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Volume 6, Number 40
10 October 2006
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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Oral contraceptive and IUD use and endometrial cancer: A population-based case-control study in Shanghai, China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
International Journal of Cancer. 2006 Nov 1;119(9):2142-2147.
Tao MH | Xu WH | Zheng W | Zhang ZF | Gao YT | Ruan ZX | Cheng JR | Gao J | Xiang YB | Shu XO
This study evaluated the association between oral contraceptive (OC) and intrauterine device use and endometrial cancer risk among Chinese women. In the study population, 18.5% cases and 24.9% controls reported having ever used OCs, after adjusting for known risk or protective factors for endometrial cancer. The risk of endometrial cancer decreased with long-term use of OCs. The effect of OC use remained 25 or more years after cessation of use. Similarly, fewer cases than controls had ever used an IUD. These results suggest that OC and IUD use may confer long-term protection against endometrial cancer.
Internal migration and contraceptive knowledge and use in Guatemala
(Research Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
International Family Planning Perspectives. 2006 Sep;32(3):146-153.
Lindstrom DP | Hernández CH
This study analyzes the 1999 Guatemalan Migration and Reproductive Health Survey to examine how migration status and duration of residence in an urban area are associated with knowledge of modern contraceptive methods and current contraceptive use. Migrants possess limited knowledge of modern contraceptive methods and, therefore, may experience unmet need for contraception or may have a limited choice of modern contraceptive methods during their first years in an urban destination. Programs designed to raise contraceptive awareness and use should target recent migrants -- particularly indigenous Mayans -- in urban areas.
The role of community acceptance over time for costs of HIV and STI prevention interventions: Analysis of the Masaka intervention trial, Uganda, 1996-1999
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2006 Oct;33(10 Suppl):S111-S116.
Terris-Prestholt F | Kumaranayake L | Foster S | Kamali A | Kinsman J | Basajja V | Nalweyso N | Quigley M | Kengeya-Kayondo J | Whitworth J
The objective of this study was to estimate the annual costs of information, education, and communication in Masaka, Uganda, and to explore how unit costs change with varying population use. In early intervention years, uptake of all activities grew dramatically and continued to grow for public STI treatment, condom social marketing, and voluntary counseling and testing. Unit costs dropped rapidly with increasing uptake of and participation in interventions. When implementing long-term community-based interventions, it is important to take into account that it takes time for communities to scale up their participation.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Health sector gets P6b aid from US
(News Article; Asia)
5 Oct 2006
Manila Standard Today
The United States will be providing $125 million in development assistance in the next five years to strengthen the Philippine health sector.
Ghana: Making family planning accessible to all
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
5 Oct 2006
Ghanaian Chronicle
According to a recent document of the African Union Ministers (AU) of Health and Experts Meeting in Maputo, Mozambique, Ghana youth lack adequate access to family planning information. Contraceptive prevalence in Ghana is 25.2% (compared to 27.4% for Africa in total), with modern methods at 18.7% and traditional methods at 6.5%. In addition, about 34.0% of women in the country need contraceptives but do not have access to them.
Malaysia: Of prom nights and condoms
(News Article; Asia)
5 Oct 2006
Sun2Surf
Condom manufacturers distribute condoms in goodie bags at college proms in Malaysia. While the practice may raise concern among Catholic students and parents, some organisers of prom nights in private colleges have no qualms about placing sponsored condoms in goodie bags, or making them freely available.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
China: One-child policy "will not change"
(News Article; Asia)
29 Sep 2006
China View
Beijing will not ease restrictions on the birth of a second child for people with higher educational qualifications, and the second-child policy is still mainly open to rural residents and couples from one-child families.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
Reducing stigma and discrimination in hospitals: Positive findings from India 
(Report; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Washington, DC, Horizons Project, Population Council, 2006.
For people living with HIV, stigma and discrimination can extend into the hospital setting, where it can lead to the denial of care, differential treatment, and disregard for the right to patient confidentiality. Fear of such treatment may cause many people living with HIV to avoid seeking critical health care. Such is the case in India where AIDS-related stigma and discrimination among health workers in the hospital setting has been documented. Horizons collaborated with India’s National AIDS Control Organization and three New Delhi hospitals to design and assess responses to hospital-based stigma and discrimination.
Girls’ schooling in Tanzania: The key to HIV/AIDS prevention?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2006 Nov;18(8):863-871.
