Psychosocial interventions for infertile couples:A scoping review

Objective:To bring out current evidence regarding psycho-social interventions for infertility care,and identify the best practices in clinical care.Methods:An in-depth literature review on infertility care intervention was conducted using data from multiple databases:PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,and PsycINFO.The relevant articles selected were between 2008 and 2022.Results:A literature search turned up 1798 citations,of which 25 studies were included after rigorous analysis.Various intervention categories have been constantly utilised to provide support and promote mental health,of which acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT)and cognitive behaviour therapy(CBT)were used most frequently.The interventions exhibited diversity in both content and composition,and addressed a wide range of issues.Conclusions:The review emphasizes that psycho-social interventions have a positive effect on psychological issues,relationships,and pregnancies among couples and can be incorporated into fertility-care practices.

Defects‑Rich Heterostructures Trigger Strong Polarization Coupling in Sulfides/Carbon Composites with Robust Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Defects-rich heterointerfaces integrated with adjustable crystalline phases and atom vacancies,as well as veiled dielectric-responsive character,are instrumental in electromagnetic dissipation.Conventional methods,however,constrain their delicate constructions.Herein,an innovative alternative is proposed:carrageenan-assistant cations-regulated(CACR)strategy,which induces a series of sulfides nanoparticles rooted in situ on the surface of carbon matrix.This unique configuration originates from strategic vacancy formation energy of sulfides and strong sulfides-carbon support interaction,benefiting the delicate construction of defects-rich heterostructures in M_(x)S_(y)/carbon composites(M-CAs).Impressively,these generated sulfur vacancies are firstly found to strengthen electron accumulation/consumption ability at heterointerfaces and,simultaneously,induct local asymmetry of electronic structure to evoke large dipole moment,ultimately leading to polarization coupling,i.e.,defect-type interfacial polarization.Such“Janus effect”(Janus effect means versatility,as in the Greek two-headed Janus)of interfacial sulfur vacancies is intuitively confirmed by both theoretical and experimental investigations for the first time.Consequently,the sulfur vacancies-rich heterostructured Co/Ni-CAs displays broad absorption bandwidth of 6.76 GHz at only 1.8 mm,compared to sulfur vacancies-free CAs without any dielectric response.Harnessing defects-rich heterostructures,this one-pot CACR strategy may steer the design and development of advanced nanomaterials,boosting functionality across diverse application domains beyond electromagnetic response.

A universal thermodynamic model of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in aqueous solutions and its applications in binary and ternary aqueous solutions

A universal thermodynamic model of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solution was developed based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory and verified in four kinds of binary aqueous solutions and two kinds of ternary aqueous solutions. The calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in four binary aqueous solutions and two ternary solutions at 298.15 K have good agreement with the reported activity data from literatures after shifting the standard state and concentration unit. Therefore, the calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples from the developed universal thermodynamic model for ternary and binary aqueous solutions can be applied to predict reaction ability of components in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions. It is also proved that the assumptions applied in the developed thermodynamic model are correct and reasonable, i.e., strong electrolyte aqueous solution is composed of cations and anions as simple ions, H2O as simple molecule and other hydrous salt compounds as complex molecules. The calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions strictly follow the mass action law.

Motivations, Challenges and Coping Strategies for Smoking Cessation: Based on Multi-ethnic Pregnant Couples in Far Western China

The present study aimed to clarify the smoking cessation motivations, challenges and coping strategies among pregnant couples. A qualitative design using a grounded theory approach was applied. Data were collected by individual semi-structured interviews with 39 married individuals(21 non-smoking pregnant women and 18 smoking or ever-smoking men with a pregnant wife) and 3 imams in an ethnically diverse region of far western China. The most common theme for smoking cessation motivation was 'embryo quality'(i.e., a healthier baby), followed by family's health. Most interviewees reported that husband's withdrawal symptoms were the greatest challenge to smoking cessation, followed by the Chinese tobacco culture. Coping strategies given by the pregnant women typically involved combining emotional, behavioral and social interventions. Social interventions showed advantages in helping to quit smoking. Pregnancy appears to be a positive stimulus for pregnant couples' smoking cessation. Our results suggest that pregnancy, a highly important life event, may help to reduce barriers to smoking cessation at the social level(e.g., limiting access to cigarettes, avoiding temptation to smoke), but does little to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Professional guidance for smoking cessation is still necessary.

