High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001The Relation Between Serum Leptin and Blood Lipids in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease87989615268810.21608/jhiph.2006.152688ENAsser KamarDepartment of Clinical Physiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria university, EgyptWael RefaiDepartment of Clinical Physiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria university, EgyptAshraf AlyInternal Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptAbd El-Nasser MohamedApplied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210301Background: The occurrence of ischemic heart disease in type 2 diabetic patients is very common and the cause is still not clear. Serum leptin had been accused to be the missing link between diabetes and coronary heart disease, but the mechanism is still not known. Serum lipids may contribute in this mechanism.<br /> Objective: This study has been performed to seek the possible relationship between serum leptin concentration and blood lipid concentration in diabetic patients with ischemic heart disease.<br /> Material and methods: The study included sixty subjects from the Internal Medicine Department inpatients of the Medical Research Institute Hospital who were previously admitted and diagnosed as group l: Type 2 diabetes with stable angina [15 patients], group ll: Type 2 DM with unstable angina, group lll: Type 2 DM with myocardial infarction and group lV: was 15 patients chosen as control group. All patients and controls were subjected to complete clinical and endocrinological examination. All patients and controls were subjected to estimation of fasting and post prandial blood glucose, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-ch], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-ch], total cholesterol [TC], and triacylglycerol [TG]. All patients and controls have been subjected to estimation of fasting serum leptin level.<br /> Results: No statistically significant correlation has been found between serum leptin and both fasting and post prandial blood glucose in all patients groups but when blood lipids were added, the correlation becomes positive. A statistically significant positive correlation has been found between [FBG, PPBG] and LDL-ch, TC, TG in all patients groups, whereas the correlation with HDL-ch was negative. A statistically significant positive correlation has been found between serum leptin and LDL-ch, TC and TG. The correlation was negative with HDL-ch.<br /> Conclusion: Increased levels of leptin together with decreased HDL-ch and increased TC, TG and LDL-ch are associated with unstable angina and acute mayocardial infarction. These finding support the theory that leptin levels should be monitored amongst other markers of cardiovascular risk.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Achondroplasia in Egyptian Patients89791415274410.21608/jhiph.2006.152744ENMervat F.El-BelbesyDepartment of Human Genetics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptAmal M.Abd El-AzizDepartment of Human Genetics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptSahar A.El-ShafieDepartment of Human Genetics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptHesham M.SaedDepartment of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, EgyptHala A.El-KholyDepartment of Human Genetics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210301Achodroplasia [ACH] is the most common form of chondrodysplasias in humans. It is characterized by disproportionate short stature and other skeletal anomalies. The disorder is inherited as an autosomal dominant trail, although the majority of cases are sporadic. A inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, although the majority of cases are sporadic. A recurrent glycine to arginine mutation at codon 380 [G380R] of transmembrane domain of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 [FGFR-3] was identified in the majority of Western and Japanese patients. To determine whether this mutation is also common in Egyptian patients, G380R mutations [[G-to-A] transition and [G-to-C] transversion] were examined in 18 sporadic patients and 2 affected members of the same family. Their available parents [16 fathers and 19 mothers] and 20 control were also examined for the presence of the two mutations. All patients had the same G380 R mutation with G-to-A transition and none had G-to-C transversion. Neither the parents nor the control group carried any of the two mutations. The clinical and radiological data of the genotyped Achondroplasia patients were analyzed.
