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This document can you buy propecia over the counter is unpublished. It is scheduled to be published on 09/16/2021. Once it is published it will be available on this page in can you buy propecia over the counter an official form.

Until then, you can download the unpublished PDF version. Although we make a concerted effort to reproduce the original document in full on our Public Inspection pages, in some cases graphics may not be displayed, and non-substantive markup language may appear alongside substantive text. If you are using public inspection listings for legal research, you should verify the contents of documents against a final, official edition of the Federal can you buy propecia over the counter Register.

Only official editions of the Federal Register provide legal notice to the public and judicial notice to the courts under 44 U.S.C. 1503 &. 1507.

Learn more here.Start Preamble Centers for Medicare &. Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. Continuation of effectiveness and extension of timeline for publication of the final rule.

This document announces the continuation of, effectiveness of, and the extension of the timeline for publication of a final rule. We are issuing this document in accordance with the Social Security Act (the Act), which allows an interim final rule to remain in effect after the expiration of the timeline specified in the Act if the Secretary publishes a notice of continuation explaining why we did not comply with the regular publication timeline. Effective September 3, 2021, the Medicare provisions adopted in the interim final rule published on September 6, 2016 (81 FR 61538) continue in effect and the regular timeline for publication of the final rule is extended for an additional year, until September 6, 2022.

Start Further Info Steve Forry (410) 786-1564 or Jaqueline Cipa (410) 786-3259. End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information Section 1871(a) of the Social Security Act (the Act) sets forth certain procedures for promulgating regulations necessary to carry out the administration of the insurance programs under Title XVIII of the Act. Section 1871(a)(3)(A) of the Act requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to establish a regular timeline for the publication of final regulations based on the previous publication of a proposed rule or an interim final rule.

In accordance with section 1871(a)(3)(B) of the Act, such timeline may vary among different rules, based on the complexity of the rule, the number and scope of the comments received, and other relevant factors. However, the timeline for publishing the final rule, cannot exceed 3 years from the date of publication of the proposed or interim final rule, unless there are exceptional circumstances. After consultation with the Director of OMB, the Secretary published a notice, which appeared in the December 30, 2004 Federal Register on (69 FR 78442), establishing a general 3-year timeline for publishing Medicare final rules after the publication of a proposed or interim final rule.

Section 1871(a)(3)(C) of the Act states that upon expiration of the regular timeline for the publication of a final regulation after opportunity for public comment, a Medicare interim final rule shall not continue in effect unless the Secretary publishes a notice of continuation of the regulation that includes an explanation of why the regular timeline was not met. Upon publication of such notice, the regular timeline for publication of the final regulation is treated as having been extended for 1 additional year. On September 6, 2016 Federal Register (81 FR 61538), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a department-wide interim final rule titled “Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation” that established new regulations at 45 CFR part 102 to adjust for inflation the maximum civil monetary penalty amounts for the various civil monetary penalty authorities for all agencies within the Department.

HHS took this action to comply with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (the Inflation Adjustment Act) (28 U.S.C. 2461 note 2(a)), as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (section 701 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, (Pub. L.

114-74), enacted on November 2, 2015). In addition, this September 2016 interim final rule included updates to certain agency-specific regulations to reflect the new provisions governing the adjustment of civil monetary penalties for inflation in 45 CFR part 102. One of the purposes of the Inflation Adjustment Act (see section 2(b)(1)) was to create a mechanism to allow for regular inflationary adjustments to federal civil monetary penalties.

The 2015 amendments removed an inflation update exclusion that previously applied to the Social Security Act as well as to the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The 2015 amendments also “reset” the inflation calculations by excluding prior inflationary adjustments under the Inflation Adjustment Act and requiring agencies to identify, for each penalty, the year and corresponding amount(s) for which the maximum penalty level or range of minimum and maximum penalties was established (that is, originally enacted by Congress) or last adjusted other than pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act. In accordance with section 4 of the Inflation Adjustment Act, agencies were required to.

(1) Adjust the level of civil monetary penalties with an initial “catch-up” adjustment through an interim final rulemaking (IFR) to take effect by August 1, 2016. And (2) make subsequent annual adjustments for inflation. In the September 2016 interim final rule, HHS adopted new regulations at 45 CFR part 102 to govern adjustment of civil monetary penalties for inflation.

The regulation at 45 CFR 102.1 provides that part 102 applies to each statutory provision under the laws administered by HHS concerning civil monetary penalties, and that the regulations in part 102 supersede existing HHS regulations setting forth civil monetary penalty amounts. The civil money penalties and the adjusted penalty amounts administered by all HHS agencies are listed in tabular form in 45 CFR 102.3. In addition to codifying the adjusted penalty amounts identified in § 102.3, the HHS-wide interim final rule included several technical conforming updates to certain agency-specific regulations, including various CMS regulations, to identify their updated information, and incorporate a cross-reference to the location of HHS-wide regulations.

Because the conforming changes to the Medicare provisions were part of a larger, omnibus departmental interim final rule, we inadvertently missed setting a target date for publication of the final rule to make permanent the conforming changes to the Medicare regulations in accordance with section 1871(a)(3)(A) of the Act and the procedures outlined in the December 2004 notice. Therefore, in the January 2, 2020 Federal Register (85 FR 7), we published a document continuing the effectiveness of the interim final rule for an additional year, until September 6, 2020. On January 31, 2020, pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Secretary determined that a Public Health Emergency (PHE) exists for the United States to aid the Start Printed Page 50264nation's healthcare community in responding to hair loss treatment.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) publicly declared hair loss treatment a propecia. On March 13, 2020, the President declared the hair loss treatment propecia a national emergency. This declaration, along with the Secretary's January 31, 2020 declaration of a PHE, conferred on the Secretary certain waiver authorities under section 1135 of the Act.

On March 13, 2020, the Secretary authorized waivers under section 1135 of the Act, effective March 1, 2020.[] Effective July 20, 2021, the Secretary renewed the January 31, 2020 determination that was previously renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, January 7, 2021, April 15, 2021, and July 19, 2021, that a PHE exists and has existed since January 27, 2020. The unprecedented nature of this national emergency has placed enormous responsibilities upon CMS to respond appropriately, and resources have had to be re-allocated throughout the agency in order to be responsive. Due to the PHE and in accordance with section 1871(a)(3)(C) of the Act, on September 8, 2020 (85 FR 55385), we published a second document continuing the effectiveness of effect and the regular timeline for publication of the final rule for an additional year, until September 6, 2021.

Because of CMS's continued efforts to address resource challenges resulting from the PHE and consistent with section 1871(a)(3)(C) of the Act, we are publishing a third notice of continuation extending the effectiveness of the technical conforming changes to the Medicare regulations that were implemented through interim final rule and to allow time to publish a final rule. Therefore, the Medicare provisions adopted in interim final regulation continue in effect and the regular timeline for publication of the final rule is extended for an additional year, until September 6, 2022. Start Signature Karuna Seshasai, Executive Secretary to the Department, Department of Health and Human Services.

End Signature End Supplemental Information [FR Doc. 2021-19382 Filed 9-3-21. 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4120-01-P.

Does propecia affect testosterone levels

CMS plans to push does propecia affect testosterone levels back the start of the Radiation Oncology model to July 1, the agency said Wednesday.The experimental payment model was scheduled to begin Jan finasteride propecia price in canada. 1. But CMS does propecia affect testosterone levels said it would delay it after several stakeholders told the agency it would be too difficult to put into practice by the beginning of next year.The radiation oncology model is supposed to test whether making 90-day bundled payments for radiation therapy maintains or improves the quality of care that Medicare beneficiaries receive and reduces Medicare spending compared to traditional fee-for-service. According to CMS, the pilot will save the federal government $230 million over five years.CMS thinks patients could benefit from fewer treatments and better outcomes under the new payment model.Ochsner Health and Loyola University New Orleans have partnered to launch a new pre-licensure undergraduate nursing program, the organizations announced Wednesday.

Students will study Loyola's core liberal arts curriculum with a pre-nursing focus their first year and transition to a hands-on experience at Ochsner's facilities as well as in Loyola's does propecia affect testosterone levels new nursing simulation lab to be completed by mid-2022. The first class is slated to graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing in 2025, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges."Having a strong and skilled nursing workforce is one of the biggest challenges we face at Ochsner," Warner Thomas, president and CEO of the New Orleans-based integrated health system, said during a press conference Wednesday, adding that it will provide Loyola undergraduate nursing students with clinical faculty and clinical placements. "Every day we see there is a challenge with nursing shortages and being able to staff our facilities—today we have well over 300 agency nurses that travel from all over to come into Ochsner." The organizations aim to mitigate an ongoing nursing shortage, which stems from the vast number of nurses retiring and from a lack of nursing instructors. An average of 175,900 openings for registered nurses are projected each year does propecia affect testosterone levels over the decade, largely due to the aging workforce and a dearth of teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In Louisiana, more than half of the state's nurses are 50 years old or older, a report from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing found. "The critical shortage of nurses is not a function of students not wanting to become nurses, it has been a shortage of nursing education," Loyola President Tania Tetlow said during the press conference.Loyola undergraduate nursing students will complete eight clinical rotations at various Ochsner facilities, working with does propecia affect testosterone levels Ochsner healthcare providers in adult and pediatric medical-surgical care, women's health, behavioral health and community health experiences, among other specialties. Students will complete at least 734 hours of hands-on clinical training in tandem with continued classroom learning at Loyola. "One of the hurdles for nursing students is often the clinical does propecia affect testosterone levels placement.

Often, there are not enough placement opportunities to meet demand and students face long wait times that interfere with their careers and aspirations. With this partnership, we have removed that barrier," said Dr. Laurie Anne does propecia affect testosterone levels Ferguson, dean of the College of Nursing and Health.On top of the mental and emotional pressures of being a healthcare worker during a global propecia, caregivers also are feeling financially stressed, according to a new report. The TIAA Institute's 2020 Healthcare Sector Financial Wellness Survey found that the financial condition of 45% of the healthcare workers surveyed had worsened since the hair loss treatment propecia began.

And 27% of those workers expected to see their does propecia affect testosterone levels finances get worse in the next year. "The impact of hair loss treatment on healthcare institutions and their workforce has been extreme," said Paul Yakoboski, TIAA Institute senior economist and author of the report. "Some segments have experienced major increases in work hours, while others have experienced furloughs, layoffs and salary reductions. While much attention has does propecia affect testosterone levels been paid to the mental and emotional toll on our frontline medical workers, we must also pay attention to the financial toll on this obviously critical industry and its employees."Of those surveyed, 45% now expect to work past 67 and 38% are less confident about their retirement savings, according to the report.

The expected retirement age has risen for 29% of healthcare workers 50 and older. Of the does propecia affect testosterone levels 75% of healthcare workers who emergency savings before the propecia, about 33% have tapped into it. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare employment was down 3.2% in September compared to a year ago, but numbers have been climbing throughout the end of the year. In response, national organizations like the American Nurses Foundation, set up propecia does propecia affect testosterone levels response funds for nurses and other healthcare workers in need.

The 2020 Healthcare Sector Financial Wellness Survey was conducted online from May 21 to June 11 and included responses from 1,203 healthcare workers, including registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, other medical professionals, office and administrative staff and non-medical professionals.If Tenet Healthcare Corp. Is any indication, continued hair loss treatment surges may have made the third quarter particularly challenging for investor-owned hospital chains. Florida and does propecia affect testosterone levels Texas, both of which are home to many for-profit hospitals, were major hair loss hot spots in July and August. Responding to hair loss treatment spikes is expensive for hospitals, and the spikes tend to dissuade patients from seeking care for non-hair loss treatment issues.

Tenet is does propecia affect testosterone levels the only for-profit hospital company that's released its full results for the third quarter, which ended Sept website link. 30. Two of its peers are scheduled to do so next does propecia affect testosterone levels week. "Early in the third quarter there was still a decent amount of disruption," said Brian Tanquilut, a healthcare analyst with Jefferies.Tenet's CEO said the third quarter was even more challenging than the second, which ended June 30, despite elective procedures being largely shut down in the earlier quarter.

That's because the company treated about 60% more hair loss treatment patients across its hospitals in the third quarter compared with the second. However, Tanquilut said there's some evidence surgery centers are picking up patients who are avoiding does propecia affect testosterone levels hospitals, which could be a modest upside. That certainly is the case for Tenet, whose ambulatory surgery cases, for example, were at 96% of their prior-year levels in September. Emergency department visits continue to lag behind other areas, does propecia affect testosterone levels however.

Tenet said its ED visits were just 74% of their prior-year levels in September. In a sneak peek of its third quarter results, HCA Healthcare said it expects same-facility ED visits to be 80% of prior-year levels. Hospitals tend does propecia affect testosterone levels to see volume lulls in July and August because that's usually when patients and providers take vacations, said A.J. Rice, managing director of equity research for Credit Suisse.

In the does propecia affect testosterone levels third quarter of 2020, however, that trend will be partially offset by people coming back for procedures they deferred in the second quarter when elective procedures were largely shut down in many areas. As Tenet and HCA have already shown, hospitals' revenue per admission is shaping up to be off-the-charts high in the third quarter. Tenet explained does propecia affect testosterone levels in its earnings call Wednesday that its 17% increase in net revenue per adjusted admission is due to three factors. Higher acuity patients, a stronger mix of commercial patients and revenue growth from Tenet's contracted physicians.

HCA's was up 15% year-over-year. Rice said that's largely does propecia affect testosterone levels because the only most intensive procedures are the ones that continue to stay in hospitals. Others are either filtered out to surgery centers—as many patients continue to avoid hospitals—or put off until later. Cost cutting does propecia affect testosterone levels will also continue to be a major focus.

HCA's preliminary operating income figure of $950 million before income taxes in the third quarter suggests continued success with cost cutting, Rice said. HCA managed to slash its expenses by a does propecia affect testosterone levels striking 16.6% in the second quarter. Tenet's expenses were down by about 1% year-over-year in the third quarter, compared with an 11.3% year-over-year decline in the second quarter. Hospitals also will likely have recognized more of their Provider Relief Fund grants in the second quarter than the third, potentially boosting their profit and earnings in the earlier quarter.

Much of HCA's $1.1 billion does propecia affect testosterone levels profit in the second quarter was comprised of the grant money, which the company later announced it was giving back. "I don't think anybody booked all of it, but the vast majority of it was booked in the second quarter results," said Stephen Tanal, a senior research analyst with SVB Leerink. In the long run, Rice said he thinks the trajectory of the broader economic recovery will have big implications does propecia affect testosterone levels for hospitals. Whether patients have commercial insurance or Medicaid makes a significant difference in terms of profitability.

"We'll be looking to see how that plays out," Rice said..

CMS plans to push back the start go to my blog of the Radiation Oncology model to July 1, the agency said Wednesday.The can you buy propecia over the counter experimental payment model was scheduled to begin Jan. 1. But CMS said it would delay it after several stakeholders told the agency it would be too difficult to put into practice by the beginning of next year.The radiation oncology model is supposed to test whether making 90-day bundled payments for radiation therapy maintains or improves the quality of care that Medicare beneficiaries can you buy propecia over the counter receive and reduces Medicare spending compared to traditional fee-for-service.

According to CMS, the pilot will save the federal government $230 million over five years.CMS thinks patients could benefit from fewer treatments and better outcomes under the new payment model.Ochsner Health and Loyola University New Orleans have partnered to launch a new pre-licensure undergraduate nursing program, the organizations announced Wednesday. Students will study Loyola's core liberal arts curriculum with a pre-nursing focus their first year and transition to a hands-on experience at Ochsner's facilities as well as in Loyola's new nursing simulation lab to be completed by mid-2022 can you buy propecia over the counter. The first class is slated to graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing in 2025, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges."Having a strong and skilled nursing workforce is one of the biggest challenges we face at Ochsner," Warner Thomas, president and CEO of the New Orleans-based integrated health system, said during a press conference Wednesday, adding that it will provide Loyola undergraduate nursing students with clinical faculty and clinical placements.

