1.  Title: Use of and unmet need for injectable contraception. Author: Family Health International [FHI] Source: [Unpublished] 2009 Jun 8. 12 p. Abstract: Understanding trends in contraceptive use and unmet need for family planning is critical to creating policies which respond to current gaps in service delivery and address future needs for services to meet existing and unmet demand. Creating non clinic-based mechanisms to deliver services has the potential to expand access to underserved populations and reduce pressure on weak health systems. This document examines patterns of the current use of and unmet demand for injectable services. Trends in use of clinic and non clinic-based services for injectables, differentials in injectable use by place of residence, and potential negative consequences of increased use of injectables are explored. Information described in this paper is intended to inform the Technical Consultation on Expanding Access to Injectable Contraception. (Excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | TECHNICAL REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | INJECTABLES | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | NEEDS | COMMUNITY-BASED DISTRIBUTION | CLINICAL DISTRIBUTION | PHARMACIES | CONTRACEPTIVE DISTRIBUTION | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | CONTRACEPTION CONTINUATION | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Economic Factors | Nonclinical Distribution | Distributional Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Health Facilities | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 331836 |
2.  Peer Reviewed Title: Household possession, use and non-use of treated or untreated mosquito nets in two ecologically diverse regions of Nigeria--Niger Delta and Sahel Savannah. Author: Afolabi BM; Sofola OT; Fatunmbi BS; Komakech W; Okoh F; Saliu O; Otsemobor P; Oresanya OB; Amajoh CN; Fasiku D; Jalingo I Source: Malaria Journal. 2009;8:30. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Current use of treated mosquito nets for the prevention of malaria falls short of what is expected in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), though research within the continent has indicated that the use of these commodities can reduce malaria morbidity by 50% and malaria mortality by 20%. Governments in sub-Sahara Africa are investing substantially in scaling-up treated mosquito net coverage for impact. However, certain significant factors still prevent the use of the treated mosquito nets, even among those who possess them. This survey examines household ownership as well as use and non-use of treated mosquito nets in Sahel Savannah and Niger Delta regions of Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: This survey employed cross-sectional survey to collect data from households on coverage and use of mosquito nets, whether treated or not. Fever episodes in previous two weeks among children under the age of five were also recorded. The study took place in August 1 - 14 2007, just five months after the March distribution of treated mosquito nets, coinciding with the second raining period of the year and a time of high malaria transmission during the wet season. EPI INFO version 2003 was used in data analysis. RESULTS: The survey covered 439 households with 2,521 persons including 739 under-fives, 585 women in reproductive age and 78 pregnant women in Niger Delta Region and Sahel Savannah Region. Of the 439 HHs, 232 had any mosquito nets. Significantly higher proportion of households in the Niger Delta Region had any treated or untreated mosquito nets than those in the Sahel Savannah Region. In the Niger Delta Region, the proportion of under-fives that had slept under treated nets the night before the survey exceeded those that slept under treated nets in the Sahel Savannah Region. Children under the age of five years in the Niger Delta Region were four times more likely to sleep under treated nets than those in the Sahel Savannah Region. CONCLUSION: This study found that despite the fact that treated nets were distributed widely across Nigeria, the use of this commodity was still very low in the Sahel Savannah region. Future campaigns should include more purposeful social and health education on the importance and advantages of the use of treated nets to save lives in the Sahel Savannah region of Nigeria. Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | PREGNANT WOMEN | MALARIA PREVENTION | BED NETS | HEALTH EDUCATION | INTERVENTIONS | IMPACT | SEASONAL VARIATION | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Malaria | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Parasite Control | Public Health | Health | Education | Programs | Organization and Administration | Communication | Population Dynamics Document Number: 330812 |
| 3. Peer Reviewed Title: Examining the geographical heterogeneity associated with risk of mistimed and unwanted pregnancy in Ghana. Author: Amoako Johnson F; Madise NJ Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2009 Mar;41(2):249-67. Abstract: After a decade of fertility decline, Ghana's fertility and the level of unmet need for contraception stalled in mid-transition in the late 1990s. Although the literature acknowledges this, the geographical patterns in unmet need have not been adequately documented. Spatial analysis of unmet need can reveal differences in usage and provision of contraceptive commodities, thereby pointing to geographical areas where contraceptive programmes should be strengthened. This study examines the geographical variation of the risk of mistimed and unwanted pregnancies between rural communities and also between urban communities of the three ecological zones of Ghana. The study also investigates if geographical differences in the risks of mistimed and unwanted pregnancies changed during the period when unmet need stalled at the national level. A multilevel regression model was applied to pooled data from the 1998 and 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys to examine the determinants of the risk of unintended pregnancies, while controlling for clustering of outcomes within communities. The results show that between the two surveys, there was no significant change in the levels of risk of mistimed and unwanted pregnancy. However, geographical heterogeneity in the risk of mistimed and unwanted pregnancy was observed, after controlling for relevant predictors. This showed concentration of mistimed pregnancies in some rural communities relative to others, and variation in the risk of unwanted pregnancies between urban communities. The results give a clear indication that bridging the inequality gap in contraceptive use requires programmes that are area-specific. Language: English Keywords: GHANA | RESEARCH REPORT | NEEDS | HETEROGENEITY | FERTILITY DECLINE | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | PREGNANCY, UNPLANNED | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | INEQUALITIES | NEEDS ASSESSMENT | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Economic Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility Changes | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Reproductive Behavior | Contraception | Family Planning | Socioeconomic Factors | Evaluation Document Number: 331181 |
