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Full-Text Articles in Demography, Population, and Ecology

Scardovia Wiggsiae Prevalence In Orthodontic Patients, Brandon Joseph Streiff Dec 2015

Scardovia Wiggsiae Prevalence In Orthodontic Patients, Brandon Joseph Streiff

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Dental caries has mainly been associated with Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Actinomyces and Veillonella species. But in recent salivary studies a new cariogenic pathogen, has been identified. This new bacteria, Scardovia wiggsiae (SW), is currently being tested within the UNLV School of Dental Medicine patient population. Although these current studies are being conducted to study its prevalence in both pediatric and adult populations, it has not been evaluated among patients with an altered oral environment as seen in patients with orthodontic appliances. Fixed orthodontic appliances increase the difficulty of removing daily plaque on and in between the teeth with standard oral hygiene …


Perceptions Of Safety Among Adolescents In Jordanian Host Communities: A Pilot Study Conducted In Housing Communities In Baqa’A And Ramtha, Katie Stevenson Oct 2015

Perceptions Of Safety Among Adolescents In Jordanian Host Communities: A Pilot Study Conducted In Housing Communities In Baqa’A And Ramtha, Katie Stevenson

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The purpose of this research was to understand how refugee and Jordanian adolescents perceive safety by answering the following three questions: 1) How do adolescents in host communities define safety? 2) How do they perceive the safety of their community? 3) What is being done, within their communities, to address the safety needs of adolescents? By answering these questions, this research aimed to increase the understanding of how safety should be defined, assessed, and addressed in regards to adolescents living in Jordanian host communities. Due to resources limitations, this research was only conducted with Syrian adolescents refugees. Four interviews were …


Ulaanbaatar’S Ger District Issues: Changes And Attitudes, David Engel Apr 2015

Ulaanbaatar’S Ger District Issues: Changes And Attitudes, David Engel

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Several of Ulaanbaatar’s current issues are directly related to Ulaanbaatar’s sprawling Ger District. The Ger District is home to approximately 736,000 residents, 61% of Ulaanbaatar’s population (Galimbyek, 2015). The significant growth in Ulaanbaatar is shown by its 52.8% of residents who were born outside of the city, the majority of migrants moving into the Ger District due to a lack of housing. (Chilkhaasuren & Baasankhuu, 2012). The development of Ulaanbaatar has not kept up with the rapid growth leading to inadequate infrastructure in much of the Ger District. In turn, inadequate infrastructure has lead to high pollution levels, negatively affecting …


Fighting The Obesity Epidemic: Challenges And Ethics, Grace Brown Apr 2015

Fighting The Obesity Epidemic: Challenges And Ethics, Grace Brown

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In recent decades, a double burden of disease has emerged that requires public health workers to fight both hunger and obesity. The obesity epidemic is unlike other epidemics in that it is largely man-made and dependent on social factors and industry influences, making it difficult to fight. The high global prevalence of obesity is partially a result of globalization, which has encouraged development and the liberalizing of economies all around the world, which in turn has increased the marketing and consumption of obesogenic products. Policy solutions have been proposed and implemented in some countries, but an international solution has yet …


Confronting Cultural Challenges For Migrant Healthcare In Switzerland, Rebecca Weiss Apr 2015

Confronting Cultural Challenges For Migrant Healthcare In Switzerland, Rebecca Weiss

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Switzerland is home to many migrants, and migration exacerbates health risks. In addition to physical health problems, migrants are more likely than Swiss nationals to face mental health challenges and cultural barriers, which complicate their experiences seeking healthcare. Similarly, clinicians encounter numerous challenges related to the special circumstances of migrant patients. As a response to the specific health needs of migrants, hospital networks and migrant support organizations promote the migrant health situation. However, these services are not ubiquitous in Switzerland, partly due to the partial freedoms of each canton to create its own health policy. This paper explores the barriers …


Introduction: A Changing Indonesia, Maribeth Erb, Kathleen M. Adams Feb 2015

Introduction: A Changing Indonesia, Maribeth Erb, Kathleen M. Adams

Kathleen M. Adams

No abstract provided.


