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Network: Research
to Practice
Vol. 23, No. 1, 2003
- A gap often exists between research findings and the desired
outcome of putting them into use to improve health service
delivery, policies, and practices. But this issue of Network
highlights several factors that can facilitate the speed and
ease of moving research to practice. How various factors can
coincide to produce rapid utilization of research findings is
illustrated by acceptance of the antiretroviral nevirapine to
prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the developing
world. Also described in the issue is a pilot initiative by the
Kenya Ministry of Health and some 15 partner organizations
(including FHI) to increase access to the intrauterine device
(IUD) based on research that IUDs are safe, highly effective,
and cost-effective over the long term. Finally, this issue of
Network offers guidance for identifying worthy research results,
as well as various interventions considered to be "best
practices" for reproductive health care.
Network: Barrier
Methods
Vol. 22, No. 4, 2003
- The actual and potential use of various barrier methods for
contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections
(STIs) is the focus of this issue of Network. Male condoms
when used consistently and correctly are an effective means
of preventing HIV infection, gonorrhea (in men) and unplanned
pregnancy among people who are sexually active and need to
protect themselves. In various settings, promotion of 100
percent condom use has contributed to marked reductions in STI
rates. However, accurate messages about condoms must build on
(and not substitute for) a wide range of STI risk-avoidance and
risk-reduction approaches. The issue also discusses female
condom reuse issues and various strategies that offer dual
protection against both unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Another
highlight is an overview of the status of research on various
microbicides that might be used topically as protective barriers
against HIV and other STIs. Finally, the issue explores the
soon-to-be tested hypothesis that diaphragms offer women some
protection against STIs.
Network: Hormonal
Contraceptive Methods
Vol. 22, No. 3, 2003
- Ongoing efforts to make hormonal contraceptive methods safer,
more acceptable, easier to use, and more diverse is the focus of
this issue of Network. How researchers have altered
formulations and delivery systems for hormonal contraceptives,
creating new products that are beginning to enter the market, is
discussed. The issue also explores ways to help oral
contraceptive users adhere to pill-taking regimens and
identifies efforts to have community-based workers provide
injectable contraceptives. Another highlight is provider
guidance, derived from evidence-based medicine, for several
challenging clinical cases involving hormonal contraceptive use.
The issue includes a review of issues related to hormonal
contraceptive use by women either infected with sexually
transmitted infections, including HIV, or at risk of infection.
Finally, an article describes the growing role of pharmacies as
outlets for information about, and provision of, emergency
contraceptive pills for youth.
Network: Qualitative Research
Vol. 22, No. 2, 2002
The use of qualitative research to improve reproductive health is the focus of this issue of Network. Such research is guiding research and program design, complementing findings from quantitative studies, and exploring issues that have received little study.
Network: Reproductive
Life Stages
Vol. 22, No. 1, 2002
- Various stages of a womans reproductive life
characterized by different priorities for contraception and
disease protection, as well as different needs for reproductive
health information are highlighted in this issue of Network.
Adolescents, for example, need information about both abstinence
and the use of contraceptive methods. Women in their peak
childbearing years need to understand that contraceptive use
will not jeopardize their fertility, but that sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) can. Meanwhile, women approaching
menopause need to be aware of their continuing risks for
unplanned pregnancy and STI infection.
Network: Sexual
Health
Vol. 21, No. 4, 2002
- Sexuality, gender socialization,
partner communication, social relationships, and cultural norms
all influence sexual health, defined by the World Health
Organization as "integration of the physical, emotional,
intellectual, and social aspects of sexual being in ways that
are enriching and that enhance personality, communication, and
love." The current issue of Network seeks to increase
awareness of these important and often overlooked dynamics, and
to help readers identify social and programmatic barriers to
optimal sexual health. A special package of articles in the
issue also clarifies the complex relationship between
contraception and induced abortion, citing evidence that
increased use of effective contraception leads to declines in
induced abortion rates.
Network: Improving
Reproductive Health Services
Vol. 21, No. 3, 2002
- Throughout the world, many women are denied contraceptive
methods due to health concerns that in fact have no
scientific basis. Youth continue to face various reproductive
health dangers, many of which are tied to behaviors related to
sexuality. Meanwhile, reproductive health programs in developing
countries struggle to provide quality care with limited
resources. However, various initiatives, tools, and research are
addressing these ongoing problems, according to the current
issue of Network.
Network: Ethics
and Reproductive Health
Vol. 21, No. 2, 2001
- An essential element of good reproductive
health research, as well as service delivery, is that it be
performed in an ethical manner. This issue of Network covers the
evolution of basic ethical principles, ethical dilemmas that
service providers regularly face, distinctions between informed
choice and informed consent, and emerging reproductive health
technologies that raise ethical concerns.
Network: Emergency
Contraceptive Pills
Vol. 21, No. 1, 2001
- Emergency contraceptive pills can prevent pregnancy after
unprotected intercourse, method failure, or incorrect method
use. This issue of Network includes an overview of emergency
contraception: how it works, when it should be used, proper
dosage, effectiveness, safety, and side effects. Other articles
discuss efforts to improve emergency contraception, why many
women needing the method do not use it, and ways to increase
access. Also explored in the issue is the feasibility of HIV
treatment shortly after being exposed to HIV (postexposure
prophylaxis).
Network: Family
Planning and STIs
Vol. 20, No. 4, 2001
- Many family planning clients need services related to sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). This issue of Network includes an
article about ways to provide dual protection, against both
pregnancy and STIs. Other articles address the needs of
HIV-positive women, ways to reach youth and men, and a
contraceptive method table that compares each method's ability
to protect against STIs.
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