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The purpose of the study was to explore, within cultural and societal contexts, the factors of spousal HIV transmission as described by the experiences of HIV-positive Cambodian men. Using qualitative research methods, the researchers collected data from in-depth interviews with 15 HIV-positive Cambodian men of seroconcordant couples recruited from an HIV/AIDS clinic in Phnom Penh. Using a model of HIV transmission from husbands to wives, the questions were designed to elicit the men’s perspectives on the topics of promiscuity, masculinity, condom use in marriage, the image of the ideal Cambodian woman, and attitudes toward sex and marriage. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The main results were as follows: (a) men involved with sex workers perceived this as a natural behavior and a necessary part of being an approved member in a male peer group, (b) married men never used condoms during sex with their wives prior to their HIV diagnosis, (c) men perceived a good wife as one who is diligent and loyal to her husband, and (4) men’s attitudes toward sex and marriage (e.g., sex perceived as a part of life pleasure) differed from those of their wives. Promoting honest spousal communication about sexuality, maintaining men’s marital fidelity, and increasing women’s comfort in the use of sexual techniques are suggested as strategies for reducing HIV transmission within marriage in Cambodia. Future interventions should focus on reshaping men’s behaviors and changing cultural norms to protect them and their spouses from HIV infection.

Introduction: The purpose of this trial was to determine the efficacy of a Nurse Controlled Analgesia (NCA) protocol in reducing the time taken to achieve a satisfactory postoperative pain score. The safety aspects of the NCA protocol were also evaluated. Method: 120 patients undergoing major surgery were randomised into 2 groups – NCA group and the doctor administered analgesia group (DRA). Nurses in the Post Anaesthestic Care Area (PACU) administered analgesia based on a protocol whereas analgesia was titrated at the discretion of the doctor in the DRA group. Effective pain control was measured by the time taken to obtain first dose of analgesia and the time taken to achieve either a pain score of less than 4/10 or if the patient refused further analgesia. Results: Patients received their first dose of morphine faster in the NCA group compared to DRA group, 6.7 minutes versus 9.5 minutes respectively (p= 0.037). Time taken to achieve a pain score of less than 4 was shorter in the doctor group although this was not significant. Complication rates were not different in both groups. Conclusion: Nurse administered analgesia based on a protocol can provide pain relief for patients in the postoperative period as effectively and safely as doctor administered analgesia.