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Community Health Workers Can Effectively Provide Information And Referrals To People Living With Hiv In Their Communities, Population Council

Reproductive Health

A number of studies reported high levels of sexually transmitted infections among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Unfortunately, prevention interventions targeting PLHIV in the community are not common in Kenya, and most PLHIV who are not on ART have limited access to prevention information and risk-reduction counseling. The Population Council’s APHIA II Operations Research Project conducted a research project to address these gaps. This study was conducted in 2010 in collaboration with the International Center for Reproductive Health and the National AIDS and STI Control Programme. The findings show that the intervention had a number of positive outcomes and concludes …

A Pay-For-Performance Innovation Integrating The Quantity And Quality Of Care In Maternal, Newborn And Child Health Services In Bangladesh, Laila Rahman, Ubaidur Rob, Riad Mahmud, Azizul Alim, Ismat Ara Hena, Md. Noorunnabi Talukder, Md. Hafizur Rahman

Reproductive Health

The Population Council explored the possibilities of introducing a Pay-for-Performance (P4P) scheme in Bangladesh to improve maternal, newborn and child healthcare (MNCH) services. Based on the consultation and with guidance from the Government of Bangladesh, the Population Council and UNICEF provided technical assistance to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to test two P4P strategies for MNCH service providers to improve service volume and quality of care, and for poor clients to receive services subsidized through vouchers or coupons. The first strategy is a combination of pay-for-performance for providers and subsidized coupons for poor pregnant women, newborns, and under-five …

Focus On Male Youths In Addressing Alcohol And Drug Abuse Risk In The Context Of Hiv Prevention Among Young People, Population Council

Reproductive Health

Research evidence shows that people who abuse alcohol are more likely to engage in behavior that puts them at risk of HIV infection, including having unprotected sex. In 2010, the Population Council’s APHIA II Operations Research Project collaborated with the Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa Centre in Kenya on research to identify factors associated with alcohol and drug use among out-of-school youth in Kibera, to identify specific factors contributing to HIV risk, and to assess the impact of an intervention to link youths with an alcohol and drug abuse problem to counseling and rehabilitation services. A key …

Levels, Trends And Determinants Of Contraceptive Use Among Adolescent Girls In Kenya, Francis Obare, Harriet Birungi, Chi-Chi Undie, Monica Wanjiru, Wilson Liambila, Ian Askew

Reproductive Health

In Kenya, recent trends in contraceptive use among currently married women aged 15–49 years show that after experiencing a stall between 1998 and 2003, the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) increased between 2003 and 2008–2009. Although the increase in CPR after 2003 is encouraging, there is limited understanding of how these changes affected adolescents, especially girls, given the unique sexual and reproductive health challenges that they face. This report is based on a secondary analysis of the Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys (KDHS) data to understand the trends, differentials, and determinants of contraceptive use among adolescent girls aged 15–19 years in …

Integrating Tuberculosis Case Finding And Treatment Into Postnatal Care, Charity Ndwiga, Harriet Birungi, Chi-Chi Undie, Shiphrah Kuria, Joseph Sitienei, Sam Ochola

Reproductive Health

Under the USAID funded FRONTIERS program, the Population Council conducted a study in six health facilities in Western Kenya that demonstrated that screening for TB within an antenatal care (ANC) setting is feasible and acceptable among the service providers. However, a major challenge remains: although TB detection is encouraged among ANC clients within the maternal and child health clinics in the country, providers in these settings fail to appreciate the need for a continuum of care from pregnancy through to the postnatal period. In order to address this gap, the APHIA II Operations Research Project developed and tested an intervention …

Making Hiv Services More Responsive To Young Children And Infants In Nyanza, Monica Wanjiru

Reproductive Health

Health workers in Kenya often miss opportunities to discuss pediatric HIV with clients and to track exposed children in order to initiate treatment. To address this problem, the Population Council’s APHIA II Operations Research Project collaborated with the Christian Health Association of Kenya, Catholic Relief Services, and the Kendu Adventist Hospital to improve HIV testing and treatment services for children at the hospital. The project recommended that pediatric HIV services be strengthened and included as an essential service at all levels of healthcare facilities in order to reach more children, including as one of the roles of the community health …

Operationalizing And Scaling Up Hiv/Rh Referrals In Kenya: The Way Forward, Aphia Ii Or Project In Kenya

