High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Cryptosporidiosis among Children Living in Rural and Urban Settings in Alexandria11816018510.21608/jhiph.2006.160185ENSalah AA.HaidarParasitology & Medical Entomology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptEbtissam A.OmarParasitology & Medical Entomology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptAida AR.SherifEpidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptAmel A.El-SahnParasitology & Medical Entomology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210331A comparative analysis of cryptosporidiosis detected among children with diarrhea, aged six to less than twelve years old, was carried out in rural and urban locations in and around Alexandria. A total of 300 stool samples were concentrated by formol ether technique then examined by modified Ziehl Neelsen stain. Out of 150 specimens tested from the rural location, the overall percentage of cryptosporidiosis was 23.3% and under urban settings, the positivity rate was 10.0% [ꭓ<sup>2</sup>=9.600, p < 0.05]. Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that children using public taps in rural areas had 15.54 [Confidence interval [CI] = 5.13-47.04] times the risk of acquiring the infection than those who had taps inside their houses and children living in extended families had 7.49 [CI=2.38-23.57] times the risk of infection than those living in nuclear families. In the urban setting, children who used zeir and metallic containers had 9.54 [CI=1.32-69.10] and 7.94 [CI=2.13-29.52] times the risk, respectively, than those who used plastic containers and children whose mothers were illiterate or read and write had 8.91 [CI=1.68-47.39] times the risk of infection compared to those whose mothers had a secondary or university education. From each community, thirty stored drinking water samples were collected randomly from houses of study sample. 13.3% and 6.7% of samples from the rural and urban communities, respectively, were <em>Cryptosporidium</em> oocysts positive. It was concluded that water related risks were significantly associated with cryptosporidiosis in both.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Epidemiologic Study of Brucellosis in Alexandria, Egypt193016018610.21608/jhiph.2006.160186ENMaha I.AdelMinistry of Health and Population, EgyptAhmed E.AbdouNutrition Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptMostafa A.ArafaEpidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptNahla K.RagabEpidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210331Brucellosis is one of the world’s major zoonotic diseases and is responsible for enormous economic losses as well as considerable human morbidity in endemic areas. Although it is a notifiable disease in most countries in the region, it often remains unidentified and underreported. The aim of the study was to investigate possible risk factors for contracting brucellosis in Alexandria and studying the surveillance activities for brucellosis cases in the city. The study was conducted through a whole year, from January to December 2002 in two main hospitals; Alexandria Fever Hospital and Gamal Abd-Elnasser Insurance Hospital. A case control approach was used for implementation of the study. All cases of human brucellosis admitted to the selected hospitals were included in the study sample. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the required information from both the patients and controls. The total number of the studied cases amounted to 95 cases. Their ages ranged from 3 years to 72 years with a mean of 31.8±14.8. The males to females ratio was 1.7:1. Multiple logistic regression sowed that rural residence, unsafe food items and dealing with animals and placenta are risk factors for developing brucellosis. Notification was reported in 94.7% of cases, withdrawal of milk samples in 22.1%. Health education was given for 97.9% and investigation from was fulfilled from 68.4% of cases.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Environmental Pollution and its Effect on Health: A Knowledge Study among a Group of Preparatory School Children in Alexandria314616101010.21608/jhiph.2006.161010ENMona Gamal El-DinEnvironmental Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptAshraf WahdanBiostatistics Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptSawsan FahmyFamily Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210404Environmental pollution is now increasingly recognized as a major threat to social and economic development and even to human survival. Environmental education [EE] increases public awareness and knowledge of environmental and health issues and challenges. There is now an advanced placement course for environmental science in Egyptian schools. The present study aimed at measuring the extent of some environmental health knowledge among children in some preparatory schools. Knowledge of environmental health was assessed in a sample of 400 students at four preparatory schools. The questionnaire sheet included information about the social status of families of students, school environment as perceived by students, and some important essential environmental health knowledge. A sizable rate of students’ families of language schools [100%] and of the governmental school [over 75%] scored high and middle social status. The students critically assessed their schools giving rates of bad standard ranging from 6-11%.
