Pacific Adventist University

ABSTRACTAimWe examine the phylogeographic genetic structure of the endangered pig‐nosed turtle Carettochelys insculpta, the last remaining member of a once globally widespread family, now restricted to northern Australia and southern New Guinea, a region with a complex geological and eustatic history. We examine their historical biogeography, demographic history and genetic status of threatened populations.LocationNorthern Australia, Southern New Guinea.MethodsWe reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and patterns of genetic diversity using a genome‐wide dataset of 15,081 single nucleotide polymorphisms and two mitochondrial loci from samples spanning the full species' range.ResultsThe Australian, Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua turtles are recovered as three distinct lineages; the Australian lineage diverged from the New Guinea lineages ca 660 Kya, while the Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua Province lineages diverged ca 564 Kya. Although the fossil record shows that C. insculpta has been a long‐standing representative of the Australia and New Guinea fauna (since at least the Miocene), extant lineages diverged later in the Middle Pleistocene. Both the Australian and Papua New Guinea lineages were likely shaped by bottlenecks, isolation and genetic drift, which in the Australian lineage greatly reduced effective population sizes to 48–88.Main ConclusionsThe contemporary genetic structure of C. insculpta is most consistent with a vicariance model whereby a large interchanging population occupying northern Australia and New Guinea came to be fragmented and diverged into Australian, Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua lineages. Subsequent dispersal via paleodrainages of the submerged continental shelf under the influence of Pleistocene sea‐level change is thought to have been impeded by the isolation of the Akimeugah and Arafura Basins. All populations of the Australian lineage show low genetic diversity without contemporary gene flow, suggesting they are vulnerable to inbreeding and reduced fitness, requiring the consideration of genetic rescue.

Pregnancy termination or induced abortion is not decriminalized, and access to safe abortion services is largely unavailable in Papua New Guinea (PNG). However, the practice is common throughout the country. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determine factors associated with pregnancy termination among married women aged 15-49 years in PNG. Secondary data from the 2016-2018 PNG Demographic and Health Survey (PNGDHS) was used. A total weighted sample of 6,288 married women were included. The Complex Sample Analysis method was used to account for the cluster design and sample weight of the study. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with pregnancy termination. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were reported. The prevalence of pregnancy termination was 5.3%. Nearly half (45.2%) of all pregnancy terminations occurred in the Highlands region. Women aged 35-44 years (aOR = 8.54; 95% CI: 1.61-45.26), not working (aOR = 6.17; 95% CI: 2.26-16.85), owned a mobile phone (aOR = 3.77; 95% CI: 1.60-8.84), and lived in urban areas (aOR = 5.66; 95% CI: 1.91-16.81) were more likely to terminate a pregnancy. Women who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) were 2.27 times (aOR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.17-4.41) more likely to terminate a pregnancy compared to those who did not experience IPV. Women with unplanned pregnancies were 6.23 times (aOR = 6.23; 95% CI: 2.61-14.87) more likely to terminate a pregnancy. Women who knew about modern contraceptive methods and made independent decisions for contraceptive use were 3.38 and 2.54 times (aOR = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.39-8.18 and aOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.18-5.45, respectively) more likely to terminate a pregnancy. The findings highlight the role of sociodemographic and maternal factors in pregnancy termination among married women in PNG. Efforts aimed at reducing unplanned pregnancies and terminations should focus on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and improving easy access to contraceptives for married couples. Post-abortion care should also be integrated into the country's legal framework and added as an important component of existing sexual and reproductive health services.