Conclusion: The results of this study further support the observation that G380R of the FGFR-3 is the most common mutation causing ACH across different populations and also showed that rhizomelia of the upper limb, relative macrocephaly, and midface hypoplasia are the most obvious features of ACH and the most important radiological findings are narrowing of interpedicular distance together with characteristic pelvic changes.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Behavioral-Based Educational Intervention directed towards Agricultural Families to Protect Children from Pesticide Exposure91592815277910.21608/jhiph.2006.152779ENTaghreed M.FarahatCommunity Medicine and Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, EgyptFayssal M.FarahatCommunity Medicine and Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, EgyptAtef A.MichaelCommunity Medicine and Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, EgyptJournal Article20210301Background: Culturally appropriate educational intervention was developed and directed towards agricultural families to improve knowledge and practice of agricultural families in order to protect their children from exposure to pesticides.<br /> Methods: Parents [n=297] were randomly assigned into either lecture or video training group. Ability to recall information or improve practices among parents was evaluated in 3 consecutive sessions [2 weeks and 1 month apart].<br /> Results: All participating families were using pesticides inside homes and in the fields. All families were using space insect killers inside homes [main ingredients include tetramethrin, sumithrin, pyrethrin, and piperonyl butoxide] in different forms. Pesticides applied in the field are organophosphates [57.9%], carbamates [41.4%], and pyrethroids [28.5%]. In both lecture and video training groups, knowledge scores of participants improved significantly in the second and third sessions, as compared to the first session. Although practice scores of both groups improved in subsequent sessions, the changes were not significant.<br /> Discussion: Using non-traditional appropriately designed educational interventions that depend more on visual memory is more likely to ensure sustainability of the gained knowledge as well as practice.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Depression and Body Image Disturbances Among Females Seeking Treatment for Obesity in Saudi Arabia.92994415282810.21608/jhiph.2006.152828ENAbdel-Rahman A.AsalDepartment of Psychiatry, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi ArabiaMoataz M.Abdel-FattahEpidemiology and Research Unit, Department of Preventive Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi ArabiaTamer HifnawyEpidemiology and Research Unit, Department of Preventive Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi ArabiaMohamed M.MakhloufDepartment of Family Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi ArabiaJournal Article20210301Obesity is an increasingly prevalent disease around the world and is becoming one of the main public health problems in developed countries. The relationship between obesity and psychological distress continued to be debated by researchers and clinicians alike. This study aimed at assessing depression and body image disturbances in obese patients seeking treatment for obesity. A case-control design was adopted in the study. A total of [236] obese women, self-referred to a residential weight-loss facility for weight control, were invited to participate in this study. Obese women were compared with [296] of a control group [of the same age range, but with normal weight]. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory for depressive symptoms, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire for body-image satisfaction and The Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire.
Results revealed that obesity was more common among older than younger females, among married than single females, and among those with lower level of education than those with higher level. Obese women as compared with non-obese reported significantly more symptoms of depression and significantly more negative body image.
Conclusions: The present results indicate a high frequency of depressive symptoms, and concern with body image among obese patients. Therefore, obese women who seek treatment should be screened for depression and body image dissatisfaction.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Effect of the Organophosphate [Curacron] on Activity of Acetylcholinesterase in Different Parts of Rat Brain [in Vivo Studies]94595215308510.21608/jhiph.2006.153085ENHassan OsmanBiochemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptIman A.SharafBiochemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptMohamed OsmanBiochemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptSamia A.EbaidApplied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptMoamed M.NassefApplied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210302Curacron profenofos is 0-[4-Bromo-2 chlorophenyl]-O-ethyl-S-propyl phosphorothioate. Its chemical formula is C11H15BrCIO3PS. It is a broad-spectrum organophosphorous insecticide for control of pests in cotton growing areas. Inhibition of acetyl and pseudocholinesterase by this compound results in signs and symptoms of toxicity signs and symptoms [cholinergic syndrome]: bradycardia, respiratory-circulatory arrest, vomiting and diarrhea in a variety of animals including man. In this work experiments were carried out in vivo to study its effect on the activity of AChE enzyme obtained from whole and five different parts of rat brain, namely basal ganglia, frontal cortex, medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum.<br /> <strong>This work was carried out by 2 experiments: </strong><br /> Exp. A: Depending on the dose of intraperitoneal infusion of curacon.<br /> Exp. B: Depending on the time course post infusion of a constant dose of curacron 100 mg/kg BW [dose causing 50% inhibition] in vivo.<br /> The results showed that the inhibition occurred in all brain parts, but it was highly marked in the enzyme obtained from the cerebellum [the part responsible for balance and coordination of movements]. The results also indicated that the inhibition of AChE produced by i.p. injection with curacon was dose and time dependent.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Women’s Knowledge about Genital Prolapse and their Self-Care Practices to Relieve its Symptoms95397215312610.21608/jhiph.2006.153126ENMervat A.KhamisDepartment of Obstetrical and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, EgyptJournal Article20210302At least half of all women who have given birth experience pelvic organ prolapse. The prevalence in Egypt is high and the age and parity remain the most predictive factors for the condition. There is a need to identify knowledge deficits, misconception, and common self-care practices used by women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The aim of the study was to measure women’s knowledge about genital prolapse, and to identify their self-care practices to relieve its symptoms. The study was conducted at Assiut University Hospital using a cross-sectional analytic design. Subject consisted of 100 married women aged 20 to 60 years, having at least one vaginal delivery, and diagnosed as having genital prolapse. A specially designed interview schedule was developed for data collection; it included socio-demographic data, symptoms of genital prolapse, and knowledge about it, as well as women’s reported self-care practice for relief of its symptoms.<br /> The results revealed that low back pain, frequency and urgency of micturition, and feeling lower heaviness with cough of sneezing were the most common symptoms. Only 16.7% of the women had a satisfactory knowledge about genital prolapse. The most common self-care practices for dribbling of urine were changing underwear [68.7%], while 27.3% did nothing. Most women did nothing for dysuria [46.0%], defecation problems [68.7%], and dyspareunia [80.7%]; 51.3% of women reported reducing their prolapse for relief of the feeling of heaviness. Back pain was mostly treated by lying down on the back [20.7%], and 30.0% reported washing with soap and water for vaginal discharge. Low abdominal pain and dysmenorrhea were mostly managed by hot herbal drinks, 42.0% and 39.3%, respectively. The woman herself was the main source of information for almost all symptoms. Knowledge was statistically significantly higher among educated women, p < 0.001, and those with severe symptoms, p=0.03. Also, seeking medical advice was statistically significantly higher among younger [p=0.02] and educated [p=0.047] women. Statistically significant associations were revealed between seeking medical advice and knowledge about the causes [p=0.02] and management [p=0.02].<br /> It is concluded that women with genital prolapse lack knowledge about this condition, and its causes and management. They also have a low health seeking behavior. The role of health care providers as source of information is minimal. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses have a more prominent role in educating women about the predisposing factors symptoms and signs, and proper self-care practices. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Assessment of the Information of Solid Waste Collection Sector in Alexandria, Egypt97399015325710.21608/jhiph.2006.153257ENRim A.HusseinEnvironmental Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptMagda Abd El-AttyEnvironmental Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210303Whereas in Western Countries, resource recovery is integrated within the formal solid waste management [SWM] system, waste pickers [for livelihood reasons] support the inadequate SWM system in developing countries by reclaiming recyclables. The following study has been carried out aiming at determining demographic data, analyzing working conditions, and estimating the contribution of these waste pickers to solid waste recycling in Alexandria. The study sample consisted of 50 waste pickers selected randomly from different waste collection points. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The study revealed that the average age of waste pickers was 30 years old, and that 50% of them were illiterate. They had an average of 10 years of experience in such a field and of LE 32 as daily earning from such occupation. All of them were facing health hazards resulting from coming into contact with waste materials, as well as a social hazard resulting from police harassment. However, [as a result to the waste material they collect from communal containers], banning their activities would send US$ 0.3 million daily to the landfill and would increase the cost of solid waste collection and transport bu US$0.2 million daily. Consequently, the study concluded their importance for the well-being of the community, and recommended that SWM laws should be concentrated to improve their collection and recycling activities in terms of occupational health and environmental pollution.