1.  Title: mHealth for development: The opportunity of mobile technology for healthcare in the developing world. Author: Vital Wave Consulting Source: Washington, D.C., United Nations Foundation, 2009. 66 p. Abstract: Mounting interest in the field of mHealth -- the provision of health-related services via mobile communications -- can be traced to the evolution of several interrelated trends. In many parts of the world, epidemics and a shortage of healthcare workers continue to present grave challenges for governments and health providers. Yet in these same places, the explosive growth of mobile communications over the past decade offers a new hope for the promotion of quality healthcare. Among those who had previously been left behind by the 'digital divide,' billions now have access to reliable technology. There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the potential of mobile communications to radically improve healthcare services -- even in some of the most remote and resource-poor environments. This report examines issues at the heart of the rapidly evolving intersection of mobile phones and healthcare. It helps the reader to understand mHealth's scope and implementation across developing regions, the health needs to which mHealth can be applied, and the mHealth applications that promise the greatest impact on heath care initiatives. It also examines building blocks required to make mHealth more widely available through sustainable implementations. Finally, it calls for concerted action to help realize mHealth's full potential. (Excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | SUMMARY REPORT | PUBLIC HEALTH | TELECOMMUNICATIONS | INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION | EDUCATION | AWARENESS | DATA COLLECTION | PRIMARY HEALTH CARE | TRAINING ACTIVITIES | HEALTH PERSONNEL | DISEASE PREVENTION | TECHNOLOGY | TREATMENT | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | DRUGS | HIV TESTING | HIV PREVENTION | Health | Broadcast Media | Mass Media | Communication | Knowledge | Sociocultural Factors | Research Methodology | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Training Programs | Prevention and Control | Diseases | Economic Factors | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases Document Number: 331450 |
2.  Title: Radiology services for children in HIV- and TB-endemic regions: scope for greater collaboration between radiologists and clinicians caring for children. Author: Dramowski A; Morsheimer MM; Frigati L; Schaaf HS; Rabie H; Sorour G; Cotton MF Source: Pediatric Radiology. 2009 Jun;39(6):541-4. Abstract: There is limited literature documenting the interaction between radiologists and clinicians caring for children, especially in regions where HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are endemic. The dual burden of these diseases in resource-limited settings creates unique challenges for radiographic interpretation and utilization. This review aims to heighten awareness of issues confronting radiologists and clinicians caring for children and to encourage greater collaboration between these two disciplines in HIV- and TB-endemic regions. The Child-Friendly Healthcare Initiative is discussed, emphasizing opportunities to promote child friendliness in radiology services. Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | CRITIQUE | PHYSICIANS | HIV INFECTIONS | TUBERCULOSIS | CHILD HEALTH SERVICES | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | TECHNOLOGY | PRIVACY | STANDARDS | Health Personnel | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Infections | Maternal-Child Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Communication | Economic Factors | Behavior | Research Methodology Document Number: 342187 |
| 3. Title: New and underutilised technologies to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity: what progress have we made since Bellagio 2003? Author: Tsu VD; Coffey PS Source: BJOG. 2009 Jan;116(2):247-56. Abstract: In 2003, maternal health experts met in Bellagio, to consider new and underutilised technologies vital to pregnancy-related health services in low-resource settings. Five years later, we examine what progress has been made and what new opportunities may be on the horizon. Based on a review of literature and consultation with experts, we consider technologies addressing the five leading causes of maternal mortality: postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia, obstructed labour, puerperal sepsis, and unsafe abortion (pregnancy termination and miscarriage). In addition, we consider technologies related to obstetric fistula, which has received more attention in recent years. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | LITERATURE REVIEW | CLINICAL RESEARCH | PREGNANT WOMEN | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | MATERNAL MORTALITY | PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS | MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES | TECHNOLOGY | REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES | POSTPARTUM | BLEEDING | ECLAMPSIA | CHILDBIRTH | INFECTION PREVENTION | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Diseases | Maternal-Child Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproduction | Puerperium | Signs and Symptoms | Pregnancy Outcomes | Pregnancy | Infections Document Number: 330719 |
| 4. Title: E-health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a decade of challenges and achievements. Author: Al-Shorbaji N Source: Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 2008;14 Suppl:S157-73. Abstract: The World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) has made huge progress in terms of use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the healthcare sector. Despite the late entry of ICT in health in the Region, there have been many impressive developments both as public health applications and in medical care. The article attempts to draw a picture of the current status of e-health applications in the Region with some specific examples of milestones and achievements made. The overall ICT situation and economic factors coupled with the health situation in the Region dictate the state-of-the-art of e-health. Language: English Keywords: MIDDLE EAST | PROGRESS REPORT | EVALUATION | POLICYMAKERS | WHO | INTERNET | TELECOMMUNICATIONS | TECHNOLOGY | COMMUNICATION PROGRAMS | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | INFORMATION NETWORKS | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | UN | International Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Communication | Broadcast Media | Mass Media | Economic Factors | Health Document Number: 330596 |
