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Fetal loss and contraceptive acceptance among the Bhopal gas victims.

The rates of fetal loss and family planning acceptance among Bhopal gas victims from 1984 to 1989 were compared to those of a control group. In all, 136 eligible women in the affected area and 139 women in the control area were interviewed. Care was taken to ensure that these women had conceived at least once during the previous five years. The The fetal loss rate among the gas-affected women was abnormally high (26.3 per cent) compared to that of women in the control area (7.8 per cent). Family planning acceptance in both areas was similar, with most women using permanent methods. In the case of temporary methods, the percentage of use was higher in the gas-affected area.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Sexual activity and condom use in high school students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of sexual experience and condom use among Year 9 high school students. DESIGN: Self-administered questionnaire to all Year 9 students attending a personal development workshop. SETTING: The study was carried out in two regional high schools in New South Wales, one in an urban area and the other in a rural area. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 253 students in Year 9 at the two high schools; only two students declined to participate. RESULTS: Seventy-one students (28.1%) had had intercourse at least once. There was no statistically significant difference between the percentage of male and female students or rural and urban students who had had intercourse. Thirty students (42.3%) always used condoms, 35.2% used them sometimes and the other sexually active students had never used them. The commonest reasons for non-use were unplanned sex, unavailability or no time. CONCLUSIONS: The unpredictability of teenage sexual activity may mean that condoms are not available at the crucial time. Girls appear to have more difficulty in asking for condoms to be used, but the numbers are two small in this survey to draw definite conclusions. If both pregnancy and sexually transmissible diseases are to be prevented among adolescents, sex education must encourage condom use as the first method of contraception for this group and emphasise the need for consistent availability and use.

Adolescent↗

Implications of laboratory tests of condom integrity.

BACKGROUND: There is sufficient evidence from Food and Drug Administration laboratory experiments and clinical studies to draw conclusions about the relative importance of holes and breakage to condoms. The laboratory test methods determined penetration of viruses or virus-size microspheres through holes in condoms under conditions that simulated or exaggerated those expected in actual use, and determined the frequency with which condoms might pass virus or microspheres and the amounts of passage in each case. GOALS: To summarize and comment on the significance of test results on latex, polyurethane, and natural membrane condoms as barriers to virus passage. STUDY DESIGN: Published and unpublished data addressing three distinct concerns were analyzed: (1) passage of virus or microspheres through small holes or pores inherent in the material of "intact" condoms which are undetectable by the standard water leak quality assurance test, (2) passage of virus or microspheres through larger holes in "leaker" condoms detectable by the water leak test but marketed because of the finite acceptable quality level (AQL) of the test, and (3) passage of virus through condoms that break during use. RESULTS: Extrapolating to the passage of semen expected during actual use allowed an analysis of the relative importance of breakage and water-leak-detectable or water-leak-undetectable holes. CONCLUSIONS: The relative importance of breaks and holes is related to the volume of semen that contains an "infectious dose" of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). When 0.1 mL to 1.0 mL exposures to semen are necessary for disease transmission, the risk during latex condom use primarily results not from holes, but from breakage of condoms. For smaller volumes of semen exposure (0.00001 mL and less), the presence of holes can be as important as breaks. The same qualitative argument pertains to a comparison of "leaker" condoms to the large majority of "intact" condoms.

Biocompatible Materials↗

A method for studying oxygen diffusion barrier in erythrocytes: effects of haemoglobin content and membrane cholesterol.

1. In order to study the kinetics os the oxygen egress from human red cells in the 50 sec-20 min time range, an apparatus for measuring the oxygen dissociation process was constructed, combining a spectrophotometer with an oxygen electrode of quick response. 2. Starting from air-saturated haemolysate or red cell suspensions, the velocity of oxygen dissociation from oxyhaemoglobin (Vdiss) and of oxygen disappearance in the medium (Vobs) after addition of bakers' yeast (consuming the dissolved oxygen at the velocity of Vconsump) were recorded. A parameter (r) was defined as the ratio of two velocities, Vegress (the velocity of oxygen egress into the medium) and Vdiss, r identical to Vegress/Vdiss = (Vconsump -Vobs)/Vdiss. Vcomsump could be calculated by the Michaelis-Menten equation as follows, Vconsump = Vmax [O2]/(Km + [O2]), where Vmax was the maximal velocity of oxygen consumption of bakers' yeast. 3. The r value was always 1.0 for the haemolysate, but it was less than 1.0 for the normal red cells. Further, the oxygen dissociation curve of red cells obtained at higher Vmax was distorted, due to the non-equilibration between intra- and extracellular oxygen concentrations. 4. The r value was (i) independent of the amounts of the allosteric effectors (2,3-diphosphoglycerate and H+) but (ii) dependent on the haemoglobin contents and (iii) dependent on the amounts of the membrane cholesterol. Therefore, the r value reflected only the process of the oxygen diffusion but not the "chemical reaction' rate. The "barrier' of the oxygen diffusion decreased at lower haemoglobin contents, but increased at higher cholesterol contents in the membrane.

