1.  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 |
| 2. Peer Reviewed Title: Overestimating HIV infection: The construction and accuracy of subjective probabilities of HIV infection in rural Malawi. Author: Anglewicz P; Kohler HP Source: Demographic Research. 2009;20(6):65-96. Abstract: In the absence of HIV testing, how do rural Malawians assess their HIV status? In this paper, we use a unique dataset that includes respondents' HIV status as well as their subjective likelihood of HIV infection. These data show that many rural Malawians overestimate their likelihood of current HIV infection. The discrepancy between actual and perceived status raises an important question: Why are so many wrong? We begin by identifying determinants of self-assessed HIV status, and then compare these assessments with HIV biomarker results. Finally, we ask what characteristics of individuals are associated with errors in self-assessments. Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | RURAL AREAS | RESPONDENTS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV INFECTIONS | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | PROBABILITY | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Geographic Factors | Population | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Statistical Studies Document Number: 342533 |
| 3. 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 |
| 4. Peer Reviewed Title: Cost effectiveness of contraceptives in the United States. Author: Trussell J; Lalla AM; Doan QV; Reyes E; Pinto L; Gricar J Source: Contraception. 2009 Jan;79(1):5-14. Abstract: BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to estimate the relative cost effectiveness of contraceptives in the United States from a payer's perspective. METHODS: A Markov model was constructed to simulate costs for 16 contraceptive methods and no method over a 5-year period. Failure rates, adverse event rates and resource utilization were derived from the literature. Sensitivity analyses were performed on costs and failure rates. RESULTS: Any contraceptive method is superior to "no method". The three least expensive methods were the copper-T intrauterine device (IUD) (US$647), vasectomy (US$713) and levonorgestrel (LNG)-20 intrauterine system (IUS) (US$930). Results were sensitive to the cost of contraceptive methods, the cost of an unintended pregnancy and plan disenrollment rates. CONCLUSION: The copper-T IUD, vasectomy and the LNG-20 IUS are the most cost-effective contraceptive methods available in the United States. Differences in method costs, the cost of an unintended pregnancy and time horizon are influential factors that determine the overall value of a contraceptive method. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLIENTS | COST EFFECTIVENESS | MARKOV CHAIN | CONTRACEPTION | VAGINAL BARRIER METHODS | IUD, COPPER RELEASING | FEES | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Probability | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Family Planning | Barrier Methods | Contraceptive Methods | IUD | Financial Activities | Economic Factors Document Number: 330541 |
| 5. Title: Marital violence: Is it a factor affecting the reproductive health status of women? Author: Akyuz A; Sahiner G; Bakir B Source: Journal of Family Violence. 2008 Aug;23(6):437-445. Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of violence on the reproductive health of women and utilization of reproductive health services. The study population consisted of 250 married women aged 15 to 49, selected from patients at two different hospitals' obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Ankara, Turkey. A data collection form and the "Scale of Marital Violence Against Women" were used to obtain data. According to the study, women who have lower education levels and who first experience marriage and sexual intercourse at a younger age suffer from violence more frequently. Women experiencing violence have higher gravida and para numbers. The majority of these women has not undergone appropriate prenatal care and delivered their babies under the supervision of a health care professional. These women have been using traditional and ineffective contraceptive methods. Marital violence has led to unfavorable effects on these women's reproductive health and utilization of reproductive health services. (author's) Language: English Keywords: TURKEY | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | WOMEN | MARRIAGE | VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | UTILIZATION OF HEALTH CARE | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | Europe, Southeastern | Europe | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Nuptiality | Domestic Violence | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Health | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Contraception | Family Planning Document Number: 327073 |
6.  Peer Reviewed Title: Income inequality and population health: Correlation and causality. Author: Babones SJ Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2008 Apr;66(7):1614-1626. Abstract: A large literature now exists on the cross-national correlation between income inequality and population health, but existing studies suffer from sparse data, poor operationalization of income inequality, and the use of low-power statistical models. This paper sets out to estimate the ecological correlation between income inequality and indicators of population health in a very broad panel of countries, to demonstrate that this relationship is largely non-artifactual, and to test whether this relationship might be causal. Gini coefficients of national income inequality in 1970 and 1995 are correlated with life expectancy, infant mortality rates, and murder rates, controlling for national income per capita. In cross-sectional analyses, inequality is significantly correlated with life expectancy, infant mortality, and (inconsistently) the murder rate. The health correlations are shown to be not primarily due to the "convexity effect" of the non-linear relationship between individual income and individual health, which seems to account for no more than one-third of the relationship between inequality and health, and likely much less. Change in inequality 1970-1995 is significantly related to change in life expectancy and infant mortality, suggesting a causal relationship, but these correlations are not robust with respect to sample or controls. It can be concluded that there is a strong, consistent, statistically significant, nonartifactual correlation between national income inequality and population health, but though there is some evidence that this relationship is causal, the relative stability of income inequality over time in most countries makes causality difficult to test. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | POPULATION | HEALTH | INEQUALITIES | INCOME DISTRIBUTION | LIFE EXPECTANCY | INFANT MORTALITY | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Income | Length of Life | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors Document Number: 324204 |
