The Challenges of Transition From Donor-Funded Programs: Results From a Theory-Driven Multi-Country Comparative Case Study of Programs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Supported by the Global Fund.

Introduction: In the era of declining development assistance for health, transitioning externally funded programs to governments becomes a priority for donors. However, the process requires a careful approach not only to preserve the public health gains that have already been achieved but also to expand on them. In the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, countries are expected to graduate from support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in or before 2025.

The health effects of emigration on those who remain at home.

Background: The health effects of emigration on relatives staying behind has received little attention in the recent literature. Our aim was to assess the association of spouse and offspring emigration with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Albania, a country which is undergoing a particularly rapid socio-economic transition accompanied by intensive emigration.

Methods: A population-based case-control study, conducted in Tirana, Albania, in 2003-06, included 467 non-fatal consecutive ACS patients (370 men, 97 women; 88% response) and 737 population-representative controls (469 men, 268 women; 69% response) aged 35-74 years.

Does knowledge about sexually transmitted infections increase the likelihood of consistent condom use?

Background: We aimed to assess the association between knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and consistent condom use among university students controlling for selected socio-demographic factors.

Method: An anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out among 720 undergraduate students (76% women) at the University of Tirana, Albania, in October-November 2002. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data, 10 multiple-choice test questions on knowledge about STIs, sexual activity and use of condoms.

Knowledge and attitude of undergraduate students towards sexually transmitted infections in Tirana, Albania.

Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate students in Tirana, Albania, towards sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Methods: A sample of 729 students (76% women) at the University of Tirana were surveyed by the use of an anonymous questionnaire with 10 multiple-choice questions testing their knowledge and 27 statements testing their attitude towards STI (adapted to a 1-5 Likert scale, with a low score indicating poor attitude). Socio-demographic data were also collected.

Sexual practices of undergraduate students in Tirana, Albania.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of sexual activity among undergraduate students at the University of Tirana, Albania, their age at first sexual intercourse, and the influence of socioeconomic factors on their sexual practices, including condom use.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out among 720 undergraduate students (77% women) at the University of Tirana in October and November 2002. The questionnaire inquired about their current or previous sexual activity, age at first sexual intercourse, and use of condoms.