High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Interactive Television versus Traditional Lecture Teaching Methods among Saudi Arabian Undergraduate Students4935082090010.21608/jhiph.2008.20900ENSafaa A. ZahranDepartment of Nursing Service Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Tanta, EgyptJournal Article20181208Technology-facility collaboration is being widely deployed in modern classrooms. The Strategy of Saudi Arabia universities is using interactive television technology, while engaging students at distance education. This study is designed to investigate the students’ opinions about interactive television method versus traditional lecture as a mean of delivery for undergraduate students’ courses. This study conducted in Community College, affiliated to King Abd-El Aziz University. Student Evaluation of Teaching Questionnaire was used to assess the opinion of the sample of undergraduate students in the last academic year. This study shows that while students have accepted interactive television method, most students strongly preferred the traditional lecture method to teach courses. Some problems were evidenced in that new method. Lecturer’s inability to manage class environment, lacking experience lecturer, and unavailability of in time of exam, were the most statistically significant students’ problems. Interactive television teaching method in Saudi Arabian university classes is newly introduced method for teaching of only some subjects. Accordingly, it is recommended that faculty put into consideration to select effective teaching strategy particularly suitable for such settings and those specific groups of Saudi Arabian students.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Effect of Educational Intervention on Nurses Performance to Control Infection in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Tanta University Hospital5095262090110.21608/jhiph.2008.20901ENEbtisam M. ElsyedDepartment of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Tanta, EgyptSafaa A. ZahranDepartment of Nursing Services Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Tanta, EgyptThanaa A. ElawanyDepartment of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Tanta, EgyptJournal Article20181208Nursing care of the high risk neonates requires critical care nursing, which has created a need for highly skilled personnel trained in the art of neonatal intensive care. The incidences of infection among high risk neonates are more frequent due to their immature immune system. It’s considered the most serious complications and represents about 60% of neonatal death in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Tanta university hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational intervention on nurse’s performance to control infection at neonatal intensive care unit, Tanta University Hospital. The sample was consisted of all nurses working in the unit and all high risk neonate who were admitted over a period of 3 months. Two tools were used to collect data. Checklist for nurse’s performance and health assessment sheet for high risk neonate. The result shows that, before intervention 70.49% of nurses had unsatisfactory grade, while after intervention two-thirds of them (63.39%) were good and 21.31% of nurses were satisfactory in their performance. This difference was statistically significant (<em>p</em>< 0.05). According to condition on discharge, it was found that 76% of study group improved, compared to 60% of control group. In Conclusion: Risk of infection can be controlled, if the health team and other workers have understood the principles and methods of controlling infection. Nurses at NICU need pre service as wells in-service educational program to refresh their knowledge and improve their skills.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701The Performance of a Rapid Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Assay - Genie II HIV-1/HIV-2 in the Screening of HIV5275362090210.21608/jhiph.2008.20902ENWasfy ODepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208HIV testing and counseling is a key strategy in HIV prevention programs because it is considered the gateway to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support interventions. The evolution in diagnostic technology has led to the development of a wide range of simple, rapid HIV assays.(The aim of the present paper was to study the performance of a rapid HIV kit (Genie II HIV-1/HIV-2) in comparison to the gold standard technique.)This study was carried out in the Fitness clinic in the Department of Health in Dubai, UAE on 304 serum samples, to evaluate the performance of a rapid HIV kit (Genie II HIV-1/HIV-2) in comparison to the gold standard technique (ELISA and western blot techniques). The results showed that Genie II HIV-1/HIV-2 assay has a high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (99.3%), which combined with its simple use, providing results in minutes, minimal laboratory equipment and it can be used in resource-limited settings makes it a highly valuable screening tool for HIV. It is concluded from this study that application of such effective rapid techniques for the identification of recent HIV seroconversion will likely facilitate studies designed to derive incidence estimated in different parts of the world especially in resource-limited settings such as rural areas in developing countries. It is recommended that more studies should be carried out on different new rapid HIV assays on larger population in low and high prevalence settings. In addition, combination of test algorithms needs further research work.