2024-03-29T00:19:18Z
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/?_action=export&rf=summon&issue=4054
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Biomonitoring of Genotoxicity and Antioxidant Enzymatic Changes in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Asphalt Fumes
Khaled
El-Said
Hossam
Ghoneim
Background: Asphalt fumes consist of the gases and vapor emitted from the heated asphalt as well as the aerosols and mists resulting from their condensation after volatilization. Moreover, asphalt workers are exposed to variety of asphalted fumes and dusts, which can exert their toxic effects via production of reactive oxygen species. The spectrum of oxidative DNA damage includes strand breaks. Information on genotoxic risk for bitumen workers is limited. Objective: The aim of the present study was biomonitoring of genotoxicity and different antioxidant enzymes activity of workers occupationally exposed to asphalted fumes. Methods: the study was conducted on fifty male workers employed in asphalted and proofing materials manufacturing. Fifty subjects were recruited as a control group matched for age, sex and socio-economic status. Results: the results of the present study revealed that high significant association in the levels of genotoxicity (DNA single strand breaks and urinary thioethers) and slightly significant reduction in the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and significant increase in GSH levels in exposed workers in comparison with control group. Moreover, level of Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide did not exceed the standards Particulate matter which is exceeded the standard limits of indoor air quality. Conclusion: Present data indicate that asphalted fumes exposed workers exhibit an increase in GSH levels and oxidative stress induced by fumes may partly be attributed to the inhibited activities of SOD and CAT as well as increase in the potentials genotoxic risks by increasing the percentage of DNASSB and increase excretion of urinary thioethers.
Biomonitoring
genotoxicity
Antioxidant enzymes
Asphalt Fumes
2011
01
01
1
13
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20142_db81068685b660d02289544aeb8dced4.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
An outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) among Long-term-care Facility Patients in Taif – KSA: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
Sherif
Omar
Raouf
Affifi
Ahmed
El Raggal
Reem
El Bedewy
Objectives: To describe and analyze an outbreak of novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) among patients of a long term care facility (LTCF) in Prince Mansour Military Hospital (PMMH), Taif - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Those patients were admitted to the LTCF months or years before the outbreak due to several reasons (e.g. cerebral palsy, neurological deficits due to road traffic accidents with handicapping, chronic diseases associates with old age). Methods: An observational study was done to demonstrate and analyze the epidemiological characteristics (demographic factors, risk factors, and outcomes) associated the outbreak, to elucidate prevention and control measures taken, and recommendations concluded. Results: During the period from October 28- November 11, 2010, twenty-one LTCF residents suspected clinically to be involved (fever > 38ºC with influenza like illness), their age ranged from 9 - 91 years (mean age = 46 ±24.13), 62% were males. Among them, 12 (57%) proved by RT-PCR to be influenza A (H1N1) positive. Mortality involved 2 (17%) of the A (H1N1) -lab- confirmed individuals. Implementation of the recommended infection control measures mitigated the transmission of infection to new individuals. Conclusions: The fulfillment of strict infection control measures could limit H1N1 infection among LTCF-PMMH patients. Routine influenza, including specific H1N1 immunization of all LTCF residents together with their healthcare staff should be mandatory in those settings serving immunocompromised patients.
outbreak
novel 2009 influenza
A (H1N1)
long term care facility
Taif
Saudi Arabia
2011
01
01
14
32
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20143_d91b1d1e3f5cd09c82a7a56a9a2c3d89.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Shisha Smoking: Knowledge and Perception among Male Medical University Students in Dammam City, Saudi Arabia
Amr
Sabra
Attia
Taha
Background: There is growing evidence that tobacco use other than cigarettes is spreading across all world regions. Few reports have been publishedaboutshisha smoking among universitystudents. It is important that medical students, the future medical practitioners, have adequate knowledge of smoking-related diseases and skills in smoking cessation. Objective: Was to assess the level of knowledge about shisha smoking and to identify behaviors and perceptions concerning shisha smoking among male medical students at University of Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at University of Dammam, among male medical students of the three Colleges namely, Medicine, Applied Medical Sciences, and Dentistry. A total of 371 students were included in the study. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire pertaining to the following: socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence of shisha smoking, knowledge about hazardous effects of shisha and students’ perceptions concerning reasons of initiation, continuation and future plans of shisha smoking. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of students were Saudis (98.8%) and single (97.8%). The overall knowledge score about the adverse health consequences of shisha smoking showed that 21.6% had poor knowledge and 78.4% had good knowledge. The students of college of Medicine (85.3%) had better knowledge than Applied Medical Sciences (71.6%) and Dentistry (60.8%) college students, (P<0.001). Poor knowledge about shisha smoking was found among 28.0% of first level students in comparison with 18.2% and 15.7% second and third level students consecutively, (P=<0.05). About 57.4% of shisha smokers were thinking of quitting smoking, while the remaining 42.6% were not thinking or had no future plans to quit smoking. Conclusion: There is unsatisfactory level of knowledge abouth shisha smoking hazards among male university students in medical colleages with poor intention to quit smoking. Thus medical schools should design, teach and implement training of medical students about smoking and its related diseases to provide future medical practitioners with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively intervene with smokers as well as to have positive perceptions about their future role as medical practitioners.