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Time Trends and Survival of Patients with Oral and Pharyngeal Malignancies991100815333010.21608/jhiph.2006.153330ENWaguih M.AbouzeidResearch Department, Alexandria Dental Research Center, Ministry of Health, Alexandria, EgyptSamiha A.MokhtarBio-Statistics, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptNehad H.MahdyBio-Statistics, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptMohamed S.AhmedOncology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, EgyptFayek S.El KwskyBio-Statistic, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210303An accurate assessment of oral and pharyngeal malignancies in cancer treatment trends, and survival of the diseased was missing in Egypt. Accordingly, all new cases treated in Alexandria and El-Behira Governorates during the last decade were studied retrospectively. Data were collected through all accessible archives using a special data collection sheet. The total populations of different governorates were obtained from the “Central Administration of Census and Statistics” reports, by gender and residential selective distributions. The personal history, socio-demography, staging, site of the tumor, treatment, complications of treatment, response, as well as survival were explored. The mean age of 1254 investigated subjects was 52.02±16.13 years, where 15% were educated. Pharyngeal cases represented 41.5%, while the oral were 58.5%. Those of stage I recorded 5.2%, while stage lV was 47.7%. Surgery followed by irradiation was the line of treatment for 54.3% of cases. The estimated population for non-censal years was determined as the average value of both the “Arithmetic Progression” and the “Geometric Progression” techniques estimates. The annual incidence rates through the period of study were plotted and analyzed using the relevant regression line to test their significance.<sup>1, 2</sup> Tracing trends revealed a decreasing incidence in all situations, except in females of El-Behira Governorate, which resulted in an increasing trend of El-Behira as a whole, as all trends were not statistically significant. The 5-year survival was computed using the actuarial method, and presented graphically using the Kaplain Meier curve.<sup>3</sup> The overall 5-year survival probability was 0.54%. Survival for stage I was 74.5%, while it was 46.38% for stage IV. Smoking showed an apparent adverse effect on survival. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that the best predictor for overall survival was gender as males have 1.74 times the risk compared to females, followed by stage, as stage IV was the worst.<br /> Results of the present study suggest that the database coded cases were quite important for treatment and follow up. Smoking should be prohibited in a decisive manner. Care is to be given for raising the socioeconomic status, especially for categories living under potentially higher stress. Early referral of cases to oncologists is highly mandatory, and whenever surgery is indicated, safety margin combined with alleviating complications is of great effect on survival.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Impact of Smoking on the Physiological and Pulmonary Functional Status in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases [COPD]1009103615358010.21608/jhiph.2006.153580ENHanan G.MohammedMedical Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Banha University, EgyptJournal Article20210304Smoking tobacco dramatically increases the risk developing many diseases. It is responsible for a substantial majority of cases of COPD. COPD takes years to develop and progress. The symptoms usually progress quickly in patients who continue to smoke and who have higher life time tobacco exposure. A study reported that the physiological effect of smoking would limit ability to improve their functional status. <strong>This study aimed </strong>at identifying the effect of smoking on the pulmonary function testes [PFTs] and pulmonary functional status [PFS] in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases [COPD]. <strong>It was carried out</strong> at the Chest Diseases Hospital of Abu Seta, Tripoli, Algmaheria Arabia of Libya. It included 40 patients [20 patients who smoke and 20 patients who non-smoke]. Great percentages of them were found suffering from both bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. All the studied sample included in the present study were males. The majority of the sample were 40 years. This study excluded patients who were less than 25 years because their years of smoking affected the physical and functional status. <strong>Three tools</strong> were used in the study. <strong>COPD patients’ Assessment Sheet, Part I </strong>comprised patients personal characteristics [the patient’s age, sex, marital status, level of education, socioeconomic, occupation, diagnosis, and smoking patterns]. This part involved closed ended questions related to patents’ characteristics. <strong>Part II</strong> included Pulmonary Functions Tests [PFTs] record. This part aimed at estimating the Pulmonary functions tests, once before inhalation of bronchodilators by Metered Dose Inhaler and once after drug was administered within 15-20 minutes. This was to evaluate the lung functioning changes and improvement in how responsive to bronchodilator for patients who smoke compared with those who non-smoke, e.g., Forced expiratory volume [FEV<sub>1</sub>] in one second, Forced vital capacity [FVC] and FVC/FEV<sub>1</sub>, [FEV<sub>1</sub>%]. The pulmonary Functional Status scale was designed to assess the functional status and psychological behavior according to Weaver and Narsavage.