Infection Control Knowledge and Practices of Obstetricians during Normal Labor in Maternity Hospitals in Alexandria: An Intervention Study
Iman
Wahdan
Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Doaa
Elsayed
Department of Family Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Hala
Ibrahim
Department of Family Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background: Infections during labor and the puerperium are among the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, accounting for about one tenth of the global burden of maternal deaths. The infection risk associated with care in labor rooms is probably quite high. Objective(s): The study was conducted to assess infection control (IC) knowledge and practices of obstetricians in maternity hospitals in Alexandria during normal labor and to design, implement and evaluate the effect of an intervention program on IC practices of obstetricians. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 135 obstetricians followed by an intervention study (one group pretest-posttest design). All obstetricians were asked to fill a questionnaire for assessment of knowledge and were observed three times using a checklist for assessment of practice. A health education program was designed and implemented among obstetricians then practices of obstetricians were reassessed using the same checklist. Results: Nearly 90% of obstetricians in this study had a good level of knowledge regarding standard IC precautions. Nearly two thirds of obstetricians (65.9%) had poor level of practice while 34.1% had fair level of practice pre-intervention. Post-intervention, 46.7% of obstetricians had fair level of practice. Areas of poor practice were hand hygiene and use of PPE. The best area of improvement in post-intervention was hand hygiene while use of PPE did not improve much. Conclusion: There is a gap between knowledge of obstetricians regarding IC and their practices.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
133
143
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_53992_f515f4fc90e10d0778d33223ed1d27ab.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.53992
Oral Health Indices among Secondary School Students in Assiut Governorate; Upper Egypt
Doaa
Osman
Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
author
Mohamed
Edrees
Oral Medicine and Periodontology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Al Azhar University, Assiut City, Egypt
author
Shaimaa
Abdelrheem
Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Egypt
author
Doaa
Abdelsalam
Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background & Objective(s): There is limited published data on Egyptian oral epidemiologic health status especially among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate oral health status and their associated variables among secondary school students in Asyut Governorate; Upper Egypt. Methods: : A cross sectional study was conducted on 872 students using a representative sample from public, private and technical secondary schools. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including inquires about sociodemographic data, oral health behaviors and self-perception of oral health. Oral health was assessed by Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index (DMFT), Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), and Basic Periodontal Examination index (BPE). Results: Prevalence of oral health diseases was as follow; dental caries was 47.5%, gingivitis was 31%, while periodontitis was 15.7%. About 80% of the students owned a toothbrush; however 25% of them never perform teeth brushing. Unfavorable OHI-S score was significantly positively correlated with worse DMFT and BPE scores. Concurrently, BPE index was significantly positively correlated with DMFT index. Females had higher risk for unfavorable DMFT scores compared to males. Increased age, female gender, enrollment in technical schools, and bad/ unknown self-perception of oral health were significant predictors of worse periodontal scores. The significant predictors of worse oral hygienic scores were increased age, enrollment in technical schools, and bad/ unknown self-perception of oral health. Conclusion: Considerable proportions of students suffered from oral health disorders. Unfavorable oral health indices were related to female gender, technical school enrollment, increasing age and bad/unknown self-perception of oral health. Oral health indices are compatible with each other; where healthier oral hygiene condition is correlated with better dental and periodontal oral health statuses. Superior periodontal status is correlated with favorable dental condition.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
144
153
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_56578_dfb4fbc005959beb9cbc2a3bdb288f88.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.56578
Pattern of Caffeine Consumption among University Students
Nessrin
El-Nimr
Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University,
author
Sherine
Bassiouny
El-Amreya Hospital, Ministry of Health and Population, Alexandria, Egypt
author
Dalia
Tayel
Department of Nutrition, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University,