The overall results of responses of students on the effect of presence of environmental pollutants on their health were poor, where 67-80% of students scored low. When relating knowledge of students to the social level of their families, it revealed a poor relation.
An important recommendation is that theoretical subject matter in schools must be strengthened by practical training. Parents association in schools should be provided by educational materials aids to help their reference information to their children.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Evaluation of the Use of Alum Sludge as a Coagulant Aid in Wastewater Treatment Plants476416123410.21608/jhiph.2006.161234ENAshraf SaberAbu-Qeir Fertilizer Company, Alexandria, EgyptOlfat El-SebaieEnv. Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptAhmed HusseinEnv. Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptGhazy Abdel-KerimEnv. Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptMona G.MohamedEnv. Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210405Purification of drinking water through rapid sand filtration often involves the addition of alum to achieve more effective removal of suspended solids and color from the raw water. A by-product of this operation is the material referred to as alum sludge. Direct discharge of water treatment sludge to a watercourse was a standard practice for years. Receiving wasters will be severely affected by episodic increases in aluminum [Al] which can have significant biological and physical as well as chemical consequences in dilute acidic surface wasters. The main health concern with Al is its neurotoxicity, which is the capacity of chemical, biological, or physical agents to cause adverse effects on the nervous system. It has been postulated that Al might be an etiologic factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The organic matter and fine clay particles in alum sludge are valuable resource that can be reclaimed and reused for a beneficial purpose. Disposal is a costly and wasteful way of dealing with alum sludge. This study aimed at evaluating the use of alum sludge as a coagulant aid for improvement of the treatment efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. Alum sludge samples were collected from Bab Sharqy Water Treatment Plants, Alexandria. Wastewater samples were collected from East Sewage Treatment Plant of Alexandria. The alum sludge waste was characterized by neutral to slightly alkaline pH, difficult to be handled due to very high moisture content, having low content of total solids; volatile solids; and SVI, and high content of settleable solids; COD; and aluminum concentrations. Wastewater was characterized by neutral to slightly alkaline pH, high turbidity; total suspended solids; BOD; COD; and O-phosphates, and low settleable solids. The use of alum sludge as a coagulant aid for improvement of the treatment efficiency of wastewater treatment plants exhibited good coagulant proprieties for the removal of BOD, COD, and phosphates with increase of TSS. As land application of alum sludge improves the soil structure and fertility, it is recommended to use treatment wastewater by alum sludge in Alexandria green belt area. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Childhood Obesity in Primary Health Care Centers in Al-Khobar City, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors658216145610.21608/jhiph.2006.161456ENAmr A.SabraPrimary Health Care Division, Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptShaima M.Al-SofiFamily & Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Fisel University, Saudi ArabiaJournal Article20210406Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem with a rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide. Development of effective prevention strategies mandates that primary health care [PHC] physicians recognize populations and individuals at risk.
The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in childhood obesity in some Primary Health Care Centers [PHCCs] in Al-Khobar City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA], 2006. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire for the early detection of childhood obesity and associated risk factors and by family file review of 456 children in order to assess the PHC physicians’ performance.