Surveys of Australian Swiftlets Aerodramus terraereginae at Chillagoe and Dooloomai Falls, Finch Hatton, Queensland, were conducted between 2012 and 2021, building on surveys conducted between 1972 and 2011. At Chillagoe, 57 colonies were located during the period 2012–2021: four colonies went extinct during this time, 19 declined, 24 increased and we located eight newly discovered colonies, resulting in a total of 8065 birds counted in 2021. The extinctions were probably caused by increased flooding, as were most of the declines, but the extermination of feral Cats Felis catus reduced Australian Swiftlet losses from predation. In 1 year (2017–2018), three pairs in one colony raised three fledglings, an event not previously recorded at Chillagoe. Most pairs raised only one or two fledglings per year. The two colonies at Dooloomai Falls were stable until 2021, when feral cat predation drastically reduced both colonies.

ObjectivesPapua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally and is committed to reducing their incidence. The Syphilis Interventions Towards Elimination (SITE) model was used to explore the expected impact and cost of alternative syphilis intervention scale-up scenarios.MethodsSITE is a dynamical model of syphilis transmission among adults 15–49 years. Individuals are divided into nine groups based on sexual behaviour and into six stages of infection. The model was calibrated to PNG using data from routine surveillance, bio-behavioural surveys, research studies and program records. Inputs included syphilis prevalence, risk behaviours, intervention coverage and service delivery unit costs. Scenarios compared different interventions (clinical treatment, contact tracing, syphilis screening, and condom promotion) for incidence and cost per infection averted over 2021–2030.ResultsIncreasing treatment coverage of symptomatic primary/secondary-stage syphilis cases from 25–35% in 2020 to 60% from 2023 onwards reduced estimated incidence over 2021–2030 by 55%, compared to a scenario assuming constant coverage at 2019–2020 levels. The introduction of contact tracing in 2020, assuming 0.4 contacts per symptomatic person treated, reduced incidence over 2021–2030 by 10%. Increasing screening coverage by 20–30 percentage points from the 2019–2020 level reduced incidence over 2021–2030 by 3–16% depending on the target population. Scaling-up clinical, symptom-driven treatment and contact tracing had the lowest cost per infection averted, followed by condom promotion and periodic screening of female sex workers and men who have sex with men.ConclusionsPNG could considerably reduce its syphilis burden by scaling-up clinical treatment and contact tracing alongside targeted behavioural risk reduction interventions. SITE is a useful tool countries can apply to inform national STI programming and resource allocation.

ABSTRACT Background Women who are spouses of students at a faith-based university in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are afforded proximal power. These women are perceived as leaders and regularly approached by members in their communities to provide advice on sexual and reproductive health matters. Women leaders therefore need access to sexual health information and training to provide appropriate advice. Objective The aim of this paper is to review the characteristics of community-based sexual health training in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), as reported in published literature. This is evidence to inform the development of sexual health training programs for women in PNG. Methods A systematic search of databases, repositories and websites identified peer-reviewed studies. Grey literature was also sourced from government and non-government organisations and PNG health professionals. Six published papers, one report, one health worker practice manual and one health worker training package were identified for inclusion. Selected papers were assessed against the Canadian Hierarchy of Evidence to determine quality of evidence for practice. Themes were identified using a thematic analysis approach. Results Three themes became apparent from the literature synthesis: i) program development; ii) mode of delivery, and iii) evaluation. Social and cultural context influenced all elements of sexual health training in PICTs. Few studies reported evidence of comprehensive evaluation. Conclusions Successful sexual health training programs in PICT communities are designed and delivered accounting for local contexts. Programs that engage participants with diverse abilities inspire change to achieve desired outcomes. Key findings from this study can be used to assist women leaders to contextualise and operationalise sexual health training to promote the wellbeing of members in their communities.