Vavrus F
This article explores the relationship between schooling for girls and HIV/AIDS prevention in the United Republic of Tanzania. The findings show that female students generally have stronger literacy and numeracy skills but less knowledge about HIV/AIDS than their male counterparts. This suggests that general education may not be the best vaccine against HIV/AIDS for young women; rather, AIDS-specific education and skills training may be required to increase the likelihood of prevention because of gender differences in how young people utilize knowledge acquired in school.
The role of sympathy on avoidance intention toward persons living with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
AIDS Care. 2006 Nov;18(8):1032-1039.
Norman LR | Carr R | Uche C
The objective of this study was to examine the attitudes of university students in Jamaica toward people with HIV/AIDS (PLWA). Results revealed that less than half of the students reported sympathetic attitudes toward homosexual males or female prostitutes, while the majority reported sympathetic attitudes toward heterosexual males and non-prostitute females. Most students (80%) reported no avoidance intentions toward family members or friends living with the disease. These findings suggest that sympathy could be important in improving prosocial intentions toward PWHAs and warrants further research.
Improving well-being through psycho-education among voluntary counseling and testing seekers in Nigeria: A controlled outcome study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2006 Nov;18(8):1025-1031.
Olley BO
This study evaluated a program to reduce distress and risky sexual behavior and enhance self-disclosure associated with HIV diagnosis at a center in Nigeria. HIV-positive individuals were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a program (four 60-minute weekly manual-driven sessions) and a wait-list group. Treatment group members were less likely to engage in risky sexual practices, and were also significantly more likely to disclose their serostatus and accept their HIV status as a way of coping. Overall, support was found for the efficacy of a manual-driven PE program for self-disclosure, reduction of depression and improvement in safe sexual practices.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
Nigeria: HIV/AIDS: Sokoto buys N10m drugs for victims
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
5 Oct 2006
The Tide
The Sokoto state government in Nigeria has purchased antiretroviral drugs worth N100 million for free distribution to HIV/AIDS victims.
India to increase HIV treatment centers
(News Article; Asia)
29 Sep 2006
Washington Post
Indian authorities plan to nearly double the number of treatment centers providing free drugs and medical care to people battling HIV/AIDS.
Yoghurt 'offers HIV hope'
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
5 Oct 2006
Business Day
US researchers have modified the harmless lactobacillus bacteria, which turns milk into yogurt and occurs naturally in the vagina, to produce an HIV-fighting microbicide. Promising results from tests in mice, reported in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, suggest women who eat yogurt containing these engineered bacteria could protect themselves against HIV.
South Africa: HIV and AIDS survey launched for jails
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
5 Oct 2006
Independent Online
A national survey was launched by the department of correctional services in South Africa to establish the prevalence of HIV, AIDS, and syphilis among offenders and officials in South African prisons.
Vietnam: Circle fights HIV discrimination
(Feature Article; Asia)
5 Oct 2006
VietNamNet Bridge
The Social Labour and Education Center No 2, located at Yen Bai Commune, Ba Vi District, Ha Tay Province, China, works to alleviate ill-informed discrimination against AIDS victims, especially children. The centre not only aims to rehabilitate and restore human dignity to misled people but also provide a home for ill-fated children.
China: More power for anti-AIDS campaigners
(News Article; Asia)
4 Oct 2006
People's Daily Online
The Chinese Government will take a more positive attitude and more aggressive actions to support the anti-HIV activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), said Chen Xiaohong, vice-minister of the Ministry of Health. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Chen said "the Chinese Government has fully realized the active and important role of NGOs in HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the past years."
Zimbabwe: HIV is not only a medical problem
(Editorial; Sub-Saharan Africa)
4 Oct 2006
The Herald
Prevention and treatment of HIV infection is overlaid by many non-medical issues. This should really be unsurprising as the fundamental survival of the human race, and the myriad implications of that survival, is at stake. Although it is fundamentally an issue of health, the downstream consequences encompass the whole of human experience -- from the ability to reproduce successfully to matters involving work, war, wealth and life expectancy, both in terms of quality and quantity.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Are health interventions implemented where they are most needed? District uptake of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness strategy in Brazil, Peru and the United Republic of Tanzania
(Research Article; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2006 Oct;84(10):792-801.
Victora CG | Huicho L | Amaral JJ | Armstrong-Schellenberg J | Manzi F | Mason E | Scherpbier R
Related Editorial: IMCI: what can we learn from an innovation that didn’t reach the poor?