The results of the present study revealed that the prevalence of obesity and overweight among the screened children attending the study PHCCs was 19.7% and 15.4%, respectively. Family history of obesity and non-practicing unstructured physical play at home were found to be independently associated with increased childhood obesity. There is no statistical significant association between the children’s classification according to their Body Mass Index [BMI] and any item of their history of risk factors, physical activity, and nutritional habits except for family history of obesity and non-practicing unstructured physical play at home. Poor performance of PHC physicians in the study facilities was noticed as the BMI percentiles were not calculated for all the screened children and childhood overweight and obesity was not diagnosed at all despite of the availability of growth charts. Therefore, screening for childhood obesity should be performed by family physician during their routine daily activity. Pre-service training and continuous medical education to all health team members concerning childhood obesity should be performed aiming at improving knowledge, changing attitudes, and having better practices. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Work-Related stressors, Burnout, and Coping Strategies among Nurses Working in Mental Health Hospitals8310216155510.21608/jhiph.2006.161555ENBahiga G.Abd-El-AalCommunity Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menofiya University, EgyptMaaly I.ElmalkyPsychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menofiya University, EgyptAmal I.Abd ElftahPsychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menofiya University, EgyptJournal Article20210406<strong>This study was designed to identify work-related stressors, investigate the degree of burnout experienced by nurses working in mental hospitals, and investigate used coping strategies. A convenience sample of 100 male and female nurses were recruited from Abbasiya and Khanka Mental Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt, caring for mentally ill patients for at least two years, and having diploma of technical nursing schools. Study tools included an interview questionnaire for socio-demographic data and work-related stressors, Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI] to measure burnout, and way of coping questionnaire [WOCQ] to investigate coping strategies were used. The finding indicated that psychiatric nurses experienced moderate [61.0%] to high [10.0%] levels of stressors and the contributing factors to these stressors as reported by nurses were related to administrative, direct patients care, and lack of support factors. Nurses also were experiencing high levels of burnout in the form of emotional exhaustion [46.0%], and depersonalization [78.0%]. A high level of personal accomplishment was revealed among 89% of nurses. Emotional-focused coping and problem-focused coping strategies were quite used by the majority of nurses. Meanwhile, problem-focused coping strategies were quite used by 85.0% of nurses, compared to 74.0% using emotional-focused coping. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the scores of stressors and burnout subscales, while no correlation could be revealed between coping and either stressors or burnout. Psychiatric nurses experienced moderate to high levels of stressors, burnout, and personal accomplishment. Nurses with higher level of stressors had higher levels of burnout. A comprehensive nursing intervention to minimize the level of stressors and burnout could be beneficial. These interventions may include pre-employment preparation and periodical in-service training to help nurses identify the sources of stressors and how to cope with them. </strong>High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101The Revival of Alma Ata’s Commitment to a Multi-Sectoral Approach to Primary [Reproductive] Health Care: The Egyptian Experience10311616161210.21608/jhiph.2006.161612ENMohamed AfifiTAHSEEN/CATALYST ProjectOla AklPrimary Health Care Division: Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptNagwa SamirTAHSEEN/CATALYST ProjectJournal Article20210406The TAHSEEN/CATALYST project – established in 2003 – uses an integrated and comprehensive approach to reproductive health [RH] emphasizing behavior change, community involvement, and linkages to non-health sectors. Research indicates that Egyptians consider religious leaders and media professionals as trusted sources of health information. In most instances, however, religious leaders and media professionals do not always have the necessary knowledge to cover such issues in a medically accurate and culturally appropriate way. In addition to training health professionals, the project developed a three day training program that is followed by monthly workshops for male and female religious leaders, and media professionals to improve their knowledge of RH issues. Topics have included optimal birth spacing, male involvement in RH, antenatal and postpartum care, gender based violence, and female genital cutting. Religious leaders and media professionals have displayed a significant interest in participating in RH activities and successfully absorbed the RH messages they have been exposed to as proven by a pre-training and post training assessment. Trained religious leaders have talked to more than 7500 people about Rh issues and media professionals produced over 150 newspapers articles, TV, and radio shows on various RH topics. They are now committed to creating an environment of unprecedented preparedness and awareness of various RH issues within their communities. Teams from both groups have now developed action plans for increasing awareness, acceptability, and access to RH services in their communities. Religious leaders and media professionals have been crucial to end the silence and stigma surrounding issues like female genital cutting and abortion. Building religious and media people’s capacity in this area will develop basic skills they will use throughout their lives. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Gender Equity within Families in Mansoura City11714616186610.21608/jhiph.2006.161866ENRabab M.AhmedFaculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, EgyptNazek Abd El-GhanyCommunity Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, EgyptMariam HaggagCommunity Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, EgyptJournal Article20210407Girl child of today is woman of tomorrow; however, gender inequity is predominant particularly in developing countries. She receives less formal education than boy has. Gender inequities and inequalities and inequalities predispose girls even from conception, to discrimination in terms of being born, allocation of family resources, and access to health care and education. Advancing gender equality and equity is a cornerstone to ensure a better life for girls. Empowering girls will therefore ensure that policies and programs at all community levels incorporate a gender perspective and address girl’s lives and their needs.
