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Purpose: To compare safety, efficacy, stability, and predictability of implantable collamer lens (ICL) with femtosecond-laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) or small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for the correction of moderate-to-high myopia/myopic astigmatism. Study design: We retrospectively collected data from patients with moderate-to-high myopia/myopic astigmatism (spherical equivalent [SE] ≥ −3.00 diopters [D]) who underwent ICL (48 eyes), FS-LASIK (36 eyes), or SMILE (86 eyes) at Hai Yen Eye Center from October 2016 to February 2018. Materials and methods: The Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare pre- and postoperative patients’ characteristics of ICL with SMILE or FS-LASIK. Generalized linear models with unstructured correlation matrix and robust standard errors were used to analyze efficacy and safety indices; logistic regression was used for cylinder predictability. Results: After controlling for age, preoperative SE, and preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (pCDVA), SMILE had significantly lower safety indices (Coefficient = −0.04, 95% CI = −0.07–−0.01) and efficacy indices (Coefficient = −0.10, 95% CI = −0.20–−0.01) than did ICL, while FS-LASIK was not significantly different from ICL (Coefficient = −0.02, 95% CI = −0.06–0.02 and Coefficient = −0.01, 95% CI= −0.10–0.09, respectively). ICL SEswere stable over 12 months after surgery. However, in FS-LASIK and SMILE, SEs significantly decreased at 12 months compared with 6 months after surgery. The percentage of eyes that underwent FS-LASIK and had target SEs within ±0.5 D at 12 months was significantly lower than those that underwent ICL (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02–0.85), after controlling for age, preoperative SE, and pCDVA. Conclusion: For the correction of moderate-to-high myopia/myopic astigmatism, ICL seems to perform better than SMILE and FS-LASIK.

Introduction and aims People who use drugs (PWUD) face several mental health problems. This report aims to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with psychological distress among Cambodian PWUD. Design and methods Data used in our analysis were from the national survey of 1626 PWUD recruited through respondent-driven sampling method in Cambodia in 2012 to 2013. Distress was measured through self-report by using the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). All analyses were weighted. Results Approximately half of PWUD had mild to severe psychological distress in the past four weeks (K10 ≥ 20). In the adjusted analysis, being female (odds ratio 1.60; 95% confidence interval 1.22, 2.12) and having experienced living in rehabilitation centres (odds ratio 2.46; 95% confidence interval 1.56, 3.87) were associated with a higher risk of having moderate or severe psychological distress (K10 ≥ 25). Discussion and conclusions Psychological distress was prevalent among Cambodian PWUD. PWUD who were female or experienced living in rehabilitation centres were more likely to report distress. Policy makers should consider shifting further from compulsory institutionalised treatment model to community-based treatment program. Mental health assessment and mental health care services should be included in drug treatment programs and should be gender-sensitive. Further research investigating other mental disorders among PWUD are also needed.

This mixed methods study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a fully automated, interactive smartphone-delivered intervention for smoking cessation among people living with HIV in Cambodia. We used the explanatory sequential design, with a pilot two-group single-blind randomized controlled trial (N = 50) followed by in-depth interviews with all trial participants. In the trial, participants were randomized to Standard Care (SC) or Automated Messaging (AM) group. SC comprised brief advice to quit and self-help materials. AM consisted of the SC components plus a fully automated smartphone-based treatment program that involved interactive and tailored proactive messaging for 2 months. Results showed that the AM approach was highly feasible and efficacious. Feasibility was supported by high rates of treatment engagement (e.g., 81% of delivered messages and assessments were read or completed) and high retention (96%) through the 2-month follow-up. Biochemically verified point prevalence abstinence at follow-up was 40% for the AM group and 8% for the SC group (relative risk: 5.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 20.5). Being able to avoid other smokers, having coping skills, and having social/familial support contributed to successful abstinence. The AM program has the potential for wide-scale implementation in Cambodia and other low-income countries.

