Low birth weight among full term live births in a tertiary hospital in Egypt: hospital incidence and determinants

Low birth weight is a reliable indicator for both maternal and child health programs. Objectives of the current study were to measure the incidence of low birth weight among singleton live full-term births in a tertiary care hospital and identify its determinants. This study was carried out in Mn Shams Maternity University Hospital. A total of 1727 medical records of full term singleton live birth deliveries were reviewed. Low birth weight was defined as weight less than 2500 gram. The incidence of LBW in this study was 5.6%. The following factors were independently associated with LBW: Hypertension associated with pregnancy [OR=2.3], female baby [OR1.7] and primiparity [OR=1.7]. Consanguinity was found protective factor against LBW [OR=0.24]. No relation between LBW and maternal age, history of abortions, chronic diseases or congenital anomalies of the baby was noticed. No LBW cases were observed among diabetic mothers. The incidence of LBW among live full term births in the studied hospital was 5.6% and the identified risk factors include Hypertension associated with pregnancy, primiparity and female babies. Consanguinity, although revealed as protective factor in the current study, yet it was cautiously interpreted for potential survival bias. Further studies are needed in this high priority topic especially to clarify the role of consanguinity in affecting birth weight in such community like Egypt where consanguinity remains one of its traditions

Health risk behaviors among students in a private university in Egypt

Many young adults participate in risk behaviors that threaten their current and future health. The aim of this study was to measure prevalence of health risk behaviors among students in a private university in Egypt [Misr University for Science and Technology] and factors related to such behaviors. A total of 1200 students from the Misr University for Science and Technology were enrolled for the study. An anonymous self administered questionnaire was designed based on items questions from the Youth Health Risk Behavior Surveillance survey questionnaire used by the CDC. The questionnaire was translated in Arabic and pilot tested before its use. The questionnaire covered violence related behaviors, smoking, alcohol and other illicit drug use, nutritional behaviors and exercise. The majority of the students were at risk in terms of driving while not wearing seat belt. Seriously considered attempting suicide had high prevalence [8%]. Cigarettes smoking had a prevalence of 18% in males compared to 12% in female students. Also, female students showed high prevalence of alcohol and marijuana use. Overweight and obesity were prevalent in 43.7% of the students and lack of exercise was reported in 92% of them. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent among Egyptian students while engaging in physical fight and alcohol intake were more prevalent among non-Egyptians. Students at this private university had high prevalence of smoking. The female students showed high prevalence of smoking, alcohol and marijuana usage. Most of the students are at health risk of overweight and obesity as well lack of exercise

Development and cross validation of prediction equation of live birth weight in an Egyptian population

Birth weight is one of the important indicators used to assess the health of an infant at birth and accordingly, defining normal weight for a given gestational age is essential. To develop and cross-validate a regression equation for prediction of live birth weight in Egypt. Data from the records of eligible of 811 normal singleton pregnancies with delivery starting from 20 weeks gestational age up to 44 weeks in Ain Shams Maternity Hospital were extracted by a designed extraction sheet. A split-sample was used to validate the regression equation. The following parameters were included in linear regression in the training sub-sample to predict live birth weight: Maternal age, gestational age, parity, gender of baby. The derived regression equation was tested in the Testing sub-sample and its validity was assessed using the paired T test, line of regression difference to line of identity and the bland Altman technique. Gestational age and gender of baby were significant predictors of birth weight, however the model with gestational age alone was adopted as it expressed higher R square. The developed regression equation showed internal validity and high prediction of birth weight when tested in the testing sub-sample. The current study proposed a simple validated regression equation for prediction of live birth weight based on a given gestational age and can be used for health care giver to expect the normal range of weight for gestational age. External validation of this equation is needed as it further refines the prediction accuracy of such equation