| 4. Peer Reviewed Title: [Spatial distribution of elderly individuals in a medium-sized city in São Paulo State, Brazil, according to key socio-demographic and morbidity characteristics] Distribuição espacial dos idosos de um município de médio porte do interior paulista segundo algumas características sócio-demográfi cas e de morbidade. Author: Campos FG; Barrozo LV; Ruiz T; Cesar CL; Barros MB; Carandina L; Goldbaum M Source: Cadernos de Saude Publica. 2009 Jan;25(1):77-86. Abstract: Geographic Information Systems serve as important public health tools for analyzing population disease distribution and thus for identifying individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases. The current study performed a spatial analysis of the distribution of the population 60 years and older in the city of Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, studying the socio-demographic profile and the presence of diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. Data were analyzed from 468 elderly individuals from a population survey conducted in 2001-2002. Elders with the highest socioeconomic status live in the census tracts with the highest social strata, as proven statistically by spatial analysis techniques for income and schooling. No spatial distribution pattern was found for elderly individuals with hypertension and diabetes, who were located heterogeneously on the map. The study suggests the use of geoprocessing techniques for digital mapping of areas covered by primary health care units, aimed at better monitoring of the distribution of elderly individuals with chronic diseases and their care by health professionals. Language: Portuguese Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGY | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | POPULATION DISTRIBUTION | DISEASES | HYPERTENSION | DIABETES | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Public Health | Health | Population | Vascular Diseases | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 341870 |
| 5. Peer Reviewed Title: [Abortion: 20 years of Brazilian research] Aborto: 20 anos de pesquisas no Brasil. Author: Diniz D; Correa M; Squinca F; Braga KS Source: Cadernos de Saude Publica. 2009 Apr;25(4):939-942. Abstract: The aim of this paper is to discuss the main characteristics of the scientific literature on abortion in Brazil. Data were collected from 88 literature bases, and 2,109 documents from 1987 to 2008 were retrieved. Based on the findings, the field of abortion in Brazil is dominated by female researchers affiliated with public universities and nongovernmental organizations from the Southeast, with training in health sciences. There is no research on abortion in the North, while 14% of the studies were conducted in the Northeast and 4% in the Central-West. Abortion has been a constant theme in the scientific literature in Brazil, increasing in the mid-20th century. Language: Portuguese Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA COLLECTION | LITERATURE REVIEW | SCIENCE | ABORTION | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Sociocultural Factors | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Population Document Number: 341865 Notification |
| 6. Peer Reviewed Title: Effects of neighbourhood-level educational attainment on HIV prevalence among young women in Zambia. Author: Kayeyi N; Sandoy IF; Fylkesnes K Source: BMC Public Health. 2009 Aug 25;9(310):1-11. Abstract: This study reanalyzed data from a cross-sectional population survey conducted in Zambia in 2003. The analyses were restricted to women ages 15–24 years (n=1,295). Stratified random cluster sampling was used to select 10 urban and 10 rural clusters. A measure for neighborhood-level educational attainment was constructed by aggregating individual-level years-in-school. Multi-level mixed effects regression models were run to examine the neighborhood-level educational effect on HIV prevalence after adjusting for individual-level underlying variables (education, currently a student, marital status) and selected proximate determinants (ever given birth, sexual activity, lifetime sexual partners). HIV prevalence among young women ages 15–24 years was 12.5% in the urban and 6.8% in the rural clusters. Neighborhood educational attainment was found to be a strong determinant of HIV infection in both urban and rural populations. HIV prevalence decreased substantially by increasing level of neighborhood education. The likelihood of infection in low educational attainment areas was 3.4 times higher among rural women and 1.8 times higher among the urban women after adjusting for age and other individual-level underlying variables, including education. However, the association was not significant for urban young women after this adjustment. After adjusting for level of education in the neighborhood, the effect of the individual-level education differed by residence: there was a strong protective effect among urban women whereas it tended to be a risk factor among rural women. Language: English Keywords: ZAMBIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | YOUTH | WOMEN | HIV INFECTIONS | PREVALENCE | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | SEX BEHAVIOR | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Behavior Document Number: 339907 |
| 7. Peer Reviewed Title: Italy's path to very low fertility: the adequacy of economic and second demographic transition theories. Author: Kertzer DI; White MJ; Bernardi L; Gabrielli G Source: European Journal of Population. 2009 Feb;25(1):89-115. Abstract: The deep drop of the fertility rate in Italy to among the lowest in the world challenges contemporary theories of childbearing and family building. Among high-income countries, Italy was presumed to have characteristics of family values and female labor force participation that would favor higher fertility than its European neighbors to the north. We test competing economic and cultural explanations, drawing on new nationally representative, longitudinal data to examine first union, first birth, and second birth. Our event history analysis finds some support for economic determinants of family formation and fertility, but the clear importance of regional differences and of secularization suggests that such an explanation is at best incomplete and that cultural and ideational factors must be considered. Language: English Keywords: ITALY | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION | EVENT HISTORY ANALYSIS | FERTILITY | SOCIAL CHANGE | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | ECONOMIC FACTORS | Developed Countries | Europe, Southern | Europe | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Demographic Analysis | Research Methodology | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 331297 |
| 8. Peer Reviewed Title: High fertility in city suburbs: compositional or contextual effects? La fecondite elevee dans les banlieues urbaines: effets de composition ou de contexte? Author: Kulu H; Boyle PJ Source: European Journal of Population. 2009 May;25(2):157-174. Abstract: Fertility rates are known to be higher in city suburbs. One interpretation is that the suburban 'context' influences the behaviour of individuals who reside there while an alternative is that the 'composition' of the suburban population explains the higher fertility levels. Furthermore, suburban in-migrants who intend to have children may have a significant influence on suburban fertility rates. Using Finnish longitudinal register data we show that fertility rates are higher in the suburbs and rural areas and lower in the cities. Fertility variation across these residential contexts decreases significantly after controlling for women's demographic and socio-economic characteristics. However, it does not disappear entirely suggesting that the local context may have some influence on fertility. While movers to suburbs do display higher fertility levels than non-migrant residents, their overall impact is not great because they form a small share of the suburban population. Language: English Keywords: FINLAND | RESEARCH REPORT | EVENT HISTORY ANALYSIS | WOMEN | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | INTERNAL MIGRATION | RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY | RESIDENTIAL SELECTION | Developed Countries | Europe, Northern | Europe | Demographic Analysis | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Migration | Residence Characteristics | Population Distribution Document Number: 340173 |