Biological Transport↗

The correlation between family planning program inputs and contraceptive use in Indonesia.

Using 1980 Census and 1986 service statistics program inputs, this paper evaluates the net correlation of socioeconomic, region, and program variables with 1987 contraceptive prevalence and method-specific use rates for Indonesian regencies and municipalities. The region variables--primarily, though not exclusively, reflecting program design and maturity--correlate most strongly with the contraceptive prevalence rates. Field-worker activities, field-worker supervisor activities, and community-based distributors also have a correlation with these rates. Pill use is highest in the areas that are predominantly Islamic and least developed, whereas the pattern is reversed for use of the IUD, condom, and other modern methods (mainly female sterilization). The findings are assessed in terms of their implications for policymaking.

Community Health Services↗

First premarital contraceptive use: United States, 1960-82.

This study shows the first national estimates of trends and differentials in first contraceptive use for a national sample of all women. Only 47 percent of women aged 15-44 in 1982 (or their partners) used a method at first premarital intercourse. The leading method at first intercourse was the condom, followed by the pill and withdrawal. The percentage using a method increased from the early 1960s to the late 1970s, because of increases in use of the pill and withdrawal. However, in the early 1980s, use at first intercourse increased sharply because of an increase in use of the condom. The proportion who used a method at first intercourse varied from 22 percent among Hispanic women to 74 percent among Jewish women; it was higher among white than black women, and higher in higher socioeconomic categories. After first intercourse, contraceptive use did not vary significantly by socioeconomic characteristics. While the condom was the leading method at first intercourse, women who practiced contraception for the first time after first intercourse typically used the pill.

Adolescent↗

Preventing chronic back pain: evaluation of a theory-based cognitive-behavioural training programme for patients with subacute back pain.

OBJECTIVE: For long-term treatment effects, patients with subacute back pain need to adhere to treatment recommendations beyond the prescribed exercise treatment. Adherence rates are as low as 30%, so we developed a cognitive-behavioural training programme to enhance patients' self-efficacy, maximise severity perceptions and reduce barrier perceptions. METHOD: A 2 x 4 (group x time) repeated measurement design was applied. Forty-seven patients with non-specific, subacute back pain were randomly assigned to a training group (exercise treatment plus cognitive-behavioural training programme) or a control group (exercise treatment only). RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main and interaction effects; the training group reported enhanced self-efficacy and severity perceptions, reduced barrier perceptions, and self-reported that they exercised more often than the control group over time. However, no group differences regarding pain intensity emerged. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that a short and inexpensive cognitive-behavioural training programme is an effective tool to enable back pain patients to follow treatment recommendations on a regular basis. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The short and simple intervention can easily be conducted by personnel, other than psychologists, i.e., physiotherapists.

Adult↗

Identification of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates that are highly disruptive to the intestinal epithelial barrier.

BACKGROUND: Multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa nosocomial infections are increasingly recognized worldwide. In this study, we focused on the virulence of multi-drug resistant clinical strains P. aeruginosa against the intestinal epithelial barrier, since P. aeruginosa can cause lethal sepsis from within the intestinal tract of critically ill and immuno-compromised patients via mechanisms involving disruption of epithelial barrier function. METHODS: We screened consecutively isolated multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa clinical strains for their ability to disrupt the integrity of human cultured intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) and correlated these finding to related virulence phenotypes such as adhesiveness, motility, biofilm formation, and cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that the majority of the multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa clinical strains were attenuated in their ability to disrupt the barrier function of cultured intestinal epithelial cells. Three distinct genotypes were found that displayed an extreme epithelial barrier-disrupting phenotype. These strains were characterized and found to harbor the exoU gene and to display high swimming motility and adhesiveness. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that detailed phenotypic analysis of the behavior of multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa against the intestinal epithelium has the potential to identify strains most likely to place patients at risk for lethal gut-derived sepsis. Surveillance of colonizing strains of P. aeruginosa in critically ill patients beyond antibiotic sensitivity is warranted.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

HIV-related concerns and behaviors among Hispanic women.

Hispanic women whose sexual partners have other sexual partners may be at risk for HIV. A structured interview was administered to 106 Dominican and Puerto Rican women who reported that they knew or suspected that their partner had other partners. A subsample participated in qualitative interviews. The study assessed concern about HIV and predictors of condom use. The majority of women reported that they worried about getting HIV and almost half had been HIV-tested. Most of the women discussed HIV/AIDS concerns with their partners, and one-third reported some condom use. Predictors of condom use were: born in the Dominican Republic/Puerto Rico, having talked with their partner about being tested, and belief that he used condoms with others. Although the women were concerned about HIV, condom use was infrequent. Results suggested methods to address this discrepancy: introducing condoms early in the relationship, developing women-controlled methods, and directly influencing men's behavior.

