allocates drugs only to Durban and of two DAS that allocate drugs to both urban and rural areas. All three strategies would treat 500,000 people by 2008. The Durban-only DAS would prevent the greatest number of infections. However, a Durban-only DAS would lead to new disparities in healthcare between urban and rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

HIV/AIDS NEWS

Thailand: Married women a high-risk group
(News Article; Asia)
9 Sep 2006
Bangkok Post
The rate of HIV infection is on the rise among married Thai women, health authorities have warned. Sombat Tanprasertsuk, director of the Thai AIDS, TB and STD Bureau, said the rise in HIV infections among this lower risk group has prompted public health authorities to review their HIV/AIDS prevention strategy.

South Africa: Education playing a key role on HIV and AIDS
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
13 Sep 2006
Independent Online
Studies on HIV/AIDS show that education is helping to reduce the pandemic in Africa, according to Professor Michael Kelly from the University of Zambia. He spoke at a three-day regional workshop that looked at the education sector's response to HIV/AIDS in Africa. The workshop was organized by the Human Sciences Research Council on behalf of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

South Africa: The world's biggest ARV programme?
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Sep 2006
IRIN News
To be HIV-positive and living in South Africa is to be part of a national lottery that puts your chances of accessing antiretroviral (ARV) treatment at about 25%. If you cannot afford private health care, make that just under 20%. Aside from your income bracket, the next best indicator of whether you will get your hands on vital drugs is the province and the district in which you live. Activists believe this is nothing to brag about, as the pace of progress in rolling out free ARVs has been slow and riddled with problems.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Sexual violence, lack of healthcare spreads HIV/AIDS among pygmies
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
13 Sep 2006
Reuters AlertNet
The pygmies of South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been targets for soldiers and militiamen as well as victims of rape and violence during the ongoing civil war. Before the war, the pygmies say there was little, if any, HIV/AIDS in their community. HIV prevalence is still believed to be lower among them than in the wider Congolese society, but their poverty, social isolation, and lack of health care services means little help is available for those who contract the virus.

Vietnam: HIV sufferers find hope inside club
(Feature Article; Asia)
14 Sep 2006
VietnamNet Bridge
A shelter for people living with HIV in the southern city of Ca Mau, Vietnam was established last May in order to aid those stricken with HIV/AIDS and to educate the public on the dangers of unprotected sex. With 21 members, nine of whom are living with the virus, and 12 volunteers, the club has struggled to find funding. Th community has yet not contributed to the club's operations, so it relies on its members' unpaid volunteer work to survive.

Low fidelity: International experts deride U.S. abstinence-based fight against AIDS while local experts say it's working
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
15 Sep 2006
The World
Tom Davis, health programs director with Food for the Hungry, was not a scheduled speaker at the International AIDS Conference in Toronto but an ordinary delegate who shuffled up to an aisle microphone at question time. His point: that the Bush administration's worldwide $15-billion, five-year initiative to fight AIDS is doing some good.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH

Obstetric outcomes in overweight and obese adolescents
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America)
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2006 Sep;195(3):851-855.
Sukalich S | Mingione MJ | Glantz JC
Obese adult pregnant women have increased rates of maternal and neonatal complications. This study examines adverse obstetric outcomes in overweight adolescent women. Compared with appropriate-weight adolescents, primary cesarean delivery, failure to progress/cephalopelvic disproportion, labor induction, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus were significantly more common in overweight adolescents. With rates of overweight increasing overall, overweight in the gravid adolescent is a pressing public health concern.

Factors determining client satisfaction with hospital-based perinatal care in Sri Lanka
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Tropical Medicine and International Health. 2006 Sep;11(9):1442-1451.
Senarath U | Fernando DN | Rodrigo I
This paper discusses a study of mother-newborn pairs in Sri Lanka. Client satisfaction with perinatal care was measured using a survey. The proportion of mothers who were fully satisfied varied from 10.8% to 31.4% for interpersonal aspects, and from 10.1% to 28.9% for technical aspects of care. Determinants of satisfaction included providing immediate mother-newborn contact, information after examination and counseling on family planning. Hospital staff should ensure that these issues are addressed and develop interpersonal relationships, especially with first-time mothers.

