1.  Title: Kangaroo mother care for low birth weight babies: a prospective observational study. Source: Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society. 2009 Jan-Jun;29(1):6-9. Abstract: Introduction: Kangaroo Mother Care is the low cost, humane technique for caring low birth weight babies by direct skin to contact with the mother. Objective: The Prospective observational study was done to see the effect of KMC especially on weight gain on low birth weight babies weighing 2000 grams or less at Special Care Baby Unit of Paropakar Maternity and Women's hospital, Kathmandu. Method: The study was conducted in Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital over 7 months period May 2007 to Nov. 2008 (from Baishakh 2064 to Kartik 2065). The method of care consisted of skin to skin contact between the mother and the infant. Result: It was observed that babies had good weight gain of average 30gms/day and had short duration of hospital stay of average 9 days. Babies had less morbidities like hypothermia, apnea, skin infections and oral thrush.100% babies had exclusive breast feeding and KMC was acceptable to mothers. Conclusion: Kangaroo Mother Care shows early and good weight gain in low birth weight babies. It is simple, low cost technique and well acceptable by mother and family and can be continued at home. Language: English Keywords: NEPAL | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | INFANT | LOW BIRTH WEIGHT | TREATMENT | INFANT HEALTH | GESTATIONAL AGE | BREASTFEEDING, EXCLUSIVE | COST EFFECTIVENESS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Birth Weight | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Child Health | Fetus | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Breastfeeding | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation Document Number: 341512 |
2.  Peer Reviewed Title: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 427: Misoprostol for postabortion care. Author: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009 Feb;113(2 Pt 1):465-8. Abstract: The World Health Organization estimates that 67,000 women, mostly in developing countries, die each year from untreated or inadequately treated abortion complications. Postabortion care, a term commonly used by the international reproductive health community, refers to a specific set of services for women experiencing problems from all types of spontaneous or induced abortion. There is increasing evidence that misoprostol is a safe, effective, and acceptable method to achieve uterine evacuation for women needing postabortion care. To reduce maternal mortality, availability of postabortion care services must be increased. Misoprostol must be readily available especially for women who do not otherwise have access to postabortion care. Nurses and midwives can safely provide first-line postabortion care services, including in outpatient settings,provided they receive appropriate training and support. Access to contraception and safe abortion services prevents complications from unsafe abortion and decreases the need for postabortion care. It is much less expensive and far better for women's health to prevent the problem of unsafe abortion rather than to treat resulting complications. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | WOMEN | ABORTION | ABORTION, SPONTANEOUS | POSTABORTION CARE | MISOPROSTOL | HEALTH SERVICES | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | MATERNAL HEALTH | MATERNAL MORTALITY | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | NEEDS ASSESSMENT | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Pregnancy Complications | Diseases | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Prostaglandins, Synthetic | Prostaglandins | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 341050 |
| 3. Title: Progress toward the 2012 measles elimination goal--Western Pacific Region, 1990-2008. Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Source: MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2009 Jun 26;58(24):669-73. Abstract: In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee of the Western Pacific Region (WPR) formally declared a measles elimination goal, and in 2005, the committee established a target date of 2012 for regional measles elimination. Key strategies recommended by WHO for achievement of measles elimination include 1) very high (>or=95%) vaccination coverage with 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1 and MCV2) through routine vaccination and/or supplemental immunization activities (SIAs); 2) high-quality case-based measles surveillance; and 3) access to an accredited measles laboratory network for testing of suspected measles cases and identification of measles virus genotypes. This report describes progress toward measles elimination in the WPR through 2008. Measles likely has been eliminated or nearly eliminated in 24 of the 37 countries and areas in the WPR (referred to in this report as countries). However, large numbers of measles cases continue to be reported from several countries. During 2008, a total of 131,441 confirmed measles cases (98.4 per million population) were reported from China and 11,015 cases (86.1 per million population) from Japan, two countries that account for 82% of the region's population and >97% of its confirmed measles cases. Intensified efforts by WPR countries, particularly China and Japan, will be required to achieve the 2012 goal. Language: English Keywords: OCEANIA | SUMMARY REPORT | INCIDENCE | MEASLES | VACCINES | IMMUNIZATION | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | MONITORING | SCREENING | Developing Countries | Measurement | Research Methodology | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Primary Health Care | Evaluation | Examinations and Diagnoses Document Number: 341752 |
| 4. Title: [Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study] operations manual. Final draft. Author: Harvard University; University of Washington. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation; Johns Hopkins University; University of Queensland; World Health Organization [WHO] Source: [Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University, 2009 Jan 20 142 p. Abstract: The final draft of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study Operations Manual is intended to serve as a guide for the Expert Groups working on the GBD Study. There are opportunities to provide input and feedback, and instructions to do so are included in the operations manual. The new Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (the GBD 2005 Study), which commenced in the spring of 2007, is led by a consortium including Harvard University, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Queensland, and the World Health Organization WHO). It is the first major effort since the GBD 1990 Study to carry out a complete systematic assessment of the data on all diseases and injuries, and produce comprehensive and comparable estimates of the burden of diseases, injuries and risk factors for two time periods, 1990 and 2005. By November 2010 the project will produce a final set of estimates. (Excerpts) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | MANUAL | DATA ANALYSIS | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | DISABLED PERSONS AND DISABILITIES | DISEASES | ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES | MORTALITY | RISK FACTORS | EPIDEMIOLOGY | INCIDENCE | PREVALENCE | RISK ASSESSMENT | BIAS | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health | Population Dynamics | Public Health | Measurement | Evaluation | Error Sources Document Number: 331797 |