Adult↗

Contraceptive choices for behaviorally disordered women.

Women with psychologic disturbances of depression, anxiety, or thought disorganization pose a special management problem when providing a safe and effective means of contraception. The difficulty is compounded by the fact that many mentally disturbed women also abuse drugs. Therefore, providing contraception to the many types of behaviorally disturbed women requires the full range of contraceptive options and protection from sexually transmitted diseases. When compliance can be assured, oral contraceptives are the preferred method. When compliance is questionable, progestin implants or injections may be tried. However, progestin-only preparations are associated with several side effects, including worsening of mood in depressive patients.

Contraception↗

Prostate-specific antigen in vaginal fluid as a biologic marker of condom failure.

Forty women participated in three clinic visits during which they were exposed to their partner's semen (10 microL, 100 microL, and 1 mL). At each visit they took vaginal fluid samples before exposure to their partner's semen, immediately after, and at 1, 24, and 48 h after exposure. PSA was measured with an enzyme-linked immunoassay. The mean PSA level for preexposure swabs ranged between 0.43 and 0.88 ng/mL. The mean PSA levels were 193 immediately after exposure to 10 microL, 472 after 100 microL, and 19,098 after 1 mL. The PSA levels declined within 1 h, and returned to background at 48 h. The findings confirm that our procedure is a sensitive and specific method for detecting recent semen exposure, and indicate that PSA levels depend on exposure intensity and time since exposure. Application of this method in condom efficacy studies provides objective evidence of condom failure that enhances the interpretation of self-report.

Adult↗

Effect of butoconazole nitrate cream and wax insert on the barrier property of contraceptive devices.

A new method was developed to assess the quality of the barrier property of several types of commonly used contraceptive devices (diaphragm, cervical cap, and condom). Our data showed that butoconazole nitrate cream and wax inserts did not affect the barrier property of the contraceptive devices when the products were placed in contact with the devices for up to 72 hours at 37 degrees C.

Antifungal Agents↗

[Introduction of a school-based intervention method targeted for drug using students. Barriers related to the co-operation between parents and teachers].

The aim of the study was to analyse the process of implementing a school-based intervention method, for drug using students and barriers, related to the parent-school co-operation, impeding this process. Data were collected during the qualitative evaluation of the intervention implementation into 11 schools representing various educational levels and local communities. Results indicate that in 6 schools at least some of proposed system modifications were implemented and in 7 schools teachers used key elements of the intervention method while solving problems related to students' conduct or drug use. The teachers' attitude and expectations related to the idea of family-school co-operation were important from the very beginning of the programme implementation - at the stage of establishing a sense of urgency of the change. In proceeding stages, good communication and openness in parent-school contacts were crucial for the programme effectiveness. These were also a source of positive reinforcement for the people involved.

Adolescent↗

A case-control analysis of risk factors in HIV transmission in South India.

A case-control study was done among patients attending our clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in South India to assess risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Of 5,876 patients tested, 105 (1.79%) were HIV antibody positive (87 men, 18 women) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. They were compared with an equal number of age- and sex-matched patients without HIV antibody. Risk factors significant in the crude odds ratio analysis were occupation (truck drivers and truck cleaners), age at first exposure, and sexual contact with commercial sex workers. In the logistic regression analysis, only a history of past genital ulcer was a significant risk factor. Other important findings of this study were that (a) the spread of HIV to women is mostly from their infected husbands and (b) regular condom use was reported by less than 8% of patients and controls. Obviously, the current methods of education of the population are far from adequate.

Adult↗

A comparison of the performance of male and female CBD distributors in Peru.

This report presents the results of an operations research project to increase male involvement in family planning in Peru. Two community-based distribution (CBD) programs, PROFAMILIA of Lima and CENPROF of Trujillo, Peru, recruited male contraceptive distributors and compared their performance to that of female distributors recruited at the same time. Both programs found it harder to recruit men than women as distributors. Program supervisors, who were women, were less comfortable with men than with other women, even though there were no differences in distributor compliance with program norms. Male distributors were more likely to serve male clients and sell male methods (condoms), while female distributors were more likely to serve female clients and sell female methods (pills). Men sold as much or more total couple-years of protection than did women, and they recruited as many or more new acceptors. Gender was found to exert an impact on method mix independent of other distributor characteristics, such as age, education, marital status, and number of living children. The study suggests that family planning programs can influence method mix and client characteristics by recruiting men as CBD distributors.

Contraceptive Devices, Male↗