Active Male Population Research Articles

Study of Pattern and Management of Abdominal Trauma Patients at a University Hospital of Nepal

Background: Injury related death is a leading cause of death globally. Abdominal injuries may occur in up to one third of patients with trauma. Road traffic accidents have become the commonest mechanism of trauma. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based retrospective descriptive study conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital. Patients admitted with abdominal trauma from July 2021 to December 2023 were included in this study. Results: This study included 60 patients with abdominal trauma. Mean age of patients was 35.60 ± 15.81 (10-76) years. Majority of patients belonged to age group 21-40 years (n=32, 53.3%) with male predominance (Male:female ratio=3.6:1). Blunt abdominal trauma (n=58, 96.7%) was more common than penetrating abdominal trauma (n=2, 3.3%). Road traffic accident (n=31, 51.7%), fall from height (n=22, 36.7%) and physical assaults (n=7, 11.7%) were the mechanisms of injury. In our study, commonly injured organs were spleen(n=19, 30.64%), liver(n=15, 24.19%) and small bowel(n=14, 22.58%). Among the patients with penetrating abdominal trauma, one patient had rectal injury and next patient had stab injury with protruding omentum through the wound. Thirty four patients (56.7%) were managed conservatively and 26 patients (43.3%) underwent operative management. The mortality rate was 8.33% (n=5) of which 4 (80%) had undergone operative management and 1 (20%) was being managed conservatively. Conclusion: Majority of patients with solid organ injury can be managed conservatively while hollow viscus injury undergoes operative treatment. Physically active male population is the most affected group. Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of abdominal trauma followed by fall from height and physical assaults.

Michoacán en el Censo de Revillagigedo de 1790. Cotejo con los datos de Martínez de Lejarza de 1822

This article is based on a statistical analysis of the data provided by the 1790 Revillagigedo Census for the intendancy of Valladolid, which at the end of the Colonial period corresponded mostly to the current state of Michoacán. From these data, fundamental information about Michoacán society at the end of the colonial era was obtained, including aspects such as the total population, sex ratio, age groups, percentage by racial category, population distribution by sub-delegation, and population density, among others. Additionally, a comparison with the statistical study by Martínez de Lejarza in 1822 is offered. It is shown that this intendancy was experiencing population growth, with a slight male advantage over females, and had a young society, as its age groups display a pyramidal shape characteristic of the old demographic regime. Regarding racial categories, it is also shown that most Michoacán inhabitants were not indigenous, although significant regional differences are presented, such as markedly indigenous areas and others with a majority of castes and Spaniards. Other aspects revealed here include the difference in population density between regions and that much of the active male population was engaged in the primary sector.

Significance of musculoskeletal and connective tissue parameters as health indicators in Federal Fire-Fighting Service officers of the State Fire-Fighting Service of the EMERCOM of Russia

