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The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many disparities globally. In the United States, the pandemic has drawn attention to key social issues, including those related to the national food system. With unemployment rates rising exponentially, Americans have seen drastic changes within the grocery store, with limited supplies and increased prices resulting in higher levels of food insecurity. These changes mostly affect populations who may already be at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or may be financially unstable. While food banks are working tirelessly to assist individuals and families, there is an urgent need for systemic change to ensure that these vulnerable groups are protected, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.

This article describes a few of the strategies that have proven useful in the training of applied anthropology students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels in preparation for careers in and outside of academia. Reflecting on our experiences as professors in one of the premier applied anthropology programs in the nation, we highlight our efforts to provide solid training through (1) strategies to enhance professionalization skills for both academic and non-academic work, (2) the offering of an international and interdisciplinary field school, (3) the establishment of domestic training opportunities that involve partnerships with not-for-profit organizations as well as with private sector agencies, and (4) the offering of curricula that emphasize the ethics of research and practice and that prepare future instructors for the teaching of applied anthropology.

The aim of this study was to assess whether household food insecurity is associated with delayed or early menarche among girls in the United States. Thirty-six dyadic household interviews were conducted with mothers and adolescent girls. The interviews included a socio-demographic survey, the USDA Six-Item Short Form Household Food Security Survey Module, anthropometric measurements, and the self-administered Youth-Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire. Using non-parametric quantitative analyses, we examined the associations among food insecurity, anthropometrics, diet, and age at menarche. Cox Proportional Hazards Models were used to evaluate the odds of menarche based on household food insecurity. Food insecurity significantly predicted earlier time to menarche. Food insecure girls were 4.38 times more likely to experience menarche at earlier ages when compared to food secure girls (HR = 4.38

Introducción: La atención en las unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal (UCIN) ha sido centrada en diversos equipos tecnológicos que han dejado a un lado la parte humana y el acercamiento de los padres en esta etapa vulnerable, es por ello que las iniciativas de cuidados humanos en neonatología se consideran como un método que permite humanizar el cuidado de estos bebés constituyéndose como la herramienta más apropiada los avances tecnológicos, en armonía con el contacto del entorno familiar. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo que con la aplicación de instrumento tipo CAP y una guía de observación determinó los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los enfermeros sobre las iniciativas de cuidados humanos en neonatología en las UCIN en Valledupar. Resultados: La mayor parte de la población se ubica en edades entre 18- 30 años, femeninas en su totalidad, con experiencia laboral entre 1- 5 años y formación avanzada a nivel de diplomado en el área. El 100% de las enfermeras conocen las iniciativas de practicarlas. Solo el 16% interviene en el protocolo de mínima manipulación neonatal, y fomenta el neurodesarrollo del recién nacido

Objective To compare the prevalence of demographic characteristics and sexual behaviours across age groups and to estimate their significance in predicting sexual risk factors by age cohort. Methods This cohort study examined sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence among heterosexual men in Brazil, Mexico and the USA ( N =3047). Participants completed a sexual risk factor questionnaire and were tested for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital herpes. We examined sexual risk in the study population through a composite measure of STI positivity by age cohort (young: 18–30 years; middle-aged: 31–44 years; older: 45–70 years). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We found that STI positivity varied significantly by age group among heterosexual men by a number of covariates. In younger men, having more advanced education had a protective effect (16 years: AOR=0.37, 95% CI 0.15– 0.92), whereas higher numbers of sexual partners elevated the risk for STIs (20–49 partners: AOR=2.06, 95% CI 1.04–4.06; ≥50 partners: AOR=4.33, 95% CI 1.74–10.76). Middle-aged men who were black (AOR=1.64, 95% CI 1.10–2.42) and divorced/separated/widowed (AOR=1.91, 95% CI 1.21–3.02) had an increased risk for a positive STI test. Among older men, a younger age at first vaginal sexual encounter (AOR=3.75, 95% CI 1.45–9.74) and a history of exchanging sex for money or drugs heightened STI risk (AOR=2.30, 95% CI 1.0–5.04). Conclusions These findings demonstrate that age-related life experiences among heterosexual men influence sexual risk and STI transmission. This topic warrants further investigation to support the development and implementation of targeted interventions that may potentially reduce adverse sexual health outcomes.

