1.  Title: Circumcision and sexual behavior: factors independently associated with human papillomavirus detection among men in the HIM study. Author: Giuliano AR; Lazcano E; Villa LL; Flores R; Salmeron J; Lee JH; Papenfuss M; Abrahamsen M; Baggio ML; Silva R; Quiterio M Source: International Journal of Cancer. 2009 Mar 15;124(6):1251-7. Abstract: There is growing interest in understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related disease among men. To date there have been numerous studies reporting HPV DNA prevalence among men from several different countries, however, few have incorporated multivariable analyses to determine factors independently associated with male HPV detection. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors independently associated with HPV detection in men ages 18-70 years residing in Brazil (n = 343), Mexico (n = 312), and the United States (US) (n = 333). In samples combined from the coronal sulcus, glans penis, shaft, and scrotum, we evaluated factors associated with any, oncogenic, and nononcogenic HPV infections. In multivariable analyses, detection of any HPV infection was significantly associated with reported race of Asian/Pacific Islander, lifetime and recent number of sexual partners, and having sex in the past 3 months. Oncogenic HPV detection was independently associated with lifetime and recent number of sexual partners, and having sex in the past 3 months. NonOncogenic HPV infection was independently associated with lifetime number of sexual partners. Circumcision, assessed by clinical examination, was associated with reduced risk of HPV detection across all categories of HPV evaluated. HPV detection in men in the current study was strongly related to sexual behavior and circumcision status. Interventions such as circumcision may provide a low-cost method to reduce HPV infection. Language: English Keywords: LATIN AMERICA | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | MEN | ASIANS | MALE CIRCUMCISION | SEX BEHAVIOR | PREVALENCE | RISK BEHAVIOR | RISK FACTORS | HPV | Americas | Developing Countries | Developed Countries | North America | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Data Analysis | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Behavior | Measurement | Biology | Viral Diseases | Diseases Document Number: 330377 |
| 2. Peer Reviewed Title: Gender norms in South Africa: implications for HIV and pregnancy prevention among African and Indian women students at a South African tertiary institution. Author: Mantell JE; Needham SL; Smit JA; Hoffman S; Cebekhulu Q Source: Culture, Health and Sexuality. 2009 Feb;11(2):139-157. Abstract: In post-Apartheid South Africa, women are constitutionally guaranteed protections and freedoms that were previously unknown to them. These freedoms may have positive implications for women's ability to negotiate sexual protection with partners and hence prevent unintended pregnancy and decrease their risk of HIV. Among tertiary institution students, who are a relatively 'privileged' group, there is little information on gender norms that might shape responses to HIVprevention programmes. To elicit gender norms regarding women's and men's roles, condom and contraceptive use, sexual communication and sexual pleasure, we conducted 10 semi-structured focus group discussions with African and Indian female tertiary institution students in order to understand how norms might be used to buttress HIV- and pregnancy-prevention. Participants reported dramatic changes in the structure of gender norms and relations with the formal recognition of women's rights in the post-Apartheid context. These generational shifts in norms are supported by other research in South Africa. At the same time, women recognized the co-existence of traditional constructions of gender that operate to constrain women's freedom. The perceived changes that have taken place provide an entry point for intervention, particularly for reinforcing emerging gender norms that promote women's protection against unintended pregnancy and HIV/STIs. Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | FOCUS GROUPS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | WOMEN | ASIANS | ETHNIC GROUPS | STUDENTS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | UNIVERSITIES | VALUE ORIENTATION | GENDER RELATIONS | HIV PREVENTION | PREGNANCY | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Comparative Studies | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Education | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Schools | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Gender Issues | Sociocultural Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Reproduction Document Number: 341087 |
| 3. Peer Reviewed Title: Effects of Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) and Ortho Gynae T380 intrauterine copper device on lipid metabolism--a randomized comparative study. Author: Ng YW; Liang S; Singh K Source: Contraception. 2009 Jan;79(1):24-8. Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the effects of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on lipid metabolism in an Asian population using Ortho Gynae T380 copper containing (nonhormonal) intrauterine device (IUD) as a control. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-two healthy women requesting IUD for contraception were randomly allocated to the two groups and were followed up at 6-, 12- and 18-month intervals. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) and apolipoprotein B were measured pre insertion and at each visit following insertion. RESULTS: There was a marginally significant reduction in TC level in the LNG-IUS group. HDL-C showed a significant reduction in the LNG-IUS group at 6 months but reverted back to its preinsertion value by 1 year. TG, LDL-C and the cholesterol ratios remained stable. Levels of Apo A-I and B also showed no significant reduction in both groups, and their ratios remained stable and insignificant. CONCLUSION: In this randomized comparative study among our local Asian population, it is assuring to note that the LNG-IUS does not have any adverse effects on lipid metabolism. Language: English Keywords: ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CONTRACEPTIVE USE-EFFECTIVENESS | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | WOMEN | ASIANS | LIPIDS | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, PROGESTIN | IUD | IUD, COPPER RELEASING | LEVONORGESTREL | METABOLIC EFFECTS | Developing Countries | Contraceptive Effectiveness | Contraception | Family Planning | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Physiology | Biology | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Contraceptive Methods Document Number: 330539 |
