A meta-analysis was conducted on 23 psychosocial predictors of intentions to use cnndoms. Data from 67 independent samples were included in the review. Findings demonstrated that demographic, sexual experience, and personality variables had small average correlations with intentions. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS and perceptions of the threat of disease were also weakly related to decisions about using condoms. Attitudes and subjective norms from the theory of reasoned action, on the other hand. demonstrated medium to strong effect sizes. Two components of social influence not specified by the theory of rcasoned action also received support. Evidence suggested that perceived behavioral conti.ol from the theory of planned behavior was a reliable predictor of behavioral intentions m d explained variance over and above the effects of attitudes and subjective norms.Unprotected penetrative sex is the primary transmission route for HIVIAIDS. Condom use can prevent sexual transmission of HIV and is more effective than reducing numbers of sexual partners (Reiss & Leik, 1989). Although time trend analyses indicate that condom use has increased among both heterosexuals (e.g., level of condom use remains low. For example, the National AIDS Behavioral Surveys in the United States found that 47% to 57% of respondents reported never using a condom with steady partners in the previous 6 to 12 months, while 37% to 44% of respondents never used condoms with casual partners (Dolcini et al.

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a major public health problem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Active and passive surveillance for HAT is conducted but may underestimate the true prevalence of the disease. We used ELISA to screen 7,769 leftover dried blood spots from a nationally representative population-based survey, the 2007 Demographic and Health Survey. 26 samples were positive by ELISA. Three of these were also positive by trypanolysis and/or PCR. From these data, we estimate that there were 18,592 people with HAT (95% confidence interval, 4,883–32,302) in the DRC in 2007, slightly more than twice as many as were reported.

BackgroundExtracranial traumatic cerebrovascular injury (TCVI) is present in 1-3% of all blunt force trauma patients. Although options for the management of patients with these lesions include anticoagulation, antiplatelet agents, and endovascular treatment, the optimal management strategy for patients with these lesions is not yet established.ObjectiveMultidisciplinary survey of clinicians about current management of TCVI.MethodsA six-item multiple-choice survey was sent by electronic mail to a total of 11,784 neurosurgeons, trauma surgeons, stroke neurologists, and interventional radiologists. The survey included questions about their choice of imaging, medical management, and the use of endovascular techniques. Survey responses were analyzed according to stated specialty.ResultsSeven hundred eighty-five (6.7%) responses were received. Overall, a total of 325 (42.8%) respondents favored anticoagulation (heparin and/or warfarin), 247 (32.5%) favored antiplatelet drugs, 130 (17.1%) preferred both anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs, and 57 (7.5%) preferred stenting and/or embolization. Anticoagulation was the most commonly preferred treatment among vascular surgeons (56.9%), neurologists (50.2%) and neurosurgeons (40.7%), whereas antiplatelet agents were the most common preferred treatment among trauma surgeons (41.5%). Overall, 158 (20.7%) of respondents recommended treatment of asymptomatic dissections and traumatic aneurysms, 211 (27.7%) did not recommend it, and 39.4% recommended endovascular treatment only if there is worsening of the lesion on follow-up imaging.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate the wide variability of physicians' management of traumatic cerebrovascular injury, both on an individual basis, and between specialties. These findings underscore the need for multicenter, randomized trials in this field.

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