The Pop Reporter®
– Events – Archives – Subscribe – Modify Profile – Headline Sharing Program – The Pop Reporter en Español (Spanish)
Volume 6, Number 52
8 January 2007
Pop Reporter Tip: Did you know you can modify your subscription account? There are four features you can use to personalize your subscription: delivery format, number of topic categories, regions of the world, and type of delivery. Click the "Modify Profile" link on The Pop Reporter Web pages to gain access to your personal account.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Weekly contraception with mifepristone
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2007 Jan;Online access January 4, 2007. 75(1):40-44.
Peia K | Xiaoa B | Jingb X | Luc S | Weib L | Zhaoa H
The double-blind, randomized clinical trial investigated the contraceptive effect of weekly administration of mifepristone. The outcome measures were contraceptive efficacy, changes of menstrual pattern and side effects. No pregnancy occurred in both groups in 456 women-months of use accumulated. There were no significant differences in mean bleeding days and no bleeding days between the two groups in the first three study cycles. Once weekly administration with 25-mg mifepristone is a potentially effective method for regular contraception. 
Unintended pregnancy and induced abortion in Uganda 
(Report; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
New York, NY, Guttmacher Institute, 2006.
This report examines levels of unintended pregnancy and induced abortion in Uganda; explores the characteristics of women who have abortions, the circumstances of and reasons for their abortions, and their decision-making processes; explains how and where women have abortions, and the health complications that often result from the widespread practice of clandestine abortion in this country; and makes concrete recommendations for policies and programs to reduce the incidence of unsafe abortion and help women prevent unintended pregnancies. [Note: Large file to download: 956k]
Acceptance and use of the female condom among women with incomplete abortion in rural Tanzania
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Contraception. 2007 Jan;75(1):66-70.
Rasch V | Yambesi F | Kipingili R
This study describes a postabortion care intervention aimed at introducing the female condom to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections/HIV. Contraceptive use was assessed 3 months after abortion among 475 women. The female condom was accepted by 39% and used by 30%. Women who had experienced an unsafe abortion, had attended secondary school, or earned an income were more likely to accept the female condom. Postabortion care programs provided an excellent entry point for introducing the female condom as a contraceptive method.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
'Molecular condom' to combat HIV
(News Article; Global)
31 Dec 2006
BBC News
A "molecular condom" to protect women against HIV is being developed by US scientists. The liquid formulated by a University of Utah team turns into a gel-like coating when inserted into the vagina. When exposed to semen, it returns to liquid form and releases an anti-viral drug to attack HIV. The potential advantage of this technology is that it would be much longer lasting that other microbicides.
India: MP imbibes family planning lessons from Pakistan
(News Article; Asia)
28 Dec 2006
India: Daily News and Analysis
Government officials in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have been inspired by Pakistan to create a family planning awarenesss program for the Muslim community. The plan involves the distribution of contraception at mosques as well as the use of clerics and religious texts to spread awareness of family planning.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
Malaysia: Breastfeeding their adopted babies
(News Article; Asia)
2 Jan 2007
Daily Express
Some Malaysian women have been taking pills to encourage milk production and feed the milk to their adopted babies. Government ministers have expressed concern over this practice and are seeking the opinion of the Health Ministry for guidance.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
HIV in prison in low-income and middle-income countries
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2007 Jan;Online access January 5, 2007. 7(1):32-41.
Dolan K | Kite B | Black E | Aceijas C | Stimson G
This study reviewed imprisonment, HIV prevalence, and the proportion of prisoners who inject drugs in 152 low-income and middle-income countries. Prevalence was greater than 10% in prisons in 20 countries. Evidence of HIV transmission in prison was found for 7 low and middle-income countries. Because of the lack of data available, the contribution of HIV within prison settings is difficult to determine in many low and middle-income countries. Systematic collection of data to inform HIV prevention strategies in prison is urgently needed.
Expansion of HIV/AIDS in China: Lessons from Yunnan Province
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Social Science & Medicine. 2007 Feb;Online access January 5, 2007. 64(3):665-675.
Xiaoa Y | Kristensenb S | Suna J | Luc L | Vermundd SH
This article systematically and critically reviewed the Chinese and English language literature on human HIV-related studies in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Patterns of drug trafficking have spread the unusual recombinant HIV subtypes first seen in Yunnan to far-flung regions of China. Increased efforts of Yunnan's HIV-control program are correlated with an improved general HIV awareness, but risk behaviors continue at worrisome rates.
