Yuri Sasaki

Predictors of Exclusive Breast-Feeding in Early Infancy: A Survey Report from Phnom Penh, Cambodia

BACKGROUNDnExclusive breast-feeding (EBF) is recommended in the first 6 months of an infants life. This study aims to investigate the present status of infant feeding practices and identify factors that affect EBF practices during the first 6 months following infant birth in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.nnnMETHODSnA cross-sectional survey with a semistructured questionnaire was given to 312 mothers with children aged 6 to 24 months who visited the immunization clinic in the National Maternal and Child Health Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from December 2005 to February 2006.nnnRESULTSnEighty-three percent of mothers fed breast milk exclusively in the first month, whereas only 51.3% continued EBF in the first 6 months. Within 30 minutes after delivery, 39% of mothers began breast-feeding. Results from logistic regression analysis indicate that the lack of a maternal antenatal EBF plan (odds ratio [OR] = 10.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.68-27.24, p < .001), working mothers (OR = 4.71, 95% CI = 2.77-8.01, p < .001), and lack of paternal attendance at breast-feeding classes (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.13-3.28, p < .05) have independently positive associations with cessation of EBF during the first 6 months of infant life.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe findings have helped to identify some important factors affecting EBF practices in the study area in Cambodia. The findings revealed that it is important to educate pregnant mothers, probably through exposure to trained midwives and media, so they may recognize the significance of EBF and will develop intention and plan to feed their babies, keeping in mind the benefits it may yield. Paternal involvement in breast-feeding classes may increase their awareness and consequently complement EBF practices. Finally, development of conducive working environments and policies for working mothers should be carefully explored because it could have positive influence in better care and promotion of EBF.

Pricing-to-Market Behavior: Japanese Exports to the US, Asia, and the EU

The paper examines the pricing-to-market (PTM) behavior of Japanese exporters in the US, Asian, and EU markets. Empirical evidence shows that PTM elasticity is highest to the US market. This matches the intuitive reasoning that the US market is more competitive than the EU and Asian markets for Japanese exporters. Furthermore, PTM elasticities estimated in this paper using expected exchange rates are positive but their amounts are smaller than PTM elasticities estimated by previous studies with actual exchange rates. The difference may be due to the fact that the invoice currency for most Japanese exports is the US dollar. Copyright 2002 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

The import behavior of Japanese corporate groups: Evidence from micro-survey data

Abstract Using a sample of 561 Japanese manufacturing firms, we test whether or not their Keiretsu affiliation characteristics affect their import behavior. After controlling for the effects of other economic determinants of imports, we find that Keiretsu firms import as much as non-Keiretsu firms do. Thus, we do not find evidence to support the claim that Keiretsu relationships are an important non-tariff barrier to imports at the firm level.

Prevalence and barriers to HIV testing among mothers at a tertiary care hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Barriers to HIV testing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

BackgroundOne-third of all new HIV infections in Cambodia are estimated to be due to mother-to-child transmission. Although the Ministry of Health adopted a policy of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC), nearly a quarter of pregnant mothers were not tested in 2007. Greater acceptance of HIV testing is a challenge despite Cambodias adoption of the PITC policy.MethodsA hospital-based quantitative and cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of and barriers to HIV testing among mothers after delivery at the National Maternal and Child Health Center in Phnom Penh. The Center is one of the largest maternal and child care hospitals in the country to offer PITC services. All 600 eligible mothers who were admitted to the hospital after delivery from October to December 2007 were approached and recruited. Data were collected via a semi-structured questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of HIV testing among women who delivered at the hospital was 76%. In multivariate logistic regression, factors such as the perceived need to obtain a partners permission to be tested (OR=0.27, 95% CI=0.14-0.51, p<0.01), the lack of knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment (OR=0.38, CI=0.22-0.66, p<0.01), and the lack of access to ANC services (OR=0.35, 95% CI=0.21-0.58, p<0.01) were found to be the main barriers to HIV testing.ConclusionTo achieve greater acceptance of HIV testing, counseling on HIV prevention and treatment must be provided not only to mothers but also to their partners. In addition, utilization of non-laboratory staff such as midwives to provide HIV testing services in rural health facilities could lead to the greater acceptance of HIV testing.

Inertia in the key currency

Abstract This paper empirically analyzes inertia in the position of the dollar as the key currency. We extend a money-in-the-utility model to one with parallel international currencies. We use an extended model to estimate a parameter in the utility function. Also, given the estimated parameter, we simulate a relation between depreciation and share of the dollar. The result indicates that the share of the dollar will not decrease even if the dollar depreciates at a moderate rate. Thus the dollar will keep its position as the key currency – inertia works in the key currency.

Willingness to undergo HIV testing among factory workers in Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate workers perceptions of HIV testing in the workplace in Indonesia. In a cross-sectional study, we used a self-administered questionnaire in Surabaya, Indonesia. A convenient sample of 536 workers was chosen from two factories with similar sample characteristics from March through June 2008. Of these workers, 433 (response rate: 80.8%) answered questions about their willingness to undergo HIV testing. More than 40% of workers were willing to undergo HIV testing. Not knowing where to get tested (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.40, confidence interval [CI] = 0.18–0.89) and not feeling the need to be tested for HIV (AOR = 0.02, CI = 0.01–0.04) were negatively associated with willingness to undergo HIV testing. HIV prevention in the workplace needs to reach out to individuals who are not willing to undergo HIV testing – workers unaware of where to get tested for HIV and not feeling the need to get tested – through education, information, and communication in the workplace in light of the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. High-impact voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) strategies need to be quickly developed to improve HIV prevention and access to care in the workplace.