Relevance. The job of Federal Fire-Fighting Service (FFS) officers of the State Fire-Fighting Service of the EMERCOM of Russia is among the global top 10 occupations with evident risk of health functional reserves depletion, prevalence of early occupational diseases, injuries and even death. Traditionally, investigators focus on circulatory diseases and how they affect firefighters’ occupational health.The objective is to provide research-based evidence showing that musculoskeletal and connective tissue parameters provide a reliable estimate of the health status in Russian Federal Fire-Fighting Service officers.Methodology. The authors analyzed the research papers included in the Russian Science Citation Index mostly within the last 10 years and the studies carried out at the Nikiforov Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine and at the All-Russian Research Institute for Fire Protection of the EMERCOM of Russia. Morbidity was calculated in ppm (‰), industrial injury and primary disability rates were estimated per 10,000 (×104), mortality (deaths) – per 100,000 (×105) people. The indicators dynamics was estimated based on dynamic sets of data applying the 2nd order polynomial trend; the Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to verify consistency of the trends.Results and analysis. In 2003–2015 the average annual incidence rate of cases with labor losses (across all ICD-10 chapters of diseases) among the EMERCOM Federal Fire Service officers was (407.0 ± 30.4) ‰ which was statistically significantly lower than among the Russian armed forces officers (508.5 ± 35.6) ‰ (p < 0.05); the number of lost workdays was higher, i.e. (5139 ± 402) and (4174 ± 123) ‰ respectively (p < 0.05). Consistency in the dynamics of case number, rate of lost workdays, and day/incident ratio among firefighters and military officers is low and negative, potentially due to the impact of different factors on lost workdays rate. Assuming the macrosocial factors are identical, organisational and/or occupational factors could be the key contributors to labor losses. Rates of injuries, poisoning and other external impacts (chapter XIX in ICD-10), as well as musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases (chapter XIII) play the leading role in morbidity dynamics among firefighters. The mortality rate among the Russian EMERCOM FFS officers with chapter XIX injuries was 8.5 times lower than that among the Russian male population, although the population cohort was 2.5 times more numerous. Occupational injury rate of (14.66 ± 2.01) • 10–4 of injuries/(firefighter • year) and firefighter fatalities (8.53 ± 0.83) • 10–5 deaths/(firefighter • year) in 2006–2020 were statistically significantly lower than among economically active working male population in Russia: (22.73 ± 2.8) • 10–4 (p < 0.01) and (13.23 ± 1.12) • 10–5 (p < 0.05) respectively. Considering the work schedule of firefighters, the annual amount of work in extreme environments was carried out within 6 months; whereas the level of industrial traumatism due to fire extinguishing and elimination of other emergency situations calculated for 12 months should be doubled, to say the least. The level of primary disability among Russian Federal Fire Service employees was (15.98 ± 0.99) • 10–4, i.e. statistically reliably lower (p < 0.001) than among the working population of Russia aged 18–44 years (25.51 ± 1.19) • 10–4. On the one hand, the data demonstrates efficient labor set-up and labor protection of the EMERCOM FFS employees, whereas disability rate among the adult population of Russia stays at a high level, on the other hand.Conclusion. Although not entirely eliminated, negative occupational impacts (i.e. diseases, injuries) can be reduced to minimal rates. Preventing the early onset of occupational diseases, especially traumas and musculoskeletal diseases, has a huge health sparing potential to ensure professional longevity of the EMERCOM FFS employees.

Optimal load setting provides higher peak power and fatigue index with a similar mean power during 30-s Wingate anaerobic test in physically active men

ABSTRACT Background The Wingate test is usually conducted using resistance loads of 7.5, 8.5 or 8.7 g.kg−1 of body mass. However, these cycle ergometer resistance loads may be insufficient to enable maximal power values. As such, the use of individual optimal load selection (OPT) can positively influence other Wingate test parameters. Moreover, anthropometric parameters, e.g. body mass index, may also affect the OPT, but have not been well investigated. Aim: To investigate (i) individual OPT on the Wingate Test for peak power (PP), mean power outputs (MP), and the fatigue index (FI) and (ii) the association between OPT and anthropometric parameters. Methods: Fifteen physically active men (age = 26.4 ± 4.1 yr) performed six 30-s Wingate tests, with loads corresponding to 6.5%, 8.5%, 10.5% 11.5% 12.5%, and 13.5% of body mass to determine OPT (the load corresponding with the highest peak power), and also PP, MP, and FI. Results: Peak Power was 15% higher (p<0.001) and FI was 21% higher (p=0.03) for the OPT method, whereas Mean Power values were similar between OPT and the 8.5% of body mass load. The 8.5% of body mass resistance load underestimates power outputs and is directly related to individual Peak Power (r=0.58, p=0.02). Furthermore, the load corresponding to OPT was inversely correlated to body mass index (r=−0.81, p<0.001) and percent body fat (r=−0.51, p=0.04). Conclusion: Optimal load selection is more appropriate than the use of 8.5% of body mass load to enable higher Peak power in the 30-s Wingate test in a physically active male population.

Affective and Enjoyment Responses to Sprint Interval Exercise at Different Hypoxia Levels.

