Use of the internet and self-collected samples as a sexually transmissible infection intervention in rural Illinois communities

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiley D. Jenkins ◽  
Charlie Rabins ◽  
Mathilda Barnes ◽  
Patricia Agreda ◽  
Charlotte Gaydos
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Central Illinois ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: In the USA, reported cases of chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) continue to rise despite substantial funding for screening. National gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) rates have remained relatively stable, with clusters associated with metropolitan areas. Rural areas are no exception, as every county in Illinois reported cases of chlamydia in 2007. Morbidity associated with infection remains a public health concern, with costs of $US2.5+ billion annually. Novel screening interventions must be examined for their ability to reach those at risk who are missed by traditional methods. Methods: The website Iwantthekit.org was modified to allow residents from 25 contiguous counties in Central Illinois to request a self-collected sample kit. Returned kits were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The initial study period was 12 months. Results: During the study period, 343 kits were requested from 20 counties and 39.9% were satisfactorily returned for analysis. Positivity rates for chlamydia and gonorrhoea were 5.8% and 1.2%, respectively, for females and 1.9% and 0% for males. Males comprised 37.7% of all internet samples (compared with 23.4% for traditional screening venues) and 40.4% of all internet samples submitted by whites (compared with only 17.2% of traditional screening). Conclusions: The female positivity rate was comparable to those seen in other screening venues and the method successfully engaged at-risk males. Overall, participation was low and the costs associated with the program outweighed the averted costs associated with the few cases identified. While this methodology resulted in sample requests from a wide area, it must be utilised by more individuals to become cost-effective.

Lower sexually transmissible infection prevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women compared with women who have sex with women and men

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Christina A. Muzny ◽  
Richa Kapil ◽  
Erika L. Austin ◽  
Edward W. Hook ◽  
William M. Geisler
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Matched Group ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
History Of ◽  
Study Questionnaire ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Sexually transmissible infection (STI) history, prevalence and seroprevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women (WSW) and an age-matched group of women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) was evaluated. Methods: Participants completed a study questionnaire and had genital specimens and sera collected for STI testing. Results: Twenty-one lifetime exclusive WSW and 42 WSWM were included. WSWM were more likely to report a history of prior STIs and be seropositive for chlamydia and HSV-2. Prevalent STIs were less common among WSW. Conclusions: While lifetime exclusive WSW are at risk of contracting STIs, WSWM are disproportionally affected. Healthcare providers should consider routine STI screening among WSW.

Association between sexually transmissible infection testing, numbers of partners and talking to partners and friends about sexual health: survey of young adults

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie A. Hendry ◽  
Graham Brown ◽  
Gary W. Dowsett ◽  
Marina Carman
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Young adults, aged 18–30 years, comprise the largest proportion of sexually transmissible infection (STI) notifications in Australia compared with other age groups. Understanding the influence of partner and friendship networks on their STI testing practices may enhance health promotion efforts to increase testing for this group. Method: Participants aged 21–30 years, living in Australia for ≥3 years, were recruited within nightlife precincts in Melbourne, Australia. They completed a survey on demographic items, sexual health attitudes, sexual health knowledge and STI testing experiences and perceptions. Responses to items related to talking to partners and friends about STI testing were allocated partner and friend communication scores. Analyses included χ2 tests of independence and independent sample t-tests. Results: Overall, 36.5% (61/167) of participants had tested for STIs in the previous 12 months. Of those who had tested for STIs, most had significantly higher numbers of sexual partners in the same period (P < 0.05), and were significantly more likely to have felt at risk of STI acquisition (P < 0.05). Significantly greater mean partner and friend communication scores were associated with higher numbers of sexual partners, feeling at risk of STIs, and testing for STIs in the previous 12 months (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences when participants were stratified by gender or age. Conclusion: Talking to partners and friends about STI testing is associated with testing rates for young adults. Feeling at risk and increased numbers of sexual partners may be associated with the promotion of STI testing among friends and partners.

scholarly journals Iron and zinc deficiencies in China: what is a feasible and cost-effective strategy?

