A pragmatic randomised controlled trial on routine iron prophylaxis during pregnancy in Maputo, Mozambique (PROFEG): rationale, design, and success.

The effects of prophylactic iron during pregnancy on maternal and child health in developing settings with endemic malaria and high prevalence of HIV remain unclear. This paper describes the rationale, implementation and success of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial comparing routine iron supplementation vs. screening and treatment for anaemia during pregnancy.

Is HIV testing normal or special? Opinions of health professionals in four European countries in 2008.

The special norms in testing for HIV infection are not typical of testing or screening for other diseases. In four European countries, we studied health professionals' views on HIV testing This study is based on cross-sectional surveys of two groups of health professionals: presidents of selected health professional societies and head physicians and nurses of selected hospital clinics in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, and Portugal in 2008. A common structured semi-anonymous questionnaire was used in the four countries.

The determinants of sexually transmitted infections among reproductive age women in St. Petersburg, Estonia and Finland.

Objectives: Sexually transmitted infections' (STIs) rate vary in St. Petersburg, Estonia and Finland; the aim was to compare the determinants of self-reported sexually transmitted infections in these areas.

Methods: Data from four population-based questionnaire surveys were used (Finland in 1992 and 1999; St.

The socio-demographic patterning of sexual risk behaviour: a survey of young men in Finland and Estonia.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the youth are an increasing challenge for public health in Europe. This study provided estimates of men's (18-25 years) sexual risk behaviour and self-reported STIs and their socio-demographic patterning in Finland and Estonia; two countries that are geographically close, but have very different STI epidemics.

Method: Nationally representative cross-sectional population surveys with comparable survey questions were used.

Risk factors for induced abortions in St Petersburg, Estonia and Finland. Results from surveys among women of reproductive age.

Objectives: To compare the risk factors of self-reported abortion in St Petersburg, Estonia and Finland, which are neighbouring areas having different abortion rates.

Methods: Data from four population-based questionnaire surveys (Finland 1992 and 1999; St Petersburg 2003; Estonia 2004) were used. With the exception of the 1992 Finnish survey (based on interviews) all were postal surveys.

Contraceptive use and abortion among women of reproductive age in st. Petersburg, Russia.

Context: Although the characteristics associated with contraceptive use among Russian women have been studied, no large-scale research has been conducted on women's use of different contraceptive methods and abortion.

Methods: A random sample of 1,147 women aged 18-44 completed questionnaires at local women's clinics in St. Petersburg in 2003-2004.

Sexual behaviour and lifestyles of young men in Finland, 1998-2005. Cross-sectional survey of military conscripts.

Objective: To reveal sexual risk behaviour over time and to explore the associations of sexual risk behaviour, HIV-testing and socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, including alcohol and drug use among young men.

Methods: Cross-sectional, structured health and lifestyle survey carried out during the beginning of the mandatory military service. Data were collected from 10,446 randomized conscripts in 1998-2005, with a response rate of 95%.

Sexual health among young adults in Finland: assessing risk and protective behaviour through a general health survey.

Objective: To describe the extent of sexual risk and protective behaviours and reproductive health outcomes comparing men and women of 18-29 and assess the demographic correlates of these indicators within genders.

Design: A module of questions on sexual behaviour and reproductive health outcomes was integrated into a population-based general health survey in Finland.

Methods: A representative sample of people over 17, including 1,894 individuals between 18 and 29 years, was drawn from the population registry in 2001.

Efficacy of the new TwoDay Method of family planning.

Objective: To test the efficacy of the TwoDay Method, a new fertility awareness-based method of family planning that provides women with simple instructions to identify the days each cycle when they are most likely to become pregnant. Users avoid unprotected intercourse on days when cervical secretions are present on that day or on the day before, to prevent pregnancy.

Design: Prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study.

Mind the gap: responding to the global funding crisis in family planning.

The widening gap between the cost of meeting family planning needs and the funding available for commodities and programmes is a concern among policymakers and reproductive health professionals. The gap could reach US dollars 210 million by 2015. Its causes are clear; its solutions are not.