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The impact of recent policy changes on fertility, abortion, and contraceptive use in Romania.

A national household survey of 4,861 women aged 15-44 on reproductive health issues was conducted in Romania in 1993. The survey provided the opportunity to study the impact of policy changes by comparing selected aspects of fertility, abortion, and contraceptive use before and after the December 1989 revolution, when the laws restricting abortion and contraceptive use were abolished. After abortion became legal, the total fertility rate dropped to below replacement level, while the induced abortion rate doubled. Contraceptive prevalence increased 20 percent, but augmentation of the use of traditional methods, rather than the change in legislation, accounted for 70 percent of the increase. Limited sex education and contraceptive information, mistrust and misinformation about modern methods, a lack of adequately trained providers, and a shortage or uneven distribution of contraceptive supplies are major reasons for the continued high rates of unintended pregnancy.

Abortion, Induced↗

Effort and achievement in national family planning programmes.

New data show that national family planning programmes have made impressive progress in the last 25 years. Fertility rates have been reduced dramatically, but during the current decade even greater achievements will be called for.

Family Planning Services↗

Role of primary health care in the control of schistosomiasis. The experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The control programme for schistosomiasis in Saudi Arabia was started in 1975 as a central vertical programme. With the adoption of the primary health care approach a pilot scheme that integrated the control of all endemic diseases, including schistosomiasis, within the functions of primary health care centres was carried out. In Riyadh, the scheme was started in 1984 when subcentres for the control programme were established as a first step for complete integration. A training programme was extended to personnel in primary health care centres, including physicians, nurses, and health inspectors with the help of experts from World Health Organization (WHO). A survey of the population at risk in areas with high prevalence was done regularly accompanied by treatment of cases. Snail control was an important activity of the health inspectors with a three months repeat of the control procedures. The result of this programme is a significant reduction in the prevalence of both urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis, from 13.2% in 1983 to 0.17% in 1989. Among the 7453 water sources surveyed in 1989, only 7 were positive for snails (0.1%). About two thirds of those who were affected were expatriates coming from areas of high prevalence of schistosomiasis. Details of the control programme and its impact on the control of the disease are presented in this paper.

Animals↗

HIV infection among pregnant women. A worsening situation in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

A serosurvey of 1,233 pregnant women aged 15-41 years, and attending antenatal clinics in Maiduguri, Nigeria from July 1991 to February 1993 showed that 28 (2.3%) of the women were positive for HIV antibodies. Twenty-four (1.9%) were positive for HIV-1 only, 1 (0.08%) was positive for HIV-2 only and 3 (0.24%) were reactive for both HIV-1 and HIV-2. The overall seroprevalence rose gradually from 2.1% in 1991 to 2.3% in 1992, and to 2.6% so far in 1993. From July 1992 to February 1993 6 children aged 24 hours to 8 months were found HIV-positive in the same hospital where this survey was carried out. The only known risk factor for HIV infection applicable to the pregnant women studied was heterosexual intercourse.

Adolescent↗

Lessons from Cuba: mass campaign administration of trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine and seroprevalence of poliovirus neutralizing antibodies.

The immunogenicity of trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (TOPV), which is less effective in tropical than in temperate areas, may potentially be improved in several ways, including increasing the number of doses. Little information is available on TOPV when more than 6 doses are given. The situation in Cuba provides a unique opportunity to relate the seroprevalence of neutralizing antibodies to the dose of TOPV because Cuba has not reported culture-confirmed poliomyelitis since 1973 and TOPV is only administered in twice yearly 1-week mass immunization campaigns. Sera from 2000 children nationwide were studied for neutralizing antibody among children who received 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 doses of TOPV. These doses were administered in the period 1989-91, when TOPV (from the USSR) was being used with 500,000, 200,000, and 300,000 median tissue-culture-infecting doses (TCID50) for types 1, 2 and 3, respectively--the 5:2:3 formulation. Seroprevalence of neutralizing antibody after two TOPV doses was 91.5% for type 1, 90.8% for type 2, and 45.9% for type 3. Seroprevalence of type-3 neutralizing antibody after 6 doses remained low (73.4%), but increased to 83.5% after 8 doses (P < 0.05). Although 16.5% of the children remained unprotected for type-3 infection even after 8 doses, mass campaign immunization strategies were sufficient to eradicate the transmission of wild poliovirus in Cuba. Because the seroprevalence of type-1 neutralizing antibody was high (91.5%) after two campaign doses, additional studies using different formulations are needed to determine whether simultaneous improvement in the type-3 response to two campaign doses can be achieved.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Schistosomiasis mansoni in Burundi: progress in its control since 1985.

