Attitudes of teaching staff of Alexandria faculty of medicine towards teaching

Systematic random sample technique was used to select one third of the target population. They were surveyed using a predesigned sheet containing 28 items based on Likert scale. The response rate was 66%. The total score was calculated in addition to grouping attitudinal statements to represent different domains of the teaching process. The results showed that, the mean total percentage score was 78.08 +/- 5.34%. Univariate analysis revealed that academic position, length of teaching experience, used method of teaching and level of self assessment significantly affected the total score. The domain attitudinal scores were also significantly different with variables. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that being a professor or an assistant professor significantly increased the score by 2.49%, while having self assessment as above average decreased the score by 3.67%. Distribution of responses to selected statements indicated some important issues, e.g., excellence in teaching does not help to advance one's career

Risk factors of anemia among women in the child bearing period and preschool children in Alexandria

This study was carried out to determine the risk of some social and biological maternal factors which may contribute to occurrence of anemia among mothers and preschool children. A community based comparative study was chosen for the conduction of this work. The target population were 400 women in the child bearing period, having at least one preschool child [440]. Capillary blood samples were taken by finger prick method and hemoglobin level was estimated by Sahly method. According to cut off level of hemoglobin, women were classified into anemic and non anemic. In addition to that, 440 preschool children belonging to these women were classified according to the cut off level of their hemoglobin into 165 anemic children and 275 non anemic ones. An interview questionnaire was used to collect the data. Analysis of results showed that age of mother [30 years and above], illiteracy, high pant, history of previous abortion, history of previous perinatal mortality, small inter-birth interval a d non use of contraceptives are significant risk factors for mothers. However, mother occupation an state of pregnancy has no role in occurrence of anemia among mothers. In addition to that, high parity history of previous abortion, history of perinatal mortality, short inter-birth interval, non use of contraceptives and pregnancy are maternal risk factors responsible for anemia among preschool children. While, mother age, education and occupation has no role for occurrence of anemia among preschool children

Educational program on self-management for asthmatic school children

This study was conducted to improve asthmatic school children's knowledge, belief and behavior related to asthma in order to improve their control of the disease. A total of 54 school children suffering from moderate or severe asthma who are attending the allergy center affiliated to school Students' Hospital of Alexandria were enrolled in the present study. An educational intervention was provided to these asthmatic children, each one was accompanied by one of his/her parents. It consisted of two components: classes conducted in group settings and individualized monthly visits. The intervention continued for a 6-month period. An interview questionnaire was used to assess both children's and parents' knowledge and beliefs related to asthma before and after the intervention. The children's inhaler use technique was also assessed twice by an observational check list. The study revealed significant improvement in both children's and parent's knowledge and beliefs concerning asthma inhaler use technique which significantly improved and positive behavioral changes were reported. The frequency of emergency room visits [ERV] due to asthma over a 6-month period after the initial assessment was substantially less than in the prior 6-month period [p < 0.05]. It could be concluded that patient education can significantly affect asthmatic's knowledge and behavior and consequently morbidity as revealed by reduction of frequency of ERV. It should be considered one of the major components of asthma care

Pattern of growth and development of premature children at the age of two and three years in Alexandria, Egypt [Part I]

A case-control study was conducted in Alexandria on 68 premature children: 32 of them at the age of 2 and 36 at the age of three years. The aim was to depict the pattern of growth and development among them. Controls were full-term children, who were double the number of prematures and matched by age and sex. It was found that the growth pattern of full-term children aged two and three years was better than that of prematures. Moreover, prematures were significantly delayed in some developmental areas as language, fine motor-adaptive sectors and personal-social domains than their corresponding controls. The study suggests that the provision of quality medical care could eliminate the growth and developmental lag of premature children

Pattern of growth development of premature children at the age of two and three years in Alexandria, Egypt [Part II]

This is the second part of a paper on a study conducted in Alexandria on 68 premature children. Controls were full-term children, double the number of prematures, and matched by age and sex. The first part presented differences in growth and development in relation to prematurity. This part deals with risk factors for prematurity. The study revealed that low educational level of fathers and parental smoking were significant risk factors for prematurity. The mean age of both parents and mothers' gravidity were significantly higher for prematures. Other risk factors were identified. Mothers with diabetes and chronic nephritis were more likely to have a premature child

Study of accidental injuries among hospital service staff as a potential hazard for transmission of hepatitis

Accidental injuries sustained by hospital service staff constitute a hazard for transmission of hepatitis. A cross sectional survey was conducted to find out the rate of these injuries among hospital staff working in Alexandria university affiliated hospitals and ministry of health hospitals. Out of 397 hospital personnel interviewed, 12.09 percent mentioned that they were injuried during the preceding week. Surgeons and nurses experienced the highest rates of injuries as compared to laboratory staff and physicians. Needle stick injuries were the most common type of injuries. Cut with knife and diathermy burn were less frequent. Most injuries among surgeons occurred during wound closure, more commonly on the left index finger. On the contrary, nurses and laboratory staff, the most common site was the right han as the injury usually occurs during disposal or recapping of the used needle. Management of these injuries was mainly non specific as change of gloves and/or application of antiseptic to the site of injury. It could be concluded that accidental injures among hospital personnel are occurring with worrying regularity and are inadequately managed

Contraceptives used by female diabetic patients attending health insurance diabetes units in Alexandria

This work aimed at studying contraceptive practices of female diabetic patients attending Health Insurance Diabetes Units in Alexandria. It included 284 married diabetic females in the child bearing period and living with their husbands. Interviewing questionnaire was used to reveal their general characteristics and contraceptive practices. The majority of them [93.31%] were using a contraceptive method. Oral contraceptives were the most commonly used method [37.68%], IUDs [18.66%], traditional methods [17.61%] and mechanical contraceptives [16.19%] were the next in frequency. Contraceptive usage by female diabetic patients was significantly related to their age [X10 2=65.72] and educational level [X10 2=94.54]. Oral contraceptive pills were more likely used by illiterate or just read and write mothers, while, IUDs usage was higher among those of higher education