| 4. Peer Reviewed Title: The 'problem' of Asian women's sexuality: public discourses in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Author: Simon-Kumar R Source: Culture, Health and Sexuality. 2009 Jan;11(1):1-16. Abstract: Public health research in New Zealand views Asian health - particularly, Asian women's sexual health issues - as a priority problem. In recent years, high rates of abortion and the growing incidence of unsafe sex among younger age Asian migrants have been publicized as a health concern. Public health research implicates migrant experiences and cultural factors as responsible for these trends. Loneliness and isolation among international students, inability to communicate effectively in English and lack of knowledge of available services are highlighted as reasons for the growing sexual ill-health in the Asian population in New Zealand. Extending from these, public health measures aim at improving culture-sensitive services, including targeted education. The present paper offers a critical commentary on these accepted public health perceptions that inform policy in New Zealand. It takes a Third World feminist approach to critique dominant public health discourses on Asian women's sexuality and questions the construction of knowledges about what are 'normal' and 'pathological' sexual practices. The paper revisits the data used to describe the 'problem' of Asian sexuality and argues that in order to understand sexual practices, it is important to query the cultural lenses that are used to describe and define them. Language: English Keywords: NEW ZEALAND | CRITIQUE | EVALUATION | ASIANS | WOMEN | IMMIGRANTS | ETHNIC GROUPS | SEXUALITY | SEX BEHAVIOR | RISK BEHAVIOR | ABORTION RATE | CULTURE | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | PUBLIC OPINION | FEMINISM | Oceania | Developed Countries | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Personality | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Sociocultural Factors | Attitudes Document Number: 341121 |
| 5. Peer Reviewed Title: Eager to leave? Intentions to migrate abroad among young people in Kyrgyzstan. Author: Agadjanian V; Nedoluzhko L; Kumskov G Source: International Migration Review. 2008 Autumn;42(3):620-651. Abstract: This study examines young people's intentions to migrate abroad in Kyrgyzstan, focusing in particular on differences between Asian and European-origin ethnic groups. The multivariate analyses of recent survey data show that even after controlling for socioeconomic characteristics and social embeddedness Europeans are significantly more inclined to migrate than Asians. Whereas no gender differences in migration intentions among either group are detected, marriage, childbearing, and social capital exhibit distinct ethnic-specific effects. Although economic considerations are prevailing stimuli for migration in both groups, the results point to the formation of two dominant ethnic-specific migration preference types -for temporary migration among Asians and permanent migration among Europeans. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KYRGYZSTAN | RESEARCH REPORT | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | MIGRANTS | MIGRATION | ETHNIC GROUPS | ASIANS | SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS | MARRIAGE | Asia, Central | Asia | Developing Countries | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Nuptiality Document Number: 328163 |
| 6. Peer Reviewed Title: Chinese version of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey: Cross-cultural instrument adaptation. Author: Chen PL; Chiou HY; Chen YH Source: BMC Public Health. 2008 Apr 30;8:144. Abstract: Tobacco smoking poses public health concerns because of its high risk for many chronic diseases. Most smokers begin using tobacco in their teens and recent reports indicate that smoking prevalence is climbing among youth. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) is a worldwide, school-based, tobacco-specific survey, but cross-cultural differences limit its effectiveness in international studies. Specifically, the GYTS assesses not only the prevalence of smoking, but also tobacco-related attitudes, school curricula, and advertisements, which are culturally influenced. Therefore, we conducted this study to develop a Chinese version of the GYTS for both national surveillance and international comparison. The original English GYTS was translated and back translated using a cross-cultural adaptation process. The comprehensiveness and feasibility of using the Chinese-version GYTS were reviewed by a panel of 6 tobacco-control experts. The understandability and cultural relevance of the Chinese-version GYTSwere discussed in a focus group of 5 schoolteachers and 8 students. The expert and focus group feedback was incorporated into a final Chinese version of the GYTS, which was administered to 382 students throughout Taiwan by multi-stage sampling from 10 randomly selected schools. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for the GYTS subscales (smoking susceptibility, attitude toward smoking, and media messages about smoking) ranged from 0.70 to 0.94. The internal logical agreement of responses ranged from 85.3 to 99.2%. The Chinese version of the GYTS has good reliability and validity and can serve as the foundation for international comparison and tobacco control in Chinese-speaking communities. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | SURVEYS | PREVALENCE | YOUTH | ASIANS | TOBACCO USE | ATTITUDES | RELIABILITY | VALIDITY | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Sampling Studies | Measurement | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Behavior | Psychological Factors Document Number: 326631 |
| 7. Title: Longitudinal effects of perceived maternal approval on sexual behaviors of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) young adults. Author: Hahm H; Lee J; Zerden L; Ozonoff A; Amodeo M Source: Journal of Youth and Adolescence. 2008 Jan;37(1):74-84. Abstract: Data were obtained from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine the longitudinal association between Asian and Pacific Islander (API) adolescents' perceptions of maternal approval of their sexual activity and contraception use, and four sexual outcomes during young adulthood. The study includes a nationally representative sample of 1,195 API adolescents. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the associations between predictors (Wave I) and outcomes (Wave III), controlling for covariates. API adolescents who perceived that their mothers approved of their sexual activities were more likely to have engaged in sex before age 15, contracted HIV/Sexually Transmitted Diseases, had multiple sex partners, and paid money for sex during young adulthood. Findings highlight the need for parent-adolescent communication and parental involvement in preventing negative sexual health outcomes among API adolescents transitioning to young adulthood. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | INTERVIEWS | ASIANS | ADOLESCENTS | SEX BEHAVIOR | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | RISK BEHAVIOR | MOTHERS | ATTITUDES | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | PERCEPTION | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Studies | Research Methodology | Data Collection | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Behavior | Contraception | Family Planning | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Psychological Factors | Child Rearing Document Number: 325012 |
| 8. Peer Reviewed Title: Gender, culture and harm: an exploratory study of female heroin users of Vietnamese ethnicity. Author: Higgs P; Owada K; Hellard M; Power R; Maher L Source: Culture, Health and Sexuality. 2008 Oct;10(7):681-96. Abstract: Previous quantitative cross sectional studies of ethnic Vietnamese drug users in Melbourne have been overwhelmingly drawn from samples of men. In this qualitative investigation, 24 women aged between 18 and 33 years were interviewed. This exploratory study sought: to identify issues surrounding heroin initiation and drug use career; to examine relationships with family and primary sex partners; and to reveal participants' attitudes to drug treatment. Data reveal that for the women in this study the initiation and continued use of heroin was heavily influenced by men, especially their primary sex partners. The women interviewed reported strategies to minimise their risk taking including enrolling in pharmacotherapy treatment programmes, but they remained particularly vulnerable - especially to blood borne viruses - through both injecting and sexual risk behaviour. The data suggest that interventions which focus on the gendered nature of injecting practices within personal relationships may go some way to both reducing harm and increasing control for the women involved. Language: English Keywords: VIETNAM | AUSTRALIA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | SEXUAL PARTNERS | WOMEN | URBAN POPULATION | IV DRUG USERS | ASIANS | GENDER ISSUES | SUBSTANCE ADDICTION | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | SEX BEHAVIOR | TREATMENT | VIRAL DISEASES | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Developed Countries | Oceania | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Behavior | Demographic Factors | Population | Population Characteristics | Drug Use and Abuse | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Sociocultural Factors | Social Problems | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Diseases Document Number: 329319 |
