Representações sociais sobre maternidade na reprodução humana assistida: discursos de mulheres inférteis / Social representations of motherhood in assisted human reproduction: discourses of infertile women / Representaciones sociales de la maternidad en la reproducción humana asistida: relatos de mujeres infértiles

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar as concepções de maternidade para mulheres inférteis de diferentes níveis socioeconômicos que estão em tratamento de reprodução assistida. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, descritivo, que utilizou como instrumento uma entrevista semiestruturada e contemplou temas como o significado de família, desejo/expectativas sobre filho e gestação e expectativas sobre a maternidade. Participaram da pesquisa 48 mulheres inférteis acima de 35 anos que usam tecnologias de reprodução assistida de alta complexidade em instituições privada e pública. Os dados foram tratados pela análise de conteúdo em que emergiram os temas: representações sociais da família; representações sociais da maternidade; expectativas com a gestação e os modelos maternos; e o filho imaginado. As participantes representaram a família de forma positiva, como um sistema de suporte, de fundação e origem de amor, configurando-a como um laço social. Por outro lado, as concepções de família com base na consanguinidade também estiveram presentes, representando a família pela perpetuação da espécie e pela importância do laço biológico. A maternidade foi marcada por significativa idealização, sendo vista como um papel gratificante e de realização da feminilidade. O peso da cobrança social para procriar também foi sentido como um dever a cumprir e que, na impossibilidade de se realizar, gera sentimentos de inferioridade, menos-valia, impotência e inadequação perante a sociedade, o que reforça o estigma da infertilidade. Tais resultados apontam a importância de reflexões sobre o papel da mulher na nossa cultura, visto que a maternidade é ainda utilizada como medida para o sucesso ou fracasso feminino. Faz-se necessário também refletir sobre a possibilidade da maior inserção do trabalho psicológico na reprodução assistida, visto a carga emocional e social envolvidas nesse processo.(AU)

This study aimed to analyze the conceptions of motherhood for infertile women from different socioeconomic levels who are undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. This is a qualitative and descriptive study that used a semi-structured interview as an instrument and included topics such as the meaning of family and desires/expectations about the child, pregnancy, and motherhood. A total of 48 infertile women over 35 years of ages using high-complexity assisted reproductive technologies in private and public institutions participated in this research. The data were treated by content analysis in which the following themes emerged: family social representations; social representations of motherhood; expectations with pregnancy and maternal models; and the imagined son. Participants represented the family in a positive way as a support system and the foundation and origin of love, embracing the family as a social bond. On the other hand, the family concepts based on inbreeding were also present, representing the family by perpetuation of the species and the importance of biological bonds. Motherhood was marked by significant idealization, being seen as a gratifying role and the fulfillment of femininity. The weight of the social demand to procreate was also felt as a duty to be fulfilled that, in the impossibility of carrying it out, generates feelings of inferiority, worthlessness, impotence, and inadequacy toward society, which reinforce the stigma of infertility. Results point to the necessary reflections on the role of women and our culture since Motherhood is still used as a measure of female success or failure. They also point to a reflection on the possibility of greater inclusion of psychological work in assisted reproduction given the emotional and social burden involved in this process.(AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las concepciones de maternidad de mujeres infértiles, de diferentes niveles socioeconómicos, que se encuentran en tratamiento de reproducción asistida. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, que utilizó como instrumento una entrevista semiestructurada e incluyó temas como el sentido de la familia, deseos/expectativas sobre el hijo y el embarazo y expectativas sobre la maternidad. Participaron en la investigación un total de 48 mujeres infértiles, mayores de 35 años, usuarias de tecnologías de reproducción asistida de alta complejidad en instituciones públicas y privadas. Los datos se sometieron a análisis de contenido del cual surgieron los temas: representaciones sociales familiares; representaciones sociales de la maternidad; expectativas con el embarazo y modelos maternos; hijo imaginado. Las participantes representaron a la familia de manera positiva, como sistema de apoyo, fundamento y origen del amor, configurándola como vínculo social. Por otro lado, también estuvieron presentes las concepciones familiares basadas en la consanguinidad, representando a la familia para la perpetuación de la especie y la importancia del vínculo biológico. La maternidad estuvo marcada por una importante idealización, vista como un rol gratificante y de realización de la feminidad. También se sintió el peso de la demanda social de procrear como un deber que cumplir y que, ante la imposibilidad de realizarlo, genera sentimientos de inferioridad, desvalorización, impotencia e inadecuación en la sociedad, lo que refuerza el estigma de la infertilidad. Por tanto, son necesarias reflexiones sobre el papel de la mujer en nuestra cultura, ya que la maternidad se sigue utilizando como medida del éxito o fracaso femenino. También se reflexiona sobre la posibilidad de una mayor inclusión del trabajo psicológico en la reproducción asistida dada la carga emocional y social que implica este proceso.(AU)