| 5. Title: Research subsidies, population control policies, and growth. Author: Alexandrakis C Source: Review of Development Economics. 2008 Feb;12(1):106-123. Abstract: Several R&D-based growth models without scale effects claim that subsidies to R&D are not conductive for economic growth while a faster growing population is. Yet, in an effort to maintain high growth rates, most OECD countries continue to subsidize R&D, while several developing countries are trying to control the size of their population. Are these countries misguided? This study introduces an R&D-based growth model that is characterized by complementarities between technology and human capital. The model is free of scale effects and consistent with the above-mentioned policies. By applying the model to US data the study uncovers a possible explanation for the productivity slowdown. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | POPULATION | POLICYMAKERS | POPULATION CONTROL | POPULATION POLICY | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | POPULATION GROWTH | RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT | GRANTS | TECHNOLOGY | HUMAN CAPITAL | PRODUCTIVITY | Theoretical Models | Research Methodology | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Financial Activities | Human Resources Document Number: 324779 |
| 6. Peer Reviewed Title: Potential impact of nanotechnology on the control of infectious diseases. Author: Allaker RP; Ren G Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2008 Jan;102(1):1-2. Abstract: Nanotechnology encompasses those technologies used to fabricate materials, including sphere, cubic and needle-like nanoscaled particles (approximately 5-100 nm), and near-nanoscaled devices (up to micrometres). In comparison, mycoplasma are approximately 200nm in length, and a nanometre is 10-9 of a metre. The field of nanotechnology is experiencing rapid growth, with many and diverse potential applications being explored in the biomedical field, including the control of infectious diseases. Nanotechnology not only has the potential to offer improvements to current approaches for immunisation, drug design and delivery, diagnostics and cross-infection control, but is also unexpectedly delivering many new tools and capabilities. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | CRITIQUE | TECHNOLOGY | COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | IMMUNIZATION | VACCINES | LABORATORY PROCEDURES | ANTIBIOTICS | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | METALS | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Economic Factors | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Primary Health Care | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Drugs | Treatment | Vitamins and Minerals | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 322620 |
| 7. Title: Sex education via computer-aided instruction for early secondary school students. Author: Eamratsameekool W Source: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. 2008 May;91(5):759-763. Abstract: Development and utilization of computer-aided instruction (CAI) on sex education may facilitate learning and provide an additional education channel to early secondary school students. Randomized control-group pretest-posttest design was used and was applied to four student groups from different schools within Roi Et Municipality as 1) CAI, 2) CAI control, 3) Teacher, and 4) Teacher control groups. The CAI were developed and organized in accordance with new sex education concepts. Questionnaires were also developed accordingly. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed. One hundred and eighty three students from four rooms from four different schools were enrolled. The pretest scores were 24.65, 27.44, 31.51, and 33.66; and posttest scores were 25.00, 25.74, 33.80, and 34.77 for CAI, CAI control, Teacher, and Teacher control groups, respectively. The ANCOVA revealed there was no significant difference between the CAI and the CAI control groups (F = 0.399; p = 0.529) and between the Teacher and the Teacher control groups (F = 0.307; p = 0.581). Sexual knowledge of CAI group did not differ from the control group. Computer competency of the students underlined CAI usage. (author's) Language: English Keywords: THAILAND | RESEARCH REPORT | CONTROL GROUPS | PRE-POST TESTS | ADOLESCENTS | STUDENTS | SEX EDUCATION | COMPUTERS | TECHNOLOGY | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Education | Information Processing | Information | Economic Factors Document Number: 327061 |
| 8. Peer Reviewed Title: The use of PDAs to collect baseline survey data: Lessons learned from a pilot project in Bolivia. Author: Escandon IN; Searing H; Goldberg R; Duran R; Arce JM Source: Global Public Health. 2008 Jan;3(1):93-104. Abstract: We compared the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) against the use of standard paper questionnaires for collecting survey data. The evaluation consisted of qualitative approaches to document the process of introducing PDAs. Fieldwork was carried out during June-July 2005 at 12 sites in Bolivia. Data collectors reacted positively to the use of the PDAs and noted the advantages and disadvantages of paper and PDA data collection. A number of difficulties encountered in the use of PDA technology serve as a warning for investigators planning its adoption. Problems included incompatible data files (which impeded the ability to interpret data), an inadequate back-up protocol, and lack of a good 'fit' between the technology and the study. Ensuring the existence of a back-end database, developing an appropriate and adequate back-up protocol, and assessing whether a technology 'fits' the project are important factors in weighing the decision to collect data using PDAs. (author's) Language: English Keywords: BOLIVIA | RESEARCH REPORT | PILOT PROJECTS | BASELINE SURVEYS | DATA COLLECTION | TECHNOLOGY | INFORMATION | MANAGEMENT | QUALITY CONTROL | South America, Central | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Economic Factors | Organization and Administration Document Number: 325325 |