| 9. Peer Reviewed Title: Global patterns of mortality in young people: a systematic analysis of population health data. Author: Patton GC; Coffey C; Sawyer SM; Viner RM; Haller DM; Bose K; Vos T; Ferguson J; Mathers CD Source: Lancet. 2009 Sep 12;374(9693):881-92. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pronounced changes in patterns of health take place in adolescence and young adulthood, but the effects on mortality patterns worldwide have not been reported. We analysed worldwide rates and patterns of mortality between early adolescence and young adulthood. METHODS: We obtained data from the 2004 Global Burden of Disease Study, and used all-cause mortality estimates developed for the 2006 World Health Report, with adjustments for revisions in death from HIV/AIDS and from war and natural disasters. Data for cause of death were derived from national vital registration when available; for other countries we used sample registration data, verbal autopsy, and disease surveillance data to model causes of death. Worldwide rates and patterns of mortality were investigated by WHO region, income status, and cause in age-groups of 10-14 years, 15-19 years, and 20-24 years. FINDINGS: 2.6 million deaths occurred in people aged 10-24 years in 2004. 2.56 million (97%) of these deaths were in low-income and middle-income countries, and almost two thirds (1.67 million) were in sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia. Pronounced rises in mortality rates were recorded from early adolescence (10-14 years) to young adulthood (20-24 years), but reasons varied by region and sex. Maternal conditions were a leading cause of female deaths at 15%. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis contributed to 11% of deaths. Traffic accidents were the largest cause and accounted for 14% of male and 5% of female deaths. Other prominent causes included violence (12% of male deaths) and suicide (6% of all deaths). INTERPRETATION: Present global priorities for adolescent health policy, which focus on HIV/AIDS and maternal mortality, are an important but insufficient response to prevent mortality in an age-group in which more than two in five deaths are due to intentional and unintentional injuries. FUNDING: WHO and National Health and Medical Research Council. Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | YOUTH | MORTALITY | CAUSES OF DEATH | VITAL STATISTICS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | MATERNAL MORTALITY | ADOLESCENT HEALTH | ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES | SUICIDE | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Population Dynamics | Population Statistics | Health Document Number: 342865 |
| 10. Peer Reviewed Title: Unsafe abortion in urban and rural Tanzania: method, provider and consequences. Author: Rasch V; Kipingili R Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health. 2009 Sep;14(9):1128-33. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe unsafe abortion methods and associated health consequences in Tanzania, where induced abortion is restricted by law but common and known to account for a disproportionate share of hospital admissions. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of women admitted with alleged miscarriage: 278 in rural Tanzania and 473 in urban Tanzania. Women who had undergone a clandestinely induced abortion were identified by an empathetic approach and interviewed in detail about the procedure. Information about complications was obtained from the patient file. RESULTS: Sixty-two per cent in rural Tanzania and 63% in urban Tanzania stated that they had had an unsafe induced abortion. The abortion had been induced by an unskilled provider in 46% of rural women and 60% of urban women. Herbs and roots had commonly been used for induction, in 42% of rural and 54% of urban women. The method most often associated with abortion complications was catheter/roots, whereas the method least often associated with complications was herbs. CONCLUSION: The large number of women identified as having had unsafe abortion together with the prevalent use of herbs calls for attention. Language: English Keywords: TANZANIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLIENTS | ABORTION | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | INTERVIEWS | TRADITIONAL HEALTH PRACTICES | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Population | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Culture | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 342942 Notification |
| 11. Peer Reviewed Title: A tale of two countries: HIV among core groups in Togo. Author: Sobela F; Pepin J; Gbeleou S; Banla AK; Pitche VP; Adom W; Sodji D; Frost E; Deslandes S; Labbe AC Source: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2009 Jun 1;51(2):216-23. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of HIV among core groups in Togo. METHODS: We enumerated sex workers (SWs) and conducted cross-sectional surveys of SWs and their clients in 2003 in Lome and in 2005 in the whole country. RESULTS: Sex work was concentrated in Lome, which comprised 15% of the population, but 52% of the 5397 SWs enumerated in Togo in 2005 and 68% of the estimated 101,376 men who had bought sex in the year before the 2005 survey. HIV prevalence among SWs was highest in Lome (45.4% in 2005) and progressively decreased from south to north. A similar geographical pattern was seen for clients (8.3% were HIV infected in Lome in 2005) and had already been reported for pregnant women. In Lome, the population attributable fraction of prevalent cases of HIV acquired during transactional sex was estimated at 32%; in the rest of the country, this was only 2%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study quantifying sex work at a national level in Africa. Variations in HIV prevalence within Togo, with a north-south gradient among SWs, their clients, and pregnant women, may to a large extent reflect the concentration of the sex trade within Lome. Prostitution played only a modest a role in HIV dynamics outside Lome. Language: English Keywords: TOGO | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | SEX WORKERS | HIV INFECTIONS | PREVALENCE | RISK FACTORS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | TRANSACTIONAL SEX | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Health | Population Document Number: 341776 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: First impressions: what are preclinical medical students in the US and Canada learning about sexual and reproductive health? Author: Steinauer J; LaRochelle F; Rowh M; Backus L; Sandahl Y; Foster A Source: Contraception. 2009 Jul;80(1):74-80. Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the inclusion of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics in preclinical US and Canadian medical education. STUDY DESIGN: Between 2002 and 2005, we sent surveys to the student coordinators of active Medical Students for Choice chapters at 122 US and Canadian medical schools. Students reported on the preclinical curricular inclusion of 50 specific SRH topics in the broad categories of pregnancy, contraception, infertility, elective abortion, ethical and social issues, and other topics. RESULTS: We received 77 completed surveys, for an overall response rate of 63%. Coverage of pregnancy physiology and STIs/HIV was uniformly high. In contrast, inclusion of contraceptive methods and elective abortion procedures greatly varied by subtopic and geographic region. Thirty-three percent of respondents reported no coverage of elective abortion-related topics. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of contraception and elective abortion in preclinical medical school courses varies widely. As critical components of women's lives and health, we recommend that medical schools work to integrate comprehensive family planning content into their standard curricula. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | CANADA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | MEDICAL STUDENTS | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | MEDICAL SCHOOLS | CURRICULUM | FAMILY PLANNING | ABORTION | ETHICS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | North America, Northern | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Students | Education | Health | Schools | Fertility Control, Postconception | Sociocultural Factors | Population Document Number: 342789 Notification |
| 13. Peer Reviewed Title: Initiating antiretroviral treatment in a resource-constrained setting: does clinical staging effectively identify patients in need? Author: Torpey K; Lartey M; Amenyah R; Addo NA; Obeng-Baah J; Rahman Y; Suzuki C; Mukadi YD; Colebunders R Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2009 Jun;20(6):395-8. Abstract: In industrialized countries, the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is based on virological, immunological and clinical markers. The objective of this study was to identify treatment gaps when ART initiation is based on clinical staging alone. The method employed was a retrospective study of 5784 patients enrolled in an HIV treatment programme in two urban and two rural sites in Ghana. Of the patients, 29.5% were in clinical Stages I and II and had a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count less than 200 cells/mm(3). Significantly more patients in clinical Stage I from urban sites (37.0%) had a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count less than 200 cells/mm(3) as compared with patients from rural sites (23.8%) (P value <0.05). In addition, more men (39.9%) in clinical Stage I had a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count less than 200 cells/mm(3) when compared with women (27.4%) (P value <0.05). In conclusion, clinical staging cannot identify a relatively large number of patients who need ART. A wider availability of CD4+ T-lymphocyte count testing will optimize the identification of patients eligible for ART. Language: English Keywords: GHANA | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CLIENTS | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | IMMUNOLOGIC FACTORS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | SEX FACTORS | AIDS | HIV INFECTIONS | SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | HIV | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Immunity | Immune System | Physiology | Biology | Population | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors Document Number: 342443 |
| 14. Title: Gender differences in educational attainments and occupational status in Thailand: a study based on Kanchanaburi DSS data. Author: Viswanathan PK; Thongthai V Source: Journal of Population and Social Studies. 2009 Jan;17(2):83-122. Abstract: This paper examines the gender differences in educational attainments and occupational roles in Thailand based on the Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance System (hereafter referred as the KDSS) data. The important objectives of the study are: a) to examine the gender composition in educational attainments and delineate the magnitude and extent of inter-generational disparity in educational attainments across gender and strata over time; b) to dissect the gender wise occupational composition of the economically productive age groups and thereby to bring out the occupational dynamism among women across strata over the KDSS rounds; c) to examine the influence of demographic and socio-economic variables including education on occupational status of the households; and d) to reflect upon the important policy imperatives emerging from the study. Language: English Keywords: THAILAND | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEYS | HOUSEHOLDS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | OCCUPATIONAL STATUS | SEX FACTORS | WOMEN'S STATUS | INEQUALITIES | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Employment Status | Population Characteristics Document Number: 339864 |
| 15. Peer Reviewed Title: Young people and sexual risk-taking behaviour in Central England. Author: Westwood J; Mullan B Source: Sexual Health. 2009 Jun;6(2):135-8. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sexually transmissible infections and the rate of teenage pregnancy in the UK are among the highest in the industrialised world. Research has suggested that high rates of risk-taking behaviours may account for the concerning increase in the rates of sexually transmissible infections and higher rates of teenage pregnancy in the UK. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis investigated the sexual risk-taking behaviours of a group of sexually active 12-15-year-old school pupils from a single county in Central England (n = 493). Data were analysed to investigate the sexual risk activity of adolescents, urban/rural location, and gender. RESULTS: In this sample, rural students were more likely than their urban counterparts to have used drugs or alcohol the first time they had sex. Female students were more likely than male students to report ever having had sex without contraception. Male students were more likely than female students to have ever had a one night stand. CONCLUSIONS: As expected there were differences in sexual risk-taking behaviour between pupils in urban and rural locations, and males and females. In most cases these differences were consistent with previous research on general trends, with a few exceptions that can be meaningfully interpreted using previous research in this area. In future, researchers may wish to investigate the underlying factors that determine these differences in risk-taking behaviour. Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | STUDENTS | SEX BEHAVIOR | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE | DRUG USE AND ABUSE | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | SEX FACTORS | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Studies | Research Methodology | Education | Behavior | Population | Contraception | Family Planning | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors Document Number: 342947 |
