Disfunção sexual percebida e fatores atribuídos por mulheres com hanseníase / Perceived sexual dysfunction and factors attributed by women with leprosy

A hanseníase é uma doença infectocontagiosa de evolução lenta, alta infectividade e baixa patogenicidade, que apresenta sinais e sintomas dermatoneurológicos. A alteração no padrão sexual ocasionada pela disfunção sexual feminina é uma complicação que pode ser vivenciada por mulheres com hanseníase, causando um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar a função sexual percebida e fatores atribuídos por mulheres com hanseníase. Estudo descritivo, transversal desenvolvido em dois ambulatórios de referência em dermatologia do município de Fortaleza, Ceará, com 76 mulheres com hanseníase. Foi utilizado formulário de entrevista com variáveis socioeconômicas e clínicas, e aplicação do Female Sexual Function Index. Prevaleceu a idade adulta jovem, com condições socioeconômicas desfavoráveis, e formas multibacilares. A percepção da disfunção sexual foi predominante entre as entrevistadas (60,5%), que citaram como fatores relacionados a autoimagem (26,0%) e alteração no desejo sexual (26,0%). Os domínios com maior alteração foram: satisfação (R=3,06), excitação (R=3,78), desejo (R=3,79) e orgasmo (R=3,79). A abordagem sobre a função sexual de mulheres com hanseníase deve ser realizada por profissionais de saúde, de forma a promover uma maior satisfação sexual e pessoal para a paciente.

Leprosy is an infectious disease of slow evolution, high infectivity and low pathogenicity, which presents dermato-neurological signs and symptoms. The change in the sexual pattern caused by female sexual dysfunction is a complication that can be experienced by women with leprosy, causing a negative impact on quality of life. The objective of this study was to identify the perceived sexual function and factors attributed by women with leprosy. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in two dermatology outpatient clinics in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, with 76 women with leprosy. An interview form was used with socioeconomic and clinical variables, and application of the Female Sexual Function Index. Young adulthood prevailed, with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, and multibacillary forms. The perception of sexual dysfunction was predominant among the interviewees (60.5%), who cited as factors related to self-image (26.0%) and changes in sexual desire (26.0%). The domains with the greatest change were: satisfaction (R=3.06), arousal (R=3.78), desire (R=3.79), and orgasm (R=3.79). The approach to the sexual function of women with leprosy should be carried out by health professionals, in order to promote greater sexual and personal satisfaction for the patient.

Ricinus communis-linn (castor plant), male contraceptives and reproductive health of women.

The medicinal use of castor plant is extensive. Castor oil is most commonly used as a laxative, and the leaves and seeds have been used to augment labour, promote lactation and to treat syphilis and leprosy. Its use for contraception is an ancient practice among the Rukuba women of Plateau State in Nigeria, who would chew 2-3 seeds for contraceptive coverage of one year. The acute and chronic spermatogenic effect of the minor seed variety of ricinus communis-linn is hereby reported. Thirty male rats weighing 200-250g were grouped (n = 5) and treated with the n-hexane extract of the seeds, each made up to 1ml with physiological saline, and given as a single dose, intraperitoneally. Control groups had 1 ml physiological saline. Semen was collected 72 h and 6 weeks after treatment and analyzed within one hour of collection. The seed extract suppressed spermatogenesis and sperm motility up to six weeks after treatment. But semen parameters reverted to normal values in the 7 weeks of treatment, showing primary spermatocytes and spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. Our results showed ricinus communis-linn to be a potent but reversible anti-spermatogenic agent with significant anti-motility properties. Moreover, being of plant origin, it is readily available and affordable. We hereby present ricinus communis-linn as a possible male contraceptive agent that can relieve women of their reproductive burden globally.

Women and leprosy: interferences and experiences / Mujeres y enfermedad de Hansen: interferencias y experiencias / Mulheres e hanseníase: interferências e vivências

Objective: to know the interferences of leprosy in women's lives and how they reinvent themselves in coping with the disease. Method: a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. The theoretical-methodological framework adopts an approximation to the cartographic method and some concepts of schizoanalysis, which were used to analyze the data. The tools used to produce the data were the interview and the logbook. The interviews were conducted from July to November 2019, at the participants' homes. Results: the group consisted of nine women. To display the data, we were inspired by Deleuze's ideas about difference and repetition. The results were organized in three thematic axes that address the lives of these women affected by leprosy, which accompany concerns, anxieties and worries about the effects of the disease. The transformations in the female body, the financial maintenance itself due to the comorbidities caused by leprosy and its difficulties in guaranteeing rights are elements strongly pointed out by women. Conclusion: there is overlap and interference of the female condition in a patriarchal society that still accompanies it. We bet on the strength of becoming-a-woman and the need to consider them in their singularities and in their context for producing care permeated by meetings of the affirmation of the power of life.