| 7. Peer Reviewed Title: Systematic review of orogenital HIV-1 transmission probabilities. Author: Baggaley RF; White RG; Boily MC Source: International Journal of Epidemiology. 2008 Dec;37(6):1255-1265. Abstract: Background: The objective was to assess the risk of HIV transmission from orogenital intercourse (OI). Methods: Systematic review of the literature on HIV-1 infectiousness through OI conducted according to MOOSE guidelines for reviews of observational studies. The PubMed database and bibliographies of relevant articles were searched to July 2007. Results: Of the titles, 56 214 were searched from which 10 potentially appropriate studies were identified; two additional studies were identified through bibliographies and one through discussion with experts. There were 10 included studies, providing estimates of transmission probabilities per-partner (n=5), incidence per-partner (n=3), per-study participant (n=3, following initially seronegative individuals whose partners are of unknown serostatus) and per-act (n=3). Only four of 10 studies reported non-zero estimates: two per-partner estimates (20%, 95% CI: 6-51, n=10 and a modelbased estimate, 1%, range 0.85-2.3%), one per-study participant estimate (0.37%, 95% CI: 0.10-1.34%) and one per-act estimate (0.04%, 95% CI: 0.01-0.17%). Upper bounds for the 95% CI for zero estimates tended to be relatively large due to the small study sample sizes: 9.0, 12.1 and 2.8% for per-partner; 4.7, 9.6 and 1.8 per 100 person-years for incidence per-partner; 4.4% per-study participant and 0.45 and 0.02% for per-act. Given the small number of studies, a meta-analysis was not considered appropriate. Conclusions: There are currently insufficient data to estimate precisely the risk from OI exposure. The low risk of transmission evident from identified studies means that more and larger studies would be required to provide sufficient evidence to derive more precise estimates. Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | LITERATURE REVIEW | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | SEXUAL PARTNERS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | ORAL SEX | HIV TRANSMISSION | RISK ASSESSMENT | PREVALENCE | PROBABILITY | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Research Methodology | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Theoretical Models | Evaluation | Measurement | Statistical Studies | Studies Document Number: 328776 |
| 8. Title: What matters most: An investigation of predictors of perceived stress among young mothers in Khayelitsha. Author: BeLue R; Schreiner AS; Taylor-Richardson K; Murray-Kolb LE; Beard JL Source: Health Care for Women International. 2008 Jul;29(6):638-648. Abstract: Our purpose in the present study was to examine how two different sets of stressors, one representing the physical environment and the other representing the social environment, related to perceived stress among new mothers served by a health clinic in Khayelitsha, South Africa. We found that among the chronic urban poverty-environmental stressors related to water, housing, transportation, toileting, and lack of food, that lack of drinkable water in the home had the strongest correlation with perceived stress. In terms of social stressors we found that 60% of new mothers had no partner, and 43% of those with a partner reported that they currently were not coresiding. In terms of the social stressors, the inability to depend on a partner in times of trouble had the strongest relationship to perceived stress. Other findings relating to partner support are discussed as well as sample and community characteristics. Given the importance of partner support, it is argued that the conditions of poverty itself serve to destabilize relationships, which in turn contributes to the cycle of poverty experienced by many residents of periurban settlements like Khayelitsha. (author's) Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | MOTHERS | URBAN AREAS | STRESS | MATERNAL HEALTH | POVERTY | SEXUAL PARTNERS | SOCIAL WELFARE | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Geographic Factors | Population | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Health | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Sex Behavior Document Number: 327071 |
| 9. Title: Birth-spacing, fertility and neonatal mortality in India: Dynamics, frailty, and fecundity. Author: Bhalotra S; van Soest A Source: Journal of Econometrics. 2008 Apr;143(2):274-290. Abstract: Using microdata on 30,000 childbirths in India and dynamic panel data models, we analyse causal effects of birth spacing on subsequent neonatal mortality and of mortality on subsequent birth intervals, controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. Right censoring is accounted for by jointly estimating a fertility equation, identified by using data on sterilization. We find evidence of frailty, fecundity, and causal effects in both directions. Birth intervals explain only a limited share of the correlation between neonatal mortality of successive children in a family. We predict that for every neonatal death, 0.37 additional children are born, of whom 0.30 survive. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | THEORETICAL MODELS | CORRELATION STUDIES | BIRTH SPACING | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | NEONATAL MORTALITY | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Statistical Studies | Studies | Family Planning | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Infant Mortality | Mortality Document Number: 327065 |
