USE OF HERBAL THERAPIES AMONG MIDLIFE MEXICAN WOMEN

The cultural traditions of Mexican women living in the United States make it likely that some women promote their health and manage their symptoms using various herbal therapies, yet we know little about this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare midlife Mexican women living in the U.S. who were or were not using herbal therapies with regard to the extent of their acculturation, beliefs about herbs, and factors associated with their utilization of health services. A convenience sample of 30 Mexican women between the ages of 40 and 56 years completed face-to-face interviews in either English or Spanish. Nearly half reported using herbal therapies. With the exception of positive beliefs about herbs, we found few differences between herbal users and nonusers on acculturation or access to, and satisfaction with, health services. Although acculturation did not appear to influence whether the women used herbal therapies, it did relate to the types of herbs selected. Women most commonly reported using herbs popular in traditional Mexican culture, including manzanilla (chamomile), savila (aloe vera), ajo (garlic), uña de gato (cat's claw), and yerba buena (spearmint).     

河源地区妇女宫颈感染人乳头瘤病毒调查分析

目的调查分析广东河源地区妇女宫颈感染HPV基因型别的分布情况,为预防HPV感染和宫颈癌防治提供实验诊断依据。方法采用基因芯片技术对1 037例妇女的宫颈脱落细胞标本行21种HPV基因型别检测,并对227例阳性患者中的163例进行病理活检。结果 1 037例受检妇女中感染HPV 227例,感染率为21.89%,检出20种基因型,共314项,高危型269项,占85.67%;低危型45例,占14.33%,未检出基因亚型为42。高危型感染率排在前五位的依次是HPV52(18.47%)、HPV16(11.78%)、HPV58(11.15%)、HPV53(7.32%)、HPV18(5.1%);低危型以HPV11、HPVCP8304与HPV6多见。单一感染171例,占75.33%,双重感染34例,占14.98%,多重感染22例,占9.69%。HPV感染率最高在30³9岁年龄组,阳性率为26.56%。163人进行病理活检,137人有宫颈组织病变,病变率达到84%。结论河源地区妇女HPV总感染率较高,HPV基因分型检测对宫颈癌的预防、早发现和早诊疗具有重要临床意义。     

BALANCING MULTIPLE ROLES AMONG A GROUP OF URBAN MIDLIFE AMERICAN INDIAN WORKING WOMEN

Presented are the results of a secondary analysis of group data from a study of a six-week role conflict reduction intervention among a group of urban American Indian women (n =8). The specific aim of this researcher was to understand the process of balancing multiple roles as expressed in the participants' daily lived experiences as mothers, wives, and workers. A construction of the process of balancing multiple roles was accomplished through the use of narratives. Balancing multiple roles represented a major current attempt on the part of the participants to integrate and balance traditional and contemporary feminine strengths in a positive, culturally consistent manner. The study themes included: traditional sex role expectation conflicts, family guilt, guilt management, transitioning inner conflict and stress, breaking the silence?learning to say no, and healing the spirit to reclaim the self. Further support for retraditionalization of roles for this group of Indian women was maintained as an effective means of balancing roles and achieving Indian self-determination.     

A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF BONE DENSITY IN MIDLIFE WOMEN

A longitudinal study of 386 healthy Black and White women aged 35-60 years was conducted to determine the effects of physical activity and other related factors on lumbar bone mineral density over 24 months. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, L2-L4, was measured using dual energy x-ray (Hologic 1000). Physical activity levels in three dimensions (leisure, household, and occupational) from both a lifelong and current perspective were obtained by questionnaire. Body mass index was calculated from measured weight in kilograms divided by measured height in meters squared. Calcium, caffeine, and alcohol intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Age, race, and smoking were determined by self-report. Radioimmunoassays of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol were used to validate self-reports of menopausal status. Multiple regression analysis revealed that race, age, weight, FSH, calcium, and years of tobacco intake formed the best model at baseline ( r 2 = 0.32) and at 24 months ( r 2 = 0.303). Physical activity was not a significant predictor for bone mineral density at either time point. There were cross-sectional changes of bone mineral density with race, age, and menopausal status. Black women had significantly higher bone mineral density than White women. However, an age-related decline in bone mineral density was exhibited in both Black and White women. Perimenopausal women had significantly lower bone mineral density as compared with premenopausal women. Furthermore 37 (9.6%) women at baseline and 34 (11%) at 24 months were designated at risk for fracture.     