Resumo Objetivo: conocer las interferencias de la enfermedad de Hansen en la vida de las mujeres y cómo se reinventan en el afrontamiento de la enfermedad. Método: estudio de abordaje cualitativo. El marco teórico-metodológico adopta un acercamiento al método cartográfico y algunos conceptos de esquizoanálisis, que fueron utilizados para analizar los datos. Las herramientas utilizadas para producir los datos fueron la entrevista y el libro de registro. Las entrevistas se realizaron de julio a noviembre de 2019, en los domicilios de las participantes. Resultados: el grupo estuvo compuesto por nueve mujeres. Para presentar los datos, nos inspiramos en las ideas de Deleuze sobre la diferencia y la repetición. Los resultados se organizaron en tres ejes temáticos que abordan la vida de estas mujeres afectadas por la enfermedad de Hansen, que acompañan inquietudes, angustias y preocupaciones sobre los efectos de la enfermedad. Los cambios en el cuerpo femenino, la manutención económica propiamente dicha debido a las comorbilidades provocadas por la enfermedad de Hansen y sus dificultades para garantizar los derechos son elementos fuertemente señalados por las mujeres. Conclusión: hay una superposición e interferencia de la condición femenina en una sociedad patriarcal que aún la acompaña. Apostamos por la fuerza del devenir-mujer y la necesidad de considerarla en sus singularidades y en su contexto para la producción de cuidados forjados por encuentros para afirmar el poder de la vida.

Objetivo: conhecer as interferências da hanseníase na vida das mulheres e como elas se reinventam no enfrentamento da doença. Método: estudo de abordagem qualitativa. O referencial teórico-metodológico adota uma aproximação ao método cartográfico e alguns conceitos da esquizoanálise, que foram utilizados para analisar os dados. As ferramentas utilizadas para produção dos dados foram a entrevista e o diário de bordo. As entrevistas foram realizadas no período de julho a novembro de 2019, no domicílio das participantes. Resultados: o grupo foi composto por nove mulheres. Para apresentar os dados, nos inspiramos nas ideias de Deleuze relativas à diferença e repetição. Os resultados foram organizados em três eixos temáticos que abordam a vida dessas mulheres afetadas pela hanseníase, os quais acompanham inquietações, angústias e preocupações frente aos efeitos da doença. As alterações no corpo feminino, a própria manutenção financeira devido às comorbidades causadas pela hanseníase e as suas dificuldades nas garantias de direitos são elementos fortemente apontados pelas mulheres. Conclusão: há sobreposição e interferência da condição feminina em uma sociedade patriarcal que ainda a acompanha. Apostamos na força do devir-mulher e na necessidade de considerá-la em suas singularidades e em seu contexto para a produção do cuidado permeado por encontros de afirmação da potência da vida.

Mulheres com hanseníase: interferências nos modos de viver / Women with leprosy: interferences in the ways of living

A hanseníase é uma doença milenar que carrega em seus acometidos, em especial nas mulheres, impactos importantes em seu cotidiano, em sua imagem e posição social. Os padrões de gênero socialmente impostos às mulheres vêm acompanhados de preconceitos que tomam novas proporções com a hanseníase, sendo causa de isolamento social, tristeza e depressão, trazendo reformulações nos modos de vida. O questionamento que norteia este trabalho é: Quais as interferências da hanseníase nos modos de viver de mulheres?. O objetivo foi analisar a interferência produzida pela hanseníase nos modos de viver de mulheres. Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, com quadro teórico metodológico com aproximações cartográficas e alguns conceitos da esquizoanálise, proposto por Gilles Deleuze e Félix Guattari. A produção de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas individuais e registros no diário de bordo da pesquisadora. Participaram do estudo nove mulheres, com idades entre 30 e 62 anos que no momento da pesquisa estavam em acompanhamento no serviço de saúde para tratamento de hanseníase. Os dados, em sua apresentação, foram baseados nas ideias relativas a diferença e repetição propostas pelos autores supracitados do referencial. Os resultados foram divididos em cinco eixos: 1. Hanseníase e Aparência das Mulheres: Encruzilhada entre a Pele, a Forma e o Feminino; acompanhamos inquietações referentes ao corpo feminino, o corpo alterado pela hanseníase e os efeitos sobre a aparência, que nos mostra que a relação com o corpo é uma construção social de um certo modo de ser mulher, de se apresentar ao outro e de se identificar tal como se espera. 2. Ganhar a Vida: um imperativo entre a Casa e o Trabalho; as participantes trouxeram angústias e preocupações com a remuneração para manutenção da vida. Foi observado também as situações de trabalho formal e informal. 3. Relações Familiares e as Mulheres com Hanseníase; são momentos que elas demonstram suas relações com filhos e marido, e como se dão as relações de poder dentro contexto doméstico. 4. Violência do Estado nas Práticas Profissionais; vimos situações em que o Estado é representado através de práticas profissionais, prejudicando direitos das mulheres. As mulheres relataram a perda de seus empregos, em função da doença, e a busca por auxílio. E por último, 5. Isolamento, Medo, Sofrimento, Fé: Enfrentamento da Hanseníase? as mulheres apresentaram algumas práticas que colocam para reflexão como elas têm enfrentado a hanseníase e a figura feminina isolada em seu próprio lar. Talvez a nossa pretensão fosse encontrar superação, força, potência nessas mulheres frente ao adoecimento. Mas mais que isso, com o referencial metodológico adotado pudemos mapear os encontros e afetos que evidenciaram dores e afetos tristes. A potência para agir se dá nos afetos, incluindo os tristes, não haveria força e potência sem o que as fizessem impulsionar. Apesar disso tudo, a vida dessas mulheres têm passado por reformulações e elas mesmas têm se reinventado a cada dia. Novas formas de viver foram criadas, seja amparada na fé, na família, na cura da hanseníase como marco para novos devires, e até mesmo a busca de força no devir-mulher

