Volume 7, Number 9
19 March 2007

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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH

Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors, and risk of colorectal cancer among women in a prospective cohort study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
American Journal of Epidemiology. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 165(7):794-801.
Lin J | Zhang SM | Cook NR | Manson JE | Buring JE | Lee IM
The authors evaluated associations of oral contraceptive (OC) use and reproductive factors with risk of colorectal cancer among women in a large-scale prospective cohort study. Relative risks and confidence intervals were estimated from Cox proportional hazards regression models. Ever use of OCs was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. No significant association was observed between reproductive factors and colorectal cancer risk. These findings provide some support for a potential role of OCs in reducing risk of colorectal cancer.

Contraception and fertility plans in a cohort of HIV-positive women in care
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 75(4):294-298.
Stanwood NL | Cohn SE | Heiser JR | Pugliese M
This study examined determinants of contraceptive use, desired future childbearing and sterilization regret among HIV-positive women. In a multivariate analysis, predictors of desire for future childbearing were age, HIV medication status, current CD4 cell count, and relationship duration. HIV-positive women have reproductive patterns similar to those of HIV-negative women and a substantial proportion had been sterilized and expressed sterilization regret. HIV-positive women who want children would benefit from preconception counseling and counseling about reversible methods of contraception.

Efficacy of a dish detergent in reducing populations of STI organisms in inoculated female condoms
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 18(3):198-201.
Joanis C | Lopez LM | Gomez K | Ramm K | Rottjakob D
This study assessed the efficacy of dish detergent in removing Neisseria gonorrhoeae, HIV-1, herpes simplex virus type 2 and Chlamydia trachomatis organisms from the surface of inoculated female condoms. Dish detergent was as efficacious as bleach in reducing organism counts from the surface of inoculated female condoms. Both bleach and dish detergent performed better than water, though some effect was noted with just water. Reduction in organism counts with water alone suggests that dilution effect may have been as important in organism removal as the microbicidal properties of the detergent.

Patterns of HIV and syphilis infection in Northern Thailand 1998-2001
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 18(3):179-183.
Beyrer C | Kawichai S | Hyder JA | Borwornsin S | Srirak N | Natpratan C | et al
In preparation for HIV-prevention trials, this study investigated patterns of HIV and syphilis risk through annually measured HIV and syphilis prevalence among northern Thai, peri-urban, community-dwelling men and women aged 18-35 years between 1998 and 2001. Crude HIV and syphilis prevalence were 3.3% and 2.7% for men and 2.3% and 2.1% for women, respectively. For men and women, those with syphilis were approximately three times more likely to have HIV.

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS

Uganda: Should pregnant women take compulsory HIV tests?
(Editorial; Sub-Saharan Africa)
13 Mar 2007
New Vision (Kampala)
This article looks at the implications of recent press reports that the Ugandan MP for people with disabilities and the parliamentary committee on HIV/AIDS want testing pregnant women for HIV made compulsory to save the lives of unborn babies. It purports that the parliamentary committee would have to come up with measures to be put in place for ensuring that the rights of those pregnant women who test HIV-positive are not violated.

Condom drive targets Indian women
(News Article; Asia)
14 Mar 2007
BBC News
A condom distribution campaign targeting female sex workers began in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. 60,000 male and female condoms were distributed. The female condoms were procured at a reduced price. The campaign is a collaboration between a local AIDS agency and a national family planning organization. It plans to reach over 11,000 women across the country.

Yemeni activists couple contraception with Islam
(News Article; Middle East)
13 Mar 2007
Women's Enews
This article reports on the success of advocates in reducing Yemen's maternal mortality rates and increasing the use of contraception by turning to religious leaders and religious beliefs that raise awareness and promote family planning. The advocates worked with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the National Population Council, and the U.N. Population Fund to reach people of all levels of society. They trained some of the country's most powerful sheikhs and imams to spread the message.