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 632-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guansheng Ma ◽  
Ying Jin ◽  
Yanping Li ◽  
Fengying Zhai ◽  
Frans J Kok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Zinc Deficiency ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Food Fortification ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Dietary Diversification

AbstractIn order to prioritise interventions for micronutrient deficiencies in China, the populations affected by iron and zinc deficiencies were assessed based on data from the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. The costs and cost-effectiveness of supplementation, food diversification and food fortification were estimated using the standard World Health Organization ingredients approach. Results indicated that 30% of children (<2 years), adults (>60 years), pregnant and lactating women, and 20% of women of reproductive age were anaemic, some 245 million people. Approximately 100 million people were affected by zinc deficiency (zinc intake inadequacy and stunting), the majority living in rural areas. Among interventions on iron and zinc deficiency, biofortification showed the lowest costs per capita, I$0.01 (international dollars), while dietary diversification through health education represented the highest costs at I$1148. The cost-effectiveness of supplementation, food fortification and dietary diversification for iron deficiency alone was I$179, I$66 and I$103 per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY), respectively. Data for biofortification were not available. For zinc deficiency, the corresponding figures were I$399, I$153 and I$103 per DALY, respectively. In conclusion, iron and zinc deficiencies are of great public health concern in China. Of the two long-term intervention strategies, i.e. dietary diversification and biofortification with improved varieties, the latter is especially feasible and cost-effective for rural populations. Supplementation and fortification can be used as short-term strategies for specific groups.

Advertising sexual health services that provide sexually transmissible infection screening for rural young people - what works and what doesn't

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepa G. Gamage ◽  
Candice A. Fuller ◽  
Rosey Cummings ◽  
Jane E. Tomnay ◽  
Mark Chung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
What Works ◽  
Web Advertisement ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background ‘TESTme’ is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) screening service for Victorian young people living in rural areas. We evaluated the effectiveness of advertising for this service over an 11-month pilot period. Methods: The advertising that was used included websites, a Facebook page, posters, flyers, business cards, wrist bands and professional development sessions for health nurses that occurred throughout the pilot period. We also used once-off methods including advertisements in newspapers, student diaries and short messages to mobile phones. Results: Twenty-eight clients had a consultation through TESTme. Twenty found the service through health professionals, six through the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) web page, one through the Facebook page and one through the student diary. The total direct costs incurred by the centre for advertising were $20 850. The advertising cost per client reached for each advertising method was $26 for health professionals, $80 for the MSHC web advertisement, $1408 for Facebook and $790 for the student diary. Other advertising methods cost $12 248 and did not attract any clients. Conclusion: Advertising STI health services for rural young people would be best to focus on referrals from other health services or health care websites.

scholarly journals Rectal self-sampling in non-clinical venues for detection of sexually transmissible infections among behaviourally bisexual men

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Dodge ◽  
Barbara Van Der Pol ◽  
Michael Reece ◽  
David Malebranche ◽  
Omar Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Sample ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽  
Overall Acceptability ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Rectal sexually transmissible infections are a common health concern for men who have sex with men but little is known about these infections among men who have sex with both men and women. Self-obtained rectal specimens were collected from a diverse sample of behaviourally bisexual men. From a total sample of 75 bisexual men, 58 collected specimens. A relatively high prevalence of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection was found. Participants who collected specimens reported overall acceptability and comfort with self-sampling. Future efforts are needed focusing on increasing awareness of and options for rectal sexually transmissible infection testing among bisexual men.

scholarly journals A verbal invitation and specimen collection on the spot are crucial to maximise sexually transmissible infection testing uptake in non-traditional settings

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 469
Author(s):  
Jane S. Hocking ◽  
Jane L. Goller ◽  
Megan S. C. Lim
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Testing Uptake ◽  
At Risk Populations ◽  
Efficient Option ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Non-traditional settings offer an opportunity to increase access to sexually transmissible infection testing for at-risk populations, but they have not yet proven to be an efficient option and current models are unlikely to be effective if scaled up.

