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Full-Text Articles in Health Policy

Understanding Youth Sexual And Reproductive Health-Seeking Behaviors In Ethiopia: Implications For Youth-Friendly Service Programming, The Evidence Project Jan 2015

Understanding Youth Sexual And Reproductive Health-Seeking Behaviors In Ethiopia: Implications For Youth-Friendly Service Programming, The Evidence Project

Reproductive Health

In Ethiopia, significant attention has been given to improving youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including the establishment of youth-friendly services (YFS). Yet high rates of child marriage, unmet need for family planning, and adolescent childbearing persist, particularly in rural areas where over 84 percent of the population lives. Reaching rural youth with timely SRH information and services that are relevant to their varying ages and life stages remains a challenge. The Evidence Project is examining the coverage and reach of public and NGO-supported youth SRH services in several rural regions of Ethiopia. As this activity brief notes, the …


Reference Guides For Health Care Organizations Seeking Accreditation For High-Quality, Gender-Sensitive Reproductive Health Services, Patricia Riveros, Erica Palenque, Ricardo Vernon, Ignacio Carreno, John H. Bratt Jan 2009

Reference Guides For Health Care Organizations Seeking Accreditation For High-Quality, Gender-Sensitive Reproductive Health Services, Patricia Riveros, Erica Palenque, Ricardo Vernon, Ignacio Carreno, John H. Bratt

Reproductive Health

Bolivia’s Integral Health Coordination Program (PROCOSI), a network of 33 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) providing reproductive health care, has long promoted gender sensitivity as a necessary component of high-quality health care. PROCOSI encourages member NGOs to address gender-based differences in roles, relationships, access to services, and service needs in their reproductive health programs. The Reference Guides in this publication provide guidance to help health-care organizations and NGOs implement high-quality, gender-sensitive standards to achieve certification for their member clinics and administrative centers. The procedures and standards included here are based on the process developed by PROCOSI, but the approach and standards can …


Kenya's Fertility Transition: Trends, Determinants And Implications For Policy And Programmes, Ian Askew, Alex C. Ezeh, John Bongaarts, John Townsend Jan 2009

Kenya's Fertility Transition: Trends, Determinants And Implications For Policy And Programmes, Ian Askew, Alex C. Ezeh, John Bongaarts, John Townsend

Reproductive Health

In Africa, fertility rates in the 1990s declined less rapidly than had been projected, and in a few cases the fertility transition appears to have stalled. This development has serious implications for future population growth because projected population size is sensitive to minor variations in current fertility trends. The 16 countries with three DHS surveys in sub-Saharan Africa can be divided into three subgroups: stalled transitions, insignificant declines, and significant declines. Half of the 16 countries experienced a stall, and an additional two experienced insignificant declines. The Population Council prepared a series of demographic and policy analyses that drew from …


Reference Guides For Health Care Organizations Seeking Accreditation For High-Quality, Gender-Sensitive Reproductive Health Services—Appendixes, Patricia Riveros, Erica Palenque, Ricardo Vernon, Ignacio Carreno, John H. Bratt Jan 2009

Reference Guides For Health Care Organizations Seeking Accreditation For High-Quality, Gender-Sensitive Reproductive Health Services—Appendixes, Patricia Riveros, Erica Palenque, Ricardo Vernon, Ignacio Carreno, John H. Bratt

Reproductive Health

Bolivia’s Integral Health Coordination Program (PROCOSI), a network of 33 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) providing reproductive health care, has long promoted gender sensitivity as a necessary component of high-quality health care. PROCOSI encourages member NGOs to address gender-based differences in roles, relationships, access to services, and service needs in their reproductive health programs. Included in this document are the Appendixes to “The Reference Guides for Health Care Organizations Seeking Accreditation for High-Quality, Gender-Sensitive Reproductive Health Services,” which provide guidance to help health-care organizations and NGOs implement high-quality, gender-sensitive standards to achieve certification for their member clinics and administrative centers. The procedures …


Assessment Of Risk Factors For Hiv Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In The Metropolitan Area Of Campinas City, Brazil, Using Respondent-Driven Sampling, Maeve De Mello, Adriana De Araujo Pinho, Magda Chinaglia, Waimar Tun, Aristides Barbosa Junior, Maria Cristina, F.J. Ilario, Paulo Reis, Regina C.S. Salles, Suzanne Westman, Juan Diaz Jan 2008

