Epidemiology and Clinical Outcome of Patients Hospitalized With Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Complicated by Tubo-Ovarian Abscess

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcome and characteristics of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) complicated by tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) with PID without TOA

The role of the family in attributing meaning to living with HIV and its stigma in Turkey

Stigma attached to HIV/AIDS remains a global problem, with severe negative consequences for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Family support is fundamental for PLHIV’s psychological and physical well-being. HIV-related stigma is high in Turkey, where HIV/AIDS prevalence is low and the epidemic is not considered a priority. Based on qualitative data generated with HIV-positive women and men, this article explores the process of stigmatization, as experienced and perceived by PLHIV in Turkey, focusing on the institution of the family. Results indicated that enacted stigma from family members is lower than anticipated. While most participants’ narratives showed patterns of support rather than rejection from families, the strong expectations around the cultural value attributed to “the family” are found to be the main facilitators of internalized stigma. The article critically discusses the meaning and implications of family support, addressing the role of patriarchal values attributed to womanhood, manhood, and sexuality in Turkey

Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Infection Among Sexually Transmitted Disease-Infected, Inner City Obstetric Patients

Objective: To test the hypothesis that our inner city obstetric patients who have been infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) will have a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection than the general population and to identify specific risk factors and high-risk groups. Methods: All patients in our prenatal clinic (July 1997–April 1999) who tested positive for one or more STDs were asked to return for hepatitis C antibody testing. Medical charts of all patients who returned for hepatitis C testing were reviewed. Results: A total of 106 patients with STDs were tested for hepatitis C. Positive screening tests for anti-hepatitis C antibody were found in 6.6% (7/106) of the patients (95% CI = 2.7–13.1%). This frequency is significantly higher than the hepatitis C prevalence (1.8%) in the general United States population (p = 0.006). Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed only older age (p = 0.016) and positive HIV status (p = 0.023) to be significant predictors of hepatitis C infection. Conclusions: Inner city STD-infected obstetric patients are at high risk for hepatitis C infection compared with the general population. Increasing age and HIV-positive status are risk factors which are significantly associated with hepatitis C infection

A scoping review and thematic analysis of social and behavioural research among HIV-serodiscordant couples in high-income settings.

CAPRISA, 2015.Abstract available in pdf

Making Decisions About Sexual Intercourse: Capturing College Students\u27 Policies

Policy capturing was used to assess the cues that affect college students\u27 decisions about whether to engage in sexual intercourse. Participants read a series of scenarios describing a potential sexual encounter between the participant and a hypothetical date. For each scenario, participants judged the frequency with which they would engage in intercourse in that situation. The scenes varied the levels of five independent variables: the duration of relationship, knowledge of the date\u27s sexual history, whether the couple had been drinking, whether intercourse was anticipated, and condom availability. The results show that intentions to engage in sexual intercourse are shaped by identifiable cues. Almost all participants indicated that condom availability was a major factor. For some, relationship duration and information about previous partners also influenced judgments. Differences in policies for men and women were evident. The findings are considered in the context of potential AIDS prevention strategies