Leprosy is an age-old disease that has an important impact on its patients, especially on women, in their daily lives, in their appearance and social position. Gender standards socially imposed on women are accompanied by prejudices that take on new proportions with leprosy, causing social isolation, sadness and depression, imposing changes in the way of life. The objective and question that guides this work is: What are the interferences of leprosy in women's way of life? Thus, a qualitative approach study was made applying cartographic procedure and some concepts of schizoanalysis, proposed by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari. Data production occurred through individual interviews and records in the researcher's logbook. Nine women participated in the study, aged between 30 and 62 years old who, at the time of the research, were being followed up at the health service for the treatment of leprosy. The data, in their presentation, were based on the ideas related to the difference and repetition proposed by the authors mentioned above. The results were divided into five axes: 1. Leprosy and the Appearance of Women: Crossroads between the Skin, the Form and the Feminine; we follow the concerns about the female body, its changes and effects because of the disease. Thus, it became evident that a woman's relationship with her body is a social construction, influencing the ways of presenting to others and comply with social expectations. 2. Earn a living: an imperative between Home and Work; the participants brought anguish and concerns about remuneration for life maintenance. Formal and informal work situations were also observed. 3. Family Relations and Women with Leprosy; moments when they demonstrate affection with their children and husband, and how power relationships take place within the domestic context. 4. State violence in professional practices; we saw situations in which the State is represented through professional practices, undermining women's rights. Women reported losing their jobs due to the disease and seeking help. Finally, 5. Isolation, Fear, Suffering, Faith: Facing Leprosy? Women presented some practices that pose for reflection how they have faced leprosy and the isolated female figure in their own home. Perhaps our intention was to find resilience, strength, power in these women in the face of illness. But more than that, with the methodological framework adopted we were able to map the factors and affections that showed pain and sadness. The power to act occurs in the affections, including the sad ones, there would be no strength and potency without what made them push. Despite all this, the lives of these women have been undergoing reformulation and they have reinvented themselves every day. New ways of living were created, whether supported by faith, family, the cure of leprosy as a framework for new "devires", and even the search for strength in "devir"-woman

Infertility-related stress and the risk of antidepressants prescription in women: a 10-year register study.

STUDY QUESTION: Is the first-time redeemed prescription of antidepressants predicted by the level of infertility-related stress in women seeking ART treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER: Infertility-related stress in the personal and marital domains and general physical stress reactions were significant predictors of a first redeemed prescription of antidepressants after ART treatment in this 10-year follow-up cohort study. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The literature has found inconsistent findings regarding the association between infertility-related stress and later psychological adjustment in fertility patients. The association between infertility-related stress and later prescription of antidepressants had never been explored in long-term cohort studies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: All women (n = 1169) who participated in the Copenhagen Cohort Multi-centre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI) cohort study in the year 2000 (questionnaire data) were linked with the register-based Danish National ART-Couple (DANAC) I cohort, which includes women and their partners having received ART treatment from 1 January 1994 to 30 September 2009. The study population were among other national health and sociodemographic registers further linked with the Danish National Prescription Registry. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women initiating ART treatment were followed until they had redeemed the first prescription of antidepressants or until 31 December 2009. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the association between general physical stress reactions and infertility-related stress in the personal, marital and social domains, respectively, and a future redeemed prescription of antidepressants. Age, education level, marital status, number of fertility treatments prior to study inclusion and female infertility diagnosis were included as covariates in the adjusted analyses. Further, the analysis was stratified according to childbirth or no childbirth during follow-up. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The final sample consisted of 1009 women with a mean age of 31.8 years. At study inclusion, women had tried to conceive for an average of 3.45 years. At 10-year follow-up, a total of 13.7% of women had a first redeemed prescription of antidepressant medication. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) showed that high general physical stress predicted the later prescription of antidepressants (adjusted (adj) OR = 2.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.96-4.16). Regarding infertility-related stress domains, high personal stress (adj OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.46-3.13) and high marital stress (adj OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.23-2.64) were significantly associated with the later prescription of antidepressants. Social stress was not significantly associated with the future redeemed prescription of antidepressants (adj OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.76-1.61). Among women not having achieved childbirth during follow-up, the risk of a first-time prescription of antidepressants associated with infertility-specific stress was higher compared to the risk among women having childbirth during follow-up. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study did not account for potential mediating factors, such as negative life events, which could be associated with the prescription of antidepressants. Second, we are not able to know if these women had sought psychological support during follow-up. Additionally, antidepressants might be prescribed for other health conditions than depressive disorders. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results suggest that women presenting high infertility-related stress in the personal and marital domains were at higher risk of redeemed first-time prescription of antidepressants after ART, independently of having delivered a child or not after initiation of ART treatment. Women would benefit from an initial screening specifically for high infertility-related stress. The COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scales can be used by clinical staff in order to identify women in need of psychological support before starting ART treatments. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under an individual doctoral grant attributed to the first author (SFRH/BD/103234/2014). The establishment of the DANAC I cohort was funded by Rosa Ebba Hansen's Fund. The COMPI Infertility Cohort project was supported by The Danish Health Insurance Fund (J.nr. 11/097-97), the Else and Mogens Wedell-Wedellsborgs Fund, the manager E. Danielsens and Wife's Fund, the merchant L.F. Foghts Fund, the Jacob Madsen and Wife Olga Madsens Fund. The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NA.