| 16. Title: Using geographic information system tools to address disparities in access to family planning services and commodities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Technical brief. Author: John Snow [JSI]. DELIVER Source: Arlington, Virginia, JSI, DELIVER, 2008 Dec. [8] p. (Technical Brief) Abstract: This analysis shows that the Guatemalan departments with the greatest disparities in access to FP are Alta Verapaz, Quetzaltenango, Totonicapán, and Sololá. To reduce unmet need for target populations in these departments, as well as to increase overall access to FP services and commodities, various approaches may be taken simultaneously. Some approaches and interventions may involve service delivery providers, particularly the MOH and community-based NGOs. Other strategies may be taken by advocacy and interest / community groups and local religious leaders who can explain the benefits of FP in improving family well-being and prosperity. Such strategies might include working on advocacy and community engagement; information, education, and communication; quality of service delivery; and organizational strengthening. Using GIS as a planning tool for policymakers demonstrates how existing data sources can be leveraged to gain new information about the complex issue surrounding health inequities and poverty. Approaching the problem from an inherently geographic perspective allows detailed variations in health and demographic data to be examined for spatial trends, and using GIS tools facilitates an integrated analysis of multiple variables to identify priority areas for future targeted initiatives to reduce inequity in access to FP.(Excerpts) Language: English Keywords: LATIN AMERICA | CARIBBEAN | SUMMARY REPORT | USAID | INFORMATION PROCESSING | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | INEQUALITIES | CULTURE | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | Americas | Developing Countries | Government Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Information | Population | Family Planning | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 331437 |
| 17. Title: Using GIS tools to address disparities in access to family planning services and commodities in LAC and the Caribbean. Author: John Snow [JSI]. DELIVER Source: Arlington, Virginia, JSI, DELIVER, 2008. 8 p. (USAID Deliver Project, Task Order 1) Abstract: This paper demonstrates a methodology that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) ministries of health can easily use to geographically identify and target scarce resources to improve access to family planning. Guatemala was chosen as a case study for implementing the methodology, in large part because of the disparities that exist between its different subpopulations. The results highlight the potential for applying this methodology in other countries in the LAC region. Language: English Keywords: LATIN AMERICA | CARIBBEAN | PROGRESS REPORT | EVALUATION INDEXES | INDIGENOUS POPULATION | HUMAN GEOGRAPHY | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | INEQUALITIES | DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | USAID | Americas | Developing Countries | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Population Characteristics | Population | Geography | Social Sciences | Science | Sociocultural Factors | Family Planning | Management | Organization and Administration | Program Evaluation | Programs | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Government Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors Document Number: 329565 |
| 18. Title: Naturally acquired immunity and reduced susceptibility to falciparum malaria in two subpopulations of endemic Eastern India. Author: Biswas S; Seth RK; Tyagi PK; Sharma SK; Dash AP Source: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology. 2008 Feb;67(2):177-184. Abstract: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of naturally acquired humoral immune responses and their association with reduced susceptibility to malaria in children and adults with differential clinical conditions from an Indian zone where malaria is endemic. The study was undertaken in an eastern province of India (Keonjhar, Orissa) in a group of 341 children (both younger and older) and 98 adults living in two different areas, Town area and Forest area. They were studied for their parasitological and immunological profiles. Sera from different age-matched groups were screened by ELISA to measure IgG reactivities for characterizing humoral immune responses to the B-cell epitopes of Plasmodium falciparum MSP1, AMA1, RAP1 and EBA175 peptides and P. falciparum-infected erythrocyte lysate. In Town area, overall P. falciparum cases were 5.5%, whereas those in Forest area were 26.7%. We observed an age-wise increasing trend of immunity in these two populations. It was also noticed that the frequency of responders to stage-specific antigens was higher in individuals from the Town area where the frequency of malaria was lower. The naturally acquired humoral immune responses to different stage-specific antigens of P. falciparum reflect the reduced risk of malaria in the study groups. The higher frequency of seroresponders showed correlation with lower risk of developing malaria. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | LABORATORY PROCEDURES | PREVALENCE | FORESTS | URBAN AREAS | AUTOIMMUNE RESPONSE | MALARIA | IMMUNITY | ANTIGENS | RISK FACTORS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Measurement | Research Methodology | Natural Resources | Environment | Population | Antibodies | Immunologic Factors | Immune System | Physiology | Biology | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases Document Number: 325353 |
| 19. Title: Has the HIV epidemic peaked? Author: Bongaarts J; Buettner T; Heilig G; Pelletier F Source: New York, New York, Population Council, 2008. 29 p. (Poverty, Gender, and Youth Working Paper No. 9) Abstract: This study first reviews the highly diverse regional and country patterns of HIV epidemics and discusses possible causes of the geographic variation in epidemic sizes. Past trends and projections of the epidemics are presented next and the peak years of epidemics are estimated. The potential future impact of new prevention technologies is briefly assessed. A final section summarizes the future impact of the epidemic on key demographic variables. The main finding of this analysis is that the HIV epidemic reached a major turning point over the past decade. The peak years of HIV incidence rates are past for all regions, and the peaks of prevalence rates are mostly in the past except in Eastern Europe, where it is expected to peak in 2008. But owing in part to the life-prolonging effect of antiretroviral therapy and to sustained population growth, the absolute number of infected individuals is expected to keep growing slowly in sub-Saharan Africa and remain near current levels worldwide, thus posing acontinuing challenge to public health programs. No country is expected to see a decline in its population size between 2005 and 2050 that is attributable to high mortality related to AIDS. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | HIV | EPIDEMICS | INCIDENCE | PREVALENCE | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | DEMOGRAPHIC IMPACT | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Research Methodology | Population | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors Document Number: 326421 |