"Every day we see there is a challenge with nursing shortages and being able to staff our facilities—today we have well over 300 agency nurses that travel from all over to come into Ochsner." The organizations aim to mitigate an ongoing nursing shortage, which stems from the vast number of nurses retiring and from a lack of nursing instructors. An average of can you buy propecia over the counter 175,900 openings for registered nurses are projected each year over the decade, largely due to the aging workforce and a dearth of teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Louisiana, more than half of the state's nurses are 50 years old or older, a report from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing found.

"The critical shortage of nurses is not a function of students not wanting to become nurses, it has been a shortage of nursing education," Loyola President Tania Tetlow said during the press conference.Loyola undergraduate nursing students will complete eight clinical rotations at various Ochsner facilities, working with can you buy propecia over the counter Ochsner healthcare providers in adult and pediatric medical-surgical care, women's health, behavioral health and community health experiences, among other specialties. Students will complete at least 734 hours of hands-on clinical training in tandem with continued classroom learning at Loyola. "One of the hurdles for nursing students can you buy propecia over the counter is often the clinical placement.

Often, there are not enough placement opportunities to meet demand and students face long wait times that interfere with their careers and aspirations. With this partnership, we have removed that barrier," said Dr. Laurie Anne Ferguson, dean of the College of Nursing and Health.On top of the mental and emotional pressures of being a healthcare worker during a can you buy propecia over the counter global propecia, caregivers also are feeling financially stressed, according to a new report.

The TIAA Institute's 2020 Healthcare Sector Financial Wellness Survey found that the financial condition of 45% of the healthcare workers surveyed had worsened since the hair loss treatment propecia began. And 27% of those workers expected to see their finances get worse in can you buy propecia over the counter the next year. "The impact of hair loss treatment on healthcare institutions and their workforce has been extreme," said Paul Yakoboski, TIAA Institute senior economist and author of the report.

"Some segments have experienced major increases in work hours, while others have experienced furloughs, layoffs and salary reductions. While much attention has been paid to the mental and emotional toll on our frontline medical workers, we must also pay attention to the financial toll on this obviously critical industry and its employees."Of those surveyed, 45% now expect to work past 67 and 38% are less confident about their retirement savings, according to can you buy propecia over the counter the report. The expected retirement age has risen for 29% of healthcare workers 50 and older.

Of the 75% of healthcare workers who emergency savings before the propecia, about 33% can you buy propecia over the counter have tapped into it. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare employment was down 3.2% in September compared to a year ago, but numbers have been climbing throughout the end of the year. In response, national organizations like the American can you buy propecia over the counter Nurses Foundation, set up propecia response funds for nurses and other healthcare workers in need.

The 2020 Healthcare Sector Financial Wellness Survey was conducted online from May 21 to June 11 and included responses from 1,203 healthcare workers, including registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, other medical professionals, office and administrative staff and non-medical professionals.If Tenet Healthcare Corp. Is any indication, continued hair loss treatment surges may have made the third quarter particularly challenging for investor-owned hospital chains. Florida and Texas, both of which are home to many for-profit hospitals, were major hair loss can you buy propecia over the counter hot spots in July and August.

Responding to hair loss treatment spikes is expensive for hospitals, and the spikes tend to dissuade patients from seeking care for non-hair loss treatment issues. Tenet is the only for-profit hospital company that's released its full results for the third can you buy propecia over the counter quarter, which ended Sept. 30.

Two of its peers are scheduled to do so can you buy propecia over the counter next week. "Early in the third quarter there was still a decent amount of disruption," said Brian Tanquilut, a healthcare analyst with Jefferies.Tenet's CEO said the third quarter was even more challenging than the second, which ended June 30, despite elective procedures being largely shut down in the earlier quarter. That's because the company treated about 60% more hair loss treatment patients across its hospitals in the third quarter compared with the second.

However, Tanquilut said there's some evidence surgery centers are picking up patients who are avoiding can you buy propecia over the counter hospitals, which could be a modest upside. That certainly is the case for Tenet, whose ambulatory surgery cases, for example, were at 96% of their prior-year levels in September. Emergency department visits continue to lag behind other can you buy propecia over the counter areas, however.

Tenet said its ED visits were just 74% of their prior-year levels in September. In a sneak peek of its third quarter results, HCA Healthcare said it expects same-facility ED visits to be 80% of prior-year levels. Hospitals tend can you buy propecia over the counter to see volume lulls in July and August because that's usually when patients and providers take vacations, said A.J.

Rice, managing director of equity research for Credit Suisse. In the third quarter of 2020, however, that trend will be partially offset by people coming back for procedures they deferred can you buy propecia over the counter in the second quarter when elective procedures were largely shut down in many areas. As Tenet and HCA have already shown, hospitals' revenue per admission is shaping up to be off-the-charts high in the third quarter.

Tenet explained can you buy propecia over the counter in its earnings call Wednesday that its 17% increase in net revenue per adjusted admission is due to three factors. Higher acuity patients, a stronger mix of commercial patients and revenue growth from Tenet's contracted physicians. HCA's was up 15% year-over-year.

Rice said that's largely because the only most intensive can you buy propecia over the counter procedures are the ones that continue to stay in hospitals. Others are either filtered out to surgery centers—as many patients continue to avoid hospitals—or put off until later. Cost cutting will also continue to be a can you buy propecia over the counter major focus.

HCA's preliminary operating income figure of $950 million before income taxes in the third quarter suggests continued success with cost cutting, Rice said. HCA managed to slash its expenses by a striking 16.6% in the second quarter can you buy propecia over the counter. Tenet's expenses were down by about 1% year-over-year in the third quarter, compared with an 11.3% year-over-year decline in the second quarter.

Hospitals also will likely have recognized more of their Provider Relief Fund grants in the second quarter than the third, potentially boosting their profit and earnings in the earlier quarter. Much of HCA's $1.1 billion profit in the second quarter was comprised of the can you buy propecia over the counter grant money, which the company later announced it was giving back. "I don't think anybody booked all of it, but the vast majority of it was booked in the second quarter results," said Stephen Tanal, a senior research analyst with SVB Leerink.

In the long run, Rice said he thinks the trajectory of the broader economic recovery will have big implications for can you buy propecia over the counter hospitals. Whether patients have commercial insurance or Medicaid makes a significant difference in terms of profitability. "We'll be looking to see how that plays out," Rice said..

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FINASTERIDE is used for the treatment of certain types of male hair loss (Alopecia). Finasteride is not for use in women.

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A broadly neutralising antibody to prevent HIV transmissionTwo HIV prevention trials (HVTN 704/HPTN propecia penis 085. HVTN 703/HPTN 081) enrolled 2699 at-risk cisgender men and transgender persons in the Americas and Europe and 1924 at-risk women in sub-Saharan Africa who were randomly assigned to receive the broadly neutralising antibody (bnAb) VRC01 or placebo (10 infusions at an interval of 8 weeks). Moderate-to-severe adverse events related to VRC01 were propecia penis uncommon. In a prespecified pooled analysis, over 20 months, VRC01 offered an estimated prevention efficacy of ~75% against VRC01-sensitive isolates (30% of propeciaes circulating in the trial regions).

However, VRC01 did not prevent propecia penis with other HIV isolates and overall HIV acquisition compared with placebo. The data provide proof of concept that bnAb can prevent HIV acquisition, although the approach is limited by viral diversity and potential selection of resistant isolates.Corey L, Gilbert PB, Juraska M, et al. Two randomized propecia penis trials of neutralizing antibodies to prevent HIV-1 acquisition. N Engl J Med.

2021;384:1003–1014.Seminal cytokine profiles are associated with the risk of HIV transmissionInvestigators analysed a panel of 34 cytokines/chemokines in blood and semen of men (predominantly men who have sex with men) with propecia penis HIV, comparing 21 who transmitted HIV to their partners and 22 who did not. Overall, 47% of men had a recent HIV , 19% were on antiretroviral therapy and 84% were viraemic. The cytokine profile in seminal fluid, but not in blood, differed significantly between transmitters and non-transmitters, with transmitters showing higher seminal concentrations of interleukin 13 (IL-13), IL-15 and IL-33, and lower concentrations of interferon‐gamma, IL-15, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), IL-17, granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), IL-4, propecia penis IL-16 and eotaxin. Although limited, the findings suggest that the seminal milieu modulates the risk of HIV transmission, providing a potential development opportunity for HIV prevention strategies.Vanpouille C, Frick A, Rawlings SA, et al.

Cytokine network propecia penis and sexual HIV transmission in men who have sex with men. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;71:2655–2662.The challenge of estimating global treatment eligibility for chronic hepatitis B from incomplete datasetsWorldwide, over 250 million people are estimated to live with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), although only ~11% is diagnosed and a minority receives antiviral therapy propecia penis. An estimate of the global proportion eligible for treatment was not previously available.

A systematic review analysed studies of CHB populations done between 2007 and 2018 to estimate the prevalence of cirrhosis, abnormal alanine aminotransferase, hepatitis B propecia DNA >2000 or >20 000 IU/mL, hepatitis B e-antigen, and overall eligibility for treatment as propecia penis per WHO and other guidelines. The pooled treatment eligibility estimate was 19% (95% CI 18% to 20%), with about 10% requiring urgent treatment due to cirrhosis. However, the estimate should be interpreted with caution due to incomplete data acquisition propecia penis and reporting in available studies. Standardised reporting is needed to improve global and regional estimates of CHB treatment eligibility and guide effective policy formulation.Tan M, Bhadoria AS, Cui F, et al.

Estimating the proportion of propecia penis people with chronic hepatitis B propecia eligible for hepatitis B antiviral treatment worldwide. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2021 propecia penis. 6:106–119.Broad geographical disparity in the contribution of HIV to the burden of cervical cancerThis systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the contribution of HIV to the global and regional burden of cervical cancer using data from 24 studies which included 236 127 women with HIV.

HIV markedly increased propecia penis the risk of cervical cancer (pooled relative risk 6.07. 95% CI 4.40 to 8.37). In 2018, 4.9% (95% CI 3.6% to 6.4%) of cervical cancers were attributable to HIV globally, although propecia penis the population-attributable fraction for HIV varied geographically, reaching 21% (95% CI 15.6% to 26.8%) in the African region. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable.

Efforts are needed to expand access to propecia penis HPV vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa. More immediately, there is an urgent need to integrate cervical cancer screening within HIV services.Stelzle D, Tanaka LF, Lee KK, et al. Estimates of the global burden of cervical cancer associated propecia penis with HIV. Lancet Glob Health.

2020. 9:e161–69.The complex relationship between serum vitamin D and persistence of high-risk human papilloma propecia Most cervical high-risk human papilloma propecia (hrHPV) s are transient and those that persist are more likely to progress to cancer. Based on the proposed immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D, a longitudinal study examined the association between serum concentrations of five vitamin D biomarkers and short-term persistent (vs transient or sporadic) detection of hrHPV in 72 women who collected monthly cervicovaginal swabs over 6 months. No significant associations were detected in the primary analysis.

In sensitivity analyses, after multiple adjustments, serum concentrations of multiple vitamin D biomarkers were positively associated with the short-term persistence of 14 selected hrHPV types. The relationship between vitamin D and hrHPV warrants closer examination. Studies should have longer follow-up, include populations with more diverse vitamin D concentrations and account for vitamin D supplementation.Troja C, Hoofnagle AN, Szpiro A, et al. Understanding the role of emerging vitamin D biomarkers on short-term persistence of high-risk HPV among mid-adult women.

J Infect Dis 2020. Online ahead of printPublished in STI—the editor’s choice. One in five cases of with Neisseria gonorrhoeae clear spontaneouslyStudies have indicated that Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) s can resolve spontaneously without antibiotic therapy. A substudy of a randomised trial investigated 405 untreated subjects (71% men) who underwent both pretrial and enrolment NG testing at the same anatomical site (genital, pharyngeal and rectal).

Based on nuclear acid amplification tests, 83 subjects (20.5%) showed clearance of the anatomical site within a median of 10 days (IQR 7–15) between tests. Those with spontaneous clearance were less likely to have concurrent chlamydia (p=0.029) and dysuria (p=0.035), but there were no differences in age, gender, sexual orientation, HIV status, number of previous NG episodes, and symptoms other than dysuria between those with and without clearance. Given the high rate of spontaneous resolution, point-of-care NG testing should be considered to reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment.Mensforth S, Ayinde OC, Ross J. Spontaneous clearance of genital and extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Data from GToG. STI 2020. 96:556–561.BackgroundReproductive aged women are at risk of both pregnancy and sexually transmitted s (STI). The modern contraceptive prevalence among married and unmarried women in South Africa is 54% and 64%, respectively, with injectable progestins being most widely used.1 Moreover, current global efforts aim towards all women having access to a range of reliable contraceptives options.2 The prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhoea are high among women in Africa, particularly among younger women.

A recent meta-analysis of over 37 000 women estimated prevalences for chlamydia and gonorrhoea by region and population type (South Africa clinic/community-based, Eastern Africa higher-risk and Southern/Eastern Africa clinic community-based). High chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences were found among 15–24 year-old South African women and high risk populations in East Africa.3 Both chlamydia and gonorrhoea are associated with numerous comorbidities including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, infertility, increased risk of HIV and other STIs, as well as significant social harm.4While STIs are a significant global health burden, data on STI prevalence by gender and drivers of are limited, hindering an effective public health response.5 Moreover, data on the association between contraceptive use and risk of non-HIV STIs are limited. The WHO recently reported stagnation in efforts to decrease global STI incidence.5 Understanding drivers of STI acquisition, including any possible associations with widely used contraceptive methods, is necessary to effectively target public health responses that reduce STI incidence and associated comorbidities.The ECHO Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier. NCT02550067) was a multicentre, open-label randomised trial of 7829 HIV-seronegative women seeking effective contraception in Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia.

Detailed trial methods and results have been published.6 7 We conducted a secondary analysis of ECHO trial data to evaluate absolute and relative chlamydia and gonorrhoea final visit prevalences among women randomised to intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), a copper intrauterine device (IUD) and a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant.MethodsStudy design, participants and ethicsWomen were enrolled in the ECHO trial from December 2015 through September 2017. Institutional review boards at each site approved the study protocol and women provided written informed consent before any study procedures. In brief, women who were not pregnant, HIV-seronegative, aged 16–35 years, seeking effective contraception, without medical contraindications, willing to use the assigned method for 18 months, reported not using injectable, intrauterine or implantable contraception for the previous 6 months and reported being sexually active, were enrolled. At every visit, participants received HIV risk reduction counselling, HIV testing and STI management, condoms and, as it became a part of national standard of care, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Counselling messages related to HIV risk were implemented consistently across the three groups throughout the trial.6The trial was implemented in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Informed consent was obtained from participants or their parents/guardians and human experimentation guidelines of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and those of the authors' institution(s) were followed.Contraceptive exposureAt enrolment, women were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to DMPA-IM, copper IUD or LNG implant.6 Participants received an injection of 150 mg/mL DMPA-IM (Depo Provera. Pfizer, Puurs, Belgium) at enrolment and every 3 months until the final visit at 18 months after enrolment, a copper IUD (Optima TCu380A. Injeflex, Sao Paolo, Brazil) or a LNG implant (Jadelle.

Bayer, Turku, Finland) at enrolment. Women returned for follow-up visits at 1 month after enrolment to address initial contraceptive side-effects and every 3 months thereafter, for up to 18 months with later enrolling participants contributing 12 to 18 months of follow-up. Visits included HIV serological testing, contraceptive counselling, syndromic STI management and safety monitoring.STI outcomesThe primary outcomes of this secondary analysis were prevalent chlamydia and gonorrhoea at the final visit. Syndromic STI management was provided at screening and all follow-up visits.

Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was conducted at screening and final visits, at the visit of HIV detection for participants who became HIV infected and at clinical discretion. Any untreated participants with positive NAAT results were contacted to return to the study clinic for treatment.CovariatesAt baseline (inclusive of screening and enrolment visits), we collected demographic, sexual and reproductive risk behaviour and reproductive and contraceptive history data. Baseline risk factors evaluated as covariates included age, whether the participant earned her own income, chlamydia and gonorrhoea status, herpes simplex propecia type 2 (HSV-2) sero-status and suspected PID. Final visit factors evaluated as covariates included number of sex partners in the past 3 months, number of new sex partners in the past 3 months, HIV serostatus, HSV-2 serostatus, condom use in the past 3 months, sex exchanged for money/gifts, sex during vaginal bleeding, follow-up time and number of pelvic examinations during follow-up.

Age and HSV-2 serostatus were evaluated for effect measure modification.Statistical analysisWe conducted analyses using R V.3.5.3 (Vienna, Austria), and log-binomial regression to estimate chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences within each contraceptive group and pairwise prevalence ratios (PR) between each arm in as-randomised and consistent use analyses.In the as-randomised analysis, we analysed participants by the contraceptive method assigned at randomisation independent of method adherence. We estimated crude point prevalences by arm and study site and pairwise adjusted PRs.In the consistent use analysis, we only included women who initiated use of their randomised contraceptive method and maintained randomised method adherence throughout follow-up. We estimated crude point prevalences by arm and pairwise adjusted PRs, with evaluation of age and HSV-2 status first as potential effect measure modifiers, and all covariates above as potential confounders. Study site and age were retained in the final model.

Other covariates were retained if their inclusion in the base model led to a 10% change in the effect estimate through backwards selection.Supplementary analysesAdditional supporting analyses to assess postrandomisation potential sources of bias were conducted to inform interpretation of results. These include evaluation of recent sexual behaviour at enrolment, month 9 and the final visit. Cohort participation (ie, follow-up time, early discontinuation and timing of randomised method discontinuation) and health outcomes (ie, final visit HIV and HSV-2 status) and frequency and results of pelvic examinations by STI status, site and visit month by randomised arm.ResultsA total of 7829 women were randomly assigned as follows. 2609 to the DMPA-IM group, 2607 to the copper IUD group and 2613 to the LNG implant group (figure 1).

Participants were excluded if they were HIV positive at enrolment, did not have at least one HIV test or did not have chlamydia and gonorrhoea test results at the final visit. Overall, 90%, 94% and 93% from the DMPA-IM, copper IUD and LNG implant groups, respectively, were included in analyses.Study profile. DMPA-IM, depot medroxy progesterone acetate. IUD, intrauterine device.

LNG, levonorgestrel." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 1 Study profile. DMPA-IM, depot medroxy progesterone acetate. IUD, intrauterine device. LNG, levonorgestrel.Participant characteristicsBaseline characteristics were similar across groups (table 1).

Nearly two-third of enrolled women (63%) were aged 24 and younger and 5768 (74%) of the study population resided in South Africa.View this table:Table 1 Participant baseline and final visit characteristicsThe duration of participation averaged 16 months with no differences between randomised groups (table 1). A total of 1468 (19%) women either did not receive their randomised method or discontinued use during follow-up. Overall method continuation rates were high with minimal differences between randomised groups when measured by person-years.6 The proportion, however, of method non-adherence as defined in this analysis (ie, did not receive randomised method at baseline or discontinued randomised method at any point during follow-up), was greater in the DMPA-IM group (26%), followed by the copper IUD (18%) and LNG implant (12%) groups. Timing of discontinuation also differed across methods.

During the first 6 months, method discontinuation was highest in the copper IUD group (7%) followed closely by DMPA-IM (6%) and LNG implant (4%) groups. Between 7 and 12 months of follow-up, it was highest in DMPA-IM group (15%), with equivalent proportions in the LNG implant (5%) and copper IUD (5%) groups.Point prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at baseline and final visitsIn total, 18% of women had chlamydia at baseline (figure 2A) and 15% at the final visit. Among women 24 years and younger, 22% and 20% had chlamydia at baseline and final visits, respectively. Women aged 25–35 at baseline were less likely to have chlamydia at both baseline (12%) and final visits (8%) compared with younger women.

Baseline chlamydia prevalence ranged from 5% in Zambia to 28% in the Western Cape, South Africa (figure 2B).Point prevalence (per 100 persons) of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at baseline and final visit by age category and study site region. Y-axis scale differs for chlamydia and gonorrhoea figures." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 2 Point prevalence (per 100 persons) of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at baseline and final visit by age category and study site region. Y-axis scale differs for chlamydia and gonorrhoea figures.Among all women, 5% had gonorrhoea at baseline and the final visit (figure 2C). Women aged 24 and younger were more likely to have gonorrhoea compared with women aged 25 and older at both baseline (5% vs 4%, respectively) and the final visit (6% vs 3%, respectively).

Baseline gonorrhoea prevalence ranged from 3% in Zambia and Kenya to 9% in the Western Cape, South Africa (figure 2D). Similar prevalences were observed at the final visit.Point prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at final visit by randomised contraceptive methodFourteen per cent of women randomised to DMPA-IM, 15% to copper IUD and 17% to LNG implant had chlamydia at the final visit (table 2).View this table:Table 2 Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae prevalence at final visitThe prevalence of chlamydia did not significantly differ between DMPA-IM and copper IUD groups (PR 0.90, 95% CI (0.79 to 1.04)) or between copper IUD and LNG implant groups (PR 0.92, 95% CI (0.81 to 1.04)). Women in the DMPA-IM group, however, had a significantly lower risk of chlamydia compared with the LNG implant group (PR. 0.83, 95% CI (0.72 to 0.95)).

Findings from the consistent use analysis were similar, and neither age nor HSV-2 status modified the observed associations.Four per cent of women randomised to DMPA-IM, 6% to copper IUD and 5% to LNG implant had gonorrhoea at the final visit (table 2). Gonorrhoea prevalence did not significantly differ between DMPA-IM and LNG implant groups (PR. 0.79, 95% CI (0.61 to 1.03)) or between copper IUD and LNG implant groups (PR. 1.18, 95% CI (0.93 to 1.49)).

Women in the DMPA-IM group had a significantly lower risk of gonorrhoea compared with women in the copper IUD group (PR. 0.67, 95% CI (0.52 to 0.87)). Results from as randomised and continuous use analyses did not differ. And again, neither age nor HSV-2 status modified the observed associations.Clinical assessment by randomised contraceptive methodTo assess the potential for outcome ascertainment bias, we evaluated the frequency of pelvic examinations and abdominal/pelvic pain and discharge by study arm.

Women in the copper IUD group were generally more likely to receive a pelvic examination during follow-up as compared with women in the DMPA-IM and LNG implant groups (online supplemental appendix 1). Similarly, abdominal/pelvic pain on examination or abnormal discharge was observed most frequently in the copper IUD group. The number of pelvic examinations met the prespecified criteria for retention in the adjusted gonorrhoea model but not in the chlamydia model.Supplemental materialFrequency of syndromic symptoms and potential reAmong women who had chlamydia at baseline, 23% were also positive at the final visit (online supplemental appendix 2, figure 3A). Nine per cent of gonorrhoea-positive women at baseline were also positive at the final visit (online supplemental appendix 2, figure 3B).

Across both baseline and final visits, a minority of women with chlamydia or gonorrhoea presented with signs and/or symptoms. Among chlamydia-positive women, only 12% presented with either abnormal vaginal discharge and/or abdominal/pelvic pain at their test-positive visit (online supplemental appendix 2, figure 3C). Similarly, only 15% of gonorrhoea-positive women presented with abnormal vaginal discharge and/or abdominal/pelvic pain at their test-positive visit (online supplemental appendix 2, figure 3D).Potential re and symptoms among women with chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Data are pooled across the screening and final visits in figures (C) and (D).

Symptomatic is defined as presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge and/or abdominal/pelvic pain. Final visit is described as potential re because test of cure was not conducted following baseline diagnosis and treatment." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 3 Potential re and symptoms among women with chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Data are pooled across the screening and final visits in figures (C) and (D). Symptomatic is defined as presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge and/or abdominal/pelvic pain.

Final visit is described as potential re because test of cure was not conducted following baseline diagnosis and treatment.DiscussionWe observed differences in final prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhoea by contraceptive group in both as-randomised and consistent-use analyses. The DMPA-IM group had lower final visit chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences as compared with copper IUD and LNG implant groups, though only the DMPA-IM versus the copper IUD comparison of gonorrhoea and DMPA-IM versus LNG implant comparison of chlamydia reached statistical significance. These are novel findings that have not previously been reported to our knowledge and were determined in a randomised trial setting with high participant retention, robust biomarker testing and high randomised method adherence. Interestingly, the copper IUD group had higher gonorrhoea and lower chlamydia prevalence compared with the LNG implant group, though neither finding was statistically significant.Two recent systematic reviews of the association between contraceptives and STIs found inconsistent and insufficient evidence on the association between the contraceptive methods under study in ECHO and chlamydia and gonorrhoea.8 9 Neither systematic review identified any randomised studies or any direct comparative evidence for DMPA-IM, copper IUD and LNG implant, thus enabling a unique scientific contribution from this secondary trial analysis.

Nonetheless, these findings should be interpreted in light of biological plausibility, as well as the design strengths and limitations of this analysis.The emerging science on the biological mechanisms underlying HIV susceptibility demonstrates the complex relationship between the infectious pathogen, the host innate and adaptive immune response and the interaction of both with the vaginal microbiome and other -omes. Data on these factors in relationship to chlamydia and gonorrhoea acquisition are much more limited but can be assumed to be equally complex. Vaginal microbiome composition, including microbial metabolic by-products, have been shown to significantly modify risk of HIV acquisition and to vary with exogenous hormone exposure, menstrual cycle phase, ethnicity and geography.10–12 These same biological principles likely apply to chlamydia and gonorrhoea susceptibility. While DMPA-IM has been associated with decreased bacterial vaginosis (BV), initiation of the copper IUD has been associated with increased BV prevalence, and BV is associated with chlamydia and gonorrhoea acquisition.13 14 Moreover, Lactobacillus crispatus, which is less abundant in BV, has been shown to inhibit HeLa cell by Chlamydia trachomatis and inhibits growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in animal models.15 16 In addition, microbial community state types that are deficient in Lactobacillus crispatus and/or dominated by dysbiotic species are associated with inflammation, which is a driver of both STI and HIV susceptibility.

Thus, while the exact mechanisms of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the presence of exogenous hormones and varying host microbiomes are unknown, it is biologically plausible that these complex factors may result in differential susceptibility to chlamydia and gonorrhoea among DMPA-IM, copper IUD and LNG implant users.An alternative explanation for these findings may be postrandomisation differences in clinical care and/or sexual behaviour. Participants in the copper IUD arm were more likely to have pelvic examinations and more likely to have discharge compared with women in the DMPA-IM and LNG implant groups. While interim STI testing and/or treatment were not documented, women in the copper IUD arm may have been more likely to receive syndromic STI treatment during follow-up due to more examination and observed discharge. More frequent STI treatment in the copper IUD group would theoretically lower the final visit point prevalence relative to women in the DMPA-IM and LNG implant arms, suggesting that the observed lower risk of STI in the DMPA-IM arm is not due to differential examination, testing and treatment.

Differential sexual risk behaviour may also have influenced the results. As reported previously, women in the DMPA-IM group less frequently reported condomless sex and multiple partners than women in the other groups, and both DMPA-IM and LNG implant users less frequently reported new partners and sex during menses than copper IUD users.6 Statistical control of self-reported sexual risk behaviour in the consistent-use analysis may have been inadequate if self-reported sexual behaviour was inaccurately or insufficiently reported.A second alternative explanation may be differences in randomised method non-adherence, which was greater in the DMPA-IM group, compared with copper IUD and LNG implant groups. Yet, the consistency of findings in the as-randomised and continuous use analyses suggests that method non-adherence had minimal effect on study outcomes. Taken as a whole, these findings indicate that there may be real differences in chlamydia and gonorrhoea risk associated with use of DMPA-IM, the copper IUD and LNG implant.

However, any true differential risk by method must be evaluated in light of the holistic benefits and risks of each method.The high observed chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences, despite intensive counselling and condom provision, warrants attention, particularly among women ages 24 years and younger and among women in South Africa and Eswatini. While the ECHO study was conducted in settings of high HIV/STI incidence, enrolment criteria did not purposefully target women at highest risk of HIV/STI in the trial communities, suggesting that the observed prevalences may be broadly applicable to women seeking effective contraception in those settings. Improved approaches are needed to prevent STIs, including options for expedited partner treatment, to prevent re.As expected, few women testing positive for chlamydia or gonorrhoea presented with symptoms (12% and 15%, respectively), and a substantial proportion of women who were positive and treated at baseline were infected at the final visit despite syndromic management during the follow-up. Given that syndromic management is the standard of care within primary health facilities in most trial settings, these data suggest that a large proportion of among reproductive aged women is missed, exacerbating the burden of curable STIs and associated morbidities.

Routine access to more reliable diagnostics, like NAAT and novel point-of-care diagnostic tests, will be key to managing asymptomatic STIs and reducing STI prevalence and related morbidities in these settings.17This secondary analysis of the ECHO trial has strengths and limitations. Strengths include the randomised design with comparator groups of equal STI baseline risk. Participants had high adherence to their randomised contraceptive method.6 While all participants received standardised clinical care and counselling, the unblinded randomisation may have allowed postrandomisation differences in STI risk over time by method. It is possible that participants modified their risk-taking behaviour based on study counselling messages regarding the potential association between DMPA-IM and HIV.In conclusion, our analyses suggest that DMPA-IM users may have lower risk of chlamydia and gonorrhoea compared with LNG implant and copper IUD users, respectively.

Further investigation is warranted to better understand the mechanisms of chlamydia and gonorrhoea susceptibility in the context of contraceptive use. Moreover, the high chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences in this population, independent of contraceptive method, warrants urgent attention.Key messagesThe prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea varied by contraceptive method in this randomised trial.High chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences, despite intensive counselling and condom provision, warrants attention, particularly among young women in South Africa and Eswatini.Most chlamydia and gonorrhoea s were asymptomatic. Therefore, routine access to reliable diagnostics are needed to effectively manage and prevent STIs in African women..

A broadly neutralising antibody to prevent HIV transmissionTwo HIV prevention can you buy propecia over the counter trials (HVTN 704/HPTN 085. HVTN 703/HPTN 081) enrolled 2699 at-risk cisgender men and transgender persons in the Americas and Europe and 1924 at-risk women in sub-Saharan Africa who were randomly assigned to receive the broadly neutralising antibody (bnAb) VRC01 or placebo (10 infusions at an interval of 8 weeks). Moderate-to-severe adverse events related to can you buy propecia over the counter VRC01 were uncommon.

In a prespecified pooled analysis, over 20 months, VRC01 offered an estimated prevention efficacy of ~75% against VRC01-sensitive isolates (30% of propeciaes circulating in the trial regions). However, VRC01 did can you buy propecia over the counter not prevent with other HIV isolates and overall HIV acquisition compared with placebo. The data provide proof of concept that bnAb can prevent HIV acquisition, although the approach is limited by viral diversity and potential selection of resistant isolates.Corey L, Gilbert PB, Juraska M, et al.

Two randomized can you buy propecia over the counter trials of neutralizing antibodies to prevent HIV-1 acquisition. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:1003–1014.Seminal cytokine can you buy propecia over the counter profiles are associated with the risk of HIV transmissionInvestigators analysed a panel of 34 cytokines/chemokines in blood and semen of men (predominantly men who have sex with men) with HIV, comparing 21 who transmitted HIV to their partners and 22 who did not.