HIV/AIDS RESEARCH

Antiretroviral-associated toxicity among HIV-1-seropositive pregnant women in Mozambique receiving Nevirapine-based regimens
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 44(4):371-376.
Jamisse L | Balkus J | Hitti J | Gloyd S | Manuel R | Osman N | Djedje M | Farquhar C
The objective of the study was to assess toxicities associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among HIV-1-infected pregnant women treated with nevirapine-based regimens according to Mozambican national guidelines. Overall, 8 percent of women changed or discontinued HAART as a result of drug toxicity. Severe hepatotoxicity from nevirapine-containing HAART in this cohort of pregnant women was more common at higher CD4 counts, suggesting that laboratory monitoring is necessary when administering nevirapine-containing regimens to pregnant women with higher CD4 counts.

Clinical toxicity of highly active antiretroviral therapy in a home-based AIDS care program in rural Uganda
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 44(4):456-462.
Forna F | Liechty CA | Solberg P | Asiimwe F | Were W | Mermin J | Behumbiize P | et al
Researchers evaluated clinical toxicity in HIV-infected persons receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Uganda. Toxicities developed in 543 instances in 40 percent of patients. Probabilities of remaining free from any toxicity at 6, 12, and 18 months were 0.76, 0.59, and 0.47 and from any severe toxicity at 6, 12, and 18 months were 0.92, 0.86, and 0.85, respectively. Clinical toxicities were common, but no patients discontinued ART because of toxicity. The most common toxicities were managed with single-drug substitutions, but in resource-limited settings, more tolerable regimens are needed.

Predictors of mortality in a cohort of HIV-1-infected adults in rural Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 44(4):478-483.
Erikstrup C | Kallestrup P | Zinyama R | Gomo E | Mudenge B | Gerstoft J | Ullum H
Researchers explored the prognostic strengths of classic and alternative progression markers of HIV in this study set in rural Zimbabwe. This analysis found HIV RNA level and CD4 cell count to predict mortality with prognostic capabilities similar to findings from high-income countries. Hemoglobin and clinical staging were strong independent predictors and might be considered candidates for alternative HIV progression markers.

Increased exposure to hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-positive South African antenatal women
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 18(3):152-156.
Burnett RJ | Ngobeni JM | François G | Hoosen AA | Leroux-Roels G | Meheus A | Mphahlele MJ
The prevalence of markers for hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure and active infection in HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant South African women was investigated. Some statistically significant increases in the HIV-positive women were found. However, there was no increase in active HBV infections. Although the impact that HIV has had on the prevalence of HBV in this population group is not as pronounced as that found in areas of low endemicity, there is a statistically significant increased exposure to HBV.

Relationship between markers of HIV-1 disease progression and serum beta-carotene concentrations in Kenyan women Relationship between markers of HIV-1 disease progression and serum beta-carotene concentrations in Kenyan women
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 18(3):202-206.
Baeten JM | McClelland RS | Wener MH | Bankson DD | Lavreys L | Mandaliya K | Bwayo JJ | et al
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study among 400 HIV-1-seropositive women in Mombasa, Kenya, to correlate serum beta-carotene concentrations with several measures of HIV-1 disease severity. Beta-Carotene concentrations were significantly associated with biologic markers of HIV-1 disease progression. In the context of negative findings from randomized trials of beta-carotene supplementation in HIV-1-seropositive individuals, these results suggest that low beta-carotene concentrations primarily reflect more active HIV-1 infection rather than a deficiency amenable to intervention.

HIV/AIDS NEWS

With 1,500 infected each day, S. Africa gets AIDS plan
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Mar 2007
Reuters
As a result of the research highlighted in the March 2007 edition of the South African Medical Association Journal, South Africa launched a revamped national AIDS plan. The research revealed the human costs of South Africa's foot-dragging on AIDS. The research showed an estimated 571,000 new HIV infections in 2005, roughly 1,500 people a day. The new plan, South Africa's National Strategic Plan, aims to cut new HIV infections by 50 percent and bring treatment and support to at least 80 percent of HIV-positive people by 2011.