| 10. Peer Reviewed Title: Menarche and father absence in a national probability sample. Author: Bogaert AF Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2008 Jul;40(4):623-636. Abstract: The relation between women's timing of menarche and father absence was examined in a national probability sample of Great Britain (NATSAL 2000; N greater than 5000). Current body mass index (as a proxy for childhood weight) was examined as a potential mediator of this relationship, along with the potential moderating role that siblings (e.g. number of older brothers) had on this relationship. As in a number of previous studies, an absent father (but not an absent mother) during childhood predicted an earlier age of puberty (i.e. an early menarche). There was no evidence that weight mediated this relationship or that siblings moderated it. Both a lower body mass index and more siblings (e.g. more younger sisters and brothers) were independent predictors of a later timing of puberty. The results confirm that certain psychosocial factors (i.e. father absence; presence of siblings) may affect the timing of sexual maturation in adolescent girls. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CANADA | RESEARCH REPORT | PROBABILITY | MOTHERS | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | MENARCHE | AGE FACTORS | TIME FACTORS | ONE PERSON HOUSEHOLD | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | SIBLINGS | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | North America, Northern | Americas | Developed Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Parents | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Adolescents | Youth | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Menstruation | Reproduction | Population Dynamics | Households | Behavior Document Number: 327239 |
| 11. Peer Reviewed Title: Determining an optimal testing strategy for infants at risk for mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 during the late postnatal period. Author: Brown E; Chi BH; Read JS; Taha TE; Sharma U; Hoffman IF; Pikora C; Goldenberg R; Fiscus SA Source: AIDS. 2008 Nov 12;22(17):2341-6. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To determine the optimal time for a second HIV-1 nucleic acid amplification assay to detect late postnatal transmission of HIV-1 (first negative test at 4-8 weeks of age) in resource-limited settings. DESIGN: A longitudinal analysis of data from HIV Prevention Trial Network trial 024. METHODS: Children born to HIV-1-infected mothers enrolled in the HIV Prevention Trial Network trial 024 were tested for HIV-1 infection at six intervals within the first year of life. Mothers and infants received nevirapine prophylaxis. We estimated the probability of being alive and having a positive test in each interval after 4-8 weeks and at 30 days after weaning, conditional on having acquired HIV during the late postnatal period. The interval with the highest probability was taken to be the optimal visit interval. RESULTS: A total of 1609 infants from HIV Prevention Trial Network trial 024 had at least one HIV-1 diagnostic test and were included in the analysis. We found that testing at 1 month after weaning or 12 months of age (whichever comes first) identified 81% of those infected during the late postnatal period (after 4-8 weeks) through breastfeeding. In total, 93% (95% confidence interval 89, 98) of all infected infants would be detected if tests were performed at these two time points. CONCLUSION: In resource-limited settings, HIV-1 PCR testing at 4-8 weeks followed by a second test at 1 month after weaning or at 1 year of age (whichever comes first), led to the identification of the vast majority of HIV-1-infected infants. Language: English Keywords: AFRICA, SOUTHERN | RESEARCH REPORT | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | INFANT | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV TESTING | MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | HIV TRANSMISSION | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | PROBABILITY | TIME FACTORS | SURVIVORSHIP | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Transmission | Infections | HIV | Statistical Studies | Population Dynamics | Length of Life | Mortality Document Number: 330277 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: An exploration of maternal intimate partner violence experiences and infant general health and temperament. Author: Burke JG; Lee LC; O'Campo P Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2008 Mar;12(2):172-179. Abstract: While the women's health consequences of intimate partner violence have received much research attention, less is known about how maternal abuse experiences affect infant health and well-being. Existing studies have also been unable to examine specific types of intimate partner violence such as psychological aggression, physical abuse, and sexual coercion. This secondary data analysis explored the prevalence, patterns, and types of intimate partner violence within a large cohort of mothers and explored the relationship between maternal intimate partner violence experiences and infant's general health and temperament at 1 year of age. Existing data were drawn from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study which collected data through surveys conducted shortly after the infant's birth (baseline) and at 1 year of age (follow-up). Records from 4,141 mothers recruited from 75 hospitals, in 20 cities, in the US were used. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Results show high rates of intimate partner violence. Maternal reports of any intimate partner violence at baseline or follow-up were both significantly associated with increased odds of less than excellent infant general health and difficult temperament. Independent examination of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse revealed differential relationships between the types of intimate partner violence and infant health outcomes. Results from this study contribute to our understanding of the infant health threats associated with maternal intimate partner violence experiences. Additional research addressing the complex relationship between maternal abuse experiences and infant health and specific intervention implications is warranted. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | SURVEYS | VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | INFANT HEALTH | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Sampling Studies | Domestic Violence | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Child Health | Health Document Number: 324358 |
