Nanotechnology and the future of condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Objective: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is among the utmost destructive viruses humankind has ever faced in almost four decades. It carries with it profound socioeconomic and public health implications. Unfortunately, there is, currently, no effective cure for HIV infections. This review discusses the various types of condoms, microbicides, and the potential use of nanoparticle-coated condoms as a means of diminishing the risk of HIV transmission and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sexual intercourse. Methods: We identified 153 articles from 1989 to 2015 indexed in various journal platforms, reports, and magazines. Using the PRISMA guidelines as proxy in performing the research review process, only 53 articles were selected. Ideally, articles that failed to describe the nature and types of condoms, condom failures, nanoparticle-coated condoms, microbicides, and HIV prevention were excluded. Results and Discussion: In general, it has been shown that antiretroviral therapy (ART) currently available can only limit transmission and acquisition of HIV strains. Apart from ART treatment, the use of condoms has been identified globally as a cost-effective intervention for reducing the spread of HIV and other STIs. However, while condoms are supposed to be effective, reliable, and easy to use, research has shown that they are attributable to 20% failures including breakages. Nevertheless, other studies have shown that coating condoms with nanoparticles is an important and effective method for reducing condom breakage and HIV/STI transmission during sexual intercourse. Conclusions: A review of literature cited in this paper has shown that nanotechnology-based condom systems have the potential to prevent the spread of HIV and STIs. Furthermore, the antimicrobial nature of some nanoparticles could provide a safe and efficient way to disrupt and/or inactivate different STIs ­ including viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases

Circumcision Weeks: Making Circumcision Part of Routine Training and Service Delivery at District-level Hospitals in South Africa

"Background: Medically safe; elective male circumcision supports traditional and cultural rites of passage by reducing the risk of adverse events and death among men undergoing initiation. It is a way of preventing penile conditions that arise from being uncircumcised. It also protects against various sexually transmitted infections; playing a particularly important role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention; as it protects against HIV infection in men by up to 60. It also helps reduce herpes simplex virus type 2; a key biological co-factor thought to account for some human susceptibility to HIV infection and human papillomavirus. To address these needs and to meet the World Health Organization's call to upscale male circumcision to 80 in HIV/AIDS epidemic-gripped sub-Saharan Africa; there is a need to provide male circumcision as standard care in district health. Method: A retrospective review of three years of circumcision services; using the sleeve method; and not the high-volume; forceps-guided method; and training at a Level 1 district hospital in South Africa. Results: Two hundred and twenty-one medical circumcisions were performed; increasing significantly in each successive year. Mostly; they were carried out under local anaesthetic; and there were only four complications; all of which were successfully resolved. The average age of the patients was 20; and generally; they elected to have medical circumcision carried out for cultural reasons. Some 60 students and clinicians were trained in safe medical male circumcision. Conclusion: To meet the growing demand for male medical circumcision; especially among teenagers and young adult men at district-level hospitals; there is a need to significantly expand the surgical competency of clinicians in this field. ""Circumcision weeks"" are one way of routinely upscaling surgical skill levels; while simultaneously responding to increased patient demand for safe medical circumcision."

Perception of Undergraduates of University of Port Harcourt towards Use of Condom

Background: Unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection especially human immunodeficiency virus pose major challenges to the reproductive health of young adults in developing countries. Appropriate use of contraceptives such as condom may play a significant role in reducing the problems. Aim: To assess the perception of undergraduates in University of Port Harcourt towards the use of condom. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey on the knowledge and use of condom among undergraduates of University of Port Harcourt. A systematic random sampling method was employed. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 11. Results: Of the 601 respondents involved in the study; 319 (53.1) were males and 282 (46.9) were females. While 98.9respondents displayed high level of knowledge of condoms; only 59.3of respondents use condoms. Similarly electronic media and peer group provided the major sources of information about condom. Unmarried people use the condom more than married ones. (p= 0.001). The main reasons for condom use for all age groups were prevention of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STI).While most unmarried respondents purchased their condoms from patent medicine stores and pharmacy; the married ones procured theirs from clinics and hospitals. Conclusion: The perception of these undergraduates towards use of condom is good. Prevention of STI and unwanted pregnancies were the major reasons for condom use among them while peer group and electronic media were important sources of information

Revision of the National Guideline for First-Line Comprehensive Management and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections:What's New and Why?

