Acceptability of COL-1492, a vaginal gel, among sex workers in one Asian and three African cities

Methods: Sex workers participating in a phase II/III triple blind, randomised trial in Benin, Côte d''Ivoire, South Africa, and Thailand were interviewed on the gel''s acceptability at monthly scheduled clinic visits. Safer sex counselling, male condoms, and study gels were given at each monthly visit; a gynaecological examination and HIV test were performed. Phase III interviews considered the participants'' appreciation of the gel. On the first, second, and fifth follow up visits, the study volunteers completed more extensive questionnaires. Results: Responses were similar between treatment arms. Women indicated not liking their gel in 1.8% of the visits; 98.1% of the women found the gel easy to apply; 30.1% said that it affected sexual intercourse. These effects were mostly improvements (92.6%) by facilitating intercourse (73.6%). Intercourse was more often affected in women reporting painful sexual intercourse (OR: 2.59 (95% CI 1.63 to 4.12)) and in older women. The latter effect differed among centres. Conclusion: Most participants found their assigned gel acceptable and the vast majority of reported effects on intercourse were favourable. The type of gel had no significant impact on the findings.     

Acceptability of hypothetical microbicides among women in sex establishments in rural areas in Southern China

OBJECTIVES AND GOAL: The objectives of this study were to measure the potential acceptability of a hypothetical microbicide among women in sex establishments in rural areas of Southern China and demographic, behavioral, and social context factors likely to affect microbicide acceptability. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey, using a quota sampling, among 300 women from sex establishments in 3 rural towns. An interviewer-administered standardized questionnaire was used to measure the acceptability score of hypothetical microbicides' characteristics, as well as sexual relationships and behaviors and other contextual factors. RESULTS: Findings showed a generally positive response to microbicides, indicated by an acceptability index score of 2.89 (SD, 0.56, scale of 1-4) in the overall sample. Multivariate analysis shows that the acceptability score varied significantly by study sites, type of sex-work establishments, marital status, sex partner type, vaginal product experience, locus of control by partners, and locus of control by chance. CONCLUSIONS: Microbicides may be acceptable among sex workers in rural settings in China; however, contextual factors should be carefully considered in education and promotion of microbicides in the future.     

Acceptability of sexually transmitted infection screening among women in short-term substance abuse treatment

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse treatment centers provide an opportunity to offer sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening to a high-risk and hard-to-reach population. GOAL: The goal was to assess STI prevalence, risk factors, and acceptability of STI screening among females at substance abuse treatment centers with use of urine testing by ligase chain reaction and self-collected swab specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Adult, female inpatients were offered free testing and treatment for chlamydia infection, gonorrhea, and trichomonas infection. Interviews were conducted to collect risk behavior data. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of inpatients (180/209) accepted testing. Twenty-three percent (41/177) had an STI. Of those with an STI, 90% (37/41) had trichomonas infection. All 41 infected patients received treatment. Drug use before sex, exchange of sex for money/drugs, and any gynecological complaint were significantly associated with infection. Most women were uninsured (76%). Only 45% had undergone a medical examination in the past year. CONCLUSION: STI screening is highly acceptable among women in substance abuse treatment centers. Substance users are at high risk for STIs and may not otherwise receive medical care.     

Acceptability of the female condom among sex workers in Thailand: results from a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The female condom may provide women with the first female-controlled barrier method that is effective against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. GOAL: This study evaluated the acceptability of the female condom among sex workers in Thailand. STUDY DESIGN: Data on use and acceptability of the female condom were collected using a structured questionnaire during an 8-week follow-up. RESULTS: Analyses included 148 women who were still in follow-up at week 8. Sex workers used, on average, 2.8 female condoms per week. The overall satisfaction rate with the female condom was 68%, although, among users, 31% had difficulties in device insertion, 37% had pain from the inner ring, and 22% reported itching sensations. The main reason for using the female condom in the future was its perceived safety, and the main reason for not using it would be the client's refusal. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of the sex workers were satisfied with the female condom. Difficulties at insertion, discomfort during use, and clients' attitude were potential obstacles to the use of the female condom in the future.     

