1.  Title: TV soap operas in HIV education: Reaching out with popular entertainment. Author: Adams S Source: Eschborn, Germany, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit [GTZ], German HIV Peer Review Group, 2009 May. 38 p. (German HIV Practice Collection) Abstract: This document provides an overview of why and how the German Development Cooperation supports soap operas as an integral component of national and regional HIV programs. It also describes three soap operas designed to reflect and respond to three very different epidemics in Kyrgyzstan, Dominican Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire. Characters and target audiences include young people. Language: English Keywords: GERMANY | KYRGYZSTAN | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | COTE D'IVOIRE | SUMMARY REPORT | YOUTH | ADOLESCENTS | HIV PREVENTION | EDUCATIONAL METHODS | TELEVISION PROGRAM | SOCIAL MARKETING | INFORMATION | EDUCATION | COMMUNICATION | HEALTH EDUCATION | CONDOM USE | SEX BEHAVIOR | MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Asia, Central | Asia | Developing Countries | Caribbean | Americas | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Educational Activities | Television | Broadcast Media | Mass Media | Marketing | Economic Factors | Risk Reduction Behavior | Behavior Document Number: 331830 |
2.  Peer Reviewed Title: Parent-adolescent communication about sex in Morelos, Mexico: does it impact sexual behaviour? Author: Atienzo EE; Walker DM; Campero L; Lamadrid-Figueroa H; Gutierrez JP Source: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2009 Apr;14(2):111-9. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Parent-adolescent communication about sexuality has been shown to influence adolescents' sexual behaviour. This study aims to describe communication about sex between Mexican parents and adolescents, and its relation to age at first intercourse and condom use. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with self-administered questionnaires of first year students at 23 high schools. Communication was divided into three themes: biological aspects, risks associated with sexual behaviour, and prevention. For sexually active adolescents, discussion timing was determined to have occurred prior to, or after sexual initiation. Analysis included logistic regression models stratifying by discussion timing. RESULTS: Overall 5,461 questionnaires were analysed. Among male respondents 24.3% and among females 10.6% stated that they were sexually active. As many as 83.1% reported having spoken with parents about sexual relations. Communication was more common with mothers. Discussions about risk and prevention prior to sexual initiation was associated with condom use at first intercourse (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.05); late discussion was associated with younger age (<15) at first intercourse (OR = 3.51). CONCLUSIONS: Communication before onset of sexual activity about risk and prevention is associated with safe sex practices. Improving parent-adolescent communication is a poorly studied strategy to influence adolescents' behaviour. Interventions should promote early parent-adolescent communication. Language: English Keywords: MEXICO | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | ADOLESCENTS | YOUTH | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS | COMMUNICATION | SEX BEHAVIOR | RISK BEHAVIOR | PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS | North America | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Child Rearing | Behavior | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 341614 |
| 3. Peer Reviewed Title: Women's perspectives on family planning service quality: an exploration of differences by race, ethnicity and language. Author: Becker D; Klassen AC; Koenig MA; LaVeist TA; Sonenstein FL; Tsui AO Source: Perspectives On Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2009 Sep;41(3):158-65. Abstract: CONTEXT: Despite calls to make family planning services more responsive to the values, needs and preferences of clients, few studies have asked clients about their experiences or values, and most have used surveys framed by researchers', rather than clients', perspectives. METHODS: Forty in-depth interviews exploring lifetime experiences with and values regarding services were conducted with 18-36-year-old women who visited family planning clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2007. Women were categorized as black, white, English- or Spanish-speaking Latina, or of mixed ethnicity to allow examination of differences by racial, ethnic and language group. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and coded thematically; matrices were then used to compare the themes that emerged across the subgroups. RESULTS: Eight themes emerged as important to women's views of services: service accessibility, information provision, attention to client comfort, providers' personalization of care, service organization, providers' empathy, technical quality of care and providers' respect for women's autonomy. Women reported that it was important to feel comfortable during visits, to feel that their decision-making autonomy was respected, to have providers show empathy and be nonjudgmental, and to see the same provider across visits. The only notable difference among racial, ethnic and language groups was that Spanish-speaking Latinas wanted to receive language-appropriate care and contraceptive information. CONCLUSIONS: Future surveys of family planning service quality should include measures of the factors that women value in such care, and efforts to improve providers' communication and counseling skills should emphasize the personalization of services and respect for clients' autonomy. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | CALIFORNIA | RESEARCH REPORT | INTERVIEWS | FAMILY PLANNING SURVEYS | WOMEN | CLIENTS | ETHNIC GROUPS | FAMILY PLANNING | LANGUAGE | HEALTH SERVICES | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | COMMUNICATION | COUNSELING | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Health Services Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Clinic Activities Document Number: 342713 |
| 4. Title: Parental communication as a protective factor in increasing condom use among minority adolescents. Author: Buzi RS; Smith PB; Weinman ML Source: International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 2009 Jan-Mar;21(1):51-9. Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic differences in risk behaviors among adolescents who attended family planning clinics and to evaluate the impact of parental communication regarding sexual topics on adolescent condom use. The sample for this study included 697 black and Hispanic female adolescents ranging in age from 13-22 years. Ethnic differences were found in sexually transmitted infection rates, number of sexual partners, and condom use. Although black adolescents were more likely than Hispanic adolescents to report recent condom use, Black adolescents reported higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and more sexual partners. Black adolescents reported more parental communication about sexual topics than Hispanic adolescents. Parental communication was associated with increased condom use. The results of this study emphasize the importance of parental communication in risk reduction among adolescents. As ethnicity emerged in the study as a significant factor, interventions aimed at increasing parent-adolescent communication will have to be tailored to address the needs of specific ethnic groups. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | ETHNIC GROUPS | ADOLESCENTS | PARENTS | CONDOM USE | COMMUNICATION | RISK BEHAVIOR | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Risk Reduction Behavior | Behavior | Child Rearing Document Number: 341666 |