| 9. Peer Reviewed Title: Comparing continuation rates and side effects of hormonal contraceptives in East Asian and Caucasian women after abortion. Author: Wiebe ER; Trouton K; Fang ZA Source: Contraception. 2008 Nov;78(5):405-8. Abstract: BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether East Asian women had more side effects and a higher discontinuation rate than Caucasian women when choosing to use hormonal contraceptives. STUDY DESIGN: This was an observational cohort study of usual care using questionnaires for 2 months after being given hormonal contraceptives following an abortion in Vancouver, Canada. RESULTS: In the first month, 73 (64.4%) of the 110 East Asian and 86 (80.4%) of the 107 Caucasian women took any of the sample provided (p=.020). In the second month, 52 (47.3%) of the East Asian and 62 (57%) of the Caucasian women used the prescription to buy and take their hormonal contraception (p=.12). Total side effects were similar, but there was more nausea in the East Asian women (23.3% vs. 8.1%) (p=.03) and more acne in the Caucasian women (8.2% vs. 20.9%) (p=.05). CONCLUSIONS: There may be both physiological and cultural differences leading East Asian women to use less hormonal contraception. Language: English Keywords: ASIA, EASTERN | CANADA | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | WOMEN | ASIANS | WHITES | IMMIGRANTS | ETHNIC GROUPS | CONTRACEPTION CONTINUATION | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, SIDE EFFECTS | NAUSEA | PREVALENCE | Asia | Developing Countries | North America, Northern | Americas | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Agents | Signs and Symptoms | Diseases | Measurement Document Number: 329148 |
| 10. Title: Placenta previa: Its relationship with race and the country of origin among Asian women. Author: Yang Q; Wen SW; Caughey S; Krewski D; Sun L Source: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2008;87(6):612-616. Abstract: Objectives. To examine the association between placenta previa with maternal race and its variations by country of origin among Asian women. Study design. Retrospective cohort study. Methods. We analyzed data from a population-based retrospective cohort study of 16,751,627 pregnancies in the US. The data were derived from the national linked birth/infant mortality database for the period 1995-2000. Multiple logistic regressions were used to describe the relationship between placenta previa and race as well as country of origin among Asian women. Results. About 3.3 per 1,000 pregnancies were complicated with placenta previa among white women, while the corresponding figures for black women and women of other races were 3.0 and 4.5 per 1,000 pregnancies, respectively. The excess risk remained substantial and significant after adjustment for confounders for women of other races compared to white women. The frequencies of placenta previa among Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Korean, Vietnamese and other Asian or Pacific Islander were 5.6, 5.1, 7.6, 4.5, 5.9, 4.4 and 4.4 per 1,000 pregnancies, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.39 to 2.15 among Asian women by country of origin, with the lowest for Japanese and Vietnamese and the highest for Filipino women in our study. Conclusion. Asian women have excess risk of placenta previa compared with white women. Major variation exists in placenta previa risk among Asian women, with the lowest risk in Japanese and Vietnamese women and the highest risk in Filipino women. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | ASIANS | BLACKS | WOMEN | CULTURE | PREGNANCY, THIRD TRIMESTER | BLEEDING | PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS | RISK FACTORS | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sociocultural Factors | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Signs and Symptoms | Diseases | Biology Document Number: 327334 |
| 11. Title: The efficacy and safety of vardenafil in East Asian men with erectile dysfunction. Author: Chen KK; Paick JS; Ishii N Source: Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2007 May;4(3):753-761. Abstract: Previous clinical studies assessing the efficacy and safety of vardenafil, an oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) have consisted mostly of Caucasian patients. The aim of this article is to describe the efficacy and safety of vardenafil in men of East Asian ethnicity with ED. Data were pooled from two 12-week, double-blind studies that included 306 East Asian men randomized to placebo or 10 mg of vardenafil. Efficacy variables included the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain score, questionnaires of Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP2 and SEP3), and a Global Assessment Question (GAQ). Safety assessments included laboratory tests, vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiogram recordings, and patients' reporting of adverse events. A total of 306 East Asian men with ED were treated with placebo (N = 151) or vardenafil (N = 155). Mean baseline IIEF-EF domain scores (placebo, 13.4; vardenafil, 14.2) were consistent with moderate ED. At end point, the patients treated with vardenafil had a significantly greater increase in IIEF-EF domain score compared with placebo (24.2 vs. 15.9; P < 0.0001). The average per patient penetration (SEP2) success rate was significantly higher in the vardenafil group compared with placebo (88% vs. 58%; P < 0.0001). Moreover, the average per patient intercourse completion (SEP3) success rate was significantly higher in the vardenafil group compared with placebo (69% vs. 23%; P < 0.0001). Positive GAQ responses were reported by 85% of patients receiving vardenafil, compared with 33% of those receiving placebo. The most frequent adverse events were vasodilatation (primarily facial flushing), rhinitis, and headache, all of which were of mild intensity. Vardenafil is an effective, well-tolerated oral drug for the treatment of East Asian men with moderate ED of broad-spectrum etiology. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ASIA, EASTERN | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | DOUBLE-BLIND STUDIES | ASIANS | MEN | IMPOTENCE | SAFETY | DRUGS | LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | SIDE EFFECTS | CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Genital Effects, Male | Genitalia, Male | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Public Health | Health | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Examinations and Diagnoses Document Number: 316252 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: Hong Kong attempts to reduce influx of pregnant Chinese. Author: Cheng MH Source: Lancet. 