Formation and Growth Kinetics of Intermediate Phases in Ni-Al Diffusion Couples

Formation and growth of the intermediate phases in the Ni-Al diffusion couples prepared by pouring technique were investigated. Electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the product phases in the joints. The results show that two intermediate phases form in the sequence of NiAl3 and Ni2Al3 during solidification. After annealed, Ni2Al3 and NiAl3 still exist in the joints of the couples. The reasons for the formation of Ni2Al3 and NiAl3, as well as the absence of NiAl, Ni5Al3 and Ni3Al were discussed, respectively. The growth kinetics of both product phase layers indicates that their growth obeys the parabolic rate law. The activation energies and frequency factors for NiAl3 and Ni2Al3 phases were also calculated according to the Arrhenius equation.

Calculating models of mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in RbCl-H_2O binary system and RbCl-RbNO_3-H_2O ternary system

Thermodynamic models of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in RbCl-H2O binary and RbCl-RbNO3-H2O ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions were developed based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory at 298.15 K.A transformation coefficient is needed to compare the calculated mass action concentration and the reported activity because they are obtained at different standard states and concentration units.The results show that the transformation coefficients between the calculated mass action concentrations and the reported activities of the same structural units or ion couples in RbCl-H2O binary and RbCl-RbNO3-H2O ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions change in a very narrow range.The transformed mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in RbCl-H2O binary system are in good agreement with the reported activities. The transformed mass action concentrations of RbCl and RbNO3 in RbCl-RbNO3-H2O ternary solution are also in good agreement with the reported activities,aRbCl and 3RbNOa,with different total ionic strengths as 0.01,0.05,0.1,0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,3.0 and 3.5 mol/kg,respectively.All those results mean the developed thermodynamic model of strong electrolyte aqueous solutions can reflect structural characteristics of RbCl-H2O binary and RbCl-RbNO3-H2O ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions and the mass action concentration also strictly follows the mass action law.

Preparation of Y-Zr-Hf,Y-Zr-Nb Ternary Diffusion Couples and Phase Diagrams Determination

Work has been done in preparing ternary diffusion couple containing one rare earth element.Though rare earth is highly reactive,we have successfully prepared two ternary diffusion couples containing yttrium by means of special technique.By using electron microprobe analysis(EMPA),the two isothermal sections of Y-Zr-Hf and Y-Zr-Nb ternary systems at 1273K have been determined.The section of Y-Zr-Hf system consists of three one-phase regions,three two-phase regions and one three-phase region.And that of Y-Zr-Nb system consists of two one-phase regions and one two-phase region.The effeet of some factors on EMP measuring ac- curacy was also discussed.

Current Situations and Challenges Concerning Sexual Health among Unmarried Couples Composed of a Mix of Japanese, South Korean Nationals, and Ethnic Koreans Born in Japan (<i>Zainichi</i>): A Qualitative Study

South Korean nationals are heavily represented in Japan’s foreign population, making up around 20% of all foreign residents in the country. Koreans in Japan can be viewed in two groups: Korean nationals who work or study in Japan, and those of Korean ancestry who were born in Japan or otherwise have historical reasons for residency (commonly called zainichi). There are certain differences seen in gender roles and Confucianism-based traditional culture among Japanese, South Korean nationals, and zainichi. This qualitative study examined consciousness and attitudes about marriage, family planning, and work-life balance in unmarried couples among these three groups. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with five unmarried couples comprising two members from the above three groups (age range: 20 - 35 years), residing in the Kinki region of western Japan. Twelve categories, 25 subcategories, and 79 codes were extracted from 636 contexts. Values regarding sexual health were analyzed from four viewpoints: marriage, family planning, work-life ba- lance, and sexual concerns. The results showed that the couples thought positively about marriage and family planning, while they had several sources of anxiety related to Confucian values and problems stemming from their different nationalities/roots. It is possible that gender roles and Confucian beliefs affect their sexual health. The study underscores that health professionals should provide pertinent knowledge and skills about family planning and child rearing, as well as premarital sexual health counselling, for unmarried couples composed of Japanese, South Korean nationals, and zainichi.