| 13. Title: [Sampling plan for the National Survey Sexual Behavior and Perceptions of the Brazilian Population concerning HIV/AIDS, 2005] Plano amostral da Pesquisa Nacional sobre Comportamento Sexual e Percepcoes sobre Author: Bussab Wde O Author: Grupo de Estudos em Populacao, Sexualidade e Aids Source: Revista de Saude Publica. 2008 Jun;42 Suppl 1:12-20. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe the sampling plan and estimation methods used to collect and analyze data in the survey Sexual Behavior and Perceptions of the Brazilian Population concerning HIV/AIDS in 2005. METHODS: The study presents the decisions that were made concerning population definition, strata of interest to the survey and to the sampling plan, main procedures for data analysis and sample performance in the field. SAMPLING RESULTS: A probabilistic plan was designed with 5,040 sampling units obtained from the Brazilian population, with individuals aged between 16 and 65 years living in large Brazilian urban centers. It is a complex sampling plan distributed over eight main estimation domains, designed in multiple stages. A man or a woman was interviewed in the last stage. Each interviewed unit and each household have specific probability of belonging to the sample. Language: Portuguese Keywords: BRAZIL | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | KAP SURVEYS | SAMPLING STUDIES | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | URBAN POPULATION | TARGET POPULATION | PERCEPTION | SEX BEHAVIOR | PROBABILITY | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Surveys | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Program Design | Programs | Organization and Administration | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Statistical Studies Document Number: 331036 |
| 14. Peer Reviewed Title: Predictors of intention to practice safer sex among Korean college students. Author: Cha ES; Kim KH; Patrick TE Source: Archives of Sexual Behavior. 2008 Aug;37(4):641-651. Abstract: This study examined the efficacy of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TpB) among Korean college students on intentions of condom use. A cross-sectional, correlational design was conducted with an exploratory survey method. Young men and women aged 18-25 were recruited from a university in Seoul, Korea using a flyer and self-referral. Students completed a background and sexual behavior questionnaire, a parent-adolescent communication scale, and instruments derived from the TpB. Age, parent-adolescent communication, and perceived risk of sexual behavior were added to the model as potential determinants of intention of condom use. All the TpB components significantly predicted intention of condom use for young men, but only condom attitude and condom efficacy significantly predicted intention of condom use for young women. Age and quality of parent-adolescent communication indirectly affected the intention of condom use; however, perceived risk of sexual behavior did not predict intention of condom use, nor was it affected by age. Older students had a higher condom efficacy and a higher perceived peer norm of condom use. The quality of parent-adolescent communication significantly predicted a higher condom efficacy for young men, but not women. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | SURVEYS | YOUTH | STUDENTS | UNIVERSITIES | SAFER SEX | CONDOM USE | PLANNING | RISK FACTORS | PERCEPTION | CULTURE | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Sampling Studies | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Education | Schools | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Risk Reduction Behavior | Organization and Administration | Biology | Psychological Factors | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 327539 |
| 15. Title: Assessing learning effects and nonrandom dropout in a contraceptive device trial. Author: Chen PL Source: Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics. 2008 Mar;18(2):382-392. Abstract: When there is a new device involved in a randomized trial, participants in the new device group might need more time to become skilled at using the new device than those who are in the control group. In addition, participants who are not used to the new device might drop out from the study at a different rate than participants in the control group. Such learning effects and possible nonrandom dropout can substantially influence the evaluation of treatment effects. Without considering these factors, the conclusion of the main study result is vulnerable to potential bias. In this paper we propose a transition model under a Markov process to assess the effects of learning and nonrandom dropout in a randomized control device trial. The transition probabilities of the proposed model can be obtained by maximum likelihood approaches, and then fit by weighted local regressions to describe patterns of learning and participant dropout. A generalized estimating equation approach is applied to evaluate the impact of prognostic factors on those patterns. We use data from a randomized contraceptive device trial to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed method. The potential impact of learning effects and nonrandom dropout on the primary study objective is discussed. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | NORTH CAROLINA | RESEARCH REPORT | BIAS | CONTROL GROUPS | MARKOV CHAIN | DROPOUTS | CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTIVENESS | CONDOMS | CONTRACEPTION FAILURE | USER COMPLIANCE | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Error Sources | Measurement | Research Methodology | Probability | Statistical Studies | Studies | Programs | Organization and Administration | Contraception | Family Planning | Barrier Methods | Contraceptive Methods | Contraceptive Usage | Behavior Document Number: 323113 |
| 16. Peer Reviewed Title: Condom use among sexually active Kenyan female adolescents at risk for HIV-1 infection. Author: Cherutich P; Brentlinger P; Nduati R; Kiarie JN; Farquhar C Source: AIDS and Behavior. 2008 Nov;12(6):923-929. Abstract: High rates of unintended pregnancy and HIV infection occur in sub-Saharan Africa yet few Kenyan studies have defined correlates of condom use in sexually active female adolescents. Female adolescents receiving reproductive health care and aged 15-19 were interviewed. The prevalence of ever-use of condom was 21.4% and 52 (7.3%) subjects were infected with HIV-1. Older age, higher levels of education, ever-use of hormonal contraceptives and higher numbers of sexual partners, non-consensual sex and exchange of sex for favours, were independent correlates of condom use. Condom use should be promoted in this population. Further exploration is needed on the developmental and contextual factors predisposing female adolescents to increased risk of HIV. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | URBAN POPULATION | SEX BEHAVIOR | CONDOM USE | PREVALENCE | CORRELATION OF DATA | HIV INFECTIONS | RISK FACTORS | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Adolescents | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Risk Reduction Behavior | Measurement | Correlation Studies | Statistical Studies | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Biology Document Number: 328121 |