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background & Objective(s): There has been a sharp increase in caffeine consumption among the Arab youth. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of caffeine consumption among Alexandria University students, to assess their caffeine daily intake, to estimate the proportion of caffeine withdrawal and intoxication among caffeine consumers and to investigate the relationship between caffeine intake with body composition, blood pressure, and caffeine withdrawal and intoxication. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 400 students from faculties of Alexandria University were included in the study. Data were collected using a predesigned structured interviewing questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure measurement. The daily dietary intake of caffeine in mg /kg body weight/day was estimated for each subject and compared to the safe levels set by the EFSA. Results: Almost all students consumed caffeinated drinks, with Cola drinks ranking 1st . About 12% had caffeine withdrawal, 0.5% suffered from caffeine intoxication and 65.3% exceeded the safe level set by the EFSA. The association between the level of caffeine consumption and the anthropometric measures was not significant, while the association between the level of caffeine consumption and blood pressure was significant. Conclusion: The consumption of caffeine containing drinks among Alexandria University students was very high and exceeded the safe levels, which calls for campaigns to increase their awareness about the impact of high consumption of caffeine containing food and beverages on their health.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
154
161
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_56579_98112caa266878aa82a1c45738e224ec.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.56579
Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Egyptian HIV-Infected Patients with Isolated Anti-HBc
Naglaa
Abdelaziz
Fellow of Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Marwa
Fekry
Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Mona
Hashish
Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI), defined as the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in liver or serum despite the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a frequent contaminant with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV has a negative effect on HBV disease accelerating its natural course. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of OBI in Egyptian HIV-infected patients with isolated anti-HBc. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 197 HIV infected patients. They were tested for HBsAg, Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), antibody to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), and CD4 count. Patients with sole anti-HBc were screened for HBV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Among those patients, 13 (6.60%) were positive for HBsAg, 82 (41.62%) for anti-HBc and 70 (35.53%) for anti-HBs. Their corresponding median CD4 count was 310.00 cells/mm3, 497.50 cells/mm3 and 525.50 cells/mm3, respectively. Anti-HBc was the sole marker in 35 (17.77%) patients of whom 7 (20%) were HBV DNA positive indicating OBI. Most OBI patients were non-vaccinated against HBV. There was no significant statistical relationship between the presence of OBI and CD4 count, although most of them had CD4 count less than 500 cells/mm3. Conclusion: The present study underscores the importance of OBI screening among HIV patients with isolated anti-HBc.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
162
167
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_59201_c0bba8e26c4be4ccac3a84fc23a85e97.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.59201
Reliability of an Arabic version of the Short Form Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale
Eman
Mobarak
Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Dalia
Eldeeb
Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Heba
El-Weshahi
Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background & Objective(s): Food addiction (FA) is a growing problem worldwide, associated with physical and psychological dysfunction. The original Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was developed in 2009 for diagnosis of FA. Updated long and short forms of the Scale were developed in 2016 and 2017 respectively. An Arabic version of the updated short form suiting epidemiological purposes is lacking. The study aimed to adapt and test reliability of an Arabic version of the short form modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS 2.0) for epidemiological purposes in Arab countries. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt from June1st to September15th 2019. The short form mYFAS 2.0 was translated into Arabic language following the WHO translation guidelines. A self-report questionnaire including both English and Arabic versions was completed by 296 Arab adults fluent in Arabic and English, interviewed at public places. Weight and height were self-reported and Body Mass Index was calculated. Results: Kuder–Richardson alpha was 0.89 and 0.92 and Cronbach's Alpha was 0.93 and 0.94 for symptoms and the whole scale respectively. Cronbach’s alpha decreased if any item was deleted. Corrected item-total correlation coefficients ranged between 0.5-0.7. These values indicate good internal consistency. Kappa coefficients ranged between 0.85-0.99 (P<0.001) indicating almost perfect agreement between Arabic and English versions of mYFAS 2.0. Food addiction rate was 17.6%. Conclusion: The present study adapted a reliable Arabic version of mYFAS 2.0 that can be a substitute to the English version in epidemiological work. The study recommends further multi-disciplinary population studies to assess the problem, determine correlates and suggest appropriate interventions.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
168
174
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_60843_513b799f37d5844519683e3edd2e0fe3.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.60843
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Alexandria
Marwa
Fekry
Department of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Mona
Hashish
Department of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Heba
Selim
Department of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Abdel-Moneim
Fawzy
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Marwa
Wahba