Human papillomavirus in amniotic fluid
(Research Article; Global)
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2006 Sep 4;6(1):28.
Ruffin MT | Bailey JM | Roulston D | Lee DR | Tucker RA | Swan DC | Unger ER
The goal of this study was to determine if HPV can be detected in amniotic fluid from women with intact amniotic membranes. There were 146 paired samples from 142 women representing 139 singleton pregnancies, 2 twin pregnancies, and 1 triplet pregnancy. HPV was not detected in any of the paired samples. Given the age range, race, and ethnicity of the study population, one would anticipate some evidence of HPV if it could easily cross the placenta, but there was no evidence that this took place.

Measurement of blood loss at childbirth and postpartum
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of Obsterics and Gynecology. 2006 Oct;95(1):24-28.
This paper seeks to accurately measure blood loss during childbirth in a developing country. Women were found to lose less blood during childbirth and 24 hours postpartum than previously reported. Compared with laboratory values, nurse-midwives approximated blood loss accurately; however, their imprecision was greater for higher laboratory values. This study may prompt further investigation, as no comparable data exist for developing countries where maternal mortality is high and severe anemia prevalent.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS

Maternal mortality still high in India: Survey
(News Article; Asia)
14 Sep 2006
One World South Asia
Less than 10 percent of childbirths in India are institutional deliveries in the tribal districts of Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Orissa, while 84 percent of childbirths in Tiruvallur and Tamil Nadu occur in hospitals or clinics. These striking disparities are highlighted in a recently released baseline survey on the "Well-being of Children and Women," conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation and UNICEF.

Report: Zim infant mortality rate declines
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
11 Sep 2006
Mail and Guardian Online
Zimbabwe's infant mortality rate has dropped from 102 deaths for every 1,000 births in 1999 to 82 deaths for the same number of births now owing to measures taken to combat HIV. The decline comes at a time when the country has reduced its HIV prevalence rate from 20.1 percent to 18.1 percent in the age groups of child-bearing women.

India aims at 100 per cent safe delivery by 2010
(News Article; Asia)
10 Sep 2006
The Hindu
It may be a target of a very tall order in a country where every five minutes one woman dies due to pregnancy and maternity-related problems, but the Government of India is aiming at 100 percent safe delivery by 2010. The recently launched scheme, Janani Suraksha Yogna, provides a package of obstetric care services to expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy, so that all possible complications during the antenatal period, childbirth, and immediate postpartum period are taken care of.

India: So what exactly happened to the Vande Mataram Project?
(Feature Article; Asia)
14 Sep 2006
Cybernoon
In January 2004, the government of India launched the Vande Mataram Project. It goal was to reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in India and bring expecting women to the gynecologist to avoid delivery complications. Critics argue that the project has been removed from the government's priority list. In India, where the MMR and IMR rates are high, such a project was at least a good step to protect future generations.

MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

The prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes in penile cancers from northern Thailand
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Medical Virology. 2006 Oct;78(10):1341-1346.
Senba M | Kumatori A | Fujita S | Jutavijittum P | Yousukh A | Moriuchi T | Nakamura T | Toriyama K
The objective of this study was to determine the relation between penile cancer and the prevalence of HPV genotypes in northern Thailand. HPV-DNA was detected in 53.8% and 81.5% of cases of penile cancer, using ISH and PCR, respectively. In this study, penile cancer was found to be highly correlated with HPV-DNA. Specifically, infection with both the low-risk HPV-6 and the high-risk HPV-18 is the characteristic prevalence of HPV genotypes in penile cancer in this area.

Psychosocial variables of sexual satisfaction in Chile
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
Journal of Sex and Martial Therapy. 2006 Oct-Dec;32(5):351-368.
Barrientos JE | Paez D
This study analyzed sexual satisfaction in Chile. Results showed that high education level, marital status, and high socioeconomic levels were associated with sexual satisfaction in women but not in men. Variables typically used for measuring sexual satisfaction, such as the frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm, showed a positive but smaller association with sexual satisfaction. Other important variables were being in love with the partner and having a steady partner. The results confirmed previous findings.

POPULATION RESEARCH

Where next for China? Birth ratio in India is also dwindling [Letter]
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
BMJ. 2006 Sep 2;333(7566):500.
Chanana C
Similar to the Chinese government, the government of India adopted a policy of two children per couple, which was later modified to the one child norm. The goal was to keep a check on the increasing population. But population is nowhere near being controlled, and the sex ratio seems to be increasingly imbalanced.