| 5. Title: Sustainable community management of urban water and sanitation schemes (a training manual). Author: Castro V; Msuya N; Makoye C Source: Nairobi, Kenya, World Bank, Water and Sanitation Program - Africa, 2009 Jan. 52 p. Abstract: The aim of this capacity building programme is to improve the efficiency and positive impact of urban, community-managed water and sanitation schemes. The manual was originally developed in collaboration with the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority's (DAWASA) Community Water Supply and Sanitation Program (CWSSP); but some of the material is applicable to other urban communities who may need to improve their management practices and increase the likelihood of a sustainable operation. The material included in this manual is intended to provide a trainer with the tools and information to build management capacity in the target communities. Although the manual is geared for trainers, it has also been designed to serve as a reference tool for communities who may wish to review the material on an on-going basis. (Excerpts) Language: English Keywords: TANZANIA | MANUAL | WATER SUPPLY | SANITATION | COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION | PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY | ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION | PROCEDURES | COMMUNICATION | FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Natural Resources | Environment | Public Health | Health | Programs | Economic Factors Document Number: 331414 |
| 6. Title: Infodemiology and infoveillance: Framework for an emerging set of public health informatics methods to analyze search, communication and publication behavior on the Internet [editorial] Author: Eysenbach G Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2009;11(1):e11. Abstract: Infodemiology can be defined as the science of distribution and determinants of information in an electronic medium, specifically the Internet, or in a population, with the ultimate aim to inform public health and public policy. Infodemiology data can be collected and analyzed in near real time. Examples for infodemiology applications include: the analysis of queries from Internet search engines to predict disease outbreaks (eg. influenza); monitoring peoples' status updates on microblogs such as Twitter for syndromic surveillance; detecting and quantifying disparities in health information availability; identifying and monitoring of public health relevant publications on the Internet (eg. anti-vaccination sites, but also news articles or expert-curated outbreak reports); automated tools to measure information diffusion and knowledge translation, and tracking the effectiveness of health marketing campaigns. Moreover, analyzing how people search and navigate the Internet for health-related information, as well as how they communicate and share this information, can provide valuable insights into health-related behavior of populations. Seven years after the infodemiology concept was first introduced, this paper revisits the emerging fields of infodemiology and infoveillance and proposes an expanded framework, introducing some basic metrics such as information prevalence, concept occurrence ratios, and information incidence. The framework distinguishes supply-based applications (analyzing what is being published on the Internet, eg. on Web sites, newsgroups, blogs, microblogs and social media) from demand-based methods (search and navigation behavior), and further distinguishes passive from active infoveillance methods. Infodemiology metrics follow population health relevant events or predict them. Thus, these metrics and methods are potentially useful for public health practice and research, and should be further developed and standardized. (Author's abstract) Language: English Keywords: CANADA | CRITIQUE | EPIDEMIOLOGY | INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION | INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS | INTERNET | INFLUENZA | MONITORING | COMMUNICATION | PUBLIC HEALTH | Developed Countries | North America, Northern | Americas | Health | Data Storage and Retrieval | Information Processing | Information | Information Networks | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Evaluation Document Number: 331416 |
| 7. Title: Communicating with youth: Using the Internet and mobile phones in reproductive health programs. The Internet and mobile phones hold promise as tools for reaching youth, but more evaluation is needed. Author: Fazekas K; Moffett J Source: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Family Health International [FHI], Interagency Youth Working Group, 2009 May. [4] p. (YouthLens on Reproductive Health and HIV / AIDS No. 28) Abstract: A growing number of programs are turning to the Internet and mobile phones to communicate with young people about reproductive health and HIV / AIDS prevention. The surge in availability and popularity of these technologies among youth offers new opportunities but also raises important questions. How can the Internet and mobile phones best be used in reproductive health interventions for youth? What are the advantages and challenges of using these technologies? Is there evidence to demonstrate that interventions using the Internet or mobile phone are effective? (Excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | SUMMARY REPORT | YOUTH | ADOLESCENTS | COMMUNICATION | TELECOMMUNICATIONS | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | INTERNET | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | PROGRAM ACTIVITIES | INTERVENTIONS | PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Broadcast Media | Mass Media | Health | Information Networks | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 331497 |
| 8. Peer Reviewed Title: Evaluating nurses' implementation of an infant-feeding counseling protocol for HIV-infected mothers: The Ban Study in Lilongwe, Malawi. Author: Ferguson YO; Eng E; Bentley M; Sandelowski M; Steckler A; Randall-David E; Piwoz EG; Zulu C; Chasela C; Soko A; Tembo M; Martinson F; Tohill BC; Ahmed Y; Kazembe P; Jamieson DJ; van der Horst C Source: AIDS Education and Prevention. 2009 Apr;21(2):141-55. Abstract: A process evaluation of nurses' implementation of an infant-feeding counseling protocol was conducted for the Breastfeeding, Antiretroviral and Nutrition (BAN) Study, a prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV clinical trial in Lilongwe, Malawi. Six trained nurses counseled HIV-infected mothers to exclusively breastfeed for 24 weeks postpartum and to stop breastfeeding within an additional four weeks. Implementation data were collected via direct observations of 123 infant feeding counseling sessions (30 antenatal and 93 postnatal) and interviews with each nurse. Analysis included calculating a percent adherence to checklists and conducting a content analysis for the observation and interview data. Nurses were implementing the protocol at an average adherence level of 90% or above. Although not detailed in the protocol, nurses appropriately counseled mothers on their actual or intended formula milk usage after weaning. Results indicate that nurses implemented the protocol as designed. Results will help to interpret the BAN Study's outcomes. Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | EVALUATION REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | NURSES AND NURSING | MOTHERS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | IMPLEMENTATION | COUNSELING | BREASTFEEDING, EXCLUSIVE | COMMUNICATION | USER COMPLIANCE | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Evaluation | Studies | Research Methodology | Health Personnel | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Disease Transmission Control | Prevention and Control | Programs | Organization and Administration | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Breastfeeding | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Behavior Document Number: 341680 |
