18 research outputs found

    A Simulation Study of the Conditional Gaussian Diffusion Process Model of Survival Analysis

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    The recently developed conditional Gaussian diffusion process model is a powerful tool of survival analysis. Its generality not only encompasses the survival models to date but also brings into focus the influence of unobserved variables related to "death" of individuals. Further, that the model makes feasible a unique estimation of the parameters of the underlying unobserved or partially observed process is shown in this paper through a set of simulated data on death times and an unobserved variable. Possibilities of extensive use of the model to areas other than mortality are pointed out

    Factors influencing condom use among women in Ghana: an HIV/AIDS perspective

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    Although in Ghana information on HIV infection and prevention, both in terms of quality and quantity, has increased considerably within the past few years, available literature indicates that behaviour change is yet to correspond with the amount of information and education provided. The objective of this study is to examine factors that influence condom use among women in Ghana in the context of HIV/AIDS prevalence. Data for this study are from the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS) and the study population (N=5 691) was analysed using logistic regression with the Health Belief Model (HBM) as an explanatory tool. The outcome variable for this study is condom use during last sexual intercourse. The HBM identifies perception of HIV/AIDS risks, awareness of its seriousness, knowledge about prevention, and confidence in condom use as predictors of safe sexual activity. Results show that the proportion of women reporting use of condoms remains tremendously low, in both the rural and urban areas. In the urban areas, only 15% of women reported having sex with condom during their last intercourse, whereas in the rural areas the proportion is even lower (10%). However, multivariate analyses based on the HBM components show that speaking with a partner about how to avoid AIDS (Odds Ratio = 1.63) and perceived benefits of using condoms (Odds Ratio = 1.54) are notable factors that predict condom use. Overall, the study points out that with the exception of perceived severity, the HBM can be applied to understand condom use among the study population. It will be important to emphasise all components of the HBM and empower women with condom negotiation skills.Keywords: Health Belief Model (HBM), HIV/AIDS, condom use, Ghana.Au Ghana, bien que lÂŽinformation sur la prĂ©vention et lÂŽinfection VIH est considĂ©rablement augmentĂ©e au cours des derniĂšres annĂ©es, aussi bien en qualitĂ© qu’en quantitĂ©, les publications rĂ©centes indiquent que les changements de comportement ne sont pas encore liĂ©s Ă  la quantitĂ© d’information et Ă  l’éducation dispensĂ©e. L’objectif de cette Ă©tude est d’examiner les facteurs qui influencent l’utilisation du prĂ©servatif chez les femmes au Ghana, dans le cadre de la prĂ©valence du VIH/SIDA. Les donnĂ©es de cette Ă©tude provenant de l’enquĂȘte sur la dĂ©mographie et la santĂ© de 2003 et du recensement de la population (N=5 691) ont Ă©tĂ© analysĂ©es en utilisant la mĂ©thode de rĂ©gression logistiques avec le ‘Health Belief’ ModĂšle (HBM) comme outil d’explication. La finalitĂ© de cette Ă©tude est de connaĂźtre le niveau d’utilisation du prĂ©servatif durant les derniers rapports sexuels. La mĂ©thode HBM dĂ©termine le niveau de perception du risque VIH/SIDA et la conscience de sa gravitĂ©, connaissance des mesures de prĂ©vention et confiance envers le prĂ©servatif comme outil de protection de l’activitĂ© sexuelle. Les rĂ©sultats montrent que la proportion de femmes qui dit utiliser le prĂ©servatif demeure extrĂȘmement faible, aussi bien au niveau rural qu’urbain. Dans les zones urbaines, seulement 15% des femmes disent avoir utilisĂ© le prĂ©servatif durant le dernier rapport. Aussi, en milieu rural cette proportion est encore plus faible (10%). Quoi qu’il en soit, les multiples analyses basĂ©es sur la mĂ©thode HBM montrent que parler avec son partenaire sur comment Ă©viter le SIDA (Odds Ratio = 1.63) et des avantages perçus de l’utilisation du prĂ©servatif (Odds Ratio = 1.54) sont les facteurs clĂ©s qui poussent Ă  l’utilisation du prĂ©servatif. En gĂ©nĂ©ral, l’étude rĂ©vĂšle qu’en dehors de sa perception de sĂ©vĂ©ritĂ©, le HBM peut ĂȘtre utilisĂ© pour comprendre l’utilisation du prĂ©servatif au sein d’une population. Il est important de souligner tous les aspects de la mĂ©thode HBM et en particulier le pouvoir des femmes dans la nĂ©gociation pour l’utilisation du prĂ©servatif
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