Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016, to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The Sero-prevalence of hbsag among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI = [3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI = [1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with Sero-prevalence of HBV. Conclusions: The Sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection

Determinants of contraceptive use in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

In Côte d'Ivoire, contraceptive prevalence is low (21%). The search for determinants of contraceptive use could make it possible to redirect existing strategies. The objective is to identify the determinants of the use of contraception among women in Abidjan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2018 in the Dallas neighborhood of Adjamé municipal (Abidjan). Women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old) were selected there. Sociodemographic, gyneco-obstetrical characteristics, educational level, attitudes and practices of women on contraception were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. A total of 301 women aged 29.34±8.98 years were selected. The proportion of women using modern contraception was 27.24%. In univariate analysis, the factors associated with use were: level of education (p=0.005), unwanted pregnancies (p=0.017), abortions (p<0.001), consultation of the gynecologist (p=0.003) or a family planning service (p=0.001). Hearing about contraception (p=0.043), knowing (p<0.001) and talking about it with their partner (p=0.027) was significantly associated with its use. In the multivariate analyses, the women who consulted a gynecologist and those who knew the contraceptive methods used them respectively 2 times more (OR= 2.16 [1.14-4.15], p=0.019) and 22 times more (OR= 22.38 [8.42-78.56], p<0.001). Women with primary school education used them significantly less (OR=0.15 [0.05-0.41], p<0.001). Awareness, the gynecologist's consultation, and the level of education were the main determinants of contraceptive use. Also, it is necessary to adapt awareness messages to the characteristics of women.

Human chorionic gonadotropin monotherapy for the treatment of hypogonadal symptoms in men with total testosterone > 300 ng/dL

ABSTRACT Purpose The 2018 American Urological Association guidelines on the Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency recommended that 300 ng/dL be used as the threshold for prescribing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, it is not uncommon for men to present with signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency, despite having testosterone levels greater than 300 ng/dL. There exists scant literature regarding the use of hCG monotherapy for the treatment of hypogonadism in men not interested in fertility. We sought to evaluate serum testosterone response and duration of therapy of hCG monotherapy for men with symptoms of hypogonadism, but total testosterone levels > 300 ng/dL. Materials and Methods We performed a multi-institutional retrospective case series of men receiving hCG monotherapy for symptomatic hypogonadism. We evaluated patient age, treatment indication, hCG dosage, past medical history, physical exam findings and serum testosterone and gonadotropins before and after therapy. Descriptive analysis was performed and Mann Whitney U Test was utilized for statistical analysis. Results Of the 20 men included in the study, treatment indications included low libido (45%), lack of energy (50%), and erectile dysfunction (45%). Mean testosterone improved by 49.9% from a baseline of 362 ng/dL (SD 158) to 519.8 ng/dL (SD 265.6), (p=0.006). Median duration of therapy was 8 months (SD 5 months). Fifty percent of patients reported symptom improvement. Conclusions Treatment of hypogonadal symptoms with hCG for men who have a baseline testosterone level > 300 ng/dL appears to be safe and efficacious with no adverse events.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among sexually active women attending the cdc central clinic tiko, south west region, Cameroon

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a polymicrobial; superficial vaginal infection involving a reduction in the amount of hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactobacillus and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Common symptoms include increased fishy smelling vaginal discharge which is usually white or gray in color. Burning with urination may occur and itching is uncommon. Risk factors include douching; new or multiple sex partners; antibiotics; and use of intrauterine device among others. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among sexually active women aged 15-45 years. Vaginal swabs were obtained with the use of sterile swab sticks which were later smeared on clean glass slides and then Gram stained. The stained smears were observed for bacterial morphotypes with the X100 oil immersion objective and the Nugent scoring system was used to determine BV. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 17.0 and were considered significant at p = 0.05. Results: A total of 100 women participated in the study with the overall prevalence of BV rated 38%. The prevalence of BV with respect to associated factors was also investigated and it was observed that BV was more prevalent in the age groups 20-25 (48.1%) and 25-29 (44.4%); those who had attained only primary education (60.5%); married women; (68.4%); pregnant women (71.0%); and women who practiced vaginal douching; (97.4%). However; no statistical significant difference was observed in the prevalence between these parameters (P 0.05). Conclusions: Conclusively; the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in our study population is 38% and highest among women aged between 25 and 34 years; pregnant women; married women; less educated women and women who practiced poor vaginal hygiene