Namibia: Partners working hard to maintain treatment success
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
12 Mar 2007
IRIN News
Namibia has successfully increased the number of sites offering antiretroviral (ARV) treatment from seven sites three years ago to 34 sites today. However, most of the sites were established in the densely populated northern regions. There is growing fear that this success might be short-lived if services do not reach rural communities. The article reports that there is not only a need for clinics to be located in rural areas, but there is also the need for more trained health care staff and outreach workers.

Zimbabwe: Children born with HIV survive into teens
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
15 Mar 2007
The Hindu (India)
This article highlights findings from a Zimbabwe study conducted by researchers at the Connaught clinic for children in Harare, which is to be published March 2007 in the journal, Clinical Infectious Diseases. The study examined the survival of children infected with HIV at birth. The results suggest that as many as one in four children born with HIV may survive into adolescence. These results overturn the assumption that virtually all die before the age of five.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH

Levonorgestrel pharmacokinetics in plasma and milk of lactating women who take 1.5 mg for emergency contraception
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Human Reproduction. Online access March 2, 2007.
Gainer E | Massai R | Lillo S | Reyes V | Forcelledo ML | Caviedes R | Villarroel C | Bouyer J
This study set out to obtain data upon which to base clinical recommendations for nursing mothers who present for emergency contraception (EC). A lactating women (plasma and milk) study design (Food and Drug Administration, 2005) was employed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of levonorgestrel (LNG) EC in healthy breastfeeding women volunteers and the amount of drug transferred into human milk. The results obtained from a sample of 12 women suggest that mothers should discontinue nursing for at least 8 hours, but not more than 24 hours, after EC to limit maximum exposure to infants.

Maternal morbidity and mortality associated with elective Caesarean delivery at a university hospital in Nigeria
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 47(2):110-114.
Oladapo OT | Lamina MA | Sule-Odu
This study estimated the maternal morbidity and mortality associated with elective Caesarean delivery at a Nigerian University hospital. All morbidities were more frequent among women who had elective Caesarean section compared to those who had vaginal delivery, but only some showed statistically significant differences. Elective Caesarean delivery in this hospital was accompanied by considerable maternal risks, and efforts should be made to improve its safety by investigating and rectifying the factors responsible for the associated severe maternal complications.

Effect of consanguinity on birth weight for gestational age in a developing country
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Middle East)
American Journal of Epidemiology. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 165(7):742-752.
Ghina M | Hala T | Mona K | Marwan K | Mustafa K | Gerard W | Yunis KA
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of consanguinity, marriage between relatives, on the birth weight of newborns in Greater Beirut, Lebanon. After controlling for medical and sociodemographic covariates, the authors found a statistically significant negative association between consanguinity and birth weight. No significant difference was observed in the decrease in birth weight between the first and second cousin marriages.

Helicobacter Pylori infection is associated with severe anemia of pregnancy on Pemba Island, Zanzibar
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 76(3):541-548.
Farag TH | Stoltzfus RJ | Khalfan SS | Tielsch JM
To determine the association of H. pylori and anemia in a tropical region, this study measured hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and H. pylori infection among 857 pregnant women. Among women with a diet low in foods containing heme iron, logistic regression showed an odds ratio of 7.63 (95% CI = 1.73–33.55) for H. pylori infection comparing women with and without severe anemia, controlling for hookworm infection, body mass index and parity. Further research is needed to establish causality because high worldwide prevalence means that even a small associated risk would be of public health significance.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS

Malawi: New moves to meet MDGs for maternal and infant care
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Mar 2007
IRIN News
Malawi has launched a pilot project to investigate ways of reducing the number of mothers and children who die every year to help it reach its millennium development goals (MDGs) by 2015. UN agencies in Malawi, in partnership with the European Commission (EC) and the Malawi government, are to pump US$2.2 million into three districts to provide basic emergency obstetric care services. The partnership will work towards increasing the number of health facilities offering basic emergency obstetric care nationally from a baseline of just two percent at present to 50 percent by 2011.