| 9. Title: Appreciative inquiry into lifeskills-based HIV/AIDS education in South African schools. Author: Govender S; Edwards S Source: African Journal of AIDS Research. 2009 Apr;8(1):115-121. Abstract: With a steady rise in the prevalence of HIV and AIDS throughout the world it has become vital for programme implementers at all levels to ensure that all HIV intervention programmes are effectively put into practice. The present research used qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the lifeskills-based HIV/AIDS education programme being implemented in primary and secondary schools in South Africa, with special reference to KwaZulu-Natal. A qualitative questionnaire gathered information from nine respondents at three levels: Department of Education district officials, educators and learners. Six key themes were consequently identified to guide the evaluation: communication, empowerment, resources, networking, motivation, and evaluation and feedback. A quantitative questionnaire completed by 30 educators revealed an overall positive attitude towards the programme, regardless of the educator's gender, age or level of formal education. The results are discussed with special reference to continuation and improvement of the lifeskills-based HIV/AIDS education programme. Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | HIV PREVENTION | AIDS PREVENTION | HEALTH EDUCATION | SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES | PROGRAM EVALUATION | SCHOOLS | COMMUNICATION | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | AIDS | Education | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 341293 |
| 10. Title: Genetic counselling and genetic testing in hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes. Author: Raymond VM; Everett JN Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Gastroenterology. 2009;23(2):275-83. Abstract: Up to 10% of cancers are caused by inherited mutations in single genes. The process of genetic counselling and genetic testing allows for identification of these high-risk individuals and their at risk family members and enrolment into appropriate screening protocols. The medical impact of genetic testing is evidenced by reduced morbidity and mortality, however, the impact on a personal or psychosocial level has been more difficult to evaluate. We present a review of the current literature regarding the role of genetic counselling and testing in the setting of gastrointestinal cancers and explore several related issues including risk perception and risk communication, family communication, psychosocial factors and decision making, and family planning. We also provide guidelines for referral to cancer genetics clinics and for promoting discussions about genetic counselling and genetic testing. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | MICHIGAN | RESEARCH REPORT | CANCER | HEREDITARY DISEASES | POPULATION GENETICS | COUNSELING | FAMILY PLANNING | COMMUNICATION | RISK FACTORS | GASTROINTESTINAL EFFECTS | TESTING | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Neoplasms | Diseases | Genetics | Biology | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Health | Physiology | Measurement | Research Methodology Document Number: 342072 |
| 11. Title: The effectiveness of mass communication to change public behavior. Author: Abroms LC; Maibach EW Source: Annual Review of Public Health. 2008;29:219-234. Abstract: This article provides an overview of the ways in which mass communication has been used-or can be used-to promote beneficial changes in behavior among members of populations. We use an ecological perspective to examine the ways in which mass media interventions can be used to influence public behavior both directly and indirectly. Mass media interventions that seek to influence people directly-by directly targeting the people burdened by the public health problem of concern and/or the people who influence them - have a long basis in public health history, and recent reviews have clarified our expectations about what can be expected from such approaches. Mass media interventions that seek to influence people indirectly-by creating beneficial changes in the places (or environments) in which people live and work-have equal if not greater potential to promote beneficial changes in population health behaviors, but these are currently less explored options. To have the greatest possible beneficial influence on public behavior with the public health resources available, we recommend that public health program planners assess their opportunities to use media to target both people and places in a manner that complements and extends other investments being made in population health enhancement. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | POPULATION | PUBLIC HEALTH | MASS MEDIA | INTERVENTIONS | IMPACT | BEHAVIOR | COMMUNICATION | SOCIAL NETWORKS | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Health | Programs | Organization and Administration | Friends and Relatives | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 326628 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: Access to reproductive health services among immigrants and refugees in Botswana. Author: Ama NO; Oucho JO Source: Journal of Family Welfare. 2008 Jun;54(1):47-61. Abstract: This study examined the extent of access to reproductive health services by immigrants and refugees in Botswana against the recognition of the fact that access to reproductive health services, including contraception as well as care in pregnancy and childbirth can lead to: (i) reduction in a woman's exposure to fatal obstetric complications; (ii) reduction in the incidence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases; (iii) empowerment of women to make informed choices and decisions that affect their lives; and (iv) it portends dangerous circumstances for Botswana when a resident in the country, in this study immigrants and refugees, fail to access these services. The findings of the study confirm that while immigrants are aware of the availability of most reproductive health services in the Botswana health care system, the refugees are only aware of services in antenatal care, normal delivery, treatment of STDs, AIDS counseling and HIV testing and programme on contraceptive availability. This finding is in contrast to those of Purdin et al, that a wide range of refugee and conflict-affected sites provide reproductive health services. Surprisingly too, IEC programme on human sexuality is hardly available to the immigrants and refugees. Unlike the majority of immigrants, refugees fled their home country due to unbearable sociopolitical circumstances and are more vulnerable to circumstances in Botswana about which they can do little to redress; they need information on reproductive health services available in the health care system in Botswana through an lEC programme that is tailored to their needs. Language: English Keywords: BOTSWANA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | REFUGEES | MIGRANT WORKERS | HEALTH SERVICES | PRIMARY HEALTH CARE | IEC | INFORMATION | EDUCATION | COMMUNICATION | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Program Evaluation Document Number: 340185 |