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Environmental Impact Assessment for Touristic Activities on the Arabian Gulf: A Case study (Saudi Arabia)5375562090310.21608/jhiph.2008.20903ENSherif ShawkyDepartment of Environmental Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208The numerical matrix, as an environmental impact assessment technique was applied to study the different environmental impacts of the proposed resort in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia Kingdom. The different physicochemical, biological, and socioeconomic factors have been subjected to detailed studies and data collection. It was found that the construction phase of the project has recorded -36 as the highest negative impacts in all the project’s processes. While, after the resort will be fully functional; the total impacts have been estimated to be +34. In comparison with the cumulative impacts of the area prior to the project which have recorded -4, it is proved that the construction phase will impose severe impacts upon the project site, which has been caused through some permanent changes to the environment as in the soil nature factor. The landfilling process was found to be the most negatively affecting process, unless a restricted mitigation measures will be enforced to secure a positive or as less negative impacts as possible.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Mental Retardation among Children Born with Birth Defects5575672090410.21608/jhiph.2008.20904ENNargues M. HassaneinDepartment of Human Genetics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria university, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208Mental retardation (MR) is a major health problem affecting 3% of the population. It results from the interaction of many genes and non-genetic factors. However, in up to 60% of patients the aetiology remains unclear. The aim of the study is to examine the association of birth defects and MR, taking into consideration the type of birth defect, level of MR, co-occurrence of MR with other developmental disabilities, genetic and biological risk factors. A case control study was conducted on 300 children with MR from December 2006 to December 2007. They were referred to the Human Genetics Department, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, for diagnosis and genetic counseling. For comparison, 506 normal control groups were randomly selected. The cases were 156 males (54%) and 135 females (46%), the difference was not statistically significant. Out of 300 studied cases, 72 children (24%) had various chromosomal aberrations, while the remaining 228 (76%) had single gene disorder. From these groups 66 children had another coexisting DDS (25 with CP, 15 had VL, 10 with autism; 10 HL and 6 had epilepsy). Mild MR (MMR) was more prevalent among all the studied cases than severe MR (SMR), there was significant association between SMR and birth defects (OR= 1.85, CI: 1.05-3.27). Birth defects occurred in 180 children (40 children with Down syndrome, 1 with sex chromosomal defect, 3 with other chromosomal anomalies, and the remaining 136 with non-chromosomal abnormalities). There was significant association between children with Down syndrome and birth defects (OR=10; CI: 1-242.25). Birth defects were present in 41 children with MR and other coexisting DDs. Also, it was found that all children with different birth defects had significant association with MR, (OR= 87.21; CI: 40.38-196.31). These MR risks tended to be the largest among infants born with heart and central nervous system defects. There was significant association between low birth weight (OR = 3.57; CI: 1.91-6.65), preterm (OR= 9.63; CI: 2.21-47.84), and parental consanguinity (OR= 4.19; CI: 2.9-6.06) and the occurrence of MR. This study high-lights the role of prenatal factors in the origin of many DDS especially MR and suggests that a sizable proportion of DDS may be caused by insults occurring early in embryologic development.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Thyroid Functions in Rats5685782090510.21608/jhiph.2008.20905ENAbdel Nasser IsmailAdamDepartment of Physiology and Biophysics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptAbdel Rehman M. TahaDepartment of Physiology and Biophysics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) on serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine-thyroxin (T3-T4) hormones levels of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Fifty rats were used in three independent groups, 20 of which were control (without stress and EMF), 20 of which were exposed to 900 MHz EMF and 10 of which were sham-exposed. The exposures were performed 30 min/day, for 5 days/week for 4 weeks to 900 MHz EMF. Sham-exposed animals were kept under the same environmental conditions as the study groups except with no EMF exposure. The concentration of TSH and T3-T4 hormones in the rat serum was measured by using an enzyme liked immunsorbent assay (ELISA) method for TS, T3, and T4 hormones. TSH values and T3-T4 at the 900 MHz EMF group were significantly lower than the sham-exposed group (<em>p</em><0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in serum TSH values and T3-T4 hormones concentrations between the control and the sham-exposed group (<em>p</em>>0.05). These results indicate that 900 MHz EMF emitted by cellular telephones decrease serum TSH and T3-T4 levels.