Work and Leprosy: women in their pains, struggles and toils / El trabajo y la lepra: las mujeres en sus dolores, luchas y esfuerzos / Trabalho e hanseníase: as mulheres em suas dores, lutas e labutas

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the interference of leprosy in women's life regarding work and daily life activities. Method: Exploratory qualitative study developed from semi-structured interviews and with the use of field diaries. The strategy of the organization of data was a thematic analysis of content and referential of the work process in health and gender. Results: The themes presented are: "The leprosy pains", "Changes with the disease and adaptation at work and activities" and "Being a woman with leprosy". On them, we present the aspects that changed in women's life from the leprosy, especially regarding work and daily activities. Beyond physical limitation, there are impacts on social relations and above all on formal work, there may even be dismission. Final considerations: In women affected by leprosy, work and daily activities are directly affected; this deepens the social difficulties and requires attention of health professionals.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la interferencia de la lepra en la vida de mujeres en relación al trabajo y las actividades de la vida diaria. Método: Estudio cualitativo exploratorio desarrollado a partir de entrevistas semiestructuras y con el uso de diario de campo. La estrategia de organización de los datos fue el análisis temático de contenido y referencial del proceso de trabajo en salud y género. Resultados: Los temas presentados son: "Los dolores de la lepra", "Cambios con la enfermedad y adaptaciones en el trabajo y en las actividades" y "Ser mujer con lepra". En ellos, presentamos los aspectos que cambiaron en la vida de las mujeres a partir de la lepra, especialmente con relación al trabajo y a las actividades diarias. Además de la limitación física, hay impactos en las relaciones sociales y sobre todo en el trabajo formal, con posibilidad incluso de dimisión. Consideraciones finales: En mujeres contagiadas por la lepra, el trabajo y las actividades diarias son directamente afectados, lo que profundiza las dificultades sociales y requiere atención de los profesionales de la salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a interferência da hanseníase na vida de mulheres em relação ao trabalho e atividades de vida diária. Método: Estudo qualitativo exploratório desenvolvido a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas e com uso de diário de campo. A estratégia de organização dos dados foi análise temática de conteúdo e referencial do processo de trabalho em saúde e gênero. Resultados: Os temas apresentados são: "As dores da hanseníase", "Mudanças com a doença e adaptações no trabalho e nas atividades" e "Ser mulher com hanseníase". Neles, apresentamos os aspectos que mudaram na vida das mulheres a partir da hanseníase, especialmente com relação ao trabalho e às atividades diárias. Além da limitação física, há impactos nas relações sociais e sobretudo no trabalho formal, podendo haver inclusive demissão. Considerações finais: Em mulheres acometidas pela hanseníase, o trabalho e as atividades diárias são diretamente afetados; isso aprofunda as dificuldades sociais e requer atenção dos profissionais de saúde.

Características demográficas, sociais e clínicas de mulheres em idade fértil atingidas pela Hanseníase / Demographic, social and clinical characteristics of women in childbearing age affected by Leprosy / Características demográficas, sociales y clínicas de mujeres en edad fértil que sufren de la enfermedad de Hansen

Objetivo: descrever as características demográficas, sociais e clínicas de mulheres em idade fértil atingidas pela hanseníase em uma capital do nordeste brasileiro. Método: estudo descritivo de corte transversal, com abordagem quantitativa. A população do estudo foi composta por 217 mulheres, e resultou em uma amostra intencional de 60, que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Resultados: os dados revelaram que 95,0% do conjunto amostral, encontrava-se na faixa de 20 a 49 anos. O modo de detecção que apresentaram uma maior porcentagem foram: o encaminhamento e a demanda espontânea, constituindo 60,0% dos casos. Identificou-se que 30,0% foram diagnosticadas na forma dimorfa, o que afirma os dados referente à classificação multibacilar. Conclusão: as características demográficas, sociais e clínicas foram: mulheres economicamente ativas, predominantemente analfabetas, que possuem companheiros e desempenham ocupações remuneradas e domésticas.

