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PubMed2001

Differentiation in contraceptive behavior of the female population in Thrace, Greece.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors influencing the contraceptive practice of the female population in the rural area of Thrace, Greece. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective sociopsychological study on representatives of the two major religious subgroups in Thrace: 127 Orthodox Christians and 120 Muslims. The women were reasonably representative in terms of age, education, marital status and professional life. Interviews covered sexual history and contraceptive use in detail. RESULTS: We observed a significant preference of Christians for condoms, and of Muslims for coitus interruptus. The use of the male condom was significantly higher in younger, compared to older, Christians (p < 0.001). Muslim women aged 30-39 years showed a significant preference for coitus interruptus and intrauterine devices, as compared with Christians. Highly educated women of both subgroups did not present statistically significant differences concerning contraception. It was found that, the more intense the sexual activity, the more common the use of the condom for Christians and the more popular the choice of interrupted intercourse for Muslims. Muslims with a permanent sexual relationship preferred interrupted intercourse, while all Muslims with multiple sexual partners used the male condom. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to promote information concerning the variety of modern contraceptive options in order to improve the prevalence of contraceptive use and reproductive health in the region of Thrace.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The prevalence of HIV positive antenatal mothers in a routine screening programme in two states.

This is a retrospective study of the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive mothers in two states in Malaysia i.e., Perak and Negeri Sembilan since the introduction of the HIV screening programme in antenatal mothers. The study period was from 1/9/97 to 1/9/99. A total of 29 HIV positive antenatal mothers were detected (21 from Perak and 8 from Negeri Sembilan) throughout the study period. Out of the 21 HIV positive mothers from Perak, 8 (38%) were foreign nationals whereas only 1 (12%) out of the 8 from Negeri Sembilan was a foreign national. The main risk factor identified in both the groups was multiple sexual partners. The vertical transmission rates for the patients from Perak were 14.2% and 37.5% in Negeri Sembilan. There was no significant short-term adverse obstetric outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

HIV/AIDS behind bars: an avenue for culturally sensitive interventions.