| 9. Peer Reviewed Title: Effectiveness of web-based education on Kenyan and Brazilian adolescents’ knowledge about HIV / AIDS, abortion law, and emergency contraception: Findings from TeenWeb. Author: Halpern CT; Mitchell EM; Farhat T; Bardsley P Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2008 Aug;67(4):628-637. Abstract: Little evidence is available about the utility of web-based health education for students in low resource settings. This paper reports results from an evaluation of the TeenWeb project, a multi-year, web-based health education intervention implemented in two urban settings: Nairobi, Kenya (N = 1178 school students) and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (N = 714 school students). A quasi-experimental, school-based pre-test/post-test design was implemented at each study site to determine if easy access to web-based reproductive health information, combined with intellectual "priming" about reproductive health topics, would result in improved knowledge and attitudes about topics such as condom use, access to HIV testing, emergency contraception and abortion laws. Students in web-access schools completed one web-based module approximately every 6-8 weeks, and in return, had access to the Internet for at least 30 min after completing each module. Although students were encouraged to access project-supplied web-based health information, freedom of web navigation was an incentive, so they could choose to access other Internet content instead. Most measures showed statistically significant differences between students in "web" and "comparison" conditions at post-test, but only about half of the differences were in the hypothesized direction. Results of an embedded experiment employing more directed feedback tripled the likelihood of correctly reporting the duration of emergency contraception effectiveness. Review of URL logs suggests that the modest results were due to inadequate exposure to educational materials. Future intervention should focus on teen's purposeful searching for health information when they are in personal circumstances of unmet health needs. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KENYA | BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | PROGRAM EVALUATION | PRE-POST TESTS | ADOLESCENTS | STUDENTS | INTERVENTIONS | SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES | HEALTH EDUCATION | SEX EDUCATION | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | CONDOM USE | EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION | COMPUTERS | TECHNOLOGY | INTERNET | PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Programs | Organization and Administration | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Education | Health | Risk Reduction Behavior | Behavior | Contraception | Family Planning | Information Processing | Information | Economic Factors | Information Networks | Communication Document Number: 327535 |
| 10. Peer Reviewed Title: Information and communications technology for future health systems in developing countries. Author: Lucas H Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2008 May;66(10):2122-2132. Abstract: There has been much discussion of the role that recent advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) could play in improving health systems in developing countries, but limited independent analysis of existing applications. Combining a case study approach with a general discussion of the issues, this paper attempts to assess the potential benefits of a diverse range of ICT innovations and some of the constraints they will need to overcome. Four broad areas are considered: improvements in traditional health information systems; computer-aided diagnosis and treatment monitoring; a range of applications generically labelled 'telemedicine'; and the use of ICT to inform general populations on health and healthcare. The final section speculates on the possible medium-term impacts of ICT in terms of improving the performance of existing systems, allowing scope for radical innovations, or even changing basic assumptions about the provider-patient relationship. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | CRITIQUE | CASE STUDIES | HEALTH PERSONNEL | HEALTH FACILITIES | INFORMATION NETWORKS | INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION | COMPUTER PROGRAMS AND PROGRAMMING | TELECOMMUNICATIONS | TECHNOLOGY | Studies | Research Methodology | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Communication | Information Processing | Information | Broadcast Media | Mass Media | Economic Factors Document Number: 326192 |
| 11. Peer Reviewed Title: Survey of knowledge and perception on the access to evidence-based practice and clinical practice change among maternal and infant health practitioners in South East Asia. Author: Martis R; Ho JJ; Crowther CA Source: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2008;8:34. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) can provide appropriate care for women and their babies; however implementation of EBP requires health professionals to have access to knowledge, the ability to interpret health care information and then strategies to apply care. The aim of this survey was to assess current knowledge of evidence-based practice, information seeking practices, perceptions and potential enablers and barriers to clinical practice change among maternal and infant health practitioners in South East Asia. METHODS: Questionnaires about IT access for health information and evidence-based practice were administered during August to December 2005 to health care professionals working at the nine hospitals participating in the South East Asia Optimising Reproductive and Child Health in Developing countries (SEA-ORCHID) project in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and The Philippines. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 660 staff from six health professional groups. Overall, easy IT access for health care information was available to 46% of participants. However, over a fifth reported no IT access was available and over half of nurses and midwives never used IT health information. Evidence-based practice had been heard of by 58% but the majority did not understand the concept. The most frequent sites accessed were Google and PubMed. The Cochrane Library had been heard of by 47% of whom 51% had access although the majority did not use it or used it less than monthly. Only 27% had heard of the WHO Reproductive Health Library and 35% had been involved in a clinical practice change and were able to identify enablers and barriers to change. Only a third of participants had been actively involved in practice change with wide variation between the countries. Willingness to participate in professional development workshops on evidence-based practice was high. CONCLUSION: This survey has identified the need to improve IT access to health care information and health professionals' knowledge of evidence-based health care to assist in employing evidence base practice effectively. Language: English Keywords: ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | HEALTH PERSONNEL | NURSES AND NURSING | MIDWIVES AND MIDWIFERY | NURSE-MIDWIVES | KNOWLEDGE | PERCEPTION | MATERNAL-CHILD HEALTH SERVICES | CHILD CARE | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | INFORMATION | TECHNOLOGY | PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | Developing Countries | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Sociocultural Factors | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Child Rearing | Health Services Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Economic Factors | Management Document Number: 329237 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: Use of touch-screen technology to deliver user-focused service improvements in a walk-in sexual health centre. Author: Paxford-Jenkins R; Kumar U Source: Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. 