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701The Effect of Miswak and Toothbrush on Saliva Total Bacterial Count and Cariogenic Bacteria5795942090610.21608/jhiph.2008.20906ENOla A.S. WasfiDepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria university, Alexandria, EgyptNehad MahdyDepartment of Biostatistics, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria university, Alexandria, EgyptAmal M.M.AhmedCommunity Medicine, Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20181208Miswak, a chewing stick prepared from the roots, twigs or stems of Salvadora persica. The beneficial effects of miswak in respect of oral hygiene and dental health are partly due to its mechanical action and partly due to its pharmacological actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of miswak sticks, miswak extract and toothbrush/toothpaste as antimicrobial agents on total bacterial count in the saliva, and to study the effect of miswak stick, toothbrush/toothpaste and saline on salivary <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> (<em>S. mutans</em>) and lactobacilli in vivo. The study clarified that there was a marked reduction in the total bacterial count among all groups. The reduction was 100%, 100%, 97.5% and 67.5% among users of miswak stick, miswak extract, toothbrush/toothpaste and saline (control), respectively. The results of the current study also showed marked reduction of <em>S. mutans</em> in 66.7% of the individuals using miswak and among individuals using toothbrush/toothpaste, whereas the reduction was only 29.2% among saline users. The reduction of lactobacilli was 62.5%, 58.3% and 54.2% by using miswak stick, toothbrush/toothpaste and saline, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. It can be concluded that miswak has an antimicrobial effect comparable to the use of fluorinated toothpaste. It was clear from the current study that the Caries Risk Test (CRT) kit is a rapid and a simple, semi-quantitative method for counting lactobacilli and <em>S.mutans</em>, which can be used in dental clinics without the need for trained technicians. It is recommended that further studies can be performed on larger sample size of patients, at high risk of developing dental caries.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Serological Detection of Rotavirus Among Children with Diarrhea in Relation to Different Environmental Conditions5956132090710.21608/jhiph.2008.20907ENDoaa M.A.GhoneimFellow of Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptHadia A.Abou-DoniaDepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptMona HashishDepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptGaber A.Z.IsmailDepartment of Environmental Health(Division of Environmental Engineering), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptMohamed N.MassoudDepartment of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208Rotaviruses are the single most important etiologic agents ofsevere diarrhea of infants and young children worldwide. In the present study, serological detection of rotavirus was done using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), on 247 stool specimens. These were collected from children with acute diarrhea attending the outpatient clinic of Alexandria University Children's Hospital at El-Shatby, from October 2005 to April 2007. Rotavirus was detected in 33.6% of the collected samples; no specific age group or sex predilection was observed. It was presented with a marked seasonal peak during autumn and winter (58.3% and 40.5%, respectively). Rotavirus was found to be infecting most commonly under-weight children (46.9 %) resulting into fluid loss and severe dehydration (80%). Rotavirus acute gastroenteritis was found to be associated with fever (38.8%), vomiting (39.9%), watery stools, and long duration of diarrheal episodes lasting from one up to six days. The appearance of convulsions among rotavirus-positive cases even in the absence of fever (84.6%) was an important finding. Exclusive formula-fed infants appeared to exhibit the highest disease incidence (50%) while exclusive breast-fed infants had a lower incidence level (35.2%) of the disease. The virus was found to be significantly affecting children living in rural areas of Egypt (43.8%) rather than urban ones (26.1%). Environmental factors that were shown to affect the disease incidence include: the presence of impurities in water (41.6%), broken pipes (58.1%) and water tanks (58.7%) at the residence place. On the other hand, neither the kind of water source nor the presence of a sewage-disposal network was significantly related to the disease. Therefore, the study recommended to screen for rotavirus in children with diarrhea in order to avoid the use of unnecessary medications. In addition, encouragement of breast feeding practices and improvement of environmental conditions are important means of prevention of rotavirus infection.