Impact of an Online Birth Control Support Network on Unintended Pregnancy

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Antonishak ◽  
Kelleen Kaye ◽  
Lawrence Swiader
Keyword(s):  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Birth Control ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exposure Condition ◽  
Exposure Group ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies ◽  
Over Time

We evaluated the effects of Bedsider.org—an online birth control support network—on unintended pregnancies among young women aged 18–29. Bedsider is the centerpiece of a comprehensive digital effort to encourage women to use birth control more consistently and effectively and consider using more effective forms of birth control over time. A sample of 2,284 women was randomly assigned to be exposed to Bedsider or to a control group (no exposure) condition. Women were surveyed throughout a 12-month period. Women in the Bedsider exposure group were less likely to have a pregnancy scare, an unintended pregnancy, or unprotected sex compared to the control group. Additionally, women in the Bedsider exposure group were more likely to use a more effective method of contraception over time compared to the control group. Future studies are needed to examine the dose–response relationship for exposure to Bedsider.org and for whom the intervention is most effective.

scholarly journals Determinants of EC Utilization among the Youth in the Tamale Municipality – A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
Abdul-Malik, Abdulai
Keyword(s):  
Marital Status ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies ◽  
Factors Influencing

Unintended pregnancy among the adolescent globally is very high. It poses serious health risk to them and must be addressed to save the young girls. The adolescent females are mostly in unstable relations and are most unlikely to be on regular contraceptives. Sex among them is sporadic and impromptu, hence they are unable to negotiate for safer sex, which sometimes results in unintended pregnancy. Emergency contraceptives remain the only option to prevent unintended pregnancies after unprotected sex. This study, therefore, sought to determine the factors that promote EC utilization among the Muslim youth in the Tamale metropolis of the Northern region of Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional design was adopted with a mixed method approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data using a semi-structured questionnaire and FGD guide. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select young Muslims, both males and females aged 15-24 years. Associated factors influencing EC use were determined using Chi-square (Chi2) and logistic regression at 95% CI and significant level set at p<0.05. Socio-demographics and socio-cultural factors influencing knowledge and utilization of EC among young Muslims were; age (OR = 22.28; 95% CI 2.97-171.85; p=0.001), marital status (OR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.34-0.93; p=0.030), education (OR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.05-0.66; p<0.001), and partner approval (OR=0.23; 95% CI 0.06-0.83; p = 0.020). Significant factors that determined EC utilization were age, educational level, marital status, and partner approval.

scholarly journals Salmonella Bacterin Vaccination Decreases Shedding and Colonization of Salmonella Typhimurium in Pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1163
Author(s):  
Eduarda Alexandra Gonçalves de Oliveira Moura ◽  
Daniela Gomes da Silva ◽  
Caio Henrique Turco ◽  
Thainara Vitoria Carnevalli Sanches ◽  
Gabriel Yuri Storino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salmonella Typhimurium ◽  
Blood Count ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Commercial Vaccine ◽  
Serum Igg ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Over Time

Since the occurrence of swine salmonellosis has increased over time and control strategies other than biosecurity are highly recommended, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination with Salmonella Choleraesuis and Salmonella Typhimurium bacterins in pigs. Two experimental groups were formed: G1, animals immunized with two doses of a commercial vaccine (n = 20); G2, control group (n = 20). After vaccination, all pigs were orally challenged (D0) with 108 CFU of Salmonella Typhimurium and evaluated for 40 days. Every 10 days after D0, five piglets from each experimental group were euthanized and submitted to the necroscopic examination, when organ samples were collected. Blood samples and rectal swabs were collected before the first dose of the vaccine (D−42), before the second dose (D−21), before the challenge (D0), and thereafter, every three days until D39. Blood count, serum IgG measurement by ELISA, and the excretion of Salmonella Typhimurium in feces were evaluated. While the results from blood count and serum IgG concentration did not differ, the detection and excretion of Salmonella between G1 and G2 differed (p < 0.05). Therefore, it was observed that this vaccine partially protected the animals against experimental infection with Salmonella Typhimurium, reducing the excretion of bacteria in feces.

scholarly journals Patterns of anxiety and distress over 12 months following participation in HPV primary screening

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054780
Author(s):  
Laura A V Marlow ◽  
Emily McBride ◽  
Deborah Ridout ◽  
Alice S Forster ◽  
Henry Kitchener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Result ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Abnormal Cytology ◽  
Normal Cytology ◽  
Time Specific ◽  
Over Time