Violences sexuelles à l'hôpital Donka (Guinée)

Introduction. L'objectif de ce travail était de déterminer la prévalence, le profi l épidémiologique et clinique des victimes de violences sexuelles prises en charge au Centre Hospitalo-universitaire de Donka. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective de type descriptif qui s'est déroulée du 01 Janvier2015 au 31 Décembre 2017à l'unité de médecine légale. Résultats. Sur un total de 1937 cas constituant l'ensemble des consultations en victimologie, 16% étaient descas de violence sexuelle.L'âge moyen des victimes était de 8 ansavec des extrêmes de 5 et 56ans et un écart type de 10,79.Dans la majorité des cas, l'agresseur était connu de la victime mais ne faisait pas partie de l'entourage familial direct (52,6%). Les victimes ont consulté majoritairement au cours des 5 premiers jours (55,8%) avec des extrêmes de 8heures et 30jours.Il s'agissait dans la majorité des cas des défl orations anciennes (54,2%). Conclusion : Nos résultats ne sauraient refl éter exactement l'ampleur du phénomène car la majorité des victimes préfère pour une raison ou une autre taire leur drame

Proteomic Signatures in Spermatozoa Reveal the Role of Paternal Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

HIV-prevention measures on a university campus in South Africa ­ perceptions, practices and needs of undergraduate medical students

Background: Young adults such as university students are considered to be a key population for HIV-prevention efforts. This study aimed to determine the perceptions, practices and needs of undergraduate medical students regarding HIV-prevention measures available on campus. Methods: The research design was descriptive cross-sectional. Data were collected using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire distributed to all 745 undergraduate medical students in the School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Free State, South Africa, of whom 470 responded (63.1%). Results: Almost half (45.5%) of all respondents across the five academic years had received information about available HIV-prevention measures on campus. Most reported that information had been received during lectures (59.7%) and only 24.2% from the local health clinic on campus. The findings also revealed that 14.2% of students had used at least one prevention measure in the past, while the majority of students (70.2%) used abstinence as an HIV-prevention measure. A large percentage of all the students (47.6%) had been tested for HIV before the start of the study. Two-thirds (67%) of students indicated that the current HIV-prevention services on campus were not sufficient. Conclusion: Medical students received HIV-prevention information as part of their curriculum but this was deemed not to be sufficient. This study suggests that tertiary education institutions should evaluate the effectiveness of strategies currently in place for the distribution and awareness of HIV-prevention measures and sexual health issues affecting students, using a student-centred approach

Factors Influencing Intention of Sexual Abstinence Among Female College Students Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the factors that impact the intention of sexual abstinence among female college students. The approach was based on Ajzen's theory of planned behavior and the parent-adolescent communication of contextual factors. METHODS: A total of 189 female university students in the first to fourth grades at two universities in Honam region participated in the study. The collected data were analyzed using hierarchical stepwise multiple regression using SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: The major factor that influences the intention of sexual abstinence among female college students was attitudes toward sexual behavior (β=0.53, p<0.001). Other factors, in descending order of their impact, were subjective norms toward friends (β=0.25, p<0.001), experience of sexual intercourse (β=−0.19, p<0.001), and subjective norms toward parents (β=0.09, p=0.040). Taken together, the aforementioned factors explained 81.1 % of the total variance. CONCLUSION: Female college students' intention to abstain from sexual behaviors requires education promoting moderate and conservative positions. The participants' subjective norms concerning sexual behaviors as perceived by friends and parents were also important. The results of this study provide meaningful implications for education of parents, sexual education of female college students, and sexual counseling programs.