Assessment Of Risk Factors For Hiv Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In The Metropolitan Area Of Campinas City, Brazil, Using Respondent-Driven Sampling, Maeve De Mello, Adriana De Araujo Pinho, Magda Chinaglia, Waimar Tun, Aristides Barbosa Junior, Maria Cristina, F.J. Ilario, Paulo Reis, Regina C.S. Salles, Suzanne Westman, Juan Diaz

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council, in collaboration with the Brazil Ministry of Health, the Municipal Program of STD/AIDS of Campinas, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Global AIDS Program/Brazil, conducted a study to characterize the sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental factors associated with subgroups of MSM who are most at risk for HIV infection. This research is the first Brazilian study to provide population-based estimates for HIV, syphilis, and HIV-related risk behaviors using an innovative sampling technique to reach members of the target population. Our data suggest the importance for HIV prevention programs to address not only sexual risk reduction, but …


Assessment Of Risk Factors For Hiv Infection In Female Sex Workers And Men Who Have Sex With Men In Ciudad Del Este, Paraguay, Magda Chinaglia, Waimar Tun, Maeve Mello, Magdalena Insfran, Juan Diaz Jan 2008

Assessment Of Risk Factors For Hiv Infection In Female Sex Workers And Men Who Have Sex With Men In Ciudad Del Este, Paraguay, Magda Chinaglia, Waimar Tun, Maeve Mello, Magdalena Insfran, Juan Diaz

HIV and AIDS

Research conducted by the Population Council/Brazil, supported by the USAID-funded Horizons Project, documents findings from a study in Paraguay among men who have sex with men and female sex workers to estimate HIV and syphilis prevalence; examine knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors related to HIV and STIs; and describe the contextual and behavioral factors influencing HIV and STI transmission. Findings provide guidance to the development of HIV and STI prevention and care interventions and further operations research to test strategies and interventions to reduce the spread of HIV and STIs in these groups.


Promovendo Normas E Comportamentos Eqüitativos De Gênero Entre Homens Jovens Estratégia De Prevenção Do Hiv/Aids, Julie Pulerwitz, Gary Barker, Marcio Segundo, Marcos Nascimento Jan 2007

Promovendo Normas E Comportamentos Eqüitativos De Gênero Entre Homens Jovens Estratégia De Prevenção Do Hiv/Aids, Julie Pulerwitz, Gary Barker, Marcio Segundo, Marcos Nascimento

HIV and AIDS

The Horizons program and the Promundo Institute studied the effectiveness of interventions in Brazil designed to change the attitudes of young men in relation to gender norms and reducing the risk of contracting HIV/STIs. One conclusion of the study was the recognition of the importance of engaging young people (men and women) in the issue of gender relations and the risks of HIV contamination. The results of the study indicate that addressing inequitable gender norms, particularly those that define masculinity, can be an important element of HIV prevention strategies. These findings suggest that group education interventions can successfully influence young …


Beacon Of Hope: Evaluation Of The Kenya Girl Guides Association Hiv/Aids Program For School Children, Karusa Kiragu, George Odingo, Milka Juma, Jane Mbugua, Magdalen Waweru, Wamuyu Mahinda, Beatrice Mwaniki, Charity Muturi, Simon Ochieng, Tobey C. Nelson, Ann P. Mccauley Jan 2007

Beacon Of Hope: Evaluation Of The Kenya Girl Guides Association Hiv/Aids Program For School Children, Karusa Kiragu, George Odingo, Milka Juma, Jane Mbugua, Magdalen Waweru, Wamuyu Mahinda, Beatrice Mwaniki, Charity Muturi, Simon Ochieng, Tobey C. Nelson, Ann P. Mccauley

HIV and AIDS

This Horizons report presents findings from an evaluation of the Kenya Girl Guides Participatory Peer Education Program for HIV and AIDS Prevention. The objective of the program was to train Girl Guide patrol leaders as peer educators, who in turn would communicate key information and concepts about such topics as HIV prevention, relationships, and self-esteem to other Girl Guides, and ultimately to their school peers. The results demonstrate that peer education conducted by Girl Guides is a feasible strategy for imparting HIV and AIDS education to school-going youth; however, such a program would need to be branded, strengthened, and appropriately …