Cigarette smoking represents a major public health problem in Lao People&rsquo, s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study aims to examine factors associated with cigarette smoking cessation attempts and intention to quit. Data were from the Lao National Adult Tobacco Survey that consisted of 7562 participants &ge, 15 years old. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations, adjusted for sex, age groups, education level, income per day, and smoking frequency. Results show that past quit attempts were associated with visiting a healthcare provider in the past year (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.74, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.28&ndash, 2.35), home smoking bans (AOR: 5.52, 95% CI: 2.13&ndash, 14.33), noticing media-based messages informing the dangers of smoking or encouraging quitting (AOR: 3.25, 95% CI: 2.28&ndash, 4.63), noticing health warnings on cigarette packages in the past 30 days (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 2.21&ndash, 5.03), and believing that smoking is seriously harmful to their health (AOR: 3.45, 95% CI: 1.24&ndash, 9.57). The Lao PDR government should continue implementing tobacco control policies that demonstrated associations with cessation attempts or intention to quit, such as smoke-free environments and required health warnings on cigarette packages. Tobacco cessation treatment programs are pressingly needed in Lao PDR.

Introduction Given that people living with HIV (PLWH) are disproportionately burdened by tobacco-related morbidity and mortality, it is critically important to understand the degree to which evidence-based cessation interventions are utilized by and are effective among PLWH. Aims and Methods This secondary data analysis aimed to examine differences in Quitline treatment enrollment and 6-month cessation outcomes among smokers seeking care at 1 HIV clinic and 12 non-HIV clinics that were part of a large healthcare system in the greater Houston, Texas metropolitan area, United States. Data were from a 34-month (April 2013–February 2016) one-group implementation trial that evaluated the Ask-Advise-Connect (AAC) approach to linking smokers with Quitline treatment. Primary outcomes included (1) treatment enrollment and (2) 6-month self-reported and biochemically confirmed abstinence. Results The smoking status of 218 915 unique patients was recorded in the electronic health record; 5285 (2.7%) of these patients were seen at the HIV clinic where the smoking prevalence was 45.9%; smoking prevalence at the non-HIV clinics was 17.9%. The proportion of identified smokers who enrolled in treatment was 10.8% at the HIV clinic and 11.8% at the non-HIV clinics. The self-reported abstinence rate was 18.7% among HIV clinic patients and 16.5% among non-HIV clinic patients. Biochemically confirmed abstinence was lower at 4.2% and 4.5%, respectively (all ps > .05). Conclusions AAC resulted in rates of Quitline treatment enrollment and abstinence rates that were comparable among patients seen at an HIV clinic and non-HIV clinics. Findings suggest that AAC should be considered for widespread implementation in HIV clinics. Implications PLWH were as likely as other patients to enroll in evidence-based tobacco cessation treatment when it was offered in the context of a primary care visit. Cessation outcomes were also comparable. Therefore, standard care for PLWH should include routine screening for smoking status and referrals to cessation treatment.

BACKGROUND: Animal models have demonstrated the deleterious contribution of splenic immunocytes on secondary brain injury after stroke. While previous work has demonstrated splenic contraction (SC) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), no clinical studies have examined the relationship between the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) with SC in stroke patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a previous prospective observational study where daily spleen sizes were evaluated in 178 acute stroke patients. Spleen contraction was based on previously established normograms of healthy volunteers from the same study. SC from the first 24 hrs of stroke onset was evaluated against criteria for SIRS for the first 5 days of admission after AIS. RESULTS: 91patients had verified AIS without concurrent infection at admission. SIRS was not associated with SC at admission. African American patients with early SIRS had higher odds of having SC. Older patients with persistent SIRS at 72 hrs had lower odds of SC. At 48 hrs, there was significantly higher lymphocytosis and lower neutrophils present in patients with SC. Patients with SIRS at 72 hrs were more likely to have worse discharge mRS. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for an association among SC and SIRS in African American patients suggesting that spleen changes could be a biomarker for detecting SIRS in this population. Our data also indicate a counter association between SC and a lack of SIRS in patients older than 75. Further studies are needed to ascertain how age affects this association.