Algunas consideraciones de la sexualidad en mujeres de la tercera edad en Cuba / Some considerations on the sexuality in old-age women in Cuba

RESUMEN Cuba, no exenta del fenómeno mundial del envejecimiento, a pesar de los ancianos y ancianas en Cuba tiene garantizado una vida estable y con garantías de los servicios de salud gratuitos, aún persisten situaciones que afectan la vida de los ancianos, en especial en la esfera psicológica y emotiva, unos de estos aspectos esta relacionados con la sexualidad en los ancianos y específicamente en las mujeres, que a pesar de los esfuerzos que se realizan para que sus derechos sean iguales a los de los hombres, siempre existen tabúes, que entorpecen que sean cumplidos, de ahí que se haga importante considera los aspectos más importantes relacionados con la sexualidad femenina en la tercera edad. Por lo que el propósito de este trabajo es reflexionar sobre algunas consideraciones relacionadas con la sexualidad en mujeres ancianas (AU).

ABSTRACT Cuba does not scape the world phenomenon of ageing. In spite of that elder men and women in Cuba have the guarantee of a stable life and free health services, there are still situations affecting their life, especially in the psychological and emotive sphere. Some of these aspects are related with the sexuality in elder people, especially in elder women. Although many efforts are made for the women´s rights to be the same as for men, there have been always taboos hindering their fulfillment. That is why, it is very important to consider the most important aspects related with female sexuality in elder women. The purpose of this term is to reflect on some considerations related with sexuality in elder women (AU).

No effect of abstinence time on nerve electrophysiological test in premature ejaculation patients / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The nerve electrophysiological tests may differentiate the treatment of primary premature ejaculation (PPE) in our previous studies. However, no study verifies if the results will be affected by abstinence time. From January to December in 2016, fifty PPE patients ejaculated within 2 min and 28 control subjects were enrolled. The nerve electrophysiological tests, including dorsal nerve somatosensory evoked potential (DNSEP), glans penis somatosensory evoked potential (GPSEP), and penile sympathetic skin response (PSSR), were recorded before and immediately after ejaculation. The abstinence day was not correlated with the latencies of SEPs or PSSR neither in PE group (P = 0.170, 0.064, and 0.122, respectively) nor in control group (P = 0.996, 0.475, and 0.904, respectively). No statistically differences were found in the latencies of SEPs and PSSR before and after ejaculation in PE patients (P = 0.439, 0.537, and 0.576, respectively) or control subjects (P = 0.102, 0.198, and 0.363, respectively). Thus, abstinence time does not interfere with the nerve electrophysiological test, which is stable in determining the nerve function of PPE patients.

Cenas e cenários de "primeira vez" na experiência de gerações distintas / Escenas y escenarios de la "primera vez" en la experiencia de generaciones distintas / "first time" scenes and sceneries in the experience of different generations

Resumo Neste artigo, propomos uma leitura compreensiva da primeira experiência afetivo-sexual com intercurso genital - "primeira vez" - de universitários/as de duas gerações distintas, através das categorias analíticas ator/atriz, cena, cenário e roteiro. Com esse propósito, realizamos, inicialmente, uma breve apresentação dessas categorias, conforme as entendemos a partir da Teoria Dramatúrgica de Erving Goffman e da Teoria dos Scripts Sexuais de Jonh Gagnon e William Simon, ambas herdeiras da tradição interacionista da Escola de Chicago. Em seguida, compartilhamos alguns dos resultados de uma pesquisa de cunho etnográfico, que teve como um de seus objetivos a compreensão dos significados construídos pelos/as entrevistados/as em torno de suas primeiras experiências afetivo-sexuais, bem como dos cenários culturais que guiaram suas cenas de "primeira vez", conforme sua posição geracional e de gênero.

Resumen En este artículo, proponemos una lectura comprensiva de la primera experiencia afectivo-sexual con intercambio genital - "primera vez" - de universitarios/as de dos generaciones distintas, a través de las categorías analíticas actor/actriz, escena, escenario y guión. Con este propósito, realizamos, inicialmente, una breve presentación de estas categorías, conforme las entendemos a partir de la Teoría Dramatúrgica de Erving Goffman y de la Teoría de los Scripts Sexuales de Jonh Gagnon y William Simon, ambas herederas de la tradición interaccionista de la Escuela de Chicago. En seguida, compartiremos algunos de los resultados de una investigación de cuño etnográfico, que tuvo como uno de sus objetivos la comprensión de los significados construidos por los/las entrevistados/as en torno a sus primeras experiencias afectivo-sexuales, así como de los escenarios culturales que guiaron sus escena de la "primera vez", conforme su posición generacional y de género.