Positive Massage for Couples’ Wellbeing and Relationships: The Bridge between Positive Psychology and Massage

Although positive psychology interventions are generally aimed at individuals, when considering couples, a dyadic approach may be more effective. In terms of a couples’ wellbeing, their relationship is one of the most important factors. As such, interventions targeted for both members’ wellbeing via their relationship are likely to be of value. Currently, there exist limited dyadic positive activity interventions available in positive psychology, and notably, tactile intervention is lacking. Massage is the evidence based tactile health modality that has long history as a therapeutic intervention, as well as being one of the most natural human health-oriented behaviours. The current commentary argues for the link between positive psychology and massage, and that “Positive Massage” can be a bridge between the hitherto distinct entities of positive psychology and massage. Furthermore, based on the conceptual theoretical model of the link between Positive Massage and wellbeing, we propose that Positive Massage can be an effective positive intervention impacting on couples’ wellbeing and enhancing their relationships.

Influence of water coupling coefficient on the blasting effect of red sandstone specimens

This study investigates the impact of different water coupling coefficients on the blasting effect of red sandstone.The analysis is based on the theories of detonation wave and elastic wave,focusing on the variation in wall pressure of the blasting holes.Using DDNP explosive as the explosive load,blasting tests were conducted on red sandstone specimens with four different water coupling coefficients:1.20,1.33,1.50,and 2.00.The study examines the morphologies of the rock specimens after blasting under these different water coupling coefficients.Additionally,the fractal dimensions of the surface cracks resulting from the blasting were calculated to provide a quantitative evaluation of the extent of rock damage.CT scanning and 3D reconstruction were performed on the post-blasting specimens to visually depict the extent of damage and fractures within the rock.Additionally,the volume fractal dimension and damage degree of the post-blasting specimens are calculated.The findings are then combined with numerical simulation to facilitate auxiliary analysis.The results demonstrate that an increase in the water coupling coefficient leads to a reduction in the peak pressure on the hole wall and the crushing zone,enabling more of the explosion energy to be utilized for crack propagation following the explosion.The specimens exhibited distinct failure patterns,resulting in corresponding changes in fractal dimensions.The simulated pore wall pressure–time curve validated the derived theoretical results,whereas the stress cloud map and explosion energy-time curve demonstrated the buffering effect of the water medium.As the water coupling coefficient increases,the buffering effect of the water medium becomes increasingly prominent.

Strong coupling and catenary field enhancement in the hybrid plasmonic metamaterial cavity and TMDC monolayers

Strong coupling between resonantly matched surface plasmons of metals and excitons of quantum emitters results in the formation of new plasmon-exciton hybridized energy states.In plasmon-exciton strong coupling,plasmonic nanocavities play a significant role due to their ability to confine light in an ultrasmall volume.Additionally,two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs) have a significant exciton binding energy and remain stable at ambient conditions,making them an excellent alternative for investigating light-matter interactions.As a result,strong plasmon-exciton coupling has been reported by introducing a single metallic cavity.However,single nanoparticles have lower spatial confinement of electromagnetic fields and limited tunability to match the excitonic resonance.Here,we introduce the concept of catenary-shaped optical fields induced by plasmonic metamaterial cavities to scale the strength of plasmon-exciton coupling.The demonstrated plasmon modes of metallic metamaterial cavities offer high confinement and tunability and can match with the excitons of TMDCs to exhibit a strong coupling regime by tuning either the size of the cavity gap or thickness.The calculated Rabi splitting of Au-MoSe_2 and Au-WSe_2 heterostructures strongly depends on the catenary-like field enhancement induced by the Au cavity,resulting in room-temperature Rabi splitting ranging between 77.86 and 320 me V.These plasmonic metamaterial cavities can pave the way for manipulating excitons in TMDCs and operating active nanophotonic devices at ambient temperature.