Shisha
Knowledge
perception
university students
Saudi Arabia
2011
01
01
33
49
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20144_d3c62d47e4211de550946c4ba99e4e87.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Egyptian Postmenopausal Females in Alexandria
Taha
Hewala
Nadia
Abd El-Moneim
Gehan
Shehata
Background: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal females. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the association between obesity and breast cancer risk among Egyptian postmenopausal females in Alexandria. Subjects: This study included 100 Egyptian postmenopausal females, 50 of them were breast cancer patients with mean age (54.6 years± 9.6) and the other 50 were controls with mean age (53.9 years± 2.5). Methods: Standardized questionnaires concerning age, anthropometric, menstrual and reproductive information, family history of breast cancer in first degree relatives and history of hypertension were completed by the same researcher. Fasting blood samples were withdrawn from all participating females to separate sera in which total estradiol, insulin and glucose levels were measured. Results: Univariate analysis showed that age at presentation ≥ 60 years, delayed menopause > 50 years, family history of breast cancer in first degree relatives, oral contraceptive use, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and serum levels of total estradiol were found to be significantly associated with higher risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal females. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that old age at presentation ≥ 60 years and late menopause >50 years were the strongest risk factors, while oral contraceptive use and increased WC >100 cm showed border line significance. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this study, we advice Egyptian postmenopausal females of Alexandria to control weight by decreasing dietary caloric intake, maintain physical activity and breast self-examination continuously in order to decrease the risk of breast carcinoma.
breast cancer
Obesity
estradiol
Insulin
estrogen receptor
Progesterone receptor
Postmenopausal females
2011
01
01
50
65
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20145_eb0705abad5341425c4114ab4e2f5880.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Influence of Shift Work on Coronary High Risk Status among Natural Gas Field Workers
Amr
Torky
Fahmy
Charl Fahmy
Taher
Mansour
Fathia
Goda
Ragaa
El Gazzar
Background: The association between shift work and coronary high risk status (CHRS) is still unclear. Objective: The present work was designed to study the influence of shift work in a gas field petroleum company in Dakahlia on CHRS; as well as, to investigate its possible mechanisms. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was used and a systematic random technique was applied to select 200 shift workers and 200 non-shift workers. Both study groups were subjected to interview questionnaire about personal, social, smoking, occupational and medical histories. Clinical examination, including general and cardiovascular examinations, was done. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI Kg/m2) was calculated. Laboratory investigations included measurements of fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and uric acid; as well as, electrocardiographic examination (ECG). Coexistence of more than 2 conventional risk factors or diabetes mellitus (DM) or new and old coronary artery disease (CAD) defined CHRS. Vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA) was measured in 24 hours urine samples as a stress indicator for a randomly selected sub-sample from those with CHRS (25 shift and 25 non-shift workers). The R-R deep breathing variability test on the resting ECG as a measure for autonomic functionwas done for the same group. Results: The study revealed that 42.5% of shift workers were complaining of deterioration in performance and concentration during work. In addition, 35.5% of shift workers had the desire to change shift work. Among shift workers, 36% were smokers in comparison to 26.5% of non-shift workers with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04). Rates of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, high LDL-cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity and DM showed a statistically significant increase among shift workers than non-shift workers (p < 0.05). The overall rate of CHRS was significantly higher among shift workers (p = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis of coronary high risk status as the dependant variable revealed that shift work kept a significant effect on CHRS even after adjustment for other confounders (p= 0.002). Mean level of urinary VMA was significantly higher for shift workers than non-shift workers (p= 0.0001); meanwhile, significantly lower R-R variability indices were recorded among shift workers than non-shift workers (p < 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendations: The present study revealed that shift work has a significant impact on CHRS that might be related to sympathetic over-activity. It is recommended to screen for coronary risk factors in pre-placement and periodic medical examinations of shift workers with implementation of special preventive programs. Urinary VMA and R-R variability testing in ECG could be used as stress indicators among CHRS shift workers. Cases of CAD should be excluded from shift work.