Described is the evolution of the schistosomiasis control programme in Burundi since 1985. A single round of selective population chemotherapy was carried out in the Rusizi Plain and the Bugesera focus from 1985 to 1990. The prevalences and intensities of infection as well as the number of symptomatic cases detected in general health services decreased considerably. Annual sample surveys in the treated areas showed, however, that these improvements were rapidly reversed by reinfection of the demographically changing population. Since repeated selective population chemotherapy was not sustainable in the long term, a primary health care approach was adopted. In areas with good access to basic health services, approximately 10% of all schistosomiasis cases now receive treatment annually through this approach. Yearly selective chemotherapy in primary schools in suburban Bujumbura reduced the prevalence of schistosomal infection among pupils from 23% to 9% over the period 1984-90, and this programme has now been extended to highly endemic areas in Imbo-Sud. Focal snail control produced disappointing results, and emphasis has therefore shifted towards health education and environmental control of transmission.

Adolescent↗

Trends in HIV-1 and HIV-2 prevalence and risk factors in pregnant women in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the resulting morbidity and mortality are major public health challenges with adverse social and economic implications. The pregnant population serves as an important marker of the extent of the problem in the sexually active low risk categorized population. Furthermore, a high HIV prevalence among women of childbearing age contributes to neonatal and infant mortality through perinatal transmission and also a large number of uninfected children become orphans. The objective of the present study was to determine the HIV prevalence rate and the risk factors in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in the Greater Harare area of Zimbabwe. Women presenting for antenatal care in four maternity clinics between May 1994 and June 1995 were tested for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies following informed consent, counselling and completion of a questionnaire. Of the 1.168 women, 30.4 pc tested HIV-1 positive, with prevalence rates ranging from 23.6 pc at a lower density clinic, 28.6 pc in a medium density clinic, 30.7 pc in a higher density clinic and 33.2 pc at the referral maternity hospital. HIV-2 was present in 7.6 pc of the women. The 20 to 29 years age group had the highest HIV prevalence of 35 pc, (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.4; 95 pc CI-1.33 to 4.32). Single pregnant women were more likely to test positive, (OR = 2.1; 95 pc CI = 1.2 to 3.7). Thirty five pc of the women reported previous use of condoms and in those where condom use was reported in casual relationships, there was a higher risk of HIV (OR 6.1; 95 pc CI = 2.1 to 17.3). Reported use of intravaginal herbs was associated with HIV risk (OR 1.4; 95 pc CI = 1.1 to 1.8; p < 0.03). History of genital ulcer (OR = 2.3), discharge (OR = 2.4), rash (OR = 2.7), genital ulcer with PID (OR = 5.8) was significantly associated with HIV infection. Present findings indicate a 30.4 pc HIV prevalence rate for a sample of 1,168 pregnant women in Harare. This rate is much higher than the 18 pc HIV prevalence rate reported for 1,008 pregnant women in the same Greater Harare area in 1990. We conclude that there is need for further innovative and aggressive community based as well as institutional interventions aimed at reducing HIV risk. Prevention strategies should include a wide range of socially contextualized initiatives.

Adolescent↗

The epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in Peru, 1986-1990.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of the HIV-1 epidemic in Peru. DESIGN: Part of a national serosurvey in Peru. METHODS: Between January 1986 and December 1990, 140,976 serum samples were tested for HIV-1 antibody. RESULTS: HIV-1 antibody was found in a high percentage of serum samples provided by 4300 homosexual men (26%), 2204 male sexually transmitted disease patients (10%), 145 drug users (13%), 269 hemophiliacs (10%), and 146 unlicensed female prostitutes (10%). In addition, the prevalence of HIV-1 infection increased substantially among these groups between the beginning and end of the survey period. A low but rising prevalence of HIV-1 antibody was found during this period among serum samples provided by 83,526 blood donors and 11,101 military personnel:total period prevalence, 0.25 and 0.32%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that HIV-1 infection is epidemic in Peru among groups at high risk of sexually and parenterally transmitted diseases, and that the risk of infection appears to be low but possibly increasing among the general population.