Background Smoking prevalence rates among people with HIV are nearly 3 times higher than those in the general population. Nevertheless, few smoking cessation trials targeting smokers with HIV have been reported in the literature. Efforts to develop and evaluate sustainable, low-cost, and evidence-based cessation interventions for people with HIV are needed. Given the widespread proliferation of mobile phones, the potential of using mobile health apps to improve the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions is promising, but evidence of efficacy is lacking, particularly among people with HIV. Objective This study will consist of a 2-group randomized controlled trial to evaluate a fully automated smartphone intervention for people with HIV seeking cessation treatment. Methods Participants (N=500) will be randomized to receive either standard treatment (ST; 250/500, 50%) or automated treatment (AT; 250/500, 50%). ST participants will be connected to the Florida Quitline and will receive nicotine replacement therapy in the form of transdermal patches and lozenges. This approach, referred to as Ask Advise Connect, was developed by our team and has been implemented in numerous health systems. ST will be compared with AT, a fully automated behavioral treatment approach. AT participants will receive nicotine replacement therapy and an interactive smartphone-based intervention that comprises individually tailored audiovisual and text content. The major goal is to determine whether AT performs better in terms of facilitating long-term smoking abstinence than the more resource-intensive ST approach. Our primary aim is to evaluate the efficacy of AT in facilitating smoking cessation among people with HIV. As a secondary aim, we will explore potential mediators and moderators and conduct economic evaluations to assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of AT compared with ST. Results The intervention content has been developed and finalized. Recruitment and enrollment will begin in the fall of 2021. Conclusions There is a critical need for efficacious, cost-effective, and sustainable cessation treatments for people with HIV who smoke. The AT intervention was designed to help fill this need. If efficacy is established, the AT approach will be readily adoptable by HIV clinics and community-based organizations, and it will offer an efficient way to allocate limited public health resources to tobacco control interventions. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05014282; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05014282 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/33183

Background This study investigated the prevalence of and risk factors for oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection with multiple genotypes in the United States. Methods Data were from the nationally representative 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This analysis comprised 9257 participants for whom data on oral HPV (37 genotypes) and associated risk factors were available. Results The weighted prevalence of multitype (2-6 types) oral HPV infection was 1.5% (2.5% for men, 0.4% for women) in the whole sample and 19.7% (22.0% for men, 12.1% for women) in those who had any type of oral HPV positivity. Most multitype oral HPV cases (83.8%) harbored one or more oncogenic types. In the adjusted multinominal logistic regression model, being male (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 3.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-8.65), being a current cigarette smoker (RRR = 2.57; 95% CI, 1.23-5.36), and having a new sex partner in the past year (RRR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.03-4.28) were associated with an increased risk of multitype oral HPV infection over single-type HPV infection. Conclusions Men, smokers, and those who had new sexual partners were at a significantly higher risk for multitype oral HPV infection.

Introduction Tobacco use is a burden for Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). No published report has examined determinants of various tobacco uses to inform appropriate policies and prevention strategies. This paper reports tobacco uses by sociodemographic characteristics using data from the most recent Lao National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS) in 2015. Methods The NATS included a nationally representative sample of 7562 people aged ≥15 years, recruited through a stratified 2-stage cluster sampling approach in 18 provinces. All analyses were weighted. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate unadjusted and adjusted associations between variables of interest. Results The NATS results showed that 32.4% of Lao people aged ≥15 years were current tobacco users (men: 51.2%, women: 15.4%). Cigarette smoking accounted for approximately 95% of all tobacco use in men, while tobacco chewing accounted for 60% of tobacco use in women. Current tobacco use was strongly associated with older ages and lower education levels (p

Aim This study aimed to determine the recurrence rate and related risk factors of borderline ovarian tumors (BOT). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 433 patients who were surgically treated for primary BOT at Tu Du Hospital from 11/2008 to 09/2015. We used the life table method to estimate the cumulative recurrence rate. We used the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model to determine recurrence-associated factors. Results Median follow-up time was 43 months (range: 3-105 months). Eighteen patients developed recurrence. The cumulative BOT recurrence rates at year 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 1.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5-2.8), 3.0% (95% CI = 1.7-5.2), 4.6% (95% CI = 2.9-7.4), and 5.1% (95% CI = 3.2-8.0), respectively. In the final multivariate model, a higher recurrence rate was significantly associated with primary tumor stages (stage I vs stages II and III, hazards ratio [HR] = 4.44, 95% CI = 1.60-12.38), pre-operative tumor's capsule rupture (HR = 4.14, 95% CI = 1.78-9.64), and cystectomy (HR = 5.33, 95% CI = 1.43-19.91). Conclusion The overall BOT recurrence rate in women in southern Vietnam was moderate. Primary tumor stage, capsule rupture, and cystectomy were main factors associated with BOT recurrence. Appropriate follow-up strategies for patients with high-risk factors are needed for early detection and management of recurrence.