Aim: to describe demographic, social and clinical characteristics of women in childbearing age affected by leprosy in a capital city in the northeast of Brazil. Method: crosssectional descriptive study, with quantitative approach. The study was composed by 217 women, resulting in an intentional sample of 60, who have attended the criteria of inclusion. Results: the data showed that 95% of the subjects were set between 20 and 49 years of age. The detection modes which presented a higher percentage were both the handling and the spontaneous demands, with 60% of the cases. It was identified that 30% were diagnosed in the dimorphic form, which is confirmed by the data regarding the multibacillary classification. Conclusion: the demographic, social and clinical characteristics were: economically active women, mostly illiterate, who are married and perform both remunerated and domestic occupations

Objetivo: describir las características demográficas, sociales y clínicas de mujeres en edad fértil que sufren de la enfermedad de Hansen en una capital del Nordeste brasileño. Método: estudio descriptivo de cohorte transversal, con análisis cuantitativo. La población del estudio fue compuesta por 217 mujeres, de esas se estableció una muestra intencional de 60, en las cuales se verificó los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: los dados evidenciaron que 95,0% del conjunto de la muestra tenía entre 20 y 49 años. El modo de detección que presentó un mayor porcentaje fue: la orientación y búsqueda de tratamiento espontánea, constituyendo 60% de los casos. También se identificó que 30% de esas mujeres fue diagnosticada de forma dimorfa, lo que ratifica los dados sobre la clasificación multibacilar. Conclusión: las características demográficas, sociales y clínicas de ese grupo fue: mujeres económicamente activas, en la mayoría analfabetas, que tienen compañeros y desempeñan ocupaciones remuneradas y domésticas.

Significado da doença para mulheres com hanseníase / Leprosy: the meaning of the disease for women who carry it / Significado de la enfermedad para mujeres con lepra

Objetivo: analisar o significado da Hanseníase para 28 mulheres diagnosticadas com tal afecção que se encontravam em acompanhamento em um Serviço de Infectologia, situado na cidade de Petrolina-PE, Brasil. Método: os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista individual e avaliados aplicando-se a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: os relatos verbais revelaram que a doença provocava alterações na vida cotidiana referente aos aspectos familiares, profissionais e econômicos, além de afetar a imagem corporal que as mulheres tinham a respeito de si mesmas, estando o preconceito ainda presente nas relações sociais e familiares. A poliquimioterapia foi vista como algo positivo, mas que causa desconforto, sendo que algumas mulheres não se sentiam curadas de fato ao final do tratamento. Conclusão: a Hanseníase afeta a vida das mulheres sob diferentes aspectos, e pessoas menos favorecidas economicamente se encontram mais vulneráveis à doença.

Aim: to analyze the meaning of leprosy for 28 women who were diagnosed with this disease and under medical supervision in an infectology service located in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. Method: the data were collected through individual interviews and its processing happened in virtue of content analysis technique. Results: the verbal reports revealed that the disease caused changes in daily life in familiar, professional and economic aspects. The disease also affected the body image that women had about themselves, which indicated that prejudice is still present in social and familial relations. Multidrug therapy was seen as something positive, but it caused much discomfort and some women did not feel really cured at the end of the treatment. Conclusion: Leprosy affects the lives of women in different aspects and economically disadvantaged people are more vulnerable to the disease

Objetivo: analizar el significado de la lepra para 28 mujeres diagnosticadas con esta enfermedad, que se encotraban en atención médica en un servicio de Infectologia ubicado en Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brasil. Método: los datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevistas individuales y fueron evaluados por medio de la aplicación de la técnica de Análisis de Contenido. Resultados: los relatos revelaron que la enfermedad provocó cambios en la vida cotidiana en relación a los aspectos familiares, profesionales y económicos, además de haber influido en la imagen del cuerpo que las mujeres tenían sobre sí mismas, y estando el perjuicio presente en las relaciones sociales y familiares. La poliquimioterapia fue vista como algo positivo, pero provoca efectos colaterales, y algunas mujeres no se sentían realmente curadas en el final del tratamiento. Conclúsion: se llegó a la conclusión de que la lepra afecta la vida de las mujeres en diferentes aspectos y personas en desventaja económica son más vulnerables a la enfermedad.

Impact of leishmaniasis in women: a practical review with an update on my ISD-supported initiative to combat leishmaniasis in Yemen (ELYP).