Overall, 47% of men had a recent HIV , 19% were on antiretroviral therapy and 84% were viraemic. The cytokine profile in seminal fluid, but not in blood, differed significantly between transmitters and can you buy propecia over the counter non-transmitters, with transmitters showing higher seminal concentrations of interleukin 13 (IL-13), IL-15 and IL-33, and lower concentrations of interferon‐gamma, IL-15, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), IL-17, granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), IL-4, IL-16 and eotaxin. Although limited, the findings suggest that the seminal milieu modulates the risk of HIV transmission, providing a potential development opportunity for HIV prevention strategies.Vanpouille C, Frick A, Rawlings SA, et al.

Cytokine network and sexual can you buy propecia over the counter HIV transmission in men who have sex with men. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;71:2655–2662.The challenge of estimating global treatment eligibility for chronic hepatitis B from incomplete datasetsWorldwide, over 250 million people are estimated to live with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), although only can you buy propecia over the counter ~11% is diagnosed and a minority receives antiviral therapy.

An estimate of the global proportion eligible for treatment was not previously available. A systematic review analysed studies of CHB populations done between 2007 and 2018 to estimate the prevalence of cirrhosis, abnormal alanine aminotransferase, hepatitis B propecia DNA >2000 or >20 000 IU/mL, hepatitis B e-antigen, and overall eligibility can you buy propecia over the counter for treatment as per WHO and other guidelines. The pooled treatment eligibility estimate was 19% (95% CI 18% to 20%), with about 10% requiring urgent treatment due to cirrhosis.

However, the estimate should be interpreted with caution due to can you buy propecia over the counter incomplete data acquisition and reporting in available studies. Standardised reporting is needed to improve global and regional estimates of CHB treatment eligibility and guide effective policy formulation.Tan M, Bhadoria AS, Cui F, et al. Estimating the proportion of people with chronic hepatitis B propecia eligible for hepatitis B antiviral can you buy propecia over the counter treatment worldwide.

A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol, can you buy propecia over the counter 2021. 6:106–119.Broad geographical disparity in the contribution of HIV to the burden of cervical cancerThis systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the contribution of HIV to the global and regional burden of cervical cancer using data from 24 studies which included 236 127 women with HIV.

HIV markedly increased can you buy propecia over the counter the risk of cervical cancer (pooled relative risk 6.07. 95% CI 4.40 to 8.37). In 2018, 4.9% (95% CI 3.6% to 6.4%) of cervical cancers were attributable to HIV globally, although the population-attributable fraction for HIV can you buy propecia over the counter varied geographically, reaching 21% (95% CI 15.6% to 26.8%) in the African region.

Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable. Efforts are needed to expand access can you buy propecia over the counter to HPV vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa. More immediately, there is an urgent need to integrate cervical cancer screening within HIV services.Stelzle D, Tanaka LF, Lee KK, et al.

Estimates of can you buy propecia over the counter the global burden of cervical cancer associated with HIV. Lancet Glob Health. 2020.

9:e161–69.The complex relationship between serum vitamin D and persistence of high-risk human papilloma propecia Most cervical high-risk human papilloma propecia (hrHPV) s are transient and those that persist are more likely to progress to cancer. Based on the proposed immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D, a longitudinal study examined the association between serum concentrations of five vitamin D biomarkers and short-term persistent (vs transient or sporadic) detection of hrHPV in 72 women who collected monthly cervicovaginal swabs over 6 months. No significant associations were detected in the primary analysis.

In sensitivity analyses, after multiple adjustments, serum concentrations of multiple vitamin D biomarkers were positively associated with the short-term persistence of 14 selected hrHPV types. The relationship between vitamin D and hrHPV warrants closer examination. Studies should have longer follow-up, include populations with more diverse vitamin D concentrations and account for vitamin D supplementation.Troja C, Hoofnagle AN, Szpiro A, et al.

Understanding the role of emerging vitamin D biomarkers on short-term persistence of high-risk HPV among mid-adult women. J Infect Dis 2020. Online ahead of printPublished in STI—the editor’s choice.

One in five cases of with Neisseria gonorrhoeae clear spontaneouslyStudies have indicated that Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) s can resolve spontaneously without antibiotic therapy. A substudy of a randomised trial investigated 405 untreated subjects (71% men) who underwent both pretrial and enrolment NG testing at the same anatomical site (genital, pharyngeal and rectal). Based on nuclear acid amplification tests, 83 subjects (20.5%) showed clearance of the anatomical site within a median of 10 days (IQR 7–15) between tests.

Those with spontaneous clearance were less likely to have concurrent chlamydia (p=0.029) and dysuria (p=0.035), but there were no differences in age, gender, sexual orientation, HIV status, number of previous NG episodes, and symptoms other than dysuria between those with and without clearance. Given the high rate of spontaneous resolution, point-of-care NG testing should be considered to reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment.Mensforth S, Ayinde OC, Ross J. Spontaneous clearance of genital and extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Data from GToG. STI 2020. 96:556–561.BackgroundReproductive aged women are at risk of both pregnancy and sexually transmitted s (STI).

The modern contraceptive prevalence among married and unmarried women in South Africa is 54% and 64%, respectively, with injectable progestins being most widely used.1 Moreover, current global efforts aim towards all women having access to a range of reliable contraceptives options.2 The prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhoea are high among women in Africa, particularly among younger women. A recent meta-analysis of over 37 000 women estimated prevalences for chlamydia and gonorrhoea by region and population type (South Africa clinic/community-based, Eastern Africa higher-risk and Southern/Eastern Africa clinic community-based). High chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences were found among 15–24 year-old South African women and high risk populations in East Africa.3 Both chlamydia and gonorrhoea are associated with numerous comorbidities including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, infertility, increased risk of HIV and other STIs, as well as significant social harm.4While STIs are a significant global health burden, data on STI prevalence by gender and drivers of are limited, hindering an effective public health response.5 Moreover, data on the association between contraceptive use and risk of non-HIV STIs are limited.

The WHO recently reported stagnation in efforts to decrease global STI incidence.5 Understanding drivers of STI acquisition, including any possible associations with widely used contraceptive methods, is necessary to effectively target public health responses that reduce STI incidence and associated comorbidities.The ECHO Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier. NCT02550067) was a multicentre, open-label randomised trial of 7829 HIV-seronegative women seeking effective contraception in Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia. Detailed trial methods and results have been published.6 7 We conducted a secondary analysis of ECHO trial data to evaluate absolute and relative chlamydia and gonorrhoea final visit prevalences among women randomised to intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), a copper intrauterine device (IUD) and a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant.MethodsStudy design, participants and ethicsWomen were enrolled in the ECHO trial from December 2015 through September 2017.

Institutional review boards at each site approved the study protocol and women provided written informed consent before any study procedures. In brief, women who were not pregnant, HIV-seronegative, aged 16–35 years, seeking effective contraception, without medical contraindications, willing to use the assigned method for 18 months, reported not using injectable, intrauterine or implantable contraception for the previous 6 months and reported being sexually active, were enrolled. At every visit, participants received HIV risk reduction counselling, HIV testing and STI management, condoms and, as it became a part of national standard of care, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Counselling messages related to HIV risk were implemented consistently across the three groups throughout the trial.6The trial was implemented in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Informed consent was obtained from participants or their parents/guardians and human experimentation guidelines of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and those of the authors' institution(s) were followed.Contraceptive exposureAt enrolment, women were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to DMPA-IM, copper IUD or LNG implant.6 Participants received an injection of 150 mg/mL DMPA-IM (Depo Provera. Pfizer, Puurs, Belgium) at enrolment and every 3 months until the final visit at 18 months after enrolment, a copper IUD (Optima TCu380A.

Injeflex, Sao Paolo, Brazil) or a LNG implant (Jadelle. Bayer, Turku, Finland) at enrolment. Women returned for follow-up visits at 1 month after enrolment to address initial contraceptive side-effects and every 3 months thereafter, for up to 18 months with later enrolling participants contributing 12 to 18 months of follow-up.

Visits included HIV serological testing, contraceptive counselling, syndromic STI management and safety monitoring.STI outcomesThe primary outcomes of this secondary analysis were prevalent chlamydia and gonorrhoea at the final visit. Syndromic STI management was provided at screening and all follow-up visits. Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was conducted at screening and final visits, at the visit of HIV detection for participants who became HIV infected and at clinical discretion.

Any untreated participants with positive NAAT results were contacted to return to the study clinic for treatment.CovariatesAt baseline (inclusive of screening and enrolment visits), we collected demographic, sexual and reproductive risk behaviour and reproductive and contraceptive history data. Baseline risk factors evaluated as covariates included age, whether the participant earned her own income, chlamydia and gonorrhoea status, herpes simplex propecia type 2 (HSV-2) sero-status and suspected PID. Final visit factors evaluated as covariates included number of sex partners in the past 3 months, number of new sex partners in the past 3 months, HIV serostatus, HSV-2 serostatus, condom use in the past 3 months, sex exchanged for money/gifts, sex during vaginal bleeding, follow-up time and number of pelvic examinations during follow-up.

Age and HSV-2 serostatus were evaluated for effect measure modification.Statistical analysisWe conducted analyses using R V.3.5.3 (Vienna, Austria), and log-binomial regression to estimate chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences within each contraceptive group and pairwise prevalence ratios (PR) between each arm in as-randomised and consistent use analyses.In the as-randomised analysis, we analysed participants by the contraceptive method assigned at randomisation independent of method adherence. We estimated crude point prevalences by arm and study site and pairwise adjusted PRs.In the consistent use analysis, we only included women who initiated use of their randomised contraceptive method and maintained randomised method adherence throughout follow-up. We estimated crude point prevalences by arm and pairwise adjusted PRs, with evaluation of age and HSV-2 status first as potential effect measure modifiers, and all covariates above as potential confounders.

Study site and age were retained in the final model. Other covariates were retained if their inclusion in the base model led to a 10% change in the effect estimate through backwards selection.Supplementary analysesAdditional supporting analyses to assess postrandomisation potential sources of bias were conducted to inform interpretation of results. These include evaluation of recent sexual behaviour at enrolment, month 9 and the final visit.

Cohort participation (ie, follow-up time, early discontinuation and timing of randomised method discontinuation) and health outcomes (ie, final visit HIV and HSV-2 status) and frequency and results of pelvic examinations by STI status, site and visit month by randomised arm.ResultsA total of 7829 women were randomly assigned as follows. 2609 to the DMPA-IM group, 2607 to the copper IUD group and 2613 to the LNG implant group (figure 1). Participants were excluded if they were HIV positive at enrolment, did not have at least one HIV test or did not have chlamydia and gonorrhoea test results at the final visit.

Overall, 90%, 94% and 93% from the DMPA-IM, copper IUD and LNG implant groups, respectively, were included in analyses.Study profile. DMPA-IM, depot medroxy progesterone acetate. IUD, intrauterine device.

LNG, levonorgestrel." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 1 Study profile. DMPA-IM, depot medroxy progesterone acetate. IUD, intrauterine device.

LNG, levonorgestrel.Participant characteristicsBaseline characteristics were similar across groups (table 1). Nearly two-third of enrolled women (63%) were aged 24 and younger and 5768 (74%) of the study population resided in South Africa.View this table:Table 1 Participant baseline and final visit characteristicsThe duration of participation averaged 16 months with no differences between randomised groups (table 1). A total of 1468 (19%) women either did not receive their randomised method or discontinued use during follow-up.

Overall method continuation rates were high with minimal differences between randomised groups when measured by person-years.6 The proportion, however, of method non-adherence as defined in this analysis (ie, did not receive randomised method at baseline or discontinued randomised method at any point during follow-up), was greater in the DMPA-IM group (26%), followed by the copper IUD (18%) and LNG implant (12%) groups. Timing of discontinuation also differed across methods. During the first 6 months, method discontinuation was highest in the copper IUD group (7%) followed closely by DMPA-IM (6%) and LNG implant (4%) groups.

Between 7 and 12 months of follow-up, it was highest in DMPA-IM group (15%), with equivalent proportions in the LNG implant (5%) and copper IUD (5%) groups.Point prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at baseline and final visitsIn total, 18% of women had chlamydia at baseline (figure 2A) and 15% at the final visit. Among women 24 years and younger, 22% and 20% had chlamydia at baseline and final visits, respectively. Women aged 25–35 at baseline were less likely to have chlamydia at both baseline (12%) and final visits (8%) compared with younger women.

Baseline chlamydia prevalence ranged from 5% in Zambia to 28% in the Western Cape, South Africa (figure 2B).Point prevalence (per 100 persons) of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at baseline and final visit by age category and study site region. Y-axis scale differs for chlamydia and gonorrhoea figures." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 2 Point prevalence (per 100 persons) of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at baseline and final visit by age category and study site region. Y-axis scale differs for chlamydia and gonorrhoea figures.Among all women, 5% had gonorrhoea at baseline and the final visit (figure 2C).

Women aged 24 and younger were more likely to have gonorrhoea compared with women aged 25 and older at both baseline (5% vs 4%, respectively) and the final visit (6% vs 3%, respectively). Baseline gonorrhoea prevalence ranged from 3% in Zambia and Kenya to 9% in the Western Cape, South Africa (figure 2D). Similar prevalences were observed at the final visit.Point prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at final visit by randomised contraceptive methodFourteen per cent of women randomised to DMPA-IM, 15% to copper IUD and 17% to LNG implant had chlamydia at the final visit (table 2).View this table:Table 2 Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae prevalence at final visitThe prevalence of chlamydia did not significantly differ between DMPA-IM and copper IUD groups (PR 0.90, 95% CI (0.79 to 1.04)) or between copper IUD and LNG implant groups (PR 0.92, 95% CI (0.81 to 1.04)).

Women in the DMPA-IM group, however, had a significantly lower risk of chlamydia compared with the LNG implant group (PR. 0.83, 95% CI (0.72 to 0.95)). Findings from the consistent use analysis were similar, and neither age nor HSV-2 status modified the observed associations.Four per cent of women randomised to DMPA-IM, 6% to copper IUD and 5% to LNG implant had gonorrhoea at the final visit (table 2).

Gonorrhoea prevalence did not significantly differ between DMPA-IM and LNG implant groups (PR. 0.79, 95% CI (0.61 to 1.03)) or between copper IUD and LNG implant groups (PR. 1.18, 95% CI (0.93 to 1.49)).

Women in the DMPA-IM group had a significantly lower risk of gonorrhoea compared with women in the copper IUD group (PR. 0.67, 95% CI (0.52 to 0.87)). Results from as randomised and continuous use analyses did not differ.

And again, neither age nor HSV-2 status modified the observed associations.Clinical assessment by randomised contraceptive methodTo assess the potential for outcome ascertainment bias, we evaluated the frequency of pelvic examinations and abdominal/pelvic pain and discharge by study arm. Women in the copper IUD group were generally more likely to receive a pelvic examination during follow-up as compared with women in the DMPA-IM and LNG implant groups (online supplemental appendix 1). Similarly, abdominal/pelvic pain on examination or abnormal discharge was observed most frequently in the copper IUD group.

The number of pelvic examinations met the prespecified criteria for retention in the adjusted gonorrhoea model but not in the chlamydia model.Supplemental materialFrequency of syndromic symptoms and potential reAmong women who had chlamydia at baseline, 23% were also positive at the final visit (online supplemental appendix 2, figure 3A). Nine per cent of gonorrhoea-positive women at baseline were also positive at the final visit (online supplemental appendix 2, figure 3B). Across both baseline and final visits, a minority of women with chlamydia or gonorrhoea presented with signs and/or symptoms.

Among chlamydia-positive women, only 12% presented with either abnormal vaginal discharge and/or abdominal/pelvic pain at their test-positive visit (online supplemental appendix 2, figure 3C). Similarly, only 15% of gonorrhoea-positive women presented with abnormal vaginal discharge and/or abdominal/pelvic pain at their test-positive visit (online supplemental appendix 2, figure 3D).Potential re and symptoms among women with chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Data are pooled across the screening and final visits in figures (C) and (D).

Symptomatic is defined as presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge and/or abdominal/pelvic pain. Final visit is described as potential re because test of cure was not conducted following baseline diagnosis and treatment." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 3 Potential re and symptoms among women with chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Data are pooled across the screening and final visits in figures (C) and (D).