The changing political economy of sex in South Africa: The significance of unemployment and inequalities to the scale of the AIDS pandemic
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Social Science and Medicine. 2007 Feb;Online access January 4, 2007. 64(3):689-7000.
Hunter M
Between 1990 and 2005, HIV prevalence rates in South Africa jumped from less than 1% to around 29%. Three interlinked dynamics are critical to understanding this increase: (1) rising unemployment and social inequalities that leave some groups extremely vulnerable; (2) greatly reduced marital rates and subsequent increase of one person households; and (3) rising levels of women's migration. As a window into these changes, the article focuses on the country's increasing informal settlements and connections between poverty and money/sex exchanges.
Reaching hard-to-reach migrants by letters: An HIV/AIDS awareness programme in Nepal
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Health and Place. 2007 Mar;Online access January 5, 2007. 13(1):173-178.
Poudela KC | Jimba M | Poudel-Tandukara K | Wakaia S
This study assessed the impact of an HIV/AIDS program for Nepalese migrants to India that involved writing letters. The program created opportunities for sending HIV/AIDS-related messages to the migrants in India, and encouraging them to practice safer sex. They discussed the messages in groups, disseminated them, and sought more knowledge. These findings indicate that using letters could be an effective way to reach inaccessible migrants at their destinations, and help them to improve their HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, and safer sex practices.
Socio-economic determinants of HIV/AIDS pandemic and nations efficiencies
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
European Journal of Operational Research. 2007 Feb 1;Online access January 5, 2007. 176(3):1811-1838.
Zanakisa SH | Alvarezb C | Lic V
This paper examined the influence and direction of social and economic determinants of the HIV/AIDS global epidemic across nations and assessed each country’s efficiency in battling the pandemic. Countries with lower population density that manage to provide better health system performance, per capita support (doctors, nurses and hospital beds) with better media information (radio, phone and TV access), and not necessarily higher GNP are more likely to exhibit lower HIV/AIDS indicators.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
Circumcision may stop 1.4 mln S.Africa HIV cases
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
21 Dec 2006
Reuters
Widespread male circumcision could prevent some 1.4 million new HIV infections and 800,000 AIDS deaths in South Africa over the next 20 years, a South African research group said.
Zimbabwe: State to treble beneficiaries of anti-retroviral rollout program
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
2 Jan 2007
The Zimbabwe Herald
The Zimbabwean government made plans to triple the number of people on the public antiretroviral (ARV) rollout program to 160,000 from about 50,000 last year. Doctors recommend that people living with HIV and AIDS, who have a CD4 count of 200 or less, should take the life-prolonging drugs. More than 300,000 people are in urgent need of ARVs throughout Zimbabwe.
Drug costs imperil Brazil AIDS fight
(News Article; South America)
3 Jan 2007
Boston Globe
A decade after Brazil became the first developing country to guarantee free AIDS treatment to every citizen, the spiraling cost of new drugs is threatening to bankrupt the highly effective program. The soaring prices have sparked a national debate over the sustainability of the taxpayer-funded program and over Brazil's right to begin making generic copies of critically needed medicines.
Silent Kazakhs on new frontier for HIV
(News Article; Asia)
1 Jan 2007
Reuters
While HIV is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, sharp increases in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are often overlooked. Infection levels in Central Asia have risen since the 1990s mainly among drug addicts, prison inmates, and homeless people, and there have been signs that overall infection rates in this part of the world may have risen by more than 50 percent since 2004.
Fashion factor fuels Iran's Aids fears
(News Article; Middle East)
2 Jan 2007
Guardian Unlimited
It is increasingly common in Tehran's fashion shops that prostitutes strike a deal with shopkeepers offering sex in exchange for free or cheap clothes. Health education workers say the practice undermines efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Iran, where the disease is increasingly spread through sexual contact. Along with health officials they believe Iran's strict sexual mores are loosening among its predominantly young population and that pre- and extra- marital sex are becoming more common. An official drive has been launched to raise HIV/AIDS awareness.
