Biomedical subjects

J McMaster

Publications and source records attributed to J McMaster.

40 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Students' knowledge of the use of herbs and other agents as preparation for sexual intercourse.

Interest is growing in the use of herbal and other agents as a preparation for sexual intercourse. Concern has been expressed that such traditional practices, which are widespread in central and southern Africa, may increase women's risks of cervical cancer and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. We examined the knowledge and beliefs associated with these practices in a sample of educated young men and women in Zimbabwe. We found that there was widespread knowledge of the use of herbs as a preparation for sex and that the purpose of the practice was to enhance men's sexual experience. Both men and women indicated ambivalent attitudes toward the practice; an interesting pattern of actual and perceived expectations was found. The need for preventive health education concerning these practices is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Menstrual and premenstrual experiences of women in a developing country.

The menstrual and premenstrual experiences of black Zimbabwean women were examined. Twenty-five professional women and twenty-five domestic workers were interviewed using semistructured, open-ended interviews designed to explore their experiences. An analysis of consensual data indicated a number of predominant themes, including secrecy associated with menstruation, the negativity surrounding menarche, the breakdown of the traditional family network that passes on information about menstruation, and the acceptance of menstrual cycle experiences by the women. The main differences between the two groups concerned explanations of the functions and purpose of menstruation and the reporting of physical and affective symptoms. These differences are suggestive of the impact of educational level on experiences of menstruation.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chlamydia trachomatis, infertility, and population growth in sub-Saharan Africa.

In sub-Saharan Africa, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are common infections. These pathogens are also the major causes of post-salpingitis tubal infertility, and infertility is a frequent problem in this region. A mathematical model, recently devised to estimate the effect of gonococcal infection on population growth, was used to estimate the potential effect of chlamydial infection on population growth. The model predictions for chlamydial infection were compared with those previously reported for gonococcal infection. The model predicts that both infections may be exerting severe effects on population growth at realistic prevalence rates of infection. The model also predicts that N. gonorrhoeae produces a steeper reduction in population growth than does C. trachomatis because its transmission dynamics result in a higher force of infection (incidence rate) at any given prevalence of infection. Large scale changes in the epidemiology of these infections can be expected to occur in sub-Saharan Africa because of improved sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis and treatment services as a component of AIDS prevention. Changes in the epidemiology of gonococcal and chlamydial infection are predicted to result in accelerated population growth unless STD control programs are linked to effective contraception programs.

Africa↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Integration of concurrent trauma registry and performance improvement programs.

Health information management systems have had a tremendous impact on the delivery of healthcare. The implementation of an integrated, concurrent trauma registry and performance improvement system has had a remarkable impact on the University of Pennsylvania's trauma program. Having both the registry and performance improvement programs concurrent and integrated has allowed better utilization of staff and has produced more accurate, relevant and timely data.

Hospital Information Systems↗