Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Factors Associated With Inconsistent Condom Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Khuondyla Pal, Khimuy Tith, Carinne M. Brody

Background: Compared to the general population, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk for HIV and less understood due to their more hidden and stigmatized nature. Moreover, the discrepancy in findings in the literature merits further investigations in MSM populations from different cultures and settings. We therefore conducted this study to explore factors associated with inconsistent condom use among high-risk MSM in Cambodia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 among 367 MSM randomly selected from Battembang and Siem Reap using a two-stage cluster sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews to …

Factors Associated With Recent Hiv Testing Among High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Cross-Sectional Study In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Carinne M. Brody, Khuondyla Pal, Sopheap Oum

Background: Despite remarkable success in the fight against HIV, HIV prevalence in many countries remains high among key populations including men who have sex with men (MSM), and HIV testing rates is relatively low among this hard-to-reach population. This cross-sectional study explores factors associated with recent HIV testing among MSM in Cambodia.

Methods: This study was conducted in 2014 and included 384 MSM randomly selected from two provinces of Battembang and Siem Reap, using a two-stage cluster sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, HIV testing history, sexual behaviors, …

Geographic Variation In Antidiabetic Agent Adherence And Glycemic Control Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Eleanora Tan, Wenya Yang, Bo Pang, Mingliang Dai, F. Ellen Loh, Paul Hogan

Touro College of Pharmacy (New York) Publications and Research

BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence is an imperative public health concern. Among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), poor adherence to antidiabetic agents is strongly associated with suboptimal glycemic control. Poor adherence and hyperglycemia greatly increase diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. At a national level, diabetes drug adherence using average proportion of days covered (PDC) is estimated to range between 36% and 81%, with an estimated range for diabetes control between 38% and 47%. At a state level no such studies exist.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the level of medication adherence to antidiabetic agents and of diabetes control, and their association among patients …

Women With Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism And The Need For Proper Periconceptional Folate Supplementation, Maureen Sullivan, Tiffany Murray, Haregewein Assefa

Touro College of Pharmacy (New York) Publications and Research

Maternal folate supplementation is critical for fetal development. Women with MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene polymorphisms may not be getting the proper folate form to support fetal development. The objectives of this review were to: (1) undertake a comprehensive review on the association of MTHFR polymorphisms with the risk for various congenital diseases and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, (2) assess the efficacy and safety of current folic acid and other supplementations in women with the MTHFR polymorphism, and (3) provide guidance on the appropriate supplementation for women of childbearing potential with the MTHFR gene polymorphism in order to decrease these adverse …

Factors Associated With Induced Abortion Among Female Entertainment Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Khuondyla Pal, Khimuy Tith, Carinne M. Brody

Objective: To explore risk factors associated with induced abortion among sexually active female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia.

Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Participants: This study included 556 FEWs aged 18–47 years randomly selected from entertainment establishments in the two cities in 2014 using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire.

Primary outcome measure: History of induced abortion during the time working as a FEW.

Results: Of the total sample, 45.6% reported currently using a contraceptive method with condom (42.4%) being the …

Improving Education Opportunity, Health, And Quality Of Life Of Orphans And Vulnerable Children: The Sustainable Action Against Hiv And Aids In Communities (Sahacom), Siyan Yi, Pheak Chhoun, Samantha Brant, Kelley Kita, Sovannary Tuot

Aims: This study evaluated the impact of the Sustainable Action against HIV and AIDS in Communities (SAHACOM) project in improving education opportunity, health, and quality of life of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Cambodia.

Study Design: Operational intervention study.

Place and Duration of the Study: Five provinces in Cambodia, from 2010 to 2014.

Methodology: A two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select 756 OVC at midterm and 785 OVC at end line for face-to-face interviews. Outcome indicators from end line (2014) were compared to those obtained at midterm (2012). Where possible, the data were also compared with data …

Aids-Related Stigma And Mental Disorders Among People Living With Hiv: A Cross-Sectional Study In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Pheak Chhoun, Samedy Suong, Carinne M. Brody, Sovannary Tuot

Background: AIDS-related stigma and mental disorders are the most common conditions in people living with HIV (PLHIV). We therefore conducted this study to examine the association of AIDS-related stigma and discrimination with mental disorders among PLHIV in Cambodia.

Methods: A two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select 1,003 adult PLHIV from six provinces. The People Living with HIV Stigma Index was used to measure stigma and discrimination, and a short version of general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to measure mental disorders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted.