Shift work
Coronary risk
Sympathetic over-activity
Natural gas and petroleum industry
2011
01
01
66
81
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20146_2a93ba9af4441cb88bed7ce1e0829d44.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Nurses Awareness Regarding Some Quality Healthcare Concepts at University Students’ Hospital in Alexandria
Samaa
Ibrahim
Hala
Kadry
Nurses constitute a major bulk of health service manpower. Additionally, nursing care is a major determinant of successful health care delivery worldwide and identifying nurses' opinion and perceptions toward quality care program is crucial for successful implementation of such program.The aim of this study is to assess the nurses' knowledge and perceptions regarding some concepts of health care quality at Alexandria University Students Hospital. Cross-sectional descriptive study design was conducted in which self-administrated questionnaire was introduced to all nurses available in all shifts (310 nurses) at the selected hospital to assess their knowledge about quality activities in the study hospital and their perceptions regarding certain quality aspects. Results indicated that 57.1% of nurses were aware about the presence of the quality department in their hospital and only 27.1% of them were knowledgeable about the presence of quality standards in the hospital. The majority of nurses responded positively to statements of the suggestions for quality improvement and barriers that hinder the implementation of quality in health services. In relation to nurses' awareness regarding certain quality aspects, there was statistically insignificant increase in the percent frequencies for nurses attending training courses concerning both "quality concepts" items (77.4%) and "suggestions for quality improvement" items (86.8%). It was concluded that planning and implementation of continuous in-service quality training programs for nurses to improve their awareness and acceptance of quality of care are very critical for staff development. Also, designing organizational charts for quality department with name, authority and responsibilities is recommended together with, dissemination of mission, vision and objectives of quality department through the organization, so everyone become aware about them.
Quality
nursing care
quality awareness
nurses' opinion and quality care
2011
01
01
82
97
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20147_593f5d01c86a8d3f649a57a02ff84456.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Nurses’ Performance and Knowledge Regarding Newborn Screening Program for Congenital Hypothyroidism, EL-Behaira Governorate
Nagwa
Abou El- Enein
Omnia
Nasar
Background: Nurses have a major role in caring for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) neonates in the pre-analytic phase of the Newborn Screening Program (NSP) as well as at the post-analytic phase. Objectives: To assess performance of nurses working in the pre-analytic phase of the Egyptian NSP for CH at Kafr El-Dawar Health District, El-Behaira Governorate and to assess their knowledge regarding this program before and after implementation of educational sessions. Methods: Cross-sectional and quasi-experimental designs were used to conduct the study in 39 health units, representing all health units in Kafr El-Dawar health district, and included 122 nurses working in these units. Observational checklist was used to assess their screening performance during collection of samples and their adherence to the program guidelines.The Knowledge was assessed before and after the application of an educational program using knowledge assessment sheet. Results: Adherent nurses' performance was observed at all heath centres (100%) regarding the following items: the use of appropriate filter paper in collecting the samples; the accuracy in writing cards information; disinfection of the heel; putting the used lancet in the safety box and sending sampling cards to lab in the same day (5 items out of 20 items). On the other hand, washing hands before every sampling was not done in 100% of observations. The lancet was used in the appropriate site in nearly two thirds of observations (74.6%).The sample cards were kept in its special rack in nearly 73.8% of observations. The screening cards were put in its envelope after drying in 81.1% of observations. Health education of mothers about CH in general and CH complications in particular were done with only 57.4% and 28.7% of cases respectively. It was not done about the symptoms of CH in 100% of the observations. There was a statistically significant improvement in nurses' Knowledge after the educational program. Recommendations: Continuous education programs should be mandatory for all nurses providing pre-analytical phase services of NSP for CH. In addition, adequate supervision, guidance and regular feedback by head nurses as well as availability of clinical protocols and guidelines are greatly needed to improve nurse's performance. To facilitate implementing the guidelines by nurses, adequate infection control materials should be available in units providing the service.
