Epidemiological features of child abuse among a sample of preparatory school-children in Benha city

Child abuse is a world wide phenomenon and had become a major concern in many countries throughout the world. The problem was found to be serious for many children due to its toxic outcomes for children and society. To identify the prevalence rate of child abuse and its epidemiological features among a sample of preparatory school children in Benha city. This is a cross-sectional study was carried out at preparatory schools of Benha city during the academic year 2006-2007. Three hundred thirty students were selected by systematic random method from the chosen schools. Data was collected by using self administrated questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics and child traumatic questionnaire. The study revealed that 75.8% of the studied group had exposed to child abuse and 28.6% of females were not exposed to abuse versus 19.4% among male students. Combined form of abuse [28.4%], emotional [24%] and physical abuse [20.4%] were the more prevailing types. Only 10.1% of students belonging to low social class had not exposed to child abuse and students belonging to married parents had recorded the higher percentage [28.5%] of absence of abuse among them. Students belonging to below secondary school graduated fathers had exposed to combined form of abuse [24.3%], emotional abuse [21.8%] and physical abuse [16.3%] with frequencies higher than that recorded among students belonging to university graduated fathers. More than half of abused children [51.6%] had exposed to abuse at homes followed by those at schools [27.2%]. it could be concluded that child abuse and neglect is a big problem among prep school children because the prevalence rate in the study sample is 75.8% and there are many risk factors had shared in its Prevailing. National program is needed to prevent all forms of child abuse for all children and to control the problem through intervention strategies directed to parents, children, health care professionals, school staff and governmental and non governmental organizations to show how to prevent, diagnose and cope with the problem

Epidemiological study of nosocomial infection of neonates admitted to Benha university neonatal intensive care unite

This cross-sectional short term study was carried-out in the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] at Benha University hospital. It aims at studying the epidemiological features of nosocomial infection in NICU. The target of this study is one hundred neonates admitted to the NICU along a period of about one year. They were chosen by the systematic method of random sampling. Mothers of the subjects of the study are subjected to a structured questionnaire far detailed history, thorough physical examination as well as investigations to assess the presence of nosocomial infection and to determine the causative pathogen. In a trial to trace the possible source of nosocomial infection, swabs - from different sites - were taken from the injected neonates, nursing staff, used instruments, as well as the surrounding environment. The results of the study revealed that, the rate of occurrence of nosocomial infection is estimated to be 54%. The use of invasive techniques, prematurity as well as low birth weight are considered risk factors for occurrence of neonatal sepsis in a percentage of 96.21%, 77.77% and 88.86% respectively. Home deliveries as well as normal vaginal deliveries showed higher frequency of statistical significance far the occurrence of nosocomial infection. About 1/4 of neonates diagnosed as having nosocomial infection, died. The microorganism profile of those diagnosed as nosocomial infection showed that the most prevalent organism is coagulase +ve staphylococcus [55.5%], followed by Klebsilla 37%, serratia and enterobacter in a percentage of 7.4% for each, streptococci and candida [3.7% for each]. The results of swabs taken from the neonates, the nursing staff as well as the surrounding organisms showed the same organisms. So, prevention of nosocomial infection is the responsibility of health care team personnel through the application of effective hospital infection surveillance and control system especially in NICUs

Lead exposure and sociodemographic parameters affecting the cognitive function of a sample of children in Qalyoubia governorate

This cross-sectional, short term study is conducted in Benha city at randomly selected primary school. The target group is 100- randomly chosen- children of the 4th and 5th grades. They were subjected to a structured questionnaire for personal and familial data. IQ - is assessed using Stanford Beneit test. Blood samples were drawn to determine haemoglubin level as well as blood lead level. Scholastic achievement of the target group was measured using the mean of the last 3 months marks. Analysing data of the study reveals that 64% of children included in the study were urban residents while the remaining 36% were rural inhabitants. Urban inhabitants show statistically significant higher percentage for normal IQ. The present study reveals that Hb.%, blood lead level, mother's smoking as well as residence significantly affect the IQ. of children. Regarding scholastic achievement as an indicator for cognitive function it was found that Hb.%, blood lead level as well as I.Q. are the best predictors. Monitoring [Both environmental and Biological] is required to assess lead level in the environment as well as blood lead level. Environmental sources of lead and its hazards are required to be highlighted. Mass screening of school children for anaemia is required and subsequently proper treatment for anaemia and anaemia predisposing conditions. Finally hazards of smoking, especially by mothers, is required to be highlighted

epidemiological study of female circumcision in Benha city, Kalyoubia governorate