| 5. Title: The logistics handbook: A practical guide for supply chain managers in family planning and health programs. Author: John Snow [JSI]. DELIVER Source: Arlington, Virginia, JSI, DELIVER, 2009 Jul. 182 p. (USAID Contract No. GPO-I-01-06-00007-00) Oringinally published in 2004. Abstract: The Logistics Handbook includes the major aspects of logistics management with an emphasis on contraceptive supplies. The text should be helpful to managers who work with supplies every day as well as managers who assess and design logistics systems for entire programs. Policymakers may find the text useful in exploring the inputs needed to create an effective logistics system. Key terms and concepts are clearly defined and explained, and the design and implementation of management information systems and inventory control are discussed in detail. Storage and quality control practices are also discussed, and overviews of forecasting and procurement processes are included. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | MANUAL | USAID | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | LOGISTICS | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS | DRUGS | INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS | RECORDS | QUALITY CONTROL | MONITORING | STORAGE AND WAREHOUSES | IMPLEMENTATION | PLANNING | Government Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Family Planning | Management | Organization and Administration | Contraception | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Data Storage and Retrieval | Information Processing | Information | Evaluation | Programs Document Number: 331681 |
| 7. Title: Community-based health workers can safely and effectively administer injectable contraceptives: Conclusions from a technical consultation. Author: World Health Organization [WHO]; United States. Agency for International Development [USAID]; Family Health International [FHI] Source: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, FHI, 2009. 4 p. Abstract: In June 2009, a technical consultation held at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva concluded that evidence supports the introduction, continuation, and scale-up of community-based provision of progestin-only injectable contraceptives. The group of 30 technical and programme experts reviewed scientific and programmatic experience, which largely focused on the progestin-only injectable, depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). The experts found that community-based provision of progestin-only injectable contraceptives by appropriately trained community health workers (CHWs) is safe, effective, and acceptable. Such services should be part of a family planning programme offering a range of contraceptive methods. (Excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | CONFERENCES AND CONGRESSES | COMMUNITY WORKERS | WHO | INJECTABLES | DEPO-PROVERA | NEEDS | SAFETY | CONTRACEPTION CONTINUATION | TRAINING ACTIVITIES | MONITORING | FAMILY PLANNING POLICY | Health Personnel | Delivery of Health Care | Health | UN | International Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Medroxyprogesterone Acetate | Contraceptive Agents, Progestin | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Economic Factors | Public Health | Contraceptive Usage | Training Programs | Education | Evaluation | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy Document Number: 331834 |
| 8. Peer Reviewed Title: Unmet need for contraception among HIV-positive women in Lesotho and implications for mother-to-child transmission. Author: Adair T Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2009 Mar;41(2):269-78. Abstract: In Lesotho, the risk of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV is substantial; women of childbearing age have a high HIV prevalence rate (26.4%), low knowledge of HIV status and a total fertility rate of 3.5 births per woman. An effective means of preventing MTCT is to reduce unwanted fertility. This paper examines the unmet need for contraception to limit and space births among HIV-positive women in Lesotho aged 15-49 years, using the 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey. HIV-positive women have their need for contraception unmet in almost one-third of cases, and multivariate analysis reveals this unmet need is most likely amongst the poor and amongst those not approving of family planning. Urgent action is needed to lower the level of unmet need and reduce MTCT. A constructive strategy is to improve access to family planning for all women in Lesotho, irrespective of HIV status, and, more specifically, integrate family planning with MTCT prevention and voluntary counselling and testing services. Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | URBAN POPULATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | KNOWLEDGE | CONTRACEPTION | NEEDS ASSESSMENT | BIRTH SPACING | POVERTY | ATTITUDES | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Data Analysis | Population Characteristics | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Disease Transmission Control | Prevention and Control | Diseases | Sociocultural Factors | Family Planning | Evaluation | Socioeconomic Factors | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 331114 |
| 9. Title: Assessment of family planning services in Kenya: Evidence from the 2004 Kenya Service Provision Assessment Survey. Author: Agwanda A; Khasakhala A; Kimani M Source: Calverton, Maryland, Macro International, MEASURE DHS, 2009 Jan. [51] p. (USAID Contract No. GPO-C-00-03-00002-00Kenya Working Papers No. 4) Based on further analysis of the 2004 Kenya Service Provision Assessment Survey. Abstract: This study focused on factors associated with the readiness of Kenyan health facilities to provide quality and appropriate care to family planning clientele; the degree to which health care providers foster informed selection of an appropriate contraceptive method; and the extent to which clients perceive services to be of high quality. Data was obtained from the 2004 Kenya Service Provision Assessment. The composite indicators scores for facility readiness were generally low and many facilities lacked simple items like visual aids, guidelines, towels, speculum, etc. There were marked differences in facility readiness by region, facility type, and managing authority. Provider service provision scores were generally high but the only important difference was by region. Client satisfaction was dependent on the facility type, managing authority, sex of the provider, and the waiting time to receive services. Clients were more likely to be satisfied with female rather than male providers. Clients were less satisfied in Nyanza, although the facilities were more ready with high-performing providers. In contrast, North Eastern Province had less ready facilities, but high client satisfaction and high provider performance. Health centre, clinics, and dispensaries need to be revamped to appropriate standards so as to include all basic elements of family planning service provision. North Eastern Province, with motivated workers, highly satisfied clients but poor facilities, deserves proper attention. Facilities in Nairobi need improvements in staff supervision and retraining. There is need to educate the clientele on the availability of appropriate services within the government facilities. Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | RECOMMENDATIONS | HEALTH SURVEYS | KAP SURVEYS | EVALUATION INDEXES | FAMILY PLANNING PERSONNEL CHARACTERISTICS | FAMILY PLANNING PERSONNEL EVALUATION | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM EVALUATION | PERCEPTION | HUMAN GEOGRAPHY | SATISFACTION | SEX FACTORS | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Health | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Family Planning Personnel | Family Planning Programs | Family Planning | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Geography | Social Sciences | Science | Sociocultural Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 329890 |
| 10. Peer Reviewed Title: Oral compared with intravenous sedation for first-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized controlled trial. Author: Allen RH; Fitzmaurice G; Lifford KL; Lasic M; Goldberg AB Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009 Feb;113(2 Pt 1):276-83. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To test the equivalency of oral sedation and intravenous sedation for pain control in first-trimester surgical abortion. METHODS: Women undergoing suction curettage at less than 13 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned to oral sedation, 10 mg of oxycodone and 1 mg of lorazepam, or intravenous sedation, 100 micrograms fentanyl and 2 mg midazolam. All patients received 800 mg of preoperative ibuprofen and a 20-mL paracervical block with 1% lidocaine. The primary outcome was intraoperative pain as measured on a 21-point verbal rating scale that had a range from 0 to 100 (0=no pain and 100=worst pain ever) with an equivalence margin for the treatment group comparison of +/-10. RESULTS: Of 130 women, 65 were randomly assigned to oral sedation and 65 to intravenous sedation. The groups differed at baseline by age and preoperative ratings of depression, stress, and anxiety; however, when adjusted for these differences, the primary results were unaffected. Mean intraoperative pain scores, controlling for age and preoperative depression, stress, and anxiety, were 61.2 for oral sedation and 36.3 for intravenous sedation (mean difference 24.9, 95% confidence interval 15.9-33.9). Other findings included no difference in postoperative adverse effects and less satisfaction with pain control with oral sedation compared with intravenous sedation. CONCLUSION: Oral sedation, as studied, is not equivalent to intravenous sedation for pain control during first-trimester surgical abortion. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00337792 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I. Language: English Keywords: MASSACHUSETTS | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL TRIALS | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | EVALUATION INDEXES | KAP SURVEYS | PREGNANT WOMEN | ANESTHESIA | ABORTION | PREGNANCY, FIRST TRIMESTER | CURETTAGE | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | PAIN | SIDE EFFECTS | SATISFACTION | Developed Countries | United States of America | North America | Americas | Clinical Research | Research Methodology | Studies | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Obstetrical Surgery | Surgery | Drugs | Signs and Symptoms | Diseases | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 330360 Notification |
| 11. Title: Oral contraceptives and the risk of multiple sclerosis: A review of the epidemiologic evidence. Author: Alonso A; Clark CJ Source: Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2009 May 7; Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is more frequent in women than in men, suggesting that sex hormones could play a role in the development of MS. For this reason, several studies have assessed whether use of oral contraceptives modifies the risk of MS. In this article, we review the methodology and results of published epidemiologic studies addressing this issue. On the whole, the existing epidemiologic evidence does not support an important effect of oral contraceptive use on the risk of MS, though it does suggest that oral contraceptives might delay the onset of the disease. Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | LITERATURE REVIEW | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | WOMEN | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | CONTRACEPTIVE SAFETY | CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS | RISK ASSESSMENT | EPIDEMIOLOGY | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | North America | Americas | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Safety | Public Health | Health | Central Nervous System | Physiology | Biology | Evaluation Document Number: 341145 |
| 12. Title: High prevalence of HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs) in Hyderabad and Sukkur, Pakistan. Author: Altaf A; Saleem N; Abbas S; Muzaffar R Source: JPMA. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2009 Mar;59(3):136-40. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To estimate size of injection drug users (IDU), determine their high risk behaviours and assess the prevalence of HIV. METHOD: As part of second generation surveillance (SGS), we investigated specific demographic and behavioural characteristics of IDUs in Hyderabad and Sukkur in 2005. It was a cross sectional study. The survey was preceded by geographic mapping to determine size estimation and to define sampling procedures prior to integrated behavioural and biological survey (IBBS). A sample size of at least 400 was calculated for each city. Besides calculating frequencies, chi square was used for comparing variables among HIV positive and negative IDUs like time elapsed as IDU, number of injections, sharing needles and self perception of acquiring HIV infection. RESULTS: A total of 800 (Hyderabad 398; Sukkur 402) questionnaires and DBS samples were collected. The estimated number of IDUs in both cities was 3,225 (Hyderabad 975 and Sukkur 2250 respectively). Average age of IDUs in Hyderabad was 36.5 years and 34.6 years in Sukkur. Sharing of injection equipment for last injection was reported by 34 (8.5%) in Hyderabad and 135 (33.6%) in Sukkur. In both cities behaviours such as injecting drugs for more than 10 years (p = 0.00) and injecting four or more times in a day (p = 0.11) were significantly associated with seropositivity of HIV infection. In Hyderabad the seroprevalence of HIV was 25.4% (101/398) and in Sukkur it was 19.2% (77/402). CONCLUSION: The burden of HIV among IDUs in Hyderabad and Sukkur is extremely high and can play a significant role in transmitting the infection to other vulnerable groups. Language: English Keywords: PAKISTAN | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | IV DRUG USERS | URBAN POPULATION | PREVALENCE | HIV INFECTIONS | RISK BEHAVIOR | HUMAN GEOGRAPHY | NEEDLE SHARING | SELF-PERCEPTION | RISK ASSESSMENT | DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Drug Use and Abuse | Behavior | Population Characteristics | Population | Measurement | Geography | Social Sciences | Science | Sociocultural Factors | Perception | Psychological Factors | Evaluation Document Number: 330915 |