孕产妇艾滋病知识、态度和感染情况调查

[目的]了解孕产妇对艾滋病传播和预防知识知晓率水平、对感染人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)感染者的态度、高危行为以及艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染状况,为制订本地区母婴阻断艾滋病干预措施提供科学依据。[方法]采用现况调查方式了解辖区内孕产妇对艾滋病知识掌握情况、所持态度及其吸毒、有偿供血、外出打工、性病感染情况等高危行为和干预措施进行分析,并采集静脉血进行HIV抗体检测。[结果]在本次监测的454名孕产妇中,孕产妇HIV感染率为0.22%;对传播途径等8个核心指标知晓率为47.58%;64.1%不愿意与HIV感染者交往;0.44%丈夫有吸毒史;30.40%丈夫去外地打工或经商;17.10%接受过安全套发放服务;84.36%艾滋病知识信息来源于电视。[结论]该地区孕产妇HIV感染率高于本地区全人群感染率,艾滋病知识知晓率低,对HIV感染者存在恐惧和歧视,安全套发放、知识宣传这些干预工作开展力度和普及面尚不能满足目前艾滋病防治工作的需要。应充分关注本地区孕产妇的艾滋病预防工作,并采取更为有效的艾滋病健康促进干预措施。建议开展产前门诊常规HIV检测,提高孕妇HIV自愿咨询检测率。     

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN IN CANADA: THE ROLE OF EDUCATION AND ACCULTURATION

Cervical cancer screening by Papanicolaou (Pap) smear lowers the incidence and provides early detection of cervical cancer and is a preventative health care measure that should be available on a regular basis to all women at risk. As the population of ethnic women increases, it is important to assess whether these women are aware of and are utilizing this health service. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 124 South Asian women, aged 18 to 60 years. Sixty-two South Asian students were selected from a university setting and 62 Tamil women were selected from a community center for South Asian women. This study examined the knowledge and use of Pap smears in South Asian women in Canada, and whether their level of acculturation or formal education influenced whether they know about and receive Pap smears. Low level of knowledge about the Pap test and a low prevalence of Pap testing behaviour was significantly correlated ( p < 0.001) with a low level of formal education, education taking place outside of Canada, and a low index of acculturation. South Asian students were significantly more acculturated than Tamil women ( p < 0.001). In conclusion, there was a low level of knowledge and prevalence of cervical cancer screening among South Asian women. This study highlights the need for educational interventions in Canada directed to ethnic women especially from South Asia.     

DEPRESSION DURING EARLY RECOVERY FROM HEART SURGERY AMONG EARLY MIDDLE-AGE,MIDLIFE, AND ELDERLY WOMEN

Theories and studies about the psychological processes of midlife propose a transition that may result in a more integrated personality structure throughout the second half of life. This more integrated structure includes concepts such as generativity, self-assertion, and independence. However, this structure, especially in early middle-age, can be affected by a life-threatening health disruption such as heart disease. One hundred and fifty-five women participated in a cross-sectional survey designed to investigate depression in early middle age, midlife, and elderly women who had undergone heart surgery. Women aged 40–55 years composed the early middle-age group, women aged 56–65 years composed the midlife age group, and women aged 66+ years were identified as the elderly age group. Affective components of depression were measured by asking participants to respond to three items regarding frequency of sadness, depression, and “the blues.” Affective depression scores were summed and a mean score derived. Mean scores significantly differed by age group (F [2, 152] = 3.05, p =. 05). Older women in the study fared better than their younger counterparts in terms of depression scores after a major cardiac health disruption. Post hoc comparisons indicated that mean scores for the early middle-age participants were significantly higher than for the midlife and older participants. Depression in the context of a cardiac health disruption appears to be linked to the developmental stage of a woman’s life trajectory on which it is superimposed.     

宁德市农村外籍嫁人妇女HIV/AIDS感染情况流行病学调查

[目的]了解宁德市农村外籍嫁入妇女HIV/AIDS的感染情况,为制定艾滋病防治措施提供科学依据.[方法]对宁德市2007年以来农村外籍嫁入妇女HIV/AIDS感染情况进行流行病学调查分析.[结果]宁德市2007年以来农村外籍嫁入妇女HIV/AIDS感染者52例,占我市艾滋病感染者和病人总数的28.4%,这些外来妇女原籍均为缅甸,主要分布在宁德市蕉城区和霞浦县.[结论]宁德市农村外来妇女HIV/MDS感染人数逐年增加,且大部分来自艾滋病流行相对严重的国家,应加强对该人群的HIV/AIDS监测和行为干预,建立政府领导与多部门参与艾滋病防控体系.是遏制艾滋病的重要举措.     