The prevalence of HIV infection and the incidence of AIDS are higher among prison inmates compared to the general population. Although African Americans and Hispanics constitute approximately 13% and 12.5% of the population, respectively, they are over-represented among the prison population. The current trend in the adult/adolescent AIDS cases among African Americans and Hispanics outpaces that of the white population. The sociodemographic data of HIV/AIDS looks similar to the sociodemographics of U.S. prisons. This suggests that there may be a link between HIV transmission in prison and the current AIDS epidemic in the community. In addition, this high incidence is also a reflection of the high-risk lifestyle of the incarcerated population. High-risk behavior common among the incarcerated and inner city minority communities includes injection drug use, sharing of drugs and drug paraphernalia, and multiple sex partners. HIV transmission risk-reduction efforts such as mandatory screening of inmates, preventive HIV/AIDS education, and appropriate and adequate therapeutic management are essential to curtail the epidemic. However, any HIV/AIDS reduction program for minority communities must include culturally sensitive interventions.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Social characteristics, HIV/AIDS knowledge, preventive practices and risk factors elicitation among prisoners in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Although many behavioral research studies and public enlightenment campaigns have been undertaken by both government and non-governmental organizations in the general public, no such study has been documented on prison inmates in Nigeria. This study aimed at documenting the social characteristics, HIV/AIDS knowledge and preventive practices of selected prisoners in Nigeria. It also elicited risk factors HIV/AIDS transmission in Nigeria prisons. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of prison inmates using an anonymous risk-factors identification questionnaire was undertaken in January 1997. The Kiri-kiri (maximum, medium and female) prisons were selected by balloting. Thereafter, two hundred and fifty two inmates were selected by systematic random sampling method using the full listing of all inmates as at the time of the survey. The study comprised of an interview session using a well structured questionnaire to seek information about their social data, their knowledge about HIV/AIDS including its transmission and preventive social data, and their indulgence in HIV/AIDS risky behaviour. RESULTS: The majority (53.6%) of the respondents were in the age group 20-29 years, 18 (7.1%) were less than 20 years old one of whom was in the maximum-security prison and three were females (table 1). The majority (52%) had secondary education while 9.9% had tertiary education and 7.1% had no formal education. About 97.2% of the study population had heard about AIDS although only 20.6% had known or seen someone with AIDS before and about 34.1% knew the causative agent of AIDS. 60.3% knew the correct mode of transmission of AIDS. 15.5% claimed fidelity and 12.7 % claimed use of condom for casual sexual contact, were measures that could help prevent AIDS but 7.9% did not know any preventive measure. Since hearing about AIDS, 59.5% claimed to have taken steps to protect themselves. 42.7% of the 89 who had not taken any protective steps against AIDS had no knowledge of how to protect themselves. About 56.3% claimed to have used condom before although only 38.7% used it for their last sexual exposure while 28.2% claimed they used it for all casual sexual intercourse. Many (42.8%) said they knew that homosexuality was the most prevalent sexual practice in the prison while 28.6% claimed there was no sexual practice and 13.1% feigned ignorance of any sexual practices in the prisons. Many (53.2%) claimed to have multiple sexual partners although 94.8% denied any sexual practice whilst still in prison. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that (i) almost all THE prisoners studied had heard of AIDS although only a few had seen or known a case of AIDS; (ii) despite the fact that many of them knew the correct modes of transmission, many indulged in high risk behaviours for AIDS transmission; (iii) there is a considerable proportion of receptive naïve inmates who stand the risk of being infected due to their high level of ignorance about HIV/AIDS. Well designed information, education and communication (IEC) programmes on AIDS with such formidable support structures as the provision of harm-reduction devices and risk-reduction counselling are urgently recommended for the Nigerian prisoners to effectively combat the imminent HIV/AIDS epidemic among the prison inmates.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

Diagnosis and 10-year follow-up of a community-based hepatitis C cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the health care follow-up and treatment associated with physician-diagnosed hepatitis C (HCV) in a community-based population. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective medical record review using records from all providers in Olmsted County, Minnesota. POPULATION: The study incorporated all Olmsted County residents with physician-diagnosed hepatitis C from 1990 through 1999. OUTCOMES MEASURED: We assessed demographic and health status information as well as health services use in subjects with physician-diagnosed HCV. RESULTS: Physicians diagnosed hepatitis C in 355 subjects (219 men [62%], 136 women [38%]), mean age 43 years, in the 10-year period studied. About half of diagnoses (45%, n = 159) were confirmed with polymerase chain reaction or liver biopsies. Identified risk factors included IV drug use (50%), multiple sex partners (36%), and blood transfusion (30%). Follow-up assessment with aspartate aminotransferase/amino alanine transferase (AST/ALT) tests occurred in about half (49%) of subjects, while 202 subjects (60%) were referred for gastrointestinal (GI) specialist evaluation and 49 patients (14% of all, 25% of those referred to a GI specialist) had specific treatment for hepatitis C. Although well over half of patients (60%) had possible contraindications to HCV treatment, including heavy alcohol use, few were referred for chemical dependency therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this community, follow-up and treatment related to HCV were limited. Attention to prevention of disease-accelerating co- infections was only modest. Referral or documented recommendations for treatment of alcoholism or heavy chronic alcohol ingestion were minimal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Immigration and sexually transmitted diseases: risk factors, prevention and health education].