| 13. 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 |
| 14. Peer Reviewed Title: Can a clinical prediction tool guide HIV-testing decisions? Experience at a national hospital in Guatemala. Author: Anderson MR; Samayoa B; O'Sullivan LF; Fletcher J; Arathoon E Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2009 Jan;20(1):30-4. Abstract: The USA and international recommendations no longer emphasize using risk factors to target groups for HIV-testing. Using a Guatemalan database of HIV tests, we developed a clinical prediction rule to guide decisions on HIV-testing. Prior to HIV-testing, data were collected on demographics, risk factors and prior testing. Based on a theoretical construct incorporating demographics, known HIV risk factors and symptoms, we developed a logistic regression model to predict HIV seropositivity. Between 2000 and 2005, 16,471 tests were performed, of which 19.8% were positive. The algorithm successfully predicted 1883 of 2489 HIV-positive tests (sensitivity 76%, likelihood ratio [LR]-positive 2.45) and 6282 of 9086 HIV-negative tests (specificity 69%, LR-negative 0.35). Although the model indices are robust, applying the model in a clinical setting would have little impact on improving selective testing practices. Our findings support current recommendations for universal HIV-testing, not selective testing based on risk factors. Before these recommendations can be adopted widely in Guatemala, treatment access needs to be assured and protections put in place for people diagnosed with HIV infection. Language: English Keywords: GUATEMALA | RESEARCH REPORT | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | HIV TESTING | HOSPITALS | DECISION MAKING | RISK ASSESSMENT | PROBABILITY | Central America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Theoretical Models | Data Analysis | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Health Facilities | Behavior | Evaluation | Statistical Studies Document Number: 330715 |
| 15. Title: Reproductive and hormonal factors, and ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: results from the International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study. Author: Antoniou AC; Rookus M; Andrieu N; Brohet R; Chang-Claude J Source: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. 2009 Feb;18(2):601-10. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several reproductive and hormonal factors are known to be associated with ovarian cancer risk in the general population, including parity and oral contraceptive (OC) use. However, their effect on ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers has only been investigated in a small number of studies. METHODS: We used data on 2,281 BRCA1 carriers and 1,038 BRCA2 carriers from the International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study to evaluate the effect of reproductive and hormonal factors on ovarian cancer risk for mutation carriers. Data were analyzed within a weighted Cox proportional hazards framework. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the risk of ovarian cancer between parous and nulliparous carriers. For parous BRCA1 mutation carriers, the risk of ovarian cancer was reduced with each additional full-term pregnancy (P trend = 0.002). BRCA1 carriers who had ever used OC were at a significantly reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence intervals, 0.37-0.73; P = 0.0002) and increasing duration of OC use was associated with a reduced ovarian cancer risk (P trend = 0.0004). The protective effect of OC use for BRCA1 mutation carriers seemed to be greater among more recent users. Tubal ligation was associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer for BRCA1 carriers (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence intervals, 0.22-0.80; P = 0.008). The number of ovarian cancer cases in BRCA2 mutation carriers was too small to draw definitive conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide further confirmation that OC use, number of full-term pregnancies, and tubal ligation are associated with ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers to a similar relative extent as in the general population. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | COHORT ANALYSIS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN | PREVALENCE | RISK ASSESSMENT | OVARIAN CANCER | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | PARITY | RISK FACTORS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | TUBAL LIGATION | Research Methodology | Comparative Studies | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Evaluation | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Health | Contraceptive Safety | Safety | Public Health | Female Sterilization | Sterilization, Sexual | Family Planning Document Number: 331025 |
| 16. Peer Reviewed Title: Impact of the Family Health Project on infant mortality in Brazilian municipalities. Author: Aquino R; de Oliveira NF; Barreto ML Source: American Journal of Public Health. 2009 Jan;99(1):87-93. Abstract: The authors evaluated the effects of the Family Health Program (FHP), a strategy for reorganization of primary health care at a nationwide level in Brazil, on infant mortality at a municipality level. They collected data on FHP coverage and infant mortality rates for 771 of 5561 Brazilian municipalities from 1996 to 2004. They performed a multivariable regression analysis for panel data with a negative binomial response by using fixed-effects models that controlled for demographic, social, and economic variables. The authors observed a statistically significant negative association between FHP coverage and infant mortality rate. After controlling for potential confounders, the reduction in the infant mortality rate was 13.0%, 16.0%, and 22.0%, respectively for the 3 levels of FHP coverage. The effect of the FHP was greater in municipalities with a higher infant mortality rate and lower human development index at the beginning of the study period. The FHP had an important effect on reducing the infant mortality rate in Brazilian municipalities from 1996 to 2004. The FHP may also contribute toward reducing health inequalities. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | EVALUATION INDEXES | INFANT | URBAN POPULATION | INFANT MORTALITY | AGE SPECIFIC DEATH RATE | PRIMARY HEALTH CARE | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | INEQUALITIES | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Theoretical Models | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Death Rate | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 328585 |
