Summaryobjectives To evaluate the quality and usefulness of integrated sexually transmitted infection (STI) care at non-governmental family planning (FP) clinics in Cô te d'Ivoire.methods Evaluation components included: (1) a survey measuring the prevalence of STI and the predictive value of the Ivorian vaginal discharge treatment algorithm, (2) client exit interviews, (3) direct observations of client-provider contacts, (4) the monitoring of the clinicsÕ workload and available equipment and supplies and (5) interviews of programme managers and FP providers.results Among 368 FP clients surveyed, the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, B. vaginosis and Candida albicans were respectively 1.6, 5.7, 7.1, 44.8 and 5.2%. The positive predictive value of the national algorithm for the detection of cervicitis was only 6.3%, and was 17.9% among a subgroup of young, single women. Of 200 clients interviewed, 96% were satisfied with the services and 95% would return to the FP clinic if they had genital problems. In 215 observed client-provider contacts, 88% of 94 STI cases were correctly managed. Programme managers and providers reported no substantial work overload as a result of the integration of STI services.conclusions The prevalence of cervical infections is relatively low in this population and the Ivorian algorithm that treats all women with vaginal discharge performs poorly. Over-treatment of cervicitis can be reduced by modifying the algorithm, although improved diagnostic tools are urgently needed to detect cervicitis in this population. Continued STI case management at the FP clinics is nevertheless justified because there exists an easily identifiable group of higher risk women who need STI care; and because of the demand by a large proportion of clients, the high prevalence of vaginal pathogens, and the limited costs to the FP programme.keywords family planning, sexually transmitted infections, integration, Cô te d'Ivoire, case management, human immunodeficiency virus prevention
Geopolymers today constitute an alternative to be considered with the aim, not of completely replacing cement, but of widening the possibilities available at the time of decision-making because this type of clay-based binder has a low impact environmental and thermal compared to Portland cement. The methods used to obtain eco-friendly building units from waste materials can be separated into three general categories: firing, cementing and geo-polymerization. The reaction of solid aluminosilicate materials with a highly concentrated aqueous alkali hydroxide or silicate solution produces a synthetic alkali aluminosilicate material called a 'geopolymer. Geopolymers based on clay materials from Burkina Faso were developed and then characterized for use in construction. The results of the characterization of the clay mineral material referenced TAN as well as its calcined forms TAN-700 and TAN-800 have shown by several analysis techniques (DRX, IR, ICP-AES) that TAN contains kaolinite (71%), quartz (20%), illite (4%) and goethite (2%). TAN-700 and TAN-800 are essentially made of quartz. These clays are each mixed with the alkaline solution (sodium hydroxide solution 8 mol.L -1 ) in a mass ratio (alkaline solution/clay) ranging from 0.33 to 0.36. The results of the mechanical and mineralogical tests of the geopolymers produced showed that the grade GP-MK 0 produced had the best performance favorable for its use in construction. Indeed, its linear shrinkage (3.44%) is low and the compressive strength (22.50 MPa) is greater than 4 MPa. This performance of GP-MK 0 is due to the formation of a phase rich in silica and in alumina (Na 2 (AlSiO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 •2H 2 O).
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