@article { author = {}, title = {Household Headship and Women’s Health: An Exploratory Study from Egypt}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {1-9}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30908}, abstract = {Background: Despite of the efforts done to achieve women’s empowerment as one of the 17Sustainable Development Goals, women still suffer from unequal access to education besidesseveral illnesses contributing to chronic diseases development. Women Headed Families(WHF) are a major concern nowadays as it can be considered as a risk factor for manymorbidities and social problems. Therefore, this study was conducted to draw attention to theuprising vulnerability trend of WHF. Objectives: to compare the socio-demographiccharacteristics and pattern of morbidities between females heading families and those who donot. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Met-Rahena Village in Egypt. Apurposive sample of 886 females were interviewed. The questionnaire included questionsabout education, work status, and several morbidities. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0.The Chi-square or Fisher Exact tests were used to analyze the association between variables.Results: The mean age of the females heading a family was (47.3) years, which wassignificantly higher than the mean age of females not heading a family (36.1) years. Thestudied types of morbidities appeared to be represented higher in the group of femalesheading a family than in the other group, namely; hypertension, diabetes mellitus, GITdiseases, ophthalmological problems and musculoskeletal disorders (p <0.05). Conclusionand Recommendation: As the health status of women heading families is not desirable, sothere is a great need for effective interventions directed to this vulnerable group to improvetheir quality of life.}, keywords = {women’s health,female household headship,morbidity}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30908.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30908_905f6f7afdc5602f9510dd052010fe1f.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Disclosure of HIV Positive Status: A Challenge Facing HIV Control, Alexandria, Egypt}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {10-16}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30910}, abstract = {Background: Egypt is reported to have a growing HIV epidemic especially among injectingdrug users and men who have sex with men. There is no published research studyingdisclosure among those living with HIV in Egypt. The study aimed to estimate disclosurerate, motives, barriers, consequences, and association with sexual behavior. Methods: Eighty(80) people living with HIV -16 years old and above- were selected using a systematicrandom technique from those regularly attending Alexandria National AIDS program centerfor treatment supply. A designed semi-structured interview questionnaire was used to collectdata. Results: Self disclosure rate was 78.8%. Socially unaccepted behaviors associated withHIV transmission are significantly associated with non disclosure. Seeking support was themain motive. Sister and mother were first to disclose to (79.3%). Anger and rejection wassignificantly associated with disclosure of HIV transmission through socially unacceptedbehaviors. Denial of disease was the parents’ reaction in 4.8%. Female sex workers and menhaving sex with men were regretting disclosure to their sexual partners in most occasions andusually have unprotected sex. Conclusion: Culture, traditions, and religious beliefs play animportant role in disclosure motives and consequences in Egypt. Public awareness regardingdisease nature and high risk behaviors, and encouraging screening among high risk behaviorgroups should be integrated in the control program. Disclosure of HIV status and havingprotected sex should be discussed with all HIV diagnosed cases irrespective of their maritalstatus.}, keywords = {HIV,AIDS,disclosure,Unprotected sex,Egypt}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30910.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30910_ba6cd6acb48253713469f4ea1150889e.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Working Environment Effects on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate among Traditional Egyptian Bakers}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {17-26}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30911}, abstract = {Background: Bakers face various common health problems at their work which may beaggravated when combined with improper awareness of ways of protection. Objective: Thecurrent study aimed at determining the most common symptoms encountered by bakers and tocompare the peak expiratory flow rates of bakers with a control group. Method: The studyincluded 71 bakers and 120 controls. The participants filled an interview questionnairecontaining socio-demographic data as age, marital status, education, occupational backgroundand questions about history of common diseases, body mass index was calculated, and peakexpiratory flow rates were measured. Results: The mean expiratory flow rate of bakers wassignificantly lower than that of the control group. None of the workers reported receivingtraining to raise their awareness on the types of occupational disorders and methods ofprevention. As regard respiratory symptoms, a significant difference was detected betweengroups regarding chest tightness (P=0.009) and sweating (p=0.03). Multiple logisticregression was done to identify factors associated with abnormal PEFR among bakers. Afteradjustment of relevant factors (age, BMI, job duration, working hours and workplacecharacteristics), it was found that exposure to heat in workplace was the independent factoraffecting PEFR. Conclusion: The study concluded that bakery workers had various healthproblems related to the nature of their work and the work environment needed application ofsafety standards.