Determinants of problematic internet use among El-Minia high school students, Egypt

Problematic Internet Use [PIU] is a growing problem in Egyptian adolescents. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of PIU among high school students in El-Minia Governorate and to determine the personal, clinical, and social characteristics of them. A cross-sectional study was applied among a random sample of high school students in El-Minia Governorate. PIU was assessed by the 20-item Young Internet Addiction Test [YIAT]. Information was also collected on demographics, dietary, and health-related factors. Statistical analysis used: Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS-16] software was used. Chi-square test [X[2]], Fisher's Exact Test, and one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] were used whenever, applicable. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were also applied in order to calculate the odds ratios [OR]. Of the 605 students, 16 [2.6%] were Problematic Internet Users [PIUs], 110 [18.2%] were Potential [PIUs]. Adolescents with PIU were associated with male gender, poor friends' relations, bad family relations, irregular bedtime, and bad personal hygiene. PIUs were more likely to suffer from physical symptoms; weight gain, joint stiffness, lack of physical energy, and emotional symptoms. The prevalence of PIU reported in this study is low, however, the Potential PIUs was high and preventative measures are recommended

Some determinants of neonatal mortality III a rural area, EI-Minia governorate, Egypt, 2008

Neonatal mortality accounts for 40% of under-five child mortality, globally. To determine the neonatal mortality rate [NMR], risk factors and causes of it. A community- based study was conducted in a rural area, El-Minia governorate. Only mothers who had got birth in the year 2008 were included. A questionnaire had been designed inquiring about possible risk factors of neonatal death and medical care received by infants and their mothers. The Statistical Program SPSS for windows version 11 had been used in analysis Neonatal mortality rate [NMR] was 2411 000 live births. Maternal demographic characteristics were associated significantly with neonatal mortality as 27.1%, 83.3%, and 79.2% of neonatal deaths occurred with maternal age < 20 years, maternal illiteracy, and no breast feeding respectively. Main causes of death were low birth weight [29.2%], prematurity [20.8%], and infection [20.8%].Conclusions: Satisfactory medical care of mothers and infants should be done

Evidence for effectiveness of intervention to combat obesity among workers at El Minia University

The prevalence of obesity and its associated health .problems have increased sharply in the past 2 decades particularly in developing countries. Lifestyle interventions include exercise, dietary change, behavior therapy, or some combination of these components. To describe the problem of obesity and its contributing factors among workers at El-Minia University and to explore whether the three modalities of life style intervention used with obese workers differ in their efficacy to improve outcome measures. An interventional study in which 480 workers from El-Minia University were participated. Data were collected by a special designed detailed questionnaire. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured; vital signs and blood examination for sugar and lipid profile were undertaken. Three types of life styles interventions were done to the obese: dietary modification, exercise promotion, and combination of dietary and exercise intervention. Post-intervention questionnaire, anthropometry and other outcome indicators were measured. More than two thirds [68.2%] of the participants were obese or at risk of obesity [overweight]. Obesity was nearly twice more common in females than males [61.2 vs. 38.8%] and increased with increasing age. Central obesity determined according to waist circumference was found to be 32.8% and 38.4% among males and females respectively. About 41% of administrative workers and nearly 28% of teaching staff and 23% of manual workers were obese. Eating more than three regular meals and eating snacks have significant relation to the development of obesity. The most contributing risk factor of obesity is the sedentary type of work followed by obesity during the childhood, and eating unhealthy snacks. There is a statistical significant relation between parity and the development of obesity. Obese workers had significantly higher systolic blood pressure than non-obese. The cholesterol level decreased significantly and HDL increased significantly after the intervention, There is significant decrease in BMI in the three groups after the intervention, but the combination of diet and exercise intervention is better than diet intervention alone which in turn is better than exercise intervention alone. Overweight and obesity were highly prevalent among workers at El Minia University which pose them more at risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, as well as joint and back pain. There is an inverse association between physical activity and weight gain. There was sufficient evidence to suggest that dietary plus exercise intervention is the best method to combat obesity and to improve outcome measures