Benefits of performing sprint interval training (SIT) under hypoxic conditions on improving cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition have been well-documented, yet data is still lacking regarding affective responses to SIT under hypoxia. This study aimed to compare affective responses to SIT exercise under different oxygen conditions. Nineteen active males participated in three sessions of acute SIT exercise (20 repetitions of 6 s of all-out cycling bouts interspersed with 15 s of passive recovery) under conditions of normobaric normoxia (SL: PIO2 150 mmHg, FIO2 0.209), moderate hypoxia (MH: PIO2 117 mmHg, FIO2 0.154, simulating an altitude corresponding to 2500 m), and severe hypoxia (SH: PIO2 87 mmHg, FIO2 0.112, simulating an altitude of 5000 m) in a randomized order. Perceived exertions (RPE), affect, activation, and enjoyment responses were recorded before and immediately after each SIT session. There were no significant differences across the three conditions in RPE or the measurements of affective responses, despite a statistically lower SpO2 (%) in severe hypoxia. Participants maintained a positive affect valence and reported increased activation in all the three SIT conditions. Additionally, participants experienced a medium level of enjoyment after exercise as indicated by the exercise enjoyment scale (EES) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES). These results indicated that performing short duration SIT exercise under severe hypoxia could be perceived as pleasurable and enjoyable as performing it under normoxia in active male population.

Defining ejaculatory latencies in heterosexual males using novel tools in all types of sexual encounters in multinational population sample.

Research into ejaculatory dysfunction in sexual activities other than penovaginal intercourse is limited due to the absence of well-defined tools to measure ejaculatory latencies in these sexual activities. Our pilot study using Arousal to Ejaculation Time Interval (AETI) and Erection to Ejaculation Time Interval (EETI) as tools to measure ejaculatory latencies in different types of sexual encounters in medical professionals had yielded promising results. Hence, we conducted a similar study using AETI and EETI as tools, measured using stopwatch in healthy, sexually active heterosexual male population in a multinational sample from January 2018 to December 2020. Though mean AETI and EETI differed in different sexual activities, on analysing them across all sexual activities, mean AETI and EETI in normal ejaculators, premature ejaculators and delayed ejaculators were 10.3±5.81min and 6.8±4.13min, 4.31±2.98min and 3.35±3.06min and 20.9±16.1min and 16.3±10.6min respectively. Both AETI and EETI were significantly different from normal to premature as well as normal to delayed ejaculators (p-value<0.05). It could be concluded that these novel tools can help to measure ejaculatory latencies in sexual activities in heterosexual males.

Cirrhosis: Therapeutic Aspects and Outcome for Hospitalized Patients in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Cirrhosis represents 27.63% of the hepatobiliary diseases in Burkina Faso. We aimed at studying the therapeutic and evolutionary features of the cirrhosis. Patients and methods: We implemented a cross-sectional and descriptive study, collecting retrospectively the data from 1st January 2012 to 31st March 2014. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on 1) clinical criteria (an edema-ascitic syndrome with a heterogeneous hepatomegaly with a sharp inferior border or atrophic liver and a portal hypertension); 2) biological criteria (a hepatocellular insufficiency syndrome); and 3) ultrasound imaging suggesting cirrhosis. Qualitative variables were presented as frequencies and percentages while quantitative ones were presented as means. Results: The data of 273 patients representing 33.9% of all hospitalizations were analyzed. The hepatobiliary diseases represented 74.7% of all diagnosis. The participants’ mean age was 46.9 years and the sex ratio, 2.7. The HBs antigen and anti-HCV antibodies were positive in 76.5% and 14.6% of the cases, respectively. Ascites was treated with puncture in 40.2% of patients, a salt-free diet (38.8%) and diuretics (54.2%). Hepatic encephalopathy was treated with lactulose in 73.6% of patients and two patients (1.3%) underwent esophageal varices ligation to treat their gastrointestinal bleeding. Lamivudine, tenofovir, and lamivudine-tenofovir combination were administered to 57.4%, 32.8%, and 10% of HBs Antigen positive patients, respectively. Conclusion: Cirrhosis still mostly affects the young and active male population at the gastro-enterology department of the university teaching hospital Yalgado Ouédraogo. Patients show up at a very advanced stage of the disease in poorly prepared health centres. In this context, prevention by the anti-hepatitis B immunization and early systematic screening with treatment when indicated are very efficient weapons at our disposal.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D fluctuations in military personnel during 6-month summer operational deployments in Afghanistan.