Assessment of behaviour at risk of HIV-infection and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) in high-risk subjects, such as illegal immigrants is the first step for successful prevention measures. In order to assess knowledge of AIDS, STDs, risk behaviour and condom use, a sexual behaviour questionnaire was administered to all illegal immigrants living in the Domitia area (north-west of naples) and coming to our ambulatory for several pathologies. The following risk markers identified were: low level of knowledge concerning HIV and STD transmission and prevention, multiple sexual partners, casual sex, low frequencies of condom use, drugs and alcohol use. Therefore prevention campaigns should include educational activities concerning AIDS and STD transmission and prevention, and condom promotion. Particular attention should be given to improve access to STD services that provide treatment and counselling. Moreover, commercial sex workers require counselling at each visit, screening and treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

AIDS in El Salvador.

The 1st case of AIDS in El Salvador was diagnosed at Rosales Hospital in San Salvador in October 1985, in a bisexual man who had recently returned from the US. Since that time there have been 110 cases at Rosales Hospital, 81% in men. Of these patients, 54% report exclusively heterosexual histories; 42% report no travel outside El Salvador, 33% report travel to the US, 12% to Honduras, and 7% to Mexico. Risk factors include multiple sexual partners in 61%, prostitution in 7%, and injected drug use in 5%. To date, 52% are known to have died, 18% are alive, and the fate of the remainder is unknown. 5 children with symptomatic HIV infection have been seen at the Benjamin Bloom National Children's Hospital. As of September 1991, 504 persons nationwide were known to be HIV-seropositive, 63% of whom lived in San Salvador. Seropositivity among blood donors at Rosales Hospital has increased from 0% in 1988, when screening began, to 0.265 in 1991.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Effective, despite misconceptions. The IUD with progesterone must be replaced once a year, while the IUD with copper may be left in for up to 10 years.

Many women have misconceptions about the intrauterine device, or IUD. The IUD is a safe and effective contraceptive method for many women. It is more effective than the condom, diaphragm, or spermicides, and also is more convenient than these methods, since it doesn't interfere with different sexual activities. The IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device containing either copper or progesterone, and is inserted by a doctor into a woman's uterus. A thin plastic thread (1-2 inches long) protrudes through the cervix so that the user can cross-check to make sure the device is in place. Depending on the IUD type, small amounts of copper or progesterone are slowly released to prevent fertilization of the egg, or to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall. The IUD with progesterone must be replaced once a year, while the IUD with copper may be left in for up to 10 years. The IUD is a good choice for women who can't take oral contraceptives and for women who have completed their families but want surgical sterilization. Because the IUD carries a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg that implants outside the uterus), it is not usually recommended for women who already are at increased risk of the condition, such as those who have had a pelvic infection, a previous ectopic pregnancy or multiple sex partners. Common side effects of the IUD include some discomfort while the IUD is being inserted and some cramping and spotting during the first few weeks after insertion. Menstrual periods usually become slightly longer and heavier in women using the copper IUD, but become lighter in women using the progesterone IUD. Occasionally, the IUD will slip partially out of the uterus or be expelled entirely in the first few months.

Contraception↗
PubMed2001

Eo na Mahu o Hawai'i: the extraordinary health needs of Hawai'i's Mahu.

An overview of health and social issues is presented here regarding Native Hawaiian transgenders. Perhaps due to relatively greater tolerance of gender diversity among Polynesian cultures, approximately 70% of all male-to-female transgenders in Hawai'i are Native Hawaiian. However, the overall climate is one of discrimination and harassment such that transgenders--who tend to be under-educated, under-employed, and medically underserved--may be the most severely impacted of all Native Hawaiians. Lei Anuenue, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention program for Native Hawaiians, has provided a variety of services for transgenders, including outreach, educational workshops, support groups, HIV testing, and case management. All services are provided by peer leaders who are employed by the program. Data for this article are based on case management, including client self-disclosures and reports of peer staff who knew details of clients' lives having shared with them both generic experiences and specific activities. Information from 100 transgender clients and their case managers indicated that the transgender health profile is far more serious than that of mainstream Native Hawaiians. For example, 74% smoke, 31% use illegal drugs (excluding marijuana), more than 50% have been involved in street or domestic violence, and few individuals over age 50 have been found during three years of outreach. To some extent, employment options limit transgenders to prostitution, drug dealing, and minimum-wage jobs. In addition, a lifestyle of multiple sex partners and lack of opportunities for stable relationships place transgenders at much greater risk for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and other infectious and non-infectious diseases as compared to the mainstream Native Hawaiian community. Clients in this study were from O'ahu, primarily from downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, and Wai'anae. Future studies should compare the results of this sample to transgenders from the neighbor islands (especially in rural Hawaiian areas), as well as utilize a structured prospective longitudinal approach.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Trends in sexual risk behaviors among high school students--United States, 1991-2001.

