Predictors of maternal-origin microchimerism in young women in the Philippines.

Objectives: Microchimerism is the presence of a small quantity of cells or DNA from a genetically distinct individual. This phenomenon occurs with bidirectional maternal-fetal exchange during pregnancy. Microchimerism can persist for decades after delivery and have long-term health implications.

Global population variation in placental size and structure: Evidence from Cebu, Philippines.

Introduction: Placental morphology influences the intrauterine environment and fetal growth, which help set life-course health trajectories across generations. Little is known about placental characteristics in populations with chronic nutritional insufficiency where birth weights tend to be lower, and how these relationships between birth and placental weights vary across populations.

Methods: We collected weights and stereologically-determined villous mass and surface area of 21 placentas from offspring of women enrolled in a birth cohort study in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines, a low-income population.

Regulation of inflammation during gestation and birth outcomes: Inflammatory cytokine balance predicts birth weight and length.

Objectives: The maternal environment during gestation influences offspring health at birth and throughout the life course. Recent research has demonstrated that endogenous immune processes such as dysregulated inflammation adversely impact birth outcomes, increasing the risk for preterm birth and restricted fetal growth. Prior analyses examining this association suggest a relationship between maternal C-reactive protein (CRP), a summary measure of inflammation, and offspring anthropometric outcomes.

The role of men in induced abortion decision making in an urban area of the Philippines.

Objective: To understand beliefs about unintended pregnancy and abortion, and perceptions about male roles related to pregnancy decision-making among men in the Philippines.

Methods: Qualitative data were collected during in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with men in an urban area of the Philippines between October 2007 and July 2008. Interview participants were purposively sampled from a local survey based on their having reported being "afraid or troubled" or "afraid and planned to terminate" in response to a recent pregnancy.

Old ideals and new realities: the changing context of young people's partnerships in Cebu, Philippines.

The Philippines has experienced rapid sociodemographic changes in recent years, with implications for young people. This study combines quantitative and qualitative data from Metro Cebu to assess the timing and predictors of young people's partnerships, as well as the context in which these partnerships are occurring. The majority of young people (54%) had premarital sex, though this pattern varied by gender.

Perceptions and practices of illegal abortion among urban young adults in the Philippines: a qualitative study.

This study draws on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with young adults in a metropolitan area of the Philippines to examine perceptions and practices of illegal abortion. Study participants indicated that unintended pregnancies are common and may be resolved through eventual acceptance or through self-induced injury or ingestion of substances to terminate the pregnancy. Despite the illegality of abortion and the restricted status of misoprostol, substantial knowledge and use of the drug exists.