2008 Oct;34(4):268. Abstract: Walk-in reproductive and sexual health services often operate using cumbersome, old-fashioned manual and paper-based systems that restrict users to registering at reception and limit their opportunities for autonomy and engagement in how their needs are managed. Mystery shoppers1 provided valuable insight into what it felt like to experience our service prior to these changes and identified that queuing and lack of privacy at reception were particular areas of concern. We wanted to redesign the service in order to simplify the service user pathway; however, no ready-made information technology system was available that would incorporate self-registration, queue management, triage and self-service access to condoms, pregnancy tests, and chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening kits. Working closely with staff and service users, we therefore developed a new, bespoke system based on touch screens with our technology partner, Key Technology Solutions, which was introduced into the centre in June 2007. This is the first system of its kind to be used in any sexual health service. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | HEALTH SERVICES | PROMOTION | TECHNOLOGY | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Health | Marketing | Economic Factors | Management | Organization and Administration Document Number: 329389 |
| 13. Peer Reviewed Title: The challenges of technological innovation in HIV. Author: Rosengarten M; Michael M; Mykhalovskiy E; Imrie J Source: Lancet. 2008 Aug 2;372(9636):357-8. Abstract: The challenges of transferring biomedical advances and non-biomedical technological innovations in HIV prevention and treatment to the field, are a theme of this year's XVII International AIDS Conference. In the HIV field, innovations are often understood in exclusively biomedical or psychosocial terms. Related to these understandings are well-worn disciplinary distinctions. Thus vaccines and drug treatments are typically understood as biotechnological. They are seen as the proper preserve of laboratory studies and clinical trials that are charged with the creation of biotechnologies to protect human bodies from HIV infection or reduce damaging effects when infection has occurred. By contrast, innovations in safer-sex campaigns and other forms of behavioural prevention are generally considered the mainstay of the social sciences. Research from these fields is intended to provide insights into the beliefs and practices that might inform policy and programmes aimed at individual behaviours. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | HIV INFECTIONS | AIDS | TREATMENT | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | TECHNOLOGY | RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT | HIV PREVENTION | BEHAVIOR | CONDOM USE | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | HIV | Economic Factors | Risk Reduction Behavior Document Number: 328231 |
| 14. Title: Technological progress, income inequality, and fertility. Author: Sato Y; Tabata K; Yamamoto K Source: Journal of Population Economics. 2008 Jan;21(1):135-157. Abstract: This paper constructs an overlapping-generations model with two different types of technology: modern, which can be accessed only by the skilled, and traditional, which can be accessed by the unskilled. The model described in this paper shows that a rise in the wage premium for skilled workers caused by skill-biased technological changes explains the following key stylized facts: with economic development, the fraction of skilled people increases, the fertility rate declines, and income inequality rises and then falls. The model also explains the observed gradual rises in income inequality in developed countries. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | ECONOMIC MODEL | WORKERS | TECHNOLOGY | WAGES | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | FERTILITY RATE | INEQUALITIES | INCOME | Theoretical Models | Research Methodology | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Macroeconomic Factors | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 322759 |
| 15. 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 |
| 16. Title: CD4 stabilization tubes provide improved accuracy of absolute CD4 T-cell counts compared to standard k3 EDTA tubes in human immunodeficiency virus immunologic monitoring in resource-poor settings. Author: Shott JP; Iga B; Makumbi F; Luswata C; Kagulire C Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology. 2008 Oct;15(10):1623-4. Abstract: CD4 stabilization tubes have the ability to ensure internal quality control in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) monitoring laboratory by maintaining accurate absolute CD4 T-cell counts for up to 6 days. Here, we assessed this technology for its use in an HIV clinical monitoring laboratory in a resource-poor setting in rural Uganda. Language: English Keywords: UGANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | RURAL AREAS | LOW INCOME POPULATION | LABORATORY PROCEDURES | MONITORING | HIV | TECHNOLOGY | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Geographic Factors | Population | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Evaluation | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases Document Number: 328841 |
| 17. Title: Policy making and roles of health technology assessment. Author: Tantivess S Source: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. 2008 Jun;91 Suppl 2:S88-99. Abstract: The processes of policy development and implementation in the public sector are complex and dynamic as several actors with different interests are involved. To pursue their benefits, these individual and organizational participants compete with each other and those with a relatively high degree of power can lead the policy decisions. Results of and recommendations derived from economic evaluation and other forms ofhealth technology assessment (HTA) are expected to have an important role in policy making and professional practice. However, it appears that on many occasions, such scientific evidence is neglected. Complex calculations, arbitrary assumptions, debatable choices of whose perspectives to pursue, difficult-to-understand methods, research designs and underlying philosophy/concepts, and time-consuming processes are claimed as key factors discouraging policy makers and practitioners from making use of HTA findings. Ethical considerations and the perception that HTA-based clinical guidelines undermine professional autonomy are also crucial. Language: English Keywords: THAILAND | RESEARCH REPORT | EVALUATION | MEDICINE | ETHICS | TECHNOLOGY | POLICY DEVELOPMENT | IMPLEMENTATION | STANDARDS | ECONOMIC FACTORS | HEALTH POLICY | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Sociocultural Factors | Planning | Organization and Administration | Programs | Research Methodology | Policy | Political Factors Document Number: 330743 |
