ABSTRACT
Egypt signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control [FCTC] in 2003, and it was ratified by the Egyptian Parliament in February 2005. Although most of the articles of the FCTC are reflected in Egyptian law and regulations, enforcement is rare for many reasons. The aim of the study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practice toward the FCTC among Egyptian adults. Cross-sectional survey with an interview questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes and practice as regards the FCTC among 2941 people from them 1584 smokers [97% men, 3% women] in two governorates of Egypt. The prevalence of smoking varied, being higher among men [97%] than women [3%] and was higher among adults under the age of 55 years. Most smokers [74%] knew that smoking by children and adolescents was not allowed, and that tobacco contains tar and nicotine, which are hazardous to health. Half of the smokers were unaware of the presence of warning signs on boxes. Most smokers knew that advertising of cigarettes is not allowed [66.8%], the media do not advocate for smoking prevention [67.8%], not enough information is given about its hazards [64.3%], and there is no media campaign against smoking [83.9%].Most smokers [62.2%] considered that there is no active strategy against smoking, and 77.3% said that there was no Government policy against smoking. Half the smokers [50.4%] thought that people in the community were not interested in smoking prevention, and medical personnel should help; 70.7% concluded that little was being done to prevent smoking. The data from this study could be used as a baseline for future evaluations of tobacco control programmes implemented by the Ministry of Health of Egypt
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Nicotiana , Smoking , Adult , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Depression is a common mental health problem among elderly persons, about 10-15% of elderly suffers depressive symptoms. to find out the prevalence of depression among geriatrics living in geriatric homes versus those in clubs [living in home with their families], to detect the underlying risk factors of depression. In Beni Suef city there are three geriatric homes where the elderly are completely living away from their families, besides one geriatric club where the elderly people enjoy their daytime [there are two other clubs were inactive and under establishment], all the elderly above 60 years: males and females in geriatric homes and those attending the geriatric club were included [145] during the period [December 2008 - October 2009]. Those who can not communicate and answer the questionnaire were excluded. Data collection tools were a pretested questionnaire besides, Geriatric Depression Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale and Facing Daily Stressful Live Events Scale- Arabic version-. Appropriate statistical analysis was applied. Depression among elderly living in geriatric homes was higher [89.7%] in comparison to those in geriatric clubs [56.7%] i.e. living with their families [the difference was significant]. Chronic medical conditions are not considered as a risk of depression among elderly, also there was no significant difference between males and females while depression is common with those who suffer from loneliness as single, widowed or divorced elderly. Other factors as educational level, sex difference or family history of depression has no effect on presence of depression [difference was insignificant]. So it is recommended to strengthen social relationships and activities besides encouraging visiting geriatric homes either by related families or the civil societies and this is an important key in preventing depression. There must be a social and health programs about the importance of family support for the elderly in our community that will save a lot of medical and hospital care cost