2007 Mar 24;369(9566):981-982. Abstract: Although Hong Kong effectively has a free public hospital service, there have always been hospital fees. The differences are that the new fees are much higher than before and that mothers classified as nonentitled persons are required to pay for an obstetric package, which covers one visit to an antenatal clinic, delivery (vaginal or operative), and a 3 day stay in hospital. Extra services, including extra visits to the antenatal clinic, attract more charges. Anyone who fails to pay the new charge and simply turns up at a hospital in labour will be punished by being charged $48 000. It is a scheme buying into the community demand for some sort of sanction against women they see as abusing Hong Kong's health service. Ironically, Hong Kong has one of the world's lowest fertility rates. In 2005, the fertility rate for Hong Kong residents was 0.7 children per woman, well below replacement levels (2.1), prompting the territory's chief executive, Donald Tsang, to exhort couples to have three children. However, the vacuum has been rapidly filled, not by civic-minded Hong Kong mothers but by mainland China's younger, and increasingly wealthier women, who are crossing the border to have their babies in Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong became part of China in 1997 the number of mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong has risen rapidly from 7810 in 2001 to 19 538 in 2005. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: HONG KONG | SUMMARY REPORT | ASIANS | PREGNANT WOMEN | CHILDBIRTH | FEES | HEALTH FACILITIES | MIGRANTS | HUMAN RIGHTS | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Pregnancy Outcomes | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Migration | Population Dynamics | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 314563 |
| 13. Peer Reviewed Title: Predictors of STD among Asian and Pacific islander young adults. Author: Hahm HC; Lee J; Ozonoff A; Amodeo M Source: Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2007 Dec;39(4):231-239. Abstract: Limited information is available on factors associated with STDs among Asian and Pacific Islander young adults. Such information is vital to developing effective interventions to reduce STDs within this group. Data were derived from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, Wave 3; the sample consisted of 605 female and 578 male Asian and Pacific Islander young adults. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with ever having had an STD. Thirteen percent of females and 4% of males had ever had an STD. Among those who had had an STD, 75% were female, 9% had ever been paid for sex, 31% had had sex before age 15 and 55% had had multiple sex partners in the previous 12 months. Being female (odds ratio, 4.1), being Indian (compared with being Filipino; 4.8), having ever been paid money for sex (4.7) and having had more than one sex partner in the past 12 months (2.5) were associated with increased odds of having had an STD diagnosis. The more respondents believed that STDs were responsive to treatment, the greater their odds of having had an STD (2.3); the more they believed that STDs had negative consequences for a relationship, the lower their odds of having had an STD (0.7). Asian and Pacific Islander women and Indians are priority groups for both research and clinical attention; prevention efforts to reduce STDs should be tailored to these groups. Clinicians working with Asians and Pacific Islanders need to focus on clients' number of sexual partners and health-related beliefs. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | ASIANS | YOUTH | MINORITY GROUPS | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES | RISK FACTORS | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Age Factors | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Biology Document Number: 323075 |
| 14. Title: Age at menopause and cause-specific mortality in South Korean women: Kangwha Cohort Study. Author: Hong JS; Yi SW; Kang HC; Jee SH; Kang HG Source: Maturitas. 2007 Apr 20;56(4):411-419. Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between age at natural menopause and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among women. This study used the data of the Kangwha Cohort that was followed up from 1985 to 2001, in particular, for the group of 55 years or older women (n = 2658). We calculated the hazard ratio of mortality by the group of age at menopause using the Cox proportional hazards model with adjustment for age, alcohol consumption, education, age at first birth, self-cognitive health level, chronic disease, marital partner, parity, age at menarche, oral contraceptive use and hypertension. The mean (standard deviation) age at menopause was 46.9 (4.9) years, and the median age was 48 years. After adjusting for the relevant variables, the risk of total death in the early menopause group (< 40 years at menopause) was 1.32 times higher than that of the reference group (45-49 years at menopause) (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.66, p = 0.02). For the early menopause group,relative to the reference group, the adjusted hazard ratios of death due to cardiovascular disease and cancer were 1.53 (95% CI, 1.00-2.39, p = 0.04) and 2.01 (95% CI, 1.06-3.82, p = 0.03), respectively. Through this study, the age at menopause was found to be different between Asian and Caucasian women and the association of age at menopause with death, particularly caused by cardiovascular disease and cancer, was validated. Our study is one of rare studies regarding the age at menopause of Asian women and their risk of mortality, which could be considered to be meaningful. (author's) Language: English Keywords: REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | WOMEN | ASIANS | WHITES | MENOPAUSE | AGE FACTORS | DIFFERENTIAL MORTALITY | CAUSES OF DEATH | CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS | CANCER | Developed Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Reproduction | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Physiology | Biology | Neoplasms | Diseases Document Number: 313253 |
| 15. Title: Sexual behavior and drug use among Asian and Latino adolescents: association with immigrant status. Author: Hussey JM; Hallfors DD; Waller MW; Iritani BJ; Halpern CT Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 2007 Apr;9(2):85-94. Abstract: This paper contributes new evidence on the association between immigrant status and health by describing and attempting to explain patterns of co-occurring sex and drug use behaviors among Asian and Latino adolescents in the United States. Nine patterns of sex and drug use behaviors were identified from a cluster analysis of data from 3,924 Asian and Latino youth (grades 7-12) who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The relationship between immigrant status and risk cluster membership was evaluated with multinomial logistic regression. Compared to foreign-born youth, U.S. born Asian and Latino adolescents were more likely to engage in sex and drug risk behaviors. Family and residential characteristics associated with immigrant status partly accounted for this finding. The results indicate that among Asian and Latino adolescents, assimilation to U.S. risk behavior norms occurs rapidly and is evident by the second generation. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | ADOLESCENTS | IMMIGRANTS | ASIANS | HISPANICS | SECONDARY SCHOOLS | SEX BEHAVIOR | DRUG USE AND ABUSE | ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Schools | Education | Behavior | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 314469 |