| 18. Peer Reviewed Title: Health information seeking among Mbararan adolescents: Results from the Uganda Media and You survey. Author: Ybarra ML; Emenyonu N; Nansera D; Kiwanuka J; Bangsberg DR Source: Health Education Research. 2008 Apr;23(2):249-258. Abstract: To maximize scarce intervention dollars, pediatricians and other adolescent health professionals must position health promotion efforts in mediums that most effectively reach youth. This may be especially true in resource-limited settings where access to primary health care and medications is limited. To improve the efficiency and impact of disease prevention and health promotion efforts in resource-limited settings, we examine sources of health information cited by adolescents in Mbarara Uganda. Participants in the Uganda Media and You survey were students aged 12-18 (n = 500) randomly identified in five secondary schools in Mbarara municipality, Uganda. Ninety-three percent of eligible and invited youth completed the cross-sectional, pencil-and-paper survey. Four in five adolescents (81%) indicated they turned to parents, teachers, and other adults while around half read a book/went to the library (56%) or turned to siblings and friends (50%) for information about health and disease. More than one in three (38%) indicated that they used the computer and Internet to search for health information. Older versus younger respondents tended to rely upon siblings and friends for all types of health questions. On the other hand, younger versus older youth were significantly more likely to turn to parents, teachers, and other adults for their questions about sexual health. Adults may be an important component of effective disease prevention and health promotion campaigns. Multiple delivery methods may be especially effective for reaching older adolescents. Technology also may be an important health promotion tool in resource-limited settings. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UGANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | ADOLESCENTS | ADOLESCENT HEALTH | INFORMATION SOURCES | HEALTH EDUCATION | NEEDS | NEEDS ASSESSMENT | TECHNOLOGY | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health | Information | Education | Economic Factors | Evaluation Document Number: 325396 |
| 19. Title: [New technologies for tuberculosis control: the Stop TB Partnership's Task Force on Retooling] Nouvelles technologies pour la lutte antituberculeuse: le Groupe spécialdu Partenariat Halte à la tuberculose sur le renouvellement des outils. Source: Weekly Epidemiological Record. 2007 Apr 13;82(15):130-132. Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global problem that killed 1.6 million people in 2005. The mounting problem of drug resistance, including the emergence of multidrugresistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (known as XDR-TB), coupled with the growing number of TB patients who are also infected with HIV are combining to make the pandemic more deadly. These problems risk compromising the progress made in TB control during the past decade. Beyond the current efforts to prevent, detect and cure TB, new tools are needed to radically transform the fight against TB, to contain the threat of deadly drug-resistant strains and to reach the elimination target by 2050. (excerpt) Language: EnglishFrench Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | CRITIQUE | TUBERCULOSIS | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | DRUG RESISTANCE | HIV INFECTIONS | TECHNOLOGY | RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT | Infections | Diseases | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Viral Diseases | Economic Factors Document Number: 315428 |
| 20. Peer Reviewed Title: Science and technology for wealth and health in developing countries. Author: Acharya T Source: Global Public Health. 2007 Jan;2(1):53-63. Abstract: It is now widely accepted that the developing world needs to invest in science and technology or risk falling behind as the technology gap between the North and South widens. However, these investments must be balanced by continued investment in basic population-wide services, such as healthcare and water supply and sanitation. Achieving this balance is a matter of ongoing debate in policy circles, and leaders and policy-makers in developing countries often have to make difficult decisions that pit investment in new technologies and capacity-building in science and technology against basic population-wide services such as healthcare and water supply and sanitation. The tension is underscored by evidence which suggests that rapidly industrializing economies, like in China, India and Brazil, are actually experiencing a rise in economic and health disparities among their populations. The fact that poor people in an industrializing country must fall behind while the rest of the country marches ahead does not have to be an inevitable outcome of industrialization. This article shows that science and technology can make an important and vital contribution to development, using public health as an example. It suggests the need to focus investments in science and technology in such a way that they can have a positive impact on public health. For instance, the use of simple, hand-held molecular diagnostic tools can help unskilled health workers rapidly and accurately diagnose diseases, thus helping to reduce healthcare costs due to delayed or incorrect diagnoses. Recombinant vaccines can mitigate the risk of infection associated with live or attenuated vaccines, while needle-less delivery methods can help contain the spread of blood-borne infections. Critical to making technology investments work for population health are government policies and strategies that align public health goals and technology priorities. Such policies can include cross-sectoral training programs to improve dialogue between the technology and health sectors, setting up technology transfer cells to increase commercialization of health research relevant to local needs, and leveraging the phenomenon of low-margin high-volume marketing for health products. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | GLOBAL | PHILOSOPHICAL OVERVIEW | TECHNOLOGY | HEALTH | SCIENCE | CAPACITY BUILDING | APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY | DISEASES | GOALS | LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | PUBLIC HEALTH | Economic Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Program Sustainability | Programs | Organization and Administration | Planning | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care Document Number: 325370 |
