RESUMO
This research explored the sociodemographic characteristics, the health perceptions and the distinctive aspects of the sexual work of a group of women sexual workers (n = 311). The study interest was generating data relative to the use of injectable drugs, the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), the prevalence of HIV and the risk behaviors of this population group. A remarkable characteristic of the group of women studied was their history of pregnancies at and early age. A high proportion of illness apparently related to the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and limited health care was observed.
Assuntos
Trabalho Sexual , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Gravidez , Porto Rico , Fatores de Risco , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/epidemiologia , Fatores SocioeconômicosRESUMO
A perspective on the family, based on scientific knowledge and on its appreciation as a unit for health care, is suggested. The contemporary family because of its independent links with society has lived and resisted the consequences of a series of economic, political, technological, cultural and ideological transformations. These forces act as influential forces in the family and it responds adopting new forms to temper to these new times. For these reasons, society at present is characterized by a plurality of family structures. As part of that diversity in families, at present, there are families: nuclear biological, nuclear in series, father or mother alone, extended, and those that share the same sexual orientation. The term family should be redefined to enclose all those types of cohabitation. Is imperative that support is given to families with the greatest social disadvantages such as those families made up of women alone as they are expected to continue growing in all societies both developed and underdeveloped.
Assuntos
Família , Mulheres , Adulto , Criança , Características da Família , Feminino , Homossexualidade Feminina , Homossexualidade Masculina , Humanos , Masculino , Mães , Núcleo Familiar , Parceiros Sexuais , Pais SolteirosRESUMO
The purpose of this study was to explore the health situation of women in Puerto Rico through the analysis of the causes of deaths in medical certification contained in death certificates. The data source used was the computer tape containing the data on deaths occurred in Puerto Rico during 1994. This tape was produced by the Puerto Rico Department of Health. The analysis of the main causes of deaths in women showed a trend associated with chronic and degenerative diseases. This trend is compatible with the one found in women over 65 years old. In women under 65 years of age, this trend was also observed, although other causes were also relevant, like deaths by external causes and AIDS. For the age groups of under 15, 15 to 44, 45 to 64 and 65 and over, the principal causes of deaths were: conditions related to the perinatal period, AIDS, cancer and heart and heart related diseases respectively. The degree of vulnerability to death from certain causes of mortality which changes in importance from one age range to another in the female population of Puerto Rico is shown by the results of this research project.
Assuntos
Causas de Morte , Saúde da Mulher , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/mortalidade , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Atestado de Óbito , Feminino , Cardiopatias/mortalidade , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/mortalidade , Porto RicoRESUMO
The present study examined the role of an intervention directed to link a group of sexual workers with social and health services. The subjects receptivity to use these services was measured by the degree of acceptance that the selected agencies provided to the participants of this study. The present investigation included two groups of subjects consisting of sexual workers and other women that were at high risk of prostitution because of their social circumstances. The sample consisted of 92 women residents of either the San Juan area of other towns from the eastern part of Puerto Rico. The method of focal group and a agencies directory was utilized during the intervention. In addition, the attempt to establish a helpful relationship between the subject and the agency was also incorporated to the investigation. The present findings showed the presence of a considerable social distance between the agencies and the subjects studies. The use of the studied intervention failed to be an efficient strategy. The authors recommend to explore different and new intervention modalities that elicit significant social change. Moreover, these interventions should innovate the current treatments aimed at the social problems related to sexual work.
Assuntos
Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Trabalho Sexual , Serviço Social , Serviços de Saúde da Mulher , Adulto , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Porto Rico , Mudança Social , Fatores SocioeconômicosRESUMO
The acceptance of incorporating courses in liberal arts to the present curriculum of the School of Medicine was assessed. A survey was suministred to 400 subjects that belonged to academic and professional fields of medicine. The results from the survey showed that those who played an acting role in the current curriculum were receptive to innovations. The professors of the clinical aspect of medicine and the practicing physicians were more receptive to curricular change. First year medical students were more receptive than seniors. This positive view constitutes a strong argument for eliciting curricular creativity. These results allow future changes around the medical education of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine.