@article { author = {AL-sowielem, Latifa}, title = {Awareness of Hepatitis B Infection among First Year College Students of Dammam University}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {42}, number = {1}, pages = {1-11}, year = {2012}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2012.20121}, abstract = {Objectives: To determine the awareness of hepatitis B infection among firstt year college students of medical, nursing and community service of Dammam University and, to compare the knowledge level between them. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 485 first year medical nursing, and community service students of Dammam University (Eastern Province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all the students and their awareness on the definition, modes of transmission, diagnosis, complications, treatment availability and prevention of hepatitis B was obtained. [The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 16 for Windows. Descriptive statistics with cross-tabulation were performed. The Chi square - test, and t-test was used]. Results: Overall, 420 (86.6%) students correctly defined hepatitis B and 76.9% knew about the types of hepatitis. A majority of the students believed that hepatitis B was blood-borne but there was poor awareness about other modes of transmission. Less than one-fourth of the students knew about needle-stick injury from an infected patient, drug abuse, careless dental procedures and mother-to-child transmission of the disease. Prevention of the disease by vaccination was known to only 54.4 % of the students. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the majority of the students lacked knowledge regarding important modes of transmission. They also had poor knowledge about the complications and prevention of hepatitis B. Health education needs to be given to all students regarding this subject.   }, keywords = {hepatitis B,Students,Dammam University}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20121.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20121_d93f529c4d26d2feb2aaf599024e3021.pdf} } @article { author = {El Sokkary, Hossam}, title = {Accuracy of Preoperative Prediction of Malignancy in Ovarian Mass by Ultrasound Examination and CA 125 Serum Level}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {42}, number = {1}, pages = {12-24}, year = {2012}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2012.20122}, abstract = {Background: Ovarian cancer is the second most common malignancy of the female reproductive system and one of the leading lethal gynecologic malignancies. Screening of ovarian cancer in certain high risk groups is very important due to unspecificity and late appearance of symptoms. Its risk factors include positive family history, older age of menopause and low parity as pregnancy protects against ovarian cancer. Objectives: to compare the accuracy of preoperative prediction of malignancy in ovarian mass by morphological ultrasound (US) examination, Doppler indices and CA 125 serum level with the result of histopathological examination mass after laparotomy. Methods: One hundred and four cases of ovarian masses predicted to be malignant by US examination and CA 125 serum level were subjected to laparotomy and histopathological examination. The main outcome measures in the ovarian masses were: a- the US signs of malignancy [ such as solid mass, multiple septation in cystic mass, mixed solid and cystic components, thick cyst wall (>3 mm), nodule in a cyst wall ], b- Doppler indices (resistance index and pulsatility index), c- CA125 serum level, and d- histopathological examination findings after laparotomy. Results: The histopathology identified 20 benign(B) and 84 malignant(M) ovarian masses. The benign tumors were 9(45%) endometroitic cyst, 6(30%) pseudomucinous cystadenoma and 5(25%) serous cystadenoma. The malignant ones included 43(51.2%) papillary serous cytadenocarcinoma 18(21.4%) endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 10(11.9%) pseudomucinous cystadenocarcinoma, 5(5.9%) clear cell adenocarcinoma, 2(2.4%) papillary serous borderline cystadenocarcinoma, 2(2.4%) borderline serous adenocarcinoma, 1(1.2%) serous adenocarcinoma, 1(1.2%) borderline endometroid adenocarcinoma, 1(1.2%) dysgerminoma and 1(1.2%) Pseudomucinous borderline cystadenocarcinoma]. The US showed no morphological signs of malignancy in 10 [9.6% (9 M vs 1 B)] masses, thick cyst wall and mixed solid & cystic components 1(1%) M; thick cyst wall1 and nodule in the cyst wall 1(1%) M, mixed solid and cystic components 15[14.4% (14 M vs 1 B)], solid components 17(16.3%) M, thick cyst wall (> 3 mm) 27[26% (10 M vs 17 B)] and nodules in the cyst wall in 33[31.7% (32 M vs 1 B)] masses. Doppler studies of ovarian mass vasculature showed that< 0.4 resistance index and p< 0.001) while CA125 serum cutoff level 30 IU/ ml alone failed to differentiate between the benign and malignant masses. Conclusion: using CA125 serum cutoff level 30 IU/ ml combined with US grey scale or color Doppler examination can discriminate between benign and malignant adnexal masses especially in positive Doppler indices.