Parasitic infections among Egyptian adolescents and its association with anemia: a national study

A national survey of adolescents aged 10 to 19 years was conducted in Egypt, in 1997. This study describes results of stool and urine analysis for the presence of parasites and their association with anemia. 1,953 adolescents submitted either urine or stool sample and 1,904 provided a blood sample. 45.2% harboured a parasite and protozoa showed higher proportions than helminths, with Giardia lamblia [24.2%] as the most common parasitic protozoan. Area of residence was a significant predictor for infection where adolescents from Lower and Upper Egypt showed higher rates than those from urban governorates. Anemia was significantly associated with Schistosoma haematobium, Ascaris lumbricoides and with multiple parasites. Results suggest a need for implementing a national control program

Nutritional status of institutionalized elderly in Alexandria

An anthropometric and dietary assessment of the nutritional status of 138 elderly [60 - 97 years old] [average 73.4 years for males and 72.8 years for females] was conducted in 4 geriatric institutions in Alexandria. Subjects were free of clinically apparent terminal or wasting illness. Data revealed that overweight is a nutritional problem among elderly where 13.3% of men and 46.6% of women were overweight, based on body mass index >/ 29.6, 31.7 kg/m2, respectively. Weights, heights and BMI of the elderly declined with age. Nutrient intake data revealed that the mean intake of calories, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin C and calcium were below the 1989 recommended dietary allowances [RDA] for both men and women in addition to iron in women. Over 50% of the elderly subjects were taking less than two thirds of RDA for energy, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin C and calcium. It was concluded that overweight is a nutritional problem among institutionalized elderly and they are at risk for poor nutritional status, especially regarding calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin and iron

Human fascioliasis in an Egyptian village: prevalence and some epidemiological determinants

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Abis area, 15 kilometers south east of Alexandria city, to determine the prevalence of human fascioliasis and to study some of the epidemiological determinants which may affect the infection. A specially designed questionnaire interview was completed, and a total number of 3475 stool samples were examined. The results revealed a prevalence rate of fascioliagis of 11% in the studied area which was only second to S. mansoni. The prevalence of infection was significantly higher among females in general and specifically in the age group 5 to less than 15 years and 25 to less than 35 years. Family aggregation of fasciola infection was noticed among the studied group. The prevalence and also the risk of infection were significantly higher among children whose mothers were infected. They were, however, insignificantly higher among illiterate, single males, and low social class group. In addition, the prevalence and risk of infection were significantly higher among individuals obtaining their raw green leafy vegetables from multiple sources. From the results it was concluded that human fascioliasis is an important public health problem in Abis area with increased risk of spread of infection to Alexandria city through raw green leafy vegetables which represent the main source of infection

Dietary patterns and nutritional assessment of working children at Abou El-Dardar industrial area in Alexandria city

The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate the nutritional status of young working children aged 8 to 18 years, working in workshops at Abou-El-Dardar industrial area in Alexandria Governorate.A total sample of 154 of young male workers were recruited from workshops. The nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric, dietary and biochemical criteria. The results of the study revealed that 45% of the working children were considered malnourished: 16% were wasted, 23% were stunted and 3% were both wasted and stunted and 3% were overweight. Analysis of nutrient intake revealed that the intakes were less than the recommended for energy, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C and niacin, while the intake of protein, iron, thiamin and riboflavin were more than sufficient. About 77% of the young workers were found to have haemoglobin levels below the cut-off levels issued by WHO. A high prevalence of parasitic infection [food-borne] [72%] was found among young workers. The results also revealed that stunting, wasting and stunting together and overweight were more common in young workers who were both anaemic and had evidence of parasitic infection than those who were anaemic only or had parasitic infection only

Breastfeeding and fertility: part II-breastfeeding practices

A cross-sectional survey described the current breastfeeding status and antenatal care of 1134 urban mothers, attending MCH centers in Alexandria governorate and gave birth within the last two years, was carried out. The results indicated that the median duration of breastfeeding was 14 months. At six month postpartum the proportion of breastfeeding mothers was 0.8. The mean age of weaning was 20.7 [ +/- 4.1] months. Less than 80% of mothers attended the antenatal visits. Information about breastfeeding was provided to 80% of mothers who attended the antenatal visits

Breastfeeding and fertility: part I-lactational amenorrhea

A cross-sectional survey describing the current fertility performance and breast-feeding of 1134 urban mothers, who gave birth within the last 2 years was carried out. Mothers were recruited from MCH centers in Alexandria governorate. The results indicated that the mean time elapsed since birth before return of menstruation was [5.1 +/- 4.3] months for breast-feeding mothers and [2.5 +/- 2.3] months for non-breast feeding mothers. At four-month of postpartum period, 50% of the mothers were still amenorrhoeic and at six-month, 31% of the mothers were still amenorrhoeic. A total confirmed pregnancies was 8.5% and 3% of new pregnancies occurred during amenorrhoea and while women were breast-feeding. Use of contraceptives was practiced by 57% of mothers, with 65% of all users starting as early as the second month

Socio-cultural and nutritional risk factors of adolescents and young pregnant women in an endemic area of schistosomiasis

The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the social, cultural, behavioral and environmental factors and their impact on the health and nutrition of young pregnant women and adolescent girls aged between 11 and 22 years, living in a rural area known to be endemic of schistosomiasis. A total sample of 34 pregnant women, 30 adolescent girls and 5 married never-pregnant women were recruited initially. The results revealed that early marriage before legal age still occur in rural areas in Egypt [15%]. The mean age of marriage was 17.5 years [ +/- 1.8] while the mean age at the first conception was 17.9years [ +/- 1.6]. A high rate of illiteracy [72%] which was statistically significant was found among married women than adolescent girls. The daily intake of most nutrients were below the RDA except for protein and vitamin C among pregnant respondents. Iron, calcium and riboflavin were the nutrients most poorly supplied by the diets of pregnant women and adolescent girls. A significant statistical difference was found between the two groups in the intake of iron [z = 3.20,p < 0.05]. About 60% of pregnant women and 80% of adolescent girls reported contact with canal water during household activities and field work. There was a lack of knowledge as regards schistosomiasis among respondents especially pregnant ones.Home deliveries with the assistance of traditional birth attendants is still the first choice by most of the pregnant respondents