| 13. Peer Reviewed Title: Changes in exposure to information, communication and knowledge about AIDS among school children in northern Tanzania, 1992 -- 2005. Author: Bastien S; Sango W; Mnyika KS; Masatu MC; Klepp KI Source: AIDS Care. 2008 Mar;20(3):382-387. Abstract: This article aims to investigate changes in primary school students' reported exposure to AIDS information and communication, and knowledge levels from 1992 to 2005. A repeated cross-sectional design was used. In 1992, a self-administered questionnaire was completed by 2,026 sixth and seventh grade students from 18 randomly selected primary schools in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, Tanzania. The same procedures were repeated in 2005 with a sample of 2,069 students. Mean values with 95% confidence intervals are reported. Chi-square was used to test for differences in proportions. Students in 2005 reported higher levels of exposure to information and communication from all sources than in 1992. Knowledge scores also increased, yet there was a significant decline in four variables, two of which are related to transmission and two of which are factual. An alarming decline in awareness of the condom as a preventative measure was found. Findings also indicate that myths related to transmission and infection persist. Salient sex differences remain, but the knowledge gap is narrowing. Interventions should aim to stimulate discussion in young people's social networks in order to increase overall exposure to AIDS information, communication and knowledge. (author's) Language: English Keywords: TANZANIA | RESEARCH REPORT | QUESTIONNAIRES | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | PRIMARY SCHOOLS | STUDENTS | HIV | AIDS | HEALTH EDUCATION | COMMUNICATION | KNOWLEDGE | AWARENESS | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Schools | Education | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 325398 |
| 14. Peer Reviewed Title: Effectiveness of IEC interventions in reducing HIV/AIDS related stigma among high school adolescents in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia. Author: Bekele A; Ali A Source: Ethiopian Journal of Health Development. 2008;22(3):232-242. Abstract: Background: Stigma and discrimination are among the major challenges in HIV/AIDS to disease prevention while IEC interventions are among the mechanisms to mitigate them. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of IEC interventions. Methods: Interventional study was conducted from January to March 2007 among high school adolescents in Awassa Town using four different IEC interventions namely; interpersonal communication, pamphlets, educational video and the combination of the three interventions. Results: Stigmatizing attitudes ranged from 0-65.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed grade, religion, beliefs in HIV transmission by witchcraft and HIV transmission by feeding on uncooked egg/meat of chicken that swallowed used condom were independent predictors of avoidant behavioral intentions. Residence, fathers' education, television ownership, witchcraft transmission, healthy looking person can have HIV, HIV prevention by having sex with virgin girls and PLWHA with multiple sexual partners were found to be the main determinants of coercive attitude. ANOVA (F-statistics) revealed that the interventions were effective with and statistics=17.484 (pvalue< 0.0001). Conclusion: Misconceptions on HIV transmission and prevention, stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes were prevalent among the adolescents. Remarkable reduction in HIV related misconceptions, stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes were observed. Hence, campaigns using combined IEC interventions on HIV/AIDS need to be intensified to dispel some of the prevailing misconceptions and associated stigma and discrimination among school adolescents. Language: English Keywords: ETHIOPIA | RESEARCH REPORT | YOUTH | ADOLESCENTS | STUDENTS | SECONDARY SCHOOLS | IEC | INFORMATION | EDUCATION | COMMUNICATION | STIGMA | SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION | PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Schools | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Program Evaluation Document Number: 329294 |
| 15. Title: Parenting practices and adolescent sexual behavior: A longitudinal study. Author: Bersamin M; todd M; Fisher DA; Hill DL; Grube JW Source: Journal of Marriage and Family. 2008 Feb;70(1):97-112. Abstract: The effects of parental attitudes, practices, and television mediation on adolescent sexual behaviors were investigated in a study of adolescent sexuality and media (N = 887). Confirmatory factor analyses supported an eight-factor parenting model with television mediation factors as constructs distinct from general parenting practices. Logistic regressions indicated that adolescents reporting greater parental disapproval and limits on viewing at Wave 1 were less likely to initiate oral sex between Waves 1 and 2. Adolescents who reported more sexual communication with parents were more likely to initiate oral sex. Results for vaginal intercourse were similar to those for oral sex. Coviewing was a significant negative predictor of initiation of sexual behavior. Parental attitudes and television mediation can delay potentially risky adolescent sexual behaviors. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | ADOLESCENTS | PARENTS | CHILD REARING | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | SEX BEHAVIOR | COMMUNICATION | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Behavior Document Number: 324035 |
| 16. Title: [Understanding and reaching young clandestine sex workers in Burkina Faso to improve response to HIV] Comprendre et atteindre les jeunes travailleuses du sexe clandestines du Burkina Author: Berthe A; Huygens P; Ouattara C; Sanon A; Ouedraogo A; Nagot N Source: Sante. 2008 Jul-Sep;18(3):163-73. Abstract: In 1998, researchers in Burkina Faso enrolled 300 women more or less involved in commercial sex work in an open cohort to determine whether adequate management of their sexually transmitted infections and exposure to well-designed, well-delivered, and plentiful communication for behaviour change (CBC) might reduce their vulnerability to HIV. In 2000, they observed that the non-professional sex workers (occasional or clandestine sex workers) were more difficult to reach, to mobilize and to keep involved in the project's different activities. This group was also infected at the same or higher rates than professional sex workers because they did not use condoms routinely. To accomplish the project objectives, they therefore chose to recruit more non-professional sex workers in the new cohort of 700 women. This social-anthropological study was conducted to help them to enrol young clandestine sex workers. The overall objective of this study was to understand the life of this category of sex workers and to identify strategic actors to reach them. Using a qualitative method, social anthropologists reviewed literature, identified and geo-referenced all local places suitable to encountering these women, obtained life stories from some of them and interviewed key informants and participants in the field. The results showed that in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso): - most young women who are clandestine sex workers are Burkinabe, and girls entering the sex trade are increasingly young and increasingly uneducated; - most of them come from families with low capital (financial, cultural, or social). The parents' socioeconomic status (contextual poverty) results in unmet financial needs, which in turn exposes them to starting work early, including commercial sex work; - of all the income-generating activities available to unskilled young girls, commercial sex work is one of the most profitable and easily accessible; - in the three-fold context of an HIV epidemic, poverty, and unemployment, clandestine commercial sex work is a rational action, insofar as condom use reduces the risk of HIV infection, "clandestinity" reduces the risk of social stigma, and earnings increase financial capital; - girls are coopted into sex work through an initiation process and the initiator explains to the initiate how sex workers think, act, and live, as well as the rules of the trade; - young clandestine commercial sex workers use various strategies to do their work in secret, unidentified, by changing the time, place, period, district, city or country of their work; - young clandestine commercial sex workers maintain friendly relations with men or boys in but have no or conflictual relationships with women and girls. Thus, only other participants in this trade, peer counsellors, and room renters can serve as strategic actors to