Correlates of age at natural menopause: a community-based study in Alexandria

Differences in the age at natural menopause were examined using a retrospective population sample of 289 naturally menopausal women. The mean age at natural menopause was 46.70 +/- 5.44 years. Earlier menopause occurred in women living in semiurban areas, divorced/separated and less educated women, and women who were younger at: first marriage, widowhood, divorce/separation and first or last full-term pregnancy. Later menopause occurred in women who had: irregular menstrual periods before 25 years, dysmenorrhoea and mid-cycle spotting. Duration of oral contraceptives use, weight and body mass index were significantly positively correlated with age at natural menopause. Multiple regression analyses indicated that age at last full-term pregnancy, residence, pattern of menstrual cessation and duration of oral contraceptive use were the significant predictors of the end of menstrual activity

Teaching psychomotor nursing skill: mental imagery versus demonstration

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of using mental imagery to teach simple psychomotor skill and to compare the outcomes with the traditional method [demonstration and redemonstration]. The findings suggested that the subjects were able to clearly perceive the skill and they felt that mental imagery method was helpful and interesting. Significant differences were noted in the performance of the study control groups. The study results, call attention to the fact that some of the nursing psychomotor skills can be taught using creative approaches [mental imagery] to enhance performance proficiency in a limited time with better feelings and interest

Study of hydroxyproline content in cases of sliding hiatal hernia

The hydroxyproline content, which is an accurate measure of collagen content, was measured in 12 cases of proved sliding hiatal hernia and 6 control cases. These samples were taken from the phreno- esophageal ligament and the diaphragmatic crus. It was significantly lower in the phreno-esophageal ligament of patients compared to controls [38.9 +/- 6.1 Ug/mg dry tissue and 45.3 +/- 6.2 Ug/mg dry tissue, respectively] and significantly lower in diaphragmatic crus in studied patients as compared to controls [50.6 +/- 10.5 Ug/mg dry tissue and 66.3 +/- 2.4 Ug/mg dry tissue respectively]. This abnormal lower hydroxyproline content in both phreno-esophageal ligament and diaphragmatic crus may clarify their anatomical role in the pathogenesis of sliding hiatal hernia. The weakness of these structures is due to defective collagen, which should be considered during hiatal hernia repair