| 21. Peer Reviewed Title: [Reproductive health: a contribution to the evaluation of a virtual library] Saude reprodutiva: uma contribuicao para avaliacao de biblioteca virtual. Author: Alvarez MD; Cuenca AM; Noronha DP; Schor N Source: Cadernos de Saude Publica. 2007 Oct;23(10):2317-2326. Abstract: Virtual libraries have been implemented in an attempt to organize scientific information found in the Internet, including the Biblioteca Virtual de Saude Reprodutiva (BVSR), or Virtual Library on Reproductive Health. The aim is to provide quality information to researchers in the reproductive health field. The current study evaluates the use of the BVSR, emphasizing the users' expectations, difficulties, and suggestions. The study adopted a qualitative methodology. The focus group technique was applied to Internet chat groups through which reproductive health researchers communicated. Users expressed their expectations regarding information, highlighting the lack of time and the need to quickly obtain precise data. Use of virtual libraries for research increases where there is more trust in the institutions responsible for maintaining them. Researchers suggested the following: greater dissemination of the BVSR, publication of an electronic newsletter, and creation of a communications channel between the BVSR and users in order to foster intelligent collective communication. (author's) Language: Portuguese Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE EVALUATION | FOCUS GROUPS | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | LIBRARIES | INTERNET | TECHNOLOGY | INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION | INFORMATION SERVICES | INFORMATION SOURCES | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Evaluation | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Health | Information Centers | Communication | Information Networks | Economic Factors | Information Document Number: 324471 |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: A microchip approach for practical label-free CD4+ T-cell counting of HIV-infected subjects in resource-poor settings. Author: Cheng X; Irimia D; Dixon M; Ziperstein JC; Demirci U Source: JAIDS. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2007 Jul 1;45(3):257-261. Abstract: Simple affordable CD4 cell counting is urgently needed to stage and monitor HIV-infected patients in resource-limited settings. To address the limitations of current approaches, we designed a simple, label-free, and cost-effective CD4 cell counting device using microfluidic technology. We previously described the fabrication of a microfluidic system for high-efficiency isolation of pure populations of CD4+ T cells based on cell affinity chromatography operated under controlled flow. Here, we compare the performance of a microfluidic CD4 cell counting device against standard flow cytometry in 49 HIV-positive subjects over a wide range of absolute CD4 cell counts. We observed a close correlation between CD4 cell counts from the microchip device and measurements by flow cytometry, using unprocessed whole blood from HIV-positive adult subjects. Sensitivities for distinguishing clinically relevant thresholds of 200, 350, and 500 cells/mL are 0.86, 0.90, and 0.97, respectively. Specificity is 0.94 or higher at all thresholds. This device can serve as a functional cartridge for fast, accurate, affordable, and simple CD4 cell counting in resource-limited settings. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | LOW INCOME POPULATION | HIV | TECHNOLOGY | RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT | MONITORING | DATA REPORTING | LABORATORY PROCEDURES | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Evaluation | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 318601 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: Reproductive health and new technology in Africa: Horizon scanning for new technologies. Author: de Romero S; Ray S Source: African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2007;11(1):7-13. Abstract: Recent progress in the development of sexual health technologies should benefit men and women in developing countries. Chlamydia screening, HPV screening and vaccination, trials of HSV-1 vaccine, and improved diagnostic testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have the potential to reduce the burden of sexually transmitted infections. Chlamydia screening has already been implemented in many European countries but is too expensive for developing countries where the prevalence of chlamydia and its complications is much greater. The ethical issues of implementing HPV vaccination are being discussed as the vaccine becomes available in rich countries. The cost of HIV testing was once prohibitive for many developing countries, but the importance of this intervention in managing the HIV pandemic led to improvements in quality of testing and dramatic reductions in costs. Lessons from the HIV epidemic must be learnt for future introduction of new technologies in resource poor conditions. In particular, the social context of the communities meant to benefit must be assessed and considered. The development and fast track licensing of one of two new vaccines which have been demonstrated in trials to be highly effective in preventing infection in women with the main types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has initiated discussion on the potential effectiveness of this vaccine in low income countries. Cost, delivery, and access must all be considered if a new technology is to be introduced, but partial or incomplete understanding of the social and cultural context aggravates the difficulties. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: AFRICA | CRITIQUE | WOMEN | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE | TECHNOLOGY | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES | HPV | SCREENING | Developing Countries | Demographic Factors | Population | Health | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Economic Factors | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Viral Diseases | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine Document Number: 320289 |