reach, mobilize and keep these young girls in HIV programmes. Social anthropologists have concluded that one problem in the fight against official or professional commercial sex work is the development of clandestine commercial sex work, which is more dangerous, firstly for its practitioners, who are harder to reach by messages about HIV and thus do not change their behaviour, secondly, for their sexual partners who do not use condoms systematically, and finally for society as a whole, to the extent that social actors are embedded in an informal network, more or less extensive, of sexual partners. Language: French Keywords: BURKINA FASO | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | WOMEN | SEX WORKERS | COMMUNICATION | BEHAVIOR CHANGE | MANAGEMENT | AGE FACTORS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | LIFE STYLE | RISK BEHAVIOR | RISK FACTORS | HIV PREVENTION | ANTHROPOLOGY, CULTURAL | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Organization and Administration | Population Characteristics | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Health | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Anthropology | Social Sciences | Science | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 341591 |
| 17. Peer Reviewed Title: Social marketing: No longer a sideshow. Author: Harvey PD Source: Studies in Family Planning. 2008 Mar;39(1):69-72. Abstract: For many years the social marketing of contraceptives was held to be an interesting but not a central part of the international family planning movement. The heavy lifting, everyone thought, would be performed by government programs, managed by developing country government agencies that would provide services and contraceptives free of charge. This attitude is changing. Although government programs are still the largest family planning service providers in many countries, the contraceptive needs of poor populations are increasingly being met by a wide variety of independently managed contraceptive social marketing (CSM) programs and by a growing number of commercial contraceptive suppliers. In 2005, social marketing programs served the contraceptive needs of 36.7 million couples in 73 countries and provided hundreds of millions of condoms for HIV/AIDS prevention. This contribution means that social marketing programs accounted for about six percentage points of the contraceptive prevalence in thedeveloping world (excluding China), and roughly 20 percent of the birth spacing methods used by couples in developing countries. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | PROGRESS REPORT | EVALUATION | URBAN POPULATION | SOCIAL MARKETING | PRIVATE SECTOR | HIV PREVENTION | CAMPAIGNS | CONTRACEPTION | COMMUNICATION | ECONOMIC FACTORS | ADVERTISING | PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY | POVERTY | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Marketing | Macroeconomic Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Communication Programs | Family Planning | Promotion | Programs | Organization and Administration | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 324970 |
| 18. Title: Modeling the effect of information campaigns on the HIV epidemic in Uganda. Author: Joshi H; Lenhart S; Albright K; Gipson K Source: Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering. 2008 Oct;5(4):757-70. Abstract: The increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Africa over the past twenty-five years continues to erode the continent's health care and overall welfare. There have been various responses to the pandemic, led by Uganda, which has had the greatest success in combating the disease. Part of Uganda's success has been attributed to a formalized information, education, and communication (IEC) strategy, lowering estimated HIV/AIDS infection rates from 18.5% in 1995 to 4.1% in 2003. We formulate a model to investigate the effects of information and education campaigns on the HIV epidemic in Uganda. These campaigns affect people's behavior and can divide the susceptibles class into subclasses with different infectivity rates. Our model is a system of ordinary differential equations and we use data about the epidemics and the number of organizations involved in the campaigns to estimate the model parameters. We compare our model with three types of susceptibles to a standard SIR model. Language: English Keywords: UGANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | CAMPAIGNS | IEC | INFORMATION | EDUCATION | COMMUNICATION | HIV PREVENTION | BEHAVIOR CHANGE | PROGRAM EVALUATION | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Theoretical Models | Research Methodology | Communication Programs | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Behavior Document Number: 331009 |
| 19. Peer Reviewed Title: Human papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccines: Implementation and communication issues Author: Kane MA Source: Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. 2008;34(1):3-4. Abstract: The development and use of vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) represents one of the most important medical developments of the 21st century: these vaccines could potentially prevent 70-80% of cervical cancer, the number one or two cause of cancer death in women in most countries. HPV vaccines also prevent other significant sequelae of HPV infection including cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and head and neck. In addition, one vaccine prevents more than 90% of genital warts, which are a major cause of suffering for millions of people and account for large numbers of medical visits and high costs. The discovery, development, clinical trials and licensure of these vaccines are great achievements, but the greatest challenge may be their delivery to the groups that need it most: women in the developing world. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | CRITIQUE | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | WOMEN'S HEALTH | VACCINES | HPV | CERVICAL CANCER | COMMUNICATION | COUNSELING | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | IMPLEMENTATION | MISINFORMATION | Adolescents | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Cancer | Neoplasms | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 323387 |
| 20. Title: Parents' and teachers' communication about HIV and sex in relation to the timing of sexual initiation among young adolescents in Tanzania. Author: Kawai K; Kaaya SF; Kajula L; Mbwambo J; Kilonzo GP; Fawzi WW Source: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. 2008 Nov;36(8):879-88. Abstract: AIMS: Early sexual debut is associated with increased HIV risk among young adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study examines parents' and teachers' communication about sexual matters in relation to the timing of sexual initiation among students aged 12-14 years old in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: Virgin primary school students were followed prospectively for 6 months to assess sexual initiation. Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors were assessed with a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 2477 adolescents, 26.9% of students reported communicating about HIV and sex with parents and 35.6% communicated with teachers. Communication with teachers about HIV and sex was associated with delayed sexual initiation among adolescents after adjusting for potential confounding factors (OR=0.59, 95%CI=0.40-0.89, p=0.01). However, parental communication was not associated with the timing of sexual initiation. The perception that most peers are sexually active was a significant predictor of early sexual debut (test for linear trend, p=0.002). Students who do not live with a biological mother were marginally more likely to initiate sex compared to those who live with a biological mother (OR=1.39, 95%CI=0.97-1.99, p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Teachers can play an effective role in discussing HIV and sex with young adolescents. Our study highlights the necessity of responsible adults discussing sexual matters with young adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. More research is required to better understand the role of parental communication about sexual matters and strategies for improving the quality of parental communication. Language: English Keywords: TANZANIA | RESEARCH REPORT | ADOLESCENTS | TEACHERS | PARENTS | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | SEX EDUCATION | HIV INFECTIONS | COMMUNICATION | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Education | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Child Rearing | Behavior | Viral Diseases | Diseases Document Number: 329740 |