This paper presents a macro-element model using an equivalent multi-strut approach to analyse the non-linear response of structural frames infilled with masonry. The usability, advantages and deficiencies of this model are assessed based on experiment results as well as comparisons with previous equivalent mono-strut models. The formulas used to convert the infilled masonry into a multi-strut model are based on an analysis of the beams on a Winkler elastic foundation, in which the beams and columns are represented as ‘beams’ and the masonry infill is the ‘elastic foundation’. The analytical results for the equivalent multi-strut model show that the non-linear behaviour of the infilled frames corresponds closely to experimental results using reinforced concrete frames and autoclaved aerated concrete block masonry, and is found to be more suitable for some problems than previous equivalent mono-strut models.

Background Determining risk scores for genital high-risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV) infection in women will support more efficient cervical cancer screening strategies. Objective We developed and validated point scores to predict the likelihood of any genital HRHPV infection in women. Methods We conducted the cross-sectional analysis in 2017 and used data from the 2005–14 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (7337 women aged 25–59 years; 6300 women aged 30–59 years). Predictors were reproductive health practices, risk behaviors and demographic variables. The outcome was a positive result for any of the 21 genital HRHPV genotypes. The 2005–12 cohorts were used as training and testing sets to develop scores that best classified women into three risk groups: low risk (30%). The 2013–14 cohort was used to validate the final scores. Results Two-point scores with six self-reported variables were created to predict any HRHPV risks for the two age groups: the Personal Risk of Oncogenic HPV (PRO-HPV25) for women aged 25–59 years old and PRO-HPV30 for women aged 30–59 years old. The scores were successfully prospectively validated, with good calibration with regards to the predicted and observed rates of HRHPV infection. The scores had fair discrimination (c-statistics: 0.67–0.68). Conclusion The PRO-HPV risk scores can identify groups at low, average and high risk of genital HRHPV infection. This information can be used to prioritize women for cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings or to personalize screening intervals.

Objectives Intravaginal practices (IVPs) include washing, wiping, or inserting something inside the vagina. This study investigates the associations between IVPs and genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 200 female sex workers aged 18 to 35 years in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. From August to September 2014. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, IVPs, and other behaviors were collected through face-to-face interviews. Self-collected cervicovaginal specimens were tested for 37 HPV genotypes. Results Multivariable Poisson regression models showed that a lower number of infecting HPV genotypes were associated with intravaginal washing in the past 3 months (incident rate ratios [IRR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.94) and often performing intravaginal washing shortly after sex (IRR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.99). Intravaginal washing before vaginal sex, intravaginal wiping, and intravaginal insertion were not associated with HPV infection. Conclusion These findings challenge the existing view that all types of vaginal cleansing are harmful. Specifically, intravaginal washing shortly after sex (mainly with water) may help prevent HPV infection in female sex workers, who have several partners and thus frequently expose to sources of HPV infection with different genotypes.

It has been suggested that soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) play potential roles in preeclampsia diagnosis. Nevertheless, studies on the use of sFlt-1, PlGF, and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting preeclampsia have found contradictory results. Thus, more studies in different populations are needed.This study aims to (i) examine the associations between sFlt-1, PlGF, or sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at gestational ages of 24-28 weeks and subsequent preeclampsia, and (ii) estimate predictive values of these markers in southern Vietnamese women.We used a nested case-control design from a cohort of 490 pregnant women who were at risk of preeclampsia. The total sample size for statistical analysis consisted of 30 cases and 67controls. Levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF were quantified by using a fully automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay platform (Elecsys®/Cobas®).The median of sFlt-1 concentration was not statistically different between case and control groups. The median PlGF concentration was lower (349.7 pg/ml versus 534.6 pg/ml, P .001) and the median sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was higher in the preeclampsia group (4.3 versus 1.9, P .001). After adjusting for maternal age, gestational age, nullipara, and body mass index, the odds of preeclampsia in women with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the fourth quartile were 10 times greater than in women with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the other quartiles (95% confidence interval, 3.2-31.4; P .001).This study contributes to the literature that sFlt-1/PlGF ratio measured at gestational weeks 24-28 in southern Vietnamese women can separate preeclamptic from normotensive cases.