Soldier operational performance is determined by their fitness, nutritional status, quality of rest/recovery, and remaining injury/illness free. Understanding large fluctuations in nutritional status during operations is critical to safeguarding health and well-being. There are limited data world-wide describing the effect of extreme climate change on nutrient profiles. This study investigated the effect of hot-dry deployments on vitamin D status (assessed from 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration) of young, male, military volunteers. Two data sets are presented (pilot study, n 37; main study, n 98), examining serum 25(OH)D concentrations before and during 6-month summer operational deployments to Afghanistan (March to October/November). Body mass, percentage of body fat, dietary intake and serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured. In addition, parathyroid hormone (PTH), adjusted Ca and albumin concentrations were measured in the main study to better understand 25(OH)D fluctuations. Body mass and fat mass (FM) losses were greater for early (pre- to mid-) deployment compared with late (mid- to post-) deployment (P&lt;0·05). Dietary intake was well-maintained despite high rates of energy expenditure. A pronounced increase in 25(OH)D was observed between pre- (March) and mid-deployment (June) (pilot study: 51 (sd 20) v. 212 (sd 85) nmol/l, P&lt;0·05; main study: 55 (sd 22) v. 167 (sd 71) nmol/l, P&lt;0·05) and remained elevated post-deployment (October/November). In contrast, PTH was highest pre-deployment, decreasing thereafter (main study: 4·45 (sd 2·20) v. 3·79 (sd 1·50) pmol/l, P&lt;0·05). The typical seasonal cycling of vitamin D appeared exaggerated in this active male population undertaking an arduous summer deployment. Further research is warranted, where such large seasonal vitamin D fluctuations may be detrimental to bone health in the longer-term.

Activity-Induced Increase in Achilles Tendon Blood Flow Is Age and Sex Dependent

Background: Previous research of a young adult population identified a lower increase in Achilles tendon blood flow immediately after a running activity as a significant predictor for the development of Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Furthermore, advancing age is often mentioned as a risk factor for the development of AT, and the highest incidence for AT is reported to occur in middle-aged recreational male athletes. Purpose: To investigate the effect of age, sex, and type of physical activity on the increase in Achilles tendon blood flow. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Blood flow measurements of 33 subjects aged 18 to 25 years and 30 subjects aged 40 to 55 years were obtained before and after 4 physical activities performed in randomized order: running, cycling, dynamic stretching, and rope skipping. Blood flow measurements of the Achilles tendon were performed before, immediately after, 5 minutes after, and 10 minutes after the physical activities. The effect of age, sex, and physical activities on the increase in blood flow was investigated with linear mixed models. Results: The results of this study identified that running, rope skipping, and cycling resulted in a significant increase in tendon blood flow (P ≤ .001), whereas stretching did not. Prominent was the finding that the increase in blood flow after activity was significantly lower in the older population as compared with the younger population (P < .001). Furthermore, male participants in the older group showed a significantly lower increase in tendon blood flow than did their female counterparts (P = .019). Conclusion: This study identified that sex and age significantly influence the increase in blood flow after activity, possibly explaining the increased risk for AT among middle-aged recreational athletes. Clinical Relevance: This study possibly identified one of the mechanisms explaining why an older male population is at increased risk for developing AT. Given that the lower increase in blood flow is an identified risk factor according to previous research, preventative measures should focus on improving this blood flow during physical activity in the physically active older male population. Registration: NCT03218605 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Cross Sectional Area of the Achilles Tendon in a Prospective Cohort of an Elite Military Population