Post-migration geographical mobility, mental health and health service utilisation among Somali refugees in the UK: A qualitative study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
Health and Place. 2006 Dec;12(4):503-515.
Warfa N | Bhui K | Craig T | Curtis S | Mohamud S | Stansfeld S | McCrone P | Thornicroft G
This paper reviews why residential mobility in a "host" country may be associated with poor mental health for refugee populations and reports on a qualitative study of Somalis living in London, UK. Non-professional Somalis did not wish to move but felt they were forced to move. Some Somali professionals believed that the nomadic history of Somalis made them more likely to move in order to escape problems of living. Frequent movements were seen as stressful and undesirable, disrupted family life and child development, and were detrimental to well being.

POPULATION NEWS

What population explosion, asks Uganda's president
(Editorial; Sub-Saharan Africa)
9 Sep 2006
MercatorNet
A recent report from the US-based Population Reference Bureau forecasts that the current Uganda population of 27.7 million will double by 2025 if current birthrates persist. Astonishingly, by 2050 Uganda could have the world’s 12th largest population at 130 million — more than Russia or Japan. The average Ugandan woman gives birth to seven children. This rate has remained unchanged for the last 30 years. Half the population is under 15 and will soon move into child-bearing age.

Will China get old before it gets rich?
(Feature Article; Asia)
14 Sep 2006
Green Futures
China's ‘single child’ policy, enforced by stringent family planning regulations, has had the intended effect. Since it was introduced, China has prevented over 400 million births. There is now an average birth rate of 1.8 children per couple, compared to six when it was introduced. But it has left other demographic problems in its wake. One is the gender imbalance — a ratio of 106.3 males for every 100 females. More serious still is the growing weight of the elderly in the population pyramid.

Overpopulation: Nothing to do with numbers
(Editorial; Sub-Saharan Africa)
13 Sep 2006
Boin C, Accra Daily News
Caroline Boin, a Research Fellow in the Environment Program at the International Policy Network in London, offers a critique of UNFPA's 2006 State of World Population report, which focuses on female migrants and human trafficking. Boin argues that people migrate because they believe the risks are worth the gains and that their reasons rarely have to do with “overpopulation.” She also argues that many of the images commonly associated with overpopulation are actually symptoms of poverty and the absence of property rights.

Jamaicans live longer
(News Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
15 Sep 2006
Jamaica Information Service
Jamaica continues to enjoy a high life expectancy rate, which surpasses that of most developing countries. While the challenges of HIV/AIDS and violence have resulted in a reduction of life expectancy from 74 to 70.8 years for Jamaicans, the island still placed ahead of a number of developing countries including Brazil, Nevis and St. Kitts, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic.

India in low caste marriage plan
(News Article; Asia)
14 Sep 2006
BBC News
The Indian government has suggested that financial incentives be offered to people who marry members of the lowest Hindu castes. Many states in India already pay some money to those who marry Hindus from the two lowest castes. But the amount differs from state to state — in Gujarat a couple gets $1,100 (50,000 rupees) — whereas in West Bengal state the amount is $45. The government says it now wants the sum to be the same throughout India.

WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

HPV prevalence, E6 sequence variation and physical state of HPV16 isolates from patients with cervical cancer in Sichuan, China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Gynecologic Oncology. Online access September 11, 2006.
Qiu AD | Wu EQ | Yu XH | Jiang CL | Jin YH | Wu YG | Chen Y | Chen Y | Shan YM | Zhang GN | Fan Y | Zha X | Kong W
Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) is an important factor associated with cervical cancer. The authors investigated the prevalence of nine high-risk subtypes of HPV in patients with cervical cancer. HPV16, 58 and 18 were prominent, accounting for 78.6%, 20.0% and 9.7%, respectively in 145 isolates. The European (EP) prototype and East Asia (EA) strain were 26 (23.0%) and 34 (30.1%), respectively. Some types of HPV may be more potentially carcinogenic, if they are more likely to cause changes in cell growth.

In a cohort of female barworkers in Tanzania: Possible reasons for an increase in the proportion of genital ulcers due to herpes simplex virus
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. Online access September 13, 2006.
Riedner G | Todd J | Rusizoka M | Mmbando D | Maboko L | Lyamuya E | Hoffmann O | Maclean I | Grosskurth H | Hayes R
This study seeks to determine trends in the prevalence and etiological distribution of genital ulcer syndrome (GUS) in a cohort of female barworkers. An open cohort at high risk of HIV/STI was offered screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections at 3-monthly intervals. At recruitment the sero-prevalence was 67% for HIV and 89% for Herpes simplex virus-type 2 (HSV-2). The proportion of GUS caused by HSV increased from 22% to 58% while bacterial causes declined. The results suggest that regular STI screening and treatment can effectively reduce bacterial STI, while HSV quickly becomes a leading cause of GUS.