| 16. Title: Levels and correlates of alpha-fetoprotein in normal pregnancies among Caucasian and Chinese women. Author: Lagiou P; Samoli E; Lagiou A; Lambe M; Trichopoulos D Source: Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2007 Jun;16(3):178-183. Abstract: Alpha-fetoprotein has been suggested to have anti breast cancer properties both in adult life and in utero. We studied correlates of maternal serum a-fetoprotein levels in normal singleton pregnancies. This was a prospective study relying on women attending maternal units in major teaching hospitals in Boston, USA and Shanghai, China. Specifically, 212 Caucasian women in Boston, and 196 Asian women in Shanghai provided blood samples at the 16th and 27th gestational week. Maternal serum a-fetoprotein levels were measured and correlated with maternal and newborn parameters through multiple regression procedures, controlling for a set of potential confounders, including maternal levels of measured hormones. Alpha-fetoprotein was strongly inversely associated with maternal prepregnancy body mass index ( -4.73 ng/l at the 27th week per 1 kg/m2 of body mass index, with 95% confidence intervals -7.09 to -2.36), whereas it was not related to parity, gender of offspring or birth weight. Duration of gestation was inversely associated with maternal a-fetoprotein levels, particularly among Caucasian women ( -0.22 weeks per 60 ng/l of a-fetoprotein at the 27th week, with 95% confidence intervals -0.39 to -0.05). In normal pregnancies, maternal a-fetoprotein is inversely related to prepregnancy body mass index and appears to have a physiologic role on duration of gestation rather than on birth weight. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | MASSACHUSETTS | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | PREGNANT WOMEN | WHITES | ASIANS | BREAST CANCER | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | PROTEINS | BODY WEIGHT | BIRTH WEIGHT | Developing Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 317541 |
| 17. Peer Reviewed Title: Correlates of depressive symptomatology during the second trimester of pregnancy among Hong Kong Chinese. Author: Lau Y; Keung DW Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2007 May;64(9):1802-1811. Abstract: The study investigated the correlates of antenatal depressive symptoms among Hong Kong Chinese women during their second trimester of pregnancy. A total of 2178 women were recruited at five regional public hospitals in Hong Kong to participate in a study with a cross-sectional design. Associations were examined between depressive symptoms (using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and socioeconomic, obstetric, and Chinese family relations. Logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age, a personal or family psychiatric history, an unplanned pregnancy, a history of menstruation discomfort or premenstrual mood change, high marital conflict, and high mother-in-law conflict were found to be associated with more severe depressive symptoms. Antenatal depression is important because of its association with risk of adverse consequences for mothers and their families. There is a consensus that depression is most treatable when detected early. These findings therefore provide important information for the prevention of antenatal depressive symptoms among the Hong Kong population, amongst whom depression is rarely talked about. The implications and limitations of these findings and directions for future research are discussed. (author's) Language: English Keywords: HONG KONG | RESEARCH REPORT | PREGNANT WOMEN | ASIANS | PREGNANCY, SECOND TRIMESTER | DEPRESSION | SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS | Developed Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Mental Disorders | Diseases Document Number: 313348 |
| 18. Title: Health care consequences of cesarean birth during the first 18 months of life. Author: Leung GM; Ho LM; Tin KY; Schooling CM; Lam TH Source: Epidemiology. 2007 Jul;18(4):479-484. Abstract: Elective cesarean delivery is increasingly common. The potential effects of surgical delivery in an unselected sample of infants beyond the immediate neonatal period remain poorly defined. We carried out an 18-month follow-up of a population-based cohort of 8327 Hong Kong Chinese infants born in 1997. The main outcome measures were utilization of outpatient visits and hospitalizations, categorized by doctor-diagnosed causes as reported by parents. Among term singleton infants, there was no association of cesarean (compared with vaginal) birth with subsequent hospital admission (adjusted odds ratio = 0.92; 95% confidence interval = 0.79 -1.08) or with above versus below the median number of outpatient episodes (1.10; 0.96 -1.26) in the first 18 months of life. There were weak positive associations with afebrile gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin and a few other conditions. Cesarean birth is not associated with hospitalization or outpatient care overall during the first 18 months after adjustment for confounders. We cannot rule out isolated associations with minor morbidities. (author's) Language: English Keywords: HONG KONG | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | ASIANS | INFANT | INFANT HEALTH | CESAREAN SECTION | PREGNANCY OUTCOMES | SIDE EFFECTS | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Child Health | Health | Obstetrical Surgery | Surgery | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Pregnancy | Reproduction Document Number: 326508 |
| 19. Title: Preventive treatment of intrauterine device-induced menstrual bloodloss with tranexamic acid in Chinese women. Author: Lin X; Gao ES; Li D; Zhang M; Dou LX Source: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2007;86(9):1126-1126. Abstract: The objectives were to investigate whether tranexamic acid (Transamin) therapy reduces the amount of menstrual blood loss (MBL) and occurrence of menorrhagia after intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Some 175 Chinese women attending for IUD insertion were equally assigned into 2 Transamin groups (1,000 and 500 mg, twice daily) and a placebo group. Their MBL was recorded with a pictorial chart in 3 subsequent menstrual cycles after insertion, while the MBL of 64 patients, collecting used sanitary towels, was also measured by an alkaline hematin method. A significant decline in post-insertion MBL and occurrence of menorrhagia was found in the 2 Transamin groups compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05), whereas the difference in the results from the pictorial chart score was not statistically significant between the 1 g group and placebo group. Transamin treatment with a generally recommended dosage can effectively reduce the amount of IUD-induced MBL and prevent menorrhagia in Chinese women. A lower dosage than recommended (50% of recommended dosage) may have a similar preventive effect. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | ASIANS | WOMEN | IUD COMPLICATIONS | BLEEDING | MENSTRUATION | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | TREATMENT | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | IUD | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Signs and Symptoms | Diseases | Reproduction | Drugs | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 319615 |
