PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Reproductive Tract Infections--prevention and control”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Use of nonoxynol-9 and reduction in rate of gonococcal and chlamydial cervical infections.

The spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9) has been used as a contraceptive for over 30 years, but the use of a vaginal spermicide and condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections has not been examined in randomised studies. We report a single-blind randomised field trial to assess the effect of N-9 film on the rate of gonococcal and chlamydial cervical infection in women at high risk of these diseases. 343 women were randomly assigned to use either condoms and N-9 (186 women) or condoms and a placebo (157). Compliance with condom use was much the same in the two groups. Overall, N-9 reduced the rate of cervical infection by 25% (rate ratio [RR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 0.5-1.1); in women who used N-9 for more than 75% of their coital acts the infection rate was reduced by 40% (RR 95% Cl 0.3-1.0). The rate of yeast vulvovaginitis or genital ulcers was not higher in N-9 users than in placebo users, but the rate of symptomatic irritation was increased by 70% (RR 95% Cl 1.1-2.6) among N-9 users. Condom use was more protective against cervical infection than N-9 use. The rate of infection was 50% (RR 95% Cl 0.3-0.7) lower with 75% than with 0-50% condom compliance. The use of a vaginal N-9 spermicide with condoms whenever possible seems to be a better strategy than the use of condoms only for prevention of gonococcal and chlamydial cervical infection.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Problems of AIDS in India especially in women.

According to the World Health Organisation survey, 3 million women are already infected with HIV all over the World, but in India the problem of AIDS as a whole is not that acute especially in women. At least it is not that alarming. India, having a very high incidence of STD, it will not take much time for the spread of the HIV infection. No case of mother-to-infant transmission of HIV and resultant clinical disease in the neonate and children has as yet been reported in India. Infected babies, however, face a short life--nearly all die before reaching 2 years of age. Breast feeding is not a significant means of transmitting AIDS. The disease can spread only through sexual contact, use of infected syringe or transfusion of infected blood. Therefore, doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff in hospitals who may have to deal with AIDS patients need not fear the virus if they take adequate precautions. There is no known curative treatment for HIV infection causing AIDS, but improving literacy, avoiding sexual promiscuity and using condoms in heterosexual intercourse are positive steps in keeping HIV infection at a considerably low level.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Gender differences in knowledge, intentions, and behaviors concerning pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease prevention among adolescents.

Gender differences in knowledge, intentions, and behaviors regarding preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases were studied. Data for the study were collected from 1,033 students in 13 California high schools. Females in this sample were more likely than males to have discussed sexuality topics with parents, to have engaged in sexual intercourse more frequently, to have experienced a pregnancy scare, to have used oral contraceptives during their last sexual encounter, to perceive that a larger proportion of their peers were engaging in sex and using birth control, to obtain birth control from health facilities, and to report intentions to abstain or use protection in hypothetical situations placing them at risk for unprotected sex. In contrast, males reported that they were more likely to have always used birth control, to have used birth control during their first sexual encounter, and to have used a condom during their last sexual encounter. Furthermore, males were more likely to obtain birth control from a store or a friend. Finally, males knew more about using condoms correctly and their role in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. The efficacy of interventions designed to reduce unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents may be increased by addressing these gender differences. Understanding gender differences may also facilitate an increased role for males in the overall prevention scheme. Further research is clearly needed to increase knowledge about these gender differences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Choosing condoms.

Condoms for men are currently the most effective of the nonprescription contraceptive methods. They are readily available, simple to use, and relatively inexpensive, and they are not associated with major adverse effects. If used both properly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of HIV and other STDs. The protection offered by the latex condom may be increased by the concurrent use of a vaginal foam or cream containing nonoxynol 9. The practicing pharmacist should know about the variety of condoms available, be able to explain their correct use to maximize effectiveness, and compare condom use with other types of contraceptives. The practitioner should be available to answer patrons' questions and provide counseling on contraceptives and "safe sex" practices.

Choice Behavior↗
PubMed1992

The situation in Africa.

More than three million women world-wide are infected with HIV, and women will constitute 40% of the new AIDS cases in 1990-1991. Unlike in the industrialized world, HIV in Africa is heterosexually transmitted and thus affects at least as many women as men. Already the leading cause of death in a major African city, HIV may be spreading to rural areas. In spite of improvement in surveillance, under-reporting makes it difficult to project trends, document differences within and between urban and rural areas, and identify at-risk groups. Increasing evidence shows that STDs play a major role in spreading the HIV epidemic. Male-to-female transmission is more efficient owing to factors related to the pathogen and the host. Ulcerative STDs such as chancroid, syphilis and herpes facilitate HIV entry through mucosal discontinuation and recruitment of HIV target cells. The role of non-ulcerative STDs such as gonorrhoeal, chlamydial and trichomonal infections needs further elucidation. Lack of circumcision, traditional healing practices and oral contraceptives may affect the risk of viral transmission, but may not be major or modifiable risk factors. Pregnancy and pregnancy-associated immune alterations do not seem to affect the clinical course of HIV/AIDS in African women or impair immunocompetence. Maternal HIV can adversely affect pregnancy outcome in Africa, causing low birth-weight, prematurity, intrauterine and intrapartum fetal death. The risk for these outcomes is likely to depend on the degree of immunological and clinical deterioration. Breast-feeding does not appreciably increase the risk of HIV transmission to the infant and should be actively promoted in Africa. Control of HIV/AIDS in Africa, in the absence of an effective vaccine, will focus on behavioural changes through health education and condom use. High frequency STD transmitter core groups, mainly prostitutes and their clients, are currently the target of prevention campaigns which are proving to be successful and affordable.