Reproductive Health

This policy brief describes the APHIA II Operations Research Project through which the Population Council and Kenya’s Ministry of Health (MOH) developed and tested an approach to systematically link HIV-positive family planning (FP) clients to treatment and care services. Key activities included provider training and testing of a referral package which showed how, where, when, and who is to make and receive referrals. This referral package consisted of a directory listing all facilities in the vicinity available for services including HIV counseling and testing, FP, STIs, tuberculosis, and well-child checks; and referral forms directing clients to appropriate receiving clinics. The …

Service Improvements And Community Education Lead To Increase In Uptake Of Hiv Services For Infants And Young Children, Population Council

Reproductive Health

The Population Council’s APHIA II Operations Research Project in Kenya collaborated with Kendu Adventist Hospital and the Christian Health Association to launch a study to examine the effect of improved services and awareness-creation on the uptake of HIV testing and treatment services for children and infants exposed to HIV. The study showed that community education and improvements in individual case tracking can increase the proportion of infants exposed to HIV who are tested for HIV and put on appropriate treatment. The policy brief recommends that health facilities streamline services to ensure that as many exposed infants as possible are identified …

Sexual And Reproductive Health Needs Of Adolescents Living With Hiv In Kenya, Harriet Birungi, Francis Obare, Jane Harriet Namwebya, Ibrahim Mohammed, Margaret Gitau, Margaret Makumi

Reproductive Health

The objective of this study was to assess the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents living with HIV in Kenya with a view to identifying and developing interventions that integrate these needs within the existing HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and support programs in the country. The study was a result of collaboration between Population Council, APHIA II Rift Valley and Coast (Family Health International), the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, and APHIA II Nairobi and Central (Pathfinder International). Major findings indicate that many of the adolescents living with HIV are vulnerable, and that programmatic gaps exist in addressing the …

Ten Years Of The Kenya Adolescent Reproductive Health Project: What Has Happened?, Humphres Evelia, Monica Wanjiru, Francis Obare, Harriet Birungi

Reproductive Health

This evaluation by the Population Council’s APHIA II Operations Research Project sought to find out whether the adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) and HIV/AIDS activities in Kenya had been sustained over a 10-year period when the project was replicated and scaled up to cover seven provinces in the country. The evaluation had three main objectives: 1) to determine the extent to which activities of the Kenya Adolescent Reproductive Health Program (KARHP) have continued at national, provincial, and district levels; 2) to determine whether desired sexual and reproductive health outcomes (knowledge, behavior, and practices) have been sustained among in- and …

Increasing Access To Family Planning (Fp) And Reproductive Health (Rh) Services Through Task-Sharing Between Community Health Workers (Chws) And Community Mid-Level Professionals In Large-Scale Public-Sector Programs: A Literature Review To Help Guide Case Studies, James R. Foreit, Sarah Raifman

Reproductive Health

This literature review covers case studies related to community-based distribution of family planning programs, and community health worker (CHW) programs that included family planning and other reproductive health services. It offers essential processes and implications for additional operations research which look at constraints and factors critical to introducing new program procedures or strengthening existing ones.

Integrating Alcohol Risk Reduction Into Htc Services, Population Council

Reproductive Health

This brief describes how screening for alcohol abuse and hosting long-term support groups through HIV testing and counseling centers (HTC) is one way to decrease high-risk sexual and alcohol behaviors among people who have tested for HIV. Findings from program activities funded by Population Council, Liverpool VCT and Support for Addiction Prevention and Treatment in Africa Center (SAPTA) found that screening HTC clients for alcohol abuse and referral to active support and counseling services is feasible. Follow up using SMS is also recommended. However, the lack of a control group in this study may hinder drawing direct causality between the …

Informe Años Dos Movil.Com: Evaluación De La Línea Final Resumen De Hallazgos Principales, Annik Sorhaindo, Xipatl Contreras, Kate S. Wilson, Sandra G. Garcia

Reproductive Health

This report highlights the findings of the endline evaluation of a two-year leadership project aimed at indigenous youth in Oaxaca, Mexico: Movil.com. Movil.com is a community project headed by peers and built on elements of other models. It is similar to a cascaded peer education and training model, in which nuclear leaders are trained who, in turn, train facilitators of larger groups. The Population Council office in Mexico evaluated the project at the request of the social organization that implements it, the Rosales Castellanos Women's Study Group, an NGO that has worked for more than 30 years with indigenous communities …

Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facilty 2010-2011 Annual Report, Issue 9, Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility

Biomechanics Annual Report

April 2010 - May 2011

This issue features Announcements, Featured News, Student Profiles, Projects, Collaborators, Awards, Publications, and Support.