Attitudes towards and Knowledge about Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices among Women in the Reproductive Age Group in a Resource-Constrained Setting

Background. One of the strategies to reduce maternal mortality includes accessible and appropriate contraceptive services to all women. The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) has been identified as a cheap and effective means of contraception by the South African National Department of Health.Objective. To explore knowledge about the IUCD among women using the public health sector and identify any misconceptions.Methods. A sample of 150 women attending antenatal/postnatal clinics were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.Results. Forty-six percent (n=69) had some experience with the injectable form of contraception; and 2.7 (n=4) had used the IUCD; 70.7 (n=106) knew that the device does not prevent HIV transmission; 40.7 (n=61) knew that HIV-positive women can use the IUCD; 75.3 (n=113) believed that the IUCD causes heavy bleeding; 36.7 (n=55) knew that the device does not stop fertility indefinitely; 33.3 (n=50) knew that the IUCD can be inserted in the immediate postpartum period; and 26.7 (n=40) knew that the duration of use is 10 years. In terms of attitudes; 40.0 (n=60) expressed concern about the pain during insertion; 33.3 (n=50) believed the IUCD can cause cancer; and 32.0 (n=48) believed that the device interferes with normal sexual activities. Most participants 77.3 (n=116) acquired the information they had about the IUCD from the clinic during teaching and counselling sessions.Conclusion. This survey documented poor knowledge about the IUCD among women using the public health sector. However; the fact that there are few misconceptions and that clients rely on the clinic information should be seen as an opportunity to improve the situation

Homeopatia aplicada à reprodução animal / Homeopathy applied to animal reproduction / Homeopatía aplicada a la reproducción animal

A homeopatia é um sistema terapêutico que propõe abordagem clínica e terapêutica para o tratamento do indivíduo doente, desenvolvida por Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann no final do século XVIII. No Brasil, a homeopatia foi introduzida por Benoit Mure, em 1840, tornando-se uma nova opção de tratamento. Como princípio básico tem-se a utilização de medicamentos dinamizados, ou seja, preparados a partir de substâncias animais, vegetais, minerais ou tecidos doentes. Existem duas leis que sustentam a homeopatia como parte da medicina. A primeira é a Lei dos Semelhantes - ?Similia simili buscurentur?- (os semelhantes que se curem pelos semelhantes) e, a segunda, a Lei do Vitalismo. O uso da homeopatia na reprodução se faz importante na busca de melhorias da fertilidade animal, tanto no diz respeito ao tratamento de patologias quanto na eficiência reprodutiva. Contudo, novos estudos devem ser desenvolvidos, uma vez que há divergências nos resultados encontrados na literatura.

Homeopathy is a therapeutic system proposing both clinical and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of the patient, developed by Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann in the late eighteenth century. In Brazil, homeopathy was introduced by Benoit Mure in 1840, becoming a new treatment option. The use of dynamized medication, or prepared from animal, vegetable or mineral substances, or from diseased tissue is at the core of homeopathy. There are two laws that support homeopathy as part of medicine. The first one is the Law of Similars - ?Similia simili buscurentur? - (like cures like). The second law is the Law of Vitalism. The use of homeopathy in reproduction is important in the search for improvement in animal fertility, both regarding the treatment of diseases and as in reproductive efficiency. However, further studies still need to be developed, since there are differences in the results found in literature.

La homeopatía es un sistema terapéutico que ofrece enfoque clínico y terapéutico para el tratamiento de la persona enferma, desarrollado por Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann a finales del siglo XVIII. En Brasil, la homeopatía fue introducida por Benoit Mure en 1840, convirtiéndose en una nueva opción de tratamiento. Como principio básico se ha utilizado drogas energizadas, es decir, sustancias preparadas a partir de animales, vegetales, minerales o tejidos enfermos. Hay dos leyes que apoyan la homeopatía como parte de la medicina. La primera es la ley de los semejantes - ?Similia simili buscurentur? - (los semejantes que se curen por los semejantes) y, la segunda, la Ley del Vitalismo. El uso de la homeopatía en la reproducción llega a ser importante en la búsqueda de la mejora de la fertilidad de los animales, tanto en lo que respecta al tratamiento de patologías como la eficiencia reproductiva. Sin embargo, nuevos estudios deben ser desarrollados, ya que hay divergencias en los resultados encontrados en la literatura.