| 20. Peer Reviewed Title: Has the HIV epidemic peaked? Author: Bongaarts J; Buettner T; Heilig G; Pelletier F Source: Population and Development Review. 2008 Jun;34(2):199-224. Abstract: OVER THE PAST quarter century the HIV virus has spread to all corners of the globe, resulting in one of the deadliest epidemics of modern times. In 2007 a total of 2.1 million men, women, and children died of AIDS. The death toll will remain high in the future because 33.2 million individuals are currently infected and about 2.5 million new HIV infections occur each year (UNAIDS 2007). Most of these currently and newly infected individuals are likely to die of AIDS eventually, despite the increasing availability of treatment. In response to this unprecedented health threat a massive global effort has been mounted to reduce infections through prevention programs and to extend the lives of infected individuals with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Prevention efforts are partly responsible for a major turning point in the epidemic: after a period of rapid spread the epidemic appears to have stabilized in most countries, and the proportion of adults infected with HIV is no longer increasing (Shelton et al. 2006; UNAIDS 2007). In a number of countries the proportion infected is even declining. The first part of this article reviews the highly diverse regional and country patterns of HIV epidemics and discusses possible causes of the geographic variation in epidemic sizes. We describe past trends in HIV epidemics and offer explanations for the recent stabilization and/or decline of the epidemic. Next, we examine projections of the future course of the epidemic, estimate the peak years of regional epidemics, and briefly assess the potential future impact of new prevention technologies. We conclude with a summary of the past and projected future impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on key demographic variables, including the crude death rate, the population age structure, and population growth. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | HIV INFECTIONS | MORTALITY | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | HIV PREVENTION | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | IMPACT | DEATH RATE | DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS | PREVALENCE | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Population Dynamics | Population | HIV | Communication | Measurement | Research Methodology Document Number: 327372 |
| 21. Peer Reviewed Title: Distribution and chromosomal characterization of the Anopheles gambiae complex in Angola. Author: Calzetta M; Santolamazza F; Carrara GC; Cani PJ; Fortes F Source: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2008;78(1):169-175. Abstract: Mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae complex (N = 1,336) were sampled (2001-2005) across Angola to identify taxa, study inversion polymorphisms, and detect the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum. Anopheles gambiae s.s. was found in all sites; it was characterized as M-form in localities of the tropical dry and semi-desertic belts, whereas the S-form was predominant in comparatively more humid and less anthropized sites. Both forms were characterized by low degrees of chromosomal polymorphism based solely on the 2La inversion, a pattern usually associated with An. gambiae populations from forested, humid, and derived savanna areas. Unexpectedly, this pattern was also observed in M-form populations collected in dry/pre-desertic areas, where this form largely predominates over An. arabiensis, which was also detected in central/inland sites. Anopheles melas was found in northern coastal sites. Three of 534 An. gambiae s.s. were positive for P. falciparum CS-protein, whereas none of the 105 An. melas were positive. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ANGOLA | RESEARCH REPORT | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | ANIMALS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | INSECTS | PROTEINS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | CLIMATE | DESERTIFICATION | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Natural Resources | Environment | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Disease Transmission Control | Prevention and Control | Physiology | Biology | Population | Environmental Degradation Document Number: 325614 |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: Topography-derived wetness indices are associated with household-level malaria risk in two communities in the western Kenyan highlands. Author: Cohen JM; Ernst KC; Lindblade KA; Vulule JM; John CC Source: Malaria Journal. 2008 Feb 29;7:40. Abstract: Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum generally decreases with increasing elevation, in part because lower temperature slows the development of both parasites and mosquitoes. However, other aspects of the terrain, such as the shape of the land, may affect habitat suitability for Anopheles breeding and thus risk of malaria transmission. Understanding these local topographic effects may permit prediction of regions at high risk of malaria within the highlands at small spatial scales. Hydrologic modelling techniques were adapted to predict the flow of water across the landscape surrounding households in two communities in the western Kenyan highlands. These surface analyses were used to generate indices describing predicted water accumulation in regions surrounding the study area. Households with and without malaria were compared for their proximity to regions of high and low predicted wetness. Predicted wetness and elevation variables were entered into bivariate and multivariate regression models to examine whether significant associations with malaria were observable at small spatial scales. On average, malaria case households (n=423) were located 280 m closer to regions with very high wetness indices than non-malaria "control" households (n=895) (t=10.35, p less than 0.0001). Distance to high wetness indices remained an independent predictor of risk after controlling for household elevation in multivariate regression (OR=0.93 [95% confidence interval=0.89-0.96] for a 100 m increase in distance). For every 10 m increase in household elevation, there was a 12% decrease in the odds of the house having a malaria case (OR=0.88 [0.85-0.90]). However, after controlling for distance to regions of high predicted wetness and the community in which the house was located, this reduction in malaria risk was not statistically significant (OR=0.98 [0.94-1.03]). Proximity to terrain with high predicted water accumulation was significantly and consistently associated with increased household-level malaria incidence, even at small spatial scales with little variation in elevation variables. These results suggest that high wetness indices are not merely proxies for valley bottoms, and hydrologic flow models may prove valuable for predicting areas of high malaria risk in highland regions. Application in areas where malaria surveillance is limited could identify households at higher risk and help focus interventions. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | HOUSEHOLDS | MALARIA | INCIDENCE | RISK FACTORS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | WATER | ALTITUDE | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Biology | Population | Natural Resources | Environment Document Number: 325088 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: Failure to detect Plasmodium vivax in West and Central Africa by PCR species typing. Author: Culleton RL; Mita T; Ndounga M; Unger H; Cravo PV Source: Malaria Journal. 2008;7:174. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax is estimated to affect 75 million people annually. It is reportedly absent, however, from west and central Africa due to the high prevalence of the Duffy negative phenotype in the indigenous populations. Despite this, non-African travellers consistently return to their own countries with P. vivax malaria after visiting this region. An attempt was made, therefore, to detect the presence of P. vivax parasites in blood samples collected from the indigenous populations of west and central Africa. METHODS: Parasite species typing (for all four human malaria parasites) was carried out by PCR on 2,588 blood samples collected from individuals from nine African malaria-endemic countries. RESULTS: Most infections (98.5%) were Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae was identified in 8.5% of all infections, and Plasmodium ovale in 3.9%. The prevalence of both parasites varied greatly by country. Only one case of P. vivax was detected from Sao Tome, an island off the west coast of Africa, confirming the scarcity of this parasite in Africa. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of P. vivax in local populations in sub-Saharan Africa is very low, despite the frequent identification of this parasite in non-African travellers. Language: English Keywords: AFRICA, WESTERN | AFRICA, CENTRAL | RESEARCH REPORT | PREVALENCE | INDIGENOUS POPULATION | TRAVELERS | MALARIA | PARASITES | TRAVEL AND TOURISM | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Measurement | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Biology Document Number: 328799 |