20.  Title: Child mortality and injury in Asia: an overview. Author: Linnan M; Giersing M; Cox R; Linnan H; Williams MK Source: Florence, Italy, UNICEF, Innocenti Research Centre, 2007 Oct. [33] p. (Innocenti Working Paper No. IWP-2007-04Special Series on Child Injury No. 1) Abstract: This paper presents an overview of the IRC Child Injury Series, a working paper series on child injury that has its first focus on injury in developing countries. The series summarizes the findings of six national and subnational surveys in Asia: Bangladesh, China (two regions), Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. The surveys, undertaken using a new methodology resembling a census, found that injury is the leading cause of death after infancy in children through 17 years of age in all countries surveyed. The methodology involved creating a very large, representative sample of households in each national/subnational survey and directly counting all mortality events in the previous three years and all morbidity events that required missing work, school, or being hospitalized from injury in the previous one year. The results show that prior estimates of child mortality have omitted most injury deaths in early childhood as they did not include children aged five years and over. As a result, injury, which is a leading cause of death in children under five, and the leading cause of death in children aged five years and over, has been largely invisible to policymakers and is not included in child health programmes. The surveys show a consistent pattern of types of injury in the different stages of childhood in the countries surveyed. Drowning, greatly underestimated by traditional methods of surveillance, is the leading injury cause, responsible for over half of all injury deaths in children. Evidence from the surveys shows that the social, health and economic burden of non-fatal injury is significantly high. While falls, road traffic, cuts and burns were found to be leading causes of morbidity, injury caused by animals also emerged as a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Addressing injury is necessary to continue current progress in child mortality and morbidity reductions in the region. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | CHILDREN | ASIANS | CHILD MORTALITY | ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES | CAUSES OF DEATH | CHILD SURVIVAL | INFANT MORTALITY | Health | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Survivorship | Length of Life Document Number: 326759 |
| 21. Title: Child mortality and injury in Asia: policy and programme implications. Author: Linnan M; Giersing M; Linnan H; Cox R; Williams MK Source: Florence, Italy, UNICEF, Innocenti Research Centre, 2007 Oct. [24] p. (Innocenti Working Paper No. IWP-2007-07Special Series on Child Injury No. 4) Abstract: This paper presents a summary of the findings of the national and subnational surveys on child injury in this series and discusses implications of the results for child health policy and programmes. The principal finding is that injury has been largely unrecognized as a leading cause of child death. This is largely because the previous estimates of child mortality causality were unable to include injury due to technical issues. The surveys provide convincing evidence that injury is a leading cause of child death after infancy and that the types of injury vary with the age group of the child. Similar convincing evidence shows that injury is a leading cause of serious morbidity and permanent disability in children and that the types of injury with these outcomes also vary with the age of the child. The implications discussed are (1) an effective measure of child mortality needs to be developed to include all ages of childhood; (2) prevention of mortality and serious morbidity from injury in childrenwill require a life-cycle approach; (3) continued progress on child survival programming in children under five years of age will require injury reductions; (4) since drowning is the single injury cause responsible for about half of all injury deaths, targeting it for reduction would be an efficient strategy; and (5) there are efficient strategies for targeting other subtypes of child injury as well. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CHILDREN | ASIANS | CHILD MORTALITY | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | HEALTH POLICY | SOCIAL POLICY | ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES | CAUSES OF DEATH | CHILD SURVIVAL | LIFE CYCLE | Health | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Diseases | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Survivorship | Length of Life | Family Research | Family and Household Document Number: 326761 |
| 22. Title: Child mortality and injury in Asia: survey results and evidence. Author: Linnan M; Le Vu Anh; Pham Viet Cuong; Rahman F; Rahman A Source: Florence, Italy, UNICEF, Innocenti Research Centre, 2007 Oct. [33] p. (Innocenti Working Paper No. IWP-2007-06Special Series on Child Injury No. 3) Abstract: This paper presents a detailed description of the survey results which were introduced in the Overview paper. Results are presented first for proportional mortality in children by age group for a population-weighted composite of the surveys, and then for the individual surveys. Following this, detailed results are presented for fatal injury by national or subnational area, region (urban/rural) and gender for childhood (0-17 years). After this the types of fatal injury that occur at the different stages of childhood are presented. The second part of the paper presents both fatal and non-fatal injury by type of injury for the composite of the surveys as well as the individual surveys themselves. The results show that the leading causes of non-fatal injury differ from those of fatal injury, and the greatest burden is caused by the more serious categories of non-fatal injury. Finally, the ratio of the two leading causes of fatal injury in children, drowning and road traffic accidents, are presented for each of the surveys. Drowning is shown to be the leading cause of fatal childhood injury in each survey when compared with road traffic. The paper concludes with a discussion of the major issues illuminated in the results of the surveys. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | CHILDREN | ASIANS | CHILD MORTALITY | ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES | CAUSES OF DEATH | CHILD SURVIVAL | INFANT MORTALITY | Health | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Survivorship | Length of Life Document Number: 326762 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: Seroprevalence of HBV in immigrant pregnant women and coverage of HBIG vaccine for neonates born to chronically infected immigrant mothers in Hsin-Chu County, Taiwan. Author: Liu CY; Chang NT; Chou P Source: Vaccine. 2007 Nov;25(44):7706-7710. Abstract: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of HBsAg positivity and coverage rate of antenatal HBV screening among immigrant women. In addition, the extent of administration of HBIG plus HB vaccine #1 to neonates born to chronically infected (HBeAg-positive/HBsAg positive) mothers was assessed. All pregnant women residing in Hsin-Chu County, Taiwan and giving birth during 2004-2006 were recruited. Among all 16926 cases, the prevalence of HBsAg positivity according to their ethnicities was Mainland Chinese, 11.0% (68/616); Indonesian, 3.5% (15/426); Vietnamese, 7.4% (42/568); aboriginal Taiwanese, 20.6% (109/530); and non-aboriginal Taiwanese 11.5% (1536/13368). Among the HBsAg carriers, the prevalence of HBeAg positivity was Mainland Chinese, 52.9% (36/68); Indonesian, 53.3% (8/15);Vietnamese, 45.2% (19/42); aboriginal Taiwanese, 47.7% (52/109); and non-aboriginal Taiwanese, 26.8% (411/1534). With non-aboriginal Taiwanese as the reference category, results of multiple logistic regression revealed the healthy immigrant phenomenon in the HBsAg carriage state among pregnant women from Indonesia (OR 0.30; CI 95%: 0.18-0.50) and Vietnam (OR 0.68; CI 95%: 0.49-0.93). On the contrary, among chronically infected mothers, Mainland Chinese showed the highest risk for HBeAg positivity (OR 2.79; CI 