Department of Clinical Pathology, Maternity Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background & Objective(s): Hepatitis B infection is a very serious public health problem. Perinatal vertical transmission is a common mode of transmission. Infants infected from their mothers will have a very high risk of developing chronic liver disease. To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and associated risk factors among pregnant females in Alexandria. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 354 pregnant females attending the antenatal care clinics of two gynecology and obstetrics governmental hospitals (with high attendees) in Alexandria. This study was carried out from May 2016 through February 2017. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and possible risk factors. All pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Samples positive for HBsAg were subjected to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg); both were carried out via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The prevalence of HBsAg was 3.39% (12/354) among studied pregnant females. All HBsAg positive subjects were HBeAg negative. There was no significant statistical association between HBsAg positivity and age, gestational age, history of blood transfusion, previous operation or contact with viral hepatitis infected patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in this study setting is intermediate (3.39%) according to the WHO criteria. HBsAg positivity was not significantly associated with the sociodemographic variables or the studied risk factors. Increasing awareness of HBV transmission and regular screening of pregnant women for HBsAg are recommended.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
175
179
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_63795_1a2012789059994c486e1eb4c50de582.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.63795
A Pilot Study for Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health among Jordanian Adolescents
Abdullah
Alshammari
Doctoral School of Education, University of Szeged, Hungary
author
Bettina
Piko
Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Szeged, Hungary
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background & Objective(s): Socioeconomic inequalities play an important role in health. Although studies report less inequalities in adolescent health compared to other age groups, there may be differences in their health behavior and mental health. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to analyze these associations. Methods: Using a sample of students (n = 112, aged 13 - 18 years) data were collected from public and private schools in Irbid governorate, Jordan, November, 2018. Measurements included socioeconomic status indicators (education and income of the parents, assessed by the adolescent), the Global School-based Student Health Survey, health behaviors (tobacco use, personal hygiene, dietary behavior), Satisfaction with Life Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant association between the family affluence and both paternal (p = 0.003) and maternal educational levels (p=0.008). There was a relationship between paternal education and not having enough food at home (p = 0.006), adolescents’ eating fruit per week (p = 0.037), and washing their hands before eating (p = 0.004). Maternal education level was related to the students’ eating vegetables (p = 0.011) and fruits (p = 0.030) per week. The association of family affluence with eating fast food was significant (p = 0.05). The relationship of depression and family affluence was linear. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adolescents’ health behavior may dominantly be related to paternal education, while their mental health may be related to family affluence. The data of this study will help in establishing effective and efficient counseling and support intervention programs.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
180
189
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_63793_c336e16ab4cc6e66daed31183cf4a5e8.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.63793
Stress and Burnout among Medical Students
Ghada
Wassif
Department of Community, Environmental & Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
author
Dina
Gamal-Eldin
Department of Community, Environmental & Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
author
Dina
Boulos
Department of Community, Environmental & Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background & Objective(s): Numerous studies have shown a high incidence of burnout in health care professionals as well as individuals whose activities are psychologically similar to the work of students. The study aimed to estimate the frequency of stress and burnout among medical students and to investigate the relationship between stress, burnout level, medical students’ characteristics and some health related behaviors. Methods: A Cross sectional study was carried out at Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt among 390 medical students. Data were collected using two validated instruments “Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale” & “Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale” Results: Nearly two thirds of the medical students 66.1% had high stress levels; the most prominent burn out subscale was depersonalization 75.6%. The main 3 reasons of stress among medical students were fear of hurting patients, students’ perception that their clinical practice is not enough, limited time for training. There was a highly statistically significant relationship between high stress levels, high burnout subscales, using hypnotics and smoking. Conclusion: Medical students are exposed to a great deal of stress & burnout symptoms that mainly result from their worry about their future career and late exposure to clinical training. The present study would recommend integration of clinical sciences with basic sciences in addition to social skills in the medical students’ curricula.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