Perceptions of Couples Who Use Jadelle Implant in Blantyre District, Malawi

Malawi has a high total fertility rate of 5.7 per woman and Jadelle implant may be an ideal option for couples who want to practice family planning. Jadelle is a long term contraceptive which is inserted just under the skin of a woman’s upper, inner arm by a nurse or midwife and prevents a woman from getting pregnant for a period of five years. But the use of Jadelle for family planning depends on perceptions of couples. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of couples who choose Jadelle as their family planning method at a Central Hospital in Blantyre district. This study used a descriptive qualitative design. A purposive sample of 5 couples was used. Ethical clearance was granted by relevant authorities. Data was analysed through content analysis. The findings showed that the following nine themes emerged from the qualitative data: 1) men and women perspectives about mode of action of Jadelle;2) knowledge about effectiveness and efficacy of Jadelle among men and women;3) sources of information about Jadelle;4) information given to Jadelle users by providers;5) benefits of Jadelle;6) challenges associated with Jadelle;7) myths associated with Jadelle;8) attitudes of providers of Jadelle and 9) role played by men regarding use of Jadelle. In conclusion, this study found that both men and women generally lacked knowledge of Jadelle. Men play a vital role when couples are choosing contraceptives. Every opportunity should be utilised at antenatal, postnatal and family planning clinics to teach individuals about family planning. This may allow women and men to make informed choices about the use of Jadelle.

A semi-analytical model for coupled flow in stress-sensitive multi-scale shale reservoirs with fractal characteristics

A large number of nanopores and complex fracture structures in shale reservoirs results in multi-scale flow of oil. With the development of shale oil reservoirs, the permeability of multi-scale media undergoes changes due to stress sensitivity, which plays a crucial role in controlling pressure propagation and oil flow. This paper proposes a multi-scale coupled flow mathematical model of matrix nanopores, induced fractures, and hydraulic fractures. In this model, the micro-scale effects of shale oil flow in fractal nanopores, fractal induced fracture network, and stress sensitivity of multi-scale media are considered. We solved the model iteratively using Pedrosa transform, semi-analytic Segmented Bessel function, Laplace transform. The results of this model exhibit good agreement with the numerical solution and field production data, confirming the high accuracy of the model. As well, the influence of stress sensitivity on permeability, pressure and production is analyzed. It is shown that the permeability and production decrease significantly when induced fractures are weakly supported. Closed induced fractures can inhibit interporosity flow in the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). It has been shown in sensitivity analysis that hydraulic fractures are beneficial to early production, and induced fractures in SRV are beneficial to middle production. The model can characterize multi-scale flow characteristics of shale oil, providing theoretical guidance for rapid productivity evaluation.

Chronic Immune Activation and Sexual Exposure among HIV Serodiscordant Couples in Senegal

Purpose: In Sub-Saharan Africa, an important proportion of incident HIV cases occur among heterosexual serodiscordant couples (HSDC) but the majority of HIV negative partners can remain seronegative. These are called HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN). We aimed to compare immune activation (IA) levels between HESN, their HIV infected counterparts (HIV+ partners) and HIV unexposed uninfected individuals (HIV-neg Controls) and to evaluate the association between sexual exposure to HIV (SEHIV) and IA. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Dakar, Senegal on 148 participants recruited between November 2013 and February 2014: 40 HIV-neg Controls, 54 HESN and 54 HIV+ Partners. SEHIV was evaluated individually using questionnaires. IA level was measured by plasma level of β2-microglobulin (β2m). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the different associations. Results: The median levels of β2m were 1.57 mg/l (IQR: 1.37 - 1.77), 2.14 mg/l (IQR: 1.76 - 2.43) and 2.24 mg/l (IQR: 1.80 - 3.17) for HIV-neg Controls, HESN and HIV+ partners, respectively. After adjustment, HESN had similar levels of IA with HIV+ partners but significantly higher than that of HIV-neg Controls (adjusted OR = 6.28;95% CI: [2.19 - 18.00]). The association between IA and SEHIV was evaluated in the HIV negative individuals. High frequency of SEHIV was associated with a β2m > 2.2 mg/l (OR = 6.56;95% CI: [1.71 - 25.21]);significantly more than median cut off value of >1.81 mg/l. Conclusions: Our study shows that, despite being uninfected with HIV, HESN individuals show a high level of IA, which was depended on the level of SEHIV.