}, keywords = {Preoperative,prediction,Ovarian Malignancy, Ultrasound, CA 125}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20122.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20122_a5fb249afbe123d0243f645a2b5ee05b.pdf} } @article { author = {Tayel, Dalia and Ezzat, Sally}, title = {Association between Nutritional Status and Hypertension among Female Students in Damanhur University, Egypt}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {42}, number = {1}, pages = {25-44}, year = {2012}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2012.20123}, abstract = {Hypertension in teenagers and young adults is increasing worldwide and necessitates the implementation of scientific studies to identify the underlying aetiology. The purpose of this crosssectional study was to estimate the association between nutritional status and dietary pattern and hypertension among university female students in one of the Egyptian Governorates. A total of 220 female students were randomly selected from four faculties of Damanhur University. Data about socio-demographic characteristics, dietary intake and habits, and life style practices were collected. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements we reassessed for every student. Hypertension was detected among 17.3% of the studied sample. When body mass index was more than 30 kg/m2 and waist circumference was more than 88 cm, 33.6% and 33.3% of the students were hypertensive respectively. Hypertension was prevalent among students who usually sleep immediately after consuming meals (24.1%),usually eat outside the home (21.3%),highly consuming salty foods(23.4%) and usually add table salt during consuming meals (23.1%). The high rate of hypertension was also associated with high consumption of fried (28.4%) and fast foods (27.2%) and soft (35.5%) and caffeinated drinks (27.5%).Caloric and other nutrients intakes were higher among hypertensive than normal students as well as sodium intake. Obesity and unhealthy dietary pattern of the university students play a major role in the development of hypertension among young adult females.}, keywords = {Hypertension,young adult females,Nutritional Status,Obesity,Dietary Pattern}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20123.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20123_f9d537f06515139f51b1ce8ad32c53c7.pdf} } @article { author = {Wafik, Wagida and Abass, Salwa and Amen, Lamia and El-Adeham, Nadia}, title = {Prevalence of Exposure to Violence among Primary School Children and their Related Knowledge}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {42}, number = {1}, pages = {45-62}, year = {2012}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2012.20124}, abstract = {Background: School violence constitutes a serious problem particularly among primary schoolchildren. About one half of the boys and one-fourth of the girls in Egypt are exposed to such violence at this age. Objectives: to study the prevalence of, knowledge about and factors relevant to violence among primary schoolchildren in Manzala district, Dakahlia Governorate. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was used on 500 schoolchildren from 5 randomly selected primary schools in the setting. Data were collected through an interview questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, history of exposure to violence and scholastic achievement as well as pupil knowledge about violence. Fieldwork was done in the period of November 2009 - January 2010. Results: most of schoolchildren have been exposed to violence (70.4%) mainly the physical one (72.4%), committed it (89.4%), had a satisfactory total knowledge level (60.8%) and significantly (p<0.001) recorded higher absenteeism (78.6%). In multivariate analysis, age, gender, birth order, father education, mother working status, and preference of video games were negative predictors while crowding index, mother education, family income, exposure to violence, and preference of violent movies were positive ones of knowledge score (p<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence and frequency of exposure to violence was high and had a negative impact on school attendance. Knowledge was influenced by many personal and family characteristics. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education should develop national violence prevention programs along with training teachers in avoiding violence. The role of parents and school health nurse should be more emphasized.}, keywords = {violence,Primary schoolchildren,Knowledge}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20124.