| 17. Peer Reviewed Title: [Sexual behavior and emergency contraception among adolescents from public schools in Pernambuco State, Brazil] Comportamento sexual e contracepcao de emergencia entre adolescentes de escolas Author: Araujo MS; Costa LO Source: Cadernos de Saude Publica. 2009 Mar;25(3):551-62. Abstract: This study examined knowledge and use of emergency contraception among 4,210 adolescents (14-19 years) enrolled in public schools in Pernambuco State, Brazil. The authors collected information with the Global School-Based Student Health Survey, previously validated. Knowledge, frequency, and form of use of emergency contraception were investigated. Independent variables were classified as sociodemographic and those related to sexual behavior. Most adolescents reported knowing and having received information about the method, but among those who had already used it, only 22.1% had done so correctly. Adjusted regression analysis showed greater likelihood of knowledge about the method among girls and the sexually initiated, while rural residents were 68% less knowledgeable. Rural residents showed 1.68 times higher odds of incorrect use, while girls showed 71% lower likelihood of incorrect use. Language: Portuguese Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | RURAL POPULATION | ADOLESCENTS | KNOWLEDGE | EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | SEX EDUCATION | NEEDS ASSESSMENT | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Contraception | Family Planning | Education | Evaluation Document Number: 330737 |
| 18. Title: Consanguinity and reproductive wastage in the Palestinian Territories. Author: Assaf S; Khawaja M; DeJong J; Mahfoud Z; Yunis K Source: Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. 2009 Mar;23(2):107-15. Abstract: Many studies have found that consanguinity poses a threat to child mortality and health and can also pose a threat to offspring survival before birth. However, there are conflicting findings with some studies having found no increased risk on offspring survival associated with consanguinity. Data from a population-based survey conducted in 2004 in the Palestinian Territories was used to assess the risk of consanguinity on offspring survival. The analysis was conducted on 4418 women aged 15-49 who were asked whether or not they had experienced a stillbirth or a spontaneous abortion. These two outcomes were combined together for the analysis of reproductive wastage. Multivariable negative binomial regression was conducted to calculate the incidence risk ratios (IRR) for each region in the Palestinian Territories separately. The strongest risk factors for reproductive wastage, after controlling for other variables, were found to be consanguinity, age and parity with age presenting the highest IRRs. Standard of living, locality type, education level, women's employment and past intrauterine device use were not found to be significant risk factors for reproductive wastage. In the West Bank only first cousin level of consanguinity was found to be significant and 'hamola' level (or from same family clan) lost its significance after adjusting for other variables. In the Gaza Strip both the first cousin and 'hamola' levels of consanguinity were significant and presented almost equal IRRs of 1.3. In conclusion, consanguinity was found to be a significant risk factor for reproductive wastage. Language: English Keywords: MIDDLE EAST | RESEARCH REPORT | RISK ASSESSMENT | ABORTION, SPONTANEOUS | FETAL DEATH | MATERNAL AGE | CONSANGUINITY | RISK FACTORS | CHILD MORTALITY | Evaluation | Pregnancy Complications | Diseases | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Parental Age | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Genetics | Biology | Health Document Number: 331057 |
| 19. Peer Reviewed Title: Rapid scale-up of antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia: successes and system-wide effects. Author: Assefa Y; Jerene D; Lulseged S; Ooms G; Van Damme W Source: PLoS Medicine. 2009 Apr 28;6(4):e1000056. Abstract: There has been substantial expansion of access to ART and HIV counseling and testing in Ethiopia, whilst maintaining the performance of other health programs such as tuberculosis and maternal and child health services. Task shifting to the health officers, nurses, and health extension workers is thought to be responsible for these successes. However, HIV prevention interventions and management of chronic care patients are lagging behind. This may be due to lack of attention to these health care areas and to physicians leaving the public sector for NGOs, including AIDS-related NGOs. Prevention of HIV infection, retention of patients in chronic care, and retention of physicians in the public sector need urgent attention for effective and sustainable HIV/AIDS and health systems responses in the long term. Language: English Keywords: ETHIOPIA | EVALUATION REPORT | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | PUBLIC HEALTH | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | DECENTRALIZATION | HIV TESTING | HIV PREVENTION | AIDS PREVENTION | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Evaluation | HIV | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Health | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | AIDS Document Number: 341678 |
| 20. Peer Reviewed Title: Universal voluntary HIV testing and immediate antiretroviral therapy [letter] Author: Assefa Y; Lera M Source: Lancet. 2009 Mar 28;373(9669):1080; author reply 1080-1. Abstract: Reuben Granich and colleagues use mathematical models to show that annual screening of most adults for HIV, with immediate commencement of antiretroviral therapy for all infected, would strikingly reduce HIV incidence. The findings are very interesting. We would like to share our lessons from Ethiopia. Ethiopia had a millennium AIDS campaign with the objective of increasing the number of people tested for HIV through universal voluntary counselling and testing and providing antiretroviral treatment for eligible patients. We were able to increase the number of people tested in 1 year from 560 000 in 2005/06 to 4.6 million in 2007/08. The number of patients started on antiretroviral therapy per month increased from 3500 to more than 5700. Even though we accomplished a lot in terms of HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy provision, we had challenges during the rapid scale-up of these services. We learnt that mass testing is very resource-intensive and needs a strong health system, including adequate human resources and a continuous supply of commodities. As a result, our current guiding principle is "high yield" and "high impact" through targeted testing of most-at-risk populations: patients with tuberculosis or sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnant women. Universal voluntary HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy provision might be effective in reducing HIV transmission, but with the current health system constraints in many sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia, it is really not feasible to practise it. We recommend "high yield" and "high impact" HIV testing with early initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and improved adherence and retention of patients in care and treatment. (full-text) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | THEORETICAL STUDIES | RESEARCH PROPOSAL | THEORETICAL MODELS | COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | BEST PRACTICES | HIV PREVENTION | PUBLIC HEALTH | TIME FACTORS | COST EFFECTIVENESS | ETHICS | NOTIFICATION | Studies | Research Methodology | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | HIV | Programs | Organization and Administration | Health | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Evaluation Indexes | Sociocultural Factors | Political Factors Document Number: 330977 |
