R4D Reproductive Health

Hookworm and anaemia prevalence

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:59 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Guyatt, H.L.; Brooker, S.; Peshu, N.; Shulman, C.E.

Production Year: 2000

Citation: Guyatt, H.L.; Brooker, S.; Peshu, N.; Shulman, C.E. Hookworm and anaemia prevalence. Lancet (2000) 356 (9247) 2101. [DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)74313-0]

Summary: This article is a letter written in response to a previous article published in the Lancet (Torlesse H, Hodges M. Anthelmintic treatment and haemoglobin concentrations during pregnancy. Lancet 2000; 356: 1083) in which the authors report on anthelmintic treatment with albendazole in pregnant women.

Training traditional birth attendants in clean delivery does not prevent postpartum infection.

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:01 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Goodburn, E.A.; Chowdhury, M; Gazi, R.; Marshall, T.; Graham, W.

Production Year: 2000

Citation: Goodburn, E.A.; Chowdhury, M; Gazi, R.; Marshall, T.; Graham, W. Training traditional birth attendants in clean delivery does not prevent postpartum infection. Health Policy and Planning (2000) 15 (4) 394-399. [DOI: 10.1093/heapol/15.4.394]

Summary:

The objective of this study was to compare the maternal outcome, in terms of postpartum infection, of deliveries conducted by trained traditional birth attendants (TBAs) with those conducted by untrained birth attendants.

The study took place in a rural area of Bangladesh where a local NGO (BRAC) had previously undertaken TBA training. Demographic surveillance in the study site allowed the systematic identification of pregnant women. Pregnant women were recruited continuously over a period of 18 months. Data on the delivery circumstances were collected shortly after delivery while data on postpartum morbidity were collected prospectively at 2 and 6 weeks. All women with complete records who had delivered at home with a non-formal birth attendant (800) were included in the analysis. The intervention investigated was TBA training in hygienic delivery comprising the ‘three cleans’ (hand-washing with soap, clean cord care, clean surface). The key outcome measure was maternal postpartum genital tract infection diagnosed by a symptom complex of any two out of three symptoms: foul discharge, fever, lower abdominal pain.

Women's Reports of Severe (Near-miss) Obstetric Complications in Benin.

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:19 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Filippi, V.; Ronsmans, C.; Gandaho, T.; Graham, W.; Alihonou, E.; Santos, P.

Production Year: 2000

Citation: Filippi, V.; Ronsmans, C.; Gandaho, T.; Graham, W.; Alihonou, E.; Santos, P. Women's Reports of Severe (Near-miss) Obstetric Complications in Benin. Studies in Family Planning (2000) 31 (4) 309-324. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1728-4465.2000.00309.x]

Summary: This study examines the validity of a survey instrument on near-miss obstetric complications. Three groups of women–with severe complications, with mild complications, and with a normal delivery–were identified retrospectively in three hospitals in South Benin and interviewed at home. The concept of "near-miss" was used to identify women with severe episodes of morbidity. The questionnaire was able to detect, with some accuracy, eclamptic fits, abnormal bleeding in the third trimester for a recall period of at least three to four years, and all episodes of bleeding independent of timing within a period of two years. Questions concerning dystocia and infections of the genital tract generated disappointing results except when information on treatment was included. Overall, better results were achieved for antepartum and acute events. Severity made a positive difference only in the case of eclampsia, with an increase in sensitivity. The implications of the results for using women's recall of obstetric complications in surveys are discussed.

Vitamin A and causes of maternal mortality: association and biological plausibility.

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:35 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Faisel, H.; Pittrof, R.

Production Year: 2000

Citation: Faisel, H.; Pittrof, R. Vitamin A and causes of maternal mortality: association and biological plausibility. Public Health Nutrition (2000) 3 (03) 321-327. [DOI: 10.1017/S1368980000000367]

Summary: The objective of this study was to review the association between major causes of maternal mortality and vitamin A, trying to determine if these associations are causal in nature, and to highlight possible biological pathways that may explain vitamin A effects. The study was carried out by means of a literature review, observational studies and clinical trials. The strength of association was determined by applying Bradford Hill criteria of causality.

