Features of high risk pregnancy among women attending a district hospital in Greater Cairo. a case control study

Background: A high-risk pregnancy [HRP] refers to any medical condition or pathology that puts the mother, fetus, or neonate at increased risk for morbidity or mortality during pregnancy or childbirth

Objectives: The current study aimed to detect main features of high risk pregnancy among women attending antenatal care clinics at a district hospital in Greater Cairo to achieve finally safe motherhood and better outcome of the pregnancy

Methods: A case control study was used where pregnant women attending antenatal care at gynecological outpatient clinics of [Abol-Monagga district hospital [MOH], Shobra El-Khema district, Greater Cairo] were investigated three days weekly during January and February 2015 for being at high risk pregnancy using a modified form of Morrison and Olsen scoring tool to form the case group [141women], while women whose pregnancy was proved to be normal or at low risk were included as a control group [181women]

Results revealed that the main current associated morbidities of the high risk pregnancy women included anemia in [17%], gestational DM [14%], pregnancy induced hypertension [13%]and gynecological disorders in[27%]. The most prominent features which were significantly related to development of HRP among studied women included obesity [31.2%], history of previous pregnancy associated morbidities [24.8%], previous delivery with CS [24.1%], multigravidae [32.6 %], multiparity [19.9 %], recurrent abortions [14.2 %] and complicated previous pregnancy outcome in [31.9%], while insignificantly detected factors included un-optimal maternal reproductive age [<18 and >35 years], working during pregnancy, illiteracy, [+ve] husband consanguinity, non practicing regular physical activities during pregnancy, [+ve] past history of infertility and family history of morbidities

Conclusion and recommendations: Comparing [HRP] women with normal and low risk group revealed a higher prevalence of current morbidities such as anemia, DM and HTN among [HRP] women in addition to other risk factors such as obesity, multigravidae, multiparity, past history of delivery with CS, recurrent abortions and complicated previous pregnancy outcome. The study recommended proper screening techniques to be used for all pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics to pick up the factors that qualify the pregnant women to be at high risk. Preconception assessment and counseling are strongly encouraged and should include the provision of specific information concerning the risk factors which predispose to risky pregnancy

Risk factors and effects of infestation with Pediculosis Capitis and Scabies among primary school students in Cairo, Egypt

Background: Pediculosis capitis [PC] and scabies are an important public health problem in childhood. They have a worldwide distribution. Also, they have many effects on the infested students

Objectives: To define the prevalence of PC and scabies, to find out the socio-demographic, environment, and health care behavior risk factors, and to determine the effects on the studied students in Cairo, Egypt

Subjects and Methods: A cross-section, analytical study design was chosen to conduct this work. Three primary schools were the field of this study. Total number of the students was 1987. The students were clinically examined; for each infested case with PC and/ or scabies a control student was chosen

Results: Prevalence of PC and scabies was 10.2% and 3.4%, respectively. These infestations were more common significantly among students in the public school. Significant social risk factors of infested students were the low level of head of the family education, occupation, and social status. Also, significant personal hygiene risk factors were poor hair, body, and environment hygiene. While significant health care behavior risk factors were student never received skin examination, no early consultation for skin diseases, and no compliance with therapy. Also; female gender, the last birth order child, had previous infestation with PC, had sibling[s] with PC, and had parents with history of infestation with PC were significant risk factors. On the other hand; male gender, the last birth order child, had previous infestation with scabies, had sibling[s] with scabies, and had parents with history of infestation with scabies were significant risk factors. Further, the PC cases with crowding index >1, had no sun access, had shared water supply and bathing facilities, co-sleeping, had no short cut hair, and sharing hair brushes were significant risk factors. On the other hand, the scabitcs with crowding index >1, had no sun access, had shared water supply and bathing facilities, and co-sleeping were significant risk factors. Lastly, presences of psychiatric, sleep, and peers' relations disturbances were significantly more common among the infested students

Conclusions: Many risk factors of PC and scabies can be manipulated, so these infestations can be prevented, so many health hazards on the students could be prevented

Recommendations: Improving students' hygiene, health education, and regular dermatological screening and treatment of students are important essentiality. Also, dermatological health component should be integrated in school health program. Lastly, further studies in different rural and urban areas in Egypt are recommended