Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices in Lebanon concerning HIV/AIDS, 1996-2004

This cross-sectional study, aimed at evaluating the impact of HIV prevention interventions in Lebanon since 1996, was performed between January 2004 and July 2004 on 3200 Lebanese aged 15-49 years. Of the sexually active respondents, 13.0% of men and 2.6% of women had regular partners other than the spouse but only 25.0% used a condom in their last sexual intercourse. However, 16.8% had sex with casual partners and 71.7% of those used a condom. Knowledge about preventive practices against HIV/AIDS has regressed since 1996, 85.7% compared to 94.9%. Self reports of symptoms suggestive of sexually transmitted disease were 9.1% compared to 5.6% in 1996

Adherence to universal precautions among laboratory personnel in Lebanon

To evaluate the present situation and plan future directions with regard to implementation of universal precautions in laboratories testing blood samples, we carried out a national cross sectional study in 2003 on a representative sample of laboratories in Lebanon. We compared the results with those of a 1993 study. We found that the education profile of staff had improved, being now more specialized in laboratory science. The discrepancies between what technicians knew, believed in and practised and what was observed in the field improved to some extent in most variables. Disposal of needles and syringes had improved greatly but disposal of blood-contaminated material had not. Given the risks of improper practice, a policy of universal precautions is essential and regular training should be carried out so that staff know and practise the universal precautions and correct laboratory procedures

Human papillomavirus testing as an adjunct to cytology evaluation in cervical specimens of selected and consecutively screened Lebanese women: a prospective clinical study

Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer in women worldwide, with 85-100% of cervical cancers being HPV DNA positive. Our study aimed at evaluating the use of HPV DNA testing as an adjunct to the routine cervical cytology evaluation of Lebanese women. Cervical cytology evaluation and testing for human papillomavirus [HPV], as well as high-risk HPV were performed on two groups of women. One group consisted of 274 healthy women attending gynecology clinics for routine evaluation, while the other included 199 women selected based on a high-risk lifestyle and/or abnormal findings at cytology. HPV and HR-HPV DNA were 4 and 10 times higher, and HPV was 4 to 5 times more frequent at all age groups in selected, compared to healthy women. HPV infection decreased in healthy women with age but did not decrease in selected women. HPV positive-normal cytology decreased with age in both groups. Although HR-HPV detection decreased with age in healthy women, it doubled in selected women. In addition, more severe cytology was associated almost uniquely with selected women. HR-HPV detection and advanced cytology lesions correlated well and were mutually predictive. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of HPV testing for squamous intraepithelial lesions were [85.5%], [90.95], [67.8%] and 96.5%, respectively. Based on these findings, we recommend implementing HPV screening as an adjunct to routine cervical cytology in selected Lebanese women older than 30 years of age

Frequency of the CCR5-delta 32 chemokine receptor gene mutation in the Lebanese population

A direct correlation between HIV infection and mutation in the chemokine receptor [CCR5] gene has been established. However, such correlation has never been investigated in Lebanon. We report the frequency of the CCR5-delta 32 mutation in a r and om sample of 209 healthy, HIV-1 seronegative Lebanese aged 19-68. Overall, 4.8% were heterozygous for the mutation. Homozygosity was absent from our sample. The frequency for the CCR5-delta 32 allele was 2.5%. Distribution of the mutation was unaffected by sex, age, religion or educational level. The frequency in the Lebanese population is consistent with that in the origin of the mutation in northern Europe. This could be attributed to a gene flow into the Middle East from northern Europe

Low birth weight in Lebanon: a morphological parameter and a health status indicator

This study is an attempt to determine the incidence of low birth weight [LBW] in Lebanon. Biometric, biomedical and sociobehavioural parameters were investigated. The incidence of LBW showed an upward trend from 1986 to 1990; a peak was observed in 1990 at the height of the war, but rates fell in 1991. Infants born with weights of 2500 to 2999 grams represented about a quarter of live births, although the mean birth weight was higher. The length of gestation was associated with birth weight. More information is needed regarding birth weights at the country level. This would require elimination of the problem of nonhospital births and improvement of the registration system for vital events and of prenatal records

Management of hemorrhoids by rubber band ligation

This study discusses the management of hemorrhoids by rubber band ligation. It reviews 233 rubber band ligation procedures in 148 patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids performed over a 5 year period. 72% of the patients underwent a single rubber band ligation, 22% a double band ligation and 6% a triple band ligation in one session without anesthesia. A follow up of 18 +/- 5 months was carried out. Only three patients required hospitalization for complications. One patient was admitted for bleeding and recovered with clot evacuation, bed rest and blood transfusion. Two patients developed a band related abscess that resolved with drainage. Twenty patients [13.5%] reported pain associated with the procedure. Four patients needed subsequent surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Long term results were good in 81.2% of the patients. This report agrees with previously published series showing the efficacy and cost containment of hemorrhoidal ligation

Modulation of some human mononuclear cells activities by procaine

The in vitro effects of a local anesthetic, a membrane active drug, procaine, on some functional activities of circulating human lymphocytes and monocytes were studied. Procaine inhibited spontaneous E-rosette formation between T-lymphocytes and sheep erythrocytes and EAC-rosettes with B-lymphocytes. In addition, procaine inhibited both the phagocytosis of latex particles by normal monocytes and the proliferation of lymphocytes in an allogeneic mixed leukocyte culture. Morphologically the procaine-treated cells exhibited a relative increase in the size of the cytoplasmic rim around their nuclei. The results indicated that procaine might be considered as a non-specific immunoregulator, modulating to some extent the functional expression of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells activities