This study aimed to assess physicians' susceptibility to framing effects in clinical judgment and decision making. A survey was administered online to 159 general internists in the United States. Participants were randomized into two groups, in which clinical scenarios varied in their framings: frequency vs percentage, with cost information vs without, female patient vs male patient, and mortality vs survival. Results showed that physicians' recommendations for patients in hypothetical scenarios were significantly different when the predicted probability of the outcomes was presented in frequency versus percentage form and when it was presented in mortality rate vs survival rate of the same magnitude. Physicians' recommendations were not different for other framing effects.

Objectives This study aimed to examine the relationships among self-reported oral health, oral hygiene practices, and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Study Design Convenience and referral sampling methods were used in a clinic-based setting to recruit 126 women aged 18-45 years between August and October 2013. Behavioral factors were self-reported. Oral-rinse samples were tested for HPV DNA of 2 low-risk and 13 high-risk genotypes. Results A higher unadjusted prevalence of oral HPV infection was associated with poorer self-rated overall oral health ( P = .001), reported oral lesions or problems in the past year ( P = .001), and reported a tooth loss not because of injury ( P = .001). Higher unadjusted prevalence of oral HPV infection was also associated with two measures of oral hygiene: lower frequencies of toothbrushing per day ( P = .047) and gargling without toothbrushing ( P = .037). After adjusting for other factors in multivariable logistic regression models, poorer self-rated overall oral health remained statistically associated with oral HPV infection ( P = .042); yet the frequency of tooth-brushing per day did not ( P = .704). Conclusion Results corroborate the association between self-reported poor oral health and oral HPV infection. The effect of oral hygiene on oral HPV infection remains inconclusive.

Background Lack of information on the HIV epidemic among men who inject drugs (MWID) in northwestern Vietnam, a remote area, may hamper national efforts to control the disease. We examined HIV prevalence, needle–syringe sharing behaviors, and associated factors among MWID in three areas of northwestern Vietnam. Methods We used descriptive analysis to report the characteristics, frequency of risk behaviors, and of access to healthcare services among the MWID. Univariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between the HIV infection, needle–syringe sharing behaviors, and their independent variables. We further explored these associations in multivariable analyses where we included independent variables based on a priori knowledge and their associations with the dependent variables determined in univariable analyses (p

This paper focuses on the influence of the contact surfaces between autoclaved aerated concrete blocks (AAC) and the surrounding reinforced concrete frame. From the experimental results and from the model proposed by the authors, different behaviors between ideal and real models have been analyzed and compared given a variety of aspects: the stiffness degradation, the drift, the cracking peak, the strength, the ductility and the energy dissipation. The research aims to provide parameters for calculating work approaching the actual behavior to obtain safer and cost-saving construction.

Summary Several studies indicate that douching has few benefits but numerous adverse health outcomes, including increased risk for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. No published study explores douching practices among Cambodian female sex workers. This report provides preliminary data about the prevalence and frequency of douching among female sex workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Survey data were obtained from 81 female sex workers who were taken into custody due to engagement in commercial sex from March to June 2011. Results showed that 91% of participants douched. The mean numbers of times douched before sex and after sex per 10 sex episodes were 4.43 (SD = 3.87) and 4.63 (SD = 3.94), respectively. Half of the participants thought that douching could help to prevent sexually transmitted infections including HIV; 24% were unsure about this. Usually, douching after sex was associated with ever obtaining an HIV test ( p = .012) and was marginally associated (although not statistically significant) with a higher average number of clients per week ( p =. 063) and consistent condom use with clients ( p = .053). This suggests that these practices may be related to individual perceptions of sexually transmitted infections/HIV risk or susceptibility. Given the commonness of douching and related misperceptions among Cambodian female sex workers, future studies and interventions are needed to prevent adverse health problems.

Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of 40% to 80% of oropharyngeal cancers; yet, no published study has examined the role of oral health in oral HPV infection, either independently or in conjunction with other risk factors. This study examined the relation between oral health and oral HPV infection and the interactive effects of oral health, smoking, and oral sex on oral HPV infection. Our analyses comprised 3,439 participants ages 30 to 69 years for whom data on oral HPV and oral health were available from the nationally representative 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results showed that higher unadjusted prevalence of oral HPV infection was associated with four measures of oral health, including self-rated oral health as poor-to-fair [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–1.95], indicated the possibility of gum disease (PR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.13–2.01), reported use of mouthwash to treat dental problems in the past week (PR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07–1.52), and higher number of teeth lost (Ptrend = 0.035). In multivariable logistic regression models, oral HPV infection had a statistically significant association with self-rated overall oral health (OR = 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15–2.09), independent of smoking and oral sex. In conclusion, poor oral health was an independent risk factor of oral HPV infection, irrespective of smoking and oral sex practices. Public health interventions may aim to promote oral hygiene and oral health as an additional measure to prevent HPV-related oral cancers. Cancer Prev Res; 6(9); 917–24. ©2013 AACR.

Youth account for almost half of all new HIV infections in the United States. Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is critical for successful management, yet reported adherence rates for youth are often low. This study pilot-tested "+CLICK," an innovative, web-based, adherence intervention for HIV-positive youth as an adjunct to traditional clinic-based, self-management education. The theory-based application, developed for HIV-infected youth, 13-24 years of age, provides tailored activities addressing attitudes, knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to ART adherence. HIV-positive youth (N=10) pilot-tested "+CLICK" to assess usability (ease of use, credibility, understandability, acceptability, motivation) and short-term psychosocial outcomes (importance and self-efficacy related to ART adherence) using a single-group, pre-/post-test study design in a hospital-based pediatric clinic (n=8) and home (n=2) location. Youth were mostly female (80%) and Black (80%). Mean age was 17.8 years (SD=2.65, range 14-22). All were infected perinatally and had been living with HIV all their lives. Most learned their HIV status by age 10 years. Sixty percent reported an undetectable viral load, whilst 10% reported a viral load of over 50,000. Half (50%) reported a normal CD4 count, whilst 20% reported having low CD4 (200). Usability ratings indicated "+CLICK" was very easy to use (70%), trustworthy, and understandable (both90%). Most (70%) indicated they would use "+CLICK" again. Short-term psychosocial outcomes indicate significant increase in medication adherence self-efficacy (p0.05), perceived importance of taking antiretroviral medicine close to the right time every day (p0.05), and knowledge about HIV and adherence (p0.01). Other psychosocial variables and behavioral intentions were not significantly impacted. Results suggest that "+CLICK" has the potential to affect psychological antecedents to ART adherence. Further research on long-term and behavioral effects is indicated prior to broader dissemination into clinical practice.

Young women’s ability to pursue a safer-sex life in line with their wishes is crucial to their sexual health. Although some previous observations have suggested that young women’s lack of ability to negotiate safer sex is due to gender power imbalances in the culture of Vietnam, studies that have tested this hypothesis explicitly and quantitatively are few and far between. The present study aimed to test the association between perceived gender relations and perceived self-efficacy in communicating sexual matters among undergraduate female students in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam. The analysis involved secondary data from 260 subjects from a larger survey regarding gender equity. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the study’s hypothesis. Results showed that adherence to traditional gender roles and norms was significantly associated with female students’ reduced self-efficacy to communicate on safer-sex matters, such as refusing unwanted sex or requesting condom use. This association remained invariant in the cross-validation process between partnered and unpartnered groups. Programmes that aim to promote safer-sex negotiation and practices for this population may need to address the influence of gender relations and power.