To undertake a retrospective perinatal death audit and assessment of avoidable factors associated with stillbirths among a cohort of women in two provinces in Papua New Guinea. We used data from an ongoing cluster-randomized crossover trial in 10 sites among 4600 women in Papua New Guinea (from 2017 to date). The overarching aim is to improve birth outcomes. All stillbirths from July 2017 to January 2020 were identified. The Perinatal Problem Identification Program was used to analyze each stillbirth and review associated avoidable factors. There were 59 stillbirths among 2558 births (23 per 1000 births); 68% (40/59) were classified "fresh" and 32% as "macerated". Perinatal cause of death was identified for 63% (37/59): 30% (11/37) were due to intrapartum asphyxia and traumatic breech birth and 19% (7/37) were the result of pre-eclampsia. At least one avoidable factor was identified for 95% (56/59) of stillbirths. Patient-associated factors included lack of response to reduced fetal movements and delay in seeking care during labor. Health personnel-associated factors included poor intrapartum care, late diagnosis of breech presentation, and prolonged second stage with no intervention. Factors associated with stillbirths in this setting could be avoided through a package of interventions at both the community and health-facility levels.

Background: Appropriate antenatal education services that increase men’s involvement in pregnancy and childbirth is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes. However, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), men’s involvement in antenatal education services remains inadequate. This study aimed to describe experiences of men’s involvement in antenatal education services and identify factors that facilitate or restrict their involvement.
 Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among 17 men who have attended antenatal care (ANC) and involved in antenatal education sessions with their wives. Semi-structured and face-to-face interviews were employed to obtain detailed descriptions of men’s experiences and their perception of antenatal health education services, including factors that influenced their involvement. Data is generated from interviews. The findings are informed by the thematic analysis.
 Results: Three key themes that emerged were: (1) perception of ANC as women’s domain, (2) knowledge of antenatal education services, and (3) accessing of antenatal education services. Factors influencing men’s involvement were: strict gender roles, being responsible for pregnancy and spousal communication. Lack of knowledge, dissatisfaction with antenatal services, and lack of capacity to involve men were other reasons further observed.
 Conclusion: This study found negative perceptions; poor maternal knowledge and socio-cultural norms, inadequate information dissemination and poor men-friendly services influenced men’s involvement. Suggestions to strengthen men’s involvement require gender-inclusive and culturally appropriate antenatal education programs.

Although hookworm is highly prevalent in the Solomon Islands, the species involved are unknown. We initiated this study in response to finding Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworm in a peacekeeper in Australia who had returned from the Solomon Islands. Kato-Katz fecal surveys performed in 2013 and 2014 in 2 village groups in East Malaita, Solomon Islands, identified hookworm-positive samples. These specimens were tested by cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox-1) gene multiplex PCR and sequenced. Of 66 positive specimens, 54 (81.8%) contained only Necator americanus, 11 (16.7%) contained only A. ceylanicum, and 1 (1.5%) contained both species. A. duodenale was not found. Haplotype analysis of cox-1 sequences placed all human isolates (99% bootstrap support) of A. ceylanicum within the zoonotic clade rather than the human-specific clade. This study confirms that A. ceylanicum is endemic in the East Malaita region of this Pacific Island nation. The strain of the A. ceylanicum in this region can be shared among humans, dogs, and cats.

Forests of Asia-Pacific islands have undergone degradation by some of the worst-known selective logging practices in the tropics. It is unclear whether severely damaged forests can return to a pre-logging state via natural regeneration, or whether active restoration is required. In this review, we highlight how the socioeconomic dynamics in the Solomon Islands promote excessive logging, resulting in highly degraded forests. We detail seven key elements currently promoting excessive logging in this region: (i) economic interests, (ii) corruption, (iii) poor employment conditions in the logging sector, (iv) high forest accessibility, (v) resource limitations for forest monitoring, (vi) contention over logging benefits, and (vii) a paucity of information for policy development. Though research on the regeneration capacity of logged forests in the Solomon Islands remains extremely limited, we suggest that some logged forests in the country may require active restoration—especially those that have been most heavily damaged. Our argument is based on previous tree planting initiatives in logged forest in the 1970s and 1980s. We propose three broad restoration techniques—enrichment planting, direct seeding, and the use of artificial perches—as viable options to help restore logged forests in the Solomon Islands. Lastly, we recommend the conservation-concession model to aid forest restoration, given its recent success in the region.