High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060151220210801Serum MiRNA-23a as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker of Hepatitis C Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma475718947010.21608/jhiph.2021.189470ENMarwa M.FekryDepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptRasha I.FarragDepartment of Microbiology, Alexandria Central Laboratories, Alexandria, EgyptHeba S.SelimDepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptSarah L.AsserDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, EgyptNermeen AbdeenDepartment of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210816Background: Micro-ribonucleic acids (MiRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules which regulate gene expression. Several miRNAs including miR-23a were found to be frequently deregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Objective: This study aimed to evaluate serum miR-23a as a biomarker of hepatitis C related HCC. Methods: This study was conducted on 60 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients (group I: without cirrhosis, group II with cirrhosis and group III with HCV associated HCC) and a control group of 20 healthy volunteers. All patients were submitted to history taking, clinical examination in addition to categorization and staging of HCC patients. Following extraction of RNA from serum samples, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed. Calculation of serum miR-23a was done using the comparative cycle threshold (Ct) method (2–ΔΔCT). Results: Serum miR-23a levels (2-ΔΔCT) were significantly higher in cirrhotic and HCC patients compared to chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC). However, no significant difference was noted between cirrhotic and HCC patients. The sensitivity and specificity of miR-23a levels for discriminating HCC patients from cirrhotic patients were 55% and 65%, respectively. MiR-23a levels had sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 70% for discriminating metastatic from non-metastatic HCC patients. Conclusion: Higher miR-23a levels were detected among metastatic HCC patients than among those without metastasis. The sensitivity and specificity of miR-23a levels for discriminating HCC patients from cirrhotic patients were lower than those of alpha fetoprotein (AFP).https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_189470_1ea245d1eb0edb6558d2682bb20f4ec6.pdfHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060151220210801Early Marriage Determinants and Implications among Egyptian Women in Gharbia Governorate586619076510.21608/jhiph.2021.190765ENNashwa M.RadwanDepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt Department of Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaIbrahim A.KabbashDepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, EgyptEman E.Abd-EllatifDepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt0000-0001-7177-815xMira M.Abu-EleninDepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, EgyptJournal Article20210822Background: Early marriage with its harmful effects on women’s health is one of the most important public health issues. Objective: This study was designed to explore the perception and determinants of early marriage and its harmful consequences on females in urban and rural areas of Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months and included 1,293 women from family health facilities in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. A predesigned interview questionnaire was used to collect related data. Results: Of the participants, 36.7% married before the age of 20 years: this phenomenon was significantly more prevalent in rural than in urban areas (45.5% vs. 27.8%, respectively). Significant factors associated with early marriage included low educational level of the females and their parents<br />(p > 0.001(. Conclusion: Early marriage is still practiced in Egypt with misconceptions about the proper age of marriage. This harmful practice might lead to adverse implications on women’s social and psychological aspects and children’s health. Therefore, formulating an integrated approach, including enforcing the law and motivating community stakeholders and health authorities to combat this phenomenon, is necessary.https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_190765_8b20d2bca5c6afc552bcc48d7c43222b.pdfHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060151220210801Internet Addiction among Secondary School Students in Upper Egypt677519150210.21608/jhiph.2021.191502ENAlya E.Abd El-MawgoodDepartment of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, EgyptFouad M.A.YousefDepartment of Public Health & Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, EgyptRasha A.AliDepartment of Public Health & Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, EgyptJournal Article20210826Background: The remarkable growth of Internet usage in recent years has been accompanied with an increased risk of Internet addiction (IA). IA which is progressively becoming a societal problem affects the more vulnerable group of adolescents and children, resulting in different mental and physical health consequences. Objective(s): The study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of IA among high school students in Sohag, Egypt and its effects on their mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 randomly selected Egyptian high school students using a self- administered structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic and Internet use characteristics, in addition to the Arabic versions of Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results: More than one third (34.8%) of the studied high school students were mild Internet addicts, 21% were moderate Internet addicts and 4% were severe Internet addicts. Having a Facebook account, Internet access on a smart phone, Internet access outside the house, bad family relationship, presence of the Internet at home, being in 2nd grade of high school, and access to the Internet for entertainment were the predictors of IA. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between IA and deterioration of their mental health (r= 0.33, p < 0.001). Conclusions and recommendations: The high prevalence of IA and association with deteriorated mental health shown in the current study warrant special attention and indicate the need for better parenting style and more controlled use of smart phones.https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_191502_8fc5a7b5a98aa9b22d62c987a67ef623.pdfHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060151220210801Public Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines in Saudi Arabia768319177610.21608/jhiph.2021.191776ENAbdullah AlqathamiMinistry of Health, Saudi ArabiaNoha S.MohamedDepartment of Biostatistics, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt0000-0002-9615-6119Journal Article20210829Background: COVID-19 vaccination is a crucial public health intervention to stem the pandemic, however, there is a public hesitation to take the vaccine all over the world because of concerns about safety. Objective(s): To assess the intention to take COVID-19 vaccines among adults in Saudi Arabia, and to explore determinants of this intention and causes of refusal of COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1345 adults in all provinces of Saudi Arabia using a questionnaire that was distributed via all social media channels. Stepwise binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors to accept COVID-19 vaccination. Results: About 48% of respondents intend to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The predictors of COVID-19 vaccines acceptance were perception of strong possibility of getting COVID-19 infection, high risk perception of the COVID-19, adherence to protective measures during the pandemic, receiving flu vaccines and high level of knowledge. The three most common causes of refusal to receive COVID-19 vaccines were fear from side effects of vaccines (76.8%), absence of trust that it will prevent COVID-19 infection (44%) and being in good health (28.7%). Conclusion and recommendations: The willingness of adults to receive COVID-19 vaccines is suboptimal. There is a need for targeted health education messages using a multidisciplinary team capable of good communication with the public and dissemination of accurate messages via all social media platforms to correct misconceptions about the vaccines especially that related to public confidence in vaccine safety.https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_191776_da4733ebd4d240cdb4e011389235d546.pdfHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060151220210801Satisfaction with Online Learning among Sohag University Students848919388810.21608/jhiph.2021.193888ENEman RoshdyMohamedGomhoria StreetAlaa A.GhalebDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, EgyptSeham A.AbokreshaDepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, EgyptJournal Article20210910Background: Recently the growth of online learning programs has been driven by the progress of the internet and the information technology that improved the education. Due to advancement of the latest technology, online learning has arisen as a substitute complement to traditional teaching and learning.<br />Objective(s): To determine factors affecting satisfaction of Sohag university students with online learning.<br />Methods: Strachota’s Online Satisfaction Survey was applied on 782 students from faculty of medicine, pharmacy and education to assess the satisfaction of students with online learning. It included five main parameters (student-content interaction, student-instructor interaction, student- student interaction, student-technology interaction, and general satisfaction).<br />Results: Half of the studied students (50.3%) were not satisfied with online learning as a continuous method for education. Males were more satisfied (59.5%) than females (45%). Students living in urban areas (53%) were more satisfied than those of rural areas (45.8%) and students of faculty of medicine were more satisfied (54.4%) than faculties of pharmacy and education (40% & 48.6% respectively). The availability of computers and internet was significantly affecting the satisfaction of students with all parameters.<br />Conclusion: Half of the studied students were not satisfied with online learning as a continuous method for education. The factors affecting the satisfaction of students with online learning were availability of computers and internet, male gender and urban residence.https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_193888_73421fc4a9fe67199d99c2c177aa6dd1.pdfHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060151220210801Bullying Among Early Adolescent Egyptian School Students909719476310.21608/jhiph.2021.194763ENNora A.KhalilDepartment of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, EgyptAliaa Z.ElsaadanyMinistry of Health and Population, EgyptMarwa M.MohassebDepartment of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, EgyptJournal Article20210915Background: Bullying among school students is defined as a type of violence that has increased nowadays. It is a very serious problem that can affect children and adolescents with multiple negative impacts e.g. poor school achievement and mental health problems. Objective(s): To assess the frequency of bullying, determine gender differences as regards different bullying behaviors among early adolescent school students. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study. It was conducted on 350 primary and preparatory school students in Tanta district, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the students asking about their socio-economic standards, experiencing different bullying behaviors, their types, and their psychological effects on the affected students. Results: The studied students experienced bullying in the form of bullies (6%), victims (22%), bully-victims (7%), and witnesses (55%). About 56% of students who experienced bullying were males and 44% were females. About 60% of female students were victims versus 39% in males, while males experienced other bullying behaviors (bully, bully-victim, witness). Physical and verbal bullying reached 53.1% & 49.8% respectively, while cyberbullying was 23.2% and sexual bullying 12.1%. Physical bullying was significantly more frequent among male students (p-value = 0.003). However, female students were significantly more experiencing verbal and cyberbullying (p-value = 0.002 & 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: The frequency of bullying experience among early adolescent school students was high. Female students were experiencing bullying behaviors less than male students. Screening for bullying behavior during the routine visits of the adolescents in primary health care facilities is recommended.https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_194763_945d04df17caf86319e8754128cf93f6.pdfHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060151220210801Serologic Profile of Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt9810619913210.21608/jhiph.2021.199132ENMuhammad M.DawudFellow of Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptMohamed A.El-BarrawyDepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptMarwa M.FekryDepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20211011Background: Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a worldwide public health issue. Egypt is classified as an area of intermediate endemicity. Hepatitis B has high materno-fetal transmission. Infants who are infected through their mothers are at a significant risk of acquiring chronic liver disease. Objective(s): To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of HBV infection among pregnant females in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate as well as to compare HBV serologic profile among HBV vaccinated and non-vaccinated pregnant women. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed on 456 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics at Kafr El-Sheikh general hospitals. This study was carried out from June 2020 through February 2021. Sociodemographic data were collected through a predesigned questionnaire. Study participants were screened for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Positive ones for the latter were subjected to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) detection. Results: The majority of pregnant women (73%) were susceptible to HBV infection, while 2.4% had immunity following infection and 12.4% had immunity related to vaccination. HBsAg was detected in 1.8% and sole anti-HBc detected in 9.9%. There was a significant statistical association between HBsAg positivity and age, lack of vaccination, family history of HBV infection and unsafe injection. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate was 1.8% especially in those with risk factors. Thus, it is highly recommended that the Ministry of Health and Population should implement a program to screen all pregnant women for HBV at the antenatal care units. In addition, hepatitis B vaccine proved to be an effective tool against HBV infection among studied pregnant women.https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_199132_5e65cd03fb37306ca400407527fc91a0.pdfHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060151220210801Health-Promoting Lifestyle among Medical Students in Alexandria10711319943410.21608/jhiph.2021.199434ENNahla GamaleldinDepartment of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, EgyptEman HagrasDepartment of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, EgyptHeba M.El-WeshahiDepartment of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20211013Background: The key method to let people follow a healthier lifestyle and to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases is health promotion. Students in the medical field have to play a crucial role as in restoring and promoting health. Objective(s): The present study was carried out to assess health promoting lifestyle and self-efficacy among fourth grade medical students at Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, as well as to identify factors affecting their lifestyle in health promotion. Methods: A cross-sectional survey on 609 undergraduate fourth year medical students at Alexandria Faculty of Medicine during the academic year 2018-2019 was carried out. Participants were interviewed at the time they attended Community Medicine Department according to the faculty schedule. General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and Health-Promotion Lifestyle Profile (HPLP II) questionnaires were the research tools used to identify student’s health promoting lifestyle and their self-efficacy status. Results: More than half of the studied medical students (57%) showed good self-efficacy. The mean score for health promoting lifestyle profile was 2.4 ± 0.36 out of 4. The highest mean scores were for interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth domains. However, the lowest mean scores were for physical activity and health responsibility domains. Having a good self-efficacy perception, being free from psychiatric diseases, as well as practicing regular physical exercise were significant predictors of a promoting lifestyle among the studied medical students. Conclusion: More than half of the studied students had good general self-efficacy status. The highest mean scores of health promoting lifestyle domains were for interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth domains. Therefore, creating supportive educational environment that values healthy lifestyle and its vital link to student performance is needed.https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_199434_00dc3b7e4c779492c4565d0ecceadb9d.pdf