Africa↗
PubMed1991

Barrier versus oral contraceptive use: a study of female college students.

Although they provide birth control and are easier to use, oral contraceptives (OCPs) are not the preferred approach to preventing sexually transmitted disease (STD). Do the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of oral contraceptive users place them at greater risk for STDs than those who employ barrier methods? This study examined differences between sexually active female college students (ie, those who reported ever having had vaginal intercourse) who used OCPs and those who employed barrier methods of contraception at the time of their most recent intercourse. The authors analyzed HIV- and other STD-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors from three consecutive annual health surveys of young women about to begin their first year of college. Findings showed barrier and OCP users to be comparable in knowledge about the effectiveness of various contraceptive methods in protecting them against STDs, perceived personal susceptibility to HIV, and experiences with alcohol before sexual intercourse. Oral contraceptive users, compared with those in the group who used barrier methods, reported a greater number of recent partners (p less than .03) and greater perceived vulnerability to STDs (p less than .03). Student healthcare providers must develop creative educational strategies to encourage simultaneous use of both oral contraceptives and barrier methods to protect students against STDs and pregnancy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

AIDS in Africa.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Knowledge of AIDS among secondary school pupils in Bagamoyo and Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania.

We assessed knowledge of AIDS among pupils in selected schools in Tanzania in August 1989. Four hundred and eight-one pupils from four randomly selected secondary schools, two from Dar-Es-Salaam (a city) and two from Bagamoyo (a semi-rural town), were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Of these, 476 (99.0%) had heard of AIDS, and 447 (92.9%) were able to mention spontaneously at least one sexually transmitted disease (STD), of whom 374 (83.7%) mentioned AIDS. Knowledge was found to increase with age and tended to be higher among women in Dar-Es-Salaam than in Bagamoyo. These data suggest that communication channels directed at women in rural areas should be strengthened. While knowledge of sexual transmission of HIV was generally high, and prevalence of reported misconceptions about modes of transmission was very low, knowledge of non-sexual means of transmission (transfusions, injections, vertical) was lacking. Although 80% of pupils mentioned reduction of number of sexual partners as a means of AIDS prevention, only 22% mentioned condom use, and less than 5% reported that they had ever used a condom. Future research should concentrate on means of promoting sexual behavior change, the ultimate aim of any AIDS prevention strategy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro evaluations of condoms with and without nonoxynol 9 as physical and chemical barriers against Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus type 2, and human immunodeficiency virus.

Simulated in vitro intercourse conditions demonstrated that unlubricated latex condoms provide an effective physical barrier to high concentrations of Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus type 2, and human immunodeficiency virus. However, since condoms can be damaged after manufacturing inspection and prior to use, latex condoms alone should not be perceived as absolute protection against STDs. Nonoxynol 9 used in conjunction with condoms provided additional, yet still not foolproof, protection against the three viruses.

Chlamydia trachomatis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of the virus permeability of a new condom for women.

The authors tested a polyurethane women's condom for permeability to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) using an artificial intercourse model. They did not detect viral leakage in three trials for each virus. Use of this device, which can be controlled by the woman, may reduce HIV and CMV infection.

Contraceptive Devices, Female↗
PubMed1992

School-based programs to reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors.

This article reviews the major approaches implemented during the last two decades to reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors, examines their evidence for success, and provides several recommendations for effective programs and program evaluations. This article does not discuss more broad-based sexuality education programs which address sexuality in a broader context. Instead, this article focuses primarily on programs that educators believed would reduce unprotected sexual intercourse.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Teen contraception in the 1990s.

Basic information about appropriate contraceptive methods for teen-agers is provided. Methods most commonly used will be reviewed and an overview of alternative methods available for use in special subgroups will be provided.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Adolescent reproductive health: roles for school personnel in prevention and early intervention.

The practical roles school staff can play in addressing adolescent reproductive health issues such as teen-age pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS are reviewed. Particular attention is given to identification and assessment of adolescents most at risk for pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS, and the regulations that address protection of students' privacy in this area.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Adolescents and sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a serious health problem for adolescents, occurring in an estimated one-quarter of sexually active teen-agers. Many of the health problems--including STDs--result from specific risk-taking behaviors. Determinants of STD risks among adolescents include behavioral, psychological, social, biological, institutional factors. Education is an important component in STD control in adolescents. The goal of education is to increase adolescent self-efficiency in practicing STD prevention and risk-reduction. A comprehensive approach including quality, theory-based education, accessible and effective health clinics, and improved social and economic conditions has the most promise of controlling STDs in adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Condom use by heterosexuals attending a department of GUM: attitudes and behaviour in the light of HIV infection.

The use of condoms to prevent the further spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is one of the main themes of the government's health education campaign against AIDS. A study of the use of and attitudes towards condoms in 222 heterosexual men and women attending a department of genitourinary medicine (GUM) in central London showed that 55% (50/91) to 59% (41/70) of men or women never, and 6% (6/95) to 15% (14/91) always, used condoms with their regular or non-regular sexual partners. No major differences were found in the use of or attitudes to condoms according to age, sex, social class, or civil status. Attitudes towards the use of condoms were generally negative. These attitudes, in combination with the infrequent use of condoms with regular (and even more with non-regular) sexual partners, must be a cause for concern if the further spread of HIV is to be avoided.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