Exploring Attitudes Toward "Sugar Relationships" Across 87 Countries: A Global Perspective on Exchanges of Resources for Sex and Companionship

The current study investigates attitudes toward one form of sex for resources: the so-called sugar relationships, which often involve exchanges of resources for sex and/or companionship. The present study examined associations among attitudes toward sugar relationships and relevant variables (e.g., sex, sociosexuality, gender inequality, parasitic exposure) in 69,924 participants across 87 countries. Two self-report measures of Acceptance of Sugar Relationships (ASR) developed for younger companion providers (ASR-YWMS) and older resource providers (ASR-OMWS) were translated into 37 languages. We tested cross-sex and cross-linguistic construct equivalence, cross-cultural invariance in sex differences, and the importance of the hypothetical predictors of ASR. Both measures showed adequate psychometric properties in all languages (except the Persian version of ASR-YWMS). Results partially supported our hypotheses and were consistent with previous theoretical considerations and empirical evidence on human mating. For example, at the individual level, sociosexual orientation, traditional gender roles, and pathogen prevalence were significant predictors of both ASR-YWMS and ASR-OMWS. At the country level, gender inequality and parasite stress positively predicted the ASR-YWMS. However, being a woman negatively predicted the ASR-OMWS, but positively predicted the ASR-YWMS. At country-level, ingroup favoritism and parasite stress positively predicted the ASR-OMWS. Furthermore, significant cross-subregional differences were found in the openness to sugar relationships (both ASR-YWMS and ASR-OMWS scores) across subregions. Finally, significant differences were found between ASR-YWMS and ASR-OMWS when compared in each subregion. The ASR-YWMS was significantly higher than the ASR-OMWS in all subregions, except for Northern Africa and Western Asia.

[Uterine ruptures. 32 cases]

On the basis of qqq 32 cases of rupture of the uterus observed over a 5-year period at the Monastir University hospital (Tunisia), the authors recall the high incidence of this obstetrical emergency: 1 incident per 548 deliveries. The usual aetiological factors were present: multiparity, caesarean scar, mechanical dystocia, oxytocic dystocia and obstetric manoeuvres. The foeto-maternal prognosis is poor with a maternal mortality rate of 3.13% and a perinatal mortality rate of 46.9%. Treatment should be conservative whenever possible. The authors attempt to define a prophylactic approach on the basis of the aetiological context.

[Prenatal surveillance and determinants of prenatal follow-up in the Monastir health district]

Prenatal monitoring is a prime strategy to improve the end of pregnancy. To estimate the prevalence rate and the conditions determining such a monitoring, the authors carried out a survey on 1190 pregnant women in the Monastir district (Tunisia). The rate of satisfactory monitoring (4 check-up and more) is 45.8 p.c. Age and high parity have a negative influence, but instruction, occupation and a bad out come of the last pregnancy favour a satisfactory prenatal monitoring.

[Fetal prognosis in breech delivery. Statistical study of 543 cases]

The authors report a retrospective study of 543 breech deliveries during a 4-year period (1987-90). The cesarean section rate was 18.4 per cent, and perinatal mortality 3.68 per cent. Poor prognostic factors were: multiparity, large fetus, cord prolapse, second stage of labour lasting more than 30 mins and obstetric manoeuvres. Prenatal care and obstetric evaluation before labour may improve fetal prognosis.

[HELLP syndrome. Epidemiological, nosological and prognostic aspects]

The authors report a prospective and controlled study of hellp syndrome in two groups of patients: normal and preeclamptic. Hellp syndrome was seen only in the pre-eclamptic group (19.3 per cent). Maternal prognosis was poor when Hellp syndrome was confirmed. Several maternal complications were seen: severe hypertension, subarachnoid hemorrhage, coagulation disorders and renal failure. Maternal mortality was high (16.7 per cent). Hellp syndrome does not worsen fetal prognosis, which is already compromised by pre-eclampsia.

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in eight pregnant women with severe mitral stenosis

Normal gestation is associated with a hyperdynamic adaptive state. The circulatory changes represent an additional burden on the cardiovascular system of women with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). Life-threatening complications can occur in pregnant women with severe MS. We successfully performed percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PMV) in eight pregnant patients (mean age 28 +/- 6.9 years, range 21-38 years). Pregnancy mean age was 24.6 +/- 6.5 weeks. Five patients were in NYHA functional class III and three patients were in class IV. Emergency PMV seemed to be life saving to both mother and foetus in one case. All patients but one had pliable valves. PMV was achieved using the double balloon transseptal technique. To protect the foetus from radiation, the patient's pelvic-abdominal area was shielded and left ventriculography was not performed. The total mean time of PMV was 72 +/- 19 min and that of fluoroscopy was 16.6 +/- 7.8 min. Gorlin's mitral valve area increased from 0.83 +/- 0.15 to 2.4 +/- 0.34 cm2 and the cardiac index from 3.1 +/- 0.77 to 4.2 +/- 0.79 l.min-1.m-2. Left atrium pressure decreased from 29 +/- 10 to 14 +/- 5 mmHg and mitral valve gradient from 21 +/- 7 to 6 +/- 3 mmHg. There were no complications or residual MS. At a mean follow-up of 13.2 +/- 9.4 months, all patients were in NYHA class I and had a normal course of pregnancy. The eight women delivered healthy full-term babies. At 1-25 months post-partum follow-up, the eight infants had shown normal growth and development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Evaluation of the method of delivery in breech presentation]

The authors report a retrospective study based upon 543 breech deliveries at term, collected between 1987 and 1990. The cesarean section rate was 18.4 per cent. It was prophylactic in 56 cases. When the possibility of vaginal delivery was accepted, cesarean section was performed in 9 per cent of cases. Fetal mortality and morbidity were higher with vaginal delivery. However, maternal morbidity was greater in the cesarean section group. Study of the literature shows that the increase in cesarean section rate in recent years is not the only factor responsible for improved fetal prognosis. It is therefore important to restrain this increase and find the optimum percentage rate.

[Problems posed by the delivery of twin pregnancies]

The authors present a retrospective study of 249 deliveries of twin pregnancies collected between 1987 and 1990. The incidence of twin pregnancies is 1.6%. Delivery is premature in 28.1% of cases and that of low birth weight is 51.7%. In 13.2% of cases, delivery was Cesarean and the Apgar score was significantly higher for the first twin than for second. Perinatal mortality was 7.2 percent. The authors compare these findings with those reported elsewhere in the literature.

[Profile of referred pregnancies from the Tunisian Sahel]

Investigation of the referral system for pregnancies from peripheral maternity units to the Maternity clinical of the main teaching hospital (CHU) in the region of Monastir has shown that one in five pregnancies is referred. The referred pregnancies account for 30 percent of the obstetrical activity of the CHU and reveal a high risk sociodemographic profile. The outcome of pregnancy is generally less good than that of non-referred cases. Evaluation of the referral system has shown that some of the cases did not require referral. The effectiveness of this system can be improved by used a grid to refer high-risk pregnancies.