| 17. Title: Sexual violence among pregnant women in India. Author: Chhabra S Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research. 2008 Apr;34(2):238-241. Abstract: The aim was to discover the extent of sexual violence during pregnancy, its correlation to various variables and effects, and to consider future possibilities for creating awareness in health providers, health seekers and communities for prevention. Two thousand pregnant women were interviewed using a semi-structured, pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire with some open-ended questions in the local language. Of 2000 women, 1959 (97.95%) reported that they had had sex with their partners during the current pregnancy. Of the 2000, 615 (30.7%) women had not wished to have sex during the pregnancy, but had been forced to do so. Women suffer with recurrent marital rape during pregnancy with considerable after effects. This sexual violence takes place irrespective of education or socioeconomic status. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | INTERVIEWS | CORRELATION STUDIES | PREGNANT WOMEN | SEXUAL ABUSE | VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | PREGNANCY | RAPE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Data Collection | Research Methodology | Statistical Studies | Studies | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Domestic Violence | Reproduction Document Number: 326086 |
| 18. Peer Reviewed Title: Client-perpetuated violence and condom failure among female sex workers in southwestern China. Author: Choi SY; Chen KL; Jiang ZQ Source: Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2008 Feb;35(2):141-146. Abstract: This research examined factors associated with condom failure, i.e., slippage or breakage, among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. Special attention was paid to the association between client-perpetuated violence and condom failure. Two hundred FSWs were recruited for a community-based voluntary human immunodeficiency virus prevention project. Participants completed a face-to-face structured questionnaire that collected information on their sociodemographic characteristics, working conditions, experience of client-perpetuated violence, and sexual risk behavior. The prevalence of condom slippage and condom breakage in the 3 months before the survey was reported at 36.2% and 34%, respectively, of all sexual contact in which a condom was used. The prevalence of client-perpetuated violence in the previous year was 68.4%. Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for other factors, condom failure was significantly associated with drug use [adjusted odds ratios (aOR = 4.01)], condom useof coworkers (aOR = 0.39), and client-perpetuated violence [aOR = 2.30 (low violence vs. high violence)]. Condom failure is a common problem among FSWs, particularly drug-using sex workers and those who have experienced client-perpetuated violence. On the other hand, condom use of coworkers is negatively associated with condom failure. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | QUESTIONNAIRES | SEX WORKERS | WOMEN | CONDOM FAILURE | DRUG USE AND ABUSE | VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Demographic Factors | Population | Condoms | Barrier Methods | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Domestic Violence | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 323977 |
| 19. Peer Reviewed Title: Topography-derived wetness indices are associated with household-level malaria risk in two communities in the western Kenyan highlands. Author: Cohen JM; Ernst KC; Lindblade KA; Vulule JM; John CC Source: Malaria Journal. 2008 Feb 29;7:40. Abstract: Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum generally decreases with increasing elevation, in part because lower temperature slows the development of both parasites and mosquitoes. However, other aspects of the terrain, such as the shape of the land, may affect habitat suitability for Anopheles breeding and thus risk of malaria transmission. Understanding these local topographic effects may permit prediction of regions at high risk of malaria within the highlands at small spatial scales. Hydrologic modelling techniques were adapted to predict the flow of water across the landscape surrounding households in two communities in the western Kenyan highlands. These surface analyses were used to generate indices describing predicted water accumulation in regions surrounding the study area. Households with and without malaria were compared for their proximity to regions of high and low predicted wetness. Predicted wetness and elevation variables were entered into bivariate and multivariate regression models to examine whether significant associations with malaria were observable at small spatial scales. On average, malaria case households (n=423) were located 280 m closer to regions with very high wetness indices than non-malaria "control" households (n=895) (t=10.35, p less than 0.0001). Distance to high wetness indices remained an independent predictor of risk after controlling for household elevation in multivariate regression (OR=0.93 [95% confidence interval=0.89-0.96] for a 100 m increase in distance). For every 10 m increase in household elevation, there was a 12% decrease in the odds of the house having a malaria case (OR=0.88 [0.85-0.90]). However, after controlling for distance to regions of high predicted wetness and the community in which the house was located, this reduction in malaria risk was not statistically significant (OR=0.98 [0.94-1.03]). Proximity to terrain with high predicted water accumulation was significantly and consistently associated with increased household-level malaria incidence, even at small spatial scales with little variation in elevation variables. These results suggest that high wetness indices are not merely proxies for valley bottoms, and hydrologic flow models may prove valuable for predicting areas of high malaria risk in highland regions. Application in areas where malaria surveillance is limited could identify households at higher risk and help focus interventions. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | HOUSEHOLDS | MALARIA | INCIDENCE | RISK FACTORS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | WATER | ALTITUDE | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Biology | Population | Natural Resources | Environment Document Number: 325088 |