Unprotected sexual intercourse places young persons at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancy. Responsible sexual behavior among adolescents is one of the 10 leading health indicators of the national health objectives for 2010 (objective 25.11). To examine changes in sexual risk behavior that occurred among high school students in the United States during 1991-2001, CDC analyzed data from six national Youth Risk Behavior surveys (YRBS). This report summarizes the results of the analysis, which indicate that, during 1991-2001, the percentage of U.S. high school students who ever had sexual intercourse and the percentage who had multiple sex partners decreased. Among students who are currently sexually active, the prevalence of condom use increased, although it has leveled off since 1999. However, the percentage of these students who used alcohol or drugs before last sexual intercourse increased. Despite decreases in some sexual risk behaviors, efforts to prevent sexual risk behaviors will need to be intensified to meet the national health objective for responsible sexual behavior.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis among minority injection drug users.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the literature on the impact of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV), and tuberculosis on minority drug injectors in the United States. OBSERVATIONS: Injection drug use is a key factor in the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, and HIV disease is exacerbated by tuberculosis infection. Minority drug injectors are disproportionately represented in the national statistics on these infections. Behavioral epidemiologic studies show that both injection-related risk factors years of injecting drugs, type of drug injected, direct and indirect sharing of injection paraphernalia) and sex-related risk factors (lack of condom use, multiple sexual partners, survival sex) are conducive to the spread of HIV, HBV, and HCV. CONCLUSIONS: Two issues must be addressed to halt the spread of HIV infection and hepatitis B and C. The capacity of syringe-exchange programs to refer participants to drug treatment programs and facilitate access to health and social services must be increased. Culturally appropriate behavioral interventions targeting risk behaviors among ethnic and racial minorities, especially women, must be developed and put in place.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cervical cancer prevention and early detection--the role of nurses and midwives.

Worldwide 31% of cancers in women are in the breast or uterine cervix. Cancer of the uterine cervix is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women. The estimated new cancer cervix cases per year is 500.000 of which 79% occur in the developing countries, where it is consistently the leading cancer and there are in excess of 233.000 deaths from the disease. The major risk factors for cervical cancer include early age at first intercourse, multiple sexual partners, low socioeconomic status, HSV, HPV infection, cigarette smoking and extended use of oral contraceptives. Well organized and applied public education and mass screening programmes can substantially reduce the mortality from cervical cancer and the incidence of invasive disease in the population. Women who are health conscious are more likely to have used screening services (mammogram, pap-smear test) and performed breast-self examination and genital hygiene. There are both opportunities and burdens for nurses and midwives working in primary health care settings. This is a prime example of a role of public education in cancer prevention with reference to population-based cancer screening programs.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Study of HIV seroprevalence in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in 1999 in Chad].

Tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic disease occurring in the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. With the development of HIV infection in Chad, tuberculosis has quickly become a major public health concern. The purpose of this cross-sectional study in two tuberculosis centres (Moundou and Ndjamena) was to evaluate HIV seroprevalence, epidemiological characteristics and risk factors in patients with tuberculosis. All patients with positive sputum-smears who had never been treated for tuberculosis previously were eligible. A total of 466 patients (sex ratio M/F: 1.96) were included during the six-month period between January and June 99. Each subject was asked to fill out an anonymous standardized questionnaire with detailed information on demographic characteristics, sexual behavior and other risk factors for HIV infection. Data were compared using the Chi-square test, Student's T test and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). One third (33.2%) of patients was seropositive for HIV-1. Mean age was 31.1 years in HIV-positive group and 33.6 years in the HIV-negative group (p = 0.02). The age groups with the highest risk for HIV were 20-29 years and 30-39 years (p < 0.01). Women were more often seropositive that men (39.5% versus 30.1%; p = 0.04). Seropositive patients were more likely to have multiple sexual partners (mean: 1.76; p < 0.01) and a history of sexually transmitted disease (19.9% versus 8.1%; p = 0.01). The mean age at the time of first sexual relations was 16.3 years in the HIV group and 17.1 years in the control (p < 0.01). The percentage of seropositive patients was 39.6% at Moundou and 29.8% at N'djamena (p > 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that early age of first sex relation (OR = 0.85; 95% IC: 0.74-0.97), higher number of sexual partners (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4-2.4) and level of education were strongly correlated with HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV in tuberculosis patients is a good indicator of HIV-infection in developing countries. Prevalence of HIV infection is high in tuberculosis patients in Chad. Surveillance for tuberculosis and AIDS must be strengthened in Chad. Mores cooperation is needed between tuberculosis and AIDS control programs. Emphasis should be placed on screening for tuberculosis, early tuberculosis treatment and diagnosis of HIV in tuberculosis patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and clinical features of HIV seropositive Nigerians on presentation.

Eighty of 200 HIV seropositive patients admitted in the medical wards of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria from year 1995 to 1997 were studied on presentation and compared to 40 age and sex matched controls. The main clinical features observed included weight loss, pyrexia, diarrhoea, lymphadenopathy, anaemia and pruritic dermatosis. Sixty-two of the 80 patients (73.2%) presented at stages 3 and 4 of WHO Clinical and Laboratory staging. Thirty (30) percent of these patients died between a period of one to four months after presentation. The main diseases complicating HIV infection at presentation of the 80 patients were Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (30%), acute bacterial infections (with Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus) (24%), candidiasis (14%) and Kaposi sarcoma (2%). Seropositivity for HIV types was found to be HIV-I alone in 43.5% of cases; HIV-II alone in 14% and both HIV-I and II in 42% of cases. Risk factors associated with HIV infection were multiple sexual partners (73%), sexually transmitted disease (70%), and unscreened blood transfusion (1%). HIV positive patients had a mean CD4+ T-cells of 0.24 x 10(9) +/- 0.17 which was significantly lower than the mean of 0.6 +/- 0. 17 x 10(9)/L for controls (P < 0.05 students t-test). Thirty (35%) of the patients had CD4+ counts of less than 0.2 x 10(9)/L (200 cells/microl) at presentation. The mean CD3+ lymphocytes count was 0.51 +/- 0.24 x 10(9)/L for patients and 1.04 +/- 0.71 x 10(9)/L for controls. The mean CD8+ lymphocyte count in patients was 0.29 +/- 0.19 x 10(9)/L and 0.44 x 10(9)/L for controls. Both CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocyte populations were statistically lower in patients than controls (P < 0.05).