Abstract We propose in this paper a comprehensive reading of the first affective-sexual experience with genital intercourse - the "first time" - of university students from two different generations, using the analytical categories of actor / actress, scene, scenery and scripts. With this purpose, we initially perform a brief presentation of those categories based on our understanding of Erwin Goffman's Dramaturgical Theory and on John Gagnon's and William Simon's Theory on Sexual Scripts, both heirs of the interactionist tradition of the School of Chicago. We then share some of the results of an ethnographic research which aimed, as one of its goals, to understand the meanings constructed by the interviewed subjects of both genders around their first affective-sexual experiences, as well as of the cultural sceneries that guided their "first time" scenes, according to their generational and gender positions.

Sexualidad en la adolescente: consejería / Sexuality in adolescent: counseling

La adolescencia es una etapa de la vida durante la cual se desarrolla la identidad sexual. En este período muchas adolescentes inician su actividad sexual. Por ello, es de vital importancia entregarles consejería, que debe considerar prevención de embarazo e infecciones de transmisión sexual, prevención de conductas de riesgo y favorecer la adquisición de conductas protectoras. El objetivo del presente artículo es entregar una propuesta de consejería integral enfocada en adolescentes. Está dirigido a los profesionales de la salud que tienen el enorme desafío y la responsabilidad de prevenir el embarazo no planificado y las infecciones de transmisión sexual; y apoyar a los adolescentes en el desarrollo de una sexualidad sana.

The adolescence is a stage of life where sexual identity develops. In this period many teenagers become sexually active, so it is vital counseling in pregnancy prevention and sexuality transmitted diseases, as well as in risk behavior, creating in the adolescents the acquisition of protective behaviors. The aim of this article is to provide a proposal for comprehensive counseling adolescents to health professionals that works with them and have the enormous challenge and responsibility not only in pregnancy prevention as well as sexually transmitted disease, also in helping adolescents in the developing of a healthy sexuality.

Influencia de la abstinencia eyaculatoria en las características del espermiograma: revisión sistemática / Relationship between the duration of ejaculatory abstinence and sperm characteristics: systematic review of the literature

Antecedentes: La Organización Mundial de la Salud propone que el tiempo de abstinencia eyaculatorio óptimo para evaluar los parámetros seminales del espermiograma sea entre 2 y 7 días. Objetivo: Evaluar la evidencia científica para esta recomendación. Método: Se realizó esta revisión sistemática con el fin de evaluar la relación entre la duración de la abstinencia sexual y las características del espermiograma. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases MEDLINE y PUBMED incluyendo artículos prospectivos y retrospectivos donde se informara la abstinencia eyaculatoria y que el informe del espermiograma cumpliera con los criterios de la OMS. Se descartaron aquellos que incluyera hombres con tratamientos hormonales o con diabetes mellitus. Resultados: Encontramos cuatro trabajos que cumplieron los criterios de selección. De su análisis se desprende que tanto el volumen seminal como la concentración espermática varió con el tiempo de abstinencia, pero no se encontraron diferencias significativas en los parámetros de motilidad ni en la frecuencia de morfologías normales. Conclusión: No encontramos evidencia que apoye la política actual de abstinencia eyaculatoria previo a la evaluación del espermiograma...

Background: The World Health Organization proposed an ejaculatory abstinence to evaluate seminal parameters of 2 to 7 days. Objective: Evaluate the scientific evidence for this recommendation. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature, in order to assess whether there is a relationship between the duration of ejaculatory abstinence and sperm characteristics. We performed a search in databases MEDLINE and PUBMED including articles reporting ejaculatory abstinence and that met the WHO criteria for seminal analysis. Exclusion criteria included hormonal treatment or diabetes mellitus. Results: Four articles met the inclusion criteria. They reported that both semen volume and sperm concentration differed significantly according to ejaculatory abstinence, however we found no evidence that neither motility parameters nor normal morphology depended on ejaculatory abstinence. Conclusion: We found no evidence to support 2-7 days ejaculatory abstinence prior to perform a semen analysis...

