Substance use among Lebanese university students: prevalence and associated factors

Scientific research on use and misuse of substances in Lebanon is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of use and abuse of substances among Lebanese youth and identify the determinants and risk factors behind these behaviours. An observational survey was conducted on 1945 university students selected from the different faculties of the Lebanese University and other private universities. A self-administered questionnaire based on ASSIST [Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test] was administered. The prevalence of ever consuming alcohol was 20.9%. Cannabis [12.3%] and tranquilizers [11%] had the highest rates of ever use among the drugs, whereas cocaine [3.3%] and hallucinogens [3.6%] had the lowest rates. Smoking cigarettes and waterpipes, going out at night, peer pressure and having no specific leisure time activity were associated with problematic substance use, while a better relationship with parents, reading and working were inversely associated with use. There is a high prevalence of substance use among university students in Lebanon. Multidisciplinary support for addicted students is needed to meet their diverse needs

Current status of nosocomial infections in the Lebanese Hospital Center, Beirut

Nosocomial infections are a significant problem and hospitals need to be aware of their nosocomial infection status. This retrospective study aimed to identify nosocomial bacterial infections in patients admitted to the Lebanese Hospital Center from January 2006 to January 2008 and determine the causative micro-organisms, the antibiotic sensitivity of the micro-organisms and evaluate the hospital treatment. In total 96 patients with nosocomial infection were included. Urinary infections were the commonest nosocomial infections [42%] followed by pulmonary infections [28%]. Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for 89% of nosocomial infections and staphylococci for 7%, with Esherichia coli and Pseudomonos alrogenosa being the most common [46% and 26% respectively] The organisms were resistant to multiples antibiotics and 18% of the patients were treated with imipenem, 7% with vancomycin, 42% with third-generation cephalosporins and 24% with amikacin. Hospital hygiene measures and antibiotic prescription policies are required to fight nosocomial infections and reduce antibiotic resistance among organisms