Disease Outbreaks↗

Marked reduction of anemia during pregnancy over a 10-year period in Montserrat.

Anemia during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes including maternal and perinatal mortality. However, health education and other public health strategies seeking to reduce its prevalence have usually met with only limited success. The study reported here surveyed anemia of pregnancy on the island of Montserrat in 1980, 1985, and 1990. This involved examination of clinic and hospital records for over 90% of all women giving birth on Montserrat in 1980 and 1985, as well as 80% of those giving birth in 1990. This examination showed a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of anemia at the time of the first prenatal visit (a drop from 82% of the study women in 1980 to 23% in 1985 and 19% in 1990) and also a marked drop at three days postpartum (from 91% in 1980 to 41% in 1985 and 39% in 1990). Logistic regression analyses indicated that after controlling for three possible confounding factors (maternal age, parity, and weeks of gestation at first prenatal visit) the difference between the risk of developing anemia during pregnancy in 1980 as compared to 1985 or 1990 was still highly significant. The reasons for the observed drop in anemia's prevalence during the survey period are not entirely clear, partly because of the retrospective nature of the study. However, better nutrition resulting from improvement in the standard of living on Montserrat during the survey period could have been important, as could changes in health education and food supplementation activities.

Adolescent↗

Epidemiology of HIV and AIDS in the Asia-Pacific region.

The incidence of new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific will soon pass that in Africa and is projected to increase into the next century. The AIDS epidemic arising from these infections will have enormous consequences for the health and socioeconomic development of a region encompassing more than half the world's population.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Control of intestinal parasitic infections in Seychelles: a comprehensive and sustainable approach.

Intestinal parasitic infections have been perceived as a public health problem in Seychelles for decades. A comprehensive strategy to reduce morbidity and, in the long term, transmission of intestinal parasites has been implemented successfully since 1993. Management of the programme is integrated into the well established primary health care system, with control activities being undertaken through existing health facilities. The strategy is based on periodic chemotherapy of schoolchildren, intense health education and improvement of sanitation and safe water supply. The initial objectives of the control programme were met after 2 years of activities, with an overall reduction in prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of 44%. The intensity of infection with Trichuris trichiura, the commonest parasite, was halved (from 780 to 370 eggs per g of faeces). The programme's integrated approach, in concert with political commitment and limited operational costs, is a warranty for the future sustainability of control activities. The programme can be seen as a model for other developing countries, even where health and socioeconomic conditions are different and the control of parasitic infections will need a much longer-term commitment.

Adolescent↗

Abortion in the framework of family planning in Estonia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the legal status of abortion and trends in childbirth, abortions and contraceptive use in Estonia. DESIGN: National statistical data on induced abortions, spontaneous abortions, births and contraceptive use in Estonia. RESULTS: Even though induced abortion is legal in Estonia, the abortion rate has been declining but is still high and in 1994 was 53.8 per 1000 women of fertile age. Among young women under 20 years of age, abortions decreased slightly in the period 1992-94 (from 55.5 to 41.5 per 1000). The birth rate has been declining rapidly in recent years, resulting in a net population reduction. The use of modern contraceptives is increasing but is still low. CONCLUSION: Survey on abortion and on contraceptive sales and use are needed. To improve family planning and prevent unwanted pregnancies it is important to increase awareness among the entire population--and especially among young people--by information, education and communication. A high standard of counseling, including pre- and postabortion counseling and in the youth services, is essential.

Abortion, Induced↗

Reduced prevalence of onchocerciasis in Uganda following either deforestation or vector control with DDT.