| 24. Title: [Home technological support network for technology-dependent children discharged from a state-run hospital] Rede de suporte tecnologico domiciliar a crianca dependente de tecnologia egressa de um hospital de saude publica. Author: Drucker LP Source: Ciencia and Saude Coletiva. 2007 Sep-Oct;12(5):1285-1294. Abstract: Due to major advances, life maintenance technology has improved remarkably over the past few years. Research and development in the field of intensive pediatric and neonatal care has prompted the appearance of a new type of patient: the Technologically-Dependent Child (TDC), a heterogeneous and loosely-defined group whose survival is dependent on technological and pharmacological artifacts. A Government pediatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro, the Instituto Fernandes Figueira (IFF/FIOCRUZ) cares for this group. When eligible patients return home, they are enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Home Care Program (PADI) run by this Institution. This paper discusses the life maintenance equipment purchase and maintenance network, analyzing how families absorb technology so as to become homecare givers and take decisions. Finally, it also examines how families, hospitals and funding agencies must cooperate in order to care for the TDC at home and at this Institution. This qualitative research project is based on observations and interviews conducted at hospital facilities and children being treated in their homes through the Interdisciplinary Home Care Program. Language: Portuguese Keywords: BRAZIL | CRITIQUE | INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES | INFANT | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | DISABLED PERSONS AND DISABILITIES | NEONATAL DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES | APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY | TECHNOLOGY | HOME CARE | FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | COORDINATION | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sociocultural Factors | Diseases | Economic Factors | Care and Support | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Organization and Administration | Child Rearing | Behavior Document Number: 324597 |
| 25. Peer Reviewed Title: Behavioral indicators of household decision-making and demand for sanitation and potential gains from social marketing in Ghana. Author: Jenkins MW; Scott B Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2007 Jun;64(12):2427-2442. Abstract: Household demand for improved sanitation in developing countries is an important social and behavioral process with implications for public health, sanitation policy and planning, and sanitation design and technology development. This paper develops a behavioral approach to assess household demand for improved sanitation in Ghana. Adoption decision stages of preference, intention, and choice to install a toilet in Ghana are defined, measured in a survey, and used to estimate sanitation demand, identify factors affecting demand at each stage, and classify households by adoption stage to identify targeted demand-stimulation strategies. Results from a representative national sample of 536 households indicate that of 74% of households without any home sanitation, 31% have some likelihood of installing a toilet within the next year, but only 6% are very likely to do so; 62% had not considered the idea. Motivating and constraining factors are compared at each adoption stage and strategies likely to increase toilet installation in Ghana discussed. The approach is useful for assessing behavioral indicators of sanitation demand in developing countries and suggesting where marketing approaches can and cannot work to accelerate adoption of household sanitation improvements. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GHANA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | HOUSEHOLDS | DECISION MAKING | SANITATION | SOCIAL MARKETING | BEHAVIOR | PUBLIC HEALTH | HEALTH POLICY | TECHNOLOGY | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Health | Marketing | Economic Factors | Policy | Political Factors Document Number: 317088 |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: Spatial sampling design for a demographic and health survey. Author: Kumar N Source: Population Research and Policy Review. 2007 Dec;26(5-6):581-599. Abstract: The recent advances in global position systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing (RS) can be exploited for spatial sampling design for demographic and health surveys. These technologies are particularly useful when a sampling frame is unavailable and/or location (of household) is important for data collection (e.g., location of residence might greatly impact exposure to ambient air pollution among members of a population). Building on these technologies, this article presents a methodology of spatial sampling adopted for the respiratory health and demographic survey conducted in Delhi and its environs from January through April 2004. The overall goal of the survey was to select households that adequately represented exposure to ambient air pollution. The proposed methodology involved constructing a sampling frame of residential areas and the simulation of weighted random points within residential areas. The simulated locations were navigated with the aid of GPS to identify households at these locations and to acquire residents' consent to participate in the survey; a total of 1,576 households at the 2,000 simulated locations were found suitable and participated in the survey. The average ambient air pollution at the sample sites was not significantly different from the average air pollution observed in the study area, which demonstrates the robustness of the proposed sampling method. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | LITERATURE REVIEW | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | POPULATION DISTRIBUTION | HOUSEHOLDS | ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION | EXPOSURE | THEORETICAL MODELS | TECHNOLOGY | TESTING | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Geographic Factors | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Environmental Degradation | Environment | Risk Factors | Biology | Research Methodology | Economic Factors | Measurement Document Number: 322083 |
| 27. Title: Modified vitrification method for cryopreservation of human ovarian tissues. Author: Li YB; Zhou CQ; Yang GF; Wang Q; Dong Y Source: Chinese Medical Journal. 2007 Jan 20;120(2):110-114. Abstract: Vitrification is a prospective technology in ovarian tissue cryopreservation, but it is still in an initial stage. This study was conducted to investigate a modified vitrification protocol for human ovarian tissue, which can be used as an alternative to preserve fertility for young women with cancer who have to undergo cytotoxic therapy and sterilization. Ovarian tissue samples were collected from 15 patients and randomly allocated to groups of fresh, vitrification, and conventional slow freezing. A modified carrierless vitrification method was applied. The proportion of morphologically intact follicles in fresh ovarian tissues was compared with that in warmed/thawed tissues. The initial growth of the follicles and the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were detected to determine the viability and endocrine function of the cryopreserved tissues. The proportion of morphologically intact primordial follicles in the fresh group (97.6%) was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (vitrification group 80.3% and slow-freezing group 72.6%, P<0.001). In both the vitrification and slow-freezing groups, estradiol and progesterone were secreted continuously during 2-week culture in vitro, the proportion of primary follicles were both significantly increased compared to the fresh group. No statistically significant differences existed between the two groups after cryopreservation in the proportion of both primordial and primary follicles, and the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone (P>0.05). The modified vitrification method for cryopreservation of human ovarian tissues is effective, simple, and inexpensive. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | EVALUATION | WOMEN | OVARIAN CANCER | CYTOLOGY | ESTRADIOL | PROGESTERONE | TECHNOLOGY | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Demographic Factors | Population | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases | Biology | Estrogens | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Progestational Hormones | Economic Factors Document Number: 319863 |