95%: 1.7-4.58). More efforts should be made to improve HBV infection among aboriginal Taiwanese pregnant women who were more vulnerable to HBsAg positivity (OR 2.15; CI 95%: 1.72-2.68) and HBeAg positivity (OR 1.93; CI 95%: 1.28-2.90). Age was another independent predictor for HBsAg positivity (OR 1.02; CI 95%: 1.01-1.03) and for HBeAg positivity among chronically infected mothers (OR 0.93; CI 95%: 0.91-0.96). The coverage rates of antenatal HBV screening and HBIG plus HB vaccine #1 showed no difference among these multiple ethnic subgroups. In 2006, the overall coverage rate of antenatal HBV screening was 98.7% (5546/5639), with the individual rate being Mainland Chinese, 100% (267/267); Indonesian, 97.2% (106/109); Vietnamese, 99.5% (201/202); aboriginal Taiwanese, 97.0% (196/202); and non-aboriginal Taiwanese, 99.8% (4776/4785). The administration rate of HBIG plus HB vaccine #1 was 100% for all ethnic subgroups. (author's) Language: English Keywords: TAIWAN | VIETNAM | INDONESIA | CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | PREVALENCE | PREGNANT WOMEN | ASIANS | EMIGRANTS | ANTENATAL CARE | SCREENING | HEPATITIS | VACCINES | TRANSMISSION | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Measurement | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Maternal Health Services | Maternal-Child Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Infections Document Number: 321389 |
| 24. Peer Reviewed Title: All-cause mortality among Japanese-Brazilians according to nutritional characteristics. Author: Massimino FC; Gimeno SG; Ferreira SR Source: Cadernos de Saude Publica. 2007 Jan-Sep;23(9):2145-2156. Abstract: The aim of this study was to verify the association between nutritional variables and mortality in a Japanese-Brazilian cohort. In 1993, 647 subjects were interviewed with food frequency questionnaires and scheduled for physical procedures (weight, height, blood pressure) and biochemical tests (oral glucose tolerance test). Student's t test was used to compare the mean values of target variables between living and deceased subjects. Mortality rate and hazard ratios were obtained (crude and adjusted) according to the nutritional variables. Overall mortality rates were 21.4 and 11.7/1,000 person-years for males and females, respectively. Smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, higher mean age, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, and higher percent weight gain and rate of weight gain were observed in the history of deceased subjects. After adjusting for control variables, an increase was observed in mortality among individuals with lower carbohydrate and cholesterol intake. The results suggest that mortality risk factors like age, chronic diseases, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and inadequate diet must also be acting in the Japanese-Brazilian population. (author's) Language: English Keywords: JAPAN | BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | COHORT ANALYSIS | NUTRITION SURVEYS | ASIANS | CAUSES OF DEATH | NUTRITION | DEATH RATE | SEX FACTORS | TOBACCO USE | DIABETES | HYPERTENSION | AGE FACTORS | Developed Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Health | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Behavior | Diseases | Vascular Diseases Document Number: 323949 |
| 25. Title: South Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome exhibit greater sensitivity to gonadotropin stimulation with reduced fertilization and ongoing pregnancy rates than their Caucasian counterparts. Author: Palep-Singh M; Picton HM; Vrotsou K; Maruthini D; Balen AH Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 2007 Oct;134(2):202-207. Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous syndrome. In vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is required for PCOS cases that are refractory to standard ovulation induction or have co-existing infertility factors in women with PCOS and Tubal factor subfertility. The objective was to assess ethnic variations in response to IVF/ICSI treatment. The study design was an Observational Comparative study in a University hospital fertility clinic in women with PCOS and Tubal factor subfertility. Women with PCOS (Asians: AP = 104; Caucasians: CP = 220) and those with tubal factor infertility seeking fertility treatment were assessed (Asians: AC = 84; Caucasians: CC = 200). Six hundred and eight fresh IVF or ICSI cycles using long protocol of GnRHa suppression and resulting in a fresh embryo transfer were compared. The primary endpoint was to assess the dose of gonadotropins used in the cycles. The secondary outcomes were: total number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization and ongoing clinical pregnancy rates. We found that the South Asian women presented at a younger age for the management of sub-fertility. An extended stimulation phase and Caucasian ethnicity showed an inverse correlation with the number of oocytes retrieved in the PCOS subgroup. Caucasian ethnicity was associated with a higher fertilization rate however increase in body mass index (BMI) and the laboratory technique of IVF appeared to have a negative impact on fertilization rates in the PCOS subgroup. Commencing down regulation on day 1 of the cycles was negatively associated with fertilization rates in the tubal group. In terms of clinical pregnancy rates, the Caucasian PCOS had a 2.5 times (95% CI: 1.25-5) higher chance of an ongoing clinical pregnancy as compared with their Asian counterpart. Also, a unit increase in the basal FSH concentration reduced the odds of pregnancy by 18.6% (95% CI: 1.8-32.6%) in the PCOS group. The Asian PCOS have a greater sensitivity to gonadotropin stimulation with lower fertilization and ongoing clinical pregnancy rates as compared with their Caucasian counterparts. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | ASIANS | WHITES | OVARIAN CYSTS | INFERTILITY | TREATMENT | REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES | GONADOTROPINS | FERTILIZATION | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Studies | Research Methodology | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Diseases | Reproduction | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 320782 |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: Presence and awareness of infectious disease among Chinese migrant workers. Author: Strand M; Wang A; Xiaobing W; Yanqing L; Jinxi N; Xiaoqin D Source: International Quarterly of Community Health Education. 2007;26(4):337-353. Abstract: This cross-sectional study set out to identify the health status and health beliefs and behaviors with regard to TB and HIV-AIDS among 407 rural male migrant workers in China. Surveyed workers' awareness level for AIDS transmission was 67.7% and for TB transmission 56.8%. These workers had high rates of acute illness in the previous month (depression 18.3%, physical injury 16.3%, dermatological ailment 9.6%, respiratory infection 9.4%). One or more of the four symptoms of TB were found in 22.3% of the workers. Prevalent TB symptoms were associated with previously having had TB (chi-square = 69.98, p = .000) and having previously lived with a TB patient (F = 13.99, p = .000). The relative risk for having had TB if the worker had lived with someone with TB was 5.69 (chi-square 7.65, p = .006). Screening for TB symptoms, a history of having lived with someone with TB, or having previously had TB, has the potential to serve as a cost-effective and easy first-line TB screening among large mobile populations. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | MIGRANT WORKERS | ASIANS | MEN | DISEASES | INFECTIONS | AWARENESS | BELIEFS | BEHAVIOR | TUBERCULOSIS | HIV INFECTIONS | AIDS | SCREENING | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Health | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Knowledge | Sociocultural Factors | Culture | Viral Diseases | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care Document Number: 320853 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: The effectiveness in utilizing Chinese media to promote breast health among Chinese women. Author: Sun A; Zhang J; Tsoh J; Wong-Kim E; Chow E Source: Journal of Health Communication. 2007 Mar;12(2):157-171. Abstract: To increase the awareness and practice of breast health guidelines, a media-based education campaign on breast health was launched among immigrant Chinese community in San Francisco. The media campaign included airing two public service announcements (PSAs) on Chinese television and radio stations and publishing the same message in Chinese newspapers during 2000. Seven-hundred-ten face-to-face interviews were conducted with women who were recruited from various settings in the city of San Francisco to evaluate the impact of the campaign. Survey participants were asked to describe the content of the PSAs. Having viewed the PSA was significantly associated with the ability to identify all four guidelines (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.35-2.85), knowing how to perform breast self-exam (BSE; OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.53-3.29), having performed BSE within the past month (OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 2.05-4.74), and having a clinical breast exam (CBE; OR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.82-4.90) and mammogram (MAM; OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.16-3.36) in the past year. The study findings support that a media campaign utilizing PSAs is effective in improving knowledge of breast health guidelines, teaching Chinese women how to (BSEs), and increasing breast health practices. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CALIFORNIA | EVALUATION REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | ASIANS | WOMEN | MASS MEDIA | BREAST EXAM | HEALTH EDUCATION | CAMPAIGNS | TELEVISION | RADIO | NEWSPAPERS | PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS | MAMMARY GLAND EFFECTS | MAMMOGRAM | Developed Countries | United States of America | North America | Americas | Evaluation | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Communication | Physical Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Education | Communication Programs | Broadcast Media | Printed Media | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 316250 |
| 28. Peer Reviewed Title: Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with diabetes varies by women's race and ethnicity. Source: Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2006 Mar;38(1):[2] p. Abstract: Women with diabetes have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the level of risk associated with the condition varies by racial and ethnic group, according to an analysis of births in New York City. Among white, black, Hispanic and Asian groups alike, women with chronic or gestational diabetes had higher odds than their nondiabetic counterparts of having a first cesarean delivery (odds ratios, 1.2-2.9) or a preterm birth (1.2-3.4). Chronic diabetes was positively associated with the likelihood of having a low-birth-weight infant among white, Hispanic and Asian women (1.6-2.3), and gestational diabetes was negatively associated with this outcome among black and Hispanic women (0.7-0.8). Using data from birth certificates, researchers studied births during 1999-2001. They conducted logistic regression analyses to test associations between two maternal risk factors--obesity and diabetes--and three adverse pregnancy outcomes--a first cesarean delivery, preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks of gestation) and birth of an infant with a low birth weight (less than 2,500 g). The regression models were adjusted for social and demographic factors potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes (maternal age, marital status, birthplace and education; parity; payer for prenatal care; trimester in which prenatal care began; smoking and use of alcohol and drugs; and, in parts of the analysis, preeclampsia). (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | NEW YORK | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | PREGNANT WOMEN | ETHNIC GROUPS | BLACKS | HISPANICS | WHITES | ASIANS | DIABETES | PREGNANCY OUTCOMES | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Cultural Background | Diseases | Pregnancy | Reproduction Document Number: 297450 |
| 29. Peer Reviewed Title: HIV testing trends and correlates among young Asian and Pacific Islander men who have sex with men in two U.S. cities. Author: Do TD; Hudes ES; Proctor K; Han CS; Choi KH Source: AIDS Education and Prevention. 2006 Feb;18(1):44-55. Abstract: We sought to determine the prevalence, trends, and correlates of recent HIV testing (within the past year) among young Asian and Pacific Islander men who have sex with men (API MSM) in two U.S. cities. We conducted serial, cross-sectional, interviewer-administered surveys of 908 API MSM aged 15-25 years, sampled from randomly selected MSM-identified venues annually from 1999 to 2002. The prevalence of recent testing increased from 63% to 71% between the first and fourth year. Recent testing was most significantly associated with ethnicity and with knowledge of testing sites to which respondents felt comfortable going. Other correlates of recent testing included gay identity, comfort with sexual and API identity, having a main partner, social support, and recent unprotected anal intercourse. API MSM who had ever traded sex for material goods or shelter were as likely to have tested recently. HIV prevention campaigns should increase the awareness and availability of culturally appropriate testing sites and urge more frequent testing by young API MSM. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | PREVALENCE | CHANGES | ASIANS | MINORITY GROUPS | MEN HAVING SEX WITH MEN | HIV INFECTIONS | HIV TESTING | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Measurement | Social Change | Sociocultural Factors | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 299810 |
| 30. Peer Reviewed Title: Pregnancy outcome in gestational diabetes. Author: Fan ZT; Yang HX; Gao XL; Lintu H; Sun WJ Source: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2006 Jul;94(1):12-16. Abstract: The objective was to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) following glycemic screening and diabetic management, with special focus on concurrent GDM and pre-eclampsia. A retrospective chart review of 782 women diagnosed with and treated for GDM at a Chinese university teaching hospital. Data on maternal and neonatal outcome, glycemic control, concurrent preeclampsia, and diabetic management were collected and analyzed. The incidence of GDM was 3.8%. Of the affected women, 62.9% were managed with diet only and the remainder received insulin treatment. Overall, 80.7% had good glycemic control. Poor glycemic control and concurrent pre-eclampsia correlated with maternal and neonatal complications. Aggressive management for tight glycemic control improves maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with GDM. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | ASIANS | PREGNANT WOMEN | DIABETES | GESTATIONAL AGE | NEONATAL DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES | PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Diseases | Fetus | Pregnancy | Reproduction Document Number: 302719 |
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