ObjectivesMany countries are now using primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical screening, testing for high-risk HPV and using cytology as triage. An HPV-positive result can have an adverse psychological impact, at least in the short term. In this paper, we explore the psychological impact of primary HPV screening over 12 months.MethodsWomen were surveyed soon after receiving their results (n=1133) and 6 (n=762) and 12 months (n=537) later. Primary outcomes were anxiety (Short-Form State Anxiety Inventory-6) and distress (General Health Questionnaire-12). Secondary outcomes included concern, worry about cervical cancer and reassurance. Mixed-effects regression models were used to explore differences at each time point and change over time across four groups according to their baseline result: control (HPV negative/HPV cleared/normal cytology and not tested for HPV); HPV positive with normal cytology; HPV positive with abnormal cytology; and HPV persistent (ie, second consecutive HPV-positive result).ResultsWomen who were HPV positive with abnormal cytology had the highest anxiety scores at baseline (mean=42.2, SD: 15.0), but this had declined by 12 months (mean=37.0, SD: 11.7) and was closer to being within the ‘normal’ range (scores between 34 and 36 are considered ‘normal’). This group also had the highest distress at baseline (mean=3.3, SD: 3.8, scores of 3+ indicate case-level distress), but the lowest distress at 12 months (mean=1.9, SD: 3.1). At 6 and 12 months, there were no between-group differences in anxiety or distress for any HPV-positive result group when compared with the control group. The control group were less concerned and more reassured about their result at 6 and 12 months than the HPV-positive with normal cytology group.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the initial adverse impact of an HPV-positive screening result on anxiety and distress diminishes over time. Specific concerns about the result may be longer lasting and efforts should be made to address them.

Involuntary Memories of War-Related Scenes in Veterans With PTSD

2021 ◽  
pp. 216770262199454
Author(s):  
Søren Risløv Staugaard ◽  
Annette Kjær Fuglsang ◽  
Dorthe Berntsen
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Response ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Affect Intensity ◽  
General Control ◽  
Retrieval Task ◽  
Involuntary Memories ◽  
Over Time

Studies suggest that general control deficits and elevated affect intensity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) extend beyond memory for the index trauma. However, few researchers have pursued this possibility experimentally by examining memory for novel events. We used an experimental design to measure the frequency and characteristics of involuntary memories over time. Veterans with and without PTSD saw pictures of neutral and war-related scenes. Half of the participants completed an involuntary-retrieval task immediately after encoding, whereas the other half completed the retrieval task after 1 week. Veterans with PTSD had stronger emotional reactions to their involuntary memories of the scenes regardless of their original valence. The emotional impact and specificity of the memories did not diminish over time in PTSD veterans but did so in the control group. The findings are consistent with an increased emotional response to a range of memories that include—but are not limited to—memories of traumatic events.

scholarly journals "I was tricked": understanding reasons for unintended pregnancy among sexually active adolescent girls

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Sally Atieno Odunga ◽  
Clement Oduor ◽  
Ramatou Ouedraogo ◽  
Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies ◽  
Study Setting

Abstract Background While the Kenya government is mobilizing high-level strategies to end adolescent pregnancy by 2030, a clear understanding of drivers of early unintended pregnancy in the country is a necessary precursor. In this study, we determine the prevalence, associated factors, and reasons for unintended pregnancy among sexually active adolescent girls (aged 15–19 in two Kenya counties with the highest rate of teenage pregnancy. Methods We used the “In Their Hands” (ITH) program's baseline evaluation data. The study adopted a mixed-methods design with 1110 sexually active adolescent girls in the quantitative component and 19 girls who were either pregnant or nursing a child in the qualitative. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression to model factors associated with unintended pregnancy among respondents. We used a thematic analysis of qualitative data to examine girls’ reasons for having unintended pregnancy. Results Overall, 42% of respondents have had an unintended pregnancy; however, higher proportions were observed among girls who were 19 years (49.4%), double orphans (53.6%), never used contraceptive (49.9%), out-of-school (53.8%), and married (55.6%). After adjusting for relevant covariates, the odds of unintended pregnancy were higher among girls who resided in rural areas (AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.22–2.20), had primary or no formal education (AOR 1.50 95% CI 1.11–2.02), and had never used contraceptive (AOR 1.69 95% CI 1.25–2.29) compared with their counterparts. Current school attendance was associated with a 66% reduction in the probability of having an unintended pregnancy. Participants of the qualitative study stated that the desire to maintain a relationship, poor contraceptive knowledge, misinformation about contraceptive side effects, and lack of trusted mentors were the main reasons for their unintended pregnancies. Conclusion A massive burden of unintended pregnancy exists among sexually active adolescent girls in the study setting. Adolescent boys and girls need better access to sexuality education and contraceptives in the study setting to reduce early unintended pregnancy.

scholarly journals Chronic Exposure to Lead and Cadmium in Residents Living near a Zinc Smelter

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1731
Author(s):  
HyeJeong Jo ◽  
GeunBae Kim ◽  
JunYoung Chang ◽  
Kwan Lee ◽  
ChulWoo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exposure Group ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Lead And Cadmium ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Locally Grown ◽  
Cd Exposure