天津市男同性恋人群高危性行为与性病网络调查

[目的]通过网络调查了解天津市男同性恋人群性传播疾病流行状况,探讨其与高危性行为的关系。[方法]对天津市某同性恋网站招募的480名同性恋者进行网上问卷调查,并为其提供免费HIV、梅毒检测。[结果]被调查者中99人曾患性病,性病组与非性病组相比更多见：多性伴、肛交、口交、卖淫、使用安全套等情况。经逐步Logistic回归分析显示：6个月内不同男性伴数、肛交、卖淫、与固定性伴性交时使用安全套为男同性恋者患性病的危险因素。62人参与免费检测,HIV阳性率4.8%,梅毒阳性率为16.1%。[结论]天津市男同性恋人群中普遍存在高危性行为,已具备性病流行环境。在干预中应针对高危性行为进行控制,倡导健康性行为,加强减少性伴和正确认识安全套防病作用的教育。     

IMPROVING NUTRITION AMONG ASIAN CHILDREN IN BRITAIN

Vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency and growth failure are common among Asian children in Britain partly due to religious laws restricting animal products, excessive reliance on cow's milk and starchy foods and ignorance of nutritionally-sound alternatives. Fortification of chapati flour with vitamin D and modifications of traditional Asian vegetables and oils are advocated.     

孕产妇艾滋病知识、态度和感染情况调查

[目的]了解孕产妇对艾滋病传播和预防知识知晓率水平、对感染人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)感染者的态度、高危行为以及艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染状况,为制订本地区母婴阻断艾滋病干预措施提供科学依据。[方法]采用现况调查方式了解辖区内孕产妇对艾滋病知识掌握情况、所持态度及其吸毒、有偿供血、外出打工、性病感染情况等高危行为和干预措施进行分析,并采集静脉血进行HIV抗体检测。[结果]在本次监测的454名孕产妇中,孕产妇HIV感染率为0.22%;对传播途径等8个核心指标知晓率为47.58%;64.1%不愿意与HIV感染者交往;0.44%丈夫有吸毒史;30.40%丈夫去外地打工或经商;17.10%接受过安全套发放服务;84.36%艾滋病知识信息来源于电视。[结论]该地区孕产妇HIV感染率高于本地区全人群感染率,艾滋病知识知晓率低,对HIV感染者存在恐惧和歧视,安全套发放、知识宣传这些干预工作开展力度和普及面尚不能满足目前艾滋病防治工作的需要。应充分关注本地区孕产妇的艾滋病预防工作,并采取更为有效的艾滋病健康促进干预措施。建议开展产前门诊常规HIV检测,提高孕妇HIV自愿咨询检测率。     

IRON DEFICIENCY IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTOR TO ANEMIA AMONG REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN IN LEBANON

The objective of this study was to gain knowledge about anemia is it relates to program planning. No recent data exist on anemia [hemoglobin (Hb)<120g/L, plasma ferritin (PF) normal], Fe deficiency (ID) [PF<15microg/L, Hb normal], or Fe deficiency anemia [Hb<120g/L, PF<15microg/L] in Lebanese women. A national survey of 540 nonpregnant women aged 15–49 years was conducted to find the prevalence and determinants of anemia and ID in Lebanon. Sociodemographic, health, and dietary data were collected. Hb and ferritin were assessed. Thirty-three percent of the subjects had ID and 13.5 per cent had Fe deficiency anemia. Eight percent were anemic (Hb<120g/L) with PF values>15microg/L. Women consuming<67 per cent of the RDA of hematinic nutrients had lower Hb and Fe levels. Strategies to improve Fe and anemia status are discussed.     