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Chemical and Physical Hazards in Different Small Workshops Activities6146252090810.21608/jhiph.2008.20908ENKhaled F.El-SaidDepartment of Occupational Health and Air Pollution (Division of Occupational Hygiene), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208Workers in informal small-scale industries (SSI) in developing countries involved in welding, spray painting, woodwork, and metalwork are exposed to various hazards with consequent risk to health. The present study was to assess occupational exposures to chemical and physical hazards among workers in small workshops. Three different industrial activities were selected for this study. These activities are: car repairing, welding, and wood processing. Inside the selected workshops, different physical hazards as noise, heat stress, illumination, and dust as well as air pollutants of carbon monoxide (CO) nitrogen dioxide, (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and benzene were measured at the same two periods of the day (morning and evening) using calibrated devices. Analyzed data revealed high significant increase in the selected areas in the levels of noise, thermal stress, illumination, and dust during morning and evening exposure between as compared to the control area in the selected areas respectively. Only for NO<sub>2</sub>, levels of the other gases pollutants inside all exposed workshops are higher than those inside the control workshops. In conclusion, the workers at the studied industries were exposed to potential occupational hazards. These findings should be considered as s a preventive measures for monitoring and application of control strategies in such workplace environmentHigh Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Safety Practice and Occupational Exposure To Physical And Chemical Hazards in Pesticides and Fertilizers Packing Industry6266362090910.21608/jhiph.2008.20909ENKhaled F.El-SaidDepartment of Occupational Health Department (Division of Occupational Hygiene), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208In pesticides and fertilizer formulation and packaging processes, workers may be exposed to toluene, benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide emissions as well as noise and reduced illumination during milling, mixing, loading, packaging and storage operations. Occupational hazards are associated with exposure to mixtures containing high proportions of active ingredients, and exposure to carriers/fillers and additives. The present study was designed to assess occupational exposure to chemicals, physical, hazards and safety practice in the pesticides and fertilizers packing industry. It was conducted in pesticide and fertilizer packing industry. Occupational exposure to organic solvents as toluene, benzene, xylene and carbon Monoxide as well as noise and illumination levels were carried out using calibrated instruments. Safety practice was done using safety questionnaire. Analyzed data revealed high significance increase levels of toluene, benzene, xylene, and carbon Monoxide as well as in the levels of noise and illumination in fertilizers and pesticides packing departments in comparison with administrative area. Nevertheless, the conditions of many of the safety practice are not satisfactory while the others are satisfactory and adequate. It was concluded that there are great needs for improvement, including identifying and controlling the hazards. providing information, training, monitoring and also legislative requirements that need to be met.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Risk Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease among Naval Forces6376482091010.21608/jhiph.2008.20910ENAshraf FaroukAbd El-NabiHead of Preventive Medicine Department, Egyptian NavyFahmy Charl FahmyDepartment of Occupational Health and Air Pollution (Division of Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptAida Ali RedaSherifDepartment of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptAli Abd El-HalimHassabDepartment of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptAli Nasrat MohamedKassemDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptAshry GadMohamedDepartment of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208<strong>Background:</strong> Coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors seem to cluster in some occupational groups. <strong>Objective:</strong> The present study was designed to investigate CAD risk factors among naval forces as an example of a high risk sector and to construct a risk prediction model for the disease.<strong> Methods:</strong> A case control study was carried out at the general naval hospital (GNH) in Alexandria. The study included 250 male consecutive naval CAD cases with a control group of 250 males matches for age, occupational level, sociodemographic characteristics and, free from CAD. All participants were subjected to a questionnaire about personal data, occupational history and exposures, occupational and leisure physical activity, dietary habits, smoking, and medical history. Anthropometric measurements, sitting blood pressure, and lipid profile were determined by the standard methods. <strong>Results:</strong> revealed that occupational sedentary activity and perceived occupational noise were the significantly reported special occupational characteristics together with other conventional risk factors among CAD naval cases verses controls (<em>p</em><0.0001 & <0.009 respectively). Logistic regression analysis with the dependent variable as being a CAD case showed independently significant effects for family history of premature CAD, history of hypertension, smoking, history of diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI), leisure physical activity, fish consumption, and HDL-cholesterol. A risk prediction model utilizing these variables was constructed with an overall correct percent of 74.6%. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Application of the model expresses the risk of having CAD in an individual eligible with criteria of the study population. These results are of special importance for design of preventive programs for CAD in similar high risk occupational groups.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Trends and Determinants among Cardiac Disabled Workers in Alexandria6496632091110.21608/jhiph.2008.20911ENFahmy Charl FahmyDepartment of Occupational Health and Air Pollution (Division of Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptTaher A.MansourDepartment of Occupational Health and Air Pollution (Division of Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptFawzia AbbasDepartment of Occupational Health and Air Pollution (Division of Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208<strong>Background:</strong> The present study was designed to investigate the trend and determinant factors among cardiac disabled workers presented in the years 2003-2005 at Health Insurance Committee for disability rating in Alexandria and to compare the currently used system with others. <strong>Methods:</strong> A retrospective study was conducted to review complete records for those below the age 65 years. The available data were coded to include age, gender, job title, disabling symptoms, presence or absence of abnormal findings in resting electrocardiogram and chest X-ray. Extra-investigations were considered by the committee in some cases including echocardiography, cardiac stress test and coronary angiography. Therapeutic interventions were coded and etiological diagnosis was classified into ischemic heart disease (IHD), rheumatic heart disease (RHD), hypertension (HT) and cardiomyopathies (CM). The functional diagnosis was reported as presence or absence of heart failure and disability was rated as partial or total. <strong>Results: </strong>The resultsrevealed that rates of disabling dyspnoea, CM and heart failure were significantly increasing from year to year (<em>p</em>=0.038, 0.039 & 0.023 respectively). The most common etiological diagnosis for the presented cases was IHD with high rates ranging from 69.7% to 73.6% across the 3 years. Logistic regression with total disability as the dependent variable showed that heart failure and additional information by echocardiography were the independent determinants (<em>p</em>= 0.020 & 0.004 respectively). Simplified comparison between current cardiac disability rating system and American medical Association impairment classification was given. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The present disability rating system lack standardization and quantification. It is recommended to integrate the metabolic equivalent (METs) measurement with the current system and to emphasize cardiovascular preventive programs to control cardiac disability.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701A Study of Overweight and Obesity among Secondary School Students in Dubai: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice6646842091210.21608/jhiph.2008.20912ENWasfy ADepartment of Health and Medical Services, Primary Health Care-Public Health Affaires Section, Dubai-UAEAlmarzouky ADepartment of Health and Medical Services, Primary Health Care-Public Health Affaires Section, Dubai-UAEAlattar FDepartment of Health and Medical Services, Primary Health Care-Public Health Affaires Section, Dubai-UAEMahdy NDepartment of Health and Medical Services, Primary Health Care-Public Health Affaires Section, Dubai-UAEMakhlouf MDepartment of Health and Medical Services, Primary Health Care-Public Health Affaires Section, Dubai-UAEAhmed ADepartment of Health and Medical Services, Primary Health Care-Public Health Affaires Section, Dubai-UAEJournal Article20181208The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in UAE was dramatically increased in the last few years, which has major public health implications. The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice towards overweight and obesity among secondary school students in Dubai. A cross sectional study was carried out in private secondary schools in Dubai using a multistage stratified random sample technique. Self administrated questionnaire was utilized to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitude towards obesity, perception of the students about their weight, methods, and barriers of practicing weight reduction. Results revealed that 33.5% of the students had good knowledge about obesity and its complications while 44.8% had poor level. Positive attitude towards obesity and its treatment was found among 57.0% of the students with no significant gender difference. More