Education And Educational Attainment In Southern Nevada, Jennifer Pharr, Courtney Coughenour, Shawn Gerstenberger Jan 2015

Education And Educational Attainment In Southern Nevada, Jennifer Pharr, Courtney Coughenour, Shawn Gerstenberger

Nevada Journal of Public Health

Failure to complete high school has a direct impact on a person’s earning potential and quality of life. Higher levels of education are associated with better health. Because of this association, it is important for children and adults to have access to quality education. The percentage of adults who have successfully pursued higher education in Southern Nevada is lower than the peer Mountain West metropolitan areas and the national average. Nevada high school graduation rates are the lowest in the nation. High school graduation rates and dropout rates vary by race/ethnicity in the Clark County School District. High school graduation …


Annotated Bibliography Of Nigerian Youth-Focused Hiv And Sexual And Reproductive Health Project Publications (Grey Literature), Population Council Jan 2015

Annotated Bibliography Of Nigerian Youth-Focused Hiv And Sexual And Reproductive Health Project Publications (Grey Literature), Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Adolescents and young adults (15–24 years) constitute about one-third of the total population of Nigeria, and their well-being is intricately tied to the country’s prospects for sustainable development. The HIV prevalence among 15–24-year-old men and women is 2.5 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively. In 2013, it was estimated that 160,000 adolescents (aged 10–19) in Nigeria were living with HIV. Rightfully, an increasing focus is being paid to the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of young Nigerians, however it is essential that the dialogue and interventions around young people’s SRH be informed and take into account the body of evidence available …


Distribution D'Anneaux Vaginaux Contraceptifs, Population Council Jan 2015

Distribution D'Anneaux Vaginaux Contraceptifs, Population Council

Reproductive Health

Dans le cadre de son projet “Distribution d’anneaux vaginaux contraceptifs”, le Population Council a conclu un accord de coopération avec l’USAID pour introduire deux nouvelles méthodes contraceptives modernes sur les marchés en développement: l’anneau vaginal contraceptif à progestérone, un anneau contraceptif d’une durée d’action de trois mois spécifiquement conçu pour espacer les grossesses durant l’allaitement; et un anneau vaginal contraceptif expérimental d’une durée d’utilisation d’un an—l’anneau vaginal contraceptif Nestorone®/ethinyl estradiol—qui peut être utilisé par les femmes sexuellement actives en âge de reproduction (15 à 49 ans) pour retarder ou espacer les grossesses. Le Population Council vise à élargir le choix …


Proposed Indicators To Measure Adherence To And Effects Of Rights-Based Family Planning: Resource Guide, Kelsey Wright, Karen Hardee Jan 2015

Proposed Indicators To Measure Adherence To And Effects Of Rights-Based Family Planning: Resource Guide, Kelsey Wright, Karen Hardee

Reproductive Health

At the London Summit on Family Planning in 2012, the goal of expanding access to FP programs by 120 million additional women and girls by 2020 was established. This goal calls attention to the need for FP information and services to be delivered in ways that are voluntary and respect human rights. While human rights have been codified and affirmed in declarations, conventions, and treaties, operationalizing rights in FP programs is still in an early stage of development. With the recent emergence of global numeric benchmarks for FP programs, there is the risk that the focus will move away from …


Willingness To Pay For Contraceptive Vaginal Rings In Senegal, Babacar Mane, Fatou Mbow, Deepa Rajamani, Nafissatou Diop, Saumya Ramarao Jan 2015

Willingness To Pay For Contraceptive Vaginal Rings In Senegal, Babacar Mane, Fatou Mbow, Deepa Rajamani, Nafissatou Diop, Saumya Ramarao