The aim of this study is to identify gender equity adopted by families in relation to health seeking behaviors, education and socialization in Mansoura City. The study was carried out at homes of 240 mothers who are selected randomly from 12 villages. A structured interview sheet was developed to collect the needed information.
The study results revealed that 3.1% of studied children leave school in primary level and most of them were girls. Half of girls [50%] compared to 28.6% of boys miss school for family assistance. It was evident that gender gap was still present in education, nutrition, and mainly in the perception of mothers toward son preference and to domination of brother. It is obvious that mother’s education and socio-economic status contribute positively to gender equity, while son preference was more common among large families.
The main recommendations were creating community awareness and cooperation about matters related to gender equity, establish periodic national programs to increase attention toward gender equity, encourage and support women and girls for self-expression and fulfillment, empowering women and raising their status through better educational opportunities, as well promoting women’s understanding of their needs and assertion of their rights.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Towards Physiological Function of Uric Acid: Studying its Relation to Disturbed Lipid Metabolism in Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes14716216191810.21608/jhiph.2006.161918ENAsser QamarPhysiology, Internal Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptSamia ElewaPhysiology, Internal Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptEman WagdyApplied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptAbul-Soud Abdel-GhaffarDepartments, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptMervat E.ToukhyDepartments, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210407Background: Renewed interest in the possible role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus [DM] and hypertension had come into view in the last few years. Elevated serum uric acid [UA] concentration predicts subsequent development of diabetes mellitus and hypertension even in the presence of normal creatinine clearance and plasma glucose concentrations. Serum uric acid in conjunction with serum lipids are influencive factor in the development of hypertension with diabetes and without.
Objective: The study was performed to seek the relationship between serum uric acid level, essential hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus and the influence of dyslipidaemia on the occurrence of these metabolic disorders.
Subjects and Methods: 110 subjects were classified into four groups, group A, the control group included twenty health subjects, group B included thirty diabetic patients, group C included thirty hypertensive patients, and group D included thirty diabetic hypertensive patients.
Results: The present study revealed a significant increase in serum uric acid, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], triglyceride, creatinine, and blood urea levels in all studied groups as compared to the control group. Triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly increased in diabetic hypertensive group as compared to the hypertensive group. High density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] levels were significantly decreased in all studied groups as compared to the control group and in the hypertensive group as compared to the diabetic group. A significant correlation has been found between blood sugar, blood pressure and all blood lipids in all studied groups. Moreover, the diabetic hypertensive patients showed clearly the primary insult. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Impact of a Health Education Program for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis16318616219910.21608/jhiph.2006.162199ENMona A.Abed El-GafarFaculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, EgyptHaneya M.El BannaAdult Care Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, EgyptMoussa A.MoussaFaculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, EgyptNabila A A.BedierAdult Care Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210408Osteoarthritis [OA] is a condition characterized by hyaline cartilage damage, changes in subchondral bone sclerosis, and osteophyte formation. It is one of the most common medical disabling problems in the world.
This study was carried out at the Orthopedics Outpatient Department, at the Main General Hospital in Port Said on a sample of 60 patients having primary OA of the knee joints. They were divided into two groups of 30 patients each [control and experimental groups]. The tools of data collection consisted of 1] Personal characteristics, 2] A knee joints assessment from, which consisted of measurement of the knee rang of movement [ROM], knee muscles circumference, and muscle strength, 3] The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale [AIMS], and 4] The Osteoarthritis Screening Index [OASI]. An educational program was developed based on review of literature and on the identified patient’s problems. It was implemented on the experimental group.
The results showed statistical significant improvements in the ROM, muscle strength, and health outcomes using as indicated by AIMS and OASI in the intervention group after program implementation. There were no noticeable changes in the control group as compared to baseline results. Statistically significant positive correlations were found among all used scales. The strongest correlation was between pain and depression.