Symptomatic is defined as presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge and/or abdominal/pelvic pain. Final visit is described as potential re because test of cure was not conducted following baseline diagnosis and treatment.DiscussionWe observed differences in final prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhoea by contraceptive group in both as-randomised and consistent-use analyses. The DMPA-IM group had lower final visit chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences as compared with copper IUD and LNG implant groups, though only the DMPA-IM versus the copper IUD comparison of gonorrhoea and DMPA-IM versus LNG implant comparison of chlamydia reached statistical significance.

These are novel findings that have not previously been reported to our knowledge and were determined in a randomised trial setting with high participant retention, robust biomarker testing and high randomised method adherence. Interestingly, the copper IUD group had higher gonorrhoea and lower chlamydia prevalence compared with the LNG implant group, though neither finding was statistically significant.Two recent systematic reviews of the association between contraceptives and STIs found inconsistent and insufficient evidence on the association between the contraceptive methods under study in ECHO and chlamydia and gonorrhoea.8 9 Neither systematic review identified any randomised studies or any direct comparative evidence for DMPA-IM, copper IUD and LNG implant, thus enabling a unique scientific contribution from this secondary trial analysis. Nonetheless, these findings should be interpreted in light of biological plausibility, as well as the design strengths and limitations of this analysis.The emerging science on the biological mechanisms underlying HIV susceptibility demonstrates the complex relationship between the infectious pathogen, the host innate and adaptive immune response and the interaction of both with the vaginal microbiome and other -omes.

Data on these factors in relationship to chlamydia and gonorrhoea acquisition are much more limited but can be assumed to be equally complex. Vaginal microbiome composition, including microbial metabolic by-products, have been shown to significantly modify risk of HIV acquisition and to vary with exogenous hormone exposure, menstrual cycle phase, ethnicity and geography.10–12 These same biological principles likely apply to chlamydia and gonorrhoea susceptibility. While DMPA-IM has been associated with decreased bacterial vaginosis (BV), initiation of the copper IUD has been associated with increased BV prevalence, and BV is associated with chlamydia and gonorrhoea acquisition.13 14 Moreover, Lactobacillus crispatus, which is less abundant in BV, has been shown to inhibit HeLa cell by Chlamydia trachomatis and inhibits growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in animal models.15 16 In addition, microbial community state types that are deficient in Lactobacillus crispatus and/or dominated by dysbiotic species are associated with inflammation, which is a driver of both STI and HIV susceptibility.

Thus, while the exact mechanisms of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the presence of exogenous hormones and varying host microbiomes are unknown, it is biologically plausible that these complex factors may result in differential susceptibility to chlamydia and gonorrhoea among DMPA-IM, copper IUD and LNG implant users.An alternative explanation for these findings may be postrandomisation differences in clinical care and/or sexual behaviour. Participants in the copper IUD arm were more likely to have pelvic examinations and more likely to have discharge compared with women in the DMPA-IM and LNG implant groups. While interim STI testing and/or treatment were not documented, women in the copper IUD arm may have been more likely to receive syndromic STI treatment during follow-up due to more examination and observed discharge.

More frequent STI treatment in the copper IUD group would theoretically lower the final visit point prevalence relative to women in the DMPA-IM and LNG implant arms, suggesting that the observed lower risk of STI in the DMPA-IM arm is not due to differential examination, testing and treatment. Differential sexual risk behaviour may also have influenced the results. As reported previously, women in the DMPA-IM group less frequently reported condomless sex and multiple partners than women in the other groups, and both DMPA-IM and LNG implant users less frequently reported new partners and sex during menses than copper IUD users.6 Statistical control of self-reported sexual risk behaviour in the consistent-use analysis may have been inadequate if self-reported sexual behaviour was inaccurately or insufficiently reported.A second alternative explanation may be differences in randomised method non-adherence, which was greater in the DMPA-IM group, compared with copper IUD and LNG implant groups.

Yet, the consistency of findings in the as-randomised and continuous use analyses suggests that method non-adherence had minimal effect on study outcomes. Taken as a whole, these findings indicate that there may be real differences in chlamydia and gonorrhoea risk associated with use of DMPA-IM, the copper IUD and LNG implant. However, any true differential risk by method must be evaluated in light of the holistic benefits and risks of each method.The high observed chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences, despite intensive counselling and condom provision, warrants attention, particularly among women ages 24 years and younger and among women in South Africa and Eswatini.

While the ECHO study was conducted in settings of high HIV/STI incidence, enrolment criteria did not purposefully target women at highest risk of HIV/STI in the trial communities, suggesting that the observed prevalences may be broadly applicable to women seeking effective contraception in those settings. Improved approaches are needed to prevent STIs, including options for expedited partner treatment, to prevent re.As expected, few women testing positive for chlamydia or gonorrhoea presented with symptoms (12% and 15%, respectively), and a substantial proportion of women who were positive and treated at baseline were infected at the final visit despite syndromic management during the follow-up. Given that syndromic management is the standard of care within primary health facilities in most trial settings, these data suggest that a large proportion of among reproductive aged women is missed, exacerbating the burden of curable STIs and associated morbidities.

Routine access to more reliable diagnostics, like NAAT and novel point-of-care diagnostic tests, will be key to managing asymptomatic STIs and reducing STI prevalence and related morbidities in these settings.17This secondary analysis of the ECHO trial has strengths and limitations. Strengths include the randomised design with comparator groups of equal STI baseline risk. Participants had high adherence to their randomised contraceptive method.6 While all participants received standardised clinical care and counselling, the unblinded randomisation may have allowed postrandomisation differences in STI risk over time by method.

It is possible that participants modified their risk-taking behaviour based on study counselling messages regarding the potential association between DMPA-IM and HIV.In conclusion, our analyses suggest that DMPA-IM users may have lower risk of chlamydia and gonorrhoea compared with LNG implant and copper IUD users, respectively. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the mechanisms of chlamydia and gonorrhoea susceptibility in the context of contraceptive use. Moreover, the high chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences in this population, independent of contraceptive method, warrants urgent attention.Key messagesThe prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea varied by contraceptive method in this randomised trial.High chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences, despite intensive counselling and condom provision, warrants attention, particularly among young women in South Africa and Eswatini.Most chlamydia and gonorrhoea s were asymptomatic.

Therefore, routine access to reliable diagnostics are needed to effectively manage and prevent STIs in African women..

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From the time that the first two hair loss treatment cases were confirmed in Viet Nam in the second half of January 2020, the government started to put precautionary measures into effect by strengthening entry-screening measures and extending the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday for schools. © UNICEFTeachers and students were able to return to school in Lao Cai, Viet Nam, in May.By 13 February 2020, the number of cases had climbed to 16 with limited local transmission detected in a village near the capital city, Hanoi. As this had the cvs generic propecia potential to cause a further spread of the propecia in Viet Nam, the country implemented a targeted three-week village-wide quarantine, affecting 11,000 people. There were then no further local cases for three weeks.But Viet Nam had simultaneously developed its broader quarantine and isolation policy to control hair loss treatment. As the next wave began in early March, through an imported case from the UK, the government knew that it was crucial to contain propecia transmission as fast as possible, in order also to safeguard its economy.Viet Nam therefore closed its borders and suspended international flights from mainland China in February, extending this to UK, Europe, the US and then the rest of the world cvs generic propecia progressively in March, whilst requiring all travelers entering the country, including its nationals, to undergo 14-day mandatory quarantine on arrival.This helped the authorities keep track of imported cases of hair loss treatment and prevent further local transmission which could have then led to wider community transmission.

Both the military and local governments were mobilized to provide testing, meals and amenity services to all quarantine facilities which remained free during this period.No lockdown requiredWhile there was never a nationwide lockdown, some restrictive physical distancing measures were implemented throughout the country. On 1 April 2020, the Prime Minister issued a nationwide two week physical distancing directive, which was extended by a week in major cities cvs generic propecia and hotspots. People were advised to stay at home, non-essential businesses were requested to close, and public transportation was limited.Such measures were so successful that, by early May, following two weeks without a locally confirmed case, schools and businesses resumed their operations and people could return to regular routines. Green One UN House, the home of most UN agencies in Viet Nam, remained open throughout this period, with the Resident Coordinator, WHO Representative and approximately 200 UN staff and consultants physically in the office throughout this period, to provide vital support to the Government and people of Viet Nam.Notably, the Vietnamese public had been exceptionally compliant with government directives and advice, partly as a result of trust built up thanks to real time, transparent communication from the Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and other UN agencies. Innovative methods were used to keep the public informed cvs generic propecia and safe.

For instance, regular text updates were sent by the Ministry of Health, on preventive measures and hair loss treatment’s symptoms. A hair loss treatment song cvs generic propecia was released, with lyrics raising public awareness of the disease, which later went viral on social media with a dance challenge on Tik Tok initiated by Quang Dang, a local celebrity.. UN Viet Nam/Nguyen Duc HieuYoung people in Viet Nam take part in International Youth Day 2020 festivities in June. Protecting the vulnerableStill, challenges remain to ensure that the people across the country, especially the hardest hit people, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and poor and vulnerable groups, are well served by an adequately cvs generic propecia resourced and effectively implemented social protection package. The UN in Viet Nam is keen to help the government support clean technology-based SMEs, with the cooperation of international financial institutions, which will need to do things differently from the past and embrace a new, more inclusive and sustainable, perspective on growth.Challenges remainAs I write, Viet Nam stands at a critical point with respect to hair loss treatment.

On 25 July, 99 days after being hair loss treatment-free in terms of local transmission, a new case was confirmed in Da Nang, a well-known tourist destination. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the city and surrounding region over the summer.The government is once again cvs generic propecia demonstrating its serious commitment to containing local propecia transmission. While there have been a few hundred new local transmission cases and 24 deaths, all centered in a major hospital in Danang (sadly, all the deaths were of people with multiple pre-conditions) aggressive contact tracing, proactive case management, extensive quarantining measures and comprehensive public communication activities are taking place.I am confident that the country will be successful in its efforts to once again successfully contain the propecia, once more over the next few weeks.”The Review Committee will advise whether any amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) are necessary to ensure it is as effective as possible, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists. He said cvs generic propecia the hair loss treatment propecia has been “an acid test” for many countries, organizations and the treaty. “Even before the propecia, I have spoken about how emergencies such as the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC (the Democratic Republic of the Congo) have demonstrated that some elements of the IHR may need review, including the binary nature of the mechanism for declaring a public health emergency of international concern,” said Mr.

Tedros. Interaction with propecia panel The IHR Review Committee will hold its first meeting on 8 and 9 September cvs generic propecia. The committee will also interact with two other entities, exchanging information and sharing findings. They are the Independent Panel for propecia Preparedness and Response, established last month to evaluate cvs generic propecia global response to the hair loss treatment propecia, and the Independent Oversight Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. It is expected that the committee will present a progress report to the World Health Assembly, WHO’s decision-making body, at its resumed session in November.

The Assembly comprises delegations from WHO’s cvs generic propecia 194 member States who meet annually in May. A truncated virtual session was held this year due to the propecia. The committee will present its full report to the Assembly in 2021. Committed to ending hair loss treatment The IHR was first adopted in 1969 and is legally-binding on cvs generic propecia 196 countries, including all WHO Member States. It was last revised in 2005.

The treaty outlines rights and obligations for countries, including the requirement to report public health events, as well as the criteria to determine whether or not a particular cvs generic propecia event constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern”. Mr. Tedros underscored WHO’s commitment to ending the propecia, “and to working with all countries to learn from it, and to ensure that together we build the healthier, safer, fairer world that we want.” Invest in mental health WHO is also shining light cvs generic propecia on the propecia’s impact on mental health at a time when services have suffered disruptions. For example, Mr. Tedros said lack of social interaction has affected many people, while others have experienced anxiety and fear.

Meanwhile, some mental health facilities have been closed cvs generic propecia and converted to hair loss treatment facilities. Globally, close to one billion people are living with a mental disorder. In low- and middle-income countries, more than three-quarters of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders do not cvs generic propecia receive treatment. World Mental Health Day is observed annually on 10 October, and WHO and partners are calling for a massive scale-up in investments. The UN agency also will host its first-ever global online advocacy cvs generic propecia event on mental health where experts, musicians and sports figures will discuss action to improve mental health, in addition to sharing their stories.

Global fight against polio continues The milestone eradication of wild poliopropecia in Africa does not mean the disease has been defeated globally, Mr. Tedros reminded journalists. WHO announced on Tuesday that the continent has been declared free of the propecia, which can cause paralysis, after no cases were reported for four years “We still have a lot of work to do to eradicate polio cvs generic propecia from the last two countries where it exists. Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he said. Mr.

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€œDespite a can you buy propecia over the counter new wave which began on 25 July which Viet Nam is now also in the process of bringing under effective control, Buy levitra it is globally recognized that Viet Nam demonstrated one of the world’s most successful responses to the hair loss treatment propecia between January and April 16. After that date, no cases of local transmission were recorded for 99 consecutive days.There were less than 400 cases of across the country during that period, most of them imported, and zero deaths, a remarkable accomplishment considering the country’s population of 96 million people and the fact that it shares a 1,450 km land border with China.Long-term planning pays offKamal Malhotra is the UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam. , by UN Viet Nam/Nguyen Duc HieuViet Nam’s success has drawn international attention because of its early, proactive, response, led by the government, and involving the whole political system, and all aspects can you buy propecia over the counter of the society.

With the support of theWorld Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, Viet Nam had already put a long-term plan in place, to enable it to cope with public health emergencies, building on its experience dealing with previous disease outbreaks, such as SARS, which it also handled remarkably well.Viet Nam’s successful management of the hair loss treatment outbreak so far can, therefore, be at least partly put down to the its investment during “peacetime”. The country has now demonstrated that preparedness to deal with infectious disease is a key ingredient for protecting people and securing public health in times of propecias such as hair loss treatment.As early as January 2020, Viet Nam conducted its first risk assessment, immediately after the identification of a cluster of cases can you buy propecia over the counter of “severe pneumonia with unknown etiology” in Wuhan, China. From the time that the first two hair loss treatment cases were confirmed in Viet Nam in the second half of January 2020, the government started to put precautionary measures into effect by strengthening entry-screening measures and extending the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday for schools.

© UNICEFTeachers and students were able to return to school in Lao Cai, Viet Nam, in May.By 13 February 2020, the number of cases had climbed to 16 with limited local transmission detected in a village near the capital city, Hanoi. As this had the potential to cause a can you buy propecia over the counter further spread of the propecia in Viet Nam, the country implemented a targeted three-week village-wide quarantine, affecting 11,000 people. There were then no further local cases for three weeks.But Viet Nam had simultaneously developed its broader quarantine and isolation policy to control hair loss treatment.

As the next wave began in early March, through an imported case from the UK, the government knew that it was crucial to contain propecia transmission as fast as possible, in order also to safeguard its economy.Viet Nam therefore closed its borders and suspended international flights from mainland China in February, extending this to UK, Europe, the US and then the rest of the world progressively in March, whilst requiring all travelers entering the country, including its nationals, to undergo 14-day mandatory quarantine on arrival.This helped the authorities keep track of imported cases of hair loss treatment and can you buy propecia over the counter prevent further local transmission which could have then led to wider community transmission. Both the military and local governments were mobilized to provide testing, meals and amenity services to all quarantine facilities which remained free during this period.No lockdown requiredWhile there was never a nationwide lockdown, some restrictive physical distancing measures were implemented throughout the country. On 1 April 2020, the Prime Minister issued a nationwide two week physical can you buy propecia over the counter distancing directive, which was extended by a week in major cities and hotspots.