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
This research aimed to describe geographical patterns of implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy in three countries and to assess whether the strategy was implemented in areas with the most pressing child health needs. In line with recommendations by WHO, early implementation districts were characterized by proximity to the capital and suitable training sites, presence of motivated health managers, and a functioning health system. In the expansion phase, IMCI tended to be adopted by other districts with similar characteristics.
Drug may prevent childbirth deaths in poor nations
(News Article; Global)
6 Oct 2006
Reuters South Africa
A cheap drug that prevents bleeding after childbirth could help save the lives of thousands of women in poor countries. A study in rural India showed the drug misoprostol, which is manufactured by Pfizer under the brand name Cytotec, is an effective way to prevent bleeding.
Developing practice in breastfeeding
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Maternal and Child Nutrition. 2006 Oct;2(4):245-261.
Renfrew MJ | Herbert G | Wallace LM | Spiby H | McFadden A
This paper reports on an approach to practice development in breastfeeding. In the case of breastfeeding, review evidence and national guidance have shown that multifaceted changes are essential. A conceptual framework was established, and a six-stage process is outlined. The model provides a structured, cross-sectoral approach to practice development. A key challenge is to identify whose responsibility it is to resource practice development when a number of disciplines and sectors are involved. This question needs to be addressed if public health guidance is to be of sustained benefit.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
New nutrition package agreed for Bangladesh
(News Article; Asia)
4 Oct 2006
People's Daily Online
The Bangladeshi government, the World Bank, and other development partners have agreed on a new Nutrition Package, a Bangladeshi news agency has reported. The World Bank and other development partners are supporting a government initiative on nutrition services that focuses on maternal nutrition, infant and young child nutrition, micro-nutrient deficiency, and the de-worming of children and adolescents.
Nigeria: Health care services still a far cry from satisfactory
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
5 Oct 2006
Daily Champion
After 46 years of independence, Nigeria is still grossly lagging behind in the quest to provide its citizenry with satisfactory health care amenities, the World Health Organization reports in its 2006 report. The report, which showcases the current health indices of many African countries and other countries of the world, points out that Nigeria needs to do more to fix the inadequate healthcare delivery systems and to train more healthcare workers to cater for the citizenry. According to WHO, the infant mortality rate in Nigeria is as high as 250 deaths per 1,000 infants. Adult mortality rate is 510 deaths per 1,000 persons.
DDT, malaria and Africa
(Editorial; Sub-Saharan Africa)
2 Oct 2006
AgoraVox
The use of DDT to control insects in agriculture has been highly restricted since the 1960’s due to connections between DDT and cancer of the liver in humans and damage to bird reproduction. In the light of the high death toll of malaria in Africa, however, observers over the years have argued that the benefits of using of DDT in small quantities for indoor spraying of walls and ceilings far outweigh the risks. The World Health Organization officially announced its support of the use of DDT in indoor spraying, not only in epidemic areas (that was the old policy) but also ’in areas of constant and high malaria transmission, including throughout Africa.’ The change in policy has strong backing from USAID and some US government officials.
Different planets
(Feature Article; Global)
3 Oct 2006
The Guardian
A recent report revealed that Sweden is the best place in the world to give birth, and Niger the worst. Joanna Moorhead visited both countries. She was shocked not only by the vast differences in the quality of care women and babies receive, but also by how easily things could be put right.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
New male contraception in trial
(News Article; North America)
6 Oct 2006
Scenta
A new male contraceptive trial has been extended to three additional study sites in the United States. The contraceptive, dubbed the IVD (Intra Vas Device), is a long-term contraceptive designed as an alternative to vasectomy. The new device aims to block sperm by plugging the tube they travel through (called the vas deferens) on the way to joining with the rest of the semen –- in a vasectomy, the tube is simply cut.
Swaziland: SD, Lesotho should try male circumcision
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
4 Oct 2006
The Swazi Observer
Studies have raised the question of whether male circumcision can reduce the risk of HIV infection among males. This debate was sparked when several studies suggested this, including one conducted among over 3 000 males in South Africa’s Orange Farm. The clinical trial, which was halted prematurely in March last year, suggested male circumcision's protective effect against HIV acquisition was very high, akin to an approximately 60-75 percent effective vaccine.