某部官兵心理健康状况调查

目的 :了解部队官兵心理健康状况 ,为探讨预防官兵心理不良的有效对策提供依据。方法 :运用军人心理症状问卷 (SCL— 90 )并采取集中答卷方式 ,对西北地区某部 1986名官兵心理健康状况及心理不良发生率进行了调查。结果 :心理不良发生率为 31.6 % ,其中士兵发生率 37.6 % ,士官发生率 2 5 .0 % ,军官发生率为 16 .9%。步兵分队发生率 (36 .1% )明显高于技术分队 (2 1.0 % ) ,两组比较差异非常显著 (P <0 .0 1)。发生率与入伍时间、所处环境、从事职业等关系密切。SCL - 90因子总分士兵最高 (136 .4 2± 36 .70 ) ,士官其次 (12 1± 5 .0 2 ) ,军官最低(10 9.4 5± 2 2 .0 8) ;阳性项目数也是士兵高于士官与军官。与全国青年常模比较 ,士兵的躯体化、忧郁、焦虑和精神病性等因子分值偏高 ,士官的躯体化、忧郁、人际关系等因子分值偏高 ,军官的躯体化、人际关系 ,偏执等因子分值偏高。结论 :某部官兵心理不良发生率较高 ,应加强心理卫生知识的宣传、教育 ,做好心理咨询和心理保健 ,减少心理不良的发生 ,提高官兵心理素质     

PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN PERIMENOPAUSAL AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: AN INTERNET PILOT STUDY

Women experience somatic, mood, energy, and libido changes during menopause. Testosterone replacement therapy is being prescribed in conjunction with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for these symptoms. Little is known about women’s perceptions of the benefits and risks of testosterone, so an Internet survey was conducted to elicit women’s perceptions of the effects on mood, energy, sexuality, and somatic symptoms. A sample of 61 women primarily from the United States and Canada participated in the survey; one woman from Germany and one from Sweden also took part in the survey. Participants reported significantly improved sexuality and improved mood and vigor, with a decline in fatigue. Of the 7 somatic complaints assessed, improvements were noted in 5 (sleep disturbances, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and appetite). A prospective clinical trial is needed to confirm these results.     

成都市青少年吸烟现况调查

目的：了解成都市青少年目前的吸烟现状，制订相应的干预策略。方法：在成都市随机抽取了7所中学的14个班级和2所大学的某些系学生参与问卷调查。结果：本次共调查学生1029人，在中学生中32．9％的被调查者承认曾经尝试吸烟，其中职高学生无论是男性和女性吸烟率均高于同年龄段的高中学生，大学66.6％的被调查者承认曾经尝试吸烟；中学生的平均开始吸烟年龄（中位数）为13．25岁，其中男性13.35岁，女性12.9岁。大学生的平均吸烟年龄（中位数）为13.63岁，其中男性13.28岁，女性15．83岁。结论：成都市青少年吸烟在全国处于较高水平，平均开始吸烟年龄也较低，表明成都市应更加关注青少年控烟工作，采取相应的干预控制，加强健康教育，让青少年树立正确的健康观念。     

川北高山地区妇女生殖健康现况调查

[目的]了解川北高山地区妇女生殖健康现状及宫颈糜烂的患病情况,提出预防措施。[方法]对四川省北部广元高山地区妇女886人采用整群抽样的方法进行普查,采用频数分析进行数据处理。[结果]调查妇女的平均年龄为(41.91±9.827)岁,文盲或半文盲状态的妇女占53.1%,初潮年龄大于14岁的妇女占43.9%,45~55岁绝经的妇女占67.1%,20岁之前有性生活的妇女占46.9%,有多个性伴侣的妇女占13.1%,20岁之前结婚和生育的妇女分别占17.9%和25.6%,2年之内再次生育的妇女占30.4%,生产2次及以上的占47.2%,自述白带异常的妇女占47.3%,妇女和丈夫同房前后偶尔清洗外生殖器的分别占30.9%和36.0%,慢性宫颈炎的患病率为90.0%,其中宫颈糜烂的患病率为43.6%。[结论]川北高山地区妇女的生殖健康现况令人堪忧,应针对重点人群进行综合干预,加强妇女卫生保健,定期开展妇女常见病的普查及普治工作。     

REINFIBULATION AMONG WOMEN IN A RURAL AREA IN CENTRAL SUDAN

Reinfibulation is performed on women previously subjected to infibulation and who have given birth. To investigate the practice and attitudes concerning reinfibulation, we randomly selected for interviews 60 young women and grandmothers in a rural village in central Sudan. Reinfibulation was widely practised in this area. The main motive for performing reinfibulation was to satisfy the husband sexually. The young women saw themselves as passive in the decision process, claiming that the midwife and female relatives were behind the decision. Men were not involved in decisions to perform reinfibulation but seemed to play a supportive role when decisions were made not to perform it. Some young women had decided to break the pattern and not be reinfibulated. Through the interviews, we found that the practice carries the risk of several serious complications, which demonstrates that reinfibulation is an important health issue.