Correlates of sexually transmissible infection testing among a sample of at-risk young Australians

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin H. Douglass ◽  
Alyce M. Vella ◽  
Margaret E. Hellard ◽  
Megan S. C. Lim
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
The Past ◽  
Chlamydia Testing ◽  
Testing Rate ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Not At Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Annual chlamydia testing is recommended for all sexually active Australians aged 15–29 years; however, the testing rate is below recommended levels. Three surveys at a Melbourne music festival were conducted over 2012–14 to identify correlates of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing among young people at risk of STIs. In total, 3588 participants were recruited; 72% reported having sex in the past year. Based on sexual behaviours, 38% of sexually active participants were classified as at risk of contracting STIs. In the past year, at-risk participants had significantly higher odds of reporting a STI test (37%) than participants classified as not at risk (24%) (OR=1.9; CI=1.6–2.3). Among at-risk participants, correlates of STI testing in the past year included being aged 20–24 years, visiting a GP, higher knowledge levels, earlier sexual debut and reporting more than five lifetime partners. Testing rates in our sample did not meet levels required to reduce chlamydia prevalence. However, the testing rate was higher in at-risk participants than participants who were not at risk. Future programs aiming to increase chlamydia testing should improve knowledge and promote the importance of testing after risk exposure, particularly among 16- to 19-year-olds.

Using Bayesian network models to incorporate uncertainty in the economic analysis of pollution abatement measures under the water framework directive

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.N. Barton ◽  
T. Saloranta ◽  
T.H. Bakken ◽  
A. Lyche Solheim ◽  
J. Moe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Pollution Abatement ◽  
Network Models ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Bayesian Belief Networks ◽  
Probabilistic Interpretation ◽  
Belief Networks ◽  
Benefit Cost Analysis

The evaluation of water bodies “at risk” of not achieving the Water Framework Directive's (WFD) goal of “good status” begs the question of how big a risk is acceptable before a programme of measures should be implemented. Documentation of expert judgement and statistical uncertainty in pollution budgets and water quality modelling, combined with Monte Carlo simulation and Bayesian belief networks, make it possible to give a probabilistic interpretation of “at risk”. Combined with information on abatement costs, a cost-effective ranking of measures based on expected costs and effect can be undertaken. Combined with economic valuation of water quality, the definition of “disproportionate cost” of abatement measures compared to benefits of achieving “good status” can also be given a probabilistic interpretation. Explicit modelling of uncertainty helps visualize where research and consulting efforts are most critical for reducing uncertainty. Based on data from the Morsa catchment in South-Eastern Norway, this paper discusses the relative merits of using Bayesian belief networks when integrating biophysical modelling results in the benefit-cost analysis of derogations and cost-effectiveness ranking of abatement measures under the WFD.

Features of support of agriculture (the case of the Tyumen Region)

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-48
Author(s):  
Aleksandra G. Balakhnina ◽  
Gulnara F. Romashkina
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Federal Budget ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
State Support ◽  
Budget Planning ◽  
Social Forms ◽  
Regional Budget ◽  
State Programs

This article systematizes the legal framework, forms, and volumes of support for agriculture from the federal budget of Russia and the regional budget (on the example of the Tyumen Region). The authors have performed a detailed analysis of the directions of such support for 2016-2019. The historical, economic and social features of the relationship between the state and agriculture are shown. State support for agriculture is objectively necessary, and competent budget planning makes it possible to develop. However, the dominance of direct forms of spending support does not stimulate cost-effective and innovative activities, which in the future can bring the industry to a competitive level. There is very little and irregular support for social forms, the development of farming and other forms of private farming in rural areas. The authors conclude that the policy of state support is sufficiently provided by legislative acts, resolutions and state programs. Many programs are updated, and new versions are adopted even before the previous ones expire. Such strong volatility hurts strategic projects and agricultural initiatives. Less expensive forms of activity-mediation and trade turn profitable. Living conditions in the villages significantly stay behind in quality and opportunities, which leads to the human capital leaving rural areas. The authors propose to pay more attention to the development of indirect forms of support, to stimulate economic activity and small businesses.

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