2024-03-28T15:48:25Z
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/?_action=export&rf=summon&issue=4035
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2017
47
2
Knowledge, Attitudes and Compliance with Hand Hygiene Practices among Health Care Workers in Alexandria Main University Hospital
Osama
Salama
Heba
Elweshahi
Asmaa
Abd El Raheem
Background: Hand hygiene is the simplest and most cost-effective practice for controlling health care associated infections (HCAIs). Level of adherence and determinants of poor compliance to hand hygiene (HH) among health care workers (HCWs) should be investigated in all health care settings.
Objective(s): The study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitudes of health care workers towards hand hygiene and to assess their degree of compliance with moment one hand hygiene.
Methods: A cross sectional study including HCWs (residents and nurses) in Alexandria Main University Hospital was conducted. The World Health Organization questionnaires and observational checklists were used to collect data in addition to a structured questionnaire to assess attitudes towards hand hygiene. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated.
Results: Only 15.5% of the studied HCWs had satisfactory level of hand hygiene related knowledge and more that half of them (55.8%) had a fair level of knowledge. The majority of HCWs (91.3%) agreed that hand hygiene practices are not practical in emergency situations. About half (49.5%) of them didn't feel guilty when they omit hand hygiene practices. Hand hygiene practices were missed in the vast majority of opportunities (>95%). Gloves were not available at any of the internal medicine or surgical wards but were rarely or intermittently available at the studied intensive care units (66.7% and 33.3% respectively). The most common cited barriers to hand hygiene practices among the studied HCWs were lack of sinks, soap, paper towels and alcohol-based hand rub.
Conclusion: Training, education and motivation of HCWs in Alexandria Main University Hospital in addition to availability of the required resources and supportive environment are the best ways to improve the level of compliance with hand hygiene.
Hand hygiene
Health care associated infections
KAP study
barriers
2017
10
01
39
47
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19961_83a1fecd91d9193f3f693a11e1a29edb.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2017
47
2
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Pediatric Suspension of Praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni in Experimental Animals
Safaa
Eassa
Essam
Aslan
Sanaa
El-Masry
Rashida
Barakat
Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases with recent evidences about the high prevalence among preschool-age children. The pediatric formulation of Praziquantel (PZQ) has to be assessed for the efficacy as it gave controversial results in several countries.
Objective(s): The current study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the pediatric suspension of PZQ against Schistosoma mansoni Egyptian strain in the experimental animals.
Methods: 150 Swiss albino mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni were divided into three groups, the first group was treated with 600 mg/kg body weight of PZQ pediatric suspension, the second group was treated with 600 mg/kg PZQ tablets and the third one received no treatment as a control. The efficacy of the pediatric formulation was experimentally evaluated in comparison with the tablet formulation as a benchmark on the basis of the following specific parasitological parameters (worm burden, tissue egg load, and oogram pattern i.e. percentage of dead, live or immature eggs shown in the stool sample).
Results: The comparison between the mean egg count per gram stool in the two groups pediatric suspension of PZQ (Epiquantel) and adult tablets of PZQ (Distocide), and the control group by applying one way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the mean egg count in both treated groups (Epiquantel&Distocide) and their control group. The reduction of the total worm burden caused by Epiquantel®was96.9%, while that of Distocide®was86.7%, they were found to be statistically significant(p<0.05) in comparison with the control group. Epiquantel® reduced the male worms by 100% and the females were reduced by 94.1%. Distocide showed a similar effect, it reduced the worms by 88.4% and 85.1% for males and females respectively. The administration of a single oral dose of both Epiquantel® and Distocide® resulted in a statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) in the mean egg count per gram tissue either the liver or the wall of small intestine when compared to their infected untreated control group. Complete absence of immature egg stages, high reduction in the mature eggs, and the increase in the dead eggs were observed in both Epiquantel® and Distocide® groups when compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The results prescribed that the pediatric suspension formula of PZQ is as efficient as the tablet formula against Schistosoma mansoni (Egyptian CD strain) in the mouse model. It could be recommended for pediatric treatment.
praziquantel
pediatric formula
Experimental animals
Schistosoma mansoni
2017
10
01
48
54
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19963_340ce28e017cff5cfd50cd943b5c812a.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2017
47
2
Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Reproductive Function of Male Rats Exposed to Lead Acetate
Ashraf
El-Sebeay
Alaa
Ibrahim
Amenh
Yousif
Background: The anti-oxidant ascorbic acid (AA) is known as a chelating agent in treatment of lead (Pb) toxicity, and has been reported to protect the cells from oxidative stress.