Male contraception; knowledge, attitude and practice among male population of Hansra Basti Bahawalpur

To determine the knowledge and practice regarding male contraceptive methods among married male population of Hansra basti Bahawalpur, Pakistan. This observational [Descriptive] cross sectional study was carried out at Hansra Basti Bahawalpur from May 2011, to June 2011. A total of 100 married males were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected by pre-designed, pre-tested, questionnaire to collect the information from study population. An interview was conducted at respondents' house in local language. Privacy was ensured. About 82% have knowledge about any of the male contraceptive methods and out of those 18% were practicing any one of the family planning methods. Condom [Barrier] was most used method [77.7%] followed by the traditional methods i.e abstinence [27.7%] and coitus interrupts [11.11%] where as result regarding vasectomy was nil. Source of knowledge mainly was media [44%] followed by through health professional [30%], wife [25%] and friends [21%]. In present setting men have good knowledge of male contraceptive methods. However very small number is practicing the contraceptive measures

O amor Sidonie: quando a amada precisa se manter inacessível / Sidonie love: when the beloved must remain unattainable

Este artigo foi escrito a partir da biografia Desejos secretos, a história de Sidonie C., a paciente homossexual de Freud (Rieder & Voigt, 2008) e do arranjo colocado em cena pelo Amor Cortês (Capelão, 2000) e pelo movimento As Preciosas. Nossa discussão está norteada por uma particular posição do sujeito em relação ao amor: quando o amor se sustenta somente mediante a segurança de um impedimento, de uma distância que prive e preserve, ao menos em parte, o sujeito do contato com seu amado. A necessidade de um amor inacessível, que visa precisamente à não realização, parece revelar que há algo insuportável em se deixar tomar em um enlace que consiga acolher alguma coisa de real, que implique transitar pelo desejo do Outro e que requeira alguma mudança de posição.

This article has been written from the biography Desejos secretos, a história de Sidonie C., a paciente homossexual de Freud (Rieder & Voigt, 2008) and from the arran gement brought to light by Courtly Love (Capelão, 2000) and by The Precious movement. Our discussion is guided by a particular subject's position in relation to love, when love is sustained only by the security of a constraint, a distance that deprives and preserves, at least in parts, the subject, from contacting the loved one. The need for an unattainable love, which specifically aims its non-achievement, seems to reveal that there is something unbearable in letting oneself engage into a bond which shelters something real, involves transiting through the desire of the Other and which requires some change of position.

Representaciones sociales de universitarios sobre la abstinencia sexual y los condones como mecanismos de prevención / University students' social representations concerning sexual abstinence and the condom as prevention mechanisms

Objetivo: Interpretar las representaciones sociales de estudiantes de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Seccional Sogamoso, frente al uso de la abstinencia sexual y el condón, como referentes estratégicos en la prevención de enfermedades de transmisión sexual y embarazo no deseado. Método: Mediante muestreo intencional, participaron 67 estudiantes universitarios, entre los 16 y 31 años de edad, procedentes de diferentes regiones del departamento de Boyacá. Para la recolección de información, con enfoque cualitativo, se aplicaron grupos focales y cartas asociativas siguiendo la propuesta de Araya. Resultados: Los discursos evidencian las funciones del Saber, Identitarias, de Orientación y Justificadoras, de las Representaciones Sociales, en las que el condón se reconoce como buen método de prevención, sin ser 100 % seguro, útil en el cuidado de la salud, aunque en algunos casos genera incomodidad e insatisfacción; relacionan su uso, con desconfianza en la pareja y promiscuidad. La abstinencia sexual, se identifica como un método de prevención, 100% seguro y efectivo; permite planificar, ayuda al cuidado del cuerpo y el de los demás, preserva los intereses personales a futuro, protege la salud; sin embargo, es difícil de implementar en la sociedad actual. Conclusiones: Los valores, las creencias, así como las cuestiones morales y religiosas influyen en la decisión de prevención y protección de cada persona, más allá de la información que se tenga.

Objective: Interpreting the social representations of students from the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia in Sogamoso concerning the use of sexual abstinence and condoms as strategic focuses for preventing sexually-transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. Method: Purposive sampling was used with 67 university students aged 16 to 31 years-old from different regions in the Boyacá department. A qualitative approach and focus groups were used for data collection and card association, according to Araya, et al. Results: The responses revealed social representations' regarding knowledge, identity justifying and orientation recognising the condom as a good prevention method even though not being 100 % safe, useful in healthcare but in some cases leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction associated with its use. Negative associations concerned couples' distrust and promiscuity. Sexual abstinence was identified as being a 100 % safe and effective prevention method, facilitating family planning, helping to care for one's body and those of others, preserving future interests and protecting one's health but, at the same time, being difficult to implement in today's society. Conclusions: Each person's values, beliefs and moral and religious issues influence their prevention and protection decisions more than their existent information on the topic.