Abc Messages For Hiv Prevention In Kenya: Clarity And Confusion, Barriers And Facilitators, Julie Pulerwitz, Tiffany Lillie, Louis Apicella, Ann P. Mccauley, Tobey C. Nelson, Simon Ochieng, Peter Mwarogo, Karusa Kiragu, Edward Kunyanga Jan 2006

Abc Messages For Hiv Prevention In Kenya: Clarity And Confusion, Barriers And Facilitators, Julie Pulerwitz, Tiffany Lillie, Louis Apicella, Ann P. Mccauley, Tobey C. Nelson, Simon Ochieng, Peter Mwarogo, Karusa Kiragu, Edward Kunyanga

HIV and AIDS

The Horizons Program and FHI/IMPACT developed a collaborative research study to explore how adults and youth in Kenya define and perceive the ABC (abstinence/being faithful/consistent condom use) terms and behaviors. Additional objectives of the study were to identify attitudes and norms around the ABC behaviors that influence perceptions of them, and the role of important actors in transmitting messages about them. Findings highlight potential challenges in promoting each of the ABC behaviors, as well as some positive elements that can be built upon when developing programs. HIV prevention programs that incorporate ABC messages—both in Kenya and elsewhere—should consider a number …


Promoting More Gender-Equitable Norms And Behaviors Among Young Men As An Hiv/Aids Prevention Strategy, Julie Pulerwitz, Gary Barker, Marcio Segundo, Marcos Nascimento Jan 2006

Promoting More Gender-Equitable Norms And Behaviors Among Young Men As An Hiv/Aids Prevention Strategy, Julie Pulerwitz, Gary Barker, Marcio Segundo, Marcos Nascimento

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council and the Promundo Institute studied the effectiveness of interventions in Brazil designed to change the attitudes of young men in relation to gender norms and reducing the risk of contracting HIV/STIs. One conclusion of the study was the recognition of the importance of engaging young people (men and women) in the issue of gender relations and the risks of HIV contamination. The results of the study indicate that addressing inequitable gender norms, particularly those that define masculinity, can be an important element of HIV prevention strategies. These findings suggest that group education interventions can successfully influence young …


Reducing The Transmission Of Hiv And Sexually Transmitted Infections In A Mining Community: Findings From The Carletonville Mothusimpilo Intervention Project: 1998 To 2001, Lewis Ndhlovu, Catherine Searle, Johannes Van Dam, Yodwa Mzaidume, Bareng Rasego, Solly Moema Jan 2005

Reducing The Transmission Of Hiv And Sexually Transmitted Infections In A Mining Community: Findings From The Carletonville Mothusimpilo Intervention Project: 1998 To 2001, Lewis Ndhlovu, Catherine Searle, Johannes Van Dam, Yodwa Mzaidume, Bareng Rasego, Solly Moema

HIV and AIDS

The Horizons program, in collaboration with the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research, the South African Institute for Medical Research, and the London School of Economics, conducted an intervention study in the mining town of Carletonville, South Africa to examine the social determinants of the HIV epidemic, and to assess the impact of a targeted program of HIV and STI prevention and service delivery. The project did not reduce STI prevalence or HIV prevalence, as changing sexual behavior is far more complex than educating individuals about HIV. The report recommends interventions to support behavioral change education, STI treatment, the role …


Understanding The Hiv/Sti Risks And Prevention Needs Of Men Who Have Sex With Men In Nairobi, Kenya, Washington Onyango-Ouma, Harriet Birungi, Scott Geibel Jan 2005

Understanding The Hiv/Sti Risks And Prevention Needs Of Men Who Have Sex With Men In Nairobi, Kenya, Washington Onyango-Ouma, Harriet Birungi, Scott Geibel

HIV and AIDS

Despite increasing awareness of the role men who have sex with men (MSM) can play in the dynamics of HIV transmission in Africa, research on MSM in Kenya has been limited. In response to this gap, researchers from the Institute of African Studies at the University of Nairobi and the Horizons and FRONTIERS programs of the Population Council undertook a study of MSM in Nairobi. The overall goals of the study were to understand the extent to which MSM are at risk of HIV and other STIs, identify the factors associated with risk behaviors, and identify MSM sexual health needs …