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2001

Knowledge, attitude and practice about sexually transmitted diseases among university students in Kampala.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality among women in the child-bearing age. In order to institute appropriate preventive measures there is need to establish the profile of knowledge of the predisposing factors and causation of STDs, attitude to sexual practice and sexual patterns among the susceptible young people, such as university students. STUDY POPULATION: Non medical university students, Makerere University. DESIGN: Descriptive cross sectional study. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire identifying socio-demographic characteristics, sexual patterns, knowledge of STDs as well as attitudes towards prevention of STDs was administered to 400 non medical university students of Makerere University. RESULTS: Knowledge of the clinical features of gonorrhoea and AIDS was high; most knew the predisposing factors for STDs (multiple sexual partners 90%; unprotected sexual intercourse 93%; rape 81%; sex outside marriage 78%, and sex under the influence of alcohol 73%) but not so for syphilis. Males were three times more likely to contract STDs (27%) than their female (9%) counterparts. Whereas knowledge on methods of prevention was high (>90%) it was not followed by appropriate behavioural patterns. More female (33.5%) students had heard about Trichomonas vaginalis than males (23%); (((2) = 17.1; < 0.0001). This study has shown that more female than male students got information from their parents (((2) = 25.3; p < 0.001) while more male students had their source of information from previous sexual intercourse (((2) = 12.9; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge about STDs and their prevention is not matched by sexual behavioural patterns, and male students undertake more risky sexual behaviour. Sexual education should be introduced at the university as a means of increasing students' awareness about the problem and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Epidemiologic profile of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) through a specialized consultation of STD].

INTRODUCTION: A confidential, free and specialised consultation of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was initiated since 1993 in the department of Dermatology of hospital Charles Nicolle. We present the epidemiological and clinical features of this consultation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective study including patients consulting during a period of 7 years (1993-1999). 546 patients were included. The mean age of our patients was 29 years and the sex-ratio 9. The diagnosis of urethritis was done for 242 patients. This diagnosis was clinic in the most cases. Urethral swabs was done for 71 patients. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated in 56 cases and Chlamydia trachomatis in 15 cases. 41 patients were directed to our consultation for a positive syphilis serology. Condyloma were diagnosed in 23 cases and scabies in 12 cases. HIV serology was positive in 10 cases. In 3 cases, the diagnosis of HIV infection was done in this consultation. DISCUSSION: The epidemiologic profile showed a frequency of young men, bachelors and having multiple sexual partners. Clinically, urethritis was the principal STD observed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Risk profiles of adolescent girls who were victims of dating violence.

The prevalence of dating violence, as well as its relationship to potential risk factors, was examined among a nationally representative sample of 9th-through 12th-grade U.S. females (N = 7,824) who completed the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The dependent variable was physical dating violence; the independent variables were violence, suicide, substance use, and sexual risk behavior. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were examined, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the most significant risk factors. It was found that nearly one in ten of the adolescent girls reported dating violence. Twelfth-grade girls had the highest prevalence of dating violence. Girls who were victims of dating violence were more likely to be involved in other violent behaviors, to report extreme sadness and suicidal actions, to use illicit substances, and to engage in risky sexual behavior. Multivariate analysis revealed that dating violence was associated with sad/hopeless feelings (OR = 2.13), binge drinking (OR = 1.96), cocaine or inhalant use (OR = 2.90), multiple sex partners (OR = 2.38), nonuse of condoms (OR = 1.53), and ethnicity, specifically being Black (OR = 2.32) or Hispanic (OR = 1.82). These findings provide further evidence that there is a clustering of risk factors among certain adolescents, specifically girls who experience dating violence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Kaposi's sarcoma in Tainan: report of five cases].

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an uncommon cutaneous neoplasm with an increased incidence among Jews and Italians of Europe and North America and Negroes of equatory Africa. In recent years, several cases have been diagnosed in AIDS patients and in patients who have undergone organ transplantation or received immunosuppressant treatments. We have diagnosed five cases of KS over a 3-year period in our department. They include four men and one women, aged from 58 to 79 years, and who were born and had lived in Tainan. They all denied a history of homosexuality, multiple sexual partners, or drug abuse. HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) screening test were negative. Two patients had taken 'black pills' (usually containing steroids) for a long period of time and also had generalized dermatophytosis. One of these two patients had a cytomegalovirus infection and died of Salmonella septicemia and upper GI bleeding. Although the English literature seems to indicate that KS is rare among Asians. Our present experience coupled with two other recently reported cases from Taiwan and the unpublished observations of some other dermatologists suggest that KS is not all that rare in Taiwan.

Aged↗