A simple, inexpensive, and mild one-pot methodology for the synthesis of novel 4-aryl-3-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines derivatives using aqueous HCl as catalyst has been developed. The key step involves the formal inverse-electron-demand [4π+ + 2π] cycloaddition reaction of in situ–generated cationic 2-azadienes with arylpropenes (isoeugenol and trans-anethole). Iminium ion intermediates are generated through the condensation between N-benzylanilines and formalin. The products are obtained with good to excellent yields and high trans-diastereoselectivity. Further catalytic hydrogenation (Pd/C) allowed debenzylation to successfully obtain the respective 4-aryl-3-methyl-N-H-tetrahydroquinolines of interest. Recent reports suggest that these compounds could serve as interesting models in pharmacological studies against parasites that cause the most common tropical diseases.

This article focuses on how numerous international nongovernmental organisations (INGOs) have stepped forward to provide services related to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment in Lesotho. We highlight some widely recognised challenges associated with the INGO approach and describe how people working in that sector in Lesotho experience similar challenges, focusing especially on weak or inadequate monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Partially in response to such weaknesses, Lesotho is implementing its ‘Partnership Framework to Support Implementation of the Lesotho National HIV and AIDS Response.’ A major goal for this initiative is to strengthen procedures and methods for M&E. Through examination of a partnership that the authors are cultivating with Catholic Relief Services in Lesotho, we discuss some ways that anthropologists can contribute to formulating M&E processes and procedures that can provide sound measures of outcomes and have the potential to inform programme development.Keywords: aid agencies; civil society organisations; development; financing; INGOs; multisectoral collaboration; NGOs; programme evaluation; southern AfricaAfrican Journal of AIDS Research 2009, 8(4): 473–480

For those of us working in the public sector (or with public monies) there are particular strategies that are applied in the process of getting IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval and in justifying and securing funding. This paper takes a quick glimpse into the implications of some of the rhetorical and methodological approaches taken in rationalizing interventions and research work on HIV in Africa. The goal of this is to provoke ourselves, as practicing anthropologists, to reflect on and discuss the ways in which our writing—grants, evaluations, reports and articles—influence conceptions of risk and the translation of required IRB ethical principles into practice. In order to do this, we discuss the ways in which rhetoric and numbers are used by "us" and interpreted by other people. We then extend the discussion to some ethical issues we encountered in our attempts to develop a protocol for an HIV and food security intervention in Lesotho. Data for this paper are drawn from interviews conducted with representatives from government agencies, NGOs, Faith-Based Organizations, and international agencies, as well as from interviews and small group discussions with community leaders, health workers and chiefs, and informal observations and conversations with friends and colleagues.

Eighteen Latino adults living in the U.S. for less than 2.5 years were surveyed and interviewed about their pre- and post-migration diets and lifestyles. While this mostly female sample reported that their primary language was Spanish, many had some limited skills in written and spoken English. Two thirds were from Colombia, married, and had between 1 and 4 children, and more than half had post-secondary education. Percent change in diet, food habits, and activities associated with lifestyle, regardless of the direction, ranged from a low of 27.8% of the sample for alcohol consumption to a high of 100% for both physical activity and sedentary behavior. In most cases, post-immigration food types and behaviors represented unhealthy changes, including weight gain, a lack of physical activity, and a corresponding increase in television viewing time and in the consumption of fast food, processed food, soda, and, to a lesser extent, artificial juices. Ten participants were interviewed about daily life in their native countries (pre-migration) and since coming to the U.S. (post-migration). Six primary themes emerged with regard to post-migration lifestyle changes: pace of life, family interaction, social integration, socioeconomic status, physical security, and control over children's eating patterns. All of these themes were related to decision-making regarding food choices and food habits, and in many cases such decisions were detrimental to health.