A revised national guideline for the management and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has recently been published by the national Department of Health according to the Essential Drugs List. Since 2004; there has been a marked rise in resistance to ciprofloxacin among Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in several South African cities; requiring a change from quinolones to cephalosporins to treat presumptive gonorrhoea. In keeping with WHO recommendations; acyclovir has been added as part of first-line therapy for the management of genital ulceration. The national guideline has been revised accordingly in order to improve management of several key STI syndromes

Social factors, social support and condom use behavior among young urban slum inhabitants in southwest Nigeria

Objectives: Despite widespread knowledge that condoms offer protection against STIs/HIV when used correctly and consistently; many young people do not regularly use condoms; thus leading to new sexually transmitted infections; including HIV and AIDS. This study explored condom use behaviour; specifically the extent to which beliefs; self efficacy; risk perception and perceived social support act as predictors of use or non-use of condoms among sexually active young people aged 15-24 years. Methods: Data was obtained from sexually active 448 boys and 338 girls; who were selected through multistage sampling techniques. Analysis of data; which was done with EPI Info and SPSS version 12; focused on predictors of condom use or non-use. Result: Generally; there is widespread knowledge and low levels of condoms use; despite high levels of risky sexual behaviour. Although; half of boys and one third of girls report ever using condoms; a considerably lower proportion of male and female adolescents regularly use condoms. Logistic regression models show that among girls; those who perceived social support from peers and non-parental figures were more likely to use condoms while among boys; earning an income; high risk perception and self efficacy were associated with higher odds of condom use. Conclusions: Programs aiming to increase condom use among young people need to address these factors through community-based strategies

Conduite a tenir dans les maladies sexuellement transmissibles. [Resume]

Les auteurs a propos de leur experience et de tres nombreuses etudes recentes proposent une conduite a tenir pratique face aux maladies sexuellement transmissibles; a l'exclusion du SIDA. Les maladies sont presentees selon leur symptomatologie: soit infection evidente lors des cervico-vaginites bruyantes; des ulcerations douloureuses ou non et formations tumorales; mais aussi au cours des salpingites et les sterilites. Ils insistent particulierement sur les manifestations cervico-vaginales qui correspondent a une consultation sur trois dans les services de gynecologie; en rappelant pour chaque affection leurs manifestations cliniques; leur possibilite diagnostique et leur traitement efficace. Toutes ces demarches; effectuees par le clinicien; doivent tenir compte de l'ambiance particuliere habituellement observee au cours des MST en Afrique tropicale: association multiple des germes; maladies vues a un stade deja tres evolue; difficulte therapeutique avec choix preferentiel pour les medicaments parenteraux et traitement de tous les partenaires. La prevention passe avant tout par une large information de la population

Communicable diseases control unit; part 1: the control of sexually transmitted diseases

Confidentiality concerning HIV/AIDS should be taken very seriously by all health services workers; especially in a country as small as Seychelles. One way of grasping the importance of confidentiality is to imagine for a while that the HIV positive person is one's close relative; one's child or oneself. Positivity is disclosed to other medical professionals only if it is the interest of the patient's health

Cout des traitements des urethrites masculines en milieu urbain au Cameroun en 1992

Une etude a ete menee dans les grands centres urbains du Cameroun pour essayer d'evaluer le cout des traitements prescrits dans les urethrites masculines. Il ressort d'abord de cette etude que l'utilisation des preservatifs est devenue monnaie courante au Cameroun. Ensuite; la standardisation du prix de ces traitements a permis de reduire nettement les depenses des malades. Cela a ete finalement un grand succes pour les autorites sanitaires du Cameroun

Comment sont organisees les banques de sang a Kinshasa?

Les banques de sang representent des organismes autorises et specialises ayant la responsabilite du stockage et de la conservation du sang humain; en prevision d'une transfusion sanguine. La collecte; le don; le traitement et la conservation du sang ne constituent pas des operations anodines et comportent des risques importants. C'est dire l'interet de l'organisation rigoureuse et methodique d'une banque de sang particulierement dans la lutte contre les maladies sexuellement transmissibles par le sang

Counselling condom users in prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases

Condom promotion can set the stage for condom use by informing people and engaging their interests. But often more is needed before people will use condoms successfully. Counselling is face to face communication between provider and client helps people apply information to their own circumstances; helps them develop the skills needed to start and to continue using condoms. People do not need advanced education to teach condom use. Best counselors are friends or relatives who share interests and concern with the user. So to prevent AIDS and the others sexually transmitted diseases or for family planning people should talk about condoms and know how to use them

The role of an African non-governmental organization in the field of HIV/AIDS control : the exemple of AMREF; Tanzania

