Aust Fam Physician
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To examine Chinese attitudes to institutional care of their aged and to identify the factors that influence these attitudes. ⋯ The study provided several important observations and information for health planners and general practitioners to identify the aged at risk of institutionalisation and make arrangements for community support for effected families so that the aged can be encouraged to remain with their families.
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Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) occurs in approximately two per 1000 of the adult population per year. About 2% of adult overnight hospital admissions are due to CAP and there is a continuing mortality rate of 7-10%. ⋯ Clinical and radiological assessments are unable to identify the nature of the causative organism. However, knowledge of the patient risk profile and a clinical severity assessment enable appropriate management decisions to be made. Early antibiotic therapy according to the guidelines and appropriate supportive management should reduce CAP mortality. It is essential that the CAP patient is followed to ensure radiological resolution. The incidence of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) can be reduced by rigid application of National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) vaccination recommendations for pneumococcal and influenza immunisation.
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The female condom has been available in numerous countries for some years. It was launched in Australia on March 8th, 2000 and is an important addition to the range of barrier contraceptives. ⋯ The female condom is an effective form of contraception. When used correctly it has a failure rate of about 5%, which compares favourably with other forms of barrier contraception. It is important that users are instructed on insertion, in particular the need to guide the penis into the condom. Evidence shows that it reduces the incidence of sexually transmitted infections. There may also be additional benefit in reducing wart virus and herpes transmission, as there is greater protection to the vulva and the base of the penis, when compared with the male condom. The female condom has high user acceptability, and offers advantages in terms of sensitivity and also ease of use by men with erectile dysfunction. It is the only barrier protection under a woman's control, giving protection to the vagina and vulva as well as the cervix.