People were advised to stay at home, non-essential businesses were requested to close, and public transportation was limited.Such measures were so successful that, by early May, following two weeks without a locally confirmed case, schools and businesses resumed their operations and people could return to regular routines. Green One UN House, the home of most UN agencies in Viet Nam, remained open throughout this period, with the Resident Coordinator, WHO Representative and approximately 200 UN staff and consultants physically in the office throughout this period, to provide vital support to the Government and people of Viet Nam.Notably, the Vietnamese public had been exceptionally compliant with government directives and advice, partly as a result of trust built up thanks to real time, transparent communication from the Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and other UN agencies. Innovative methods were used to keep can you buy propecia over the counter the public informed and safe.

For instance, regular text updates were sent by the Ministry of Health, on preventive measures and hair loss treatment’s symptoms. A hair loss treatment song was released, with lyrics raising public awareness of the disease, which later can you buy propecia over the counter went viral on social media with a dance challenge on Tik Tok initiated by Quang Dang, a local celebrity.. UN Viet Nam/Nguyen Duc HieuYoung people in Viet Nam take part in International Youth Day 2020 festivities in June.

Protecting the vulnerableStill, challenges remain to ensure that the people across the country, especially the hardest hit people, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can you buy propecia over the counter and poor and vulnerable groups, are well served by an adequately resourced and effectively implemented social protection package. The UN in Viet Nam is keen to help the government support clean technology-based SMEs, with the cooperation of international financial institutions, which will need to do things differently from the past and embrace a new, more inclusive and sustainable, perspective on growth.Challenges remainAs I write, Viet Nam stands at a critical point with respect to hair loss treatment. On 25 July, 99 days after being hair loss treatment-free in terms of local transmission, a new case was confirmed in Da Nang, a well-known tourist destination.

Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the city and surrounding region over the summer.The government is once again demonstrating its serious commitment to containing can you buy propecia over the counter local propecia transmission. While there have been a few hundred new local transmission cases and 24 deaths, all centered in a major hospital in Danang (sadly, all the deaths were of people with multiple pre-conditions) aggressive contact tracing, proactive case management, extensive quarantining measures and comprehensive public communication activities are taking place.I am confident that the country will be successful in its efforts to once again successfully contain the propecia, once more over the next few weeks.”The Review Committee will advise whether any amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) are necessary to ensure it is as effective as possible, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists. He said the hair loss treatment propecia has can you buy propecia over the counter been “an acid test” for many countries, organizations and the treaty.

“Even before the propecia, I have spoken about how emergencies such as the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC (the Democratic Republic of the Congo) have demonstrated that some elements of the IHR may need review, including the binary nature of the mechanism for declaring a public health emergency of international concern,” said Mr. Tedros. Interaction with propecia panel can you buy propecia over the counter The IHR Review Committee will hold its first meeting on 8 and 9 September.

The committee will also interact with two other entities, exchanging information and sharing findings. They are the Independent Panel for propecia Preparedness and Response, established last month to evaluate global response to the hair loss treatment propecia, and the can you buy propecia over the counter Independent Oversight Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. It is expected that the committee will present a progress report to the World Health Assembly, WHO’s decision-making body, at its resumed session in November.

The Assembly comprises delegations can you buy propecia over the counter from WHO’s 194 member States who meet annually in May. A truncated virtual session was held this year due to the propecia. The committee will present its full report to the Assembly in 2021.

Committed to ending hair loss treatment The IHR can you buy propecia over the counter was first adopted in 1969 and is legally-binding on 196 countries, including all WHO Member States. It was last revised in 2005. The treaty outlines rights and obligations for countries, including the requirement to report public health events, as well can you buy propecia over the counter as the criteria to determine whether or not a particular event constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern”.

Mr. Tedros underscored WHO’s commitment to ending the propecia, “and to working with all countries to learn from it, and to ensure that together can you buy propecia over the counter we build the healthier, safer, fairer world that we want.” Invest in mental health WHO is also shining light on the propecia’s impact on mental health at a time when services have suffered disruptions. For example, Mr.

Tedros said lack of social interaction has affected many people, while others have experienced anxiety and fear. Meanwhile, some mental health facilities have been closed and converted can you buy propecia over the counter to hair loss treatment facilities. Globally, close to one billion people are living with a mental disorder.

In low- and middle-income countries, more than three-quarters of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders do not receive can you buy propecia over the counter treatment. World Mental Health Day is observed annually on 10 October, and WHO and partners are calling for a massive scale-up in investments. The UN agency can you buy propecia over the counter also will host its first-ever global online advocacy event on mental health where experts, musicians and sports figures will discuss action to improve mental health, in addition to sharing their stories.

Global fight against polio continues The milestone eradication of wild poliopropecia in Africa does not mean the disease has been defeated globally, Mr. Tedros reminded journalists. WHO announced on Tuesday that the continent has been declared free of the propecia, which can cause paralysis, after no cases were reported for four years “We still have a lot of work to do to eradicate polio from the last two countries where can you buy propecia over the counter it exists.

Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he said. Mr. Tedros also congratulated Togo, which on Wednesday celebrated the end of sleeping sickness as a public health problem.

The disease, officially known as human African Trypanosomiasis, is spread by tsetse flies and is fatal without treatment..

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How to cite this propecia testosterone levels article:Singh Online levitra OP. Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030. We must propecia testosterone levels rise to the challenge. Indian J Psychiatry 2021;63:415-7In May 2013, WHO's Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 was adopted at the 66th World Health Assembly which was extended until 2030 by the 72nd World Health Assembly in May 2019 with modifications of some of the objectives and goal targets to ensure its alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Further, in September 2021, the 74th propecia testosterone levels World Health Assembly accepted the updates to the action plan, including updates to the target options for indicators and implementation.

This is an opportunity for the psychiatric community to rise to the challenge and work towards the realization of these objectives and in turn to integrate psychiatry with the mainstream of medicine.The change in objectives and targets is summarized in [Table 1].Table 1. Comparison between propecia testosterone levels Mental Health Action Plans 2013-20 and 2013-30Click here to viewAs it is obvious that there is an enormous opportunity for the psychiatric community to implement things that we always have been talking about like:Global target 2.2 – Target's doubling of community-based mental health facilities by 2030 in 80% of countries. It would be a substantial achievement for the psychiatric community for its implementation will lead to significant service to psychiatric patientsGlobal target 2.3 – Integration of mental health care into primary healthcareGlobal target 3.2 – Reduction in suicide rate by one-third by 2030Global target 3.3 – Psychological care for disasterGlobal target 4.2 – Mental health research to be doubled by 2030.What has brought about profound change is target 3.4 of Sustainable Development Goal, which is to reduce premature death by NCD by one-third by promoting mental health and wellbeing. It is an opportunity for us to propecia testosterone levels expand psychiatry by being involved in general medical care and reduce stigma. We must also utilize this opportunity to press for the greater representation of psychiatry in MBBS curriculum throughout the country and stop not till it gets a separate subject status in undergraduate medical studies.Now is the time for us to strive to achieve all the objectives which provide an opportunity to expand mental health care, reduce stigma, and translate all the talk of furthering the growth of mental health into action.[2] References 1.World Health Organization.

Mental Health Action propecia testosterone levels Plan 2013-2020. Geneva. World Health propecia testosterone levels Organization. 2013. 2.World propecia testosterone levels Health Organization.

Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030. Geneva. World Health Organization. 2021. Correspondence Address:Om Prakash SinghDepartment of Psychiatry, WBMES, Kolkata, West Bengal.

AMRI Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal IndiaSource of Support. None, Conflict of Interest. NoneDOI. 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_811_21 Tables [Table 1]Abstract Background. Empathy plays a role not only in pathophysiology but also in planning management strategies for alcohol dependence.

However, few studies have looked into it. No data are available regarding the variation of empathy with abstinence and motivation. Assessment based on cognitive and affective dimensions of empathy is needed.Aim. This study aimed to assess cognitive and affective empathy in men with alcohol dependence and compared it with normal controls. Association of empathy with disease-specific variables, motivation, and abstinence was also done.Methods.

This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care center. Sixty men with alcohol dependence and 60 healthy controls were recruited and assessed using the Basic Empathy Scale for cognitive and affective empathy. The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale was used to assess motivation. Other variables were assessed using a semi-structured pro forma. Comparative analysis was done using unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA.

Correlation was done using Pearson's correlation test.Results. Cases with alcohol dependence showed lower levels of cognitive, affective, and total empathy as compared to controls. Affective and total empathy were higher in abstinent men. Empathy varied across various stages of motivation, with a significant difference seen between precontemplation and action stages. Empathy correlated negatively with number of relapses and positively with family history of addiction.Conclusions.

Empathy (both cognitive and affective) is significantly reduced in alcohol dependence. Higher empathy correlates with lesser relapses. Abstinence and progression in motivation cycle is associated with remission in empathic deficits.Keywords. Abstinence, alcohol, empathy, motivationHow to cite this article:Nachane HB, Nadadgalli GV, Umate MS. Cognitive and affective empathy in men with alcohol dependence.

Relation with clinical profile, abstinence, and motivation. Indian J Psychiatry 2021;63:418-23How to cite this URL:Nachane HB, Nadadgalli GV, Umate MS. Cognitive and affective empathy in men with alcohol dependence. Relation with clinical profile, abstinence, and motivation. Indian J Psychiatry [serial online] 2021 [cited 2021 Nov 5];63:418-23.

Available from. Https://www.indianjpsychiatry.org/text.asp?. 2021/63/5/418/328088 Introduction Alcohol dependence is as much a social challenge as it is a clinical one.[1] Clinicians have faced several challenges in helping subjects with alcohol dependence stay in treatment and maintain abstinence.[2] In substance abuse treatment, clients' motivation to change has often been the focus of both clinical interest and frustration.[3],[4] Motivation has been described as a prerequisite for treatment, without which the clinician can do little.[5] Similarly, lack of motivation has been used to explain the failure of individuals to begin, continue, comply with, and succeed in treatment.[6],[7] Treatment modalities have focused on various aspects of motivation enhancement – such as locus of control, social support, and networking.[8] Recent literature is focusing on the role empathy plays in pathogenesis and treatment seeking in alcohol dependence.[9] However, the way in which empathy is perceived has recently undergone drastic changes, specifically its role in both emotion processing and social interactions.[10]Broadly speaking, empathy is believed to be constituted of two components – cognitive and affective (or emotional).[9] Affective empathy (AE) deals with the ability of detecting and experiencing the others' emotional states, whereas cognitive empathy (CE) relates to perspective-taking ability allowing to understand and predict the other's various mental states (sometimes used synonymously with theory of mind).[11] Empathy constitutes an essential emotional competence for interpersonal relations and has been shown to be highly impaired in various psychiatric disorders including alcohol dependence.[9],[12] Empathy is crucial for maintaining interpersonal relations, which are frequently impaired in alcoholics and prove to be a source of frequent relapses.[9] However, research pertaining to empathy in alcohol has generated varied results.[9] Factors such as lapses, retaining in treatment, and abstinence have also been linked to subjects' empathy.[9],[13] However, few of these have assessed CE and AE separately.[9],[13] Previous literature has demonstrated that empathy correlates with the motivation to help others.[14] No study however addresses the role empathy may play in self-help, a crucial step in the management of alcohol dependence. A link between an alcoholic's empathy and motivation is lacking. It is imperative to highlight changes in empathy with changes in motivation, over and above the dichotomy of abstinence and dependence.Detailed understanding of empathy, or a lack thereof, and its fate during the natural course of the illness, particularly with each step of the motivation cycle, will prove fruitful in planning better strategies for alcohol dependence.

This will, in turn, lead to better handling of its social consequences and reduction in its burden on society and healthcare. The present study was thus formulated, which aimed at comparing CE, AE, and total empathy (TE) between subjects of alcohol dependence and normal controls. Differences in CE, AE and TE with abstinence and stage of motivation were also assessed. We also correlated CE, AE, and TE with disease-specific variables. Materials and Methods The present study is a cross-sectional observational study done in the outpatient psychiatric department of a tertiary care center.

Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethics committee (IEC/Pharm/RP/102/Feb/2019). The study was conducted over a period of 6 months (March 2019–August 2019) and purposive sampling method was used. Sixty subjects, between the ages of 18–65 years, diagnosed with alcohol dependence as per the International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria were included in the study as cases. Subjects with comorbid psychiatric and medical disorders (four subjects) and those dependent on more than one substance (six subjects) were excluded. As all the available cases were male, the study was restricted to males.

Sixty normal healthy male controls who were not suffering from any medical or psychiatric illness (five subjects excluded) were recruited from the normal population (these were healthy relatives of patients attending our outpatient department). Subjects were explained about the nature of the study and written informed consent was obtained from them. A semi-structured pro forma was devised to include sociodemographic variables, such as age, marital status, family structure, education, and employment status and disease-specific variables in the cases, such as total duration of illness, number of relapses, number of hospital admissions, and family history of psychiatric illness/substance dependence. Empathy was assessed using the Basic Empathy Scale for Adults for both cases and controls and motivation was assessed in the cases using the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA). The scales were translated into the vernacular languages (Hindi and Marathi) and the translated versions were used.

The scales were administered by a single rater in one sitting. The entire interview was completed in 20–30 min.InstrumentsThe Basic Empathy Scale for AdultsIt is a 20-item scale which was developed by Jolliffe and Farrington.[15] Each question is rated on a five point Likert type scale. We used the two-factor model where nine items assess CE (Items 3, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, and 20) and 11 items assess AE (Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18). The total score gives TE, which can range from 20 (deficit in empathy) to 100 (high level of empathy).The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA)This scale is based on the transtheoretical model of motivation given by Prochaska and DiClemente, which divides the readiness to change temporally into four stages. Precontemplation (PC), contemplation (C), action (A), and maintenance (M).[16] The URICA is a 32-item self-report measure that grades responses on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from one (strong disagreement) to five (strong agreement).

The subscales can be combined arithmetically (C + A + M − PC) to yield a second-order continuous readiness to change score that is used to assess readiness to change at entrance to treatment. Based on this score, the individual is classified into the stage of motivation (precontemplation, contemplation, action, and maintenance)Statistical analysisSPSS 20.0 software was used for carrying out the statistical analysis. (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0, released 2011, Armonk, NY. IBM Corp.). Data were expressed as mean (standard deviation) for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables.

Comparative analyses were done using unpaired Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni's test wherever appropriate. The correlation was done using Pearson's correlation test and point biserial correlation test for continuous and dichotomous categorical variables, respectively. The effect size was determined by calculating Cohen's d (d) for t-test, partial eta square (ηp2) for ANOVA, and correlation coefficient (r) for Pearson's correlation/point biserial correlation test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 120 subjects consisting of 60 cases and 60 controls who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered for the analysis.

The mean age of cases was 40.80 (8.69) years, whereas that of controls was 39.02 (10.12) years. About 80% of the cases and 88% of the controls were married. Only 58% of the cases and 57% of the controls were educated. Almost 80% of the cases versus 95% of the controls were employed at the time of assessment. Majority of the cases (75%) and controls (83%) belonged to nuclear families.

None of the sociodemographic variables varied significantly across cases and controls. Comparison of empathy between cases and controls using unpaired t-test showed cognitive (t(118) =2.59, P = 0.01), affective (t(118) =2.19, P = 0.03), and total empathy (t(118) =2.39, P = 0.02) to be significantly lower in cases [Table 1]. The analysis showed the difference to be most significant for CE (d = 0.48), followed by TE (d = 0.44), and then AE (d = 0.40), implying that it is CE that is most significantly lowered in men with alcohol dependence. [Table 2] shows the correlation between empathy and disease-related variables amng the cases using Pearson's correlation/point biserial correlation tests. Number of relapses negatively correlated with all three measures of empathy, most with CE (r = −0.42, P = 0.001), followed by TE (r = −0.39, P = 0.002) and least with AE (r = −0.31, P = 0.016).

This means that men with alcohol dependence who are more empathic tend to have lesser relapses. Having a family history of mental illness/substance use was seen to have a positive correlation with CE (r = 0.43, P = 0.001) and TE (r = 0.30, P = 0.02) but not AE (P = 0.17). As the coefficients of correlation for all the relations were <0.5, the strength of correlations in our sample was mild–moderate.Table 2. Relation of disease related variables with total empathy in casesClick here to viewMotivation and readiness to change was assessed in the cases using the URICA scale, which had a mean score of 8.78 (4.09). About 50% of the subjects were currently consuming alcohol (30 out of 60) and the remaining were completely abstinent.