Objective(s): This work aims to study the efficiency of ascorbic acid on semen quality, sex hormone, antioxidant parameters and testis histology in rats treated with lead acetate.
Methods: A total of 50 male rats were divided into five equal groups; control group (received tap water only), Pb group (received 0.2% lead acetate/kg, BW) and the other three groups (received 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg BW AA along with 0.2% lead acetate/kg BW), respectively. Doses (as solutions) were orally administered every day for 8 weeks. Motility, validity, abnormal and dead sperm were assessed. Testosterone, luteinizing (LH) and follicle- stimulating (FSH) hormones were measured. Antioxidant activity [glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the level of nitric oxide (NO)] were determined. Histopathological examination was done for testis.
Results: The results showed that Pb caused a significant increase in number of abnormal and dead sperms in Pb group (43.0%, 67.2%) comparing to the control group (6.0%, 18.6%) respectively. Motility and validity of the sperm were significantly decreased in Pb group (16.0%, 32.8%) comparing to the control group (84.2%, 81.4%) respectively. Pb caused a significant increase in FSH (1.99 mIU/L) and LH (1.2 mIU/L) and a decrease in Testosterone hormones (0.86 nmol/L) comparing to the control group (0.64 mIU/L, 1.2 mIU/L, 5.24 nmol/L) respectively. On the other hand, AA caused a significant decrease in numbers of abnormal and dead sperms than in Pb group. AA also caused an increase in motility and viability of the sperms at all levels. Testosterone hormone showed a marked increased with AA and the best effect was found with the high level (1500 mg /kg BW). For antioxidant activity it was found that Pb caused a significant increase in NO and TBARS levels comparing to the control group, while it decreased significantly GSH and TAC levels. The significant effect for AA was found with the high level (1500 mg) on NO (28.5 µmol/ml) and GSH (4.9 µmol/ml). Also, it was found that AA significantly affected TBARS and TAC at all levels. Histopathological examination showed the presence of AA reduced the harmful effect of lead acetate on testis.
Conclusion: High daily intake of AA from rich sources or from supplementation can protect reproductive system of male rats from lead toxicity.
ascorbic acid
Lead
reproductive function
Antioxidant activity
2017
10
01
55
61
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19965_f7b4298b7b23dc1ced10d31c93159776.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2017
47
2
Serum Vitamin D Level in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects: Relation to Glycemic Control, Insulin Resistance and Proinflammatory Markers
Talaat
Abdel Aaty
Magdy
Magallaa
Hend
Abdel Moneim
Hanaa
Ismail
Doaa
Genena
Riham
Frugina
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Early diagnosis and management has a significant role in reducing complications. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that showed important functions regarding calcium and phosphate homeostasis, immunity and insulin resistance. There is a well-established link between vitamin D level and type 2 DM.
Objective(s): The aim of this study was to assess serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 level in type 2 diabetic subjects and to investigate its relation to glycemic control, proinflammatory markers and insulin resistance.
Methods: The study included 60 type 2 diabetic subjects in the age group 40-70 years and 30 controls matched for age and gender. Pregnant females, renal, hepatic and cancer patients were excluded from the study. All participants were subjected to detailed history taking, anthropometric measurements including weight, height and waist circumference, full clinical examination and laboratory investigations including serum 25(OH)vitamin D3, FSG, HbA1c, serum insulin, and CRP.HOMA-IR was calculated using FSG and serum insulin values.
Results: The mean serum concentration of 25(OH) vitamin D3 was significantly lower in type 2 diabetics compared to controls (2.91±4.20 ng/ml, 12.04 ±7.74 respectively) (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in BMI, WC, FSG, HbA1c, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR in type 2 diabetics compared to controls (p<0.05). A statistical significant negative correlation was found between 25(OH) vitamin D3 level and the following parameters: BMI (r=-0.584, p<0.001), WC (r=-0.233, p=0.027), FSG (r=-0.735, p<0.001), HbA1C (r=-0.387, p<0.001), HOMA-IR (r=-0.729, p<0.001), serum insulin (r=-0.272, p=0.010). Meanwhile, 25(OH) vitamin D3 did not significantly correlate with the proinflammatory marker CRP (r=-0.126, p=0.238).