| 21. Title: Evaluation of commercial HIV test kits used in Nigeria. Author: Banwat EB; Peter JY; Egah DZ Source: Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. 2009 Mar;12(1):11-4. Abstract: BACKGROUND:Accurate and reliable diagnosis of HIV plays a central role in any effective HIV intervention. We decided to evaluate 4 commercial HIV test kits to determine their reliability for use in developing countries. METHODS: Serum samples obtained from clients accessing tertiary health services at the STI clinic, Jos University Teaching Hospital were used to evaluate Sdbioline, Diaspot, Determine and DIALAB Elisa kits. A Western blot was used as the reference kit. RESULTS: DETERMINE kit gave 34 positive and 58 negative reactions and the positive sera were all confirmed by Western blot while DIASPOT kit gave 27 false negative results, which was at variance with the reference kit result. Other kits were SDBIOLINE with 5 false positive and DIALAB Elisa kit, which gave one false positive, and one false negative result. CONCLUSION: We conclude that Determine, SDbioline and DIALAB Elisa kits are reliable for HIV antibody testing in Nigeria and other developing countries. Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | EVALUATION REPORT | CLIENTS | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | HIV TESTING | EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES | RELIABILITY | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | LABORATORY PROCEDURES | SCREENING | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Evaluation | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Studies | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Measurement Document Number: 342689 |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: "Conditional scholarships" for HIV/AIDS health workers: educating and retaining the workforce to provide antiretroviral treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. Author: Barnighausen T; Bloom DE Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2009 Feb;68(3):544-51. Abstract: Without large increases in the number of health workers to treat HIV/AIDS (HAHW) many countries in sub-Saharan Africa will be unable to achieve universal coverage with antiretroviral treatment (ART), leading to large numbers of avoidable deaths among people living with HIV/AIDS. We conduct a cost-benefit analysis of a health care education scholarship that is conditional on the recipient committing to work for several years after graduation delivering ART in sub-Saharan Africa. Such a scholarship could address two of the main reasons for the low numbers of health workers in sub-Saharan Africa: low education rates and high emigration rates. We use Markov Monte Carlo microsimulation to estimate the expected net present value (eNPV) of "conditional scholarships" in sub-Saharan Africa. The scholarships are highly eNPV-positive under a wide range of assumptions. Conditional scholarships for a HAHW team sufficient to provide ART for 500 patients have an eNPV of 1.24 million year-2000 US dollars, assuming that the scholarship recipients are in addition to the health workers who would have been educated without scholarships and that the scholarships reduce annual HAHW emigration probabilities from 15% to 5% for five years. The eNPV of the education effect of the scholarships is larger than eNPV of the migration effect. Policy makers should consider implementing "conditional scholarships" for HAHW, especially in countries where health worker education capacity is currently underutilized or can be rapidly expanded. Language: English Keywords: AFRICA, SUB SAHARAN | RESEARCH REPORT | MARKOV CHAIN | LABOR FORCE | HEALTH PERSONNEL | HUMAN RESOURCES | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | HIV INFECTIONS | AIDS | COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS | MANAGEMENT | Africa | Developing Countries | Probability | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Economic Factors | Delivery of Health Care | Health | HIV | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Organization and Administration Document Number: 330870 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: HIV-1 genetic diversity and transmitted drug resistance in health care settings in Maputo, Mozambique. Author: Bartolo I; Casanovas J; Bastos R; Rocha C; Abecasis AB; Folgosa E; Mondlane J; Manuel R; Taveira N Source: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2009 Jul 1;51(3):323-31. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To characterize HIV-1 diversity and transmitted drug resistance in persons with access to care and treatment in Maputo, Mozambique. METHODS: Samples were collected in 2002-2004 from 144 drug-naive patients attending public hospitals and private clinics. Plasma viremia, CD4, and CD8 cell counts were determined for each patient. The Stanford Algorithm was used for resistance genotyping on pol sequences. Subtyping was done by phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Most patients had high viral load (mean, 5.0 log copies/mL) and low CD4 cell counts (median, 260 CD4 cells/microL). Protease and/or reverse transcriptase sequences were obtained from 104 (72%) samples. Patients harbored subtypes C (80.8%), G (3.8%), CRF37_cpx (6.7%), untypable (U) (1.0%), and recombinant strains (7.7%) comprising the A, C, D, F, and U clades. There were no major protease inhibitor resistance mutations. Mutations conferring resistance to the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and/or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were found in 4 (4/68; 5.9%) patients. Phylogenetic analysis suggested an imported origin for 2 resistant variants. CONCLUSIONS: The HIV-1 epidemic in Maputo is evolving rapidly in genetic complexity due to the recent introduction of all major subtypes and recombinant forms. Continued surveillance of drug resistance in treated and untreated populations is needed to prevent further transmission of HIV drug-resistant variants and maximize the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy in Maputo. Language: English Keywords: MOZAMBIQUE | RESEARCH REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | CLIENTS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV INFECTIONS | GENETICS | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS | DRUG RESISTANCE | MONITORING | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Biology | HIV | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Evaluation Document Number: 342148 |