Stigma is synonymous with leishmaniasis, an endemic deadly flesh-eating disease in Yemen that affects predominantly poor rural women and children. Women with leishmaniasis often present late and experience not only physical deformities and the risk of death, but also the painful stigma of the disease and its consequences, a similar situation to that of leprosy decades ago. The International Society of Dermatology-sponsored community dermatology project Eradication of Leishmaniasis from Yemen Project has made a difference in the leishmaniasis situation in Yemen and addressed its magnitude. The program eradicated leishmaniasis from some areas, dealt with and improved its alarming prevalence among children and women who are the neglected and highest risk groups, and solved some issues associated with poor access to proper drugs. Medicine donation has enabled women with leishmaniasis to freely receive medicine they otherwise would not have been able to afford, reduced their mortality and morbidity, and minimized the extensive impact the socio-aesthetic stigma has on their lives. Our cause has attracted local and global attention to these problematic issues.

Leprosy and women.

Leprosy has an impact on the physical, social, and psychological health of affected people. Women in developing countries seek health care late for any health-related issues. Leprosy, a disease known for its stigma, adds further to these facts. Also, close contact between women and family members, especially children, increases the chance of transmission to others and thereby increases the disease burden in the society. Hence, leprosy in women is an important issue for the affected patient, their family members, and society as a whole.

"O corpo que eu fui e o corpo que eu sou": concepções de mulheres com alterações causadas pela hanseníase / "The body i was and the body i am": conceptions of women with alterations caused by leprosy / "El cuerpo que fui y el cuerpo que ahora soy": concepciones de mujeres con alteraciones causadas por la lepra

Objetivou-se compreender as concepções das mulheres sobre o corpo feminino com alterações provocadas pela hanseníase. De natureza qualitativa e descritiva, aplicou os conceitos da teoria das representações. Participaram quarenta e três mulheres com alterações corporais causadas pela hanseníase, frequentadoras de uma unidade de referência especializada em dermatologia sanitária. Realizou-se entrevista semiestruturada, individual, e análise temática de conteúdo. Os resultados mostram concepções de corpo relacionadas à saúde (passado) e à doença (presente), mostrando a força da estética e da funcionalidade do corpo, influenciando na participação e inserção social destas mulheres. Conclui-se que as concepções das mulheres sobre seu corpo explicam suas práticas de cuidado de si e, conhecê-las contribui para que a enfermagem possa melhor atender as necessidades de cuidados destas mulheres.

The aim was to understand the conceptions of women about the female body with alterations caused by leprosy. In this qualitative and descriptive study, the concepts of the theory of representations were applied. Participants were 43 women with bodily changes caused by leprosy, who regularly attended a referral unit specialized in health dermatology. Individual semistructured interviews were held and thematic content analysis was used. The results show body conceptions related to health (past) and disease (present), showing the strength of esthetics and body functionality, influencing these women's participation and social integration. In conclusion, these women's body conceptions explain their self-care practices, and knowing them helps to ensure that nursing can better meet their care needs.

Se objetivó comprender las concepciones de las mujeres sobre el cuerpo femenino con alteraciones provocadas por la lepra. Estudio de naturaleza cualitativa y descriptiva, que aplicó los conceptos de la teoría de las representaciones. Participaron cuarenta y tres mujeres con alteraciones corporales causadas por la lepra, frecuentadoras de una unidad de referencia especializada en dermatología sanitaria. Se realizó entrevista semi-estructurada, individual, y análisis temático de contenido. Los resultados muestran concepciones del cuerpo relacionadas a la salud (pasado) y a la enfermedad (presente), mostrando la fuerza de la estética y la funcionalidad del cuerpo, influenciando en la participación e inserción social de estas mujeres. Se concluye que las concepciones de las mujeres sobre su cuerpo explican sus prácticas de cuidado de sí, y conocerlas contribuye para que enfermería mejore la atención de las necesidades de estas mujeres.

Prevalência de HIV em gestantes e transmissão vertical segundo perfil socioeconômico, Vitória, ES / HIV prevalence in pregnant women and vertical transmission in according to socioeconomic status, Southeastern Brazil / Factores asociados a recidiva en hanseníasis en Mato Grosso, Centro-oeste de Brasil

OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência de infecção por HIV em gestantes e a taxa de transmissão vertical, segundo o perfil socioeconômico dos bairros de residência das mães. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico exploratório utilizando a base de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação de gestantes HIV-positivas e aids em crianças notificadas entre 2000 e 2006 em Vitória, ES. Para análise das informações socioeconômicas foi utilizado o Índice de Qualidade Urbana. A prevalência de HIV em gestantes e a taxa de transmissão vertical foram calculadas. A distribuição espacial dos casos foi realizada no programa Terraview 3.2.0. Para verificar a associação entre a qualidade urbana e a prevalência de HIV em gestantes utilizou-se o modelo de regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Um total de 137 gestantes e 14 crianças infectadas por transmissão vertical foi notificado no período. Sete crianças correspondiam a mães HIV-positivas sem notificação de caso no período analisado. A prevalência de infecção em gestantes no período foi de 0,44 por cento e a taxa de transmissão vertical foi de 9,7 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de infecção por HIV em gestantes e a transmissão vertical associam-se à qualidade urbana do bairro de residência, indicando que os bairros com menor qualidade urbana devem ser priorizados quanto às ações para redução da transmissão vertical.