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH)
knowledge, Newborn Screening Program (NSP)
nurses’ performance
pre-analytical phase
2011
01
01
98
111
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20148_06f9b1d55507fd05dd3d67dc00e5478c.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Knowledge, Practice, and Adherence of Alexandria Chest Physicians to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Guidelines
Nagwa
Abou El- Enein
Bahaa
Abdel-Momen
Background: Despite the development and dissemination of guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma, a gap remains between current recommendations and actual practice. Objectives: To assess the physicians’ knowledge, practice and adherence to The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines before and after dissemination of guidelines and to identify causes of non adherence to these guidelines. Methods: A pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate GINA guidelines dissemination intervention. The study included all chest physician categories working in all chest hospitals in Alexandria. Total sample size included sixty chest physicians. An interview questionnaire was designed to collect data related to knowledge and practices of physicians in diagnosis and management of bronchial asthma and to their agreement with GINA guidelines and barriers to implementation of the guidelines. In addition, seven different case scenarios were used to assess the ability of the respondents to classify control and management of asthma. Results: Poor practice (70%) was more marked than poor knowledge (45%) before guidelines dissemination. After guidelines dissemination, poor practice was still high (41.7%) while poor knowledge Fell to zero. Written asthma plan was used poorly by the studied physicians before as well as after guideline dissemination (3.3% and 16.7%, respectively). The reasons for non adherence of chest physicians to asthma guidelines were namely; lack of agreement with specific guidelines (26%); external barriers including lack of time, equipment or clinical space, educational materials staff support and reimbursement for services (25.6%) and poor patients’ adherence to asthma guidelines (16.4%). Conclusion and Recommendations: Even though, Alexandria chest physicians, had improvement in their level of knowledge after GINA guidelines dissemination yet, their practice and adherence to asthma guidelines was still low. To overcome barriers of physicians' non adherence, educational programs and strategies are needed to ensure actual dissemination and implementation of the guidelines.
adherence
asthma guidelines
chest physicians
Knowledge
Practice
2011
01
01
112
132
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20149_e30035f937937b56060fd20080c5b33e.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Relationship between Cognitive Function, Self-esteem, Self-care Capabilities, and Activities of Daily Living of Institutionalized Older Adults
Rasha
Fouad
Gawad
Marwa
Background: With advancing age, there is an increased susceptibility to various functional limitations, cognitive declines, and self-care disabilities, which often results in compromised physical and psychological well-being. Objective: The study was conducted to identify the relationship between cognitive function, self-esteem, self-care capabilities, and activities of daily living of institutionalized older adults. Methods: 100 elders of both sexes aged 60 years andabove were included in the study. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), The Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, The Exercise of Self-Care Agency (ESCA) Scale and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were used. Results: Findings revealed the presence of significant relationships between cognitive function and both self-care capabilities and activities of daily living, whereas no significant relationships were found between self-esteem of the studied elders, and their cognitive function, self-care capabilities, and activities of daily living. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings suggest that, specific emphasis should be placed on the ongoing assessment of cognitive function which is important to predict the self-care of older adults, and to institute the appropriate intervention, and further researches are needed to examine and evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs to improve elders' cognitive function and self-care capabilities.
Cognitive Function
Self-esteem
Self-care Capabilities
daily living activities
Institutionalized Older Adults
2011
01
01
133
158
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20150_64c0ffe3cf1970a1d3e71a4eefdda550.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
1
Nutritional Assessment of Institutionalized and Free-living Elderly in Alexandria: A Comparative Study
Heba
El Kady
Dalia
Tayel
Background: Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) can identify malnourished elderly people and those at risk of malnutrition in short time and can guide optimal early nutritional intervention. Objective: To compare the nutritional status of institutionalized and free-living elderly in Alexandria. Methods: A cross-sectional study included fifty institutionalized elderly from two governmental elderly homes in Alexandria and fifty four free-living elderly from the community randomly selected . Data about socio-demographic characteristics, medical history and dietary habits were collected and nutritional assessment was carried out using dietary intake method, anthropometric measurements and the MNA tool. Results: Based on body mass index (BMI) estimates, obesity and being at risk of overweight were prevalent among 32% and 18% of institutionalized elderly respectively; among 7.4% and 33.3%, of free-living ones respectively. Using MNA, malnutrition and being at risk of malnutrition were 12% and 40%, respectively among institutionalized elderly; 9.3% and 29.6%, respectively among free-living ones. Calcium and vitamins A and C intake were less than the requirements. Conclusion: Malnutrition and being at risk of it were prevalent among the elders in the two studied settings
Free-living elderly
institutionalized elderly
Malnutrition
Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)
2011
01
01
159
174
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20151_dfa4f336fbf2d89478a82f9cf039bf3d.pdf