Reproductive Health

Contraceptive vaginal rings are an innovative category of products that have not been introduced into any sub-Saharan African country. As a result, there is little experience to guide the introductory pricing for the PVR and the one-year NES/EE CVR when it becomes available. The evidence generated by this consumer willingness to pay, and provider/procurer study has shed light on critical aspects of PVR introduction in Senegal. In general, the results generated here complement and reinforce findings from an acceptability study of the PVR and stakeholder discussions that have been occurring over the past three years. Results confirm that contraceptive vaginal …


Are Parents Talking To Adolescents About Sexuality? Evidence From Four Slums In Ghana, Selina F. Esantsi, Francis Onyango, Gloria Quansah Asare, Emmanuel Kuffour, Placide Tapsoba, Harriet Birungi, Ian Askew Jan 2015

Are Parents Talking To Adolescents About Sexuality? Evidence From Four Slums In Ghana, Selina F. Esantsi, Francis Onyango, Gloria Quansah Asare, Emmanuel Kuffour, Placide Tapsoba, Harriet Birungi, Ian Askew

Reproductive Health

This evidence brief summarizes the essential information from a part of a larger study that assessed the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescents in four slums in two regions of Ghana. The objective of this brief is to provide evidence to support and facilitate the improvement of parent–adolescent communication on sexuality. This study echoes several other studies by providing evidence that a majority of parents are not opposed to in-school sex education for their children and welcome the idea of empowering themselves (parents) to have productive discussions with their children. Nevertheless, there is a mismatch between the proportion …


Kenya Adolescent Sexual And Reproductive Health Policy, Ministry Of Health Kenya Jan 2015

Kenya Adolescent Sexual And Reproductive Health Policy, Ministry Of Health Kenya

Reproductive Health

This document is a review and revision of the National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy of Kenya, which involved in-depth consultations with a wide range of stakeholders through literature review, interviews, consultative meetings, and reviews of the various drafts. Many changes took place at the national and international levels that needed to be taken into account as the policy was reviewed, including the Constitution of Kenya (2010) with its attendant devolved governance structure as well as demographics, and social, economic, and technological environment. The government has made concerted efforts as part of Vision 2030 to respond to adolescents and …


Engaging The Missing Link: Evidence From Falah For Involving Men In Family Planning In Pakistan—Meeting Report, Seemin Ashfaq, Farooq Ahmed Jan 2015

Engaging The Missing Link: Evidence From Falah For Involving Men In Family Planning In Pakistan—Meeting Report, Seemin Ashfaq, Farooq Ahmed

Reproductive Health

The Population Council Pakistan, as part of the Evidence Project, synthesized evidence from both national and international sources and developed a set of research documents highlighting the importance of involving men in family planning efforts in Pakistan. This report outlines the findings of these important publications shared at the National Consultative Meeting which was held to provide evidence-based recommendations to major stakeholders who are directly involved in shaping population and health policies and programs. The aim of the meeting was to stimulate thinking and build consensus on a renewed male engagement strategy as part of the Plan of Action to …


Family Planning Policy, Program, And Practice Decisionmaking: The Role Of Research Evidence And Other Factors, Karen Hardee, Kelsey Wright, Joanne Spicehandler Jan 2015

Family Planning Policy, Program, And Practice Decisionmaking: The Role Of Research Evidence And Other Factors, Karen Hardee, Kelsey Wright, Joanne Spicehandler

Reproductive Health

Current attention to increasing access to family planning has increased focus on ensuring that policy, programming, and practice are “evidence-based.” This paper seeks to answer when, what types, and how evidence is used in decision-making related to family planning. Views of what constitutes evidence need to be more aligned: researchers should understand that “evidence-based” does not only mean “research evidence-based” to decision-makers; and decision-makers must understand the value of robust research evidence among other evidence they consider when making decisions. Decision-makers appreciate research but it is only one factor they take into consideration—and may not be the most influential factor …