The Guardian, Orientation, 2011, Wright State University Student Body

The Guardian Student Newspaper

Twenty page issue of The Guardian, the official student-run newspaper for Wright State University. The Guardian has been published regularly since March of 1965.

Characterization Of Plasmid Dna Location Within Chitosan/Plga/Pdna Nanoparticle Complexes Designed For Gene Delivery, Hali Bordelon, Alexandru S. Biris, Cristina M. Sabliov, W. Todd Monroe

Faculty Publications

Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide-) (PLGA-)chitosan nanoparticles are becoming an increasingly common choice for the delivery of nucleic acids to cells for various genetic manipulation techniques. These particles are biocompatible, with tunable size and surface properties, possessing an overall positive charge that promotes complex formation with negatively charged nucleic acids. This study examines properties of the PLGA-chitosan nanoparticle/plasmid DNA complex after formation. Specifically, the study aims to determine the optimal ratio of plasmid DNA:nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery purposes and to elucidate the location of the pDNA within these complexes. Such characterization will be necessary for the adoption of these formulations in a clinical …

Direct Cloning Of Double-Stranded Rnas From Rnase Protection Analysis Reveals Processing Patterns Of C/D Box Snornas And Provides Evidence For Widespread Antisense Transcript Expression, Manli Shen, Eduardo Eyras, Jie Wu, Amit Khanna, Serene Josiah, Mathieu Rederstorff, Michael Q. Zhang, Stefan Stamm

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications

We describe a new method that allows cloning of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that are generated in RNase protection experiments. We demonstrate that the mouse C/D box snoRNA MBII-85 (SNORD116) is processed into at least five shorter RNAs using processing sites near known functional elements of C/D box snoRNAs. Surprisingly, the majority of cloned RNAs from RNase protection experiments were derived from endogenous cellular RNA, indicating widespread antisense expression. The cloned dsRNAs could be mapped to genome areas that show RNA expression on both DNA strands and partially overlapped with experimentally determined argonaute-binding sites. The data suggest a conserved processing pattern …

Listening Life: An Approach To Spiritual Formation At Newberg Friends Church, Stephen D. Fawver

Doctor of Ministry

At Newberg Friends Church we have developed a Listening Life approach to spiritual formation based on the call of God recorded in Mark 9:7, "This is my Son, whom I love, listen to him." A listening life is a holistic life - one that is open to being in a love relationship with God, creating intentional space and time with Christ, and responding to the nudges of the Spirit in the spontaneity of life. This listening is richer when done together with others and more free if it embraces an experimental attitude that holds things loosely as we seek to …

Unmas 2010 Annual Report, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

Our work in helping to protect and empower local communities contributes to wider humanitarian, peace and development dividends, and delivers concrete and measurable results. Our success stories are the product of the generous support provided by UN Member States’ funds allocated by the UN General Assembly for the mine action components in seven peacekeeping operations, and by donors’ considerable extra-budgetary funding support. Despite challenges, 16 donor governments, the European Union (EU), the Common Humanitarian Trust Fund for Sudan (CHF) and students from Pace University in New York contributed to the Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action (VTF). The …

Apopo Annual Report 2011, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

A landmine survivor recently said of APOPO’s work in Mozambique: “There is happiness our land has been returned to us, freedom of grazing for livestock, no restrictions on where we walk. The mines have been a serious problem but we have already seen a reduction in people losing their lives. We are very happy.”

This, in a nutshell, is why we do the work we do. Hearing the feedback of villagers in affected regions – whose lives have changed for the better as a result of our humanitarian actions – verifies how immensely important our mission is.

The success of …

Norwegian People's Aid Annual Report 2011, Npa

Global CWD Repository

Collaboration with old and new supporters in 2011 was very productive for Norwegian People’s Aid. t has not only brought in important income for our work both at home and abroad but has also given our work greater impact and weight. We look forward to continued collaboration with our supporters in the time to come.

Handicap International Impact Report 2011, Hi

Global CWD Repository

In 2011, Handicap International responded to complex crises in Libya, Pakistan, Haiti, and other countries with speed, efficiency, and life-saving results. In developing countries our teams ensured that people who are otherwise excluded had access to the services, education, and employment opportunities. In 60 countries, 4,000 staff members put their expertise into action, helping Handicap International reach more than 1 million beneficiaries.

It was a source of great pride to receive the 2011 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize in March. This coveted prize celebrates the achievements our staff and volunteers realize in the face of conflict, disaster, poverty, and famine …

Perceptions Of Teachers’ Preparedness And Efficacy Beliefs For Teaching English Language Learners, Yune Kim Tran

Faculty Publications - College of Education

No abstract provided.

A Curriculum For Peace And Conflict Management: Teachers' Guide, Eloise Hockett

Faculty Publications - College of Education

This peace curriculum is currently being used by several Quaker secondary schools in Kenya. It promotes peace and effective conflict management. This guide was made in part through collaboration between Friends Secondary Schools, Kenya; Friends United Meeting, Africa; and George Fox University.

This resource has three parts: the syllabus and a resource guide, linked below under "additional files," and the teacher's guide at the "download" link to the left.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Promotes Cellular Changes In Trigeminal Neurons And Glia Implicated In Peripheral And Central Sensitization, Ryan J. Cady, Joseph R. Glenn, Kael M. Smith, Paul L. Durham

College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide released from trigeminal nerves, is implicated in the underlying pathology of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Elevated levels of CGRP in the joint capsule correlate with inflammation and pain. CGRP mediates neurogenic inflammation in peripheral tissues by increasing blood flow, recruiting immune cells, and activating sensory neurons. The goal of this study was to investigate the capability of CGRP to promote peripheral and central sensitization in a model of TMD. Results: Temporal changes in protein expression in trigeminal ganglia and spinal trigeminal nucleus were determined by immunohistochemistry following injection of CGRP in the temporomandibular …

Climate Services To Support Sustainable Tourism And Adaptation To Climate Change, D.J. Scott, Christopher J. Lemieux, Leslie Malone

Geography and Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

Tourism is one of the largest global economic sectors, is a vital contributor to the economy of many nations, and is highly promoted as an important means of future development and poverty reduction in developing countries. The interface between climate and tourism is multifaceted and complex, with broad significance for tourist decision-making and expenditures, as well as industry marketing and operations worldwide. With the close relationship of tourism to the environment and climate, the integrated effects of climate change are anticipated to markedly affect tourism businesses and destinations, as well as the destination choices and mobility of individual tourists in …

Plans To Live On A Reservation Following College Among American Indian Students: An Examination Of Transculturation Theory, Terry Huffman

Faculty Publications - College of Education

This paper focuses on American Indian college students and uses transculturation theory to examine factors related to self-reported plans to live on a reservation following completion of college. Transculturation theory assumes a strong cultural identity is fundamental to academic success. The author uses the basic premise of this perspective to consider an extension to its assumptions. Findings indicate that an implied assumption of the transculturation perspective is that American Indians closely aligned with traditional culture tend to seek careers in which they serve Native communities and more likely plan to live on a reservation after college.

Lynnsight: Winter 2011, Lynn University

(2004-2021) LynnSight(s)

Winter 2011 LynnSight:

• $1.5 million Gudelsky gift
• Endowments secure the future
• Endowments create scholarships
• Endowments protect facilities, support programs
• Leave it to Lynn

Surgical Treatment Of Discogenic Sciatica, Mahdi Sharif-Alhoseini, Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar

Neurosciences

The evaluation of physical, psychological, social, and occupational factors are recommended in patients with discogenic sciatica. Surgical discectomy may be considered in selected patients with sciatica due to lumbar disc herniations that fail to resolve with conservative management for at least 6-8 weeks, or in patients with cauda equina syndrome. An appropriate pre-operative work up including neuroimaging is necessary. Surgery has been shown to be highly effective; shortening the time to recovery by around 50% compared to nonsurgical treatment. Whether one specific surgical procedure is better than other remains uncertain. Methodological limitations of studies evaluating the efficacy of percutaneous methods …

Fibrous Dysplasia Of The Atlas, Mohammed H. Bangash, Rana Y. Bokhary, Soha A. Alomar, Saleh S. Baeesa

Neurosciences

No abstract provided.