Effect of supplementation with vitamin A or ß carotene on mortality related to pregnancy. Slight modifications in definitions could alter interpretation of results.

Wed, 16 May 2012 02:56 GMT

Document Type: Miscellaneous
Creator: Ronsmans, C.; Campbell, O.; Collumbien, M.

Production Year: 1999

Citation: Ronsmans, C.; Campbell, O.; Collumbien, M. Effect of supplementation with vitamin A or beta carotene on mortality related to pregnancy. BMJ (1999) 319 (7218) 1201-1201. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.319.7218.1201a]

Summary: This is a letter written in response to an article published in an earlier issue of the BMJ. West KP Jr., Katz J, Khatry SK, LeClerq SC, Pradhan EK, Shrestha SR, et al. Double blind, cluster randomised trial of low dose supplementation with vitamin A or ß-carotene on mortality related to pregnancy in Nepal. BMJ 1999; 318: 570–575. (27 February.)

Reproductive-tract infections in women in low-income, low-prevalence situations: assessment of syndromic management in Matlab, Bangladesh

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:29 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Hawkes, S.; Morison, L.; Foster, S.; Gausia, K.; Chakraborty, J.; Weeling, R.; Mabey, D.

Production Year: 1999

Citation: Hawkes, S.; Morison, L.; Foster, S.; Gausia, K.; Chakraborty, J.; Weeling, R.; Mabey, D. Reproductive-tract infections in women in low-income, low-prevalence situations: assessment of syndromic management in Matlab, Bangladesh. Lancet (1999) 354 (9192) 1776-1781. [DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(99)02463-0]

Summary: In the control of reproductive-tract infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in low-income and middle-income countries, WHO recommends syndromic management for individuals with symptoms. This intervention was initially developed in areas where prevalence of such infections is high. The authors investigate the clinical effectiveness and cost of this approach among a group of women with a low prevalence of infection.

STRIVE Learning Lab 6. Adolescent Research in South Africa.

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:58 GMT

Document Type: PowerPoint Presentation
Creator: MacPhail, C.; Venables, E.

Production Year: 2012

Citation: MacPhail, C.; Venables, E. STRIVE Learning Lab 6. Adolescent Research in South Africa. (2012) [1 hour, 7 min 02 sec]

Summary: An overview of adolescent work in both urban and rural areas of South Africa: economic incentives for preventive health programmes, appropriate methodological tools and intervention design. Presented by Dr Catherine MacPhail, Technical Team head on a randomised control trial of conditional cash transfers, and Dr Emilie Venables, Senior Researcher, both from the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, South Africa.

Factors Affecting Abortion Decisions among Young Couples in Nepal

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:17 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Puri, M.; Ingham, R.; Matthews, Z.

Production Year: 2007

Citation: Puri, M.; Ingham, R.; Matthews, Z. Factors Affecting Abortion Decisions among Young Couples in Nepal. Journal of Adolescent Health (2007) 40 (6) 535-542. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.01.010]

Summary:

The purpose of this study was to explore, using both survey data and case studies, factors that are associated with abortion decisions among young couples in the context of recently legalized abortion in Nepal.

This article draws primarily on data collected in detailed case histories of 30 participants selected from a sample of the respondents to a survey of 997 married women aged 15 to 24 years and 499 men aged 15 to 27 years collected in 2003. Bivariate analyses of the survey data are presented in summary form to provide some general contextual background, with the key themes that emerged from analysis of the case histories being described.

Almost half of the young women in the survey reported that they had ever experienced an unintended pregnancy. A considerable proportion of these couples thought about abortion but the majority of them did not take any action. Some of them had attempted abortion but only few had succeeded. Multiple factors, including socio-cultural beliefs, affect the decision-making phase, making the process dynamic and situation-specific. Husbands and health service providers play a major role in the decision-making process.

