Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer risk perception and vaccine acceptability among adolescent girls and young women in Durban, South Africa.

Background: The relationship between HIV and cervical cancer is well established. Interventions that focus on creating human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and cervical cancer prevention messaging for adolescents, caregivers and educators will increase uptake of HPV vaccinations, HPV testing and cervical cancer screening for high-risk adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). In order to effectively develop appropriate interventions, it is important to examine AGYW's perceptions regarding their personal risk of acquiring HPV, as well as vaccine acceptability.

Barriers to uptake of free pediatric cataract surgery in Malawi.

Purpose: To examine the demographic, sociocultural and socioeconomic factors that prevent families of cataract blind children from accepting free pediatric cataract surgery in Malawi.

Methods: A total 58 parents of 62 children were recruited into the study. Of these, 53 parents partook in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions after the children were screened and the parents offered free cataract surgery.

[Visual impairment and blindness in children in a Malawian school for the blind].

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the anatomic sites of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in an integrated school for the blind in Malawi, and to compare the results with those of previous Malawian blind school studies.

Methods: Children attending an integrated school for the blind in Malawi were examined in September 2011 using the standard WHO/PBL eye examination record for children with blindness and low vision. Visual acuity [VA] of the better eye was classified using the standardised WHO reporting form.