Category: Ankle, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The prevalence of Achilles tendon pathology is common in many sports and daily activities. From ruptures to overuse injuries resulting in tendonopathies, AT dysfunction can result in disability and reduced productively. Continued research that increases our knowledge base of normal Achilles tendon properties can improve our ability to reduce and prevent future AT injuries. In this study, we examined the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Achilles tendon (AT) at multiple levels in an asymptomatic population of elite American military service members that participate in greater than 20 hours of intense training per week. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study composed of 41 active duty United States Army Rangers. The Rangers are a specialized infantry organization that participates in extensive military training and rigorous combat missions. The service members were voluntarily recruited to participate while deployed in a combat theater. All subjects were members of the Ranger Regiment participating in greater than 20 hours of intense bipedal non-sport weekly training with no history of AT pathology. In a standing position, each subject had bilateral Achilles insertion marked along with additional skin markings made at 2 cm, 4 cm, and 6 cm above the AT insertion. At all four levels, the AT was measured in the coronal and sagittal plains using ultrasound. Results: In 41 subjects, a total of 82 Achilles tendons were examined. The mean age of the cohort was 26 years, 70 inches tall, with a mean weight of 187 pounds. The mean sagittal thickness of the AT at the insertion was 4.3 mm, 2 cm above the insertion is was 4.3 mm, 4 cm above the insertion is was 4.2 mm, and at 6 cm above the insertion it was 4 mm. In the coronal plain was 19.1 mm, 14.3 mm, 13.5 mm, and 14.4 mm respectively. The cross-sectional area was calculated at each respective level: 0.65 cm2, 0.48 cm2, 0.44 cm2 and 0.45 cm2. The non-dominant ankle was slightly larger at each level but was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: These results provide the mean sagittal and coronal diameters of the Achilles tendon as measured by ultrasound throughout the watershed area of a young active adult male population. Our data also suggest that increased non-sport activity may not increase the cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon. Identifying the normal diameter at multiple levels throughout the most commonly injured area can potentially improve the provider’s ability to identify early disease processes and apply targeted interventions to help slow or prevent progression and possible rupture.

Fungal Keratitis in North India: Spectrum of Agents, Risk Factors and Treatment.

To assess the prevalence of fungal keratitis, we conducted a retrospective study over 7years (2005 through 2011) at a tertiary care center in North India. Effort has been made to analyze the disease burden, spectrum of agents and treatment history. The findings were compared with an earlier study at the same center for any change in the epidemiology of the disease. Microbiology records were screened at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India, to identify fungal keratitis cases, and available clinical records of those cases were analyzed. Of 2459 clinically suspected fungal keratitis cases, 765 (31%) cases were direct microscopy confirmed. Of these microscopy-confirmed cases, fungi were isolated in 393 (51.4%), with Aspergillus spp. ranked top (n=187, 47.6%), followed by melanized fungi (n=86, 21.9%) and Fusarium spp. (n=64, 16%). A male predominance of 78.7% was noted with a peak in the incidence of fungal keratitis during post-monsoon season (September to November). A delay in diagnosis was significantly associated (p<0.001) with keratitis cases due to melanized fungi. In comparison with an earlier study, higher isolation of melanized fungi was noted with a widening of the spectrum of agents identified. Thus, fungal keratitis due to Aspergillus spp. remains a serious ocular illness among the active male population in North India with relative rise of keratitis due to melanized fungi. The spectrum of agents causing fungal keratitis has broadened with many rare fungi that are implicated.

Relationship between sexual compulsivity and sexual risk behaviors among Chinese sexually active males.

Compulsivity is defined as "an insistent, repetitive, intrusive, and unwanted urge to perform specific acts often in ritualized or routinized fashions." Sexual compulsivity has been shown to be associated with some high risk sexual behaviors related to HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI). In some Western countries, the 10-item Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) has been developed to assess people's sexual compulsivity but no Chinese version has been validated. This study validated the Chinese version of the SCS and investigated its associations with specific sexual behaviors. In 2008, a random telephone survey was conducted in the sexually active male general population in Hong Kong, interviewing 1,048 participants. The Chinese version of the SCS was found to be internally consistent (Cronbach's α=0.88 for the overall scale), with a mean total score of 20.7 (SD=4.7). An exploratory factor analysis procedure extracted two factors that were named Controllability and Functional Consequences. Higher SCS scores were associated with multiple female sexual partnerships in the last 6months, having had sex with either non-regular partner(s) or female sex worker(s) in the last 6months, having contracted STI in the last 6months, and inconsistent condom use with either non-regular partner(s) or female sex worker(s) in the last 6months. The scale can be used to assess sexual compulsivity among sexually active Chinese men in Hong Kong. It can potentially be used in other Chinese communities. Further confirmatory studies are warranted.