Manufacturers of infant formula milk asked to do away with exaggerated nutritional claims
(News Article; Asia)
14 Mar 2007
MedIndia
Claims that infant formula is as good for babies as breastmilk have been questioned by the Indian Government's Food Standards Agency, and have been termed misleading to new mothers. Manufacturers of infant formula milk have been asked to do away with nutritional claims that seek to glorify formula milk, which would mean making changes in their marketing campaigns and in the packaging of formula milk.

Sri Lanka: SL health improves despite war - govt.
(News Article; Asia)
14 Mar 2007
Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
In a keynote address at the 12th Asia Pacific Congress of Paediatrics and 2nd Asia Pacific Congress of Paediatric Nursing Congress, Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake noted that "Despite economic constraints aggravated by ongoing hostilities in the North East, Sri Lanka’s health indicators, particularly in maternal and infant mortality as well as in life expectancy have shown a steady improvement over the recent decades." The government considers the improvement of child health services to be of paramount importance.

Sierra Leone: Salone has highest infant mortality rate
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
15 Mar 2007
Christian Monitor
The State of the World’s Children Report-2007, launched recently, reveals that Sierra Leone has the highest infant mortality rate in the world. The theme for this year’s report was: Women and Children- The double dividend of gender equality.

MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

Decreased condom breakage and slippage rates after counseling men at a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Jamaica
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Contraception. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 75(4):289-293.
Steiner MJ | Taylor D | Hylton-Kong T | Mehta N | Figueroa JP | Bourne D | Hobbs M | Behets F
This study evaluated condom failure rates before and those during a trial that provided instructions on correct condom use. Participants reported breaking 18.5% of their condoms during the 7 days prior to the screening visit and having 3.5% of their condoms slip off completely. After the condom counseling provided during the screening visit, breakage rates decreased and remained below 10% throughout the trial. Although the rates of reported condom breakage and slippage decreased significantly after counseling, improved quality of condom counseling is needed to further reduce failure rates.

Fertility treatment and reproductive health of male offspring: A study of 1,925 young men from the general population
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
American Journal of Epidemiology. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 165(5):583-590.
Jensen TK | Jørgensen N | Asklund C | Carlsen E | Holm M | Skakkebæk NE
Related News Article: Male offspring of assisted reproduction less fertile
A study of young men undergoing compulsory physical examination for military service in Denmark found that men whose mothers underwent fertility treatments to conceive appear to have impaired reproductive health. After controlling for various potentially confounding factors, the researchers found that compared with the other men, those conceived with fertility treatment had a 46 percent lower sperm concentration, a 45 percent lower total sperm count, smaller testes, fewer motile sperm and fewer normal appearing sperm.

The (hetero)sexualization of the military and the militarization of (hetero)sex: Discourses on male (hetero)sexual practices among a group of young men in the South African Military
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Sexualities. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 10(2):189-207.
Shefer T | Mankayi N
The article is framed in the context of the challenge of HIV/AIDS in South Africa and recognizes that military men are particularly vulnerable to infection. Drawing on data from a larger study, the article recommends that tackling HIV in the military needs to involve rigorous examination of how constructions of masculinity in the military context exert specific pressures on men to adhere to traditional models of being a man with their attendant sexual practices.

POPULATION RESEARCH

Health and foreign policy: Influences of migration and population mobility
(Research Article; Global)
Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 85(3):200-206.
MacPherson DW | Bushulak BD | Macdonald L
Significant international efforts have received funding to fight infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and migration and population mobility play a role in each of these public health challenges. Although some national and regional projects address health and migration, an integrated and globally focused approach is lacking. As migration and population mobility are increasingly important determinants of health, these issues will require greater policy attention at the multilateral level.

Modeling fertility in modern populations
(Research Article)
Demographic Research. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 16(6):141-194.
Peristera P | Kostaki A
The age-specific fertility pattern has a typical shape common in all human populations through years. Recently, the fertility pattern in developed countries exhibits a deviation from the classical one. The existing models are unable to describe the new shape of the fertility pattern and therefore the use of more appropriate representations is required. In this paper, a new flexible model for describing both the old and the new patterns of fertility is proposed. To evaluate the adequacy of the model, it is fit to a variety of empirical fertility schedules.

China's local and national fertility policies at the end of the twentieth century
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Population and Development Review. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 33(1):129-147.
Gu B | Wang F | Guo Z | Zhang E
This article surveys variations in China’s fertility policy as of the late 1990s in an attempt to describe local policy and the implications of the aggregation of local policies for national policy. Using data collected on fertility policy for 420 prefecture-level units in China, fertility levels are estimated that would be obtained locally if all married couples had births at the levels permitted by local policy. This policy fertility level is a quantitative summary of China’s current fertility policy, informing what is pursued in terms of population control nationally, on the basis of diverse local policies.

POPULATION NEWS

World population will increase by 2.5 billion by 2050; people over 60 to increase by more than 1 billion
(Press Release; Global)
13 Mar 2007
United Nations
According to the newly released World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision, the world population will likely increase by 2.5 billion over the next 43 years, passing from the current 6.7 billion to 9.2 billion in 2050. Most of this increase will occur within developing countries. Realization of these projections is contingent on ensuring that fertility continues to decline in developing countries, a major increase in the proportion of AIDS patients who get antiretroviral therapy, and the success of efforts to control the further spread of HIV.

Caribbean countries should take advantage of changing age structure: UN
(News Article)
13 Mar 2007
United Nations
Related Report: Changing population age structures and their implications on socio-economic development in the Caribbean
The report, Changing Age Structures of Populations and their Implications for Development in the Caribbean, issued by the Subregional Headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) found that the Caribbean countries are undergoing a dramatic demographic shift. Increased longevity and declining sizes of younger generations are apparent. Ten countries within the region are among the top 25% of countries with the highest percentage of persons aged 60 years and over. These demographic changes will have a major impact on the labor force and on social security, pensions and health care systems.

Indians may live as long as Americans
(News Article; Asia)
15 Mar 2007
The Times of India
By the middle of this century, the average Indian can expect to live almost as long as the average US citizen does today. The country’s life expectancy is projected to increase from the current 64.7 years to 75.6 years, which comes close to the current US figure of 77.5 years. This information comes from '2006 World Population Prospects', a report released by the population division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The flip side to the data is that people living longer lives and declining birth rates suggest that the population will age.

WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH

Sex, food and female power: Discussion of data material from northern Mozambique
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Sexualities. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 10(2):141-158.
Arnfred S
In this article, looking at issues of sex and food in a rural matrilineal setting, power aspects of male/female relationships as mediated through sex and food emerge somewhat differently. Sexual proficiency is here a woman's art, mastered by old women and transmitted to the young. Also, in a setting where daily life is largely based on subsistence production, food and cooking become domains of power, again with old women in control. This article makes a case for rurality and ‘tradition’ not necessarily being adverse to female power in social relationships.

WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS

UNICEF welcomes Moldovan law aimed at combating domestic violence
(News Article; Europe)
13 Mar 2007
United Nations
With more than a quarter of Moldova's women over 15 years old having experienced domestic violence, the Moldovan parliament adopted a law aimed at preventing and combating the problem. The law also provides the establishment of rehabilitation centers and other support services for the victims of domestic violence. This law is an important step in addressing the many myths surrounding domestic violence in Moldova. Many believe that violence against women is mainly a rural phenomenon among disadvantaged families; however, government statistics from the 2005 Survey show relatively insignificant differences.