OBJECTIVE: To describe HIV prevalence in pregnant women and the rate of vertical transmission according to socioeconomic status of residential neighborhoods. METHODS: Ecological exploratory study, which used the Information System of Notifiable Diseases database on HIV-positive pregnant women and AIDS in children, reported from 2000 to 2006, in Vitória, Southeastern Brazil. For analysis of socioeconomic data the Urban Quality Index was utilized The HIV prevalence rate in pregnant women and vertical transmission rate were calculated. Spatial distribution was carried out by Terraview 3.2.0. To verify the association between urban quality and HIV prevalence in pregnant women, Poisson regression was used. RESULTS: A total of 137 HIV-positive women and 14 children infected by vertical transmission was reported. Seven children matched to HIV-positive mothers without notification in the period analyzed. HIV prevalence among pregnant women in the period was 0.44 percent, and the vertical transmission rate was 9.7 percent. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant women and vertical transmission were associated with the urban quality of residential neighborhood. Neighborhoods with lower urban quality should be prioritized in actions to reduce vertical transmission.

OBJETIVO: Analizar factores asociados a la ocurrencia de recidiva en hanseníasis. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo caso-control con 159 pacientes mayores de 15 años diagnosticados con hanseníasis en cinco municipios del Estado de Mato Grosso, Centro-oeste de Brasil, cuyas unidades de salud eran consideradas de referencia para el atendimiento. El grupo de casos incluyó 53 individuos con recidiva de 2005 a 2007 y fue comparado con el grupo control (106 con alta por cura en 2005), pareados por sexo y clasificación operacional. Se usaron datos del Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación, Prontuarios y entrevistas. Se utilizó regresión logística condicional y abordaje jerárquico. RESULTADOS: Posterior al análisis ajustado, se mostraron asociados a la ocurrencia de recidiva: individuos residentes en casas alquiladas (OR=4,1; IC95 por ciento:1,43;12,04), en domicilio de madera/tapia (OR=3,2; IC 95 por ciento:1,16;8,76), que moraban con más de cinco personas (OR=2,1; IC95 por ciento:1,03;4,36), con trastorno por uso de alcohol (OR=2,8;IC95 por ciento:1,17;6,79), irregularidad del tratamiento (OR= 3,8; IC95 por ciento: 1,44;10,02), sin esclarecimiento sobre la enfermedad/tratamiento (OR= 2,6; IC95 por ciento:1,09,6,13), que usaban transporte colectivo para el acceso a la unidad de salud (OR=5,5; IC95 por ciento: 2,36;12,63), forma clínica de la enfermedad (OR= 7,1;IC95 por ciento: 2,48;20,52) y esquema terapéutico (OR= 3,7; IC95 por ciento:1,49;9,11). CONCLUSIONES: Los factores predictivos de recidiva se relacionan con condiciones de vivienda, hábitos de vida, organización de los servicios de salud, formas clínicas y esquemas terapéuticos. Compete a los servicios de salud ofrecer orientaciones adecuadas a los pacientes, así como garantizar la regularidad del tratamiento.

Double jeopardy: women and leprosy in India.

This article presents evidence from two states of India, Bihar and Maharashtra, on the process of "dehabilitation" among male and female leprosy patients, and suggests gender-sensitive interventions to address existing problems in leprosy control. While the study investigated a wide range of gender differences in the impact of leprosy, this article focuses on only two-marriage and family reactions. Important gender differences were apparent in the impact of the disease. While both men and women were negatively affected in terms of their family and marital lives, women suffered more isolation and rejection. Psychologically, women appeared more vulnerable because they were deprived of personal contact with others in the domestic environment where they were accustomed to receiving their greatest emotional rewards. Women reported that indifference to them by other family members, or seeming negation of their presence, caused them the greatest suffering. This underscores the importance of providing information to both leprosy patients and their families about the disease and its treatment, including the possibility of cure with MDT (multi-drug therapy) and of counselling family members about their crucial role in helping patients cope and recover. This support is even more critical for women, who often lack access to the variety of outside advice and assistance available to men. The evidence presented in the article demonstrates the importance of analysing leprosy from a gender perspective, not only because this approach helps to inform our understanding of the determinants and consequences of the disease, but also because it provides new insights for improved disease control.

