ABSTRACT
Objective: The present study aims to identify the main determinants of care for the unplanned [unwanted] child health among mothers in Ismailia city
Methodology: Mothers attending primary health care units at Ismailia city with their children were interviewed using a specially designed questionnaire. Studied child was randomly allocated on basis of age 1-4 years old with no current complaints. History of breast feeding, vaccination and seeking medical care for recent illness for the studied children was taken. Anthropometric measure were taken to estimate nutritional status. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify the level of care for unplanned Vs planned child
Results: Ninety-three mothers participated in the study, 17 out of them [18%] did not plan to have the studied child. The unplanned child was more to be with mothers having four or more children. Caring mothers constituted 72% of the studied ones and they cared more with younger children. Caring mothers appeared to be older, more educated and applying child spacing ones. There was no statistically significant difference in care between planned or the unplanned children
Conclusion: Studied mothers were caring for their children either they were planned for or not. Their care was more with younger children. Care was associated with mothers age, education and child spacing. More attention is needed to meet the needs of the women in family planning programs to avoid unwanted pregnancies
ABSTRACT
The present study aims to identify the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Female Genital Cutting [FGC] among Egyptian Physicians. It hypothesizes that physicians may practice FGC for .t] cultural influence; 2] financial benefits and 3] lack of knowledge by its consequences
Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted. A specially designed questionnaire was enveloped and distributed to practicing physicians in different geographical areas of Egypt. Characteristics of physicians were identified using significance tests. Correlation between the knowledge, attitude and practice was conducted. The conceptual framework of practice of FGC was tested using multiple regression analysis to estimate the main determinates of physicians practice of FGC
Results: One hundred and twenty seven physicians responded to the questionnaire: Only 15% of them lacked the knowledge about FGC consequences, 20% approved it while 24% were practicing it. Those who were approving and practicing it were of rural origin, residing in Lower or Upper Egypt, studied up to Diplomas or Master degrees and lacked knowledge about FGC consequences. Negative correlation was found between knowledge and both of approval and practice. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the main determinate was lack of knowledge. In spite that cultural influence had a role, however it lost its power when lack of knowledge is introduced. Financial benefits were not statistically significant
Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concludes that about one fourth' of Egyptian physicians approve and practice FGC out of lack of knowledge of its consequences rather than cultural influence or financial benefits. The study recommends introducing FGC consequences in the undergraduate, postgraduate medical curriculum and continuing medical education programs
ABSTRACT
Previous studies note a positive relationship between female household-heads. poverty, and poor Quality Of Life [QOL]
Objective: The aim of the present study is to measure the level of QOL among female household- heads at lsmailia and Port Said
Methodology: Two hundred female household-heads were randomly allocated from lists of women registered for economic support programs from two Non Governmental Organizations in both lsmailia and Port Said cities. The Arabic version of the WHOQOL-100 was used to particular facets of quality of life [e.g. positive feelings, social support, financial resources] and overall quality of life and general health. Characteristics of studied women with different levels of domains of QOL were examined. To identify the determinants of better QOL, multiple regression analysis was conducted
Results: The studied women were of a median age of 35 years old; almost half of them were educated either to basic or secondary level married [60%] and currently sick [58%] mostly with arthritis or hypertension. The QOL domains were mostly of lower levels [mean 12 out of 20] with exception of the Spirituality domain [14], while the lowest domain was the environmental one [11]. The mean level of QOL was 12.7 +/- 1.4 [out of 20] among the studied women. QOL was lowest among older women, uneducated, divorced and those suffering from cancer or respiratory health problems. Those who were considered of low QOL [scored < 14 out of 20] constituted 81.0% [162 women]. Being not currently sick was the strongest determinant of a better QOL followed by education
Conclusion and Recommendations: Female household-heads residing in lsmailia and Port Said cities were having poor Quality Of Life [QOL] mainly due to their suffering from health problems and low educational levels. The study recommends support of this group by providing health care and raising their educational levels through empowerment programs
ABSTRACT
In this study, a specially designed questionnaire was used to collect data from employed and not working women. The questionnaire focused on the women care concerning four domains [body figure and fitness, diet, health checkup and the reproductive health]. A statistical analysis of data was done using tests of significance to examine the working women care of their own health versus the not working ones. A multivariate analysis was used to examine the impact of work and the socio-demographic status on the women care of their own health. Two hundred and seventeen ladies responded to the questionnaire, 52%of them were employers. The study concluded that women's care of their health is a multi-factorial issue and work alone is not enough for women to care for their health. Having few children would have more influence on the women care for their health