}, keywords = {bakery workers,health disorders among bakers,awareness of bakers,heat exposure in bakeries}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30911.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30911_a40bd2239bb33d80275789e62a155814.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Geospatial Analysis of Breast Cancer in Alexandria: Application of a Novel Public Health Tool}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {27-36}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30913}, abstract = {Background: Geographic information system is a toolbox that can depict geography of80% of health problems (epidemiology and outcome) and geography of healthcaresystems (screening, prevention, treatment/care services delivery), that can predict futurecases levels and trends and show areas with significant clustering of cases to target withprevention and control. Objective: The objectives of the present study were to portray thegeographical distribution of breast cancer cases in Alexandria, identify the breast cancercluster areas in Alexandria, and to calculate the predicted number of breast cancer casesuntil year 2020. Method: Breast cancer cases clinically and pathologically diagnosed andconfirmed in Alexandria University Hospital, Medical Research Institute and AyadiAlmostakbal in Alexandria, over 10 years, between January 1, 2005 and December 31,2014 and diagnosed and managed in the three enrolled data warehouse were obtained. Adigitalized map of Alexandria was used. The data of breast cancer prevalence was overlaidand spatial analysis of prevalence by district and locality was generated using GISsoftware. Results: Cancer breast cases through 2005-2014 in Alexandria were 6806 casesof which 4534 cases were geocodable. Four Clusters of districts were found, and thecharacteristics of each cluster was portrayed and mapped. Projection and prediction ofcancer breast revealed 704 cases in Alexandria in year 2020 with a consistent increase incases. Conclusion: Montaza district was the most significant cluster area.}, keywords = {Cancer breast,Spatial analysis,GIS,public health tool}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30913.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30913_16ab6c99def4ae89926dc5eba1a97bbb.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Overweight and Obesity among Female Students in Sohag University and Factors Associated with their Occurrence}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {37-46}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30914}, abstract = {Background: Obesity is a medical disorder in which extra body fat is stored to the degreewhich may have a harmful effect on the health. People are generally measured obese whentheir body mass index (BMI) is ≥ 30 kg/m2, with the range from 25–29.9 kg/m2 isconsidered as overweight. However, some countries, especially in the East Asian area mayuse lower values to define both overweight and obesity. Objective: This study aimed atdetermining the proportion suffering from overweight and obesity among a sample offemale students in Sohag university, and identifying factors associated with theiroccurrence. Method: A cross sectional study was carried out in faculties of medicine,nursing and education in Sohag university and included a sample of 600 female studentsaged 17-25 years in the selected faculties. The data was collected through personalinterviews with the participating students using a questionnaire containing questions aboutsociodemographic variables, dietary habits, physical activity, perceptions of body weightand beliefs of obesity and the record of self-reported and actual anthropometric bodymeasurements. Results: More than one third of participants (37.3%) were overweight and1.2% were obese. Lack of physical activity, consumption of soft drinks and marital statuswere significantly related to obesity. The participants preferred dairy products and fattyfoods over vegetables and fruits. In addition, “lack of time” was the most frequentlymentioned barrier to eating a healthy diet and being engaged in regular exercise.Conclusion: Overweight and obesity were detected in 38.5% of the participants. Life stylemodification is important to improve healthy habits earlier in life}, keywords = {Obesity,Female Students,Sohag university}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30914.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30914_94920176511b1a26f7e9fb097fa96504.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Physical Inactivity Prevalence and Determinants among Assiut University Students, Egypt}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {47-57}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30915}, abstract = {Background: Physical inactivity (PI) became an alarming epidemic. University studentsare considered an interesting group for studying the prevalence and determinants of PI.Interventions for promotion of healthy lifestyle, including physical activity in this group isa way of ensuring a good physical and mental health not only as young adults but alsolater in life. Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of physicalinactivity and its determinants among Assiut university students. Method: A multistagestratified cluster sampling was used to conduct a cross-sectional study among arepresentative sample of Assiut University student (850 students). A self-administeredGlobal Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to collect the data. Results:Total respondents were 805 (95%). The mean age was 20.2±1.8 years old. Males represent53.4% and the sample includes 56.5% of theoretical faculties students, 29.0% of practicalfaculties and 14.5% of medical faculties. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 14.3%(9.3% among males and 20.0% among females). The odds of physical inactivity are nearly3 times more in females (CI= 1.707 – 4.719, p < 0.001). Also, the chance of physicalinactivity increased by 2.4 times among student of medical faculties (CI= 1.330 – 4.251, p= 0.003) and nearly two times among students of practical faculties (CI= 1.170 – 3.129, p= 0.019). Conclusion: Most of Assiut University students either moderately or highlyactive and only 14.3% were physically inactive. Predictors of physical inactivity amongAssiut University students are being a female and student of medical or practical faculty.}, keywords = {Physical Inactivity,Assiut University,prevalence,Egypt}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30915.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30915_e58919f4e740e078de05cdff0dd75023.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Antiretroviral Therapy in Egypt: Are There Any Barriers to Medication Adherence?}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {58-65}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30916}, abstract = {Background: Egypt provides free antiretroviral therapy (ART) to some 5000 EgyptianPeople Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) across a number of distribution points. Objective:This study aimed mainly at identifying potential facilitators and barriers to ART. Method:Focus groups discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 33 PLWHA representing most ofEgyptian geographical areas. Discussions were designed to cover socio-demographiccharacteristics of participants, routine investigations, monitoring & follow up measures,problems associated with drug intake, PLWHA needs, stigma, and relevant future concerns.Results: Participants confirmed availability of drugs without interruptions almost all months,yet, for the majority (63.7%) of participants, investigations were done during the process oftracing their clinical complaints that were behind first HIV testing, while treatment wasinitiated without prior relevant investigations for (36.4%) of participants. The majority(75.75%) of participants did not receive adequate counseling before starting their treatment.Almost two thirds (63.6%) of participants initiated drugs at late stage of the disease. Allparticipants (100.0%) expressed their needs for a well-trained person at each center. Thetreatment had troublesome side effects in the form of drowsiness and loss of concentrationamong (72.72%) of participants. All (100%) of participants mentioned different stigmatizingpractices against them at treatment facilities. Conclusion: Lack of accurate information aboutHIV and ART, inadequate Monitoring and follow up measures, drug side effects andstigmatizing practices against Egyptian PLWHA represent the most common barriers to ARVtherapy.}, keywords = {Antiretroviral therapy,Egypt,barriers,Medication Adherence}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30916.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30916_e50621f536ca160f34f33e2d552da9b1.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Perception of Importance of Premarital Counseling among Medical Students of Tanta University, Egypt}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {66-75}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30917}, abstract = {Background: In Egypt utilization of pre-marriage counseling and testing (PMC) is stilllimited. Objective: To identify knowledge and attitude of medical students towards PMC.Method: A cross sectional study at Tanta Faculty of Medicine on 379 students using apredesigned questionnaire. Results: The majority admit that PMC can detect hereditarydiseases (79.4%) and sexually transmitted infections (73.8%). Among participants, 76.2%were willing to use free PMC and 18.8% expressed awareness of premarital investigations.Only 49.7% knew about places providing PMC. Concerning level of information, 27.6% ofparticipants did not have enough information about PMC. The main sources of informationwere mass media (31.8%) and internet (30.0%). The main reason for not utilizing PMC wasnot to interfere with “Allah will”. More males (12.5%) think that PMC may delay marriage ascompared to 5.1% for females. Students with consanguineous parents showed significantlyhigher level of knowledge than those whose parents were not related. Conclusion: Studentshad good perception of the importance of PMC but they did not knew the places andinvestigations of PMC.}, keywords = {Premarital Counseling,Medical students,Egypt}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30917.