Recently a few vocal health experts have suggested that some of the billions of dollars currently used to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS be reallocated to address more basic problems such as malnutrition, tuberculosis, malaria, and enteric and diarrheal disease caused by lack of access to clean water. While not universally agreed upon, this reassessment of policy priorities acknowledges that there are multiple other health problems that deserve renewed attention from the international community. It also highlights the fact that the impacts of the HIV pandemic are exacerbated by widespread poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition, and gender inequality. Nowhere is this more evident than in sub-Saharan Africa, where multiple epidemics conflate and seriously compromise the survival of individuals and communities. Given the widespread occurrence of famine in sub-Saharan Africa, issues of food and economic security become of paramount importance in efforts to address the region’s HIV epidemics. This paper examines the historical, political-economic, and cultural dimensions of the HIV epidemic in the context of the growing problem of food and economic insecurity. Furthermore, using theoretical frameworks that emphasize the dynamic interrelation between HIV/AIDS and food insecurity, we present suggestions for combining traditional HIV-prevention strategies with food production and nutritioneducation programming. In light of the complex interactions between HIV/AIDS and food insecurity and the lack of accessible treatment modalities, such programming could potentially reduce the risk for transmission of HIV through behavioural changes and improved nutritional and immune status, and increase the life expectancy of people living with HIV or AIDS.Keywords: history; interventions; Lesotho; resource-poor settings; sub-Saharan Africa; sustainable agricultureAfrican Journal of AIDS Research 2009, 8(4): 401–412

Data from women in two communities in rural Costa Rica were analyzed in order to examine food insecurity in an area undergoing a shift from an agricultural economy to tourism (e.g., eco/adventure tourism). While there were significant differences in socio-economic status between the two communities, the prevalence of food insecurity was high in both, ranging from 67% in the agricultural community to 73% in the tourism community. Not being a member of a food cooperative (OR = 4.85), not having a working stove (OR = 6.27), and increasing body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.32) predicted food insecurity in both communities. Additionally, the frequency of condiment use was inversely associated with food insecurity (OR = .363). These findings along with other data suggest that food insecurity is a problem in this area. Furthermore, dietary quality associated with food insecurity might be responsible for the high prevalence of obesity among the study participants.

Drug addicted women whose economic and social base is urban streets face limited options for income generation and multiple dangers of predation, assault, arrest, and illness. Exchanging sex for money or drugs offers one important source of income in this context. Yet the legal, social, and safety risks associated with these exchanges reduce the likelihood of regular safer sex practices during these encounters, thereby increasing the risk of HIV infection. Such conditions lead women engaged in sexual exchanges for money to varied and complex responses influenced by multiple and often contradictory pressures, both personal and contextual. Street-recruited women drug users in an AIDS prevention program in Hart-ford, Connecticut reported a range of condom use when engaging in sex for money exchanges. This paper explores their differences by ethnicity, economic resources, and drug use, and analyzes these and other factors that impact on street risks through sexual income generation. Surveys and in-depth interviews with drug-addicted women sex workers describe their various approaches to addressing multiple risks on the streets and suggest significant effort by women in these contexts to avoid the many risks, including HIV infection.AIDS prevention programs directed toward women who exchange sex for money or drugs must address multiple issues, including drug addiction, lack of job opportunities for women, culturally constituted gender relationships, and the power of clients to force unprotected sexual activity. Project COPE II, a collaborative effort on the part of community-based service and research agencies in Hartford, Connecticut (US), conducted street outreach to recruit active heroin injectors and crack cocaine users for AIDS risk assessment and voluntary HIV testing. 46% of the 258 female drug users recruited had exchanged sex for money and 31% had exchanged sex for drugs, but only 21% reported consistent condom use. Of the 128 women who agreed to HIV testing, 19 (15%) were HIV-positive; another 37 women did not undergo testing because they already knew they were infected. There was a positive association between exchanging sex for money and both higher injection rates and crack use, suggesting the former may be a strategy for women to achieve a sufficient income to support an addiction at that level. Open-ended interviews with 22 women who reported engaging in sex for money in the preceding month indicated women's need to acquire drugs and avoid withdrawal symptoms overpowered their determination to insist on condom use. Women tried to reduce their HIV risk by promoting oral sex with clients and sticking with regular clients. Interventions aimed at street-based workers should build on women's existing methods of self-protection and empower them to take greater control over their sexual encounters. Also essential are increased drug treatment availability to reduce the effects of addiction, injection drug use harm reduction techniques for those unwilling to enter treatment, and improved training and employment opportunities for impoverished women.

This article presents a qualitative account of the risks faced by sex workers in inner-city Hartford, Connecticut. Data were collected from sixteen ethnic minority drug-using women actively involved in prostitution. In addition to the risk of HIV and other STDs, emotional and physical violence, including assault, rape, and even murder, figure prominently in the lives of these women. Daily exposure to street violence, coupled with the demands of a drug habit, and limited economic possibilities, often hinder sex workers' efforts to protect themselves against HIV infection. General recommendations are made for the development of prevention efforts that specifically target the needs of this population.