India: Tamil Nadu checks AIDS spread
(News Article; Asia)
1 Jan 2007
Indo-Asian News Service
One of the most HIV/AIDS affected states in India, Tamil Nadu has managed to keep the numbers of infected from growing, thanks to a unique support program. An intensive and large-scale support program in 14 high prevalence districts of Tamil Nadu, the Tamilnadu AIDS Initiative (TAI) has in two years managed to reach out to 50,000 male and female sex workers in the state with help from 25 NGOs. TAI addresses the vulnerability of sex workers and attempts to address the low self-esteem and poor socio-economic background of the sex worker.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Quality of infant feeding counselling for HIV+ mothers in Brazil: challenges and achievements
(Research Article; South America)
Acta Pædiatrica. 2007 Jan;Online access January 4, 2007. 96(1):94-99.
Rea MF | Santos RG | Sanchez-Moreno CC
This study assessed the information and counseling on infant feeding in HIV-positive mothers in Brazil. The general quality of communication and counseling skills was good; however, the information provided to mothers about infant feeding choices was poor. When counseled by a nutritionist (compared with a pediatrician) more mothers were informed about the correct way to prepare bottle-feeds. Although health workers have good communication skills, the information provided to HIV-positive mothers is insufficient.
Medicinal plants used to induce labour during childbirth in western Uganda
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Ethnopharmacology . 2007 Jan 3;Online access January 5, 2007. 109(1):1-9.
Kamatenesi-Mugisha M | Oryem-Origaa H
This study documented how ethnomedical folklore aids childbirth in rural western Uganda. Health surveys revealed that over 80% of childbirths are conducted at home by using herbal remedies. 75 plants have been recorded for usage in inducing labor and some of these plants may be oxytocic. The high population growth rate, and high total fertility rate coupled with high maternal mortality and morbidity in Uganda calls for rethinking health provision policies and programs for which herbal medicine integration in health care systems seems viable.
In practice, the theory is different: A processual analysis of breastfeeding in northeast Brazil
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
Social Science and Medicine. 2007 Feb;Online access January 4, 2007. 64(3):676-688.
Scavenius M| van Hulsela M | Meijera J | Wendtea H | Gurgela R
The present study is based on a sample of 300 mothers in the city of Aracaju in the Northeast of Brazil. Through interviews, the differences and similarities between knowledge and practice with respect to infant feeding were established. An explanation of these differences is developed on the basis of a processual analysis of the qualitative and quantitative results of the interview data. Nearly all mothers were knowledgeable of the need to breastfeed, and nearly all mothers had initiated breastfeeding. However, only a minority was exclusively breastfeeding at the time of the interview.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
India needs to feed its children better - UNICEF
(News Article; Asia)
5 Jan 2007
Reuters
Early findings of a survey by the Indian health ministry, backed by UNICEF, found the number of undernourished children below the age of three had actually increased in some states despite a rise in per capita income and robust economic growth.
Infant mortality on par with developed nations in Las Tunas, Cuba
(News Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
30 Dec 2006
Periodico 26
The eastern Cuban province of Las Tunas has reported an infant mortality rate of 4.76 deaths per thousand live births in 2006. That figure is on a par with those registered in developed nations, despite the fact that Las Tunas is among the Cuban provinces with less qualified medical personnel and a weaker healthcare infrastructure.
Recognize breastfeeding as core intervention
(News Article; Asia)
1 Jan 2007
The Hindu
Citing concern over high infant mortality and neonatal death rates, a group of health professionals in India pointed to overwhelming evidence that initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth would positively influence infant and neonatal survival.
Nepal: Three-week tetanus vaccination campaign ends successfully
(News Article; Asia)
3 January 2007
IRIN Asia
A joint program between the United Nations and the Nepalese government to vaccinate one million women and children was called a success. The women and children were vaccinated against Tetanus, which poses a serious threat to women and infants during labor and delivery in Nepal. By vaccinating one million people, Nepal hopes to reduce its high level of maternal mortality.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
More Ugandan men seek circumcision
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
3 Jan 2007
United Press International
Ugandan men are increasingly seeking circumcision after reports that the procedure could cut in half the HIV infection rate among heterosexual men. While fewer than 400 adult males were circumcised in 2005, approximately 1,200 were circumcised in 2006.
Men with no sons more at risk for prostate cancer, according to new study
(News Article; Middle East)
2007 Jan 4
In a new and unique study to determine if genes on the Y chromosome are involved in prostate cancer, researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in conjunction with Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that men who had only daughters had a higher risk of prostate cancer than men who had at least one son, thus signifying a possible defect on the father's Y chromosome. The results, published in the January 3, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, further indicate that the relative risk of prostate cancer decreases as the number of sons increases.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Determinants of female fertility in Taiwan, 1966-2001: Empirical evidence from cointegration and variance decomposition analysis
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Asian Economic Journal . 2006 Dec;20(4):393-407.
