A Case of Problematic Diffusion

Sex determination techniques have diffused rapidly in India, and are being used to detect female fetuses and subsequently to abort them. This technology has spread rapidly because it imparts knowledge that is of great value within the Indian context, and because it fits in neatly with the modernization dynamic within India, which itself has enmeshed with traditional patriarchal institutions to oppress Indian women. More research needs to be done on ways to stem the adoption of problematic innovations.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68396/2/10.1177_107554709401500301.pd

Is there epidemiology in Russia?

OBJECTIVE—To examine the current state of epidemiology in Russia.
DESIGN—The structure of clinical research and statistical methods was used to shed light on the epidemiology in Russia. The frequencies of specific study designs were evaluated using Medline data for 1970-1997. To determine the proportion of advanced design clinical studies the frequency of cohort, prospective, follow up, or longitudinal studies, and controlled trials was evaluated. All diagnosis related studies were found to determine the usage of advanced statistical technique (ROC analysis). The adequacy of Medline information was checked by hand search of journals. All dissertations in epidemiology defended in Russia in 1995 and 1996 were evaluated for their methodology. The curriculum recommended by Ministry of Health to Medical Universities was evaluated. Available literature and library indexing of epidemiological terms examined.
MAIN RESULTS—Russian medical research uses less frequently advanced study designs and methods of data analysis. Medical students are taught epidemiology as a science of spread of infectious diseases. There is no department of epidemiology in Russian universities where epidemiology is taught in the modern sense and no epidemiological and biostatistical periodicals available in Russia.
CONCLUSION—Epidemiology in Russia remains in an archaic state of science of the spread of infectious diseases and it is detrimental to methodology of medical research in Russia.


Keywords: Soviet Union; Russia; study design; comparative studie