Risk factors and prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among low-income female commercial sex workers in Mongolia
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Online access September 6, 2006.
Hagan JE | Dulmaa N
The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with the acquisition of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis among low-income female commercial sex workers (FSW) in Mongolia. No HIV infections were found in 179 women. Of 132 women, 88 (67%) tested positive for one or more STIs and 22 (17%) were multiply infected. FSWs in Mongolia represent a unique population of high-risk individuals with low rates of HIV infection. Interventions targeting this population are an opportunity to prevent a potentially rapid increase of HIV infection.

Community perceptions and experiences of domestic violence and induced abortion in Wakiso District, Uganda
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Qualitative Health Research. 2006 Oct;16(8):1120-1128.
Kaye DK
This qualitative research explored whether domestic violence and induced abortion feature in men’s and women’s sexual and reproductive health experiences. In particular, it explored whether and how gender roles influence reproductive decision-making behavior regarding contraception, unwanted pregnancy, and induced abortion. Effects of unplanned pregnancy were perceived to be gender specific. Unintended pregnancy and induced abortion as a health issue did not concern men. Rather, what concerned them was spouses’ contraception, which they often strongly opposed. Consequently, covert contraceptive use was common. The author describes a relation between domestic violence, nonuse of contraception, unintended pregnancy, and induced abortion.

WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS

Gender cells to be set up in Indian embassies
(News Article; Asia)
15 Sep 2006
The Hindu
Gender units will be set up in Indian embassies to deal with complaints of harassment against women and children, according to India's Union Minister for Overseas Affairs, Vayalar Ravi. Mr. Ravi said that the number of cases of abandonment and deprivation were on the rise due to an increased number of arranged marriages to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). He said that rules would be amended to impound the passport of NRIs against whom complaints of harassment were registered.

YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH

Vulnerability and risk factors for sexually transmitted infections and HIV among adolescents in Kampala, Uganda
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
AIDS Care. 2006 Oct;18(7):710-716.
Rassjo EB | Mirembe FM | Darj E
Three hundred and six sexually experienced adolescents participated in a study on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and associated risk factors. Females were more likely to be infected by the four treatable STIs and HIV, despite risky behavior being more common among males. Unemployment, little formal education, the presence of bacterial STIs were highly associated with the risk for HIV in females. The higher prevalence of STIs, including HIV, among adolescent girls cannot be explained by sexual behavior only, as boys reported more risk behavior and were still less affected by STIs.

YOUTH HEALTH NEWS

Phillippines: Editorial: Feeling young
(Editorial; Asia)
11 Sep 2006
Sun Star
While the mass media popularizes tolerance and acceptance of trendy lifestyles like casual sex, teenage pregnancy, and sexual experimentation, groups concerned about youth drifting into high-risk behaviors are using the news media and advertising, as well as alternative means, to educate and promote abstinence, teen responsibility, and avoidance of reproductive health problems.

Ghana: Curbing teenage pregnancy and school drop out
(Editorial; Sub-Saharan Africa)
15 Sep 2006
Public Agenda
In the Ashanti Region of Ghana an average of 3,000 children drop out of school before they complete Junior Secondary School. On the surface, it may look as if school dropouts are a problem for only their parents. But on a larger scale, the nation’s manpower decreases due to the increasing rate of adolescent pregnancy. Those young women who are supposed to be future leaders are dropping out of school to take care of their babies.

Guinea-Bissau: Proposed law could outlaw female genital mutilation
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Sep 2006
IRIN News
The practice of fanado, or female genital mutilation, could soon be outlawed by a bill to be presented to the Guinea-Bissau parliament. Fanado is a traditional initiation ceremony for young girls, in which the vagina's clitoris and lips are removed. Many of the country's 30 ethnic groups practice it, including all the Muslim communities, about 46 percent of the population, especially in the eastern regions of Gabu and Bafatá.

South Africa: Teen abstinence message from US comes to PE
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
15 Sep 2006
The Herald
The US-based Christian initiative Silver Ring Thing is bringing its message of abstinence to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Silver Ring Thing is a teen abstinence program. Its South African tour is performing at schools and churches across the country, with plans to expand further into rural communities.

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Volume 6, Number 3718 September 2006