Network articles from March 2003

Network archives from March 2003

HPV vaccine effective.(human papilloma virus)
March 22, 2003... An experimental vaccine is effective against a strain of the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV)--Type 16--that causes about half of all cases of cervical cancer, a recent U.S. study has found. Researchers predict that, if...

Network wins global media award.
March 22, 2003... Family Health International's quarterly publication, Network, has been named best population journal in the 2002 Global Media Awards for Excellence in Population Reporting. Sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-based Population Institute, the...

Advances in hormonal contraception: over time, methods have become safer, more acceptable, easier to use, and more diverse.
March 22, 2003... Researchers have been altering formulations and delivery systems for hormonal contraceptives--used by more than 100 million women worldwide (1)--to develop new versions that are safer, more acceptable, and easier to use. New products are now...

Norplant alternative to join method mix soon.(Brief Article)
March 22, 2003... Since Norplant was introduced in the 1980s, researchers have worked to simplify this very safe and effective contraceptive implant comprised of six 3-cm levonorgestrel-releasing capsules. (1) They succeeded by developing in the 1990s what is...

Why women miss pills: research identifies reasons and suggests how to improve consistency of use.
March 22, 2003... When used correctly and consistently, oral contraceptives (OCs) are among the most effective reversible methods of contraception. But reported pregnancy rates during the first year of OC use are as high as 32 percent. (1) Because a major...

`Quick start' of pills promising.
March 22, 2003... Starting oral contraceptives (OCs) while being supervised by a health care provider during the first clinic visit, regardless of the time in a woman's menstrual cycle--an initiation method called Quick Start--may improve OC continuation rates...

Daily pill-taking routine important.(Brief Article)
March 22, 2003... In various developed countries, lack of a daily pill-taking routine and lack of client knowledge about correct oral contraceptive (OC) use contribute to nonadherence to pill-taking regimens, research has shown. The findings suggest that...

CBD of injectibles: studies, pilot programs evaluate effectiveness, safety of approach.(community-based distribution)
March 22, 2003... Training health workers and volunteers to provide injectable contraceptives in their communities can improve access to this popular, highly effective method and attract new contraceptive users. (1) While community-based distribution (CBD) of...

Single-use injectable devices address barriers, concerns.(Brief Article)
March 22, 2003... The ongoing development of various single-use injection devices may make injectable contraceptive provision safer. One such device is called SoloShot FX. Since September 2002, it has been packaged with all U.S. Agency for International...

Perceived `wetness' can affect injectable acceptability.
March 22, 2003... A perception that progestin-only injectable use can increase vaginal wetness has been identified in two recent studies conducted in South Africa. (1) In the two studies of side effects and reasons for discontinuation given by progestin-only...

COC use and migraines. (Clinical Challenges).(combined oral contraception)
March 22, 2003... A 28-year-old mother of two who often suffers from headaches has traveled two hours to reach the family planning clinic. She wants a contraceptive method that will help her delay the birth of another child and is considering combined oral...

DMPA use by adolescents. (Clinical Challenges).(depot-medroxyprogesterone)
March 22, 2003... A 17-year-old, sexually active student wants a contraceptive that is discreet and convenient. After counseling, she chooses the progestin-only injectable depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). The method appeals to her because it is highly...

Management for missed COCs. (Clinical Challenges).(combined oral contraceptives)
March 22, 2003... An unmarried, 24-year-old woman comes to the family planning clinic for advice. She had been using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) regularly. But three days ago, she traveled out of town to see her sister and forgot to take her COCs with...

Hormonals and hypertension. (Clinical Challenges).
March 22, 2003... A 34-year-old woman who delivered her second baby nine weeks ago comes to the family planning clinic wishing to delay the birth of a third child. She experienced severe preeclampsia during her pregnancy, and her blood pressure now is 165/115 mm...

COCs and acne. (Clinical Challenges).(combined oral contraceptives)
March 22, 2003... An 18-year-old client seeks contraception at a family planning clinic. After family planning counseling, she opts for combined oral contraceptives (COCs), primarily for their convenience. The client, you notice, has marked facial acne. She...

Hormonal contraception and STIs: researchers continue to investigate a possible relationship.(sexually transmitted infections)
March 22, 2003... The possible impact of hormonal contraceptive use on the acquisition or transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, remains an important research question. However, current knowledge of a potential relationship is...

Enhancing pharmacy ECP provision to youth. (Youthlens).(emergency contraceptive pills)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2003... As emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are being incorporated into family planning programs and dedicated products are being registered in more countries, the word is spreading among youth that ECPs are available to help prevent pregnancy...

Resources.
March 22, 2003... HESPERIAN FOUNDATION MATERIALS Four health care resources for providers are available from the Hesperian Foundation: * HIV, Health and 13ur Community: A Guide for Action, a 256-page illustrated guide for community health care workers...