Quem são as mulheres que amamentam por 2 anos ou mais? / Which women breastfeed for 2 years or more?

OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores associados à manutenção do aleitamento materno por 2 anos ou mais. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte que acompanhou 151 crianças selecionadas no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, do nascimento até a idade de 3 a 5 anos. As mães foram entrevistadas pessoalmente na maternidade, aos 7 e 30 dias após o parto, e quando as crianças tinham entre 3 e 5 anos. As entrevistas aos 60, 120 e 180 dias de vida da criança foram feitas por contato telefônico, sempre que possível. Para testar as associações entre o desfecho (aleitamento materno por 2 anos ou mais) e as variáveis explicativas, utilizou-se regressão de Poisson seguindo modelo hierárquico. RESULTADOS: Mostraram-se associados de forma positiva, com o desfecho: permanência da mãe em casa com a criança nos primeiros 6 meses de vida [risco relativo (RR) = 2,13; intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento (IC95 por cento) 1,12-4,05]; não uso de chupeta (RR = 2,45; IC95 por cento 1,58-3,81); e introdução mais tardia de água e/ou chás e de outros leites na alimentação da criança. Para cada dia a mais sem a introdução desses líquidos, aumentava a probabilidade de a criança ser amamentada por 2 anos ou mais em 0,5 por cento e 0,1 por cento, respectivamente. Coabitação com o pai da criança mostrou associação negativa com o desfecho (RR = 0,61; IC95 por cento 0,37-0,99). CONCLUSÃO: Mãe permanecer em casa com a criança nos primeiros 6 meses de vida, não coabitar com companheiro, não oferecer chupeta e postergar a introdução de água e/ou chás e outros leites na alimentação das crianças são características e comportamentos associados com a manutenção da amamentação por 2 anos ou mais.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with continuation of breastfeeding for 2 years or more. METHODS: This was a cohort study that followed 151 children recruited at the Hospital de Clínicas in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from birth until ages ranging from 3 to 5 years. Mothers were interviewed in person in the maternity unit, at 7 and 30 days after delivery, and when their children were from 3 to 5 years old. Interviews were also conducted at 60, 120 and 180 days, by telephone when possible, or during a home visit otherwise. Associations between the outcome (breastfeeding for 2 years or more) and explanatory variables were investigated using Poisson regression within a hierarchical model. RESULTS: The following variables had positive associations with the outcome: mother staying at home with her child for the first 6 months [relative risk (RR) = 2.13; 95 percent confidence interval (95 percentCI) 1.12-4.05]; not using a pacifier (RR = 2.45; 95 percentCI 1.58-3.81); and later introduction of water and/or teas and of other milks. Each extra day that these liquids were not introduced was associated with 0.5 percent and 0.1 percent greater probability of the child being breastfed beyond 2 years, respectively. Cohabitation with the child’s father had a negative association with the outcome (RR = 0.61; 95 percentCI 0.37-0.99). CONCLUSION: Mothers staying at home with their children for the first 6 months of their lives, not cohabiting with a partner, not giving their children pacifiers and delaying introduction of water and/or teas and of other milks are characteristics and behaviors associated with continuation of breastfeeding for 2 years or more.

Preditores do crescimento linear no primeiro ano de vida em uma coorte prospectiva de crianças a termo com peso adequado / Predictors of linear growth in the first year of life of a prospective cohort of full term children with normal birth weight

