Vaginal Practices Diary

Vaginal Practices of HIV-Negative Zimbabwean Women

BACKGROUND Vaginal practices (VPs) may increase HIV risk by injuring vaginal epithelium or by increasing risk of bacterial vaginosis, an established risk factor for HIV. METHODS HIV-negative Zimbabwean women (n = 2,185) participating in a prospective study on hormonal contraception and HIV risk completed an ancillary questionnaire capturing detailed VP data at quarterly followup visits for tw...

Vaginal Practices among Women at High Risk of HIV Infection in Uganda and Tanzania: Recorded Behaviour from a Daily Pictorial Diary

BACKGROUND Intravaginal practices (IVP) are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan African and have been implicated as risk factors for HIV acquisition. However, types of IVP vary between populations, and detailed information on IVP among women at risk for HIV in different populations is needed. We investigated IVP among women who practice transactional sex in two populations: semi-urban, facility wor...

A multi-country study on gender, sexuality and vaginal practices: Implications for sexual health A multi-country study on gender, sexuality and vaginal practices: Implications for sexual health

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has raised international attention on ways to reduce the risk of STIs including HIV, through the use of condoms and potentially microbicides. It is recognized that the use and effectiveness of such methods is not only a question of availability and knowledge, but is also closely linked to socio-cultural beliefs about health, hygiene and sexuality, often expressed through w...

Bacterial vaginosis, vaginal flora patterns and vaginal hygiene practices in patients presenting with vaginal discharge syndrome in The Gambia, West Africa

BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - a syndrome characterised by a shift in vaginal flora - appears to be particularly common in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known of the pattern of vaginal flora associated with BV in Africa. We conducted a study aimed at determining the prevalence of BV and patterns of BV-associated vaginal micro-flora among women with vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS) in...

Ambulance Diary for 1919