| 20. Peer Reviewed Title: New heterosexually transmitted HIV infections in married or cohabiting couples in urban Zambia and Rwanda: An analysis of survey and clinical data. Author: Dunkle KL; Stephenson R; Karita E; Chomba E; Kayitenkore K Source: Lancet. 2008 Jun 28-Jul 4;371(9631):2183-2191. Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa has a high rate of HIV infection, most of which is attributable to heterosexual transmission. Few attempts have been made to assess the extent of HIV transmission within marriages, and HIV-prevention eff orts remain focused on abstinence and non-marital sex. We aimed to estimate the proportion of heterosexual transmission of HIV which occurs within married or cohabiting couples in urban Zambia and Rwanda each year. We used population-based data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) on heterosexual behaviour in Zambia in 2001-02 and in Rwanda in 2005. We also used data on the HIV serostatus of married or cohabiting couples and non-cohabiting couples that was collected through a voluntary counselling and testing service for urban couples in Lusaka, in Zambia, and Kigali, in Rwanda. We estimated the probability that an individual would acquire an incident HIV infection from a cohabiting or non-cohabiting sexual partner, and then the proportion of total heterosexual HIV transmission which occurs within married or cohabiting couples in these settings each year. We analysed DHS data from 1739 Zambian women, 540 Zambian men, 1176 Rwandan women, and 606 Rwandan men. Under our base model, we estimated that 55 - 1% to 92 - 7% of new heterosexually acquired HIV infections among adults in urban Zambia and Rwanda occurred within serodiscordant marital or cohabiting relationships, depending on the sex of the index partner and on location. Under our extended model, which incorporated the higher rates of reported condom use that we found with non-cohabiting partners, we estimated that 60 - 3% to 94 - 2% of new heterosexually acquired infections occurred within marriage or cohabitation. We estimated that an intervention for couples which reduced transmission in serodiscordant urban cohabiting couples from 20% to 7% every year could avert 35 - 7% to 60 - 3% of heterosexually transmitted HIV infections that would otherwise occur. Since most heterosexual HIV transmission for both men and women in urban Zambia and Rwanda takes place within marriage or cohabitation, voluntary counselling and testing for couples should be promoted, as should other evidence-based interventions that target heterosexual couples. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ZAMBIA | RWANDA | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | THEORETICAL MODELS | COUPLES | HETEROSEXUALS | HIV TRANSMISSION | PROBABILITY | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | CONDOM USE | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Africa, Central | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Research Methodology | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Behavior | Behavior | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Statistical Studies | Studies | Risk Reduction Behavior Document Number: 327520 |
| 21. Peer Reviewed Title: Heterogeneous condom use in contemporary Russia. Author: Gerber TP; Berman D Source: Studies in Family Planning. 2008 Mar;39(1):1-17. Abstract: Using data from a panel survey of a representative probability sample of Russian households, we examine how individual traits, locality, and "sex-event context" are associated with condom use in contemporary Russia. At the individual level, age has negative effects and measures of risk orientation have positive effects on the probability of condom use; for women, education has positive effects and Muslim belief has negative effects. Condom use is higher among residents in Moscow and St. Petersburg and lower (for women) among rural residents. Most importantly, the same individuals make different choices about condom use from one sex event to the next, and their choices are systematically related to the nature and duration of their relationship to their partner, as well as to their partner's age. Condom use is prevalent in casual encounters and in those involving new partners or commercial sex workers. Coupled with the strong effects of age for both partners, this pattern represents good news regarding the potential for the spread of HIV in Russia. Other findings are more worrisome: HIV awareness and knowledge of condoms' effectiveness in blocking transmission of the virus do not influence condom use at all, and married people are relatively unlikely to use condoms even in extramarital encounters and especially in long-term affairs. Accordingly, interventions should target older Russians who are married and have sex with long-term nonspousal partners. (author's) Language: English Keywords: RUSSIA | RESEARCH REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | SURVEYS | CONDOM USE | PROBABILITY | KNOWLEDGE | AWARENESS | PREVALENCE | HIV | SEX BEHAVIOR | RISK FACTORS | Asia, Northern | Asia | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Risk Reduction Behavior | Behavior | Statistical Studies | Sociocultural Factors | Measurement | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Biology Document Number: 324388 |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection in immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Author: Gibney KB; MacGregor L; Leder K; Torresi J; Marshall C Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2008 Feb;46(3):443-447. Abstract: Among African immigrants in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, we demonstrated lower geometric mean vitamin D levels in immigrants with latent tuberculosis infection than in those with no Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (P = .007); such levels were also lower in immigrants with tuberculosis or past tuberculosis than in those with latent tuberculosis infection (P < .001). Higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower probability of any M. tuberculosis infection (P < .001) and lower probability of tuberculosis or past tuberculosis (compared with latent tuberculosis infection; P = .001). (author's) Language: English Keywords: AUSTRALIA | AFRICA, SUB SAHARAN | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | IMMIGRANTS | CLIENTS | TUBERCULOSIS | PREVALENCE | VITAMIN D | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | PROBABILITY | Developed Countries | Oceania | Developing Countries | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Infections | Diseases | Measurement | Vitamins and Minerals | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition Disorders | Statistical Studies Document Number: 323514 |
