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Biomedical subjects

N Iskandar

Publications and source records attributed to N Iskandar.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Second report of AIDS related attitudes and sexual practices of the Jakarta Waria (male transvestites) in 1995.

As the second part of a community based educational campaign to convey the risk of HIV/AIDS to commercial sex workers in Jakarta, from May-July 1995, a total of 253 male transvestites (WARIA) were questioned about their sexual behavior patterns and their knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS. In the previous report, 1991-1993, there was one out of 830 WARIA found HIV positive in November 1993. In this study, 1995, a total of two out of 253 WARIA were confirmed of HIV infection in July 1995. Most of them still have incorrect knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission mode, they are still practicing high risk sexual attitudes such as an exchange partner rate of 5 men per three weeks, low condom use (1.2 out of the last 5 sexual contacts). The reasons for not using condoms were forgetfulness 35.3% and partner does not like condom 38.2% Most of WARIA know about condoms (94.5%), but it is difficult to access condom use from small shops around them. Therefore, to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS in WARIA, condom should be used constantly and properly. It has been shown from another study, that more information, better availability and better promotion of condoms can increase condom use. Thus, attention should be placed on various ways of distributing condoms for WARIA in Jakarta, especially community-based distribution by peer leaders, social marketing and commercial sales.

Adolescent↗

Shiftwork and work injuries in an iron and steel mill.

A study on work injuries that occurred over a five-year period was conducted in an iron and steel mill employing over 1000 workers. Of all the 921 injuries which required more than one day's sick leave, over 40% (383 cases) happened during the morning shift (0700-1500 hours), 210 cases occurred in the afternoon shift (1500-2300 hours) and only 150 cases were reported during the night shift. There were two injury peaks throughout the day, one at mid-morning (between 0900 and 1000 hours) and the other towards the mid-afternoon (1400-1500 hours). It was observed that hand injuries were more common during the morning and afternoon shifts and foot injuries normally occurred at night. 'Fall' was one of the main causes of accidents at night, whereas 'struck by' heavy objects and 'burn' were more common during the day. Although there were more accidents during the morning and afternoon shifts, work injuries which occurred at night generally required a longer duration of sick leave. This suggests that accidents which happened at night were more serious. It is believed that the work habits, shift systems and work environment have a substantial influence on these accidents.

Journal Article↗

A comparative study of spiramycin and erythromycin in acute tonsillo-pharyngitis.

In a clinical and bacteriological study of 42 patients with acute tonsillo-pharyngitis or chronic tonsillo-pharyngitis with acute exacerbation, patients were allocated at random to receive either a 3-day course of spiramycin or a 5-day course of erythromycin, both antibiotics being given in a dosage of 500 mg 3-times daily. The median time to disappearance of patient complaints such as fever, difficulty in swallowing, sore throat, cough and mucus was 3 days in each group and there was a significant reduction from pre-treatment to normal levels in total white cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate after treatment. Although more patients were considered to have shown a good clinical response to spiramycin, the difference was not statistically significant. From a bacteriological point of view, however, treatment with the regimen used was considered a failure in all cases in that neither antibiotic completely eradicated the pathogens identified at the start of treatment even though, with 3 exceptions, all of the micro-organisms were shown to be sensitive to the antibiotics before and after treatment. Few side-effects were reported in either group.

Acute Disease↗