| 21. Title: Increasing the accessibility, acceptability and use of the IUD in Gujarat, India. Author: Khan ME; Kar SS; Desai VK; Patel P; Itare BP Source: [Washington, D.C.], Population Council, Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 2008 May. [38] p. (USAID Cooperative Agreement No. HRN-A- 00-98-00012-00) Abstract: Despite the many advantages of the IUD as a method of family planning, it generally suffers from unpopularity worldwide, with the exception of a few countries like China, Egypt, Mexico and Turkey. The scenario in India is the same, with less than two percent of currently women adopting the IUD as a method of contraception. The USAID-funded FRONTIERS Program of the Population Council, in collaboration with the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat and the Center for Operations Research and Training, Vadodara, conducted an operations research study to test the hypothesis that improving the demand for the IUD and simultaneously strengthening the technical competencies and counseling skills of the providers, use of the IUD use would increase. Knowledge of providers on the critical steps for providing IUD services increased significantly, from 5 percent to 40 percent, and the proportion of women having poor knowledge (score of <7 out of 29) decreased significantly from 81 to 47 percent. Demand generation activities and provision of good quality IUD services, together with a supportive programmatic environment when carried out simultaneously showed increased acceptance of the IUD. The intervention could be easily integrated into the existing system. A sustained and coherent IEC campaign is required to remove myths; the IEC and counseling aids developed for the study have been well accepted by health care providers, clients and national and state government officials. (Excerpts) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | SUMMARY REPORT | INTERVENTIONS | COUNSELING | BEHAVIOR CHANGE | BEHAVIOR CHANGE COMMUNICATION | HEALTH EDUCATION MATERIALS | IUD | COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS | IEC | INFORMATION | EDUCATION | COMMUNICATION | HEALTH SERVICES | IMPLEMENTATION | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Programs | Organization and Administration | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Behavior | Communication Programs | Health Education | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 331583 |
| 22. Title: Factors that enable nurse-patient communication in a family planning context: a positive deviance study. Author: Kim YM; Heerey M; Kols A Source: International Journal of Nursing Studies. 2008 Oct;45(10):1411-21. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Family planning programmes in developing countries need a better understanding of nurse-patient communication in order to improve the quality of counselling. OBJECTIVES: To identify factors in the clinic and in the community that enable nurses and patients to communicate effectively with one another. DESIGN: The study explored the personal experiences of nurses and patients who communicate especially effectively during family planning consultations (so-called "positive deviants"). SETTING: Sixty-four randomly selected public clinics located in East Java, Indonesia. PARTICIPANTS: Seven positive deviant nurses and 32 positive deviant patients were identified from among 64 nurses and 768 patients who participated in an earlier patient coaching study. Flooding prevented 5 patients from participating in the study, reducing their number to 27. METHODS: Investigators conducted: (1) a content analysis of qualitative data collected by structured in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions (FGDs) with positive deviant nurses and patients, and (2) analyses of variance (ANOVA) of quantitative data on clinic, nurse, and patient characteristics. RESULTS: Positive deviant nurses identified four factors, listed in rough order of importance, that helped them communicate effectively: independent study to strengthen their knowledge and skills; communication aids; feedback from colleagues; and motivation stemming from a desire to help people, patients' appreciation, husband's support, and increased income. Positive deviant patients identified five enabling factors: motivation due to their need for a service; confidence in their own communication skills; positive feedback from nurses; belief in patients' right and responsibility to communicate with nurses; and communication aids. CONCLUSIONS: Insights from positive deviant nurses and patients suggest that efforts to improve nurse-patient communication should go beyond conventional communication skills training. Managers should consider a mix of clinic-based interventions (such as peer feedback, communication aids, and better management of patient flow) and community-based interventions (such as patient education and mass media). Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | CLIENT-STAFF RELATIONS | NURSES AND NURSING | FAMILY PLANNING | COUNSELING | COMMUNICATION | Research Methodology | Interpersonal Relations | Behavior | Health Personnel | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 329633 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: Who's talking? Communication between health providers and HIV-infected adults related to herbal medicine for AIDS treatment in western Uganda. Author: Langlois-Klassen D; Kipp W; Rubaale T Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2008 Jul;67(1):165-176. Abstract: Communication between patients and physicians about herbal medicine is valuable, enabling physicians to address issues of potential herb-drug interactions and ensuring appropriate medical care. As seemingly harmless herbal remedies may have detrimental interactions with various HIV antiretroviral drugs, the importance of communication is intensified, but often stifled around the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. In western Uganda, 137 HIV-infected adults attending conventional HIV/ AIDS treatment programmes (67 of whom were receiving antiretroviral therapy) shared their experiences and perceptions about traditional herbal medicine and related patient-physician communication issues through interviews and focus group discussions. Although close to 64% of respondents reported using herbal medicine after being diagnosed with HIV, only 16% of these respondents had informed their conventional medical practitioners about using these herbs. Furthermore, only 13% of antiretroviral therapy recipients had inquired about concurrent herb-antiretroviral drug use with their HIV/AIDS treatment providers, largely because they perceived a low acceptance and support for herbal medicine by conventional medical practitioners. Importantly however, almost 68% of HIV-infected adults indicated they would be willing to discuss herbal medicine use if directly asked by a conventional medical practitioner, and the overwhelming majority (91%) said they were amenable to following physician advice about herbal medicine. As such, improved patient-physician communication about herbal medicine is needed, and we recommend that herbal medicine histories be completed when patient histories are taken. Also, HIV/AIDS treatment programmes should be encouraged to develop specific patient-physician communication standards and best practice guidelines to ensure that patients can make informed decisions about herb and pharmaceutical drug co-therapy based on known risks, particularly in the case of AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. Communication about herbal medicine usage should be viewed as a timely and cost-effective component of antiretroviral therapy programmes, one which may contribute to the overall success of AIDS treatment in Africa. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UGANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | FOCUS GROUPS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HEALTH PERSONNEL | HIV INFECTIONS | AIDS | TRADITIONAL MEDICINE | MEDICINAL PLANTS | TREATMENT | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | COMMUNICATION | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Medicine | Health Services | Medical Procedures | HIV Document Number: 327253 |