Contraceptive Use And Fertility Intentions Among Women Living With Hiv In Kenya And Swaziland, Integra Initiative Jan 2015

Contraceptive Use And Fertility Intentions Among Women Living With Hiv In Kenya And Swaziland, Integra Initiative

Reproductive Health

At the end of 2013, an estimated 35 million people were living with HIV, and sub-Saharan Africa was disproportionately affected. With major efforts directed at expanding access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa, many people are living longer with HIV, leading productive and sexually active lives. Unintended pregnancies and the potential of vertical transmission are some of the challenges faced by women living with HIV. Understanding the fertility preferences and reproductive decisions of these women is vital for informing efforts to enable them to achieve these desires effectively and safely. The “Steps to Integration” series provides a guide on …


Delivering Contraceptive Vaginal Rings—Task Sharing In The Delivery Of Family Planning Programs: Experiences From Senegal, Babacar Mane, Nafissatou Diop, Saumya Ramarao Jan 2015

Delivering Contraceptive Vaginal Rings—Task Sharing In The Delivery Of Family Planning Programs: Experiences From Senegal, Babacar Mane, Nafissatou Diop, Saumya Ramarao

Reproductive Health

The Population Council is conducting activities to facilitate the introduction of vaginal rings in sub-Saharan Africa. This report notes that the first ring to be introduced will be the Council’s Progesterone Contraceptive Vaginal Ring (PCVR), which is relevant in contexts where women practice prolonged lactation. The PCVR will also address the high unmet need for family planning (FP), especially for postpartum women. The Council aims to expand the availability and affordability of vaginal rings in Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. One of the challenges is the lack of skilled providers. To design plans for involving mid- and lower-level health workers in …


An Innovative Financing Model For The Progesterone Contraceptive Vaginal Ring Through Voucher Programs, Ishita Chattopadhyay, John Townsend, Saumya Ramarao Jan 2015

An Innovative Financing Model For The Progesterone Contraceptive Vaginal Ring Through Voucher Programs, Ishita Chattopadhyay, John Townsend, Saumya Ramarao

Reproductive Health

This technical report introduces the theoretical framework for the demand generation and supply chain mechanisms for an effective reproductive health voucher system. The key roles and functions of an effective voucher system are described. A methodology for implementation of a voucher system for the Population Council’s Progesterone Contraceptive Vaginal Ring (PCVR), also referred to as the PCVR Voucher Based Care (VBC) program, has been designed to introduce the PCVR in the context of choice, equity in price, and range of outlets, ensuring quality of care and consistent availability of services. The model provides a framework and guidelines on how the …


Promoting Respectful Maternity Care Resource Package—Alternative Dispute Resolution: Resolving Incidents Of Disrespect And Abuse, Population Council Jan 2015

Promoting Respectful Maternity Care Resource Package—Alternative Dispute Resolution: Resolving Incidents Of Disrespect And Abuse, Population Council

Reproductive Health

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a process whereby an independent and impartial third party facilitates negotiation between disputing parties, in this case to resolve incidents of disrespect and abuse (D&A) in a health care setting. In Kenya, ADR was originally used to settle land disputes and inheritance issues at the community level. The voluntary ADR mechanism brings the aggrieved parties together with an opportunity to solve problems in a locally acceptable way. ADR supports both providers’ and clients’ rights and obligations by ensuring each side is heard. This Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) resource provides guidance on the sequence of steps …


Validation Study Of Lqas-2 In Uttar Pradesh Behavior Change Management Project, Arupendra Mozumdar, Jaleel Ahmad, M.E. Khan Jan 2015

Validation Study Of Lqas-2 In Uttar Pradesh Behavior Change Management Project, Arupendra Mozumdar, Jaleel Ahmad, M.E. Khan