The study highlights the need to scale up family planning and abortion services to young couples, and emphasizes the importance of involving men and service providers in public education and advocacy campaigns against unsafe abortion. It also points to the need for wider education in the community about family planning and legal abortion services, as well as for the transparent pricing of services and greater efforts to enhance women’s decision-making capacities and control over their reproductive options.

Sexual behavior and perceived risk of HIV/AIDS among young migrant factory workers in Nepal

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:06 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Puri, M.; Cleland, J.

Production Year: 2004

Citation: Puri, M.; Cleland, J. Sexual behavior and perceived risk of HIV/AIDS among young migrant factory workers in Nepal. Journal of Adolescent Health (2004) 38 (3) 237-246. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.10.001]

Summary: The purpose of this study was to analyze the sexual behavior, perceived risk of contracting STIs and HIV/AIDS, and protective behaviors of migrant workers aged 14–19 years in carpet and garment factories in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. A common assumption in Nepal is that young migrant workers experience an increase in vulnerability. Moving away from the social controls of family and community, they become exposed to a mixed-gender environment and therefore might initiate sex earlier or have more casual encounters than might otherwise be the case. The analysis is based on a representative sample survey of 1050 factory workers. Information was also obtained from 23 in-depth case histories. Both bivarite and multivariate techniques were applied to identify the factors associated with involvement in risky sexual behavior. Despite religious and cultural restrictions, one in five boys and one in eight unmarried girls reported experience of sexual intercourse. Early sexual experimentation, multiple partners, and low and irregular use of condoms are not uncommon. Instances of sexual exploitation by factory owners or managers were documented but were rare. Most nonregular sex partners were described as friends from the same factory or community. Despite high-risk behavior, relatively few young people considered themselves to be at risk of getting STIs or HIV/AIDS. Information on the possible consequences of unsafe sex is inadequate. It was concluded that programs aimed at promotion of safer sex practices and life skill training that facilitates communication and utilization of sexual health services should target vulnerable migrant young people.

Safe Sex Versus Safe Love? Relationship Context and Condom Use Among Male Adolescents in the Favelas of Recife, Brazil

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:51 GMT

Document Type: Journal Article
Creator: Juarez, F.; Castro Martín, T.

Production Year: 2006

Citation: Juarez, F.; Castro Martín, T. Safe Sex Versus Safe Love? Relationship Context and Condom Use Among Male Adolescents in the Favelas of Recife, Brazil. Archives of Sexual Behavior (2006) 35 (1) 25-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s10508-006-8992-z]

Summary: This study examined the influence of the relationship context where adolescent sexual activity takes place on contraceptive decisions. The data were collected in a specially designed survey carried out in May 2000 on 1,438 adolescent males aged 13–19 residing in favelas (urban slum areas) of Recife, Brazil. A logistic regression analysis of condom use at last sexual intercourse and a multinomial logit analysis of contraceptive method choice were performed for 678 sexually active adolescents. Educational attainment, degree of knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention, and condom use at first sexual intercourse were found to be significantly associated with current condom use. Regarding the relationship context, the analysis revealed that adolescent males in steady relationships were less likely to use condoms, less likely to regard themselves at risk of HIV infection, and more concerned about pregnancy prevention than adolescents in casual relationships. Differentials in condom use by type of relationship, however, did not result from a higher rejection of contraception by steady partners but from their higher likelihood to rely on other contraceptive methods. Results suggest that prevention campaigns need to take into account the intimate context where adolescents assess potential health risks, and to address the divergent symbolic meanings condoms may have in different types of relationships. If an increase of condom use among stable sexual partners is pursued, public health campaigns might need to romanticize condom use as a sign of love and trust and place more emphasis on the benefits of dual protection.