| 24. Peer Reviewed Title: Internet influences on sexual practices among young people in Hanoi, Vietnam. Author: Ngo AD; Ross MW; Ratliff EA Source: Culture, Health and Sexuality. 2008 Jun;10 Suppl 1:S201-S213. Abstract: While the influences of the Internet on adult sexuality are well recognized, research on the potential connection between the Internet and young people's sexuality is still limited. We conducted a qualitative study to examine how young people (aged 15-19 years) in Hanoi, Vietnam used the Internet to develop sexual practices and identities. Our analysis of texts from focus groups, in-depth interviews, chat scripts and field notes reveals how the Internet is used to assemble sexual information that was not available from other sources such as the family and school. Young people's narratives also show how they use the Internet as a medium for expressing sexual identities and desires. In the light of these findings, we suggest expanding sex education to include issues that are important to young people such as emotions and relationships, rather than simply focusing more narrowly on reproduction, public health and other interests of the state. (author's) Language: English Keywords: VIETNAM | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | FOCUS GROUPS | INTERVIEWS | YOUTH | SEX BEHAVIOR | INTERNET | KNOWLEDGE SOURCES | SOCIAL CHANGE | INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS | COMMUNICATION | ATTITUDES | CULTURE | BELIEFS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Research Methodology | Data Collection | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Information Networks | Sociocultural Factors | Psychological Factors Document Number: 326394 |
| 25. Peer Reviewed Title: Communication between parents and their children about sexual health. Author: Ogle S; Glasier A; Riley SC Source: Contraception. 2008 Apr;77(4):283-288. Abstract: Communicating about sex with parents has been shown to influence some aspects of sexual behavior in young people. The aim of this study was to investigate how comfortable parents and children find this type of discussion and to compare parental responses with those of their children. Self-completed questionnaires were distributed to 317 teenagers from a state school in Edinburgh, Scotland, and to 575 of their parents. The questionnaire was designed to appraise relative levels of comfort/discomfort about discussing six sexual health topics. Where a parent and their child had both completed questionnaires, their responses were compared. Three hundred forty-five parents, 162 girls and 155 boys, completed questionnaires. Most parents considered themselves "comfortable" or "very comfortable" discussing sexual health issues with their children, with "boyfriends/girlfriends" as the most comfortable (p less than or equal to .001) and "sexual intercourse" the least comfortable topic (p less than .0005). However, many children stated they "definitely would not" talk to parents (19-65% of participants, depending on the topic), citing "embarrassment" as the main reason. Eight-six pairs of parent-child responses were matched and compared showing that on all topics the least communication occurred between fathers and their daughters. There are clearly barriers to communicating about sexual health issues between parents and their children in this population, and this seems to stem from reluctance on the part of the children rather than of their parents. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | QUESTIONNAIRES | FATHERS | MOTHERS | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | ADOLESCENTS, MALE | COMMUNICATION | SEX EDUCATION | SEX BEHAVIOR | CONTRACEPTION | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Adolescents | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Education | Behavior | Family Planning | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases Document Number: 325310 |
| 26. Title: Comparing the effectiveness and costs of alternative strategies for improving access to information and services for the IUD in Ghana. Author: Osei I; Voetagbe G; Aikins M; Gyapong J; Nyarko P Source: [Washington, D.C.], Population Council, Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 2008 Sep. [29] p. (USAID Cooperative Agreement No. HRN-A-00-98-00012-00) Abstract: The study interventions were intended to improve knowledge, perceptions and attitudes toward the IUD and other long-acting methods among service providers and community members. We examined the general and method-specific knowledge of long-acting FP methods among clients and providers, as well as the level of contraceptive use by method in the intervention and comparison communities in the pre- and post-intervention periods, using structured interviews, FGDs, and service statistics compiled by the CHOs. Knowledge of long-acting methods (IUD, Norplant, and male and female sterilization) significantly increased among all women over the time of the study. Given that there were equal increases in the comparison group, it is not possible to attribute the increases in the two experimental groups to the project?s interventions. The possibility of contamination between the intervention and comparison groups makes it difficult to determine categorically the extent to which the interventions had an impact at the population level. However, the five-fold increases in the numbers of new IUD and implant users recorded by CHOs who undertook insertions at the community-level, together with the much lower cost per CYP for this model, suggest that training CHOs to educate communities about long-acting methods and enabling them to provide them at the community level should be considered. (Excerpts) Language: English Keywords: GHANA | SUMMARY REPORT | USAID | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT | IEC | INFORMATION | EDUCATION | COMMUNICATION | MONITORING | FAMILY PLANNING | KNOWLEDGE | CAMPAIGNS | INTERVENTIONS | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Government Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Studies | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Communication Programs Document Number: 331443 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: "They have opened our mouths": increasing women's skills and motivation for sexual communication with young people in rural South Africa. Author: Phetla G; Busza J; Hargreaves JR; Pronyk PM; Kim JC; Morison LA; Watts C; Porter JD Source: AIDS Education and Prevention. 2008 Dec;20(6):504-18. Abstract: Communication between parents and young people about sex has been identified as a positive influence on young people's sexual behavior. This article presents findings from South Africa, where a social intervention to reduce levels of HIV and intimate partner violence actively promoted sexual communication between adults and young people. We assessed this component of the program using quantitative and qualitative methods, collecting data through surveys, direct observation, interviews, and focus group discussions. Women participating in intervention activities reported sexual communication with children significantly more often than matched women in the control group (80.3% vs. 49.4%, adjusted risk ratio 1.59 (1.31-1.93). The content of communication with young people also appears to have shifted from vague admonitions about the dangers of sex to concrete messages about reducing risks. The congruence between these findings and existing literature on parent-child sexual communication suggests that conceptual frameworks and programs from developed settings can be adapted effectively for resource-poor contexts. Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | RURAL POPULATION | YOUTH | COMMUNICATION | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | SEX EDUCATION | MOTIVATION | PARTICIPATION | COMMUNICATION STRATEGY | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Age Factors | Child Rearing | Behavior | Education | Psychological Factors | Social Behavior Document Number: 329758 |