Childcare,Elderly Caring and Off-farm Employment of Rural Couples in China

Based on the representative sample survey data of more than 1 000 farmers in 101 villages of 25 counties of 5 provinces in China,within the framework of family collective decision-making,this paper studied the effects and heterogeneity of childcare and elderly caring on the off-farm employment mode of rural couples. It found that caring the children younger than 3 years old significantly reduces the possibility of offfarm employment of rural couples;conversely,if there is 60-80 years old member in the family,it will significantly increase the possibility of off-farm employment of rural couples or the wives. Caring the children above 12 years old or the elderly older than 80 years old reduces the possibility of off-farm employment of the husbands. Whether there is preschool education service facility in the village has no effect on the off-farm employment of the couples.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention among HIV-Serodiscordant Couples in Burkina Faso: Biomedical Issues, Bioethical and Cultural Challenges

Context: In Burkina Faso, there are young HIV-serodiscordant partners who want to get married and wish to procreate. Objectives: The purpose of this research was: 1) to assess the sexual behaviour of young people in Burkina Faso, 2) to estimate their knowledge about the modes of HIV transmission, 3) to appreciate the cultural reasons of the desire to procreate among HIV serodiscordant couples and 4) to draw some bioethical lessons. Methods: From April to Septemr 2009, the survey on HIV and reproductive health in Burkina Faso carried out with 815 young people. Among them, 407 were females and 408 males (average age: 23.59 ± 2.99). They have voluntarily agreed to answer a questionnaire which gave the following results. Results: This study shows that young people in Burkina Faso had their first sexual intercourse at 18.99 ± 2.76 years, 23.68% (193/815) were afraid to be tested for HIV, 30.92% (252/815) have not yet been tested for HIV-serostatus and 39.75% (324/815) of them have never heard of HIV vertical transmission. Despite the fact that 36.81% (300/815) are HIV negative, they would be willing to marry the beloved HIV positive person and amongst them, 28.34% (231/815) want a child even with an HIV positive person beloved. Conclusion: So far, there is no effective vaccine against HIV. However, it is clear that Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) associated with ethical and cultural good options can contribute to reduce the spread of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Icariin accelerates bone regeneration by inducing osteogenesisangiogenesis coupling in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Icariin(ICA),a natural flavonoid compound monomer,has multiple pharmacological activities.However,its effect on bone defect in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)has not yet been examined.AIM To explore the role and potential mechanism of ICA on bone defect in the context of T1DM.METHODS The effects of ICA on osteogenesis and angiogenesis were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red S staining,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,Western blot,and immunofluorescence.Angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis.A bone defect model was established in T1DM rats.The model rats were then treated with ICA or placebo and micron-scale computed tomography,histomorphometry,histology,and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of ICA on bone formation in the defect area.RESULTS ICA promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.The ICA treated-BMSCs showed higher expression levels of osteogenesis-related markers(alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin)and angiogenesis-related markers(vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1)compared to the untreated group.ICA was also found to induce osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.In the bone defect model T1DM rats,ICA facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation.Lastly,ICA effectively accelerated the rate of bone formation in the defect area.CONCLUSION ICA was able to accelerate bone regeneration in a T1DM rat model by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.

