Availability of health services versus the health needs of older women

The aim of this study was to assess the availability of health services versus the health needs of older women in women health center and geriatric homes in Cairo and Giza governorates. Descriptive design was utilized in this study. Setting the setting of the study were 6, selected by using multistage technique, geriatric homes and women health center, while the sample was purposive sample and consisted of 152 older women. An inclusion criterion for the sample selection was older women with sixty year and over and willing to participate in the study. An interview questionnaire were used to collect pertinent data for older women. showed that mean age was 67.71 +/- 4.74 in women health center, and 70.29 +/- 5.90 in geriatric home, regarding to health needs of study sample, The study, revealed that, 84.0% and 96.2% of study sample in women health center and geriatric home respectively need for health educational program about a suitable diet .Also 6.0% and 28.9% in women health center and geriatric home respectively need to make exercise with no statistical significant differences [X[2]=14.996, p=0.000]. The study sample in women health center and geriatric home 18.0% and 82.7% respectively needs emotional and psychological support, [X[2]=59.591, p=0.000]. and 39.0% and 59.6% respectively need to availability of medical examination and suitable treatment [X[2]=5.852, p=0.016] .The study, revealed that, there is statistical significant correlation between health services in relation to older women health needs, when t=8.19, p=0.00 related to health needs and t=-4.88, p=0.00 related to health services The main health needs of older women was health educational program about suitable diet, exercise, emotional and psychological support, periodical check up, and healthy environment .There are variety of health services as deferent medical specialties, Presence of special nurse, Periodical check up, availability of medication, and referral system for hospitals. The current study recommended that, an educational programs should be implemented for the older women to increase their awareness regarding their health needs and available health services in community to improve their .health Status and to improve their qualities of life

Toward safe motherhood in rural community: the effects of health education on mothers practices during puerperium

Health education and increased knowledge of mothers in relation to their health is one of the major concerns of the public health sector throughout the world, and it is a strategy for improving maternal and child health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of health education on the mothers' practices during puerperium. The study sample consisted of 258 mothers residenting in El Khossous village, Qualiobeya Governorate. Three tools were used for data collection. The first tool was an interviewing questionnaire for collecting data related to socio-demographic characteristics, parity and mothers knowledge; second tool was an observation check-list for assessing mothers practices, house sanitation, and signs of illness; the third tool was physical examination for assessing infant growth and development. The results demonstrated significant effects of health education on mothers' knowledge and practices and a reduction in mothers and infants health problems. The study recommended that health education about puerperium care must be given to all pregnant women attending the Maternal and Child Health Center