A comercialização da contracepção de emergência em drogaria do município do Rio de Janeiro: aspectos éticos e metodológicos de uma pesquisa etnográfica / Commercialization of emergency contraception in a drugstore in the city of Rio de Janeiro: ethical and methodological aspects of an ethnographic research

O artigo discute aspectos éticos e metodológicos relativos à pesquisa etnográfica em drogaria da Zona Norte do município do Rio de Janeiro, no período 2011-2012. Buscou-se conhecer a dinâmica de provisão da contracepção de emergência pela drogaria, bem como a interação social entre o/a vendedor/a e/ou farmacêutico/a e o/a consumidor/a no ato da compra da pílula. A investigação está permeada por desafios relacionados ao caráter comercial das drogarias no país, embora estes estabelecimentos sejam considerados legalmente “de interesse para a saúde”. No primeiro momento, apresenta-se a discussão sobre os antecedentes do trabalho de campo: a busca pela aprovação da pesquisa tanto pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa quanto por proprietários de drogarias. Em seguida, o processo de entrada em campo é problematizado pela perspectiva das relações e posições assumidas pela pesquisadora e sujeitos pesquisados. A opção pela etnografia no contexto privado das drogarias, visando conhecer a comercialização da contracepção de emergência, foi fundamental para a compreensão de processos complexos relacionados aos jogos sutis de controle da sexualidade e reprodução nesse espaço. A interação entre pesquisadora e sujeitos da pesquisa em campo é um processo socialmente construído, conforme as circunstâncias específicas que demarcam a coleta de dados/pesquisa, por isso o método da pesquisa e a postura ética precisam estar bem definidos e claros para o pesquisador. Ambos estão interligados, dependem do exercício criativo e da avaliação crítica do pesquisador sobre suas relações em campo...

This article discusses ethical and methodological aspects related to the ethnographic research conducted in a drugstore in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2011 and 2012. The aim was analyzing the dynamics of emergency contraception commercialization by this drugstore, as well as the social interaction between the seller and/or pharmacist and the customer at the time the latter purchases the pill. The investigation is permeated by challenges related to the commercial nature of drugstores in the country, even though these commercial establishments are legally considered as having a “health-related interest”. First, we introduce a discussion on the background of the fieldwork: the quest for research approval, both by the research ethics committee concerned and by drugstore owners. Then, the process of getting into the field is discussed from the perspective of the relations and positions taken by the female researcher and the subjects under analysis. The choice for ethnography in the private context of drugstores, aiming to identify the commercialization of emergency contraception, was crucial to apprehend the complex processes related to the subtle games of sexuality and reproduction control in this space. The interaction between the female researcher and the research subjects during fieldwork constitutes a socially constructed process, according to the specific circumstances that delimit the collection of data/the research, thus, the research method and the ethical attitude must be properly defined and clear for the researcher. They are interconnected, depending on a creative exercise and a critical evaluation of the researcher on her/his relations within the field...

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on the normal testicular tissue of rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the testicular tissue of young male rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were assigned to groups (10 rats/group).Control Group received subcutaneous saline solution; Group 1 received hCG 50UI/Kg/dose; and Group 2 received hCG 100UI/Kg/dose, daily for 15 days. Half was submitted to bilateral orchiectomy on the 16th day and the other half 45 days after the beginning of the hormone application. Testicles were weighed, measured and has their volumes determined. The diameter of the tubules and the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium were measured. RESULTS: Control Group presented the highest values of testicles volume and weight. Rats in the Control presented normal histology. In G1 and G2 atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, apoptosis of germ cells and multinucleated giant cells were observed. Comparing groups, in the first operation Control rats had higher diameter values. In the second operation, the Control was only different from G1. As for thickness, Control had higher values in both operations. Comparing the time of operation, the diameter values were higher in G1 and G2 in the second operation. For all groups, the thickness of the epithelium was higher in the second operation. CONCLUSIONS: Human chorionic gonadotropin is gonadotoxic in rats. This effect was temporary and can affect reproductive potential. The total recovery of testicular damage in the studied range could not be proved, and the effects were not dose-dependent. .