Profile of Discordant Couples for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Followed in Kinshasa: Case of Monkole Medical Center

Background: Programs targeting serodiscordant couples in Africa are not a priority in efforts to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, although a large proportion of these occur in stable relationships, of which serodiscordance accounts for about two-thirds with a high risk of seroconversion of the seronegative partner. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the profile of HIV serodiscordant couples followed in Kinshasa, DRC. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study to describe the profile of different heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples followed at the Monkole Medical Center in Kinshasa, DRC, from November 2021 to June 2022. The data were collected from the information sheets elaborated by the research team as well as from the information provided by the computerized files of the patients managed at the Infectious Diseases Unit of the Monkole Medical Center after the signature of the informed consent. An average of 8 cc of blood was taken from a peripheral vein in the patient’s forearm, and was stored in EDTA tubes at −20˚C, of which at least 6 mL were used for biochemical analyses, 2 spots of 200 μL for each partner were stored on filter paper at −20˚C and were used for DNA extraction. Nested PCR confirmed the serological diagnosis. Results: Out of a total of 482 heterosexual couples followed for HIV at the Monkole Medical Center, 28 (5.8%) were HIV serodiscordant, of which 14 (2.9%) couples agreed to participate in the present study. The mean age was 43.39 ± 10 years with extremes ranging from 24 to 62 years. The patients were mainly from the informal sector (53.6%) and weighed between 61 and 71 kg (46.4%). Sexual intercourse continued in all couples, without condom use (85.7%) for desire of procreation (82.1%);although the great majority of HIV-negative partners (85.7%) were not under ARV prophylaxis. Leukopenia was found in 42.9% of HIV-negative partners compared to 21% of HIV-positive partners;all partners had a predominantly lymphocytic white blood cell count. 21.4% of HIV-negative partners had high HDL, 14.3% of HIV-positive partners had low HDL, and 14.3% of HIV-negative partners had high LDL. Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests showed no relationship between the biochemical parameters performed and the couples’ serodiscordance for HIV. Conclusion: The frequency of HIV discordant couples in Kinshasa is significant. Serodiscordance is encountered in young intellectual and entrepreneurial couples with a desire to procreate. It is desirable to carry out further analyses for better management of these couples.

Rheological properties and concentration evolution of thickened tailings under the coupling effect of compression and shear

Cemented paste backfill(CPB)is a key technology for green mining in metal mines,in which tailings thickening comprises the primary link of CPB technology.However,difficult flocculation and substandard concentrations of thickened tailings often occur.The rheological properties and concentration evolution in the thickened tailings remain unclear.Moreover,traditional indoor thickening experiments have yet to quantitatively characterize their rheological properties.An experiment of flocculation condition optimization based on the Box-Behnken design(BBD)was performed in the study,and the two response values were investigated:concentration and the mean weighted chord length(MWCL)of flocs.Thus,optimal flocculation conditions were obtained.In addition,the rheological properties and concentration evolution of different flocculant dosages and ultrafine tailing contents under shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling experimental conditions were tested and compared.The results show that the shear yield stress under compression and compression-shear coupling increases with the growth of compressive yield stress,while the shear yield stress increases slightly under shear.The order of shear yield stress from low to high under different thickening conditions is shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling.Under compression and compression-shear coupling,the concentration first rapidly increases with the growth of compressive yield stress and then slowly increases,while concentration increases slightly under shear.The order of concentration from low to high under different thickening conditions is shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling.Finally,the evolution mechanism of the flocs and drainage channels during the thickening of the thickened tailings under different experimental conditions was revealed.

Contraceptive Goals and Evaluation of Newlymarried Couples in Shanghai，China

Based on the data from the survey of 7,872 newly married couples,who got the marriage licenses in two districts of Shanghai,during the period from Aug.1987 to Aug.1988, we analyzed contraceptive goals evaluation and acceptability of newlyAl married couples within fifteen months alter their marriage and before their having a baby. About hail of couples had ever used contraception after marriage,mainly for reason of 'expecting to be relaxed temporarily' and 'expecting to be pregnant'. The contraceptive methods commonly used were rhythm and condom, in general for reason Of 'convenience in use' as well as 'harmlessness to health' and 'e/fectiveness'. The reason ic r switching contraceptive methods was 'interference with intercourse' and 'low effectiveness'. 64 percent oj couples were unwilling to use pill, mainly /or /ear of 'harm to health'.The factors affecting acceptability of pill and injection were wife' s age at marriage, her educational level, occupation and character, couple's contraceptive knowledge and their health status and monthly income.