| 28. Title: Individual constitutions vs universal physiology: Iranian responses to allopathic medicine. Author: Loeffler A Source: Body and Society. 2007;13(3):103-123. Abstract: Allopathic medicine occupies a curious position in the medical anthropological literature. On the one hand, partnered with big business and political interests, it is vilified as an arm of hegemonic Western culture. In this class of scholarship, allopathic medicine emerges as a monolithic system insensitive to local cultural contexts, in which one physician can seemingly be substituted for another at any time and any place. On the other hand, descriptions of the cultural roots of medicine and of the sociocultural basis of the doctor-patient relationship paint a picture of culture-boundedness which makes it difficult to imagine how such a system could be employed in the universalizing, culture-abnegating, transnationalist dispersal of Western culture described in the former literature. For if allopathic medicine is grounded in Western culture and the doctor-patient relationship is informed by sociocultural conditions, then logically the practice of allopathic medicine in any one location must be different, to a lesser or greater extent, from that in another cultural context. I will address this hypothesis here by exploring how the contradiction between the universalizing tendencies of Western medicine and the cultural situatedness of medical practice is played out in a particular non-Western setting, Iran. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: IRAN | CRITIQUE | MEDICINE | DISEASES | TRADITIONAL MEDICINE | TECHNOLOGY | KNOWLEDGE | ISLAM | SCIENCE | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | Developing Countries | Middle East | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Economic Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Religion | Nutrition Document Number: 322237 |
| 29. Title: Gender, information technology and health: The case of women workers in export zones in the Philippines. Author: Lu JL Source: Journal of International Women's Studies. 2007 May;8(4):93-106. Abstract: This study tried to look into the intricate relationship between work, gender, health and technology in the micro-organizations and in the context of a globalized economy. The study also showed that technology has intensified work as evident in the results of focus group discussions. The need to cope with the pace of the machines was implicated in the experience and perception of health among workers. The new work arrangements, organizational structure and new technological applications were seen in the study to produce new hazards and new illnesses. The characteristics now of the new workplace are: information technology intensive work, fast pace of work, the need for upskilling, burnout, chronic sleep debt, superspeed communications, new forms of illnesses that could not be differentiated such as new cancers and allergies, ergonomic problems, information overload, coexistence of old and new exposures and risks, epidemic of persistent fatigue, and chronic illnesses. This is based on the 21 focus group discussions among women, and a survey questionnaire of 630 women from a list of 23 establishments in the electronics and garment industries in export zones. The study has shown that with the growing internationalization of work and economies of nation states women s labour and global capital have an impact on gender and class dynamics at work, workplace construction of femininities and masculinities, and social production of ill-ness in technology driven industries. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | FOCUS GROUPS | QUESTIONNAIRES | WOMEN | WORKERS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | MODERNIZATION | INFORMATION PROCESSING | TECHNOLOGY | WORKPLACE | SAFETY | ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES | RISK FACTORS | INEQUALITIES | Research Methodology | Data Collection | Demographic Factors | Population | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Social Change | Sociocultural Factors | Information | Employment | Macroeconomic Factors | Public Health | Health | Biology | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 319965 |
| 30. Title: Technological challenges in diagnosis and management of HIV infection in resource limited settings [editorial] Author: Madhivanan P; Krupp K Source: BMJ. British Medical Journal. 2007 Jul 28;335(7612):165-166. Abstract: With the HIV epidemic in its third decade, appropriate use of technology in resource limited settings has taken on added importance as priorities shift from detection and prevention to care and support for people living with HIV. At the same time, there is a continuing need for evaluation of and improvement in the critical diagnostic tools, such as rapid tests for HIV, which have become indispensable in settings with a high prevalence of infection. In this week's BMJ two studies look at such evaluations. MacLennan and colleagues assess the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of a simplified flow cytometry method for measuring CD4 counts that promises a more affordable alternative for routine clinical use in resource limited settings. Gray and colleagues highlight problems encountered with the use of rapid tests for HIV screening in rural Rakai, Uganda. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | CRITIQUE | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV INFECTIONS | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | MANAGEMENT | HIV TESTING | TECHNOLOGY | COST EFFECTIVENESS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Organization and Administration | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Economic Factors | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation Document Number: 318902 |
 |
||
 |
Information & Knowledge for Optimal Health (INFO) Project 111 Market Place Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-659-6300 Fax: 410-659-6266 Security & Privacy Policy |  |