Although the number of known HIV-infected students in Madagascar increased significantly between 1989 and 1995, very little is known about student behaviour with regard to AIDS. The study objectives were: to describe Malagasy students' sexual behaviour and condom use; to document students' perceptions about condoms; and to study the relationships between students' socio-demographic characteristics, their perceptions about condoms, and their condom use. The survey used a cross-sectional design and was conducted at the Antananarivo's university campus sites. Anonymous questionnaires were self-administered to 320 randomly selected students.Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Logistic regressions were performed to identify the predictors of condom use. Participants' average age was 24 years. Approximately 80% of the participants reported sexual experiences, and the average age at sexual debut was 19 years. Only 5.7% reported consistent condom use. Common reasons for non-use were steady relationships (75.6%), the perception that condoms were useful only during ovulation periods (8.7%), and the decrease of pleasure (6.4%). The predictors of condom use were male gender, and the perception that condoms were useful during ovulation periods.Risky sexual behaviours with regard to AIDS were prevalent in this community. An HIV prevention programme is recommended. Keywords: Sexual behaviour, condoms, HIV, students, Madagascar. RésuméBien que le nombre connu des étudiants malgaches infectés par le VIH ait largement augmenté entre 1989 et 1995, l'information sur le comportement des étudiants par rapport au SIDA est très limitée. Les objectifs de cette étude furent: 1) décrire le comportement sexuel des étudiants malgaches et l'utilisation du préservatif, 2) documenter les perceptions des étudiants envers les préservatifs, 3) examiner dans quelle mesure l'utilisation du préservatif par les étudiants varie en fonction de leurs caractéristiques sociodémographiques et leurs perceptions envers les préservatifs. Cette étude a été menée dans les sites du campus universitaire d' Antananarivo en utilisant un devis transversal. Un questionnaire anonyme a été auto-administré à 320 étudiants sélectionnés au hasard. Des statistiques descriptives et intervalles de confiance à 95% ont été calculés. La régression logistique a été utilisée pour identifier les déterminants de l'utilisation du préservatif. La moyenne d'âge des participants était de 24 ans. Environ 80% des répondants ont signalé avoir eu des rapports sexuels et l'âge moyen de premiers rapports était de 19 ans. Seulement 5,7% ont rapporté l'utilisation systématique du préservatif. Les raisons de non utilisation furent les suivantes : être dans une relation stable (75,6%), la perception que le préservatif est uniquement utile durant la période d' ovulation (8,7%) et la réduction du plaisir (6,4%). Le genre masculin et l'argument d' ovulation ont été identifiés comme prédicteurs d'utilisation de préservatifs. Les comportements sexuels à risque...

We followed 1000 sex workers in Madagascar for 18 months to assess whether adding female condoms to male condom distribution led to increased protection levels and decreased sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For months 1-6, participants had access to male condoms only; in the final 12 months, they had access to male and female condoms. We interviewed participants about condom use every two months and tested for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis every six months. Following six months of male condom distribution, participants used protection in 78% of sex acts with clients. Following female condom introduction, protection at months 12 and 18 rose to 83% and 88%, respectively. Aggregate STI prevalence declined from 52% at baseline to 50% at month 6. With the female condom added, STI prevalence dropped to 41% and 40% at months 12 and 18, respectively. We conclude female condom introduction is associated with increased use of protection to levels that reduce STI risk.

This study assessed the phenotypic and allelic profiles of ABO and Rhesus D blood group system among first time blood donors at the National Centre of Blood Supply of Antananarivo. We collected through this retrospective study all data registered during 7 years of practice (from 2003 to 2009). Age and sex were analysed with the result of ABO and RhD screening. They were tested both with Beth Vincent and Simonin tests which were performed in a plate, by using commercial monoclonal antibody (Diaclone(®) et Eryclone(®)), and home-made red cells tests. The Rh D was performed with the same commercial kits. The frequencies of alleles were calculated by using Bernstein method. Data about 45,857 donors were obtained. A male predominance (80.46%) was found and most of our donors were aged <40 (74.92%). 98.90% of the donors were Rh D positive. Phenotypic distribution of each ABO antigen was, respectively, 22.61, 29.66, 6.13 and 41.60% for A, B, AB and O antigen. Allelic frequencies of A, B and O were 0.1559, 0.1987 and 0.6454. These results confirmed the fact that Madagascan population had admixed ethnic origin.

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