than half of the students (56.7%) agreed that obesity is a diseaseand 72.1% agreed that obesity needs treatment. Self perception of being obese was found among 58.5% of the students, and the majority (72.6%) did not practice any weight reduction before. Females had significantly higher rate of practicing weight reduction compared to males. The most common barriers against practicing weight reduction were lack of knowledge about the methods (47%), lack of time (25%), and lake of interest or support (23.2%). Female gender and higher education of the mother were independent predictors of good knowledge about obesity, while higher education of the mother was an independent predictor for student's positive attitude towards obesity. Utilization of the mass media to enhance the level of community knowledge about obesity and its complications was recommended. Health education materials should be delivered to present and future mothers. School health programs should include interventions to improve knowledge, attitude, and practice of the students towards obesity.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Determinants of Healthcare Utilization and Cost among Privately Insured Families in Saudi Arabia6857002091310.21608/jhiph.2008.20913ENYoussef AADepartment of Health Administration and Behavioural Sciences (Health Administration, Planning and Policy Division), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptAl Arfaj HADepartment of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Saudi ArabiaNour El Din MMDepartment of Health Administration and Behavioural Sciences (Hospital Administration Division), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptJournal Article20181208<strong>Background: </strong>The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently restructuring its healthcare system through implementing a number of strategies among which the introduction of insurance coverage for both foreign workers and citizens.<strong> Objectives:</strong> The aim of the present study is to assess factors that affect utilization and cost of health services among a group of privately insured families in Saudi Arabia.<strong> Methods:</strong> A six month administrative claims database of employees and their dependents from three different companies covered by a major insurance company was utilized to collect demographic enrollment characteristics, service utilization and services costs. The unit of analysis of the present study was families rather than individuals with a total of 131 families included in the analysis. <strong>Results:</strong> The study revealed that those covered by the highest class of coverage provided by the insurance company (class VIP and A) had more utilization and higher mean charges per family compared to those covered by class B or C. The study also found that middle aged and older families had more utilization and average charges per family compared to younger families. Families in which women were the primary insured had both lower use and lower average charges. Finally, family size seemed not related to any pattern of medical care use.<strong> Conclusions:</strong> Families with lower insurance class coverage, and families in which women are the primary insured showed lower utilization pattern, but families with older individuals had more utilization. Additional studies are need for a more comprehensive understanding of utilization pattern by the insured population in Saudi Arabia.High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria UniversityJournal of High Institute of Public Health2357-060138320080701Investigation of the Antimicrobial Activity and Insight into the Physicochemical Properties of Honey from Egypt7017222091410.21608/jhiph.2008.20914ENNaglaa FGomaaDepartment of Nutrition (Food hygiene and Control Division), High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptMona H.HashishDepartment of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, EgyptJournal Article20181208The present study investigated the carbohydrate composition and the pollen content of the mostly produced and consumed honeys in Egypt and correlated these to their antimicrobial effect. Honey samples (clover, citrus, black seed and sider) were collected from beekeepers and/or markets depending on their availability. They were tested for physiochemical and sugar composition. Moreover, they were tested undiluted, and at 75, 50, 30 and 10% (w/v) dilution against <em>Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) </em>to detect their antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion assay. Results indicated that all samples were complying with codex 1998,2001, European standard 2002 and Egyptian standard 2005, regarding their physicochemical parameters, but 62.5% were complying regarding their carbohydrate composition. According to pollen contents, all honey samples belonged to the class I of representivity (under-represented honeys, with less than 20,000 pollen/10g honey). Locally produced honeys were found to have activity against the tested pathogenic bacteria however, the greatest inhibition was seen at the undiluted form of honeys. Only <em>Candida albicans</em> was not inhibited. Pollen contents affected the antibacterial activity of honey, the higher the pollen, the higher is the antibacterial activity.