Combining Community Approaches And Government Policy To Reduce Hiv Risk In The Dominican Republic, Deanna Kerrigan, Luis Moreno, Bayardo Gomez, Hector Jerez, Ellen Weiss, Johannes Van Dam, Eva Roca, Clare Barrington, Michael D. Sweat Jan 2004

Combining Community Approaches And Government Policy To Reduce Hiv Risk In The Dominican Republic, Deanna Kerrigan, Luis Moreno, Bayardo Gomez, Hector Jerez, Ellen Weiss, Johannes Van Dam, Eva Roca, Clare Barrington, Michael D. Sweat

HIV and AIDS

A recent Horizons study conducted jointly with two Dominican NGOs assessed the impact of two environmental-structural models in reducing HIV-related risk among female sex workers in the Dominican Republic and compared their cost-effectiveness. In the two cities studied, there were improvements from pre- to post-intervention in the key outcome variables, however the type and level of these changes varied by intervention approach. Based on our findings, program planners and policymakers involved in the study in the Dominican Republic agree that the integrated solidarity and policy model in conjunction with ongoing peer education and community mobilization activities is an appropriate, cost-effective, …


Meeting The Sexual Health Needs Of Men Who Have Sex With Men In Senegal, Cheikh Ibrahima Niang, Moustapha Diagne, Youssoupha Niang, Amadou Moreau, Dominique Gomis, Maye Diouf, Karim Seck, Abdoulaye Sidibe Wade, Placide Tapsoba, Christopher Castle Jan 2002

Meeting The Sexual Health Needs Of Men Who Have Sex With Men In Senegal, Cheikh Ibrahima Niang, Moustapha Diagne, Youssoupha Niang, Amadou Moreau, Dominique Gomis, Maye Diouf, Karim Seck, Abdoulaye Sidibe Wade, Placide Tapsoba, Christopher Castle

HIV and AIDS

A study conducted in Dakar, Senegal by researchers from the National AIDS Council, Cheikh Anta Diop University, and the Horizons program obtained information on the needs, behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of men who have sex with men (MSM). This study offers important insights into the sexuality of MSM, their vulnerability to STI/HIV, and the role of violence and stigma in their lives. The results also highlight the lack of sexual health services and information available to cover the specific needs of MSM. The results of this study were summarized during a meeting held in April 2001 in Dakar and raised …


Satisfaire Aux Besoins De Santé Des Hommes Qui Ont Des Rapports Sexuels Avec D’Autres Hommes Au Sénégal, Cheikh Ibrahima Niang, Moustapha Diagne, Youssoupha Niang, Amadou Moreau, Dominique Gomis, Maye Diouf, Karim Seck, Abdoulaye Sidibe Wade, Placide Tapsoba, Christopher Castle Jan 2002

Satisfaire Aux Besoins De Santé Des Hommes Qui Ont Des Rapports Sexuels Avec D’Autres Hommes Au Sénégal, Cheikh Ibrahima Niang, Moustapha Diagne, Youssoupha Niang, Amadou Moreau, Dominique Gomis, Maye Diouf, Karim Seck, Abdoulaye Sidibe Wade, Placide Tapsoba, Christopher Castle

HIV and AIDS

A study conducted in Dakar, Senegal by researchers from the National AIDS Council, Cheikh Anta Diop University, and the Horizons program obtained information on the needs, behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of men who have sex with men (MSM). This study offers important insights into the sexuality of MSM, their vulnerability to STI/HIV, and the role of violence and stigma in their lives. The results also highlight the lack of sexual health services and information available to cover the specific needs of MSM. The results of this study were summarized during a meeting held in April 2001 in Dakar and raised …


Doing More With Less: The Marie Stopes Clinics In Sierra Leone, Nahid Toubia, Grace Ebun Delano Jan 1995

Doing More With Less: The Marie Stopes Clinics In Sierra Leone, Nahid Toubia, Grace Ebun Delano

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This edition of Quality/Calidad/Qualité reports on the Marie Stopes Sierra Leone (MSSL) organization which pursues its goals with compassion and ambition, despite seemingly insurmountable economic hardships. MSSL has established a service model that many programs in richer countries should try to imitate. Several particularly important lessons emerged, including: creative, skillful management, well-organized and flexible financial administration, and human motivation and perseverance can enable an organization to overcome financial difficulties; family planning is an integral part of people's reproductive and general health concerns and can dovetail with concern for development in useful and practical ways; men appreciate being involved in the …