Adverse health problems among municipality workers in Alexandria [Egypt]

Solid waste management has emerged as an important human and environmental health issue. Municipal solid waste workers [MSWWs] are potentially exposed to a variety of occupational biohazards and safety risks. The aim of this study was to describe health practices and safety measures adopted by workers in the main municipal company in Alexandria [Egypt] as well as the pattern of the encountered work related ill health. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2013. We interviewed and evaluated 346 workers serving in about 15 different solid waste management activities regarding personal hygiene, the practice of security and health care measures and the impact of solid waste management. Poor personal hygiene and self-care, inadequate protective and safety measures for potentially hazardous exposure were described. Impact of solid waste management on health of MSWWs entailed high prevalence of gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin and musculoskeletal morbidities. Occurrence of accidents and needle stick injuries amounted to 46.5% and 32.7% respectively. The risk of work related health disorders was notably higher among workers directly exposed to solid waste when compared by a group of low exposure potential particularly for diarrhea [odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-3.8], vomiting [OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1-6.6], abdominal colic [OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.2], dysentery [OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.3-10], dyspepsia [OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-3], low back/sciatic pain [OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.8-7], tinnitus [OR = 6.2, 95% CI = 0.3-122] and needle stick injury [OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.1 5.5]. Workers exposed to solid waste exhibit significant increase in risk of ill health. Physician role and health education could be the key to assure the MSWWs health safety

Factors associated with hepatitis C infection among chronic HCV Egyptian patients

Identification of risk factors of acute hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection in Egypt is crucial for developing appropriate prevention strategies. There are few community-based studies on the epidemiology and risk factors of hepatitis C infection in Egypt, which could not provide enough information. Clear identification of past and current risk factors for infection is of utmost importance so that intervention programs can be appropriately focused. This study aims to provide up-to-date information about changes in the incidence of individual risk factors for HCV infection transmission in Egypt. A total of 396 chronic HCV patients on follow-up treatment at liver center in El-Qabbary General Hospital in Alexandria were evaluated retrospectively regarding the potential iatrogenic, community acquired and behavioral HCV risk factors. Risk factors for HCV transmission were found in all study populations. At least three identifiable risk factors were reported by each participant. Some behavioral and community acquired exposures that entail several risky behaviors particularly, unsafe sexual practices were exclusively established among males. We report a significant decline in prevalence of HCV transmission through blood transfusion, parenteral treatment, hospitalization, surgery, non medicalized circumcision, Hijiama done by informal practitioner, tattooing, folk body piercing and threading, sharing hygiene and sharp items, and the use of communal barber or manicure sets among younger age cluster. The pattern of risk differed among older patients compared to younger age group suggesting improved medical care and infection control measures and raised public health awareness regarding the different modes of viral transmission

Study of acute leukaemia in children: impact on patients and their families, utilization and satisfaction with health services in Alexandria - Egypt

To assess impact of leukaemia on children and their families and to describe utilization and satisfaction with health services among acute leukaemic children. A descriptive study started Nov. 2004 for one year duration, included 163 cases [all acute leukaemic cases below the age of 15 attended in-and out-patient of University of Alexandria Paediatrics Hsospital, either newly diagnosed or for follow up]. Questionnaire sheet administered by interview with the patient's mother included questions about disease impact on the child and his parents. Answers to questions on utilization of health services were blotted to a total score for mother satisfaction. Overall health services were free of charge, [83.4%] of mothers received financial aid, but [93.3%] of families were affected financially, as [65.6%] were of low socioeconomic level. Psychological upset was almost the rule in relation to the patient and his family members. The learning process deteriorated in [63.8%] of cases. Most mothers [83.4%] complained that only some drugs are available, but only [22.7%] said that investigations were incomplete. The child club in the hospital was the only recreational mean and utilized by [41.1%] of cases. Highest satisfaction score was with services offered by physicians [art of medical care]; lowest score was for the amount of food presented to patients. The leukaemic health problem influences the patient and his family's quality of life in a serious way, the child educational progress is affected as well. Patient's mother satisfaction is crucial and her recommendations to improve the quality of service are to be considered