| 24. Title: Water safety plan manual: Step-by-step risk management for drinking-water suppliers. Author: Bartram J; Corrales L; Davison A; Deere D; Drury D Source: Geneva, Switzerland, World Health Organization [WHO], 2009. 101 p. Abstract: The most effective means of consistently ensuring the safety of a drinking-water supply is through the use of a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach that encompasses all steps in water supply from catchment to consumer. In these Guidelines, such approaches are called water safety plans (WSPs). The aim of this Manual is to provide that practical guidance to facilitate WSP development focusing particularly on organized water supplies managed by a water utility or similar entity. (Excerpts) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | MANUAL | CASE STUDIES | WATER SUPPLY | SAFETY | PLANNING | QUALITY CONTROL | RISK ASSESSMENT | STANDARDS | MONITORING | MANAGEMENT | PROCEDURES | Studies | Research Methodology | Natural Resources | Environment | Public Health | Health | Organization and Administration | Evaluation Document Number: 331413 |
| 25. Title: On what diseases and health conditions should new economic research on health and development focus? Author: Behrman JR; Behrman JA; Perez NM Source: Health Economics. 2009 Apr;18 Suppl 1:S109-28. Abstract: Given the public goods nature of research, economic research on health in developing countries is likely to have the highest returns by focusing, inter alia, on diseases and health conditions that are relatively widespread and costly and that are relatively rapidly growing. This article first summarizes the time patterns in economic research on diseases and health in developing countries for 1990-2005. It then compares those time patterns with the distribution of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for diseases and health conditions in developing countries estimated for 2005 and for 2030. These comparisons suggest relatively overemphasis on HIV/AIDS and underemphasis on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This opens the possibility for individuals or organizations initiating, re-evaluating, or increasing their economic research on health and development to make a significant contribution by focusing particularly on the analysis of behaviour and policy choices related to NCDs. Careful consideration must, of course, be given to other demands, but on the basis of these two criteria, potential contributions are likely to be greatest from research with such a focus. Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | CRITIQUE | LITERATURE REVIEW | RESEARCH ACTIVITIES | ECONOMICS | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | HEALTH | HIV INFECTIONS | DISEASES | INTERVENTIONS | COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS | LENGTH OF LIFE | Research Methodology | Social Sciences | Science | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Viral Diseases | Programs | Organization and Administration | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 341823 |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: Expanding antiretroviral options in resource-limited settings--a cost-effectiveness analysis. Author: Bendavid E; Wood R; Katzenstein DA; Bayoumi AM; Owens DK Source: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2009 Sep 1;52(1):106-13. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for treatment of HIV in resource-limited settings call for 2 antiretroviral regimens. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of increasing the number of antiretroviral regimens is unknown. METHODS: Using a simulation model, we compared the survival and costs of current WHO regimens with two 3-regimen strategies: an initial regimen of 3 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors followed by the WHO regimens and the WHO regimens followed by a regimen with a second-generation boosted protease inhibitor (2bPI). We evaluated monitoring with CD4 counts only and with both CD4 counts and viral load. We used cost and effectiveness data from Cape Town and tested all assumptions in sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Over the lifetime of the cohort, 25.6% of individuals failed both WHO regimens by virologic criteria. However, when patients were monitored using CD4 counts alone, only 6.5% were prescribed additional highly active antiretroviral therapy due to missed and delayed detection of failure. The life expectancy gain for individuals who took a 2bPI was 6.7-8.9 months, depending on the monitoring strategy. When CD4 alone was available, adding a regimen with a 2bPI was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $2581 per year of life gained, and when viral load was available, the ratio was $6519 per year of life gained. Strategies with triple-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor regimens in initial therapy were dominated. Results were sensitive to the price of 2bPIs. CONCLUSIONS: About 1 in 4 individuals who start highly active antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa will fail currently recommended regimens. At current prices, adding a regimen with a 2bPI is cost effective for South Africa and other middle-income countries by WHO standards. Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | THEORETICAL MODELS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | COST EFFECTIVENESS | MONITORING | WHO | IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS | LIFE EXPECTANCY | Developing Countries | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | HIV | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Drugs | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | UN | International Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Immunity | Immune System | Physiology | Biology | Length of Life | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 342908 |
| 27. Title: Clandestine induced abortion: prevalence, incidence and risk factors among women in a Latin American country. Author: Bernabe-Ortiz A; White PJ; Carcamo CP; Hughes JP; Gonzales MA; Garcia PJ; Garnett GP; Holmes KK Source: CMAJ. 2009 Feb 3;180(3):298-304. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clandestine induced abortions are a public health problem in many developing countries where access to abortion services is legally restricted. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of, and risk factors for, clandestine induced abortions in a Latin American country. METHODS: We conducted a large population-based survey of women aged 18-29 years in 20 cities in Peru. We asked questions about their history of spontaneous and induced abortions, using techniques to encourage disclosure. RESULTS: Of 8242 eligible women, 7992 (97.0%) agreed to participate. The prevalence of reported induced abortions was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.9%-12.4%) among the 7962 women who participated in the survey. It was 13.6% (95% CI 12.8%-14.5%) among the 6559 women who reported having been sexually active. The annual incidence of induced abortion was 3.1% (95% CI 2.9%-3.3%) among the women who had ever been sexually active. In the multivariable analysis, risk factors for induced abortion were higher age at the time of the survey (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.07-1.15), lower age at first sexual intercourse (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.84-0.91), geographic region (highlands: OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.23-1.97; jungle: OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.41-2.31 [v. coastal region]), having children (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.98), having more than 1 sexual partner in lifetime (2 partners: OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.23-2.09; > or = 3 partners: OR 2.79, 95% CI 2.12-3.67), and having 1 or more sexual partners in the year before the survey (1 partner: OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.72; > or = 2 partners: OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.14-2.02). Overall, 49.0% (95% CI 47.6%-50.3%) of the women who reported being currently sexually active were not using contraception. INTERPRETATION: The incidence of clandestine, potentially unsafe induced abortion in Peru is as high as or higher than the rates in many countries where induced abortion is legal and safe. The provision of contraception and safer-sex education to those who require it needs to be greatly improved and could potentially reduce the rate of induced abortion. Language: English Keywords: LATIN AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | INCIDENCE | PREVALENCE | WOMEN | RISK FACTORS | ABORTION | ABORTION, SPONTANEOUS | SEX EDUCATION | RISK ASSESSMENT | Americas | Developing Countries | Measurement | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Biology | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Pregnancy Complications | Diseases | Education | Evaluation Document Number: 330468 Notification |
| 28. Title: Combined oral contraceptive use and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus. Author: Bernier MO; Mikaeloff Y; Hudson M; Suissa S Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2009 Mar 30;61(4):476-481. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the risk of incident systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), because studies of the link between exogenous hormonal exposure and the risk of SLE have produced conflicting results. METHODS: We conducted a population-based nested case-control study among women ages 18-45 years, using the UK's General Practice Research Database. All incident cases of SLE from 1994-2004 (n = 786) were identified in the database and matched with up to 10 controls (n = 7,817) among women without SLE at the time of the case's diagnosis. RESULTS: The adjusted rate ratio (RR) of incident SLE associated with any use of COC was 1.19 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.98-1.45), whereas with current use it was 1.54 (95% CI 1.15-2.07). The rate was particularly increased in current users who had only recently started COC use (RR 2.52, 95% CI 1.14-5.57) compared with longer-term current users (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06-1.99). The risk appearedto be particularly elevated with current exposure to first- or second-generation contraceptives (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.20-2.26), and increasing with the dose of ethinyl estradiol (RR 1.42, 1.63, and 2.92 for Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CASE CONTROL STUDIES | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | WOMEN | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED | SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS | PREVALENCE | RISK FACTORS | RISK ASSESSMENT | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Research Methodology | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Diseases | Measurement | Health | Evaluation Document Number: 330926 |
| 29. Title: Targeted screening and treatment for latent tuberculosis infection using QuantiFERON-TB Gold is cost-effective in Mexico. Author: Burgos JL; Kahn JG; Strathdee SA; Valencia-Mendoza A; Bautista-Arredondo S; Laniado-Laborin R; Castaneda R; Deiss R; Garfein RS Source: International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2009 Aug;13(8):962-8. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) using a commercially available detection test and treating individuals at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a middle-income country. DESIGN: We developed a Markov model to evaluate the cost per LTBI case detected, TB case averted and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for a cohort of 1000 individuals at high risk for HIV infection over 20 years. Baseline model inputs for LTBI prevalence were obtained from published literature and cross-sectional data from tuberculosis (TB) screening using QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) testing among sex workers and illicit drug users at high risk for HIV recruited through street outreach in Tijuana, Mexico. Costs are reported in 2007 US dollars. Future costs and QALYs were discounted at 3% per year. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate model robustness. RESULTS: Over 20 years, we estimate the program would prevent 78 cases of active TB and 55 TB-related deaths. The incremental cost per case of LTBI detected was US$730, cost per active TB averted was US$529 and cost per QALY gained was US$108. CONCLUSIONS: In settings of endemic TB and escalating HIV incidence, targeting LTBI screening and treatment among high-risk groups may be highly cost-effective. Language: English Keywords: MEXICO | RESEARCH REPORT | SCREENING | TUBERCULOSIS | COST EFFECTIVENESS | TREATMENT | North America | Americas | Developing Countries | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Infections | Diseases | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation Document Number: 342957 |
| 30. Title: Malawi. Laboratory services and supply chain assessment. Author: Butao D; Felling B; Msipa P Source: Arlington, Virginia, John Snow [JSI], DELIVER, 2009 Feb. [95] p. (USAID Contract No. GPO-I-01-06-00007-00) Abstract: In January and February 2009, the Ministry of Health (MOH), with technical assistance from the USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1, conducted an assessment of laboratory services and the management of the supply chain for laboratory commodities and equipment in government and Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) health facilities in Malawi. The assessment’s overall objective was to provide the MOH with information on the current status of laboratory services and the supporting supply chain that could be used to develop the Five-Year Strategic Laboratory Plan. During the assessment, a quantitative baseline was established on which to measure future improvements to laboratory services and the supporting supply chain. This report presents the methodology and findings of the assessment, as well as recommendations to improve the supply chain to support laboratory services in Malawi. Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | EVALUATION REPORT | GOVERNMENT AGENCIES | USAID | LABORATORY | LOGISTICS | EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES | INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS | QUALITY CONTROL | STORAGE AND WAREHOUSES | TRANSPORTATION | PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Evaluation | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Management | Organization and Administration | Data Storage and Retrieval | Information Processing | Information | Economic Factors Document Number: 331662 |
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