<sup>10</sup> It includes 56 items scale and addresses the nine sub-constructions that contribute to functional status, namely: self-care, mobility, household tasks, grocery shopping, meal preparation, daily activities, relationship, as well as dyspnea, and psychological behavior, including, anxiety state, and depression. This instrument was designed to subscale score of the functional status, dyspnea and psychological status. <strong>The calibrated Computerized Spirometry</strong> was used to measure the forced vital capacity [FVC], Forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV<sub>1</sub>], FVC/FEV, and [FEV<sub>1</sub>%]. <strong>This study revealed</strong> significant effects of bronchodilator on the FEV<sub>1</sub> and FVC amongst smokers and non-smokers. But significant better effects were among non-smokers group more than smokers group. This may perhaps be to years of smoking and numbers of cigarette smoking as seen in this study which stated that number of cigarette smoken affects the FEV<sub>1 </sub>significantly. As regarding the pulmonary functional status, the present study revealed that high significant differences between smokers and non-smokers were found in the area of mobility, daily activity, and dyspnea as well as anxiety. The present study also revealed that mild grocery shopping of functional status was affected by FVC and differed significantly between smokers and non-smokers. Similarly, a statistically significant difference emerged also in FVC for both smokers and non-smokers who were in mild, married, and moderate dyspnea, respectively. Concerning FEV<sub>1</sub>, according to the functional status in smokers and non-smokers, there was found a significant difference among them in mild daily activity mild single relationship, and highly significant relation in areas of mild grocery shopping, mild married relationship, moderate dyspnea, moderate anxiety, and depression. It also revealed that FCV/FEV<sub>1</sub> [FEV<sub>1</sub>%] in relation to the functional status, a highly significant relation was observed between smokers and non-smokers in moderate self-care, mild mobility, mild daily activity, mild married relation, and single relation as well as moderate and mild depression. <strong>The present findings</strong> have put in evidence that a well-planned smoking cessation program has been helpful in COPD patients to resume their normal condition as possible.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Serum Level of Aflatoxin B1 in Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients in Alexandria, Egypt, with or without Cirrhosis and HCC1037104615359110.21608/jhiph.2006.153591ENSherif R.OmarTropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, EgyptEzzat M.HassanTropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, EgyptMagdy A.MohamedClinical Pathology Department, Alexandria University Student Hospital, EgyptSuzan A.Abou-GouneimeInternal Medicine Department, Alexandria University Student Hospital, EgyptJournal Article20210304Objective: To study the relation between serum level of Aflatoxin B1 [AFB1] and Hepatitis C Virus [HCV] infection with or without complications, i.e., cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma [HCC].<br /> Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study included 270 patients attending the University of Alexandria Student Hospital, divided into two groups: first group [n=135] HCV seropositive with raised liver enzymes [ALT & AST], 58 of them are proved to be cirrhotic by ultra-sound, 14 of them suffer HCC. Comparative second group [n=135] are HCV seronegative, randomly chosen and matched with the other group. Both groups were questioned, clinically examined and serum level of AFB1 was measured using the indirect ELISA technique.<br /> Results: Mean serum level of AFB1 among HCV cases was significantly much higher than controls [358.1±394.6 ng/ml] vs. [129.5±169.3 ng/ml], p=0.000. Mean serum level of AFB1 was higher in cases suffer HCC than cirrhotic patients and than HCV non-cirrhotic patients [618.1±667.7, 460.4±486.0 and 281.0±288.7 ng/ml, respectively. There was no relation between serum level of AFB1 and Sex, age, residence, socioeconomic level, and liver enzymes level in both groups.<br /> Conclusion: HCV infected individuals are facing a great risk to develop long term hepatic complications especially HCC, AFB1 exposure as a known carcinogen is an additional risk. Strict national measures against Aflatoxin contamination of food are to be considered in countries with high prevalence of hepatic virus C and B as well.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Demographic Characteristics and History of Risky Exposure Among Acute Leukaemic Children in Alexandria, Egypt1047106415439010.21608/jhiph.2006.154390ENSherif R.OmarTropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, EgyptEzzat M.HassanTropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, EgyptBayoumi A.GhareebPaediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, EgyptEkram W.Abd El-WahabTropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20210307Objective: To determine the demographic characteristics and history of risky exposures among acute leukaemic children in Alexandria.
Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study started Nov.2004 for one year duration, included 163 cases [all acute leukaemic cases attended in and out-patient of Alexandria University Paediatric Hospital, either newly diagnosed or for follow up, and who are below the age of 15]. Questionnaire sheet was completed by interview with patient’s mothers included demographic data, Known environmental risk factors, and maternal reproductive history. Medical records of cases were reviewed as well.
