Factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding in AI-Hassa province, Saudi Arabia

The World Health Organization recommends early initiation of breastfeeding [within 1 hour of giving birth]. This study assessed the prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding by mothers of neonates in AI-Hassa province, Saudi Arabia. Mothers attendingfor birth registration at primary health care centres were interviewed and various sociodemographic, obstetric and health service related variables as well as breast problems were assessed for any influence on timely breastfeeding rates. While 91.9% of the 906 neonates studied were breastfed [8.1% were never breastfed], only 11.4% were given timely breastfeeding [within 1 hour after birth]. Logistic regression revealed that the independent predictors of timely breastfeeding were: not giving prelacteal feed [OR 13.7], rura/hegar residence [OR 4.2], absence of breast problems [OR3.4], parity 2 or 3 [OR2.9] and parity 4+ [OR 2.4]. Mothers at risk of delayed breastfeeding initiation should be the target of breastfeeding promotion during prenatal care

Physical activity profile of students in Mansoura University, Egypt

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1708 students from Mansoura University, Egypt, to describe the pattern of physical activity, predictors of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to and benefits of physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IRAQ] was used to measure physical activity. Data were analysed according to the guidelines for data processing and analysis of the IRAQ. Perceived barriers to and potential benefits of physical activity were asked for. More than 11% of students were physically inactive. On logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of physical inactivity were high socioeconomic standard of the family [OR 2.1], female sex [OR 1.8], medical education [OR 1.8] and non-membership in sports clubs [OR 1.6]. The most frequent barriers to physical activity were time limitation and lack of accessible and suitable sporting places. More than 70% of the participants stated that physical activity promotes and maintains health

Determinants and causes of son preference among women delivering in Mansoura, Egypt

This study in Egypt, measured the son preference index, its determinants, and impact on reproductive behaviour and intention of 400 mothers attending for delivery. Overall son preference index was 1.4. The causes of sex preference were mainly psychological and social. Mothers with only girls were 496 times more likely to prefer a son as compared to those with boys only. Mothers with illiterate husbands were nearly 10 times more likely to prefer a son than those married to highly educated husbands. Achievement of the desired sex, whether son or daughter, was associated with less desire for more children, intention to prolong pregnancy spacing and intention to use contraceptives

Epidemiology and hazards of student labour in Mansoura, Egypt

To determine the prevalence of student labour, underlying causes and impacts, we carried out a cross - sectional study on 1293 students enrolled in government secondary schools in Mansoura. Year - round work was reported by 8.6% of students and summer work by 27.5%. The majority worked for > / = 6 hours/ day. Lower social status, attending vocational school, male sex, large family size and rural residence were significant predictors of student labour. Hazards at the workplace, injuries and corporal punishment were prevalent among working students. Work adversely affected education and social life. Contribution to family income was the main reason for working

Bloodborne infections among student voluntary blood donors in Mansoura University, Egypt

We carried out a retrospective study on student voluntary blood donors in Mansoura University, Egypt. Serum samples were tested for HBsAg, anti- HCV, anti- HIV- 1 and anti- HIV- 2 as well as syphilis. About 7% of students had >/= 1 of the diseases tested for. Prevalence of HBsAg, anti- HCV, anti- HIV- 1 and anti- HIV- 2, and syphilis were 4.3%, 2.7%, 0.0% and 0.05% respectively. Significantly more males than females tested positive for HBsAg. Anti- HCV was significantly higher among rural than urban students. Volunteer student donors are a good source of safe blood. With proper selection of donors, the number of blood units discarded can be minimized

Epidemiology of dysmenorrhoea among adolescent students in Mansoura, Egypt

To examine the prevalence, determinants, impact and treatment practices of dysmenorrhoea, we studied 664 female students in secondary schools in urban and rural areas. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. About 75% of the students experienced dysmenorrhoea [mild 55.3%, moderate 30.0%, severe 14.8%]. Most did not seek medical advice although 34.7% treated themselves. Fatigue, headache, backache and dizziness were the commonest associated symptoms. No limitation of activities was reported by 47.4% of student with dysmenorrhoea, but this was significantly more reported by students with severe dysmenorrhoea. Significant predictors of dysmenorrhoea were older age, irregular or long cycle and heavy bleeding

Epidemiology of diarrhoeal diseases among children under age 5 years in Dakahlia, Egypt

Using multistage cluster sampling, we conducted a household survey of diarrhoea among 4458 children under age 5 years in Dakahlia governorate from June 2002 to May 2003 to determine the prevalence and determinants of diarrhoeal diseases. Frequency of diarrhoea in the previous 2 weeks and last 24 hours were 23.6% and 8.7% respectively. Oral rehydration solution use rate was 24.3% among children with diarrhoea in the past 2 weeks. The frequency of diarrhoea was significantly higher among children in rural areas, those aged 6-24 months and of higher birth order, in the summer, when mothers were younger, had lower education or were not working, and when fathers had lower education or were farmers or manual labourers. Overcrowding, improper refuse disposal and non-flush toilets were also significantly correlated with diarrhoea incidence

Breastfeeding indicators in Dakahlia Governorate

This study was carried out in Dakahlia Governorate to assess current breastfeeding practices using the standardized breastfeeding indicators developed by the World Health Organization and to highlight the impact of some socioeconomic and maternal factors on these indicators. An interview was carried out with mothers of 1200 infants and children < 24 months during a poliomyelitis immunization campaign in urban and rural areas. The findings indicate that 84.6% of infants aged 0-4 months are fully breastfed, with 42.5% and 42.1% of them exclusively and predominantly breastfed respectively. Rural infants are more likely to be exclusively breastfed, to continue breastfeeding for 1 year and to initiate breastfeeding early. Non-working mothers are more likely to breastfeed exclusively and more likely to continue breastfeeding for 1 year

Causes of blindness and needs of the blind in Mansoura, Egypt

A study of 113 blind people in Mansoura, Egypt highlighted the causes and risk factors for blindness, and health and social care needs of the blind. In two-thirds of cases, blindness occurred before 10 years of age. Risk factors for blindness were reported by more than half the study population. Congenital causes accounted for almost half the cases. The commonest causes of bilateral blindness were corneal opacities, cataract and glaucoma. Almost three-quarters of causes were avoidable. Health and social care for this group was inadequate and more than half would benefit from further management. Legislation for keratoplasty, a registry of blind people, and a nationwide community survey on the epidemiology of blindness are needed urgently

Acute respiratory infections in primary health care centres in northern Saudi Arabia

This study was carried out in the northern region of Saudi Arabia during 1419 AH [1998 AD]. A random sample of 1200 prescriptions was analysed to determine the magnitude of factors associated with acute respiratory infections [ARI] and their treatment. ARI were diagnosed in more than one-third of the prescriptions analysed, of which upper respiratory infections accounted for 65.8%, and pneumonia less than 1%. The prevalence of ARI was significantly higher in urban areas, among children, among males and during the colder seasons of the year. Antibiotics were prescribed for 87.8% of patients. This study reinforces the need to implement forthwith the Saudi national programme for diagnosis and treatment of ARI