Conclusion Subjects with type 2 DM have low25(OH) vitamin D3 level compared to healthy normal individuals. The negative association of 25(OH) vitamin D3 with glycemic control and its irrelevance to the proinflammatory markers suggest that vitamin D may be an important determinant in the pathogenesis of type 2 DM. Hence, cautious Vitamin D supplementation may have a therapeutic potential in prevention and management of Type 2 DM.
Type 2 DM
Glycemic control
Vitamin D
proinflammatory markers
CRP
Insulin Resistance
2017
10
01
62
68
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19966_617ff46399ce838023bbbf27baff3d5c.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2017
47
2
Occurrence of some Oral Potentially Pathogenic Microorganisms and their Associated Risk Factors
Sumaia
Abu Baker
Mohammed
El-Barrawy
Eman
Omran
Hanaa
Raslan
Background: The human mouth harbors one of the most diverse microbiomes in the human body. Multiple factors might affect the composition of oral flora, such as oral hygienic practices. Disturbance in the composition of the oral flora might lead to local as well as systemic diseases. Objective(s): To estimate the occurrence of some oral potentially pathogenic microorganisms and their associated risk factors, as well as their association with dental caries. Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 130 participants affiliated to the High Institute of Public Health (HIPH) including university teaching staff/ postgraduate students, administrative employees and workers. A questionnaire sheet was completed for everyone. It included demographic data, clinical data as well as oral hygienic practices. The DMFT index was recorded as an index for oral caries. All 130 saliva samples were examined for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Candida spp. Demographic data, dental hygiene practices, dental complaints as well as the DMFT index were all studied in relation to the studied microbial agents. Results: The most prevalent microorganism among participants was S. mutans (64.6% of isolates) followed by Candida spp (20.8%) then Enterobacteriaceae spp (10%). Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae spp were distributed as follows: Citrobacter koseri (4.6%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.8%), then Klebsiella oxytoca. S. mutans was the only microorganism that was significantly affected by the type of snacks taken between meals (p=0.001). Among those who had sugary snacks between meals, S. mutans was isolated in 81.3% of them. Candida spp was present in 27.3% of married participants, and this finding was statistically significant. The intake of drinks between meals was also significantly associated with positive Candida cultures (31.1% of participants who took drinks in between meals had positive Candida cultures). Enterobacteriaceae were significantly less frequently isolated among participants with secondary and university education (5% and 6.5% respectively) compared to uneducated and primarily educated participants (13% and 40% respectively). None of the studied microorganisms were associated with any specific dental hygienic practice, or specific dental symptoms and signs. The only organism isolated that was significantly associated with DMFT index was S. mutans (p = 0.001). None of the microorganisms were found to be significantly associated with the presence of any of the other two microorganisms. Conclusions: S. mutans was the most prevalent microorganism among participants andwas significantly associated with higher DMFT index. The presence of potentially pathogenic oral microorganisms was influenced mainly by the educational status as well as dietary habits (the intake of sugars and drinks between meals) rather than specific oral hygienic practices.
oral hygiene
S. mutans
DMFT index
Oral Flora
2017
10
01
69
75
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_19968_39cd313654150962acfe12ba26a56997.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2017
47
2
Acknowledgement for 2017 Reviewers
The Editors of the Journal of High Institute of Public Health express their thanks to all Reviewers in 2017 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:
Azza Farghaly, Prof. of Tropical Health
DeWolfe Miller, Prof. of Epidemiology & Microbiology
Ebtesam Fetouhy, Prof. of Health Education & Behavioral Sciences
Ensaf Abdelgawad, Prof. of Health Education & Behavioral Sciences
Fikrat Elsahn, Prof. of Nutrition
Hala Elmorshedy, Prof. of Parasitology & Medical Entomology
Hassan Kamel, Prof. of Parasitology & Medical Entomology
Manal Koura, Prof. of Primary Health Care
Mona Hashish, Prof. of Microbiology
Mona Hassan, Prof. of Biostatistics
Nadia Emam, Prof. of Vector Control
Nawal Abdelrehim, Prof. of Nutrition
Nihad Dabbous, Prof. of Maternal & Child Health
Ola Akl, Prof. of Primary Health Care
Wafaa Bakr, Prof. of Microbiology
Ekram Wassim, Associate Prof. of Tropical Health
Iman Wahdan, Associate Prof. of Epidemiology
2017
10
01
76
76