PIP: As part of a larger study of gender differences in the stigmatization connected with leprosy in India as well as in its detection and treatment, this article presents data on the impact of leprosy on marriage and the family. A review of previous studies shows that women's immune responses to leprosy may be weakened by pregnancy, that congenital transmission is possible but rare, and that affected women may not receive counseling about risks of pregnancy or the side effects of the drugs they are given. The present study gathered data from 2495 inhabitants of Bihar and Maharashtra including 934 who were receiving treatment and living relatively normal lives (59% male), 300 members of their families, 1071 who had to leave home or a job (63% male), 100 who were rehabilitated (55% male), and 90 health workers treating the patients. Additional data were gathered from in-depth interviews and 25 case studies (13 males). The findings of this study, including the fact that the impact of leprosy was greater for women because they suffered more isolation and rejection than men, led to the following conclusions: 1) in order to improve early detection and treatment of women, they should be encouraged to seek treatment for any skin ailments; 2) leprosy workers should alleviate concerns about the efficacy of smaller pills and should counsel families about the importance of the medical regimen; 3) women should be counseled about the risks of pregnancy associated with leprosy and about the side effects of the drugs; 4) calendars and family members should be used to help patients follow their drug regimen; 5) leprosy workers should undergo gender sensitization, and more women should be recruited to examine women; and 6) the needs of children of leprosy patients should receive attention so they can have equal access to education, employment, and health care.

Women and AIDS in Zambia: a review of the psychosocial factors implicated in the transmission of HIV.

Women are at high risk for HIV infection in Zambia. There are several interrelated factors to account for this including the economic, cultural and educational status of women. This paper explores these factors and suggests that these factors need to be thoroughly understood before preventive strategies are designed and implemented.

PIP: Women comprise the largest single grouping of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons under 30 years of age in Zambia--a phenomenon that reflects a complex interaction of economic, cultural, and psychosocial factors. Although women represented only 30.4% of clients presenting for HIV testing at a Lusaka site, 52.6% were seropositive compared to 35% of the male attendees. The low status of women in Zambia is perpetuated by early marriage and childbearing, low levels of education, unemployment or restriction to the informal sector, and polygamy. Only 2% of married Zambian women use condoms, and their financial dependence and low status render them unable to negotiate safe sex with partners. The Zambia National Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)/Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)/Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program's strategic plan for 1994-98 recognizes women's special vulnerability to HIV. It proposes educational interventions targeted at commercial sex workers and women attending prenatal and STD clinics as well as improved access to condoms. To achieve the sustained behavioral changes required to reduce HIV transmission, however, women's low status--particularly the lack of educational opportunities--must be addressed and women must be empowered to believe they can make choices about their sexual practices.

AIDS in Africa--an update.

PIP: At least 1 million people in Central and East Africa are infected with HIV-1, and there are 10,000 new cases of AIDS per year. HIV-1 is spreading into the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mozambique, Angola and southern Africa. HIV-2 is prevalent in West Africa, particularly Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Groups at greatest risk for HIV-1 are prostitutes, their customers, and patients with a history of sexually-transmitted diseases, which cause breaches in mucosal epithelium. 24% of pregnant women in Uganda are infected, and the risk of transplacental infection is estimated to be between 17% and 79%. Blood transfusion is the 3rd most frequent mode of infection, largely due to need for blood by anemic women. Repeated pregnancy is a cofactor in the progression of AIDS, and infected infants suffer intrauterine growth retardation, premature birth, low birth weight, and high mortality in the 1st week of life. AIDS in adults is often accompanied by tuberculosis, herpes zoster, hepatitis B, herpes type 2, and leprosy. Clinical diagnosis of AIDS is made by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but African patients have a high frequency of anti-p24 antibody which masks the p24 antigenemia. Some African countries have AIDS education programs, condom distribution and blood screening, but AIDS control programs need to be integrated with primary health care.^ieng

Togo.

PIP: This compendium on Togo contains a summary of current and projected demographic indicators, of government population policies and attitudes, and of the current status of the country's population data collecting system. The information is further summarized in a 1-page fact sheet. In 1981 the total population was 2.7 million. In 1980-85, the annual population growth rate was 2.9%, and the annual natural increase rate was 2.9%, life expectancy at birth was 48.7 years, the infant mortality rate was 113, and the crude birth rate was 45.4. Per capita income was US$406 in 1979, and in 1981, 67% of the labor force was engaged in agriculture. Currently the government has no policies in regard to population growth and is satisfied with the current fertility level. Earlier the government's position was pronatalist; but, in 1976, the government approved the establishment of the Togolese Family Welfare Association (ATBEF), an affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. In addition, the government is promoting the integration of family planning services in the nation's primary health program. The government is concerned with the problem of teenage pregnancy. Abortion, except to save the life of the mother, is illegal, and there are no legal provisions concerning sterilization. In recent years, the government adopted several measures aimed at improving the status of women. These measures included the passage of a new family code. The major concerns of the government are to improve the health status of the population and to promote rural and regional development. The primary health care program was expanded in 1977, and the country has a fairly successful immunization program. It also operates a leprosy control program and is improving the country's water supply. Currently the level of international migration, both emigration and immigration, is low, and the government has no migration policy. Togo has a low urban rate (17.4%), and between 1970-80, the rate of annual urban growth rate was 5.3%. The government is concerned about the high rate of growth in Lome, the capital city. Togo conducts a census every 10 years, and the last one was conducted in 1981. Birth and death registration is incomplete. There is no institutionalized mechanism for promoting the integration of population and development planning.^ieng