| 28. Peer Reviewed Title: Sex-trafficking, violence, negotiating skill, and HIV infection in brothel-based sex workers of eastern India, adjoining Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Author: Sarkar K; Bal B; Mukherjee R; Chakraborty S; Saha S Source: Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2008 Jun;26(2):223-231. Abstract: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among brothel-based sex workers of West Bengal, eastern India, to understand sex-trafficking, violence, negotiating skills, and HIV infection in them. In total, 580 sex workers from brothels of four districts participated in the study. A pretested questionnaire was introduced to study their sociodemography, sex-trafficking, violence, and negotiating skills. Blood sample of 4-5 mL was collected from each sex worker using an unlinked anonymous method to study their HIV status. Data were edited and entered into a computer using the Epi Info software (6.04d version). Both univariate and multivariate analyses were done to find out any association between HIV and relevant risk factors. Results of the study revealed that a sizeable number of the participants were from Nepal (9%) and Bangladesh (7%). The seroprevalence of HIV was strikingly higher among Nepalese (43%) than among Bangladeshis (7%) and Indians (9%). Almost one in every four sex workers (24%) had joined the profession by being trafficked. Violence at the beginning of this profession was more among the trafficked victims, including those sold by their family members (57%) compared to those who joined the profession voluntarily (15%). The overall condom negotiation rate with most recent two clients was 38%. By multivariate analysis, HIV was significantly associated with sexual violence (odds ratio=2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.2-4.5). The study has documented that the trafficked victims faced violence, including sexual violence, to a greater magnitude, and sexual violence was associated with acquiring HIV in them. There is a need for an in-depth study to understand the problem of trafficking and its consequences. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | SEX WORKERS | SEXUAL TRAFFICKING | VIOLENCE | HIV INFECTIONS | PREVALENCE | COMMUNICATION | CONDOM USE | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Risk Reduction Behavior Document Number: 327597 |
| 29. Peer Reviewed Title: A systematic review on the meaning of the concept 'AIDS Orphan': Confusion over definitions and implications for care. Author: Sherr L; Varrall R; Mueller J; Richter L; Wakhweya A Source: AIDS Care. 2008 May;20(5):527-536. Abstract: Global publications on the international AIDS epidemic report on the existence of an ever-increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children. It has been suggested that by the end of this decade there will be in excess of 25 million AIDS orphans globally, an issue which will require understanding and organisation of long-term medical, psychological and social support. This study provides a systematic review to examine the use, overuse and misuse of the term orphan and explores the benefits and limitations of this approach. It then summarises the knowledge on orphans to date. Using a search strategy of published studies and recent conference abstracts, 383 papers were identified where the concept of AIDS and Orphan was raised. The papers were systematically coded and reviewed to understand when and how a child is labelled an orphan, and to summarise the effect of orphanhood on outcome measures, most notably psychologically and physically. All controlled studies published prior to 2006 were reviewed. A consistent picture of negative effects of parental death (however defined) on a wide range of physical, socioeconomic and psychological outcomes were recorded. Seventeen studies met criteria for in-depth review (empirical, fully published, control group). The majority of studies are cross-sectional (two are longitudinal) and employ a very wide array of measures _ both standardised and study specific. This detailed analysis shows a mixed picture on outcome. Although most studies report some negative effects, there are often no differences and some evidence of protective effects from quality of subsequent care and economic assistance. The lack of consistent measures and the blurring of definitions are stumbling blocks in this area. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | LITERATURE REVIEW | ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN | COMMUNICATION | HIV | AIDS | PARENTS | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | SOCIAL WELFARE | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Behavior | Economic Factors Document Number: 326896 |
| 30. Title: The use of information and communications technology for health service delivery in Namibia: perspectives of the health service providers. Author: Shivute MI; Maumbe BM; Owei VT Source: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2008;14(6):285-9. Abstract: We surveyed health service providers in Namibia to find out how they used information and communication technologies (ICTs) to deliver health services to their patients. A structured questionnaire was administered to 21 health service providers in two regions of the country (one urban, one rural). There was overwhelming consensus among the health service providers that ICTs were very important, especially for medical services (100%). Ninety-one percent of health service providers viewed ICT as helping them to interact with other providers in other health institutions. The most commonly used ICT was the telephone, which was used in the admission areas of most health institutions (36%); the next most commonly used ICT was the PC (23%). The most commonly used channels for communication with patients were the telephone followed by TV. Some of the problems common to all health institutions in Namibia were poor budgetary resources and lack of basic infrastructure such as electricity or telephone lines. There is a need to promote ICT use for health service delivery and also to stimulate patients to use ICT to access health services and relevant information. Language: English Keywords: NAMIBIA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | HEALTH PERSONNEL | INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS | COMPUTERS | TELECOMMUNICATIONS | TECHNOLOGY | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | PERCEPTION | ATTITUDES | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | COMMUNICATION | CLIENT-STAFF RELATIONS | TELEVISION | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Health | Data Storage and Retrieval | Information Processing | Information | Broadcast Media | Mass Media | Economic Factors | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Interpersonal Relations Document Number: 329340 |
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