Dominant-Sided First-Rib Stress Fracture in a Collegiate Baseball Pitcher: A Case Report.

The incidence of asymptomatic fatigue fractures of the first rib in the young, active male population is very low; these fractures were observed in only 0.001% of retrospectively reviewed chest radiographs in one series1. First-rib fractures have been postulated to result from several primary mechanisms: high-energy direct impact such as a motor vehicle collision2, indirect trauma such as a fall on an outstretched arm3, fatigue fractures from repeated muscular contracture4, or sudden, violent muscular forces resulting in stress fractures5. Although the exact incidence of first-rib stress fracture caused by sudden muscular contracture is not known, many repetitive activities, including gymnastics, tennis, basketball, weightlifting, and even coughing or sneezing, have been associated with this mechanism6. We present the case of a first-rib stress fracture in a collegiate baseball pitcher and discuss the relevant literature. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A nineteen-year-old right-hand-dominant male collegiate baseball pitcher presented to the office with the symptom of right shoulder pain. He denied any history of trauma but stated that he had felt a popping sensation in the shoulder while pitching several days prior to presentation, and he had had pain since that time with both pitching and activities of daily living. He denied any change in the pitching mechanics or increase in the number of pitches in the preceding several weeks. He had no prior history of trauma to the spine or thorax. The pain was aggravated by the late-cocking phase of throwing. He also admitted to difficulty with deep inspiration because of the pain at the base of the neck, but had no dyspnea at rest. On examination, he was 6′8″ (203.2 cm) tall and weighed 193 lb …

Estimating the population size of men who have sex with men: a modified Laska, Meisner and Siegel procedure taking into account internet populations

ObjectivesMen who have sex with men (MSM) are an at-risk population for HIV/AIDS. Accurately estimating the size of MSM is important to monitor the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to implement HIV/AIDS...

Application of the Capture-Recapture Method in Estimating the Size of the Active Homosexual Male Population in Hangzhou City of China

The homosexual population is particularly susceptible to sexually transmitted disease because of various high-risk sexual behaviors among them. The authors explored the application of capture-recapture methods in estimating the size of the sexually active homosexual male population in Hangzhou. Homosexual men at 9 activity sites were investigated in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The total active homosexual male population of Hangzhou estimated by the capture-recapture method and multiplier method was 2014 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1899-2129) and 2012.5 (95% CI 1925 to 2101), respectively. This study shows that the capture-recapture method can be used to enumerate and provide accurate and reliable estimates of the active homosexual population in any area, provided that certain conditions are controlled.

Data about the sexual activity of Hungarian men

In the last decades there was a considerable development in the field of sexual medicine, which is a relatively new discipline integrating studies on the physiology, biology, psycho-social and cultural aspects of sexuality of both genders including morbidities affecting sexual health and well being. Issues regarding sexuality are often neglected during routine medical consultations. There is lack of comparable data about the average sexual activity of men; many of them collected from commercial sources. This study aimed to collect reliable data about the sexual activity of Hungarian men. Patients attending the andrology and urology outpatient department were asked during consultation about their intercourse frequency. Data of 723 men (age between 21-61 years) were evaluated. Mean of weekly intercourses was 3.1, with small difference between age decades. Only men over 50 years reported significantly less frequency (1.9/week). Other possible influencing factors were not analyzed. Comparing with available international data, Hungarian men seem to be among the most active male population worldwide.