Comparing empathy scores among those subjects still consuming and those subjects completely abstinent using unpaired t-test [Figure 1] showed that abstinent patients had significantly higher AE (t(58) =2.72, mean difference = 5.10 [95% confidence interval [CI]. 1.34–8.86], P = 0.009) and TE (t(58) =2.88, mean difference = 8.60 [95% CI. 2.63–14.57], P = 0.006) as compared to those still consuming but not CE (t(58) =1.93, mean difference = 2.83 [95% CI. 0.09–5.77], P = 0.058). This difference was most marked in TE (d = 0.77), followed by AE (d = 0.71).

Dividing the cases into their respective stages of motivation showed that 20 out of 60 (33%) subjects were in precontemplation stage, 10 out of 60 (17%) in contemplation stage and 30 out of 60 (50%) in action stage. None were seen to be in maintenance phase. Using one-way ANOVA to assess the difference in empathy across the various stages of motivation [Table 3], it was found that AE (F (2,57) = 5.03, P = 0.01) and TE (F (2, 57) = 4.25, P = 0.02) varied across the motivation cycle but not CE (F (2,57) = 2.26, P = 0.11). Difference was more significant for affective empathy (ηp2 = 0.15) as compared to total empathy (ηp2 = 0.13), although a small one. In both cases of affective and total empathy, it can be seen that empathy increases gradually with each stage in motivation cycle [Figure 2].

However, using the post hoc Bonferroni test [Table 4] revealed that significant difference in both cases was seen between precontemplation and action stages only (P <. 0.05).Figure 1. Difference in cognitive, affective, and total empathy among dependent and abstinent subjects. Data expressed as mean (standard deviation)Click here to viewFigure 2. Cognitive, affective, and total empathy in cases across precontemplation, contemplation, and action stages of motivation.

Data expressed as mean (standard deviation)Click here to viewTable 4. Comparison of cognitive, affective and total empathy in individual stages of motivation using post hoc Bonferroni testClick here to view Discussion Role of empathy in addictive behaviors is a pivotal one.[17] The present analysis shows that subjects dependent on alcohol lack empathic abilities as compared to healthy controls. This translates to both cognitive and affective components of empathy. Earlier research appears divided in this aspect. Massey et al.

Elucidated reduction in both CE and AE by behavioral, neuroanatomical, and self-report methods.[18] Impairment in affect processing system in alcohol dependence was cited as the reason behind the so-called “cognitive-affective dissociation of empathy” in alcoholics, which resulted in a changed AE, with relatively intact CE.[9],[17] However, there is enough evidence to suggest the lack of social cognition, emotional cognition, and related cognitive deficits in alcohol-dependent subjects.[19] Cognitive deficits responsible for dampening of CE seen in addictions have been attributed to frontal deficits.[19] In fact, it is a combined deficit which leads to impaired social and interpersonal functioning in alcoholics.[20] Hence, our primary finding is in keeping with this hypothesis.Empathy may relate to various aspects of the psychopathological process.[21] Disorders have also been classified based on which aspect of empathy is deficient – cognitive, affective, or general.[21] On such a spectrum, alcohol dependence should definitely be classified as a general empathic deficit disorder. It is also known that within a disorder, the two components of empathy may show variation, depending upon various factors.[21] Addiction processes may have impulsivity, antisocial personality traits, externalizing behaviors, and internalizing behaviors as a part of their presentations, all factors which effect empathy.[22],[23] Hence, it is likely that difference in empathy could be attributable to these factors, even though it has been shown that empathy operates independent of them to impact the disease process.[18]Abstinence period is associated with several physiological and psychological changes and is a key experience in the life of patients with alcohol use disorder.[24] The present analysis shows that abstinence period is associated with higher empathy than the active phase of illness. It has been demonstrated that empathy correlates significantly with abstinence and retention in treatment.[13],[23] A study has described improvement in empathy, attributable to personality changes with abstinence, in subjects following up for treatment in self-help groups.[13] A causative effect of improvement in empathy due to the 12-step program and abstinence has been hypothesized,[13] and our findings support this. Empathy is a key factor in motivation to help others and oneself when in distress. This suggests a role for it in motivation to quit and treatment seeking.

Yet still, few studies have made this assessment. Across the motivation cycle, we found that TE and AE were significantly higher for subjects in action phase than for precontemplation and contemplation phases. CE showed no significant changes. Thus, it appears that AE is more amenable to change and instrumental in motivation enhancement. Treatment modalities for dependence should inculcate methods addressing empathy, especially AE as this would be more beneficial.

It is also possible that these patients may innately have higher empathy and hence are motivated to quit alcohol, as has been previously demonstrated.[9]It is clear that in adults who have developed alcohol dependence, deficits in empathic processing remit in recovery and this finding is crucial to optimize long-term outcomes and minimize the likelihood of relapse. Altered empathic abilities have been shown to impair future problem solving in social situations, thus impacting the prognosis of the illness.[25] Similarly, it also hampers treatment seeking in alcoholics. CE played a greater role in our sample as compared to AE, contrary to what most literature states.[26] This is furthered by the fact that CE and TE correlated with number of relapses and having a family history of mental illness in our subjects, whereas AE correlated with only number of relapses. Subjects with higher empathy had significantly lesser relapses, suggesting a role for empathy, particularly CE in maintaining abstinence, even though it is least likely to change. This relation has been demonstrated by other researchers also.[13],[23] Having a positive family history of mental illness/addictions was associated with higher CE and TE.

Genes have shown to influence development and dynamicity of empathy in healthy individuals and as genetics play a major role in heredity of addictions, levels of empathy may also vary accordingly.[21],[27] As AE did not show this relation, it appears CE and AE may not be “equally heritable.” However, more research in this area is needed.Our study was not without limitations. Factors such as premorbid personality and baseline empathy were not considered. As all cases and controls were males, gender differences could not be assessed. We did not have any patients in the maintenance phase of motivation and hence this difference could not be assessed. It also might be more prudent to have a prospective study design wherein patients are followed throughout their motivation cycle to derive a more robust relation between empathy and motivation.

As our study was a cross-sectional study, it was not possible.To mention a few strengths, our analysis adds to the need for studying CE and AE separately, as they may impact different aspects of the illness and show varied dynamicity over the natural course of alcohol dependence owing to their difference in neural substrates.[28] While many risk factors for alcohol dependence are difficult if not impossible to change,[29] some components of empathy may be modifiable,[13] particularly AE. Abstinence is associated with an increase in AE and TE and thus empathy may be crucial in propelling an individual along the motivation cycle. Our analysis stands out in being one of the few to establish a relation between stages of motivation and components of empathy in alcohol dependence, which will definitely have further research and therapeutic implications. Conclusions Empathic deficits in alcohol dependence are well established, being more for CE than AE although both being affected. Even though psychotherapeutic approaches have hitherto targeted therapist's empathy,[30] we suggest that a detailed understanding of patient's empathy is equally crucial in the management.

Increment in AE and TE is seen with abstinence and improvement in subject's motivation. Relapses are lesser in individuals with higher empathy and it is possible that those who relapse develop low empathy. The present analysis is associational and causality inference should be done with caution. Modalities of treatment which focus on empathy and its subsequent advancement, such as brief intervention and self-help groups, have met with ample success in clinical practice.[13],[31] Adding to existing factors that have proved successful for abstinence,[32] focusing on improving empathy at specific points in the motivation cycle (contemplation to action) may motivate individuals better to stay in treatment and reduce further relapses.Financial support and sponsorshipNil.Conflicts of interestThere are no conflicts of interest. References 1.Caetano R, Cunradi C.

Alcohol dependence. A public health perspective. Addiction 2002;97:633-45. 2.Willenbring ML. The past and future of research on treatment of alcohol dependence.

Alcohol Res Health 2010;33:55-63. 3.DiClemente CC. Conceptual models and applied research. The ongoing contribution of the transtheoretical model. J Addict Nurs 2005;16:5-12.

4.Velasquez MM, Crouch C, von Sternberg K, Grosdanis I. Motivation for change and psychological distress in homeless substance abusers. J Subst Abuse Treat 2000;19:395-401. 5.Beckman LJ. An attributional analysis of Alcoholics Anonymous.

J Stud Alcohol 1980;41:714-26. 6.Appelbaum A. A critical re-examination of the concept of “motivation for change” in psychoanalytic treatment. Int J Psychoanal 1972;53:51-9. 7.Miller WR.

Motivation for treatment. A review with special emphasis on alcoholism. Psychol Bull 1985;98:84-107. 8.Murphy PN, Bentall RP. Motivation to withdraw from heroin.

A factor-analytic study. Br J Addict 1992;87:245-50. 9.Maurage P, Grynberg D, Noël X, Joassin F, Philippot P, Hanak C, et al. Dissociation between affective and cognitive empathy in alcoholism. A specific deficit for the emotional dimension.

Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011;35:1662-8. 10.de Vignemont F, Singer T. The empathic brain. How, when and why?. Trends Cogn Sci 2006;10:435-41.

11.Reniers RL, Corcoran R, Drake R, Shryane NM, Völlm BA. The QCAE. A questionnaire of cognitive and affective empathy. J Pers Assess 2011;93:84-95. 12.Martinotti G, Di Nicola M, Tedeschi D, Cundari S, Janiri L.

Empathy ability is impaired in alcohol-dependent patients. Am J Addict 2009;18:157-61. 13.McCown W. The relationship between impulsivity, empathy and involvement in twelve step self-help substance abuse treatment groups. Br J Addict 1989;84:391-3.

14.Krebs D. Empathy and auism. J Pers Soc Psychol 1975;32:1134-46. 15.Jolliffe D, Farrington DP. Development and validation of the basic empathy scale.

J Adolesc 2006;29:589-611. 16.McConnaughy EA, Prochaska JO, Velicer WF. Stages of change in psychotherapy. Measurement and sample profiles. Psychol Psychother 1983;20:368-75.

17.Ferrari V, Smeraldi E, Bottero G, Politi E. Addiction and empathy. A preliminary analysis. Neurol Sci 2014;35:855-9. 18.Massey SH, Newmark RL, Wakschlag LS.

Explicating the role of empathic processes in substance use disorders. A conceptual framework and research agenda. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:316-32. 19.Uekermann J, Daum I. Social cognition in alcoholism.

A link to prefrontal cortex dysfunction?. Addiction 2008;103:726-35. 20.Uekermann J, Channon S, Winkel K, Schlebusch P, Daum I. Theory of mind, humour processing and executive functioning in alcoholism. Addiction 2007;102:232-40.

21.Gonzalez-Liencres C, Shamay-Tsoory SG, Brüne M. Towards a neuroscience of empathy. Ontogeny, phylogeny, brain mechanisms, context and psychopathology. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013;37:1537-48. 22.Miller PA, Eisenberg N.

The relation of empathy to aggressive and externalizing/antisocial behavior. Psychol Bull 1988;103:324-44. 23.McCown W. The effect of impulsivity and empathy on abstinence of poly-substance abusers. A prospective study.

Br J Addict 1990;85:635-7. 24.Pitel AL, Beaunieux H, Witkowski T, Vabret F, Guillery-Girard B, Quinette P, et al. Genuine episodic memory deficits and executive dysfunctions in alcoholic subjects early in abstinence. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2007;31:1169-78. 25.Thoma P, Friedmann C, Suchan B.

Empathy and social problem solving in alcohol dependence, mood disorders and selected personality disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013;37:448-70. 26.Marinkovic K, Oscar-Berman M, Urban T, O'Reilly CE, Howard JA, Sawyer K, et al. Alcoholism and dampened temporal limbic activation to emotional faces. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2009;33:1880-92.

27.Smith A. Cognitive empathy and emotional empathy in human behavior and evolution. Psychol Rec 2006;56:3-21. 28.Decety J, Jackson PL. A social-neuroscience perspective on empathy.

Curr Dir Psychol Sci 2006;15:54-8. 29.Tarter RE, Edwards K. Psychological factors associated with the risk for alcoholism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1988;12:471-80. 30.Moyers TB, Miller WR.

Is low therapist empathy toxic?. Psychol Addict Behav 2013;27:878-84. 31.Heather N. Psychology and brief interventions. Br J Addict 1989;84:357-70.

32.Cook S, Heather N, McCambridge J. Posttreatment motivation and alcohol treatment outcome 9 months later. Findings from structural equation modeling. J Consult Clin Psychol 2015;83:232-7. Correspondence Address:Hrishikesh Bipin Nachane63, Sharmishtha, Tarangan, Thane West, Thane - 400 606, Maharashtra IndiaSource of Support.

None, Conflict of Interest. NoneDOI. 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_1101_2 Figures [Figure 1], [Figure 2] Tables [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4].

How to cite can you buy propecia over the counter this article:Singh OP. Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030. We must can you buy propecia over the counter rise to the challenge. Indian J Psychiatry 2021;63:415-7In May 2013, WHO's Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 was adopted at the 66th World Health Assembly which was extended until 2030 by the 72nd World Health Assembly in May 2019 with modifications of some of the objectives and goal targets to ensure its alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Further, in September 2021, the 74th World Health Assembly accepted the can you buy propecia over the counter updates to the action plan, including updates to the target options for indicators and implementation.

This is an opportunity for the psychiatric community to rise to the challenge and work towards the realization of these objectives and in turn to integrate psychiatry with the mainstream of medicine.The change in objectives and targets is summarized in [Table 1].Table 1. Comparison between Mental Health Action Plans 2013-20 and 2013-30Click here to viewAs it is obvious that there is can you buy propecia over the counter an enormous opportunity for the psychiatric community to implement things that we always have been talking about like:Global target 2.2 – Target's doubling of community-based mental health facilities by 2030 in 80% of countries. It would be a substantial achievement for the psychiatric community for its implementation will lead to significant service to psychiatric patientsGlobal target 2.3 – Integration of mental health care into primary healthcareGlobal target 3.2 – Reduction in suicide rate by one-third by 2030Global target 3.3 – Psychological care for disasterGlobal target 4.2 – Mental health research to be doubled by 2030.What has brought about profound change is target 3.4 of Sustainable Development Goal, which is to reduce premature death by NCD by one-third by promoting mental health and wellbeing. It is an opportunity for can you buy propecia over the counter us to expand psychiatry by being involved in general medical care and reduce stigma. We must also utilize this opportunity to press for the greater representation of psychiatry in MBBS curriculum throughout the country and stop not till it gets a separate subject status in undergraduate medical studies.Now is the time for us to strive to achieve all the objectives which provide an opportunity to expand mental health care, reduce stigma, and translate all the talk of furthering the growth of mental health into action.[2] References 1.World Health Organization.

Mental Health Action can you buy propecia over the counter Plan 2013-2020. Geneva. World Health can you buy propecia over the counter Organization. 2013. 2.World Health can you buy propecia over the counter Organization.

Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030. Geneva. World Health Organization. 2021. Correspondence Address:Om Prakash SinghDepartment of Psychiatry, WBMES, Kolkata, West Bengal.

AMRI Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal IndiaSource of Support. None, Conflict of Interest. NoneDOI. 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_811_21 Tables [Table 1]Abstract Background. Empathy plays a role not only in pathophysiology but also in planning management strategies for alcohol dependence.

However, few studies have looked into it. No data are available regarding the variation of empathy with abstinence and motivation. Assessment based on cognitive and affective dimensions of empathy is needed.Aim. This study aimed to assess cognitive and affective empathy in men with alcohol dependence and compared it with normal controls. Association of empathy with disease-specific variables, motivation, and abstinence was also done.Methods.

This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care center. Sixty men with alcohol dependence and 60 healthy controls were recruited and assessed using the Basic Empathy Scale for cognitive and affective empathy. The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale was used to assess motivation. Other variables were assessed using a semi-structured pro forma. Comparative analysis was done using unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA.