Validity of the vaginal discharge algorithm among pregnant and non-pregnant women in Nairobi, Kenya

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of different algorithms for the diagnosis of gonococcal and chlamydial infections among pregnant and non-pregnant women consulting health services for vaginal discharge in Nairobi, Kenya. METHODS: Cross sectional study among 621 women with complaints of vaginal discharge in three city council clinics between April and August 1997. Women were interviewed and examined for symptoms and signs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Specimens were obtained for laboratory diagnosis of genital infections, HIV, and syphilis. The data were used to evaluate the Kenyan flow chart as well as several other generated algorithms. RESULTS: The mean age was 24 years and 334 (54%) were pregnant. The overall prevalence rates were: 50% candidiasis, 23% trichomoniasis, 9% bacterial vaginosis, 7% gonorrhoea, 9% chlamydia, 7% syphilis, and 22% HIV. In non-pregnant women, gonococcal and chlamydial infection was significantly associated with (1) demographic and behavioural risk markers such as being single, younger than 20 years, multiple sex partners in the previous 3 months; (2) symptom fever; and (3) signs including presence of yellow or bloody vaginal discharge, cervical mucopus, cervical erythema, and friability. Among pregnant women only young age, dysuria, and fever were significantly associated with cervical infection. However, none of these variables was either sensitive or specific enough for the diagnosis of cervical infection. Several algorithms were generated and applied to the study data. The algorithm including risk markers performed slightly better than the current Kenyan algorithm. CONCLUSION: STIs form a major problem in the Nairobi area and should be addressed accordingly. None of the tested algorithms for the treatment of vaginal discharge would constitute a marked improvement of the existing flow chart. Hence, better detection tools for the specific aetiology of vaginal discharge are urgently needed.     

Syndromic management of vaginal discharge among women in a reproductive health clinic in India

OBJECTIVES: To examine the performance of the syndromic approach in the management of vaginal discharge among women attending a reproductive health clinic in New Delhi, India. METHODS: Women who sought services from the clinic and who had a complaint of vaginal discharge were interviewed, underwent a pelvic examination, and provided samples for laboratory investigations of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. Data analysis focused on the prevalence of infection and on the performance of the algorithm recommended by the national authorities for the management of vaginal discharge. RESULTS: The most common infection among 319 women was bacterial vaginosis (26%). At least one sexually transmitted infection was detected in 21.9% of women. The prevalence of C trachomatis infection was 12.2%; trichomoniasis 10%; syphilis 2.2%; N gonorrhoeae was not isolated. An algorithm based on risk assessment and speculum assisted clinical evaluation was not helpful in predicting cervical infections associated with C trachomatis (sensitivity 5% and PPV 9%). This algorithm was sensitive (95%) though not specific (22%) in selecting women for metronidazole therapy effective against bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, and overtreatment was a problem (PPV 38%). The sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of this algorithm for the treatment of candidiasis were 46%, 98%, and 88% respectively. The cost per case assessed using the algorithm was $2 and the cost per infection correctly treated was $4.25. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cervical infection associated with C trachomatis was high among these "low risk" women. The syndromic approach is not an efficient tool for detecting this condition, and alternative approaches to evaluation and intervention are required. The syndromic management of vaginal discharge among women seeking family planning and other reproductive health services should focus on vaginal infections, thus enhancing quality of care and addressing women's concerns about their health.     

Vaginal douching and development of bacterial vaginosis among women with normal and abnormal vaginal microflora

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between douching and bacterial vaginosis (BV) among women with and without prior abnormal vaginal flora. STUDY DESIGNS: 1193 women had vaginal swabs obtained for Gram stain for BV, culture for vaginal microflora, and DNA amplification for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis at baseline and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Self-reported douching was queried every 6 months. RESULTS: In cross-sectional analyses, douching at least once per month was associated with BV among women who had BV at the immediately preceding visit but not among women with normal or intermediate flora. In prospective analyses, douching increased the risk of acquisition for BV among women with intermediate flora (adj. HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.4) but not among women with normal flora. CONCLUSIONS: Douching appeared to be associated with BV among women with already imbalanced flora but not among women with normal flora.     

Risk factors for syphilis infection among pregnant women: results of a case-control study in Shenzhen, China

BACKGROUND: China has been experiencing a rapidly growing syphilis epidemic since the early 1990s, with the reported incidence of congenital syphilis increasing from 0.01 cases per 100,000 live births in 1991 to 19.7 cases per 100,000 live births in 2005. Detailed studies of risk factors for syphilis in pregnant women are needed to inform new preventive interventions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with recent syphilis infection among pregnant women and recommend strategies for improved preventive interventions in the community. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among women attending antenatal clinics in Shenzhen City, South China. Cases were antenatal clinic women testing positive for early syphilis, based on laboratory results, with those testing negative being controls. All participants completed the same anonymous questionnaire covering demographics, lifestyle, sexual behaviour, and sexual partnerships. RESULTS: 129 cases and 345 controls were recruited. Syphilis was significantly associated with unmarried status, less education, multiple sex partners, travel of sex partner in the past 12 months, a history of induced abortion, and previous sexually transmitted infections. Overall, there were no differences between syphilis-positive and negative women in household registration status (hukou), living district and duration in Shenzhen, monthly income, and age at first sex. CONCLUSIONS: Many demographic and behavioural risk factors are associated with syphilis among pregnant women. In the government congenital syphilis control programme, comprehensive preventive interventions should be provided in all clinical settings in addition to the current procedures for syphilis screening among antenatal women.     

