Health-related quality of life of chronic hepatitis c patients attending the outpatient clinics of Assiut University Hospital

Kgypl has possibly the highest chronic hepatitis C [CMC] prevalence in the world, which has been associated with decreased health-related quality of life [HRQoL]. Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify the most important predictors of HRQoL of CMC patients attending the outpatient clinics in Assiut city. HRQoL of 200 CMC patients and 200 age-and sex-matched normal subjects, was assessed by the validated Arabic version of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form Health Survey 36 [SF-36]. All patients were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess the factors that could affect their HRQoL. Validated reliable instruments were used lo assess depression, illness-related stigma and disease related worries. HKQoL scores of CMC patients [age 40.43 +/- 12.11, 82.5% males] were significantly lower than age and sex matched controls. The most important predictors of the physical summary score of SF-36 were; depression [beta = 0.611, P = 0.000] and the presence of co-morbidities [beta =- 0.218, P - 0.000].while for the menial summary score, the most important predictors were; depression [beta =- 0,651. P=0.000] and illness-related stigma [beta= 0.222, P = 0.000]. Other factors such as age. Sexual dysfunction, interferon therapy and work affection by CMC illness showed a weaker, but nevertheless statistically significant relationship with HRQoL of CHC patients. The study found that patients with chronic hepatitis C had lower HRQoL than the healthy controls, and, depression, co-morbiditics, illness-related stigma were the most important predictors of their iower HRQoL. The results its of this study would assist healthcare personnel to introduce modifications in patient care protocols with relevance to patient needs

Knowledge, attitude and practice of Hadhramout university students about dengue fever, Al-Yemen

The study aimed to assess the knowledge, Attitude and practice of Hadhramout university students about Dengue fever [DF]. Descriptive research design was used. The study was carried out at Hadhramout University that is located in Al-Mukalla city, 4 collages were taken randomly to collect the necessary data. 679 students were chosed from the previous mentioned faculties by systematic random sample technique. Two tools were used for data collection, the first was a self administrated questionnaire sheet and the second tool was the Likert scale. The study revealed that [78.5%] of the students had a fair knowledge about the vector. The main sources of information as stated by the students were television and posters and brochures. The vast majority of students [96.3%] had adequate score of practice [>/= 60%], while [98.1%] of the students had positive attitude [>/= 60%] about DF. Low significant positive correlation between knowledge, attitude and practice of students about DF was noted. Recommendations: educational programs should be directed and organized to all students from different educational levels to increase the community participation in the combat of the disease

Epidiological study of depressive disorders among patient attending outpatient clinics of Assiut University Hospital

Depression is a common mental health problem, seen frequently in general medical settings. Primary care physicians are more likely to see patients with depression than with any other disorder except hypertension. To estimate the percentage of depressive disorders among patients attending outpatient clinics of Assiut University Hospitals, and to study the possible risk factors underlying these depressive disorders. This cross-sectional study was conducted during one year period from June 1[st] 2006 to May 31[st] 2007. 2034 subjects aged 15 and above were screened for depression using Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] scale. Subjects who scored 4 or more were further evaluated through psychiatric sheet especially prepared for the present work. Psychiatric diagnosis was made on the basis of DSM-IV TR criteria. Patients were also subjected to Suicidality sheet of the MINI plus and Sheehan Disability Scale. Depression was found in 202 subjects representing 8.8% of the whole sample, with 167 patients [82.7%] were classified as having major depressive disorders, 28 patients [13.9%] were assessed to have depressive disorder NOS [26 patients [12.9%] with minor depression and only 2 patients [1%] with postpartum depression], 5 patients [2.5%] were diagnosed with dysthymic disorder and finally 2 patients [1%] with bipolar disorder, depressive episode. Depression was significantly higher among female subjects, highly educated and literate individuals, non-working males and among divorced/widowed/separated individuals. Depressive disorders were also significantly higher among patients with Dcertain medical conditions [e.g. malignancy, disfiguring conditions, autoimmune conditions, renal diseases and hepatic diseases] and among those who had more medical conditions. The degree of impairment is significantly higher among patients with moderate and severe depression and particularly in patients with severe depression with psychotic features. Suicidality is significantly higher among patients with severe depression and particularly among patients with severe depression with psychotic features. Depression is a common mental health problem, seen frequently in general medical settings and necessitates close psychiatric attention and management

Ecto and endoparasites in primary school pupils in El-Ghanayem city, Assiut governorate, upper Egypt

Ecto and endoparasites are still of the public health problems in Egypt. This is particularly true among school pupils who are exposed to the parasitic infections or infestations by autoinfection or by contact. In this paper, 400 primary school pupils, in El-Ghanuyem City, Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt, were examined [6-11 years old]. Their examination revealed pediculosis [30%], scabies [1.25%], Schistosomiasis haematobium [8.5%], entamoebiasis [8.75%], giardiasis [14%], taeniasis saginata [0.25%], ascariasis [1.75%], enterobiasis [31%], hymenolepiasis nana [9.75%] and Schistosomiasis mansoni [0.75%]. It was concluded that schoolchildren are at-risk group, as they spend long time outside their homes in a crowded area. Besides, they may transfer parasites to their families, particularly those transmitted by contact and autoinfection

Prevalence of glycosuria in rural areas in two upper egyptian governorates - a community - based study

The known caseload of diabetes worldwide is increasing at an alarming rate, its prevalence had tripled in six years. Early diagnosis is more important than tight control to contain fast rising worldwide costs of the disease in terms of life and wealth. A simple blood or urine test could detect early diabetes mellitus. This work aimed to measure the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in a wide geographic rural area in two Upper Egyptian Governorates in a community based study [cross-sectional]. A random sample of 3756 urine specimens was examined by means of dipsticks. The overall prevalence of glucosuria was 4.82%, the age of 35 years or more was the most vulnerable one for it. Multiple regression analysis of possible variables related to glucosuria beside age were leucocyturia and proteinuria