Tobacco cessation in a population over age 15 years: a community-based survey in Alexandria

A survey of 2120 adults in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the determinants and patterns of tobacco cessation among ever smokers. Ever smokers were 30.7% of respondents; only 3.5% had given up smoking [quit ratio of 11.4%]. The quit ratio was significantly lower for ex-daily smokers [7.5%] than for ex-occasional smokers [44.8%]. Among current smokers, 56.3% were between the contemplation and preparatory phases for quitting, whereas 25.1% were in the action phase of attempting to quit, for an average duration of 2.5 months, before relapsing. Health concerns were the motive for all ex-smokers and 95.0% of attempters, but craving for nicotine was the commonest reason for relapse. Tobacco cessation was predicted by older age of tobacco initiation, shorter duration of use, presence of health problems and a perception of the benefits of quitting

Current and never smokers: differentials in characteristics, knowledge and perceptions

A cross-sectional interview survey of tobacco use was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, comparing current smokers with never smokers. Among men, the risk of current tobacco use was significantly higher among married participants [OR = 1.74], especially those with low educational or occupational status. In contrast, although few women smoked, tobacco use was significantly higher among those holding a university degree [OR = 15.33]. Never smokers were significantly more knowledgeable than current smokers about tobacco-related health hazards. Never smokers had significantly better perceptions of the danger of tobacco use, susceptibility to health-related hazards and the benefits of being tobacco-free. Multivariate analysis revealed that tobacco use is independently predicted by participants' sex, age and educational attainment as well as their perceptions

Prevalence of smoking and age of initiation in Alexandria, Egypt

A cross-sectional survey on tobacco use in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, used an interview questionnaire based on World Health Organization guidelines. The study in 2000 included 2120 participants aged 15 to 86 years. More than a quarter [27.2%] were current smokers [25.5% daily smokers and 1.7% occasional smokers] and 3.5% were ex-smokers. Current smokers spent 23.1% of their family income on tobacco. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among men [48.5%] than women [1.5%] and the mean age of initiation of smoking was lower among men [18.1 years] than women [22.6 years].The high prevalence of tobacco use among men is of concern, so too is the likelihood that tobacco use will increase among women. Further research is needed into factors that prevent people from starting smoking and assist them stopping smoking

Sero-epidemiological study of measles after 15 years of compulsory vaccination in Alexandria, Egypt

Cases of measles among 165 vaccinated and unvaccinated children were studied and the level of measles antibody in 230 previously vaccinated children was determined. Associations between demographic factors and immunological response to vaccination were also investigated. Approximately 80% of the children with measles had been vaccinated; their cases had significantly lower rates of complication. Rural areas accounted for significantly higher numbers of unvaccinated cases. Vaccination status did not correspond to place of exposure, duration of prodrome or accuracy of preliminary diagnosis. The seropositivity rate among vaccinated children was 86.1% with no significant variation with age. We recommend a second dose of measles vaccine and maintaining high vaccine coverage

Epidemiological study of addicts admitted to Maamoura Psychiatric Hospital in Alexandria

This study was undertaken to reveal some epidemiological characteristics of addicts, the various types of drugs used and the factors behind drug seeking behaviour, as well as the outcome of treatment. All new admissions to the ward of drug addicts in Maamoura Psychiatric Hospital during the period from July 1995 to January 1996 were included in the present study. All of them were subjected to an interview questionnaire to collect the necessary data. During the study period, 92 patients were admitted to Maamoura Hospital for treatment. Compared to population figures, drug addiction was found to be a problem of educated, single men.Just more than one third [38.04%] sought the drug between 15 and 20 years of age. For the whole sample, the average duration of the problem was 12 years. Curiosity to experience the effects of the drug [66.30%], outlet for social problems [27.17%], spending leisure time [21.74%], as well as enhancing sexual activity [15.22%] were the most frequently reported pushing forces behind such behaviour. The majority of addicts were multiple drug users [71.74%], while single drug users constituted 28.26% of the sample. Tranquilizers were used by nearly half [46.15%] of the single drug users, while heroin was found to be the basic drug for 66.66% of multiple drug users. This is in addition to a number of pharmaceutical products including antitusives, antidepressants, and antirheumatics. Only 55.43% of patients were previously admitted to the same hospital for treatment and 54.90% of them completed the treatment regimen. Out of the latter, 82.14% refrained from drug intake for an average duration of 11.65 months however, in 69.58% of the instances their psychological dependency was behind the relapse. In conclusion, this study highlighted the motives behind drug seeking behaviour, the various pharmaceutical products used, as well as the treatment effects and outcome. These findings call for the organization of educational and social support services, as well as the provision of relapse prevention programmes in addition to the effective control over the sale of addictive pharmaceutical products

Epidemiological study of addicts admitted to Maamoura psychiatric hospital in Alexandria

This study was undertaken to reveal the epidemiologic characteristics of addicts, the various types of drugs used and the factors behind drug seeking behavior as well as the outcome of treatment. During the study period, 92 patients were admitted to Maamoura Hospital for treatment. Compared with population figures, drug addiction was found to be a problem of educated and single men. This study highlighted the personality dimensions and motives behind drug seeking behavior, the various pharmaceutical products used as well as the treatment effects and outcome. These findings call for the organization of educational and social support services as well as the provision of relapse prevention program in addition to the effective control over the sale of addictive pharmaceutical products