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20124_fdd6f3b701937679bb93d4376596b87b.pdf} } @article { author = {Agamy, Neveen and Gomaa, Ahmed}, title = {Heavy Metals and Chemical Composition of Mullet Fish and Water Quality of Its Farms}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {42}, number = {1}, pages = {63-81}, year = {2012}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2012.20125}, abstract = {Background: Fish is a source of high-quality protein, supplying respectively ≈6% and ≈16.4% of the world’s and total animal protein requirements. Mullet production is mainly farm-based. Heavy metal accumulation in aquatic organisms is a serious sequel of aquatic system pollution. Objective: To assess some heavy metal concentration and physiochemical composition of farm fish and water. Methods: 60 mulletfishand 18 surface water samples were collected from three fish farms for determination of fish and water Cd, Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb concentrations as well as analysis of fish proximate chemical composition and water physiochemical parameters. Results: Only Pb and Zn exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) in fish samples while Pb and Cd exceeded the MPL in water samples. Pb levels exceeded the MPL of fish (1.5 mg/kg) in 5% of fish samples while its concentration exceeded the MPL of water (0.01mg/l) in 50% and 33.3% of water samples during winter and summer respectively. Znconcentration exceeded the MPL (5 mg/kg) in about 6.5% of fish samples during winter season only. all water samples exceeded the MPL of Cd (0.003 mg/l) during winter only. Chemical analysis of fish revealed that there was no significant difference in protein content of mullet among different farms and between the two seasons. Conclusion: Pb and Zn accumulate in fish edible tissue inconsiderably high concentrations. Pb and Cd pollution should be monitored in fish farming water.}, keywords = {Heavy metals,Chemical composition,water quality,fish farms}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20125.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20125_bee17a85eb79240929d91de48208a39c.pdf} } @article { author = {Abdel Fatah, Nesrin and Nofal, Laila}, title = {Anthropometric Status, Anemia and Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Primary School Children in Alexandria, Egypt}, journal = {Journal of High Institute of Public Health}, volume = {42}, number = {1}, pages = {82-102}, year = {2012}, publisher = {High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University}, issn = {2357-0601}, eissn = {2357-061X}, doi = {10.21608/jhiph.2012.20126}, abstract = {Background: In developing countries, malnutrition is a major health problem with prevalence ranges of 4-46%. Early childhood malnutrition is irreversible and intergenerational, with adverse consequences on adult health. Objective: This study aimed to determine the current prevalence and some associated risk factors of anemia, anthropometric indices and intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in Alexandria, Egypt. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 330 school children aged 6-12 years, attending governmental primary schools, in Alexandria. The sample was selected using a multistage random cluster sampling technique. Nutritional status of these children was determined using age and the anthropometric parameters of weight and height. z-scores of height-for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-height were computed. Epi Info 2000 software was used to evaluate the anthropometric results of each individual. Cyanmethaemoglobin method and two Kato thick smear technique were employed to identify blood hemoglobin and parasites respectively. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive, univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods. Results: Underweight, stunting, wasting, anemia and intestinal parasitoses were 4.2%, 3%, 3.7%, 84.5% and 33.6 % respectively. Parasites encountered during the study were Ascaris lumbricoides (24.6%), Trichuiris trichiura (19.6 %), and Enterobius vermicularis (3%) respectively. Based on multiple logistic regression analyses, the main risk factor for stunting was the presence of parasitic infection (OR= 4.85; 95%CI=1.23-19.12). The risk factors for anemia were age ≥10 years (OR= 8.79; 95% CI= 2.01-38.35), and presence of parasitic infection (OR= 2.26; 95% CI= 1.07- 4.82), while the risk factors for parasitic infection were age 8 -10 years (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.13 - 3.34; p= 0.02),and age ≥10 years (OR= 1.99; 95% CI= 1.05-3.79; p= 0.035), anemia (OR= 2.1; 95% CI = 0.99-4.44; p= 0.054) and stunting (OR= 4.33; 95% CI= 1.05-17.83; p= 0.042). Conclusion: Findings from this study are strongly suggestive that intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition exist in school children residing in Alexandria and constitute a major health problem that needs to be addressed immediately to reduce morbidity and mortality.}, keywords = {Malnutrition,Anemia,parasitic infections,Primary School Children,and stunting}, url = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20126.html}, eprint = {https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20126_febb8fd23568de5e881a6e0461694686.pdf} }