Avanços na etiologia, no diagnóstico e no tratamento da puberdade precoce central / Advances in the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of central precocious puberty

O início da puberdade caracteriza-se pelo aumento de amplitude e frequência dos pulsos do hormônio secretor de gonadotrofinas (GnRH) após um período de relativa supressão hormonal durante a infância. A reemergência da secreção pulsátil do GnRH resulta em aumento na secreção de gonadotrofinas, hormônio luteinizante (LH) e folículo estimulante (FSH), pela hipófise anterior e consequente ativação gonadal. A ativação prematura do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-gonadal resulta em puberdade precoce dependente de gonadotrofinas, também conhecida como puberdade precoce central (PPC), e se caracteriza pelo desenvolvimento dos caracteres sexuais secundários antes dos 8 anos nas meninas e 9 anos nos meninos. O início do desenvolvimento puberal provém da interação complexa de fatores genéticos, nutricionais, ambientais e socioeconômicos. O diagnóstico clínico da PPC baseia-se em reconhecimento de desenvolvimento puberal progressivo, concentrações púberes de LH em condição basal e/ou após estímulo com GnRH e avanço de idade óssea. A ressonância magnética de encéfalo é útil no estabelecimento de diagnóstico diferencial entre as formas orgânica ou idiopática. Os análogos de GnRH de ação prolongada representam o tratamento de escolha da PPC. O componente genético da PPC foi recentemente fortalecido pela evidência de mutações no gene MKRN3, localizado no braço longo do cromossomo 15, em crianças com PPC familial. Nessa revisão, dados clínicos e terapêuticos da PPC serão amplamente discutidos, visando à atualização e à conduta criteriosa dessa condição clínica de grande relevância na endocrinologia pediátrica.

The onset of puberty is first detected as an increase in the amplitude and frequency of pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) after a quiescent period during childhood. The reemergence of pulsatile GnRH secretion leads to increases in the secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland, and the consequent activation of gonadal function. Early activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis results in gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty, also known as central precocious puberty (CPP), which is clinically defined by the development of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys. Pubertal timing is influenced by complex interactions among genetic, nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. CPP is diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs of progressive pubertal development before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys, pubertal basal and/or GnRH-stimulated LH levels, and advanced bone age. Magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system is essential for establishing the CPP form as organic or idiopathic. Depot GnRH-analogues represent the first-line of therapy in CPP. Very recently, the genetic component of CPP was demonstrated by the evidence that the deficiency of the MKRN3 gene, located on long arm of chromosome 15, causes familial CPP in humans. In this current review, clinical and therapeutic aspects of the CPP will be discussed, contributing to adequate diagnosis and criterious approach of this relevant condition of pediatric endocrinology.

Perception of Women of Childbearing Age (15-45 years) on Causes and Consequences of Infertility in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State; Nigeria

Infertility brings about low self-esteem; sense of powerlessness; discrimination and stigmatization as well as threatens the woman's identity; status; marital and emotional security. This study examined the perception of women of childbearing age on causes and consequences of infertility. A descriptive non experimental research design was used. A sample frame of 40 respondents was selected inferential statistics. Three null hypotheses were tested using student t-test at 5level of significance. The study revealed that irregular sexual intercourse; irregular menstruation; untreated sexually transmitted diseases; late marriage especially above 30years of age; fibroid; low sperm count; unsafe abortion; and promiscuity were factors contribute immensely to increase infertility rate. Majority of the respondents opined that infertility could result in divorce or separation of couple which can lead to extinction of that family name; husband's family inherit his property after his death; polygamy or polyandry; loss of hope; lack of joy and happiness in the family. The findings of this study revealed that there is no significant difference in the age religion of women under study and their perception on causes and consequences of infertility with t-calculatedt-tabulated (2.54 4.3); as well as; there is no significant difference was found between the age at marriage of women under study and their perception on causes and consequences of infertility with t-calculatedt-tabulated (2.56 4.3). The results also revealed that there is significant difference in the religion of women under study and their perception on causes and consequences of infertility with t-calculatedt-tabulated (7.64 4.3). It was concluded that sound family life education should be given to the public especially women and adolescents teenagers with emphasizes on causes; prevention and management of infertility