| 24. Title: Age at menarche in girls born from 1985 to 1989 in Mazandaran, Islamic Republic of Iran. Author: Delavar MA; Hajian-Tilaki KO Source: Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 2008 Feb;14(1):90-94. Abstract: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 2246 girls born between 1985 and 1989 to determine the age of menarche in Mazandaran province, northern Islamic Republic of Iran. Six cities were selected randomly and cluster sampling used to select high-school students in urban and rural areas. Students with malnutrition, anaemia and chronic infections such as tuberculosis were excluded. The mean (standard deviation) age of menarche was 12.5 (1.1) years, 95% CI: 12.45-12.55 years. The most frequent occurrence of menarche was in summer and least frequent in winter. Menarche age was significantly higher in girls living in rural areas and with fathers with lower education. (author's) Language: English Keywords: IRAN | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | MENARCHE | SEASONAL VARIATION | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | Developing Countries | Middle East | Research Methodology | Adolescents | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Menstruation | Reproduction | Population Dynamics | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 325101 |
| 25. Title: The enigma of yellow fever in East Africa. Author: Ellis BR; Barrett AD Source: Reviews In Medical Virology. 2008 Sep-Oct;18(5):331-46. Abstract: Despite a safe and effective vaccine, there are approximately 200,000 cases, including 30,000 deaths, due to yellow fever virus (YFV) each year, of which 90% are in Africa. The natural history of YFV has been well described, especially in West Africa, but in East Africa yellow fever (YF) remains characterised by unpredictable focal periodicity and a precarious potential for large epidemics. Recent outbreaks of YF in Kenya (1992-1993) and Sudan (2003 and 2005) are important because each of these outbreaks have involved the re-emergence of a YFV genotype (East Africa) that remained undetected for nearly 40 years and was previously unconfirmed in a clinically apparent outbreak. In addition, unlike West Africa and South America, YF has yet to emerge in urban areas of East Africa and be vectored by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti. This is a significant public health concern in a region where the majority of the population remains unvaccinated. This review describes historical findings, highlights a number of disease indicators, and provides clarification regarding the natural history, recent emergence and future risk of YF in East Africa. Language: English Keywords: AFRICA, EASTERN | KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | HISTORICAL REVIEW | EPIDEMIOLOGY | YELLOW FEVER | TRANSMISSION | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | RISK ASSESSMENT | Developing Countries | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Public Health | Health | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Infections | Population | Evaluation Document Number: 328631 |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: Differences in transmission seasons as an epidemiological tool for characterization of anthroponotic and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in northern Afghanistan. Author: Faulde M; Schrader J; Heyl G; Amirih M Source: Acta Tropica. 2008 Feb;105(2):131-138. Abstract: Regional epidemiological data, when available from Afghan or international health authorities, usually include cutaneous leishmaniasis cases without further elaboration. Scientific reports from Afghanistan mainly focus on the current status of war and refugee-related anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), but little is known about zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), its regional and seasonal distribution, or other disease characteristics. Multiple field investigations revealed that both ACL and ZCL are widespread in Afghanistan and may show sharp differences in specific epidemiology and incubation periods. The previously unknown transmission dynamics and differing seasonality of ZCL, with maximum clinical cases in September and October, as opposed to the ACL peak in March and April, are here described, thus permitting for the first time prediction of the causative Leishmania species in undiscriminated CL reports. Results show that epidemiological differences may serve as a convenient tool for discriminating between ACL and ZCL, at least in northern and central Afghanistan, which can be important because specific treatment and control measures may be different. (author's) Language: English Keywords: AFGHANISTAN | RESEARCH REPORT | POPULATION | LEISHMANIASIS | TRANSMISSION | SEASONAL VARIATION | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | EPIDEMIOLOGY | LABORATORY PROCEDURES | PARASITE CONTROL | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Infections | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Public Health | Health | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care Document Number: 324402 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: Baseline assessment of the prevalence and geographical distribution of HPV types in Chile using self-collected vaginal samples. Author: Ferreccio C; Corvalan A; Margozzini P; Viviani P; Gonzalez C Source: BMC Public Health. 2008 Feb 28;8(78):[34] p. Abstract: Chile has broad variations in weather, economics and population from the far desert north (Region 1) to the cold, icy south (Region 12). A home-based self-collected vaginal sampling was nested in the 2003 Chilean population-based health survey in order to explore the possibility of a type-specific geographical variation for human papillomavirus The population was a national probability sample of people 17 years of age and over. Consenting women provided self-collected cervicovaginal swabs in universal collection media (UCM). DNA was extracted and typed to 37 HPV genotypes using PGMY consensus PCR and line blot assay. Weighted prevalence rates and adjusted OR were calculated. Of the 1,883 women participating in the health survey, 1,219 (64.7%) provided a cervicovaginal sample and in 1,110 (56.2% of participants and 66.5% of those eligible) the samples were adequate for analysis. Refusal rate was 16.9%. HPV prevalence was 29.2% (15.1% high-risk HPV and 14.1% low-risk HPV). Predominant high-risk types were HPV 16, 52, 51, 56 and 58. Predominant low-risk HPVs were HPV 84, CP6108, 62, 53 and 61. High-risk and low-risk HPV rates were inversely correlated between the regions. High-risk HPV prevalence was highest among the youngest women, whereas low-risk HPV increased slightly with age. Self-obtained vaginal sampling is adequate for monitoring HPV in the community, for identifying high-risk areas, and for surveying the long term impact of interventions. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHILE | RESEARCH REPORT | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | WOMEN | HPV | TESTING | PREVALENCE | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | RISK FACTORS | Developing Countries | South America, Southern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Demographic Factors | Population | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Research Methodology | Biology Document Number: 324387 |