Therefore, it was concluded that this health education program for patients with knee OA had a positive impact on their health. The success of the program might be attributed to giving information suitable to patient education level.
It is recommended that the program experimented in this study be replicated with OA patients in different settings and larger numbers. Teaching programs should be provided in illustrated booklets for patients and their relatives. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Chemotaxonomical and Pollen Grains Studies of Senna senna Plants Growing in the Valleys and on the Mountains of Makkah18720216222310.21608/jhiph.2006.162223ENAisha KhogaliAlexandria University, EgyptFarag Al-GhamdiKing Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, K.S.AFaten FlembanKing Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, K.S.AJournal Article20210408In the present study, the role of the phenolic compounds and the pollen grains as differential diagnosis of <em>Senna senna</em> plants grow in the valleys and on the mountains of Makkah was demonstrated. Since <em>Senna</em> is a member of the anthracene group of purgatives, its active principle being derivatives of anthraquinone. The present work aimed also at investigating its phenolic compounds that have medicinal significance. Flavonoids were classified according to their chemical structure to three groups: O-Flavonols were represented by apigenin. It was accompanied by its C-Flavone and vitexin. Both hydrolysable and condensed tannins were detected. Three phenolic acids were detected; 3-4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Phloroglucinol, [-]-epicatechin; the precursor of condensed tannins and [+]-catechin, the flavan desivative were also detected. The medicinal importance of the isolated phenolic compounds was given. Generally, the pollen grain of the studied taxa of the genus <em>Senna</em> growing in the valleys and the mountains of Makkah are radically symmetrical, isopolar, tricolporat, and triangular trilobed with fossulate sculpture. The chemotaxonomical and palynological studies of the studied taxa of the genus <em>Senna </em>growing in the valleys and the mountains of Makkah are radically symmetrical, isopolar, tricolporat, and triangular trilobed with fossulate sculpture. The chemotaxonomical and palynological studies of the studied taxa of the genus <em>Senna </em>are not inagreement except for the flowers. Therefore, further details of the flavonoid constituents and their distribution especially of those which are less widespread, are to be studied because as understanding of their chemical properties will be helpful in the interpretation of their chemotaxonomical properties of <em>Senna senna</em> plants.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Evaluation of Serum Alpha-Glutathione-S-Transferase and some Biochemical Aspects in Alcohol and Bhang Abusers20321616224810.21608/jhiph.2006.162248ENHoda A M.HamdyDepartment of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptNabila G A.HusseinDepartment of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptAhmed S.HassanDepartment of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptWaheed M.AhmedDepartment of Psychiatry, Armed Forces, Ismaileyya, EgyptMervat A F.El-ToukhyDepartment of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210408The present study has been planned to evaluate the effect of alcohol and bhang on some biochemical parameters in human and their relation with health.
The present results indicated that alcohol produced a significant increase in serum α-glutathione-S-transferase [α-GST]. Alcohol and bhang increased serum gamma glutamyl transferase [y-GT], alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], creatine kinase [CK], and creatinine levels in comparison with controls. These results showed the harmful effects of alcohol and bhang on health.