Experiencia piloto con el uso extendido de un anticonceptivo oral combinado de baja dosis de estrógeno / Extended use of an oral combined contraceptive pill with low estrogen dose: pilot experience

Objetivo: Evaluar en una experiencia piloto la aceptabilidad y bienestar de la usuaria, después de un periodo de 12 meses de un anticonceptivo hormonal combinado oral de baja dosis estrogénica, con modalidad de uso extendido de 84 píldoras activas consecutivas, seguidas de 7 días de placebo. Método: Se incorporan 25 mujeres voluntarias que usan una combinación de 20 ug de etinilestradiol + 3 mg de drospirenona, con un tiempo de uso de 12 meses. En calendario de registro diario se consignan los días de sangrado o goteo genital así como todo tipo de fármaco ingerido. Al término de los 12 meses se efectúa una encuesta respecto al grado de satisfacción con la posología recibida. Resultados: 13 usuarias (52 por ciento) cumplen los 12 meses de uso. Todas ellas manifiestan un alto grado de conformidad, destacando las ventajas de presentar periodos menstruales ocasionales, mejoría marcada en la sintomatología compatible con el síndrome de tensión premenstrual con el consiguiente incremento del bienestar general. Siete usuarias (28 por ciento) no terminan el estudio por razones médicas, siendo 6 de estas por alteraciones de los flujos rojos y en 5 casos (20 por ciento) se producen retiros no médicos. Conclusión: Esta experiencia, que es la primera con la formulación descrita, confirma en un porcentaje de usuarias las bondades adicionales reportadas en las experiencias previas con otros productos similares, respecto al uso extendido de anticoncepción hormonal oral en un grupo de mujeres que deseaban espaciar sus periodos menstruales.

Objetives: A pilot study designed in order to know about the acceptability of an oral combined contraceptive pill, with low estrogen dose used in an extended way of 84 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of no pills ingestion during a scheduled follow up of 1 year. Methods: 25 volunteers women were recruited among those which wants to use oral combined contraceptive pills and who accepted this extended way of use. Combined contraceptive pills contains each 20 ug of ethinylestradiol plus 3 mg of drosperinone. At admission women were provided with menstrual diary cards in order to check all bleeding days plus any extra pharmaceutical compound received. At the end of the 12 months follow up an interview was done in order to know women experiences and acceptability of this extended way of use. Results: 52 percent of women end the study at the scheduled 12 months use. All of them feel that the main advantages of these extended way of use were to have few menstrual periods and improving premenstrual symtomatology with better quality of life. 7 women (28 percent) did not finish the study because of medical reasons being due in 6 of these for bleeding disturbances. Conclusions: This report is pioneer with the use this hormone combination in this extended type way of use. Results confirm previous positive reports experiences using another similar hormonal compounds with this extended way of use in women who want to reduce the interval of their menstrual periods.

The presence of the sexual partner and nutritional condition alter the Anastrepha obliqua MacQuart (Diptera: Tephritidae) protein discrimination threshold

The minimum protein amount that Anastrepha obliqua MacQuart can detect in its alimentary source is variable, though the causes of such variation are not very well known. In this study, the authors tested whether the sexual partners nutritional condition and presence devoid of direct contact alter the A. obliqua protein discrimination threshold. Male and female insects were assigned to groups as follows: (i) newly emerged, (ii) deprived of protein source (yeast) during 18 days, (iii) non-yeast-deprived during 18 days, (iv) yeast-deprived in the presence of equally yeast-deprived sexual partners, (v) yeast-deprived in the presence of non-yeast-deprived partners, (vi) non-yeast-deprived with yeast-deprived partners and (vii) non-yeast-deprived with non-yeast-deprived partners. The sexual partners were maintained apart by a transparent plastic screen with small holes. Not only the males presence but also their nutritional condition have altered the females discrimination threshold, particularly when the females were deprived and when non- deprived females cohabited with deprived males. Therefore, the females threshold was determined by their own nutritional condition in addition to recognition of the males nutritional condition. The males discrimination threshold was higher for non-deprived subjects than for the deprived ones. The occurrence of responses in the absence of direct contact between males and females has shown that they may use a chemical mechanism for mutual recognition of the sexual partner nutritional condition.