Correlation was done using Pearson's correlation test.Results. Cases with alcohol dependence showed lower levels of cognitive, affective, and total empathy as compared to controls. Affective and total empathy were higher in abstinent men. Empathy varied across various stages of motivation, with a significant difference seen between precontemplation and action stages. Empathy correlated negatively with number of relapses and positively with family history of addiction.Conclusions.

Empathy (both cognitive and affective) is significantly reduced in alcohol dependence. Higher empathy correlates with lesser relapses. Abstinence and progression in motivation cycle is associated with remission in empathic deficits.Keywords. Abstinence, alcohol, empathy, motivationHow to cite this article:Nachane HB, Nadadgalli GV, Umate MS. Cognitive and affective empathy in men with alcohol dependence.

Relation with clinical profile, abstinence, and motivation. Indian J Psychiatry 2021;63:418-23How to cite this URL:Nachane HB, Nadadgalli GV, Umate MS. Cognitive and affective empathy in men with alcohol dependence. Relation with clinical profile, abstinence, and motivation. Indian J Psychiatry [serial online] 2021 [cited 2021 Nov 5];63:418-23.

Available from. Https://www.indianjpsychiatry.org/text.asp?. 2021/63/5/418/328088 Introduction Alcohol dependence is as much a social challenge as it is a clinical one.[1] Clinicians have faced several challenges in helping subjects with alcohol dependence stay in treatment and maintain abstinence.[2] In substance abuse treatment, clients' motivation to change has often been the focus of both clinical interest and frustration.[3],[4] Motivation has been described as a prerequisite for treatment, without which the clinician can do little.[5] Similarly, lack of motivation has been used to explain the failure of individuals to begin, continue, comply with, and succeed in treatment.[6],[7] Treatment modalities have focused on various aspects of motivation enhancement – such as locus of control, social support, and networking.[8] Recent literature is focusing on the role empathy plays in pathogenesis and treatment seeking in alcohol dependence.[9] However, the way in which empathy is perceived has recently undergone drastic changes, specifically its role in both emotion processing and social interactions.[10]Broadly speaking, empathy is believed to be constituted of two components – cognitive and affective (or emotional).[9] Affective empathy (AE) deals with the ability of detecting and experiencing the others' emotional states, whereas cognitive empathy (CE) relates to perspective-taking ability allowing to understand and predict the other's various mental states (sometimes used synonymously with theory of mind).[11] Empathy constitutes an essential emotional competence for interpersonal relations and has been shown to be highly impaired in various psychiatric disorders including alcohol dependence.[9],[12] Empathy is crucial for maintaining interpersonal relations, which are frequently impaired in alcoholics and prove to be a source of frequent relapses.[9] However, research pertaining to empathy in alcohol has generated varied results.[9] Factors such as lapses, retaining in treatment, and abstinence have also been linked to subjects' empathy.[9],[13] However, few of these have assessed CE and AE separately.[9],[13] Previous literature has demonstrated that empathy correlates with the motivation to help others.[14] No study however addresses the role empathy may play in self-help, a crucial step in the management of alcohol dependence. A link between an alcoholic's empathy and motivation is lacking. It is imperative to highlight changes in empathy with changes in motivation, over and above the dichotomy of abstinence and dependence.Detailed understanding of empathy, or a lack thereof, and its fate during the natural course of the illness, particularly with each step of the motivation cycle, will prove fruitful in planning better strategies for alcohol dependence.

This will, in turn, lead to better handling of its social consequences and reduction in its burden on society and healthcare. The present study was thus formulated, which aimed at comparing CE, AE, and total empathy (TE) between subjects of alcohol dependence and normal controls. Differences in CE, AE and TE with abstinence and stage of motivation were also assessed. We also correlated CE, AE, and TE with disease-specific variables. Materials and Methods The present study is a cross-sectional observational study done in the outpatient psychiatric department of a tertiary care center.

Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethics committee (IEC/Pharm/RP/102/Feb/2019). The study was conducted over a period of 6 months (March 2019–August 2019) and purposive sampling method was used. Sixty subjects, between the ages of 18–65 years, diagnosed with alcohol dependence as per the International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria were included in the study as cases. Subjects with comorbid psychiatric and medical disorders (four subjects) and those dependent on more than one substance (six subjects) were excluded. As all the available cases were male, the study was restricted to males.

Sixty normal healthy male controls who were not suffering from any medical or psychiatric illness (five subjects excluded) were recruited from the normal population (these were healthy relatives of patients attending our outpatient department). Subjects were explained about the nature of the study and written informed consent was obtained from them. A semi-structured pro forma was devised to include sociodemographic variables, such as age, marital status, family structure, education, and employment status and disease-specific variables in the cases, such as total duration of illness, number of relapses, number of hospital admissions, and family history of psychiatric illness/substance dependence. Empathy was assessed using the Basic Empathy Scale for Adults for both cases and controls and motivation was assessed in the cases using the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA). The scales were translated into the vernacular languages (Hindi and Marathi) and the translated versions were used.

The scales were administered by a single rater in one sitting. The entire interview was completed in 20–30 min.InstrumentsThe Basic Empathy Scale for AdultsIt is a 20-item scale which was developed by Jolliffe and Farrington.[15] Each question is rated on a five point Likert type scale. We used the two-factor model where nine items assess CE (Items 3, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, and 20) and 11 items assess AE (Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18). The total score gives TE, which can range from 20 (deficit in empathy) to 100 (high level of empathy).The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA)This scale is based on the transtheoretical model of motivation given by Prochaska and DiClemente, which divides the readiness to change temporally into four stages. Precontemplation (PC), contemplation (C), action (A), and maintenance (M).[16] The URICA is a 32-item self-report measure that grades responses on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from one (strong disagreement) to five (strong agreement).

The subscales can be combined arithmetically (C + A + M − PC) to yield a second-order continuous readiness to change score that is used to assess readiness to change at entrance to treatment. Based on this score, the individual is classified into the stage of motivation (precontemplation, contemplation, action, and maintenance)Statistical analysisSPSS 20.0 software was used for carrying out the statistical analysis. (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0, released 2011, Armonk, NY. IBM Corp.). Data were expressed as mean (standard deviation) for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables.

Comparative analyses were done using unpaired Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni's test wherever appropriate. The correlation was done using Pearson's correlation test and point biserial correlation test for continuous and dichotomous categorical variables, respectively. The effect size was determined by calculating Cohen's d (d) for t-test, partial eta square (ηp2) for ANOVA, and correlation coefficient (r) for Pearson's correlation/point biserial correlation test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 120 subjects consisting of 60 cases and 60 controls who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered for the analysis.

The mean age of cases was 40.80 (8.69) years, whereas that of controls was 39.02 (10.12) years. About 80% of the cases and 88% of the controls were married. Only 58% of the cases and 57% of the controls were educated. Almost 80% of the cases versus 95% of the controls were employed at the time of assessment. Majority of the cases (75%) and controls (83%) belonged to nuclear families.

None of the sociodemographic variables varied significantly across cases and controls. Comparison of empathy between cases and controls using unpaired t-test showed cognitive (t(118) =2.59, P = 0.01), affective (t(118) =2.19, P = 0.03), and total empathy (t(118) =2.39, P = 0.02) to be significantly lower in cases [Table 1]. The analysis showed the difference to be most significant for CE (d = 0.48), followed by TE (d = 0.44), and then AE (d = 0.40), implying that it is CE that is most significantly lowered in men with alcohol dependence. [Table 2] shows the correlation between empathy and disease-related variables amng the cases using Pearson's correlation/point biserial correlation tests. Number of relapses negatively correlated with all three measures of empathy, most with CE (r = −0.42, P = 0.001), followed by TE (r = −0.39, P = 0.002) and least with AE (r = −0.31, P = 0.016).

This means that men with alcohol dependence who are more empathic tend to have lesser relapses. Having a family history of mental illness/substance use was seen to have a positive correlation with CE (r = 0.43, P = 0.001) and TE (r = 0.30, P = 0.02) but not AE (P = 0.17). As the coefficients of correlation for all the relations were <0.5, the strength of correlations in our sample was mild–moderate.Table 2. Relation of disease related variables with total empathy in casesClick here to viewMotivation and readiness to change was assessed in the cases using the URICA scale, which had a mean score of 8.78 (4.09). About 50% of the subjects were currently consuming alcohol (30 out of 60) and the remaining were completely abstinent.

Comparing empathy scores among those subjects still consuming and those subjects completely abstinent using unpaired t-test [Figure 1] showed that abstinent patients had significantly higher AE (t(58) =2.72, mean difference = 5.10 [95% confidence interval [CI]. 1.34–8.86], P = 0.009) and TE (t(58) =2.88, mean difference = 8.60 [95% CI. 2.63–14.57], P = 0.006) as compared to those still consuming but not CE (t(58) =1.93, mean difference = 2.83 [95% CI. 0.09–5.77], P = 0.058). This difference was most marked in TE (d = 0.77), followed by AE (d = 0.71).

Dividing the cases into their respective stages of motivation showed that 20 out of 60 (33%) subjects were in precontemplation stage, 10 out of 60 (17%) in contemplation stage and 30 out of 60 (50%) in action stage. None were seen to be in maintenance phase. Using one-way ANOVA to assess the difference in empathy across the various stages of motivation [Table 3], it was found that AE (F (2,57) = 5.03, P = 0.01) and TE (F (2, 57) = 4.25, P = 0.02) varied across the motivation cycle but not CE (F (2,57) = 2.26, P = 0.11). Difference was more significant for affective empathy (ηp2 = 0.15) as compared to total empathy (ηp2 = 0.13), although a small one. In both cases of affective and total empathy, it can be seen that empathy increases gradually with each stage in motivation cycle [Figure 2].

However, using the post hoc Bonferroni test [Table 4] revealed that significant difference in both cases was seen between precontemplation and action stages only (P <. 0.05).Figure 1. Difference in cognitive, affective, and total empathy among dependent and abstinent subjects. Data expressed as mean (standard deviation)Click here to viewFigure 2. Cognitive, affective, and total empathy in cases across precontemplation, contemplation, and action stages of motivation.

Data expressed as mean (standard deviation)Click here to viewTable 4. Comparison of cognitive, affective and total empathy in individual stages of motivation using post hoc Bonferroni testClick here to view Discussion Role of empathy in addictive behaviors is a pivotal one.[17] The present analysis shows that subjects dependent on alcohol lack empathic abilities as compared to healthy controls. This translates to both cognitive and affective components of empathy. Earlier research appears divided in this aspect. Massey et al.

Elucidated reduction in both CE and AE by behavioral, neuroanatomical, and self-report methods.[18] Impairment in affect processing system in alcohol dependence was cited as the reason behind the so-called “cognitive-affective dissociation of empathy” in alcoholics, which resulted in a changed AE, with relatively intact CE.[9],[17] However, there is enough evidence to suggest the lack of social cognition, emotional cognition, and related cognitive deficits in alcohol-dependent subjects.[19] Cognitive deficits responsible for dampening of CE seen in addictions have been attributed to frontal deficits.[19] In fact, it is a combined deficit which leads to impaired social and interpersonal functioning in alcoholics.[20] Hence, our primary finding is in keeping with this hypothesis.Empathy may relate to various aspects of the psychopathological process.[21] Disorders have also been classified based on which aspect of empathy is deficient – cognitive, affective, or general.[21] On such a spectrum, alcohol dependence should definitely be classified as a general empathic deficit disorder. It is also known that within a disorder, the two components of empathy may show variation, depending upon various factors.[21] Addiction processes may have impulsivity, antisocial personality traits, externalizing behaviors, and internalizing behaviors as a part of their presentations, all factors which effect empathy.[22],[23] Hence, it is likely that difference in empathy could be attributable to these factors, even though it has been shown that empathy operates independent of them to impact the disease process.[18]Abstinence period is associated with several physiological and psychological changes and is a key experience in the life of patients with alcohol use disorder.[24] The present analysis shows that abstinence period is associated with higher empathy than the active phase of illness. It has been demonstrated that empathy correlates significantly with abstinence and retention in treatment.[13],[23] A study has described improvement in empathy, attributable to personality changes with abstinence, in subjects following up for treatment in self-help groups.[13] A causative effect of improvement in empathy due to the 12-step program and abstinence has been hypothesized,[13] and our findings support this. Empathy is a key factor in motivation to help others and oneself when in distress. This suggests a role for it in motivation to quit and treatment seeking.

Yet still, few studies have made this assessment. Across the motivation cycle, we found that TE and AE were significantly higher for subjects in action phase than for precontemplation and contemplation phases. CE showed no significant changes. Thus, it appears that AE is more amenable to change and instrumental in motivation enhancement. Treatment modalities for dependence should inculcate methods addressing empathy, especially AE as this would be more beneficial.

It is also possible that these patients may innately have higher empathy and hence are motivated to quit alcohol, as has been previously demonstrated.[9]It is clear that in adults who have developed alcohol dependence, deficits in empathic processing remit in recovery and this finding is crucial to optimize long-term outcomes and minimize the likelihood of relapse. Altered empathic abilities have been shown to impair future problem solving in social situations, thus impacting the prognosis of the illness.[25] Similarly, it also hampers treatment seeking in alcoholics. CE played a greater role in our sample as compared to AE, contrary to what most literature states.[26] This is furthered by the fact that CE and TE correlated with number of relapses and having a family history of mental illness in our subjects, whereas AE correlated with only number of relapses. Subjects with higher empathy had significantly lesser relapses, suggesting a role for empathy, particularly CE in maintaining abstinence, even though it is least likely to change. This relation has been demonstrated by other researchers also.[13],[23] Having a positive family history of mental illness/addictions was associated with higher CE and TE.

Genes have shown to influence development and dynamicity of empathy in healthy individuals and as genetics play a major role in heredity of addictions, levels of empathy may also vary accordingly.[21],[27] As AE did not show this relation, it appears CE and AE may not be “equally heritable.” However, more research in this area is needed.Our study was not without limitations. Factors such as premorbid personality and baseline empathy were not considered. As all cases and controls were males, gender differences could not be assessed. We did not have any patients in the maintenance phase of motivation and hence this difference could not be assessed. It also might be more prudent to have a prospective study design wherein patients are followed throughout their motivation cycle to derive a more robust relation between empathy and motivation.

As our study was a cross-sectional study, it was not possible.To mention a few strengths, our analysis adds to the need for studying CE and AE separately, as they may impact different aspects of the illness and show varied dynamicity over the natural course of alcohol dependence owing to their difference in neural substrates.[28] While many risk factors for alcohol dependence are difficult if not impossible to change,[29] some components of empathy may be modifiable,[13] particularly AE. Abstinence is associated with an increase in AE and TE and thus empathy may be crucial in propelling an individual along the motivation cycle. Our analysis stands out in being one of the few to establish a relation between stages of motivation and components of empathy in alcohol dependence, which will definitely have further research and therapeutic implications. Conclusions Empathic deficits in alcohol dependence are well established, being more for CE than AE although both being affected. Even though psychotherapeutic approaches have hitherto targeted therapist's empathy,[30] we suggest that a detailed understanding of patient's empathy is equally crucial in the management.

Increment in AE and TE is seen with abstinence and improvement in subject's motivation. Relapses are lesser in individuals with higher empathy and it is possible that those who relapse develop low empathy. The present analysis is associational and causality inference should be done with caution. Modalities of treatment which focus on empathy and its subsequent advancement, such as brief intervention and self-help groups, have met with ample success in clinical practice.[13],[31] Adding to existing factors that have proved successful for abstinence,[32] focusing on improving empathy at specific points in the motivation cycle (contemplation to action) may motivate individuals better to stay in treatment and reduce further relapses.Financial support and sponsorshipNil.Conflicts of interestThere are no conflicts of interest. References 1.Caetano R, Cunradi C.

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None, Conflict of Interest. NoneDOI. 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_1101_2 Figures [Figure 1], [Figure 2] Tables [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4].