Characteristics and the estimated size of men who have sex with men in different venues of one city

To study the features, safe sex behavior and the size of men who have sex with men (MSM) population in actual and virtual venues in one city. We carried out a cross-sectional study in actual and virtual venues, using the Estimated Size of Population from a Single Sample (LMS method) to estimate the size of MSM population. Most MSM in actual venues were 24 - 43 year olds and had received high school education, whereas in virtual venues, the majority of this population were younger than 29 years old and had higher education, including some college students. The awareness of AIDS of the two groups from different venues showed no statistically significant difference, neither the safe sex behaviors. Proportions of the MSM population in actual and virtual venues were 21.22% (16 383, 95%CI: 11 514 - 21 252) and 78.78% (60 830, 95%CI: 57 327 - 64 329), respectively. After adjusting the overlapping part of the MSM from both venues, the total number was between 60 830 and 77 213, constituting a proportion of 5.03% - 6.38% in the sexually active male population (15 - 64 year olds) in this city. The size of the MSM population was large but the characteristics were different in the actual or virtual venues. As most MSM preferred going to the virtual venues, intervention program on AIDS-specific strategy in this area, in particular dealing with the Internet, should be strengthened.

Fisheries in small reservoirs in Northern Ghana: Incidental Benefit or Important Livelihood Strategy

Fisheries in small reservoirs in the Upper East Region are perceived to be an incidental benefit and the potential of this livelihood strategy is neglected. However, in some communities fishing in small reservoirs is part of their livelihood strategies. Several participatory appraisal tools provided entry points for investigations, and supported quantitative surveys, which investigated the number of fishermen and fishmongers, prices of fish, demand for fish and the income derived from fishing and selling fish. For most of those involved in fisheries, the income from these activities is not incidental, but among the three most important livelihood strategies and the income from fishing is lifting about 15% of the economically active male population in the study communities out of absolute poverty. The number of fishmongers and their income are much lower, yet many women rank the income from fishmongering high, and their growing number shows the attractiveness of the activity. Based on these findings this paper recommends to expand government as well as donor efforts to train members of those communities which are currently not able to access fisheries resources to support their livelihoods because of the lack of know-how and fishing gear.KEY DESCRIPTORS: Fisheries, Upper East Region, poverty, malnutrition, income

Prevalence of human papilloma virus in men attending the infertility clinic.

Subclinical human papilloma virus is a potential carcinogen in the male and female genital tract. The sexually active male infertility population represents a high risk group for harbouring this disease. To determine the prevalence of subclinical human papillomavirus in this group, penoscopy was done on 96 male patients visiting the infertility clinic. The feasibility of routine penoscopy as part of the infertility work-up was also investigated. Of the 96 patients 20 had aceto-white lesions on their penises with penoscopy. Thirteen patients (13.5%), 12 proven by biopsy of the aceto-white lesions, and one proven by fluid in situ hybridization on superficial epithelial cells of the distal urethra, were positive for human papillomavirus. Two of the 12 biopsy-positive cases were also proven positive by fluid in situ hybridization. It was concluded that human papillomavirus had a high prevalence amongst asymptomatic male patients attending the infertility clinic and that penoscopy should be included as routine investigation in the work-up of the male infertility patient.

T10-O-02 Impact of erectile disfunction risk factors in Romanian male active population

Objectives The research “The sexuality of Romanian active population” is the largest researches accomplished in Romania in this field in the last 10 years and was initiated by the Romanian Association for Sexual Medicine (AMSR). Through the research objectives were the sexual life of the active people and erectile dysfunction factors. Design and Method The research has been accomplished on a sample of 620 men with an age between 15 and 55 years old. 62% are from urban population and 38% from rural population. The research is based on a quantitative methodology. Three groups: youth (15-25), adults (26-45), older (46-55). Results 51% from men are smoking between 11 and 20 cigarettes, 33% between 1 and 10 cigarettes and13% between 21 and 40. From urban population, 36% from men are drinking rarely, 18%frequently and 8% don’t drink. From rural population 22% are drinking rarely, 8% frequently and 7% don’t drink. About interconnected affection 23% know that they have one. In urban population, 17% from men have hypertension and heart diseases. In rural population 16% from men have heart disease and 9% hypertension and 7% diabetes. Conclusions This study helps us to have a global image about sexuality of romanian active male population, in order to find a better way for communication, education and treatment.