Results: The reported experiences of discrimination in communities …

The Impact Of A Community-Based Hiv And Sexual Reproductive Health Program On Sexual And Healthcare-Seeking Behaviors Of Female Entertainment Workers In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Carinne M. Brody, Khimuy Tith, Sopheap Oum

Background: In Cambodia, despite great successes in the fight against HIV, challenges remain to eliminating new HIV infections and addressing sexual reproductive health (SRH) issues in key populations including female entertainment workers (FEWs). To address these issues, the Sustainable Action against HIV and AIDS in Communities (SAHACOM) project has been implemented since late 2009 using a community-based approach to integrate HIV and SRH services. This study evaluates the impact of the SAHACOM on sexual and healthcare-seeking behaviors among FEWs in Cambodia.

Methods: A midterm and endpoint comparison design was utilized. Midterm data were collected in early 2012, and …

Burnout At The Frontline: The Effect Of A Reproductive Health Voucher Program On Health Workers In Uganda, Carinne M. Brody, John Micheal Irige, Ben Bellows

Background: Low job satisfaction among healthcare workers in developing countries can increase risk of burnout and have a negative effect on the quality of services. Novel financing strategies such as voucher programs, which aim to increase the utilization of services by the poor by offering physical vouchers for subsidized care, may unintentionally exacerbate burnout for health care workers by creating higher workloads.

Methods: A semi-structured survey that included both closed and open-ended questions as well as a locally-adapted job satisfaction scale was used to collect information on provider perceptions of changes in job satisfaction, workload, staffing and salaries …

Research Ethics Training Of Trainers: Developing Capacity Of Bolivian Health Science And Civil Society Leaders, Annette Aalborg, Jacqueline Cortez, Sarah Sullivan, Oscar Lanza, Armando Basagoitia, Adriana Valencia, Roxane Modares

Program/Project Purpose: The University of San Andres, Faculty of Medicine in La Paz, Bolivia in collaboration with Touro University California, Public Health Program was awarded a NIH Research Ethics Planning Grant in June, 2013 to develop strategies and processes for implementation of a comprehensive national research ethics program for Bolivia. Although the importance of scientific research based on ethical principles is highlighted in the Bolivian constitution and national health legislation, few Bolivian academics, researchers and health professionals have received formal training in the principles and practices of research ethics. A principle aim of the Planning Grant is to develop …

Assessment Of Longitudinal Efficacy Of Community Based Intervention For Schistosomiasis In Mara District, Lake Victoria Region Of Tanzania, Lauren Ogawa, Guy Bennallack, Aaron Heffner, Jason Duong, Robin Rosenblatt, Yasmin Nibbe, Eiman Mahmoud

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

Program/Project Purpose: An estimated 200 million people are infected with schistosomiasis, making the disease one of the top neglected tropical diseases and a major global health concern. In Tanzania, with a population just over 42 million, about 33 million are in need of treatment or preventative chemotherapy. The disease is of particular concern in the Lake Victoria region, due to daily use of lake water. In conjunction with the Shirati district hospital, Touro University-CA has led control programs carried out in mobile clinics at local villages by providing screening, treatment, and education. Recently there has been a push for …

Prevalence And Predictors Of Pap Smear Cervical Epithelial Cell Abnormality Among Hiv-Positive And Negative Women Attending Gynecological Examination In Cervical Cancer Screening Center At Debre Markos Referral Hospital, East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia, Melkamu Getinet, Baye Gelaw, Abinet Sisay, Eiman Mahmoud, Abate Assefa

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death among women in developing countries. Cervical cancer is preceded by cervical surface epithelial cell abnormalities (ECA) which can be detected by Pap smear test. Simultaneous human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases cervical cancer. Data on the prevalence and predictors of ECA among women in Ethiopia is limited. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ECA among women.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV+ and HIV- women attending gynecological examination in cervical cancer screening center at the Debre …

Impact Of On-Site Training Of Neonatal Resuscitation Techniques In Shirati District Hospitals: Does On-Site Training Improve Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices?, Trista Fuchs, Yasmin Nibbe, Eiman Mahmoud

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

Program/Project Purpose: In Tanzania, early neonatal morality remains high despite the county’s efforts towards improving health indicators. It’s estimated that birth asphyxia is involved in up to 30% of early neonatal deaths in developing countries, and is associated with high neurological morbidity for those who survive. Early interventions targeting birth asphyxia were not successful; likely due to low national priority, limited resources, and targeting limited types of providers. Helping Babies Breath (HBB) is an evidence-based neonatal resuscitation program designed for resource- limited settings. The program follows a basic intervention approach which emphasizes the importance of skilled attendants at every …