Adolescents and young adults account for over 10 million HIV infections worldwide. Prevention of secondary transmission is a major concern as many HIV-positive youth continue to engage in risky sexual behavior. This study pilot-tested “+CLICK”, an innovative, web-based, sexual risk reduction intervention for HIV-positive youth as an adjunct to traditional clinic-based, self-management education. The theory-based application, developed for perinatally and behaviorally infected youth 13–24 years of age, provides tailored activities addressing attitudes, knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to sexual risk reduction. HIV-positive youth (N = 32) pilot-tested “+CLICK” to assess usability (ease of use, credibility, understandability, acceptability, motivation) and short-term psychosocial outcomes (importance and self-efficacy related to abstinence and condom use) using a single group, pre-/post-test study design in a hospital-based pediatric clinic and community locations. A subsample of participants (n = 20) assessed feasibility for clinic use. Participants were 62.5% female, 68.8% Black, and 28.1% Hispanic. Mean age was 17.8 years (SD = 2.55), 43.8% were infected behaviorally, 56.2% perinatally, and 68.8% were sexually experienced. Usability ratings were high: 84.4% rated the application very easy to use; 93.8% perceived content as trustworthy; 87.5% agreed most words were understandable; 87.5% would use the application again. Short-term psychosocial outcomes indicate a significant increase in condom use self-efficacy (p = 0.008) and positive trends toward importance (p = 0.067) and self-efficacy (p = 0.071) for waiting before having sex. Regarding feasibility, participants accessed “+CLICK” during waiting periods (average time, 15 minutes) in their routine clinic visit. Clinic staff rated “+CLICK” highly in providing consistent, confidential, and motivational sexual health education without significant disruption to clinic flow. Results suggest that the application is a feasible tool for use in the clinic and has the potential to affect psychological antecedents to sexual behavior change. Further research on long-term and behavioral effects is indicated prior to broader dissemination into clinical practice.

Background Evidence regarding whether male partners’ characteristics can influence women’s likelihood of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is insufficient and inconsistent. Our study examined associations between women’s perception of primary male partners’ demographic and behavioural characteristics and women’s history of bacterial STI diagnoses among 126 women at risk for STIs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods: All variables were obtained by women’s self-report. Due to the excess zeroes of the number of bacterial STI diagnoses for women, we used Zero-Inflated Poisson regression to examine associations of interest. Results: Among women who had one lifetime male partner (n = 49), the partner’s number of female sexual partners [prevalence ratio (PR) = 4.63, 95%CI = 1.44–14.88] and number of STI diagnoses (PR = 27.32, 95%CI = 1.56–477.70) were associated with the woman’s number of bacterial STI diagnoses, after adjusting for women’s education level. For women who had >1 lifetime male partner (n = 77), a greater number of women’s bacterial STI diagnoses was also associated with their partners’ STI history (PR = 9.12, 95% CI = 2.44–34.11). Conclusions: An increased risk for STIs in women was associated with both individual characteristics and their primary male partner’s behavioural risk factors. Therefore, primary male partners’ risk factors should be included in STI risk assessments, treatment and interventions for women.

Introduction Increasing evidence indicates that gender equity has a significant influence on women’s health; yet few culturally specific indicators of gender relations exist which are applicable to health. This study explores dimensions of gender relations perceived by female undergraduate students in southern Vietnamese culture, and qualitatively examines how this perceived gender inequity may influence females’ sexual or reproductive health. Methods Sixty-two female undergraduate students from two universities participated in eight focus group discussions to talk about their perspectives regarding national and local gender equity issues. Results Although overall gender gaps in the Mekong Delta were perceived to have decreased in comparison to previous times, several specific dimensions of gender relations were emergent in students’ discussions. Perceived dimensions of gender relations were comparable to theoretical structures of the Theory of Gender and Power, and to findings from several reports describing the actual inferiority of women. Allocation of housework and social paid work represented salient dimensions of labor. The most salient dimension of power related to women in positions of authority. Salient dimensions of cathexis related to son preference, women’s vulnerability to blame or criticism, and double standards or expectations. Findings also suggested that gender inequity potentially influenced women’s sexual and reproductive health as regards to health information seeking, gynecological care access, contraceptive use responsibility, and child bearing. Conclusion Further investigations of the associations between gender relations and different women’s sexual and reproductive health outcomes in this region are needed. It may be important to address gender relations as a distal determinant in health interventions in order to promote gender-based equity in sexual and reproductive health.

