@article { author = {El-Ghitany, Engy}, title = {Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Egypt: Current Situation and Future Perspective}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {1-9}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29460}, abstract = {Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most challenging public health problem in Egypt where the prevalence is the highest in the world and its history, epidemiology, risk factors, genotype and model of care are unique. On World Hepatitis Day (July 28, 2016), the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) launched NO hep, the first global movement aimed at galvanizing support toward the elimination of viral hepatitis (i.e. 90% reduction in new chronic infections, 65% reduction in mortality compared with a scenario in which interventions would continue at the current level), by 2030. In the same context, Egypt has established the plan of action for the prevention, care and treatment of viral hepatitis 2014-2018. In order to achieve the elimination target in Egypt by 2030, political, community and health care system cooperation and commitments must be met. Understanding and accurately describing the magnitude of the problem, its determinants and barriers to control are crucial to achieve the target. This article reviews the problem in Egypt from a present and future perspective elucidating the current situation and future prediction adopting different scenarios.}, keywords = {hepatitis C,Egypt}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29460.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29460_2683708f0e9057673395c92f139ea590.pdf} } @article { author = {Algaradi, Ashraf and Sherif, Aida and Wahdan, Iman}, title = {Infection Control Procedures and Practices in Intensive Care Units of a General Hospital, Sana’a, Yemen}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {10-18}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29461}, abstract = {Background: Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are at a greatest risk of health care associated infections (HAIs). Adherence to infection control (IC) precautions helps to prevent HAIs. Objective(s): To assess the infection control (IC) procedures and practices in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in ICUs of Althawra General Hospital in Sana'a, Republic of Yemen. All ICUs and their managers (n=12) and health care workers (n=200) made the target of the study. Data were collected using the IC assessment tool designed by the United States Agency for International Development (US-AID). It comprises modules for IC procedures and observation checklists for IC practices. Results: The IC procedures were poor regarding hand hygiene practices (49.1%), injection practices (25%), and type of catheters used in ICUs (16.7%). The IC practices of HCWs were poor regarding hand hygiene practices (30.2% in 46% of the ICUs), injection administration practices (35.7% in 34.5% of the ICUs) and waste disposal practices (23.5% in 92.5% of the ICUs). Conclusion: Infection control procedures and practices in ICUs of Althawra General Hospital were poor with respect to injection practices, type of catheters used in ICUs, hand hygiene practices, injection administration, and waste disposal. Recommendations: Improving the IC procedures regarding hand hygiene practices, injection practices, and type of catheters used in ICUs and addressing the IC practices of HCWs is a necessity.}, keywords = {Infection control,Intensive Care Units,practices of HCWs}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29461.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29461_cf3f1fa0fa46ce1e9146726b501389ad.pdf} } @article { author = {Kandil, Amr and Gewaifel, Gihan and Abdelhai, Rehab and Ramadan, Ahmed and Teleb, Nadia}, title = {A National Survey to Evaluate Measles-Rubella National Vaccination Campaign Coverage in Egypt}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {19-29}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29462}, abstract = {Background: A national vaccination campaign for measles and rubella (MR) was conducted in Egypt in the period from October 31st to November 21st, 2015, across Egyptian governorates by the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), in collaboration with World Health Organization and UNICEF. It targeted 24 million children aged 9 months to 10 years. Objectives: The present survey aimed at evaluating coverage of the MR national vaccination campaign, to identify the gaps and generate sound recommendations for the upcoming campaigns. Methods: A cluster survey was conducted targeting children aged 9 months to less than 10 years. This household survey was carried out in 26 governorates of Egypt. In each governorate 240 interviews were completed. Results: The survey revealed that the campaign achieved an overall coverage of 98.2% compared to 109.8% vaccination coverage as reported by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Some clusters showed below target coverage in a couple of governorates (Port Said 93.3% and Qena 93.8%). Non-vaccinated children constituted 1.8% of all surveyed children. When causes of non-vaccination were enquired about, the most frequently mentioned cause was ignorance of parents about the vaccination campaign (43 children, 38.1%). Conclusion: The MOHP implementation of the national MR campaign was successful and achieved its objective for increased coverage with MR vaccine among the target age group.}, keywords = {Measles-Rubella,Vaccination coverage,Egypt}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29462.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29462_f1c317111d8bb95a14dd6c8a8e4ab6e2.pdf} } @article { author = {Ahmed, Amel and El-Berrawy, Mohamed}, title = {Factors Affecting Maternal Tetanus Vaccination in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {30-35}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29463}, abstract = {Background: Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine is still recommended for pregnant women even in countries that declared elimination of neonatal tetanus (NT) and consequently the maternal tetanus (MT). Many factors may affect TT vaccination during pregnancy. Objective(s): This study was conducted to identify the factors affecting maternal tetanus vaccination among a sector of Egyptian women in Dakahlia governorate. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used throughout the study. Two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to interview a total number of 3780 women with children of 0–11 months old in the eighteen districts of El-Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Women were interviewed by using the "standard WHO EPI TT immunization of women cluster form". Results: About two thirds (63.2%) of surveyed women received the full recommended doses of TT vaccine. Receiving of TT vaccine was significantly higher among women who had one or two parities, and 1.5 times higher among women who had at least four antenatal follow up visits. Factors that hindered TT vaccination were not being advised by doctors, and inconvenient time of vaccination sessions as reported by 54.8% and 34% of interviewed women, respectively. Lack of awareness about vaccine importance, and vaccine schedule were reported by 18.9%, and 16.2% of surveyed women, respectively. Conclusion: Number of parity, frequency of seeking antenatal care, advice of healthcare providers, and lack of awareness were the main identified factors that affected receiving TT vaccine during pregnancy.}, keywords = {Maternal tetanus vaccination,Egypt}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29463.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29463_66f4355376a043f55f49930d0511cf20.pdf} } @article { author = {Dorra, Neamat and El-Berrawy, Mohamed and Sallam, Shaimaa and Mahmoud, Raed}, title = {Evaluation of Antiviral and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Herbal Extracts}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {36-40}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29464}, abstract = {Background: Herbs were the basis for nearly all medicinal therapy until synthetic drugs were developed in the nineteenth century. The major reasons for using medicinal herbs as a good alternative to chemical drugs, is that they have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. Objective(s): The main objectives of this study were to investigate the antiviral activity of some popular herbal extracts in Egypt, and to determine their antioxidant activity. Methods: Experimental studies were carried out in different labs of the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt. Ethanol extracts of three herbal plants with a history of use in traditional medicine namely; Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Nigella sativa (Black seeds) and Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were tested for their antioxidant potency and antiviral activity against influenza virus. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was made for the extracts by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol -2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay for the determination of the concentration that causes inhibition to half of the viable cells (50% growth inhibition TC50) for each extract and selection of the safe concentration for the antiviral experiment. Antiviral activities were determined by Plaque reduction assay using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. Percentage of radical scavenging was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracted plants. Results: Each herb had a certain cytotoxic effect to MDCK cells at the different tested concentrations, TC50 calculated ranged from 50 to 308 μg/μl. The extracts inhibited the growth and development of H5N1 virus in a dose-dependent manner with varying antiviral activity. The most potent viral inhibitor was reported by ethanol extracts of Foeniculum vulgare. All the tested extracts showed high antioxidant activities with some variations ranged from 77.8 to 87.2 percentage scavenging activity at 30 minutes of incubation as determined by the DPPH assay. Conclusion: Some traditionally used medicinal plants are promising sources for potential antiviral and antioxidant compounds.}, keywords = {Zingiber officinale,Nigella Sativa,Foeniculum vulgare,cytotoxic,Antiviral,antioxidant,Plaque reduction,DPPH,Free radical scavenging}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29464.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29464_e1f9ad4a867424ed50ce084f851a443e.pdf} } @article { author = {Abdelhakim, Sally and Nabil, Radwa}, title = {Occupational Eye Injuries among a Group of Workers in Cairo, Egypt}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {41-46}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29465}, abstract = {Background & Objective(s): Occupational eye injuries can result in serious morbidity and great economic loss. Employees in every industry are at risk of eye injuries. Ocular injuries at work are preventable, so safety education is a priority This study aims at describing the most frequently encountered types of occupational eye injuries and their causes among different working groups as welders, carpenters, mechanics, accountants and delivery staff. . Methods: The study included 400 workers recruited from the emergency department of El – Demerdash hospital presenting with occupational eye injuries. The participants received ophthalmological examination and intervention according to their condition and filled an interview questionnaire, including socio-demographic data and occupational background. A focus group discussion was conducted among 12 workers who were interviewed later when they came for follow up. The session was about their opinion regarding causes of occupational eye injuries and best methods for prevention. Results: Workers involved in jobs requiring manual activities represented (62%) of those with occupational eye injuries. About 62% reported in-availability of protective equipment and 17% only reported receiving safety pre-employment training programs. About 47% knew that they were at risk of eye injuries. Foreign body injury was the commonest cause of occupational eye injury among the study population (32%). The percentage of manual workers reporting deep injuries (17.9%), requiring surgical intervention (46.2%), working with shift schedules (59%), with longer work duration (23.1%) and stating that their colleagues suffered from similar injuries in the last year (40.6) was significantly higher than that of mental workers. Conclusion: Eye injuries are an important category of work-related injuries to which attention should be drawn and resources allocated in the form of protective equipment and training programs especially to manual workers who face several hazardous work exposures. The recommended methods for prevention of occupational eye injuries by focus group discussion were better training of workers and improvement of the working environment of workers}, keywords = {occupational eye injuries,foreign body}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29465.