190
198
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_63794_e9d34f74fffbde1fbe94cd59f0b7980d.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.63794
Assessment of Chemical Composition of Spirulina Platensis and its Effect on Fasting Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Diabetic Rats
Sara
El-Moataaz
Nutrition Department, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Faros University, Alexandria, Egypt
author
Hanaa
Ismael
Nutrition Department (Food Analysis), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
Samar
Aborhyem
Nutrition Department (Food Analysis), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
author
text
article
2019
eng
Background & Objective(s): Spirulina platensis is an incredibly powerful source of proteins, fibers and antioxidants. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional value of Spirulina platensis cultivated in Egypt and study its effect on fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats. Methods: A total of one kilogram of Spirulina platensis was used in the study. The nutritional value of Spirulina platensis was characterized by measuring its proximate, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and antioxidants contents. We extended our analysis to study its effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), serum triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) parameters in sixty male albino rats grouped as 10 control rats and 50 diabetic rats in five groups. The latter comprised 10 diabetic control rats and 40 test rats that were orally administered 10, 20, 30 mg/kg body weight Spirulina platensis and 300 mg/kg of the anti-diabetic medication Metformin respectively for four weeks. Results: Spirulina platensis contained high amount of high quality protein, as eight essential amino acids were present (56.79%). It was also a rich source of Ca, phenolic compounds and flavonoids (363.7, 997 and 711 mg/100g respectively). Spirulina significantly managed body weight of diabetic rats and reduced blood glucose level in treated groups compared to diabetic control by 67.8% and 68.3% in rats treated by 10 and 30 mg/kg body weight Spirulina respectively. Rats administered 30 mg/kg body weight Spirulina achieved decreased TG, TC, and LDL-C levels to reach 101.9, 75.43, and 6.2 mg/dl respectively, with improvement in HDL-C level by 58.7% compared to diabetic control rats. Conclusion: Chemical analysis of Spirulina platensis produced in Egypt showed high nutritional value with high concentration of several functional ingredients. In addition, its effect on the measured FBG, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, and TC parameters in experimental rats was dose dependent.
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
199
211
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_64463_fe550a96ef61aa7a13760bca6b0898ca.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.64463
Acknowledgement for 2019 Reviewers
text
article
2019
eng
Acknowledgement The Editors of the Journal of High Institute of Public Health express their thanks to all Reviewers in 2019 for the time they committed and the valuable input they provided, thus helping to guarantee the scientific quality of the Journal. Reviewers in alphabetical order: Abla Ayoub, Prof. of Geriatrics, Alexandria University, Egypt Adel Emara, Prof. of Food Hygiene, Alexandria University, Egypt Ahmed Shoman, Prof. of Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt Aly Hassab, Prof. of Epidemiology, Alexandria University, Egypt Amany Abaza, Prof. of Microbiology, Alexandria University, Egypt Azza Farghaly, Prof. of Tropical Health, Alexandria University, Egypt Dalia Tayel, Prof. of Nutrition, Alexandria University, Egypt Ebtesam Fetouhy, Prof. of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Alexandria University, Egypt Eglal Salem, Prof. of Food Hygiene, Alexandria University, Egypt Eman Darweesh, Prof. of Community Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Fikrat Elsahn, Prof. of Nutrition, Alexandria University, Egypt Gaafer Abdelrasoul, Prof. of Community Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt Hanan Murad, Prof. of Maternal and Child Health, Alexandria University, Egypt Hany Elziady, Prof. of Community Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Heba Selim, Prof. of Microbiology, Alexandria University, Egypt Ibrahim Kharboush, Prof. of Community Medicine, Mutah University, Jordan Iman Wahdan, Prof. of Epidemiology, Alexandria University, Egypt Kholoud Tayel, Prof. of School and Adolescence Health, Alexandria University, Egypt Mahmoud Eltawila, Prof. of Food Analysis, Alexandria University, Egypt Manal Koura, Prof. of Primary Health Care, Alexandria University, Egypt Medhat Attia, Prof. of Mental Health, Alexandria University, Egypt Mervat Abunazel, Prof. of Mental Health, Alexandria University, Egypt Mohamed Elbarrawy, Prof. of Microbiology, Alexandria University, Egypt Mohey Makhlouf, Prof. of Geriatrics, Alexandria University, Egypt Mona Hashish, Prof. of Microbiology, Alexandria University, Egypt Mona Hassan, Prof. of Biostatistics, Alexandria University, Egypt Mostafa Abolfotoh, Prof. of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud Bin-Abdulaziz University, KSA Nadia Farghaly, Prof. of Community Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt Nesrin Elnemr, Associate Prof. of Epidemiology, Alexandria University, Egypt Neveen Agamy, Prof. of Food Analysis, Alexandria University, Egypt Wafaa Bakr, Prof. of Microbiology, Alexandria University, Egypt Wafaa Waheeb, Prof. of Hospital Administration, Alexandria University, Egypt
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
2357-0601
49
v.
3
no.
2019
212
213
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_65675_d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/jhiph.2019.65675