580 research outputs found
Determinants of never having tested for HIV among MSM in the Netherlands
Peer reviewedPublisher PD
Gelijkstelling en schaling van luminantie-kontrasten van alfa-numerieke symbolen op monitoren
Gelijkstelling en schaling van luminantie-kontrasten van alfa-numerieke symbolen op monitoren
The Fading of the Mpox Outbreak Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Mathematical Modelling Study
BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, the number of mpox cases started declining before mpox vaccination was initiated. Most cases were men who have sex with men (MSM). We investigated whether the decline in mpox could be attributed to infection-induced immunity or behavioural adaptations. METHODS: We developed a transmission model and accounted for possible behavioural adaptations: less casual partners and shorter time until MSM with mpox refrain from sexual contacts. RESULTS: Without behavioural adaptations, the peak in modelled cases matched observations, but the decline was less steep than observed. With behavioural adaptations in the model, we found a decline of 16-18% in numbers of casual partners in June and 13-22% in July 2022. Model results showed a halving of the time before refraining from sex. When mpox vaccination started, 57% of MSM with very high sexual activity in the model had been infected. Model scenarios revealed that the outbreak could have waned by November 2022 even without vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The limited duration of the mpox outbreak in the Netherlands can be ascribed primarily to infection-induced immunity among MSM with high sexual activity levels. The decline was accelerated by behavioural adaptations. Immunity among those most sexually active is essential to impede mpox resurgence
Writing the risk of cancer: cancer risk in policy documents.
In this paper we examine how cancer risk is written in cancer policy documents from the English speaking OECD nations. We offer an audit of the multiple ways in which cancer risk is conceptualized and presented in health policy and professional contexts with the long term aim of comparing this with lay conceptualizations. Our study sampled cancer policy documents produced by six nations, the World Health Organisation and the International Union for Cancer Control since 2000 and analysed them iteratively through questions and codes. Whilst the documents contained a comprehensive range of concepts and locations for cancer risk, our analysis found two predominant representations: firstly, well established metaphors that depict cancer as uniformly dreadful and life threatening; and secondly, through a concentration on five behavioural risk factors (tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, inadequate nutrition, sun exposure and physical inactivity) and one bodily state (overweight). We discuss the implications of this dual focus and of other tensions within ideas about cancer risk that we identified for risk communication
Comparing databases: determinants of sexually transmitted infections, HIV diagnoses, and lack of HIV testing among men who have sex with men
Girls don't rock and boys don't bop: adolescent musical identity and gender stereotypes in popular music.
This study investigated what are considered to be gender appropriate musical behaviours from the perspective of adolescents, with a particular focus on listening behaviours and musical preferences. Gender stereotypes in popularised music and ways in which stereotypes are generated through popular media is also explored. Educational implications of gender delineated musical meaning in popular styles of music are considered in order to contribute to a growing body of research on the use of popular music in the classroom. Data were collected from three focus groups involving adolescents of varied ages from three different schools. Music educators from two of the participating schools also contributed to the study. Grounded theory was developed using open and axial coding of the collected data. Results indicated that gender stereotypes in music listened to by adolescents affect musical identity formation to varying degrees depending on susceptibility to social pressures. Gender delineated musical meaning in the classroom was found to have an impact on musical behaviours of students as a result of teacher attitudes and initiatives towards creating a gender balanced music classroom
Changing patterns of undiagnosed HIV infection in the Netherlands: Who benefits most from intensified HIV test and treat policies?
Objectives: To estimate HIV prevalence, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and the undiagnosed proportion in the Netherlands for 2012, and to compare these with published 2007 estimates. Design: Synthesis of all available data sources. Methods: Multi-Parameter Evidence Synthesis (MPES) was used to obtain estimates in mutually exclusive key populations at higher risk in three geographical regions (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, rest of the Netherlands). Data sources included HIV prevalence surveys, diagnoses at STI clinics, and registered cases in HIV care. Group specific estimates were reported as Bayesian posterior medians and 95% credible intervals (CrI). Results: The 2012 model estimated 24,350 PLWHA (95% CrI 20,420-31,280) aged 15-70 years; 2,906 (+14%) more than in 2007. The estimated population HIV prevalence was 0.20% (95% CrI 0.17-0.26%). The overall proportion of undiagnosed HIV was lower in 2012 (34%, 95% CrI 22-49%) compared to 2007 (40%, 95% CrI 25-55%). After MSM, migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean formed the largest groups of PLWHA, but proportions of undiagnosed HIV remained high in these groups, 48% and 44% respectively. Amsterdam had lowest proportions undiagnosed for most key populations at higher risk, including MSM and migrants. Conclusions: In 2012, the number of PLWHA was higher compared to 2007, while the proportion of undiagnosed HIV was lower, especially among MSM. Higher HIV testing rates, earlier treatment, and an improved life expectancy may explain these differences. HIV interventions need to be expanded in all key populations at higher risk, with special focus on migrants and key populationsliving outside of Amsterdam. Copyright
Dietary exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins from infancy until adulthood: A comparison between breast-feeding, toddler, and long-term exposure
Food is the major source for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and dioxin
accumulation in the human body. Therefore, investigating food habits from
early ages until reproductive age (25 years) is important in order to
assess exposure risk for the next generation. The objective of this study
was to assess the PCB/dioxin exposure and the relative contribution of
different foods to total exposure during preschool age. Particularly, the
importance of lactational PCB/dioxin exposure vs. dietary exposure until
adulthood was investigated. A cohort of 207 children was studied from
birth until preschool age. Based on 3 planar PCBs and 17
2,3,7,8-substituted dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs)
measured in breast milk, a model was developed to calculate the cumulative
toxic equivalent (TEQ) intake during breast-feeding (0-1 year). In 3.
5-year-old children, daily dietary intake of planar PCB-TEQ and dioxin-TEQ
was measured with a validated food questionnaire. Cumulative TEQ intake
from 1 to 5 years was estimated using the PCB- and dioxin-TEQ intake
measured with the food questionnaire. Cumulative TEQ intake from 6 to 25
years was estimated using national food consumption and contamination data
of PCB- and dioxin-TEQ intake. In toddlers, dairy products contributed 43%
to PCB-TEQ and 50% to dioxin-TEQ intake. Meat and meat products
contributed 14% and 19%, respectively, and processed foods 23% and 15%,
respectively. Breast-feeding for 6 months contributed to the cumulative
PCB/dioxin TEQ intake until 25 years of age, 12% in boys and 14% in girls.
The daily TEQ intake per kilogram body weight is 50 times higher in
breast-fed infants and three times higher in toddlers than in adults.
Long-term dietary exposure to PCBs and dioxins in men and women is partly
due to breast-feeding (12 and 14%, respectively). After weaning, dairy
products, processed foods, and meat are major contributors of PCB and
dioxin accumulation until reproductive age. Instead of discouraging
breast-feeding, maternal transfer of PCBs and dioxins to the next
generation must be avoided by enforcement of strict regulations for PCB
and dioxin discharge and by reducing consumption of animal products and
processed foods in all ages
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