Results: Most cases [84.7%] suffer B-lineage acute lymphoblastic type, T-lineage, and acute non-lymphoblastic types and counts for 13.5% and 1.8%, respectively. Commonest age group for disease onset was [3-5 years = 31.3%], mean age of onset [5.1±2.6] years. 58.3% of cases were males, males to females ration was 1.4:1. 69.3% of cases are from rural areas. 65.6% are of low socioeconomic level. Most encountered risky exposures were recurrent intake of drugs, exposure to X-ray, insecticides, electro-magnetic fields, repeated infections, close parents consanguinity, and family history of cancer. The percent of these factors were [48.5%, 13.5%, 26.3%, 13.5%, 35.6%, 23.3% and 16.5%], respectively.
Conclusion: The study is an update of acute childhood leukaemia demographic characteristics, counts for cases and their clinical types, and mentions of the current risky exposures. It document that many factors are implicated in the etiology of this relatively not uncommon disease.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Cognitive Impairment and Associated Factors Among Elderly in Geriatric Homes in Alexandria1065108215441010.21608/jhiph.2006.154410ENMohamed M.MakhloufGeriatric Health, Family Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210307Cognitive dysfunctions as part of dementia syndrome have emerged as a leading public health problem among the elderly. Its early detection is important for the management of patients, and for support of other family members. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its associated factors among elderly living in geriatric homes in Alexandria. The study utilized a cross sectional approach targeting elderly in 4 geriatric homes selected at random. The sample included 114 elderly; 70 females and 44 males with a mean age of 70.4± 8.23 years. A predesigned interviewing questionnaire was completed for all participants and included socio-demographic data, family history for dementia; chronic disease; and drug history, previous exercise, and smoking history. Functional capacities were assessed by ADL and IADL. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini Mental Status Examination.<br /> The results revealed that 38.6% of the elderly had cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was significantly higher among older age group, among females, among illiterates, and those of lower education, and was significantly lower among professionals and business personnel. Cognitive impairment was also significantly higher among those with cardiac diseases, those who were not previously practicing physical exercise, and those who were dependent in ADL and IADL. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that older age [75+], primary education or less, history of cardiac disease, and dependency in telephone use were the significant predictors of cognitive impairment.<br /> In conclusion, cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among the elderly in geriatric homes in Alexandria. Older age, primary education or les, history of cardiac disease, and dependency in telephone use are significant predictors of cognitive impairment. Further community-based studies are recommended. Governmental and non-governmental efforts aiming at improving the educational level in the community and different strategies for preventing cardiac disease should be adopted. Cognitive and functional scales are important in screening for cognitive impairment.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Ventilatory Changes in Pulmonary Functions Among Sugar Cane Workers1083109215445810.21608/jhiph.2006.154458ENFahmy C.FahmyOccupational health and Air Pollution Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptAbdelaziz KamelOccupational health and Air Pollution Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptMohamed MoselhiOccupational health and Air Pollution Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210307This is a cross-sectional study among sugar cane workers in Ques Sugar Production Factory in Quena governorate. It is designed to investigate changes in ventilator pulmonary functions and chest X-ray of sugar cane workers and their interaction with smoking. All blue-collar male workers were classified into high exposure group [production workers, n=27] and low exposure group [maintenance workers, n=43], and were included in the study. All participants were subjected to a pre-designed questionnaire, clinical examination, computerized pulmonary functions testing [FVC, FEV<sub>1</sub>, FEV<sub>1</sub>/FVC, MMEF, PEF, MEF<sub>25%</sub>, MEF<sub>50%</sub> and MEF<sub>75%</sub>] and chest X-ray examination.<br /> Results showed significantly higher rates of chronic bronchitis and chronic asthmatic bronchitis among the high exposure group. Ventilator pulmonary function demonstrated significant reductions in FVC in relation to exposure to airborne bagasse [p=0.006]. Also, reductions in MEF<sub>50% </sub>and MEF<sub>75%</sub> were significantly related to occupational exposure and smoking [p < 0.05]. Obstructive and restrictive impairments in ventilator pulmonary functions were significantly more common among high exposure group currently smokers [P<0.05]. Small lung opacities were reported more significant among high exposure workers versus low exposure group [p=0.003].<br /> In conclusion, FVC, MEF<sub>50%</sub> and MEF<sub>75% </sub>seem to be early sensitive parameters; meanwhile, chest X-ray examination is a specific parameter in periodic medical examination of sugar cane workers. Anti-smoking measures and other control strategies are important issues. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001Women Health and Gender Gap in Some Poor Settings1093111415515410.21608/jhiph.2006.155154ENHanan M.Abd El-AzizFamily Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptIbrahim F.KharboushFamily Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210309A disproportionate share of the burden of poverty rests on women’s shoulders, and undermines their health. The aim of this paper is to assess some points regarding women health and status in poor urban settings in Alexandria and poor rural setting. Also, to assess gender gap in these settings. The study was carried out using a cross sectional approach. It was conducted in four areas; two urban and one semi urban areas in Alexandria Governorate and one rural area in Kafr El-Dawar, Behira Governorate. The study included 1423 families, 337 from Abu-Kir, 376 from Ezbaat Sokina, 349 from Ezbaat El-Brince and 361 from Ezbaat Daife. An interviewing questionnaire was used to collect data from the women about household family members. Female to male comparison as well as sex ration of some parameters were used to assess gender gap.