This study aimed to measure lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure levels in residents living near a zinc (Zn) smelter in Seokpo-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, South Korea, and identify factors affecting exposure. Residents aged ≥20 years living within 3 km and ≥30 km away from the smelter were classified as the exposure group (n = 549), and the control group (n = 265), respectively. Data were obtained through a questionnaire survey. Blood Pb levels in the exposure group (4.19 µg/dL) were higher than in the control group (2.70 µg/dL). The exposure group (1.32 µg/L) also had higher urinary Cd concentrations than the control group (0.80 µg/L). Male sex, older age, previous work at the smelter, smoking, and proximity to the smelter were associated with higher blood Pb levels on multivariate analysis; urinary Cd concentration was significantly higher in women, those who were older, those with experience of working in a Zn smelter or mine, those with proximity to the Zn smelter, and those who consumed locally grown vegetables. In conclusion, Zn smelters are major source of Pb and Cd pollution and require ongoing public health management to prevent potential adverse health effects.

Treating Spider Phobics with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: A Controlled Study

1997 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Muris ◽  
Harald Merckelbach
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Eye Movement ◽  
Specific Phobia ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exposure Group ◽  
Imaginal Exposure ◽  
Avoidance Test ◽  
Behavioural Avoidance

The present study examined the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of a specific phobia. Twenty-four spider phobic subjects were randomly assigned to either (1) an EMDR group (n=8), (2) an imaginal exposure group (n=8), or (3) a control group (n=8). Both the EMDR and the imaginal exposure group underwent a one-hour treatment. The control group initially received no treatment, and waited for one hour. Next, all groups received exposure in vivo. Treatment outcome was evaluated with a standardized Behavioural Avoidance Test (BAT). No evidence was found for EMDR being more effective than imaginal exposure or waiting list control. In fact, only exposure in vivo therapy resulted in significant improvement on the BAT.

Stimulation Seeking Throughout Seven Days of Sensory Deprivation

1967 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 261-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seward Smith ◽  
Thomas I. Myers ◽  
Eugene Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Deprivation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Early Release ◽  
Enlisted Men ◽  
Over Time

60 volunteer Naval enlisted men participated in a study of 7-day, individual isolation. 40 Ss lived in small, dark, quiet rooms with little to do (SD). The other 20 served in a live-in-the-lab control group (C) with ad lib. access to lights, recreational materials, and intercom conversation with another C S if mutually desired. 19 SD Ss, but only 1 C S, requested early release. Pre-, during-, and post-isolation tests were given. In a test of stimulation seeking, boring stock reports could be heard during a 1-hr. period on each of Days 1, 4, and 7 of isolation. SD Ss selected to listen significantly more than Cs on Days 4 and 7, with the differences increasing over time. Day 1 listening (about 6 hr. after isolation began) predicted who would later request release. In the discussion, currently available stimulation-seeking data are summarized and integrated.

Comparison of Oxidative Effects of Electronic Cigarette and Tobacco Smoke Exposure Performed Experimentally

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Oktay Aslaner
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cigarette Smoke ◽  
Tobacco Smoke ◽  
Smoke Exposure ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Tobacco Smoke Exposure ◽  
Cigarette Smoke Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exposure Group ◽  
Oxidative Effects

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Cigarette smoking is a life-threatening habit that has rapidly spread in every socioeconomic part of the public worldwide. There exist mechanisms of nicotine delivery available to use in the hope of halting cigarette smoking, and the electronic cigarette (EC) is one of the common methods used for tobacco smoking replacement. This study aimed to investigate experimentally the oxidative effects of tobacco smoke and EC smoke which contain nicotine. <b><i>Method:</i></b> We constructed smoke circuit rooms for exposing the rats to EC or tobacco smoke. Three groups were created, the control group (<i>N</i> = 8); the electronic cigarette group (<i>N</i> = 8), exposure to electronic cigarette smoke for 2 h per day; and the tobacco group (<i>N</i> = 8), exposure to traditional cigarette smoke for 2 h per day. After the first and second week of exposure, blood samples were obtained, and serum oxidative stress index (OSI), paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, and prolidase levels were evaluated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Higher values of OSI and prolidase levels were detected in the first week of EC or tobacco smoke exposure in both study groups (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) when compared with the control group, and partial decrements were observed in the second week. By contrast, elevated PON1 levels were observed in the second week after EC or tobacco smoke exposure. The highest OSI levels were observed in the tobacco smoke group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The lowest values of PON1 levels were detected in the first week of the electronic cigarette smoke group, and this decremental value was statistically different than normal, the second week of the electronic cigarette smoke group, the first week of the traditional cigarette smoke exposure group, and the second week of the traditional cigarette smoke exposure group values (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.000). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results indicate that EC smoke induced oxidative stress. Therefore, ECs are potentially risky for human health and can lead to important health problems.

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