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 target females having at least one female child daughter between 5 and 15 years old, who attended MCH center in Benha city, Kalyobia Governorate during the period from July to September 2000. The study aimed at determining the magnitude of the female circumcision problem in Kalyoubia Governorate and to highlight some factors that influence the attitude of mothers towards its practice. Results revealed that the circumcised mothers were 84.6% and 73.4% of their daughters were circumcised, 63.4% were performed at age 5-9 years, 67.7% of them were carried-out by non medical personnel, 73.2% were performed without anesthesia and 30.7% of them had complications. Also, the study illustrated that significant associations exist between some sociodemographic characters of mothers and their attitude and practice of female circumcision. Mothers aged 30 years and above, rural mothers, those married at age less than 20 years, the illiterate and read and write, those with illiterate husband, housewives and mothers who belonged to low social class were more significantly agreed with performance of female circumcision. The study revealed the dire necessity to an integrated educational program to be delivered through primary health care services to change the attitude of population towards the practice of female circumcision

Hand needle stick injuries among nurses in Kalyoubia governorate

This prospective study was designed to throw some light on frequency of occurrence and complications resulting from needle stick injuries in nurses working in health care units of Kalyoubia Governorate. A total of 200 nurses were interviewed to answer a structured questionnaire. The target group was followed up using hepatitis B and C markers. Analysis of data shows that the mean age of the studied group was 42.22 +/- 7.35. Forty nine percent of the studied nurses were urban inhabitants, while 51% were rural inhabitants. Thirty eight percent of the studied nurses were employed for less than 10 years, 33.33% were employed for more than 20 years. About seventy one percent of nurses working in immunization show injuries in fingers. About 85% of nurses working in non-immunization units show injuries in the palm and dorsum. Health care seeking differs among individuals. The majority [86.67%] of nurses working in immunization don't seek treatment, 9.52% treated with antiseptic. However the perception of seriousness of illness were more obvious among nurses working in non-immunization tasks as the majority of them [64%] seek treatment in the form of local antiseptics [37.89%], medical treatment [10.5%] and surgical treatment [15.79%]. Only 1.9% of nurses working at immunization units had positive past history for hepatitis. On follow-up of these nurses by hepatitis B and C markers 6 months later, it was found that 11.43% of nurses working in immunization unites show positive HBs Ag compared to 3.16% + ve HBs Ag of nurses working in non-immunization units. However, nurses working in immunization unites show the presence of anti-HCV antibody in a percentage of 29.52%. Nurses working in non-immunization unites show statistically significant correlation higher percentage for being negative for anti HCV antibodies. Needle stick injury show negative statistically significant correlation with the duration of employment and nurses age. However, needle stick injury is correlated positively with presence of HBs Ag as well as Anti HCV antibodies. That calls for intensive pre-service and in-service training programs for nurses to follow safty rules to avoid needle stick injuries. Hepatitis B vaccine should be compulsory for all health care providers

Breast feeding practices in home versus institutional delivaries

A cross-sectional study was conduced on 180 lactating mothers attending MCHC in Benha city to illustrate the effect of place of delivery [home or institutional] on breast feeding practices in neonates and post neonates. Analysis of data reveals that mothers of institutional deliveries were superior to those of home deliveries in adoption of some of the steps required to achieve successful breast feeding, reflecting the successful educational role carried out by health staff Mothers of institutional deliveries show statistically significant lower rates for bottle use in neonates and pacifier use in neonates and postneonates. Those mothers show statistically significant higher rates for proper positioning and attachment. However, mothers of home deliveries reflecting cultural and traditional believes concerning breast feeding show statistically significant higher rates of timely 1st suckle in neonates. In post-neonates those mothers show statistically significant higher rate of breastfeeding on both sides and statistically significant lower bottle use rate. There is statistically significant positive linear correlation between supplementation at birth with bottle use at birth, supplementation in post- neonates as well as with acute respiratory infections. Also, the same relation is found between supplementation of in neonates with diarrhoeal diseases as well as ARI There is statistically significant positive linear correlation between bottle use at birth with pacifier use at birth, bottle use in postneonate as well as with ARI. The same relation is found between bottle use after 6 weeks following birth with dehydration and ARI. It is recommended to create a conducive environment for successful breastfeeding via a well organized community oriented breast feeding education to motivate the whole culture to be mother baby friendly culture through active community participation and intersectoral collaboration. Effective legislative issues for protection of lactating mothers in home and at work