| 28. Title: The cognitive link between geography and development: Iodine deficiency and schooling attainment in Tanzania. Author: Field EM; Robles O; Torero M Source: Cambridge, Massachusetts, National Bureau of Economic Research, 2008 Mar. 63 p. (NBER Working Paper No. 13838) Abstract: An estimated 20 million children born each year are at risk of brain damage from in utero iodine deficiency, the only micronutrient deficiency known to have significant, non-reversible effects on cognitive development. Cognitive damage from iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) has potentially important implications for economic growth through its effect on human capital attainment. To gauge the magnitude of this influence, we evaluate the impact of reductions in fetal IDD on child schooling attainment that resulted from an intensive distribution of iodized oil capsules (IOC) in Tanzania. We look for evidence of improvements in cognitive ability attributable to the intervention by assessing whether children who benefited from IOC in utero exhibit higher rates of grade progression at ages 10 to 14 relative to siblings and older and younger children in the district who did not. Our findings suggest that reducing fetal IDD has significant benefits for child cognition: Protection from IDD in utero is associated with 0.36 years of additional schooling. Furthermore, the effect appears to be substantially larger for girls, consistent with new evidence from laboratory studies indicating greater cognitive sensitivity of the female fetus to maternal thyroid deprivation. There is no indication that IOC improved rates of illness or school absence due to illness, suggesting that IOC improves schooling through its effect on cognition rather than its effect on health. However, there is weak evidence that the program also reduced child but not fetal or infant mortality, which may bias downward the estimated effect on education. Cross-country regression estimates corroborate the results from Tanzania, indicating a strong negative influence of total goiter rate and strong positive influence of salt iodization on female school participation. Together, these findings provide micro-level evidence of the direct influence of ecological conditions on economic development and suggest a potentially important role of variation in rates of learning disability in explaining cross-country growth patterns and gender differences in schooling attainment. (author's) Language: English Keywords: TANZANIA | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CHILDREN | FETUS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | GOITER | PREVALENCE | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | PROTEIN BOUND IODINE ALTERATIONS | SEX FACTORS | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | MATERNAL NUTRITION | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Thyroid Effects | Endocrine Effects | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Measurement | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Hematological Effects | Hemic System | Nutrition Programs | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Nutrition Document Number: 325671 |
| 29. Title: Prevalence of underweight: A matter of concern among adolescents in Osun State, Nigeria. Author: Funke OM Source: Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 2008;7(3):503-508. Abstract: Prevalence of undernutrition among adolescents in developing world has shown a decline during the last decade. Adolescents make up approximately 20% of the world's population. There is a dearth of research on adolescent nutrition in developing countries. The aim of this cross sectional study was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition, overweight and obesity as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI) in a representative sample of adolescents aged 10-19 years in Osun State of Nigeria. Adolescents (n = 401) from 32 schools in urban and rural districts of the state responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire. Body mass index for age was calculated and the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was determined based on WHO/NCHS value of less than 5th, 85th and 95th percentiles respectively. The results consisted of 182 boys and 219 girls. The prevalence of underweight was 20.1% in the study area, which was higher among the rural adolescents (22.4%) than urban (18.7%) and 25.8% and 15.1% among boys and girls respectively. The prevalence of overweight was 3.2% with 4.1% from urban and 1.5% from rural, while 1.1% were boys and 5.0% were girls. Only 0.5% urban girls were obese. Prevalence of underweight was significantly higher in boys at mid adolescence (24.2%, p less than 0.02), boys who were involved in jobs after school hours (13.7%, p less than 0.06) and who do not travel regularly (22.5%, p less than 0.12). While among girls who reside with extended family member (11.9%, p less than 0.05). In conclusion, adolescents living in Osun state, Nigeria are at high risk of underweight. (author's) Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | RESEARCH REPORT | NUTRITION SURVEYS | ADOLESCENTS | BODY WEIGHT | MALNUTRITION | NUTRITION INDEXES | OBESITY | PREVALENCE | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | SEX FACTORS | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Nutrition | Health | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Measurement | Research Methodology Document Number: 327277 |
| 30. Peer Reviewed Title: Stillbirth rates in Peruvian populations at high altitude. Author: Gonzales GF; Tapia V; Carrillo CE Source: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2008 Mar;100(3):221-227. Abstract: The objective was to compare the stillbirth rates in 4 cities at different altitudes in Peru. The stillbirth rates from a sample of 22,662 births recorded in the Perinatal Information System database were analyzed between 2005 and 2006 for the cities of Lima (150 m), Huancayo (3280 m), Cuzco (3430 m), and Puno (3850 m). Stillbirths were higher at high altitude (greater than 3000 m) (OR 4.82; CI, 3.05-7.72) compared with low altitude. The effect of altitude was observed after controlling for socioeconomic (OR 4.29; CI, 2.61-6.93), demographic and biological (OR 4.18; CI, 2.65-6.77), maternal health care (OR 4.72; CI, 2.96-7.61), and fetal factors (OR 3.96; CI, 2.48-6.45). Inhabitants from the southern Andes demonstrated a protective effect on stillbirth rate compared with the central Andes, which may be due to an ancestry effect with longer multigenerational residence in the southern Andes population. Stillbirth rate is higher at high altitude compared with low altitude. (author's) Language: English Keywords: PERU | RESEARCH REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | FETAL DEATH | ALTITUDE | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT | South America, Western | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Environment | Social Behavior | Behavior Document Number: 324205 |
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