Narayan PK
This study investigates the determinants of the fertility rate in Taiwan over the period 1966-2001. Consistent with theory, the key explanatory variables in Taiwan's fertility model are real income, infant mortality rate, female education and female labor force participation rate. Among our key results, female education and female labor force participation rate are found to be the key determinants of fertility in Taiwan in the long run.
POPULATION NEWS
UNFPA warns Vietnam of increasing migration
(News Article; Asia)
23 Dec 2006
VietNamNet
UNFPA has warned Vietnam of heavy flows of migrants from the countryside to urban areas. A country representative from the United Nations Population Fund said that rural migrants have become an important working force in cities, contributing to economic development in their resident cities and home villages. Policy makers were urged to issue a strategy in support of migrants, boosting municipal economic and services development such as better water and health care, streamlining procedures for registering temporary residency, and helping with employment.
Nigeria's population doubles since 1991
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
29 Dec 2006
CNN
Nigeria's population has nearly doubled to an estimated 140 million people since the last count in 1991, according to census figures released at the end of 2006. Population growth in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is running at 3.2 percent.
Report: Premier says China to continue with one-child policy
(News Article; Asia)
27 Dec 2006
Associated Press
Officials stated that China has no plans to change its one-child policy, adding that family planning was critical to China's modernization plans. Family planning is seen as crucial to China's modernization and the building of a "harmonious society," a catchphrase meant to mean a more equal distribution of riches in a country with a growing wealth gap.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Precancerous changes in the cervix and risk of subsequent preterm birth
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2007 Jan;Online access January 5, 2007. 114(1):70-80.
Bruinsma F | Lumley J | Tan J | Quinnb M
This study examined whether women referred for assessment of precancerous changes in the cervix had higher rates of preterm birth compared with those in the general population and compared preterm birth rates for treated and untreated women. Both treated and untreated women were at a significantly increased risk for preterm birth compared with those in the general population. Treated women were significantly more likely to give birth preterm than untreated women. Diagnosis of cervical precancerous changes was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
Health care-based interventions for women who have experienced sexual violence
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Trauma, Violence, and Abuse. 2007;Online access January 5, 2007. 8(1):3-18.
Martin SL | Young SK | Billings DL | Bross CC
Thirty publications that evaluated health care-based interventions for women who experienced sexual violence were reviewed. The findings highlight that clinicians often need training in the provision of sexual assault care, and that not all emergency departments have sexual assault care protocols.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
An end to periods? Many women opt to stop their menstrual cycles
(News Article; Global)
4 Jan 2007
Science Daily
Related News Article: When Contraceptives Change Monthly Bleeding
Many gynecologists believe that the week without contraception -- during which a woman experiences a "withdrawal bleed" that mimics the normal menstrual cycle -- isn't necessary. While some debate surrounds the issue, numerous women are opting to take hormonal contraceptive products continually as a way of stopping the cycle entirely or for several months at a time.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Pre-invasive cervical disease and uterine cervical cancer in Brazilian adolescents: prevalence and related factors
(Research Article; South America)
Cadernos de Saúde Pública. 2006 Dec;22(12):2539-2548.
Monteiro DL | Trajano AJ | da Silva KS | Russomano FB
This study describes the prevalence and factors associated with uterine cervical cancer and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 702 sexually active adolescents in Brazil. Exposure variables were socio-demographic characteristics and those related to reproductive health, habits, and sexual behavior. The prevalence of lesions suggests the importance of including sexually active adolescent females in cervical cancer screening programs aimed at early detection and treatment of these lesions.
Irreconcilable differences: Health professionals' constructions of adolescence and motherhood
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Social Science and Medicine. 2007 Jan;Online access January 5, 2007. 64(1):112-124.