POPULATION RESEARCH
What would have been: Exploring counterfactuals in demography and health
(Commentary; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
PAI Research Commentaries. 2006 Oct;1(9):1-6.
Engelman R
One could construct an alternative reality in which human fertility did not fall and the world had 9 billion people rather than today’s 6.5 billion. Such exercises can help demonstrate the value of the investments that governments and societies have made in improving access to family planning services over the years. The exercises are a valuable tool, although rarely used, for those advocating the expansion and improvement of sound reproductive health policies and programs based on voluntarism and rights.
POPULATION NEWS
Travails of female migrants
(News Article; Global)
30 Sep 2006
Africa Today
Related Report: UNFPA State of World Population 2006
Half of all international migrants -- totalling 95 million -- are women and girls. Yet despite their remittances back to relatives at home, women who travel to developed countries are at risk of exploitation and abuse because international policy makers have continued to "overlook and ignore" their plight, a United Nations report has found.
Japan: No setting sun
(News Article; Asia)
04 Oct 2006
Asia Sentinal
Can Japan, with its ageing and shrinking population, remain the world’s second largest economy? One analysis says yes.
The population bomb is ticking again
(Editorial; Global)
2 Oct 2006
Augusta Free Press
Sometime during October, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, America will add its 300 millionth resident. Whatever happens as a result of global warming or the energy crisis coming when world oil production peaks, overcrowding alone will make America a very different place than it is today. Experts recommend solutions such as a focus on family planning and other measures to control population growth, as well as "growing smarter" through approaches such as concentrating growth in high-density areas to conserve resources.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Prevalence of intimate partner violence: Findings from the WHO multi-country study on women's health and domestic violence
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
The Lancet. 2006 Oct 7-2006 Oct 13;368(9543):1260-1269.
Garcia-Moreno C | Henrica AFM Jansen H | Ellsberg M | Heise L | Watts CH
This study estimates the extent of physical and sexual intimate partner violence against women in 15 sites in ten countries. 24,097 women completed interviews, with around 1,500 interviews per site. The reported lifetime prevalence of physical or sexual partner violence, or both, varied from 15% to 71%. Between 4% and 54% of respondents reported physical or sexual partner violence in the past year. The findings confirm that physical and sexual partner violence against women is widespread. The variation in prevalence within and between settings highlights that this violence is not inevitable, and must be addressed.
Obstetric vesicovaginal fistula as an international public-health problem
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
The Lancet. 2000 Sep 30;368(9542):1201-1209.
Wall LL
Vesicovaginal fistula is a devastating injury in which an abnormal opening forms between a woman's bladder and vagina, resulting in urinary incontinence. At least 3 million women in poor countries have unrepaired vesicovaginal fistulas, and 30,000-130,000 new cases develop each year in Africa alone. This article reviews the pathophysiology of vesicovaginal fistula in obstructed labor. Policy recommendations to combat this problem include enhancing public awareness, raising the priority of women's reproductive health for developing countries and aid agencies, expanding access to emergency obstetric services, and creation of fistula repair centers.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Female genital mutilation banned in Indonesia
(News Article; Asia)
6 Oct 2006
Pravda
Female circumcision has been officially banned in Indonesia, a Health Ministry spokesman said. The prohibition against the practice -- also known as female genital mutilation or cutting -- came in the form of a notice sent to doctors and nurses in April, said Soemardi, who goes by a single name. There is no punishment for those who ignore it, he said.
UK pledges 90 million [pounds] to maternal and child health in Pakistan
(News Article; Asia)
6 Oct 2006
Pakistan Link
The UK has committed 90 million [pounds] to help address the tragedy that every year 25,000 to 30,000 women in Pakistan die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and 160,000 babies die in their first month of life.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Sexual behaviour, contraception and fertility among in-school adolescents in Ikenne local government, South-Western Nigeria
(Abstract; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Nigerian Clinical Practice. 2006 Jun;9(1):26-36.
Salako AA | Iyaniwura CA | Jeminusi OA | Sofowora R
This study was conducted among in-school adolescents in Nigeria to assess sexual behavior, contraception, and fertility experiences. The mean ages at first intercourse were 13.9 and 14.8 years for males and females, respectively. Sexual intercourse had been experienced by 28.5% of the adolescent students, with significantly more males (37.6%) than females (20.4%). Only about one in five adolesecents knew about contraception, while more males than females knew about contraception. Current use of contraception was also low. Reasons for non-use were non-availability (22.3%), cost (11.8%), societal disapproval (33.2%), and lack of knowledge of how to use them (21.3%).