Improvements in the medical management of HIV have reduced the rate of perinatal transmission from mothers to their children, and 91% of U.S. children with perinatally acquired HIV survive into adolescence and young adulthood.1 Nevertheless, youth continue to acquire HIV through risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and injection-drug use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least half of all new HIV infections in the United States are among people younger than 25 and are largely due to these two risk behaviors.1 The extended survival of perinatally infected youth, combined with rising numbers of behaviorally infected youth, presents health care providers with the critical challenge of providing HIV-positive youth with information and methods to prevent secondary HIV transmission. Successes in HIV medical management have not been matched by successes in behavioral interventions to curtail risky behaviors among HIV-positive youth. Despite researchers’ advanced understanding of the pathophysiology and transmission of HIV, as well as the use of clinic-based education relating to risk reduction, the translation of relevant health messages into behavioral practice remains flawed, as HIV-positive youth continue to engage in risky behaviors.2–6 In one study, 43% of HIV-positive youth reported not using a condom at last intercourse.2 A small number of behavioral interventions for HIV-positive youth have been rigorously evaluated, but the assessment of their effectiveness has been hampered by poor attendance.5,7,8 To fully understand the challenges of preventing secondary HIV transmission among youth, the experiences of both HIV-positive youth and health care providers need to be explored. Although quantitative studies9–11 have examined the attitudes and perceptions of such youth toward sexual risk reduction and disclosure of their HIV status, qualitative data to inform the development of interventions have been limited.12,13 Furthermore, little is known about providers’ attitudes toward risk reduction and disclosure among HIV-positive youth.14 The present study explores the views of health care providers and HIV-positive youth about disclosure and sexual risk reduction, and suggests how prevention efforts and clinical behavioral interventions might be strengthened.

Background Worldwide, the literature on sexual behaviour has documented associations between gender-based relationship inequality and sexual communication ability and the actual use of condoms or other contraceptives among young women. This study aimed to examine these associations among undergraduate female students in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1181 female third-year students from two universities in the Mekong Delta was conducted. Latent variable modelling and logistic regression were employed to examine the hypothesised associations. Results: Among the 72.4% of students who had ever had boyfriends, 44.8% indicated that their boyfriends had asked for sex, 13% had had penile–vaginal sex and 10.3% had had oral sex. For those who had had penile–vaginal sex, 33% did not use any contraceptive method, including condoms, during their first sexual intercourse. The greater a student’s perception that women were subordinate to men, the lower her self-efficacy for sexual communication and the lower her actual frequency of discussing safer sex matters and asking her partner to use a condom. Sexual communication self-efficacy was associated with actual contraceptive use (P = 0.039) but only marginally with condom use (P = 0.092) at first sexual intercourse. Conclusion: Sexual health promotion strategies should address the influence of gender relations on young women’s sexual communication self-efficacy and the subsequent impact on actual contraceptive and condom use.

Background Effective control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) depends on affected patients notifying their sexual partners, and partners following through with screening and treatment. Our study assessed high-risk-STI women’s confidence in STI-diagnosis-related communications with their primary male partners in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and determined associated characteristics of the women and their partners. Methods We employed convenience and snowball sampling in a clinic-based setting to recruit 126 women from August to October 2013. All data were obtained from women’s self-report. Results The proportions of participants who were “slightly confident” or “very confident” that they could disclose their STI positivity to partners, ask partners to have an STI examination or treatment, and give partners bacterial-STI medications were 70.3 %, 62.1 %, and 69.0 %, respectively. The proportions who perceived that their partners would be “very likely” to have an STI examination and to take STI medications were 16.2 % and 38.8 %, respectively. Significantly lower self-efficacy was observed in women who had a lower education level, who had ever traded sex, or whose primary partners were not husbands or fiancés. Conclusions Our results suggest potential for piloting STI-partner-targeted interventions. To be effective, these programs should improve women’s self-efficacy and primary partners’ cooperation with screening and treatment.