CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders—An Australian Clinical Practice Statement from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

The CD30-postive lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphomatoid papulosis and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, account for up to 30% of all cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) and are the second most common form of CTCLs after mycosis fungoides. Both conditions differ in their clinical presentations; however, they share the expression of the CD30 antigen as a common immunophenotypic hallmark. There is a wide spectrum of management options depending on factors such as extent of disease, staging and treatment tolerability. This Clinical Practice Statement is reflective of the current clinical practice in Australia.     

Associations between age of menarche,early sexual debut and high-risk sexual behaviour among urban Tanzanian schoolgirls: A cross-sectional study

Objectives

This cross-sectional survey aimed to explore associations between age of menarche, early sexual debut and high-risk sexual behaviour among urban Tanzanian schoolgirls.

Methods

Secondary schoolgirls aged 17–18 years from Mwanza, Tanzania, participated in structured face-to-face questionnaire-based interviews, conducted by nurses and clinicians. Age of menarche was evaluated in categories of 11–12, 13–14, 15–16 or ≥17 years. Primary outcome measures were self-reported early sexual debut (first vaginal sex at <16 years) and high-risk sexual behaviour, including non-use of condoms, having sex for gifts/money, having older sexual partners and/or other risky behaviours.

Results

Of 401 girls enrolled, 174 (43.4%) reported prior vaginal sex. Prevalence of early sexual debut was 14.2% but pressured/forced sex and risky sexual behaviours were common. Adjusted for potential confounding, younger age at menarche was associated with early sexual debut (adjusted odds ratio for linear trend: 1.88 per category, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–2.92, p = 0.005). This association remained after excluding girls with first sex at <8 years or experiencing pressure or force at first sex. Further, adjusted for potential confounding (including ever experiencing forced sex), early sexual debut was associated with high-risk sexual behaviour (adjusted odds ratio: 2.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.38–5.88, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Among urban Tanzanian school girls, younger age of menarche was associated with early sexual debut, and early sexual debut was associated with high-risk sexual behaviour. Researchers and public health professionals developing and delivering interventions aimed at preventing adverse sexual health outcomes should consider the impact of these early biological and sexual exposures.