A quantidade mínima de proteínas que Anastrepha obliqua MacQuart pode detectar na sua fonte alimentar é variável, mas as causas dessa variação ainda são pouco conhecidas. Neste trabalho, foi testado se o estado nutricional e a presença do parceiro sexual, sem contato direto, alteram o limiar de discriminação protéica em A. obliqua. Indivíduos de cada sexo foram agrupados como se segue: (i) recém-emergidos, (ii) privados de fonte protéica (levedo de cerveja) por 18 dias, (iii) não-privados de levedo por 18 dias, (iv) privados mantidos na presença de parceiros sexuais igualmente privados de levedo, (v) privados mantidos na presença de parceiros não-privados, (vi) não privados mantidos com parceiros privados e (vii) não-privados mantidos com parceiros não-privados. Os parceiros sexuais foram separados entre si por uma divisória de plástico transparente com pequenos furos. Não só a presença do macho, como também seu estado nutricional, alteraram o limiar de discriminação das fêmeas. O limiar da fêmea foi, portanto, determinado pelo seu próprio estado nutricional mais o reconhecimento do estado nutricional do macho. O limiar de discriminação dos machos foi mais alto para os indivíduos não-privados do que para os indivíduos privados. A ocorrência de respostas na ausência de contato direto entre machos e fêmeas indicou que eles devem se utilizar de algum mecanismo químico para reconhecimento mútuo do estado nutricional do parceiro sexual.

Male involvement in reproductive health and family planning programs in the Gaza strip Palestine focus group discussion

A few studies have found an association between positive attitudes towards reproductive health use of family planning and contraceptive methods. In the Gaza strip in Palestine fertility still remain high. It is therefore important to know what factors facilitate uptake of family planning. Twenty sessions of focus group discussion [FGDs], were performed, ten for men and ten for women. The participants were randomly selected [7 women and 53 men] from the Gaza strip attending primary health care [PHC] centers in 2001. They were asked about their personal understanding and their perceptions of reproductive health and family planning, social and cultural acceptability, religious legality, sex composition of children and their own satisfaction with the available services. The principal findings of the study indicated a positive change in the social, cultural and behavioral norms of married men and women in the Gaza strip-Palestine. The study revealed that the majority of men and women interviewed considered the practice of family planning to be socially and culturally acceptable mainly for economic and health reasons. There was, however, some confusion and doubt among a few men about the "legality" of contraceptives from a religious perspective. Most of the men in the study showed a thorough understanding of the concepts and benefits of family planning and reproductive health and were familiar with several methods of contraceptives. They also indicated that they discussed family planning and reproductive issues openly with their wives and shared reproductive decisions. However, reproductive decisions are associated and affected by other factors such as the sex composition of children in families, and the influence of in-laws and other family members. Both men and women in this study reported that they were generally satisfied with the quality of family planning services they received at both united nation relief and work agency [UNRWA] and Ministery of health [MOH] clinics

Advances in study on bark of Albizzia julibrissin / 中国中药杂志

Cortex Albizziae, the stem bark of the leguminous plant Albizzia julibrissin, is specified in Chinese pharmacopoeia as a traditional Chinese medicine used to relieve melancholia and uneasiness of body and mind, invigorate the circulation of blood and subside a swelling. This article reviews the recent advances in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Cortex Albizziae.

The use of DPMA for women of reproductive age in Phu Vang District, Thua Thien – Hue Province

From 2000 to 2002 in Phu vang District, Thua Thien – Hue Province, 203 subjects had been given contraceptive infunctions in 99.6% subjects, after 2 years of use, high efficacy is reached. At the age of 25-44, with various occupations, most contraceptive injections are used. Side effects are menorrhagia (40%), but most common with good counsel, the use will be accepted continuing 79.6% clients, 138 cases get the weight increased by 3 kg after 2 years