OBJETIVO: Investigar covariáveis que possam interferir na variação da média do índice comprimento/idade em escore Z no primeiro ano de vida de crianças nascidas a termo com peso adequado. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo, envolvendo pares de mães e crianças recrutadas nas maternidades públicas de dois municípios do estado da Bahia, entre março de 2005 e outubro de 2006. Neste estudo, apresentam-se os resultados para o crescimento linear de 489 crianças acompanhadas durante os primeiros 12 meses de vida. O modelo de efeitos mistos foi utilizado para explorar a influência de covariáveis na média do índice comprimento/idade em escore Z no primeiro ano de vida. RESULTADOS: Na análise múltipla de efeito misto, observou-se que ausência de coabitação materna com companheiro (β = 0,2347; p = 0,004) e maior tempo de aleitamento materno exclusivo (β = 0,0031; p < 0,001) contribuíram positivamente, enquanto a altura materna menor do que 150 cm (β = -0,4393; p < 0,001), peso ao nascer entre 2.500-2.999 g (β = -0,8084; p < 0,001) e a anemia na criança (β = -0,0875; p < 0,001) contribuíram de forma negativa na variação das estimativas do índice comprimento/idade em escore Z. CONCLUSÕES: Assim, os resultados deste estudo indicam que a baixa estatura materna, o peso de nascimento < 3.000 g e a anemia influenciaram negativamente o crescimento linear no primeiro ano de vida, enquanto a maior duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo e a ausência de coabitação materna com companheiro exerceram influência positiva.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate covariates that could affect the variation in mean length/age z scores in the first year of life of children born full term with normal birth weight. METHODS: This was a prospective study of a cohort of mother-infant pairs recruited at public maternity units in two municipalities in the Brazilian state of Bahia, from March 2005 to October 2006. This paper reports the results for linear growth of 489 children who were followed-up for the first 12 months of their lives. A mixed-effect regression model was used to investigate the influence of covariates of mean length/age z score during the first year of life. RESULTS: The multivariate mixed effect analysis indicated that mothers not cohabiting with a partner (β = 0.2347; p = 0.004) and increased duration of exclusive breastfeeding (β = 0.0031; p < 0.001) had a positive impact, whereas mother’s height less than 150 cm (β = -0.4393; p < 0.001), birth weight of 2,500-2,999 g (β = -0.8084; p < 0.001) and anemia in the child (β = -0.0875; p < 0.001) all had a negative impact on the variation in estimated length/age z score. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the results of this study indicate that short maternal stature, birth weight < 3,000 g and anemia in the infant had a negative effect on linear growth during the first year of life, whereas longer duration exclusive breastfeeding and mothers who did not cohabit with a partner had a positive effect.

Familia, amigos y otras fuentes de información asociadas al inicio de las relaciones sexuales en adolescentes de El Salvador / Family, friends, and other sources of information associated with the initiation of sexual relations by adolescents in El Salvador

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es comprobar cómo influyen en el inicio de la actividad sexual de los jóvenes salvadoreños los mensajes que reciben sobre cuestiones de sexualidad, afectividad y ocio a través de la familia, los amigos y los medios de comunicación. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal a partir de una muestra representativa de 2 615 estudiantes (de 13 a 19 años) de El Salvador. Se utilizó un muestreo sistemático aleatorio para seleccionar 30 colegios. Se recogieron aspectos sociodemográficos, estilos de vida y fuentes de información sobre sexualidad y amor utilizadas por los jóvenes. RESULTADOS: La edad media de los jóvenes fue de 15 años (DE = 1,8). En total 638 (24,4 por ciento) jóvenes afirmaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales. Los siguientes factores se asociaron con una mayor probabilidad de haber tenido relaciones sexuales: percibir que los hermanos (OR = 1,8, IC 95 por ciento: 1,2-2,7) o los amigos (OR = 1,7, IC 95 por ciento: 1,3-2,2) apoyan que se tengan relaciones sexuales. Como factores protectores se encontraron la supervisión de los padres (OR = 0,5, IC 95 por ciento: 0,4-0,7); recibir mensajes que apoyan la abstinencia por parte de amigos (OR = 0,7, IC 95 por ciento: 0,6-1,0) o hermanos (OR = 0,7, IC 95 por ciento: 0,5-0,8) y recibir mensajes favorables al matrimonio por parte de los padres (OR = 0,4, IC 95 por ciento: 0,3-0,6). CONCLUSIONES: Los mensajes de la familia y amigos son factores que parecen influir en el inicio de las relaciones sexuales de los jóvenes. Los programas de promoción de la salud sexual en El Salvador deberían tener en cuenta estos factores.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to verify the influence of messages Salvadorian youth receive about sexuality, affection, and leisure from family, friends, and the media on the initiation of sexual activity. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on a representative sample of 2 615 students (from 13 to 19 years of age) in El Salvador. A random systematic sampling was used to select 30 schools. Sociodemographic aspects, lifestyles, and sources of information on sexuality and love used by the young people were collected. RESULTS: The average age of the young people studied was 15 (SD = 1.8). In all, 638 (24.4 percent) of the young people stated that they had had sexual relations. The following factors are associated with a greater probability of having had sexual relations: a perception that siblings (OR = 1.8, CI 95 percent: 1.2-2.7) or friends (OR = 1.7, CI 95 percent: 1.3-2.2) encourage them to have sex. Protective factors were found to be the supervision of parents (OR = 0.5, CI 95 percent: 0.4-0.7); messages received from friends that encourage abstinence (OR = 0.7, CI 95 percent: 0.6-1.0) or from siblings (OR = 0.7, CI 95 percent: 0.5-0.8); and favorable messages related to marriage received from parents (OR = 0.4, CI 95 percent: 0.3-0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Messages from family and friends are factors that seem to influence the initiation of sexual activity by young people. Sexual health promotion programs in El Salvador should take these factors into account.