However, the present work along with other findings in the literature suggest the fact that although the alcohol and bhang absusers may superficially look health, biochemical tests have indicated early sings of health deterioration. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Patulin in Apple Juice: Investigation of its Contamination Levels in Saudi Arabia21722216487710.21608/jhiph.2006.164877ENHana M.GashlanDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaJournal Article20210418A Simple method was used for the determination of patulin in apple juice. The samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and the extract was cleaned up by extracting with sodium carbonate solution. Patulin was then determined by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography [HPLC] using a 25 m Zorbax XDB C18 column and a variable wavelength detector set at 276 nm. Water-Acetonitrile [4:96] were used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The occurrence of patulin as a toxic mycotoxin was investigated in 120 samples of apple Juice commercially available in Saudi Arabia by using an HPLC method with a concentrations range from 0.057 to 0.104 μg/ml. The primary aim of this investigation was to determine the amount of patulin content in apple juice as it may cause health problems.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Parents’ Satisfaction with Services at Child Mental Health Guidance Clinics in Alexandria, Egypt22323816491910.21608/jhiph.2006.164919ENAbu-Nazel M.WDepartment of Family Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria, EgyptEl-Dawaiaty A.ADepartment of Family Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria, EgyptAbou El-Enein N.YDepartment of Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20210418Background & Objectives: Patient satisfaction is an attribute of quality care being legitimate and desired outcome. The aim was to assess parents’ satisfaction with child mental health services and to identify some of its determinants.<br /> Methods: The study was conducted in 4 child mental health clinics in Alexandria, Egypt [2 were affiliated to health insurance facilities and the other 2 to family health facilities]. One hundred and ninety six parents attending those clinics during the period from June 2005 to September 2005 were included in the study. They were subjected to self-reported questionnaire to collect some socio-demographic data and reasons for clinic attendance. In addition, improving Practice Questionnaire [IPQ] was used to assess levels of satisfaction across three dimensions: Doctors Interpersonal Skills, satisfaction about the practice and practice staff.<br /> Results: Most of the parents [81%] reported fair overall satisfaction, while 61% of them were poorly satisfied with the practice [clinic], and 43% were highly satisfied with Doctors Interpersonal Skills. All doctors in child mental health insurance clinics received qualified training in child mental health while none of those in family health facilities received any. Parents attending child mental health insurance clinics recorded significantly higher mean overall satisfaction score, Doctors Interpersonal Skills score and satisfaction about the practice score compared to those attending family health facilities [t=18.34, p=0.00; t=6.75, p=0.00; and t=7.19, p=0.00, respectively]. However, there were no significant relation between socio-demographic variables and disease-related variables and overall satisfaction and its dimensions.<br /> Conclusion: Parents’ satisfaction was significantly related to training of physicians but was not related to any socio-demographic variables or disease-related variables. Provision of doctor’ training to improve their communication skills is greatly needed.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Assessment of the Membrane Bioreactor Technology for Residential Wastewater Reclamation in Saudi Arabia23925616524510.21608/jhiph.2006.165245ENAbdullah M.MohorjyDepartment of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaJournal Article20210420With the ultimate aim of assessment of the suitability of the Membrane Bioreactor [MBR] technology for wastewater reclamation in Saudi Arabia, this study conducted investigations on a pilot scale MBR plant, receiving domestic wastewater, located in Al-Khomra, Jeddah for three months. The MBR units realized excellent organics, nutrients, and pathogen removal performances irrespective of the applied mixed liquor suspended solids [MLSS] concentrations [10, 15, and 20 g/L] and hydraulic retention times, HRT [8, 6 and 3 hrs.] without encoun-tering severe membrane fouling. During the course of investigation, the influent Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand [BOD] [198-253 mg/L], Chemical Oxygen Demand [COD] [445-575 mg/L], Total Kjeldhal Nitrogen [TKN] [18-26 mg/L], and Total phosphorous [TP] [8.6-13.6 mg/L] were removed with efficiencies varying between the ranges of 95-98%, 90-95%, 99-100%, and 40-50%, respectively, and the best quality effluent achieved during this investigation convincingly satisfied the quality requirements for reuse in unrestricted irrigation in the country. A 2.1 to 3.1 log removal of fecal coliforms and a 5 to 6 log removal of total coliforms were also accomplished. In addition to the confirmation of the technical viability, simultaneous comprehensive assessment and analytical approaches also revealed the economic feasibility along with the eco-friendliness of the process.