| 23. Title: Living on the edge: Risk, protection, behavior, and outcomes of Argentine youth. Author: Justesen M Source: Washington, D.C., World Bank, Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Social Development Family, 2008 Jan. 32 p. (Policy Research Working Paper No. 4485) Abstract: Risk and protective factors influence behaviors and outcomes for youth. While risk factors expose youth to risk-taking behavior that compromises well-being and hinders personal development, protective factors mediate risk and act as protective mechanisms that insulate youth from negative outcomes. This paper groups youth by risk levels using a cluster analysis methodology, and identifies the risk and protective factors that characterize these groups. Using data from a new household survey covering youth in four urban areas of Argentina in 2005, youth are clustered by characteristics in relation to family and health, education and income, substance abuse, and crime and violence as indicators of risk and protective factors, and behaviors and consequences. Almost half of Argentine youth are at an elevated risk level, and one in four is at serious risk of experiencing negative outcomes or already suffering the consequences. The findings show, for example, that higher income protects against risk factors, such as an insecure neighborhood, and facilitates youth attending school. Furthermore, parents' lack of education is negatively related to the behaviors and outcomes of their children. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ARGENTINA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | CORRELATION STUDIES | YOUTH | RISK FACTORS | SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | SEX BEHAVIOR | CONDOM USE | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE | TOBACCO USE | SAFETY | South America, Southern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Statistical Studies | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Biology | Social Behavior | Behavior | Sociocultural Factors | Risk Reduction Behavior | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Public Health | Health Document Number: 326419 |
| 24. Peer Reviewed Title: Correlates of ever had sex and of recent sex among teenagers and young unmarried adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Author: Kayembe KP; Mapatano MA; Busangu FA; Nyandwe KJ; Mashinda KD Source: AIDS and Behavior. 2008 Jul;12(4):585-593. Abstract: The future of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo will depend on the behavior that teenagers and young adults are likely to adopt. Documenting teenagers and young adults behavior can help design effective interventions. The premarital sexual activity of 13,091 teenagers and young adults aged 15-24 years was examined. Logistic regression models were used to identify the correlates of ever had sex and recent sex. Ever had sex and recent sex were associated with older individuals, males, school dropouts, those addicted to alcohol and drug use, those living alone or with friends, those involved in an income generating activity, those with low capacity to resist sex, those with low socioeconomic status and those living in permissive milieu. Controlling access to alcohol and drugs, teaching teenagers skills to resist sex, getting schools involved in teaching values of abstinence and delayed sex, could impact the age at first sex and trigger the adoption of lower risk behavior. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | YOUTH | ADOLESCENTS | SEX BEHAVIOR | FIRST INTERCOURSE | ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE | DRUG USE AND ABUSE | DROPOUTS | POVERTY | HIV PREVENTION | CONDOM USE | Developing Countries | Africa, Central | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Programs | Organization and Administration | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Risk Reduction Behavior Document Number: 327537 |
| 25. Title: Gender based violence: Correlates of physical and sexual wife abuse in Kenya. Author: Kimuna SR; Djamba YK Source: Journal of Family Violence. 2008 Jul;23(5):333-342. Abstract: This study explored factors associated with physical and sexual wife abuse on a sample of 4,876 married women aged 15-49 years in the 2003 Kenya Demographic Health Survey. Results indicate that 40% of married women reported at least one type of violence; 36% were physical and 13% were sexual. Multivariate analysis showed that living in poorer households, being Christian, being in a polygamous marriage, having a husband who drinks alcohol, and being in sales, agricultural, or unskilled jobs significantly increased the wife's risk of physical and sexual abuse. Wife's education had significant effect on both physical and sexual abuse, but the relationships were not linear. Wife's age and number of children were significantly associated only with physical abuse; husband's education had a marginal but significant effect only on sexual abuse. Research implications are discussed. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | CORRELATION STUDIES | WOMEN | MARRIAGE | VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | VIOLENCE | SEXUAL ABUSE | POVERTY | POLYGAMY | OCCUPATIONAL STATUS | RISK ASSESSMENT | AGE FACTORS | FAMILY SIZE | Developing Countries | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Nuptiality | Domestic Violence | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Behavior | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Marriage Patterns | Employment Status | Socioeconomic Status | Evaluation | Population Characteristics | Family Characteristics | Family and Household Document Number: 327072 |
| 26. Title: Increased HIV infection rate among violent deaths: a mortuary study in the Republic of Congo [letter] Author: Le Coeur S; Khlat M; Halem-bokaka G Source: AIDS. 2008 Aug 20;22(13):1675-1676. Abstract: There is no evidence about an association between violent deaths and HIV in Africa. We report the results of a study performed in Pointe-Noire, Congo, where post-mortem HIV serologies were performed among all deaths referred to the morgue. The HIV prevalence among violent deaths was 37%, significantly higher than 10% among accidental deaths, with an adjusted odds ratio of 6 (P=0.03). Prevention of domestic violence and fight against stigmatization should be parts of HIV programs in Africa. (author's) Language: English Keywords: REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | HIV INFECTIONS | VIOLENT DEATHS | VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Domestic Violence | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 327950 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: The quantity-quality trade-off of children in a developing country: Identification using Chinese twins. Author: Li H; Zhang J; Zhu Y Source: Demography. 2008 Feb;45(1):223-243. Abstract: Testing the trade-off between child quantity and quality within a family is complicated by the endogeneity of family size. Using data from the Chinese Population Census, we examine the effect of family size on child educational attainment in China. We find a negative correlation between family size and child outcome, even after we control for the birth order effect. We then instrument family size by the exogenous variation that is induced by a twin birth and find a negative effect of family size on children's education. We also find that the effect of family size is more evident in rural China, where the public education system is poor. Given that our estimates of the effect of having twins on nontwins at least provide the lower bound of the true effect of family size, these findings suggest a quantity-quality trade-off for children in developing countries. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | FAMILY SIZE | CHILDREN | MULTIPLE BIRTH | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | SCHOOL ENROLLMENT | CHILD WORTH | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproduction | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Microeconomic Factors Document Number: 326396 |