South Africa: HIV/AIDS Risk 'Greatest for Young Women'
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Mar 2007
Business Day
New evidence on the rate at which HIV is spreading through the South African population has reinforced the fact that women under the age of 30 are at much greater risk of getting the disease than young men, sending a warning to the government that it needs to dramatically improve prevention campaigns aimed at this group.

YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH

Knowledge and attitudes of young people in Guyana to HIV/AIDS
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007 18(3):193-197.
O'Toole BJ | McConkey R | Casson K | Goetz-Goldberg D | Yazdani A
Over 2000 young people in Guyana aged 12-20 years completed self-report questionnaires that examined their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, their attitudes to sexual behaviors, and their intentions with regard to virginity and use of condoms. Nearly one quarter of young people aged 12-14 were sexually active and this rose to over one third for youths aged 15 years and over. Attitudes and intentions towards sexual behavior were significantly influenced by religion as well as by gender and age. Prevention strategies for the spread of HIV/AIDS in Guyana should harness religious belief and practice.

Health risk behaviors among HIV-infected youth in Bangkok, Thailand
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Adolescent Health. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 40(4):358.e1-358.e8.
Rongkavilit C | Naar-King S | Chuenyam T | Wang B | Wright K | Phanuphak P
This study described health risk behaviors, including sexual risk, alcohol/substance use, and medication adherence in HIV-infected youth in Bangkok. Approximately 1/4 had used alcohol in the previous 30 days at baseline and at 3-month visit. Substance use besides cigarettes was uncommon. Levels of treatment adherence were high among Thai youth receiving antiretroviral therapy. Alcohol use was prevalent, though other drug use was not. Interventions focusing on sexual risk reduction for HIV-infected youth are needed and must be scaled up in Thailand.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among young women in low-income populations of coastal Peru
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; South America)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2007 Mar;Online access March 15, 2007. 18(3):188-192.
Jones FR | Miller G | Gadea N | Meza R | Leon S | Perez J | et al
The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in Peruvian women from socioeconomically deprived populations and to determine the association between BV and risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). BV was significantly associated with having a bacterial STD or trichomoniasis. As BV may be a marker for STDs, screening for STDs should be performed in individuals with BV to promote early detection and treatment of co-infecting sexually transmitted pathogens.

Oral contraceptives: Side effects and depression in adolescent girls
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2007 Apr;Online access March 15, 2007. 75(4):299-304.
O'Connell K | Davis AR | Kerns J
The study was undertaken to determine the side effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) in adolescent girls. Of those studied, 77 percent reported at least one side effect, and the number and the type of side effects reported in the OC group and in the placebo group were similar. Mean exit scores were comparable between groups and adolescents treated with an OC or a placebo experienced similar numbers and types of OC side effects, as well as depressive symptoms.

YOUTH HEALTH NEWS

Afghanistan: New contract to curb child marriages
(News Article; Asia)
14 Mar 2007
IRIN News
The Supreme Court of Afghanistan approved a new marriage contract which is expected to help stop child and forced marriages in the country. The legal age for marriage in Afghanistan is 16 for girls and 18 for boys, but human rights groups say that every year thousands of Afghan girls are forced to marry at a younger age. The new marriage document clearly states that marriage certificates will not be issued for underage brides. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs launched a marriage registration awareness campaign to bolster the impact of the new marriage contract.

India: Jamaat opposes sex education in schools
(News Article; Asia)
14 Mar 2007
Daily News and Analysis
Based on the belief that sex education will lead more children to experiment with sex instead of abstaining from it, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) plans to launch a countrywide movement to have it scrapped. Almost a year ago the Maharashtra Government made sex education mandatory in the State’s schools, but has been crippled in implementing it due to a dearth of teachers and protests by the Parents and Teachers Association.

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Volume 7, Number 919 March 2007