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29465_3f07c7d258149e6850f7859c450527c1.pdf} } @article { author = {El-Ashkar, Marwa and Gad, Zahira and El-Borgy, Mohamed and Abdalla, Nevein and El-Nimr, Nessrin}, title = {Oral Health in Adults with Diabetes: Oral Health Conditions, Knowledge and Practice Following an Oral Health Educational Program}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {47-55}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29466}, abstract = {Background: Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for impaired oral health. Oral health knowledge is lacking among patients with diabetes. Objective(s): The objectives of the study were to assess the oral health condition of patients with controlled and uncontrolled diabetes, to assess knowledge and practice of patients with diabetes concerning oral health and to construct, implement and evaluate the impact of an educational program for patients with diabetes on their oral health, their knowledge and self-reported practice regarding oral health. Methods: A sample of 200 adult patients with diabetes mellitus attending two hospitals in Alexandria was included in the study. In phase 1, a cross sectional design was used and assessment of the patients’ diabetes control, their oral health condition, knowledge and self-reported practice was carried out. In phase 2, an educational oral health intervention program was constructed and its effect on the patients’ oral health condition, knowledge and self-reported practice was done. Results: Most patients with diabetes had unsatisfactory glycemic control, 27.5% had good knowledge, while 75% had poor oral health practice. The oral health condition of patients with satisfactory diabetes control was relatively better than those with unsatisfactory control. The knowledge score, practice, gingivitis, plaque and calculus indices improved after the intervention Conclusion: Better glycemic control is associated with better oral health conditions. Patients with diabetes had insufficient oral health knowledge and poor practice. The educational program improved their knowledge and practice, while some parameters of oral health improved.}, keywords = {diabetes,Educational Program,Knowledge,oral health,Practice}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29466.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29466_8fcc9362678f5a410095fd4524b96987.pdf} } @article { author = {El-Kady, Hadir}, title = {The Plausibility of Helicobacter Pylori and CagA Strains Related Infertility Among Males in Alexandria, Egypt}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {56-63}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29467}, abstract = {Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), especially the strains expressing cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), besides causing gastric diseases, may also involve other systems including the reproductive system leading to infertility. In males, antibodies produced against H. pylori flagella may cross react with spermatozoa flagella; due to antigenic mimicry between them. Infected males have decreased sperm count, motility and viability, reduced numbers of normally shaped sperms and augmented systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines. Objective(s): to detect H. pylori–related infertility prevalence among males; and to address the possibility that such infection may play a detrimental role in their semen quality. Methods: One hundred infertile male patients attending a private hospital in Alexandria were screened for H. pylori by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CagA strains were further identified using CagA IgG ELISA. Semen analysis was performed to assess semen quality as regards sperm count, motility, vitality and morphology. Results: H. pylori seropositivity was 73% (73 out of 100) among screened cases. Sixty out of the 73 positive cases for H. pylori IgG (82.19%) were CagA strains. H. pylori prevalence was significantly higher among the group of patients with idiopathic infertility (79.7%) than among those who had one or more diagnosed causes of infertility; p value= 0.024. CagA status significantly influenced the quality of semen among infected cases compared to uninfected ones. (p value<0.001). Conclusion: H. pylori infection; specially by CagA strains can be responsible for cases of idiopathic infertility in males through its negative effect on semen quality.}, keywords = {H. pylori,Cag A protein,serodiagnosis,ELISA}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29467.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29467_06c76ed00ec5241fc38f0d831355193f.pdf} } @article { author = {Osman, Doaa and Abdlrheem, Shaimaa}, title = {Burnout and Job Satisfaction among Healthcare Providers in Aswan University Hospital, Upper Egypt}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {64-72}, year = {2019}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2019.29468}, abstract = {Background & Objective(s): Job burnout and satisfaction of healthcare providers are important elements of quality of provided health services. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the levels of burnout and job satisfaction as well as their correlates among healthcare providers in Aswan University Hospital. Methods: : A cross sectional study design was applied. Interviewing questionnaire was filled from 134 physicians and 149 nurses (total 283) working in clinical departments in Aswan University Hospital. The questionnaire included personal and job characteristics, assessment of burnout using Maslach burnout inventory (MBI), evaluation of Job satisfaction by applying short form of Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire and measurement of satisfaction with life (SWLS) and flourishing status using Diner scales. Results: Proportion of high level in burnout dimensions were as follows: emotional exhaustion was 50%, low personal accomplishment was 39% and depersonalization was 33%. The mean job satisfaction score among the studied population was 63.81±15.37 out of 100. Increasing age was a significant predictor for emotional exhaustion. Currently unmarried significantly perceived higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Higher job satisfaction scores significantly predicted low perception of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and high personal accomplishment. The significant predictors for job satisfaction were current unmarried status, working as nurse, residing outside Aswan, age increase, high personal accomplishment score and low emotional exhaustion score. Conclusion: Considerable levels of burnout were detected among healthcare providers in Aswan University Hospital. Increasing age, being originally from outside Aswan Governorate and being currently unmarried were significant correlates of burnout and job dissatisfaction. Recommendations: Modification in the work nature could be conducted for old aged healthcare providers. Social support activities such as recreational activities and moral incentives, should be promoted especially for those who are unmarried and residents from outside Aswan Governorate}, keywords = {Burnout,healthcare providers,Job Satisfaction}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29468.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_29468_720e72a5753ac5d6e4ec21e6d4f3c365.pdf} }