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Biomedical subjects

L J Fox

Publications and source records attributed to L J Fox.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Measuring condom use among sex workers in the Dominican Republic.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the internal consistency of self-reported condom use among sex workers in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. We examined the responses to questions about condom use among 4 cross-sectional samples of sex workers. We compared measures based on: (1) questions using always-to-never scales; (2) questions about use with the past 5 clients; and (3) questions about use in the past week obtained from a retrospective coital log. In each sample, more women reported 'always' using condoms with clients than with each of the past 5 clients. In 3 of the 4 samples, only about half of the women who reported 'always' using condoms used condoms with the most recent 5 clients and with all clients in the past week. Internal consistency was significantly higher when the comparison was limited to use with the most recent 5 clients and use in the past week. Self-reported measures of condom use can be difficult to interpret. Assessing the internal consistency of several measures of use provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each measure.

Condoms↗
PubMed1993

Condom use among high-risk women in Honduras: evaluation of an AIDS prevention program.

In 1988, the Honduran Ministry of Health initiated an intervention study designed to increase AIDS awareness and promote preventive behavior, especially condom use, among registered commercial sex workers (CSWs). The program consisted of weekly talks and free condom distribution to all CSWs who attended the sexually transmitted disease clinic during a 10-week period. Pre- and postintervention surveys were used to evaluate change in knowledge and condom use. Condom diaries were used to measure condom use during the program. One hundred thirty-four women who participated in the intervention completed the initial and follow-up surveys. There was a statistically significant increase in mean condom use from 64% to 70% of client contacts. Condom use recorded in diaries during the program period appeared even higher. Factors found to be associated with increased use postintervention include low baseline condom use and higher client fee. The reliability of the methods of measuring condom use and the implications of the findings for future intervention studies among sex workers and their clients are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

Myospherulosis of the alveolus secondary to the use of Terra-Cortril and Gelfoam. Report of a case.

Myospherulosis is a recently discovered disease apparently caused by the placement of mineral oil- or petrolatum-based products into various tissues. Terra-Cortril (a tetracycline/steroid ointment in a petrolatum base) on Gelfoam has been placed in the sockets of surgically removed third molars in an attempt to eliminate the occurrence of dry sockets. The case report presented here documents the radiographic progress of the disease for 6 years, showing an attempt by the bone to repair itself. A surgical procedure was performed to remove the affected tissue, and photographs were taken to illustrate the clinical appearance of the disease. The specimen consisted of a black, tarlike material which was completely encased in bone. Histologic examination was consistent with a diagnosis of myospherulosis.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1986

Extensive subcutaneous emphysema crossing the midline after a surgical extraction: report of case.

A case of extensive subcutaneous emphysema is reported. The patient had a mandibular third molar extracted but did not experience any cervical edema until the morning after surgery. The emphysema did not appear to be caused by the surgical procedure, as emphysema caused by use of instruments becomes immediately apparent and no patient-related causes could be documented. However, a dressing of a tetracycline-steroid ointment in a petrolatum base and a hemostatic agent was placed in the tooth socket during surgery and the dressing may have allowed air into the deeper tissues. The patient was managed by hospitalization, antibiotic therapy, and rest. The tissue emphysema resolved gradually during a 5-day period.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Planning health services for a city jail: impact of contractual services on men's sick call.

A nonviolent protest by prisoners began a 2-year planning process leading to the implementation of contractual medical services at Baltimore City Jail. This study was conducted in order to assess the impact of contractual services on the process of men's sick call. The contractual program was associated with a decrease in utilization of men's sick call: 62.9 patient visits per day per 1,000 prisoners in 1975 versus 27.4 patient visits per day per 1,000 prisoners in 1978; an increased duration of encounter; 2.8 minutes in 1975 versus 10.9 minutes in 1978; and with changes in prescribing patterns and in categories of patients' complaints. Baltimore City Jail spent about $588 per prisoner-year during fiscal year 1977, and about $670 per prisoner-year during fiscal year 1978, the first year of contractual services. We conclude that a system of health services for a large, urban jail can allow time for humane and professional encounters between providers and patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Improving reproductive health: integrating STD and contraceptive services.

The International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994 recommended that family planning (FP) services be expanded, with more attention given to the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although such integration of FP and STD services seems a natural union, historical, philosophical, and structural differences in the two fields pose obstacles to integration in many settings. This paper examines selected experiences with FP/STD integration in the United States and developing countries and reviews practical issues that have application to FP providers, STD prevention programs, and those in general practice. Priority areas for future research include: 1) the usefulness and uses of STD risk assessment in FP populations, 2) the relationship between STD/HIV transmission and use of various contraceptive methods, 3) the feasibility of getting high-risk individuals to use dual methods for pregnancy and STD prevention, and 4) the impact adding STD services will have on training requirements, clinic costs, and quality of care within established FP programs. As clinicians in public and private settings assume more comprehensive roles in the provision of both types of services, program managers can facilitate the process of FP and STD service integration by promoting a focus on meeting the client's reproductive health needs.

Developing Countries↗