| 28. Peer Reviewed Title: Association of education and the occurrence of low birthweight in rural southern China during the early and late 1990s. Author: Liu Y; Liu J; Ye R; Ren A; Li S Source: American Journal of Public Health. 2008 Apr;98(4):687-691. Abstract: We examined whether education-related inequalities were associated with the occurrence of low birthweight in 6 counties in southern China in the early and late 1990s. The study population consisted of 111181 women (65669 in the early 1990s and 45482 in the late 1990s) in a population-based Perinatal Health Care Surveillance System. We used the x/2 test, logistic regression, and concentration index for our analyses. From the early to late 1990s, the mean maternal education level increased significantly, and the percentage of low-birthweight births declined among all groups, for both male and female births, and at all levels of the mother's education. Relative to those with less than 9 years of formal education, there was a decreasing risk of low birthweight among those with 9 to 11 years of formal education (range in adjusted odds ratio=0.69-0.82) and with 12 or more years of formal education (range in adjusted odds ratio=0.51-0.74). Between the early and late 1990s, the concentration index changedfrom -0.0778 to -0.0656 for male births and from -0.0717 to -0.0813 for female births. Education-related inequalities associated with low birthweight persisted from the early to the late 1990s in surveyed areas. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | CORRELATION STUDIES | MOTHERS | INFANT | LOW BIRTH WEIGHT | RISK FACTORS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | INEQUALITIES | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Statistical Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Birth Weight | Body Weight | Physiology | Biology | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 325402 |
| 29. Title: Prevalence and correlates of bacterial vaginosis among young women of reproductive age in Mysore, India. Author: Madhivanan P; Krupp K; Chandrasekaran V; Karat C; Arun A Source: Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2008;26(2):132-137. Abstract: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge among women of childbearing age and is associated with STI/HIV and adverse birth outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of BV among young women of reproductive age in Mysore, India. Between October 2005 and December 2006, 898 sexually active women of 15-30 years of age were enrolled from two reproductive health clinics in Mysore. The women underwent an interview followed by physical examination, HSV-2 serologic testing, endocervical culture for Neissera gonorrhoeae, and vaginal swabs for diagnosis of BV, Trichomonas vaginalis infection and candidiasis. Statistical analyses included conventional descriptive statistics and multivariable analysis using logistic regression. Of the 898 women, 391 (43.5%) were diagnosed with greater than or equal to 1 endogenous reproductive tract infection and 157 (17.4%) with greater than or equal to 1 sexually transmitted infection. Only 863 women had Gram-stained vaginal smears available, out of which 165 (19.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.3%-22.2%) were found to have BV and 133 (15.4, 95% CI: 12.9%-18.3%) were in the 'intermediate' stage. BV was related to concurrent infections with T. vaginalis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.07, 95% CI: 2.45-6.72) and HSV-2 seropositivity (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.39-3.53). In this population, the prevalence of BV at 19% was relatively low. Coinfection with T. vaginalis, however, was common. BV was independently associated with concurrent T. vaginalis infection and partner's alcohol use. Muslim women had reduced odds BV as compared to non-Muslim women. Further research is needed to understand the role of T. vaginalis infection in the pathogenesis of BV and the sociocultural context surrounding the condition in India. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CORRELATION STUDIES | WOMEN | VAGINOSIS | PREVALENCE | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES | EPIDEMIOLOGY | RISK FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Statistical Studies | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Vaginal Abnormalities | Diseases | Measurement | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Public Health | Health | Biology Document Number: 326377 |
| 30. Title: Understanding the effects of siblings on child mortality: Evidence from India. Author: Makepeace G; Pal S Source: Journal of Population Economics. 2008 Oct;21(4):877-902. Abstract: Given the intrinsically sequential nature of childbirth, timing of a child's birth has consequences not only for itself but also for its older and younger siblings. The paper argues that prior spacing and posterior spacing between consecutive siblings are thus important measures of intensity of sibling competition for limited parental resources. While the available estimates of child mortality tend to ignore the endogeneity of sibling composition, we use a correlated recursive model of prior and posterior spacing and child mortality to correct it. There is evidence that uncorrected estimates under-estimate the effects of prior and posterior spacing on child mortality. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | THEORETICAL MODELS | CORRELATION STUDIES | CHILD MORTALITY | BIRTH SPACING | BIRTH INTERVALS | TIME FACTORS | SIBLINGS | SEX PREFERENCE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Health | Research Methodology | Statistical Studies | Studies | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Planning | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 327940 |
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