Are schools a good setting for adolescent sexual health promotion in rural Africa? A qualitative assessment from Tanzania
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Health Education Research. Online access October 3, 2006.
Plummer ML | Wight D | Wamoyi J |Nyalali K | Ingall T | Mshana G | Shigongo ZS | Obasi AIN | Ross DA
This study examined pupils', recent school leavers', parents' and teachers' views, and experiences of rural Tanzanian primary schools, focusing on the implications for potential sexual health programs. Primary schools may be a good venue for such programs; however, serious challenges include low enrollment, limited teacher training, and little access to teaching resources. At a national level, improved teacher training and supervision are critical. At a program level, intervention developers need to simplify the subject matter and closely supervise and appropriately respond to undesired practices.
A process evaluation of a school-based adolescent sexual health intervention in rural Tanzania: the MEMA kwa Vijana programme
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Health Education Research. Online access October 3, 2006.
Plummer ML | Wight D | Obasi AI | Wamoyi J | Mshana G | Todd J | Mazige BC | Makokha M | Hayes RJ | Ross DA
This study was a process evaluation of the adolescent sexual health program MEMA kwa Vijana (MkV). Most teachers taught curriculum content well, but sometimes had difficulty adopting new teaching styles. Peer educators performed scripted dramas well, but were limited as informal educators and behavioral models. MkV shared characteristics of other African school-based programs found to be successful. However, a substantial proportion of MkV survey self-reports were inconsistent, there was no consistent impact on biological markers, and evaluation found little impact on several key theoretical determinants of behavior.
The role of parent religiosity in teens' transitions to sex and contraception
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America)
Journal of Adolescent Health. 2006 Oct;39(4):578-587.
Manlove JS | Terry-Humen E | Ikramullah EN | Moore KA
This paper examines whether parent and family religiosity are associated with the timing of sexual initiation or contraceptive use. Frequent parental religious attendance is associated with a delayed timing of first sex. Engaging in religious activities on a daily basis is associated with delayed sexual initiation among male, female, and white teens. Results for contraceptive use differ, however. Only strong parental religious beliefs and more frequent participation in family religious activities are negatively associated with contraceptive use at first sex.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
South Africa: George school winning in fight against gymslip mums
(News Article)
6 Oct 2006
The Herald
In South Africa, a George high school besieged by teen pregnancies last year has achieved an incredible about turn, reporting a 75 percent drop in cases. Awareness campaigns by health authorities and non-government organizations have been credited with the amazing reversal.
Philippines: Teenage pregnancies and pre-marital sex alarming in Southern Leyte
(News Article; Asia)
1 Oct 2006
Samar News
Rampant teenage pregnancies and pre-marital sex occurrences alarm the provincial government in Southern Leyte, Philippines, as they seek to synchronize all the activities and services addressed to the needs of the youth sector, Population Officer Velma Kangleon disclosed in a phone interview with PIA recently.
Fiji: Time to face the facts of life
(Editorial; Oceania)
30 Sep 2006
Fiji Times
Fiji Vice President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, in an address to Forum Education ministers, emphasized the importance of talking about sex to youth. Ratu Joni said sex education, with particular emphasis on HIV/AIDS, should be incorporated in schools.
SPECIAL REPORTS/PROFILES/RESOURCES
Working together for health
(Report; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Geneva, Switzerland, World Health Organization, 2006.
This report discusses the chronic shortage of well-trained health workers. The shortage is global, but most acutely felt in the countries that need them most. For a variety of reasons, such as the migration, illness or death of health workers, countries are unable to educate and sustain the health workforce that would improve people’s chances of survival and their well-being. Redressing the shortages in each individual country involves a chain of cooperation and shared intent between the public and private sector parties which fund and direct educational establishments; between those who plan and influence health service staffing; and between those able to make financial commitments to sustain or support the conditions of service of health workers.
Calendar of Events
April 21, 2007 - April 27, 2011Malaria 2007
Objectives for the meeting include: (1) To create a true forum for open interdisciplinary discussion in the field of malaria research; and (2) To help encourage members of the research community, from both the developed and developing worlds, to get talking, thinking and ultimately collaborating.
E-Mail: mangosteen@mangosee.comEvent Location: Dakar, Senegal
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