Volume 3 Issue 2
Authors: Social Adventure Project Team; M. Carvalho; M. G. Matos
Abstract: Purpose of the research: the present study aimed at identifying gender and developmental aspects, and their psychosocial determinants and the time trends over 8 years in the prevalence of emotional problems among children and adolescents in Portugal. The three cross-sectional self-report surveys obtained from the HBSC nationally representative samples of 10-17 year old children and adolescents in 1998, 2002, and 2006, were used. Specific composite indexes included emotional and somatic symptoms, substance use, demographic and psychosocial factors. Results and conclusions: Girls reported more emotional symptoms and boys reported more substance use. Emotional symptoms, substance use and communication increased with age, opposite to school commitment and perception of safe neighbourhood, which have shown to decrease with age. Along the three waves, substance use and emotional symptoms have shown a general pattern of decrease. Innovation: Results were discussed according to literature and their consequences for the understanding of emotional problems and substances in childhood and adolescence, namely gender differences and the implications regarding school based interventions.
Keywords: Emotional Problems; Gender; Development; Trends; Psychosocial Determinants; HBSC; Adolescents
Authors: Jagadish Guria; John Yeabsley
Abstract: Many areas of public policy deal with non-market benefits that are difficult to value, yet the accountability for public expenditure demands efficiency; this involves comparing the value of outcomes with costs. Different techniques have evolved to address the challenge. This paper discusses a specific example that is important in a range of policy areas: the values placed on saving life and improving life quality. This appears in analyses of public investments, or policy impacting on health and safety. We discuss alternative approaches to this valuation, i.e. the value of statistical life (VOSL), the value of life years lost (or saved) and the value of quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Using a literature review, each measure is put in its appropriate policy context, by considering their fundamental logic. This suggests their potential fields of application and methods of determination of their values.
Keywords: Value of Statistical Life; Monetary Value Per QALY; Cost Effectiveness; Cost Benefit Analysis
Authors: Getahun Kebede Beyera; Abebaw Gebeyehu Worku; Mulat Nigus Alemu
Abstract: Background: Reproductive health in its broader sense and family planning in particular should be a concern for all, not for just that of women, and it needs the attention of men, entire family and the society. However, women carry a disproportionate amount of responsibility for reproductive health matters including family planning, especially in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the status of men involvement in family planning using Trans-theoretical model. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 26 to April 15, 2012 in Dangila town administration. A total of 406 currently married men in the age range of 15-59 years were included in the study by using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using structured and pre-tested questionnaire, and the collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results: The majority 288 (70.9%) of the men were found at pre-contemplation stage while 22(5.4%) were in contemplation, 25(6.2%) were in preparation, 53(13.1%) were in action and 18(4.4%) were in maintenance stages to practice family planning methods. Younger age, better educational status, and having television and/or radio in the household had statistically significant impact on men’s involvement in family planning. Conclusion: In majority of the participants, the behavioral change of married men was found in pre-contemplation stage. Therefore, designing stage matched as well as men inclusive and friendly family planning programs and interventions is essential to raise the status of men involvement in family planning.
Keywords: Male Involvement; Family Planning; Trans-Theoretical Model; Ethiopia