Reproductive Health

India’s Uttar Pradesh Behavior Change Management project studied the potential of community mobilization through Self Help Groups (SHGs) to improve healthy behaviors that may have a direct bearing on maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes. Multiple rounds of Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) surveys were undertaken to monitor project activities and take corrective measures to improve project indicators. The surveys also evaluated the diffusion of health messages in the project area. The LQAS-2 validation study aimed to examine the accuracy of LQAS-2 data and understand the process of administering the LQAS. The study, which documented the process of survey administration, …


Reducing Maternal And Child Mortality In Balochistan: The Untapped Potential Of Family Planning, Zeba Sathar, Maqsood Sadiq, Seemin Ashfaq Jan 2015

Reducing Maternal And Child Mortality In Balochistan: The Untapped Potential Of Family Planning, Zeba Sathar, Maqsood Sadiq, Seemin Ashfaq

Reproductive Health

Family planning (FP) is recognized as a necessary tool for faster fertility decline leading to accelerated economic development. However, its unique and potent role in preserving mother and child health is less well understood. This brief explains why FP must be prioritized in Balochistan, Pakistan’s health strategy as a key intervention for reducing maternal, infant, and under-five mortality in the province. By fulfilling the existing unmet need for birth spacing and limiting, it is possible to prevent 41 percent of maternal deaths, 35 percent of infant deaths, and 74 percent of young child deaths. FP’s wider health benefits include reduced …


Family Planning Vouchers To Improve Delivery And Uptake Of Contraception In Low And Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review, Benjamin Bellows, Ashish Bajracharya, Carol Bulaya, Sophie Inambwae Jan 2015

Family Planning Vouchers To Improve Delivery And Uptake Of Contraception In Low And Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review, Benjamin Bellows, Ashish Bajracharya, Carol Bulaya, Sophie Inambwae

Reproductive Health

Family planning vouchers have provided accessible and quality reproductive health services to the poor and have been critical to countries in making progress in achieving Millennium Development Goal 5. Increased utilization of contraception allows for birth spacing, decreases unintended pregnancy, and results in healthier mothers and families. Strategies to improve utilization through targeted subsidies in low- and middle income countries (LMICs) have not been fully documented in a systematic review of the literature. This study report summarizes the effect of voucher systems for contraceptive services on socioeconomic and demographic indicators in LMICs. A systematic review of unpublished reports and published …


Gender Considerations Along The Hiv Treatment Cascade: An Evidence Review With Priority Actions, Melanie Croce-Galis, Jill Gay, Karen Hardee, What Works Association, Population Council Jan 2015

Gender Considerations Along The Hiv Treatment Cascade: An Evidence Review With Priority Actions, Melanie Croce-Galis, Jill Gay, Karen Hardee, What Works Association, Population Council

Reproductive Health

This treatment brief provides policymakers and program implementers with evidence about the impact of gender dynamics on treatment access and adherence and the gender-related gaps in treatment research and programming. It also includes priority actions that can be taken to better address gender within treatment programming and raises questions for implementation science in order to achieve the global 90-90-90 goal. This brief draws from What Works for Women and Girls: Evidence for HIV Interventions and uses the WHO treatment cascade framework to identify and analyze major gender considerations in providing antiretroviral therapy to those living with HIV in low- and …


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 …


Expanding The Role Of Research Evidence In Family Planning Policy, Program, And Practice Decisionmaking, Karen Hardee, Kelsey Wright Jan 2015

Expanding The Role Of Research Evidence In Family Planning Policy, Program, And Practice Decisionmaking, Karen Hardee, Kelsey Wright

Reproductive Health

This working paper focuses on the emerging knowledge translation literature to provide lessons learned on ways to increase the role that evidence plays in decision-making for family planning and reproductive health policies, programs, and practices. It is part of a larger synthesis of the literature that explores what “evidence” means, what types of evidence policymakers, program managers, and implementers seek when facing implementation decisions, and how evidence relates to other factors that influence decision-making. This paper and the larger synthesis are based on a literature search whose objective was to locate references on evidence-based policy in health or social science, …


Rights-Based Family Planning: 10 Resources To Guide Programming, Jan Kumar, Karen Hardee Jan 2015

Rights-Based Family Planning: 10 Resources To Guide Programming, Jan Kumar, Karen Hardee

Reproductive Health

The FP2020 goal of providing FP services to 120 million more women and girls that emerged from the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning refocused attention on the need to ensure that FP programs respect, protect, and fulfill human rights. The current challenge is how to operationalize human rights in existing FP programs and new projects. This resource guide reviews ten key resources available to guide programming—FP2020: Rights and Empowerment Principles for Family Planning; Ensuring Human Rights in the Provision of Contraceptive Information and Services, Ensuring Human Rights Within Contraceptive Service Delivery: Implementation Guide; Voluntary Family Planning Programs that Respect, …


Progesterone Vaginal Ring: A Call-To-Action To Fill Critical Gaps In Post-Partum Family Planning, Population Council Jan 2015

Progesterone Vaginal Ring: A Call-To-Action To Fill Critical Gaps In Post-Partum Family Planning, Population Council

Reproductive Health

The progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) is a safe and effective method of contraception for lactating women. It is a priority medicine on the WHO’s Essential Medicines List and is included in the Medical Eligibility Criteria for family planning providers. Developed by the Population Council, the PVR is an intravaginal ring that provides women who breastfeed at least four times a day with a contraceptive option as early as four weeks after giving birth. The PVR provides a new option to reduce unmet need among new mothers, allow women to safely space their pregnancies, and improve the health of women and …


Progesterone Vaginal Ring: Results Of An Acceptability Study In Kenya, Francis Obare, Wilson Liambila, Chi-Chi Undie, Harriet Birungi, Shiphrah Kuria, Heather Clark, Deepa Rajamani, Saumya Ramarao Jan 2015

Progesterone Vaginal Ring: Results Of An Acceptability Study In Kenya, Francis Obare, Wilson Liambila, Chi-Chi Undie, Harriet Birungi, Shiphrah Kuria, Heather Clark, Deepa Rajamani, Saumya Ramarao

Reproductive Health

The progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) is used to extend the contraceptive effectiveness of lactational amenorrhea among breastfeeding women. Previous studies have shown that contraceptive vaginal rings are safe, effective, and well accepted in varied cultural settings. However, the extent to which the ring is acceptable in the sub-Saharan African context is unknown. This study examined the acceptability of the PVR in Kenya as part of a larger project that was also conducted in Nigeria and Senegal. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the factors influencing the acceptability of the method among clients, their spouses, providers, community members, …


Progesterone Vaginal Ring: Prevents Pregnancy, Population Council Jan 2015

Progesterone Vaginal Ring: Prevents Pregnancy, Population Council

Reproductive Health

This fact sheet provides information about how the progesterone vaginal contraceptive ring works to prevent pregnancy. The progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) offers a novel way of delivering safe and effective contraceptives for lactating women. When used by such women it prevents pregnancy by inhibiting follicular growth, hence preventing ovulation; reinforcing the inhibitory effect of breastfeeding on ovulation; extending postpartum amenorrhea; and thickening the cervical mucus, thus inhibiting sperm from meeting the egg. The PVR expands the range of contraceptives available to lactating women and has the potential to contribute to improving maternal and infant health.


Progesterone Vaginal Ring: Safe For Mothers And Babies, Population Council Jan 2015

Progesterone Vaginal Ring: Safe For Mothers And Babies, Population Council

Reproductive Health

This fact sheet provides basic information on the safety and effectiveness of the progesterone vaginal contraceptive ring. It works as a contraceptive by reinforcing the inhibitory effect of breastfeeding on ovulation and extending postpartum amenorrhea. The PVR is an effective and safe contraceptive for mothers, their babies, and their sexual partners. This method vastly expands the range of contraceptive choices available for nursing women.