To determine the prevalence of onchocerciasis in western Uganda following deforestation and vector control, three foci were re-examined 20 years after previous surveys. In the Ruteete focus Simulium neavei had apparently disappeared and the prevalence of onchocerciasis declined in adults from about 70% in 1971 to a standardised prevalence of 12% in 1992. An increase of population density together with extended deforestation was assumed as cause of this strong reduction. In Bugoye, a S. damnosum s.l. focus, the standardised prevalence of microfilaria carriers declined from 62% in 1972 to 4.7% in 1992. Entomological data indicated the absence of man biting blackflies in the nineties. It can be suggested that the vector control using DDT performed during the seventies had lead to a change of the species composition from anthropophilic to non-anthropophilic S. damnosum s.l. In the focus Kicheche environmental changes were insignificant, deforestation was not progressive and S. neavei was abundant. Here the standardised prevalence of microfilaria carriers was still high (61%).

Adolescent↗

A comparison of prevalence rates of genital ulcers among persons attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Jamaica.

Two cross-sectional surveys were undertaken, from December 1982 to August 1983 and from November 1990 to January 1991, to estimate the prevalence rates of genital ulcer disease (GUD) in all patients presenting with a new sexually transmitted disease (STD) complaint to the STD clinic at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Kingston, Jamaica. Diagnosis of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was based on results of laboratory tests, but diagnosis of the other STDs was based on clinical features. Data from these two surveys were compared, and reported national annual incidence data for GUD reviewed. In 1982/83 6.8% of 23,050 patients had GUD, men (9.3%) more often than women (4.2%; p < 0.001). In 1990/91 the prevalence rate was 12.8%, with increased rates for both men (18.2%) and women (6.8%; p < 0.001). In patients with GUD, a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes was made, in 1982/83 and 1990/91, respectively, in 16.8% and 7.8% of the patients; syphilis, in 12.9% and 18.8%; chancroid, in 12.4% and 13.3%; viral warts, in 5.7% and 6.3%; lymphogranuloma venereum, in 4.1% and 3.9%; and granuloma inguinale, in 3.6% and 2.3%. In men the rate for syphilis was 19% in 1990/91 and 8% in 1982/83 (p = 0.001); and for genital herpes it was 7% in 1990/91 and 17% in 1982/83 (p = 0.025). These reversals were attributed to intense media coverage of herpes in 1982/83. There was no difference in prevalence rates between the two surveys for these diseases in women, or for lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale and genital warts in men and women. A clinical diagnosis could not be made in 44.4% of cases in 1982/83 (particularly in men), and in 47.6% of cases in 1990/91. GUDs facilitate transmission and adversely affect the prognosis of HIV. The increase in their prevalence has implications for the evolution of the local HIV epidemic, and should be addressed effectively by strengthening the STD/HIV control programme.

Chancroid↗

Sexually transmitted disease control in China (1949-1994).

This paper summarizes the historical experiences in venereal disease control in China during the 1950s. Venereal diseases had been all but eliminated in the whole country till 1964. However, along with the implementation of open-door policy and economic reform in the 1980s, the social environment was changed to a great extent in this country. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were re-introduced in the Chinese mainland and new foci of infection established themselves in some cities. During the recent 8 years the national STD case-reporting and sentinel surveillance systems have been set up. The results of surveillance show that the annual incidence of STD has been on the increase. The existing factors associated with the increasing incidence of STD mainly are; population movement, increasing affluence in a part of population, the availability of multiple sexual partners (including the prostitution) and asymptomatic STD increased. Finally, the strategies for STD control are discussed in detail.

China↗

Trends of HIV infection in the blood donors of Delhi.

Screening of HIV Infection was made mandatory for every unit of blood collected for transfusion in Delhi, India since 1989. Ten Zonal Blood Testing Centres have been identified which test all the blood collected for HIV by 29 blood blanks for the city. Reports from these testing centres have been analysed yearwise to find out the magnitude and trends of HIV infection in different groups of blood donors. Although initially there was no difference in HIV Sero-reactivity in different blood donors categories (between 1 & 2 per 1000 blood donors samples tested) but subsequently there is significant increase (5.24/1000 in 1992 & 7.48/1000 in 1993) in the HIV sero-reactivity in replacement donor category possibly because professional donors donate blood in the guise of being replacement donors. The fact which comes out clearly is that HIV infection is present in all sections of the population in Delhi and mandatory HIV Screening of all blood collected for transfusion is justified.

Adult↗