Results showed that females were the head of the family in 2% of the families. In 4% of the families, wives participated in the family income. Female illiteracy reported higher level among family members comparing to male illiteracy in rural and semi-urban areas. Higher education was more frequent among females [31% & 17%] than male [26% & 16%] in urban area. Unemployment was 90% among females aged 45+ years. The rate of ill health increased with age from 28% in young adult to 58% in older women [45+] compared to 50% among older males. Cardiovascular diseases mainly hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most frequent complaint [20.3% and 11.5%] for females compared to [14.1% and 8.3%] for males. Diarrhea and ARI were more frequent among males than among females. More than half of the boys and girls under 6 years old did not seek any medical care in the last 6 months. Majority of the poor women had antenatal care, vaccinated against tetanus and delivered in hospital under medical supervision and practicing contraception both in rural and urban settings. Female to male sex ratio was close to one in different age groups except reproductive age it was exceed one.
In conclusion poor urban and rural women are subjected to a heavy burden of poverty, poor health, low socio-economic status, and gender inequality.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136420061001تأثير توظيف التربية الحرکية على بعض المتغيرات الوظيفية لمرضى ضغط الدم المرتفع المصابين بتصلب شرايين المخ السباتية1115113215517010.21608/jhiph.2006.155170ENأحمد ع.عمرانقسم العلوم الحيوية والصحية الرياضية، کلية التربية الرياضية للبنين، جامعة الإسکندرية، مصرJournal Article20210309يهدف البحث إلى توظيف التربية الحرکية في تأهيل مرضى ضغط الدم المرتفع المصابين بتصلب شرايين المخ السباتية والتعرف على تأثيرها في بعض المتغيرات الوظيفية والمتمثلة في ضغط الدم في الراحة وبعد المجهود، قطر وسرعة تدفق الدم داخل الشريان السباتي الرئيسي الأيمن والأيسر، ووزن الجسم، واستخدام المنهج التجريبي على عينة قوامها [١٧] مريض، قسموا إلى مجموعة ضابطة [٧] مرضى، ومجموعة تجريبية [١٠] مرضى يطبق عليها برنامج التربية الحرکية التأهيلية، وتم قياس الکفاءة الوظيفية للمرضى متمثلة في قياس الجهد على العجلة الإرجومتيرية، النبض في الراحة وبعد المجهود، ضغط الدم في الراحة وبعد المجهود، سرعة تدفق الدم ودرجة تصلب الشريان السباتي، وطبق على المجموعة التجريبية البرنامج لمدة ٩ أسابيع بواقع ٤ وحدات أسبوعيا و٣٦ وحدة إجماليا وهدف البرنامج إلى تأهيل الأداء الحرکي وتنمية المهارات الحرکية الأساسية اليومية والاعتماد على استهلاک الأکسجين وزيادة الاسترخاء وتقليل التوتر والشعور بالسعادة واستنتج أنه يمکن توظيف التربية الحرکية کأسلوب جديد في تأهيل المرضى والتأثير الايجابي على المتغيرات الوظيفية قيد البحث وأوصى بضرورة إجرء المزيد من البحوث في هذا المجال.