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Occurrence and Distribution of Cyanophyta and their Toxic Species within Phytoplankton Community along Alexandria Drinking Water Intakes25727216525010.21608/jhiph.2006.165250ENMagda M.Abd-ElatyHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptSamiha M.GharibNational Institute of Oceanography and Fishers, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20210420This study was designed to identify work-related stressors, investigate the degree of burnout experienced by nurses working in mental hospitals, and investigate used coping strategies. A convenience sample of 100 male and female nurses were recruited from Abbasiya and Khanka Mental Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt, caring for mentally ill patients for at least two years, and having diploma of technical nursing schools. Study tools included an interview questionnaire for socio-demographic data and work-related stressors, Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI] to measure burnout, and way of coping questionnaire [WOCQ] to investigate coping strategies were used. The finding indicated that psychiatric nurses experienced moderate [61.0%] to high [10.0%] levels of stressors and the contributing factors to these stressors as reported by nurses were related to administrative, direct patient care, and lack of support factors. Nurses also were experiencing high levels of burnout in the form of emotional exhaustion [46.0%], and depersonalization [78.0%]. A high level of personal accomplishment was revealed among 89% of nurses. Emotional-focused coping and problem-focused coping strategies were quite used by the majority of nurses. Meanwhile, problem-focused coping strategies were quite used by 85.0% of nurses, compared to 74.0% using emotional-focused coping. Statistically Significant positive correlations were found between the scores of stressors and burnout subscales, while no correlation could be revealed between coping and either stressors or burnout. Psychiatric nurses experienced moderate to high levels of stressors, burnout, and personal accomplishment. Nurses with higher level of stressors had higher levels of burnout. A comprehensive nursing interventions to minimize the level of stressors and burnout cold be beneficial. These interventions may include pre-employment preparation and periodical in-service training to help nurses identify the sources of stressors and how to cope with them.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120060101Use of Performance Indicators for Assessment of Quality of Care of Acute Stroke Patients in a Health Insurance Hospital in Alexandria27329016525910.21608/jhiph.2006.165259ENAbou El-Enein NDepartment of Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria, EgyptGuirguis WDepartment of Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20210420Performance indicators are usually one component of an overall strategy for quality improvement in health care. However, their use depends on adequate documentation in medical records.
The aim of this study is to assess the quality of care provided to hospitalized stroke patients in Health Insurance hospital in Alexandria using performance indicators, and to determine the feasibility of abstraction of indicator data based on the level of documentation in medical records. Data elements for ten performance indicators were abstracted through retrospective review of randomly selected 170 records of acute stroke patients [out of 850 discharges] during the year 2003-2004.
Results indicated that documentation in medical records was adequate for computing five of the ten performance indicators, namely, use of antithrombotic medication within 48 hours of hospitalization, prescription of anticoagulant therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation, prescription of antithrombotic on discharge, lipid profile during hospitalization, and plan for rehabilitation, with figures ranging between 71.2% and 14.5%. Due to the deficiency of recorded data, it was not possible to reliably compute the following five indicators: deep vein prophylaxis, tissue plasminogen activator considered, screen for dysphagia, stroke education, and adult smoking cessation advice.
It was concluded that management of stroke patients needs to be better documented, along with more provider education for proper management of stroke.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060136120210420Cultural Health Behavior of Chronically III Patients in Two Geographic Areas29131016531710.21608/jhiph.2021.165317ENNabila A A.BedierAdult Care Nursing Department, Alexandria University, EgyptSanaa Alaa EldenAdult Care Nursing Department, Alexandria University, EgyptNaema G.El-SayedAdult Care Nursing Department, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20210420Nursing, as a part of health professions, is concerned with human responses to actual, chronic, or potential health problems. Nurses are accountable for observing and assessing chronically ill patient’s responses. They need to be culturally sensitive and alert to cultural influences on patient’s behavior as part of health assessment. Understanding culture and ethnicity helps nurses improve the quality of nursing care. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of culture on chronically ill patients’ health behavior in Alexandria and Port-Said regions. This study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of Alexandria Main University Hospital and General Hospital at Port-Said. The sample consisted of 200 chronically ill adult patients receiving monthly medication since at least six months, one hundred patients from each setting. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire sheet consisting of four parts. Part I included items related to demographic data, Part II included set of questions related to socio-culture and religious beliefs regarding health and illness, Part III included information related to patient’s beliefs and practices about health and illness, and Part IV included questions related to cultural factors affecting health practices regarding health and illness. The findings revealed that chronically ill patients in both setting had similar positive health beliefs about health and illnesses. Only minority of chronically ill patients perform health practices and most of patients in both settings used over-the-counter medication and natural folk home remedies and folk medicine.