Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association © The Author 2009; all rights reserved.
Editor's Choice |
Cabbages and condoms
E-mail:shah.ebrahim@lshtm.ac.uk
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Case-cross over studies are used to assess brief exposures (e.g. high-ambient temperature) that may cause a temporary increase in risk of diseases (e.g. death),1 and have the advantage of controlling for confounding by factors that differ between individuals such as age and co-morbidities. A novel application is reported in this issue in an evaluation of factors determining condom use in female bar and hotel workers in Tanzania.2 Unsurprisingly condoms were more often used with casual rather than regular sex partners, for hotel sex and when gifts were received—all indicative of a high-risk situation. Condoms were less often used with men >10 years older than the woman; partner alcohol use and knowledge of HIV status were not associated with condom use. The authors focus on the decision-making process—those women reporting