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30917_86ed749291525a9137681f85965ecbb0.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Twenty Month Surveillance Infections in Intensive Care Unit of Zagazig University hospitals}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {76-84}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30918}, abstract = {Objective: To report types and rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) as well aspathogen distribution from HAI surveillance system of Zagazig University Hospitals.Method: Active prospective surveillance was conducted from March 2016 throughNovember 2017 in intensive care hospitals (ICUs) in Zagazig university hospitals. Definitionswere adapted from the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network. Data collection wasperformed by trained healthcare workers in the participating ICUs, and data was recorded onclinical symptoms, radiological and laboratory investigations. A convenience sample ofclinical isolates was tested for quality control at a central reference laboratory. Results:Fifteen (15) ICUs from 7 hospitals collected 106,028 patient-days of surveillance data. Of 290HAIs identified, 56.6% % were bloodstream infections followed by urinary tract infection32.4%. The highest rate of device-associated infections was reported for central lineassociatedBlood stream infection (3.39 CLABSIs/1,000 central line-days) followed byventilator-associated pneumonia (1.13 VAP/1,000 ventilator-days). Out of 280 isolates ofICU acquired organisms, Klebsiella was the most common isolated organism (38.2%)followed by staphylococcus and E. Coli (11.4 % and 10.4%). The most common obstaclesidentified were work overload and lack of cooperation of ICU staff. High levels ofsatisfaction of surveillance team for surveillance program training course, data collectiontools (logbooks and smart devices, and overall usefulness of the program in reducing HAIs)were reported. Conclusions: HAIs have great threat to patient safety in Zagazig UniversityICUs. Continuation of surveillance activities and implementation of preventive bundlesshould become a priority for the Infection control team.}, keywords = {HAI,surveillance,Incidence,Microorganism,Intensive Care Units}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30918.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30918_02802b8e32cad51a25180e281f4d1fe9.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Maternal Knowledge and Practice Regarding Children’s Nutrition and Impact on Growth of their Children in Sixth of October City, Cairo.}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {85-94}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30919}, abstract = {Background: Malnutrition has been responsible for 60% of the 10.9 million annual deathsand 50 to 70% of the burden of diarrheal disease and respiratory tract infections amongunder-five year’s old children. It is also a major cause of disability preventing children fromreaching their full developmental potential. In the context of nutrition and food consumption;knowledge is generally defined as the understanding of the health benefits of different foodsand nutrients. This awareness of healthy nutrition is then translated to feeding practice.Objectives: To assess mothers’ feeding knowledge and practice of their 6 to 60 months oldchildren in 6th of October City and to evaluate the influence of this knowledge on theirchildren’s nutritional status. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongmothers-children pairs randomly selected from two family health centers in 6th of Octobercity using an interview questionnaire, 24 hr. dietary recall, and anthropometricmeasurements. Results: Interviewed participants were 252; mean mothers’ age was 27.9 ± 6years, 81% were housewives, and 61% had higher than 2ry school education. Early initiationof breastfeeding (BF) was reported by 28.9% of mothers, 51.2% practiced exclusive BF for4-6 months, 25.4% gave formula milk during 1st 6 month of life, 16.4% continued breastfeeding up to 2 years. Stunting, wasting & overweight among children were 20.2%, 6% and9.9% respectively. Mother`s age, education, nutritional knowledge and practice scores, andfamily socioeconomic status significantly affected child`s Height for age Z-score (HAZ) andWeight for Height Z-score (WHZ). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that mothers hadgood knowledge and practice regarding most aspects of BF and weaning yet they showedpoor practice of early initiation and continuation of BF, introduction of meat and whole eggs,child`s consumption of fruits , vegetables, and eggs.}, keywords = {nutrition,Knowledge,Practice,Preschool}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30919.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30919_bf32c02cb1e6a747300506ffb2ea052f.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Obituary of Professor Dr. Gabr Metwally El-Sayed}, journal = {The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {95-95}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Egyptian Community Medicine Association}, issn = {1110-1865}, eissn = {2090-2611}, doi = {10.21608/ejcm.2019.30920}, abstract = {}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30920.html}, eprint = {https://ejcm.journals.ekb.eg/article_30920_9227f51bf2f844b440d5ce351d7e5253.pdf} }