Tanzania has reported 27396 AIDS cases up to june 1991. These represented 29.5 per cent of all AIDS cases reported in Africa and 7.5 of all cases reported globally. Therefore the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF); Tanzania; has; since 1988; developed a programme for HIV/AIDS control which covers the support of National AIDS Control Programme; HIV/Sexually Transmitted Diseases intervention project and HIV/AIDS education and condom promotion in high transmission areas

Planning a program to trace sexually transmitted disease contacts in Zimbabwe : input from local health clinic nurses

Tracing STD active contacts is regarded as the cornerstone in controlling STDs. However; most of the success has been reported in developed countries. Among the major reasons why health programs fail in developing countries is non-utilization of local health clinic nurses in planning health programs. Active contact tracing involves interviewing; tracing; treating; and following up the sexual partners of STD victims. A research survey was conducted among 62 nurses working in local city health clinics in Zimbabwe; designed to help develop a program to trace active STD contacts. Findings show that local health clinic nurses made important and unanimous decisions on both general and sensitive issues with regard to STD control and prevention in the city in the following areas: a) identifying benefits of the program and other groups of health care providers who should be involved in the program; and b) determining what the role of government should be

Young people; sex and AIDS : a report on the knowledge; attitude; behaviour and practice of secondary school students in Gaborone

"This report is a brief summary of the ""Botswana YWCA and WHO/GPA Joint Research Project on Assessment of Peer Education"" which was published in December 1992. The full report contains an assessment of the Peer Education Project in addition to a baseline survey on knowledge; attitude and behaviour related to sexuality and AIDS among both peer educators and their peers. The present study deals mainly with the age group 13-18. One important finding from this study is that young women feel considerable (unwanted) pressure to have sex before they feel ready; and many feel that they do not have the skills to resist this pressure"

Combatting AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases in Africa : a review of the World Bank's Agenda for Action

This paper reevaluates and updates the 1988 World Bank agenda for action on Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Africa. What was seen previously as largely a disease of urban populations is now spreading in rural areas. The paper concludes that African countries can do much to combat AIDS. New efforts need to be made to change behavior among high-risk groups. The treatment of other sexually transmitted diseases merits increasing emphasis. The core financial and planning agencies of African governments need to focus on AIDS and its implications for development

"Guide pedagogique pour l'enseignement des M.S.T. et du SIDA ""Niveau College"" : a l'usage des enseignants."

Ce guide se presente sous la forme d'un ensemble de contenus parfaitement adapte au programme scolaire. Il permet aux enseignants et aux eleves de s'impregner de la realite de l'epidemie du SIDA au Congo et dans le monde et afin de s'associer a l'action de controle et de prevention de cette maladie

Community Participation in Prevention of STDs/HIV/AIDS and Care of People with AIDS: Building on Local Initiative in Prevention of STDs/HIV/AIDS and Care of People with AIDS

ISSUE/PROBLEM : With increasing number of AIDS patients; the health care system of hospitals has been overstretched and an alternative of traditional care sought. In Uganda; the AIDS Control programme; Ministry of health (ACP/MOH) has initiated a project that builds on local initiatives at community level in prevention of STDs/HIV/AIDS and care of people With AIDS. DESCRIPTIONOF PRJECT: AIDS control programme/ministry of health puts in place 6 trainers at the district. Also; selects one subcounty in the district where one person per village is selected by the community leaders. This one is trained in basic counselling skills for a period of 14 days to become a counselling Aide for that village. The selected subcounty acts as a pilot ror tlle district and the District Medical Officer is encouraged to solicit support for the remaining subcounties and will use trainers at the districtfo replication of training. LESSONS LEARNED: Counselling Aides in each village are a good source of information.They mobilise the community for care of people With AIDS and their families e.g Communal gardining; firewood.Stigma is minimal and people With AIDS supported in Moral; psychological and social problems. Traditional system of care is being rejuvenated as this becomes everyones problem and hence everyones needs asolution. CONCLUSION: Building; on already existing initiatives at community levle in care of people With AIDS and prevention of STDs/HIV/AIDS is becoming; realistic more so in traditional African Societies

Mobilizing Women for AIDS et STD Prevention in Moyo District; Northern Uganda

Objective: To identify appropriate strategies to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and promote prevention amongst women in Moyo; a remote district of Northern Uganda. Methods: For the last 21/2 years; an intensive mass information campaign about HIV and AIDS transmission; prevention and control was carried out throughout the district; including condom distribution. A KAP survey (N