Adolescent Religiosity and Attitudes to HIV and AIDS in Ghana

This study investigated the relationships between adolescent religiosity and attitudes to HIV/AIDS based on two major techniques of analysis; factor and regression analysis towards informing preventive school education strategies. Using cross-sectional data of 448 adolescents in junior high school; the study incorporated survey in a self-administered questionnaire and sought to identify underlying factors that affect pupils' responses; delineate the pattern of relationships between variables and select models which best explain and predict relationships among variables. A seven-factor solution described the 'attitude' construct including abstinence and protection; and six for 'religiosity'. The results showed relatively high levels of religiosity and a preference for private religiosity as opposed to organisational religiosity. The regression analysis produced significant relationships between factors of attitudes to HIV/AIDS and of religiosity. Adolescent with very high private religiosity are more likely to abstain from sex but less likely to use condoms once they initiate: protection is inversely related to religiosity. The findings suggest that religious-based adolescent interventions should focus on intrinsic religiosity. Additionally; increasing HIV prevention information and incorporating culturally relevant and socially acceptable values might lend support to improved adolescent school-based HIV/AIDS prevention programmes

Do parents talk to their adolescent children about sex?--findings from a community survey in Singapore

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Sexually transmitted infections have increased sharply among adolescents both locally and internationally in recent years. Parents play an important role in their children's sexual health development. An integral part of this includes effective parent-child sexuality communication.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>A nationwide cross-sectional community-based household survey was conducted in Singapore between August 2008 and March 2009 to assess parents'/caregivers' attitudes and practices regarding caregiver-child sexuality communication. With an overall response rate of 81.4%, 1169 questionnaires from parents/caregivers of children aged 10 to 17 years were analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Almost all (94.2%) the caregivers were parents. A majority (>80%) of caregivers considered talking to their children about sexuality issues such as abstinence, consequences of premarital sex and condom use as important. However, a significantly lower percentage (about 60%) felt comfortable and confident doing so. Only 8.3% among them discussed sexual health issues with their children very often, 37.2% sometimes, 22.0% seldom/hardly ever (once or twice) and 32.5% never, in the past year. In the multivariate analysis, caregiver-child sexuality communication was significantly associated with caregivers' relationship to children, ethnicity, educational level, and their perceived levels of comfort and confidence in sexuality communication.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Caregivers generally felt it was important but were significantly much less comfortable and confident talking about sexuality issues with their children, which leads to a lower frequency of caregiver-child sexuality communication. Educational programmes on adolescent sexual health targeting parents/caregivers are needed. They must be equipped with skills and provided with resources to enable them to talk to their adolescent children about sexuality.</p>

HIV Protective Strategies Among College Students in Durban; South Africa

There is growing concern about the high level of HIV infection among young people in South Africa. The aim of the study is to examine the HIV protective strategies used by college students with specific emphasis on variations by race group. The data for the study come from a self-administrated survey that was conducted with 3 000 college students in Durban in order to understand the strategies they use to protect themselves against the risk of HIV infection. Overall; students perceived a far greater risk of pregnancy than HIV infection. The results show that abstinence is the most common protective factor among Indian and White students. Among African students; there is great concern about HIV but abstinence is less common. Among sexually active men and women; the majority report having more than one sexual partner (with the exception of Indian females). Female students among all groups were more likely than male students to report that they were faithful to their partners. In Africans the contrast is stark: 25 for women versus 6 for men. Condoms are the most commonly used method by students but are not used in every sexual encounter. Consistent condom use was highest among Indian males (46) and lowest among White females (13.7). More effort needs to be directed at promoting correct and consistent condom use in order to avoid the negative consequences associated with unprotected sexual intercourse including unwanted pregnancy and HIV/AIDS