An intervention to reduce vaginal douching among adolescent and young adult women: a randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate an intervention to reduce vaginal douching among adolescent and young women who report douching. STUDY: This study consisted of a randomized, controlled trial of 275 primarily black adolescent and young adults aged 14 to 23 years. All women participated in 3 15-minute individualized counseling sessions. The experimental group received interventions based on their stage of readiness for ceasing vaginal douching. The comparison condition emphasized healthy eating and nutrition. The primary outcome measure was douching cessation (i.e., no douching in the preceding 3 months) at the 6-and 12-month assessment; a secondary outcome was progression through the stages of change toward douching cessation. RESULTS: Based on an intention-to-treat model, participants assigned to the douching intervention group were significantly more likely to report having stopped douching at 6 months (relative risk [RR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.73) and at 12 months (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.28-2.00). At baseline, 89.9% of all women reported no intention to stop douching. Also based on an intention-to-treat model, there were no differences in stage across the 2 groups at 6 months (P = 0.29); however, at 12 months, the difference between the intervention and comparison group was statistically significant (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Stage-matched interventions can reduce douching among adolescent and young adult women.     

不同DNA提取方法对PCR检测解脲支原体的影响

目的：比较PK、NK和PCI三种不同DNA提取方法对解脲支原体PCR的影响。方法：从临床得到的330份怀孕妇女的尿标本，接种到液体培养基和A8琼脂平板，液体培养阳性的标本1／10稀释后，用PK、NK和PCI三种不同DNA提取方法进行提取，分别作PCR及抑制实验，比较三种提取方法的敏感性和特异性。结果：液体培养和A8琼脂平板培养的阳性率分别为68．1％和39％，两者符合率为76％，PK、NK和PCI的敏感性为52．5％，55％，87．5％；特异性为65．8％，76．3％，60．5％；抑制率为33．3％，33．0％，3．3％。结论：在PK、NK和PCI三种不同DNA提取方法中，以PCI敏感性最高，抑制率最低。     

Risk factors for prevalent and incident Trichomonas vaginalis among women attending three sexually transmitted disease clinics

GOAL: Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection in the United States and may be associated with adverse birth outcomes and may also increase susceptibility to or transmissibility of human immunodeficiency virus. The purpose of this analysis is to describe the epidemiology of T. vaginalis in Sexually Transmitted Disease clinics and characterize the risk factors associated with prevalent and incident T. vaginalis within the same population. METHODS: We analyzed data from visits occurring during February 1999-December 2001 from 3 sexually transmitted disease clinics in Newark, NJ; Long Beach, CA; and Denver, CO. Data were analyzed from 1462 women aged 15 to 39 years who were tested by culture at their initial visit for T. vaginalis, and for 1269 women with at least 1 follow-up visit. Risk factors for prevalent infections at baseline and incident infections among treated or previously uninfected women were assessed. RESULTS: At baseline, 13.0% of the women had a prevalent infection; risk factors included the following: older age (> or =20 years), black race, having less than 12 years of education, and having a concurrent chlamydial infection. At follow-up, 4.6% of women had an incident infection; risk factors included the following: older age (35-39 years), black race, having a concurrent chlamydial infection, having had multiple sexual partners in the 3 months before incident infection, and having had T. vaginalis at the visit before their incident infection. CONCLUSIONS: T. vaginalis incidence is high in women. Risk factors for prevalent and incident infection are similar. T. vaginalis was associated with older age in women, unlike other sexually transmitted infections.     

山东省63349例女性高危型人乳头状瘤病毒感染结果分析

目的对山东省女性高危型人乳头状瘤病毒(high-risk human papillomavirus,hrHPV)感染的检测结果进行分析,以了解山东省不同年龄和地区女性hrHPV的感染状况。方法采用新一代杂交捕获法,对济南金域医学检验中心2015年3月至2017年7月收集的63 349例宫颈拭子标本,进行14种hrHPV检测(HPV16、18、31、33、35、39、45、51、52、56、58、59、66和68)。结果共检出hrHPV感染阳性者10 176例,阳性率为16.1%。不同年龄分布显示,总的hrHPV阳性率呈不对称双峰分布,以25岁组最高(26.7%),随后的25岁～34岁组阳性率(16.3%)明显下降,35岁～44岁组(15.1%)最低,而45岁～54岁组和≥55岁组阳性率又略有升高,分别为15.5%和16.4%。不同地区阳性率比较,鲁西较高(22.8%),而鲁东(15.4%)和鲁中(15.0%)则较低;不同地区的年龄分布比较,除鲁东随着年龄增加而hrHPV阳性率逐渐下降外,其余地区与总的分布趋势一致。不同地区和总的hrHPV阳性女性病毒载量、不同年龄组间差异均无统计学意义。结论山东省不同年龄和地区女性hrHPV感染具有不同特点,这能够为本地区基于hrHPV的宫颈癌筛查,以及HPV疫苗接种提供一定的科学依据。     

