Comparative study: Egyptian and Omani mothers' practices related to infant feeding

This study aims to find out maternal practices related to infant feeding during the first year of life in Egypt and Oman. Two hundred mothers with their healthy infants frequenting the out patient clinic in MCH center in Shebin El-Kom and the static clinic in Sohar for regular check up, 100 mothers and infants from each setting, constituted the sample. Each mother was interviewed individually using the developed interview schedule to collect biosocial data about infants and their families and the dietary history of each infant. Infants were weighed according to the standard procedures. Significant differences were found between the 2 groups in relation to feeding pattern. In Oman, 69% of mothers breast fed their infants, 23% gave mixed feeding and 8% gave artificial feeding. In Egypt, 79% gave either breast feeding alone [34%] or gave weaning food in addition to breast feeding [45%], while 14% gave mixed feeding and 7% gave artificial feeding. Significant differences were found in relation to mothers' knowledge and practices related to initiation of breast feeding, night feeding, time of starting weaning and weaning foods. Egyptian mothers tend to give more cereals and cow's milk than Omani mothers with significant difference. Omani mothers tend to give more vegetables, fruits and eggs than Egyptian mothers. It is recommended to utilize lactation counselors and to organize continuing education programs for mothers regarding successful lactation management

Monitoring nosocomial bacterial infections in neonatal intensive care unit at Zagazig University Hospital

This study aimed at monitoring nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care unit by tracing the source of infection [nurses, neonates and environment]. The sample was composed of 22 nurses, 60 newly admitted neonates and 16 neonates who manifested sepsis during a period of 6 months, in addition to 22 swabs taken from environment. The results revealed that all the groups who participated in the study were colonized by bacteria. Nurses were the first source of infection where they completely neglected hand washing and had poor levels of performance of hand-washing and universal precaution. Nurses nails were colonized by coagulase negative staphylococci [36.4%] and coagulase positive staphylococci [27.2%]. The throats of 54.5% of them were colonized by streptococci. Neonates were colonized by coagulase negative staphylococci and Klebsiella in their ears, axillae, nose, anus and umbilicus. Windows of incubators and floors were colonized by both coagulase negative and positive staphylococci. Bacteriological surveys of nurses should be conducted yearly and continuous in-service programs should be offered to them

Incidence of child abuse among primary school children in Menoufiya

This exploratory work aimed at studying the incidence of physical and emotional abuse of primary school children in Shebin EI-Kom, Menoufiya. The sample comprised 778 pupils, aged 6-12 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire sheet and the observation of the apparent signs of physical and emotional abuse. The results revealed that boys suffered from physical abuse more than girls as a result of cruel beating committed by their parents. Also, older children were exposed more to cruel beating by parents. Child abuse was more commonly encountered among educated parents and employed mothers. Mothers' neglect was found more among working mothers. Expressions of deep grief, shyness, and fear were shown by children while answering questions related to emotional abuse. It was concluded that an overlap exists among various forms of child abuse. It is recommended to conduct a program for prevention of all types of child abuse

Exploring factors contributing to hazards of intravenous infusion and the actual nursing management in peadiatric departments, Shebeen El-Komhospitals

The purpose of this study was to assess nurses mangement related to insertion, maintenance and removal of the intravenous line to children under 5 years in pediatric departments, describe the different hazards that might occur, and explore factors contributing to these hazards and related nursing management. The sample was convenient and composed of 30 nurses [20 care providers + 10 administrators] and 100 infants and children under 5 years who were receiving intravenous therapy. None of the nurses followed aseptic technique and few were keen to prepare all needed equipment for intravenous therapy. 85% and 95% of them obtained good level in pre-injection, pre-infusion phase, respectively. The majority of infants and children 87% developed local and systemic complications. For supplies, trays, microdripper, arm boards or foot boards, measurement label, soap and soap dishes were the first inadequacy

Maternal approach to epileptic school-age children in Menoufia and Zagazig: a comparative study

This study aimed at investigation of the maternal approach towards epilepsy of their children in two different cities, Shebin EL-Kom, Menoufiya and Zagazig, Sharkeia. The sample comprised 118 epileptic school-age children, 6 to 18 years old; and their mothers, attending the out-patient clinics in Shebin El-Kom and school health unit in Zagazig. A structured interview schedule was used for interviewing each mother on Individual basis. The main findings revealed lack of maternal knowledge and misconceptions towards epilepsy it is recommend that mothers should be informed as to the importance of prenatal care, child's immunization, as well as how to diagnose and manage a case of epilepsy. Proper training for school teachers and nurses for management of such cases is highly warranted