Have neonatal mortality rates in the state of Qatar become static? A PEARL study analysis

To ascertain the national neonatal mortality rate in Qatar during the first quarter of 2011 [1 January-31 March], we carried out a prospective pilot national epidemiologic study. Nationwide birth and neonatal mortality data were collected using predesigned, structured questionnaires. To analyse trends over the previous 4 years [2008-2011] we used neonatal mortality data for 2008-2010 from the database of the neonatal unit at the Women's Hospital, annual reports of Hamad Medical Corporation, and published neonatal mortality data for 2010 for comparative analysis. A total of 4909 live births and 21 neonatal deaths were recorded during the study period. The neonatal mortality rate was 4.28 /1000 live births [corrected neonatal mortality rate 2.85 /1000]. The early neonatal mortality rate was 1.84 /1000 and the late neonatal mortality rate was 2.44/1000 live births. Fifteen of the 21 neonatal deaths were in non-Qatari babies, reflecting the ethnic distribution in the population. Neonatal mortality rates in Qatar declined very little between 2008 and the first quarter of 2011

Students' satisfaction with their health and social care educational programmes: qualitative findings from the UK

This article reports a qualitative assessment of students' satisfaction with their health and social care educational programmes. The responses of 66 students who completed an open-ended "comments" section at the end of a survey to assess students' satisfaction were coded and analysed using the constant comparative method. Respondents commented on: course organization, module organization, workload, module content, course delivery, personnel delivering modules, course workload and assessment, and resources available. The findings suggest that 3 interrelated factors are imperative for "educationally effective" modules: 1] module administration, content and assessment; 2] module teams and university resources; and 3] module relevance

Passive smoking in children: facts and public health implications

This study measured cotinine/creatinine ratios among 60 children in Alexandria, Egypt whose parent[s] smoked and 20 control children whose parents reported not smoking to show that passive smoker children were more exposed than controls. Among the passive smoker children, girls were more exposed, 35% of the population burden of cotinine was among those aged 0-2 years, and exposure significantly decreased with the child's age. Passive smoker children whose fathers smoked "lighter" cigarettes had higher exposure levels than those whose fathers smoked regular brands. Educational programmes should increase awareness of the ill-effects of environmental tobacco smoke, and health professionals should advise parents who smoke on quitting smoking rather than switching to a "lighter" cigarette brand