Acceptability and feasibility of continuous diaphragm use among sex workers in Madagascar

OBJECTIVES: The diaphragm, a woman controlled, reusable contraceptive device, might prevent some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of use of silicone Wide-Seal Arcing Diaphragms (Milex Products, Chicago, IL, USA) by sex workers in Madagascar. METHODS: Over 8 weeks, we evaluated method acceptability by examining patterns of and problems with women's diaphragm use. We also evaluated several measures of study feasibility, including recruitment and follow up methods. RESULTS: 91 women from three cities (Antananarivo, Tamatave, and Mahajanga) participated, and 87 (96%) completed follow up. At enrolment, participants reported a median of six sex acts with five clients in the previous week. During the follow up period, participants reported a median of three sex acts with three clients during the previous 2 days, and self reported continuous diaphragm use during the previous day increased from 87% to 93%. Seven women became pregnant (incidence 53 pregnancies per 100 woman years). Self reported use of male condoms and diaphragms was fairly constant over the study period: women reported condom use in 61% to 70% of acts and diaphragms in 95% to 97% of acts. The number of participants reporting diaphragm problems decreased from 15 (16%) at the first visit to six (7%) at the final visit. 20 women (22%) needed replacement devices during follow up because their original diaphragms were lost, were the wrong size, or became seriously damaged. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high use and steady decrease in reported problems during the study, we believe diaphragms are acceptable and feasible in this resource poor, low education sex worker population.     

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections and specimen collection preference among women, using self-collected vaginal swabs in community settings

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is a common, often asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection. GOAL: The goal was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of C. trachomatis among young women using self-collected vaginal swabs, and the preferences of women and physicians for self-testing. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 514 attendees of university/college health clinics, adolescent birth control clinics, centers providing health services to homeless youth and adults (street health centers), a sexually transmitted diseases clinic, and family practices were tested by ligase chain reaction. Preference for self- versus provider-testing was examined. RESULTS: Prevalence was 6.0% and was highest (18.2%) in the street health centers. In multivariate analysis, only recent contact with someone with C. trachomatis infection was significantly associated with infection (odds ratio, 7.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-20.0). Most women (54.2%; 256 of 472) preferred self-sampling compared with physician sampling (15.9%; 75 of 472). The majority of physicians (75.0%; 9 of 12) reported at the start and end of the study that they would use vaginal swab self-sampling if available. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of infection in young women attending homeless youth organizations was high. Self-sampling was acceptable and could facilitate screening in high-risk women who do not regularly access health services.     

Comparing the efficacy of three methods of permethrin application in pediculosis capitis: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Pediculosis capitis, also known as head lice, is a common problem that affects individuals of different socio-economic backgrounds. Permethrin is generally considered the first-line treatment option for head lice.

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of three different methods of permethrin treatment for head lice.

Method

A parallel, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 157 patients with head lice. The participants underwent eye examination and dry combing by a trained professional. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups and treated with one of the three methods of permethrin application: permethrin shampoo for 10 min, permethrin shampoo for 1 h, or permethrin cream for 10 min on a weekly basis for 3 weeks.

Results

Of the 157 participants, 154 completed the study. The group treated with permethrin shampoo for 1 h had the shortest average time for eradication of lice at 1.226 ± 0.422 weeks, which was significantly lower than the other two groups. Additionally, the 1-h permethrin shampoo group had the lowest time for scalp itching of 2.15 ± 0.632 weeks, which was significantly lower than the other two groups. Moreover, the rate of lice eradication in the first week was significantly higher in the 1-h permethrin shampoo group.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the use of 1% permethrin shampoo for 1 h is more effective in eradicating head lice within the first week of treatment and in relieving scalp itching during the second week.     

Prevalence of sunless tanning product use and related behaviors among adults in the United States: results from a national survey

Little is known about the use of sunless tanning products in the United States. This report describes the prevalence and correlates of sunless tanning use, comparing exclusive sunless tanners, exclusive indoor tanners, both sunless and indoor tanners, and non-tanners with respect to sociodemographic and sun protection behaviors.