Breheny M | Stephensa C
Although the link between early motherhood and disadvantage has been questioned, professional understandings continue to focus on hardship and social exclusion. Transcripts of interviews with New Zealand health professionals were analyzed to examine the discourses used to construct adolescent motherhood. The 'Developmental' discourse positions young mothers as 'adolescents' who are naive, distracted, and self-centered, and unable to mother correctly. The health professionals also employed a ‘Motherhood’ discourse that attributes certain behaviours to ‘good’ mothers. The discourses show that characteristics of an 'adolescent' can't be reconciled with those of a 'good' mother.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
India: HIV awareness hazy in 73% of youth
(News Article; Asia)
5 Jan 2007
Medindia
A social assessment conducted in India showed both boys and girls are ill informed about HIV/AIDS and protective measures, with girls scoring highest in ignorance and boys having all the wrong information. Among the sexes, boys were seen to be more sexually active and 73% of the youth housed misconceptions about the method of transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Calendar of Events
January 10, 2007LIVE Webcast - Ask the Experts: HPV Vaccine
A panel of experts will address the implementation of the new vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) during a live webcast of "Ask the Experts," a kaisernetwork.org program. Send questions in advance to ask@kaisernetwork.org. http://www.kaisernetwork.org/ask/hpv/10jan07 WHAT: This live webcast will focus on questions such as: What are the guidelines for who should get the vaccine and at what age? Who will pay for it? What is the best way to ensure access to the vaccine? Kaisernetwork.org Managing Editor Jill Braden Balderas, M.P.H., will moderate the discussion. WHO: The panel of experts: - Anne Schuchat, M.D., director, National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Renee Jenkins, M.D., professor and chair, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Howard University College of Medicine - Alina Salganicoff, Ph.D., vice President and director, Women's Health Policy, Kaiser Family Foundation WHEN: Wednesday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Add this program to your Outlook calendar http://www.kff.org/outlook/AsktheExperts011007.vcs WHERE: Watch the live webcast on kaisernetwork.org at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/ask/hpv/10jan07 . HOW: The panel of experts will take your phone calls and emails. Send questions in advance to ask@kaisernetwork.org or call 1-888-524-7378 during the live broadcast. Please note: The toll-free phone number will function only during the live program and is only for submitting questions to the panelists. The program is accessible via webcast on the Internet and not via teleconference. If you have never viewed a webcast before, please test your media player in advance of the live webcast at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/healthcast/howtoview.
Event Location: On-line
February 4, 2007 - February 8, 2007
Actions to Strengthen Linkages between Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS
The conference will provide an international forum for researchers, programme managers, policy-makers, networks of people living with HIV/AIDS, women's, men's and youth health groups, and non-governmental organizations to share experiences and challenges in strengthening the linkages between sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.
Contact's Name: Mr Balaiah Donta / E-Mail: balaiah1954@yahoo.com
Event Location: Mumbai, India
March 26, 2007 - March 28, 2007
The Association for Population/Family Planning Libraries & Information Centers-International (APLIC-I) 40th Annual Conference
APLIC-I is a global network of communication, information, and resource professionals dedicated to providing assistance and support to members and to other population and reproductive health colleagues, especially in developing nations. This conference program will include presentations on a variety of topics relevant to information professionals, and celebrations of APLIC-I’s 40th anniversary.
Event Location: New York, NY
June 4, 2007 - June 22, 2007
Leadership in Strategic Health Communication Workshop
The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs presents an intensive learning opportunity for decision-makers, administrators, health educators, program officers, and donor agency field staff on "Leadership in Strategic Health Communication: Making A Difference in Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS, and Reproductive Health."
Contact's Name: Lolita Carter-Ross / E-Mail: traininginfo@jhuccp.org
Event Location: Baltimore, MD, USA
"The Pop Reporter" (R) Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs INFO Project. When you click on any link, your Internet browser will access a Web site not connected to "The Pop Reporter." Information accessed through these links and contained in this issue of "The Pop Reporter" does not necessarily state or reflect the views of the INFO Project, Johns Hopkins University, or the US Agency for International Development. All links were verified at the date of mailing. Your computer and/or network configuration regarding Java script, cookies, and other security issues may not allow you to view certain Web sites. Consult your computer technician if you are having problems.
Problems and comments can be addressed to mdadamo@jhuccp.org.
Archives available at http://www.infoforhealth.org/popreporter/.
Subscribe at http://prds.infoforhealth.org/signup.php.
Modify your account at http://prds.infoforhealth.org/modify.php.
Forward this message to a friend who could benefit from INFO project activities!
The Pop Reporter--Delivering thought-provoking global health news to your desktop.
Information & Knowledge for Optimal Health (INFO) Project
111 Market Place Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-659-6300 Fax: 410-659-6266 Security & Privacy Policy