Rate and correlates of depression among elderly people attending primary health care centres in Al Dakhiliyah governorate, Oman

This study determined the rates and correlates of depression among community-dwelling elderly people, based on data from the comprehensive health assessment conducted in Al-Dakhiliyah governorate in Oman in 2008-2010. Data covered sociodemographic characteristics, medical and nutrition status, functional abilities, depression and dementia. The rate of depression was 16.9%, higher among women than men [19.3% versus 14.3%]. Depression was independently predicted by the presence of social risk [OR = 3.44], dementia [OR = 3.17], impairment in activities of daily living [OR - 2.19], joint problems [OR -1.52] and mobility restriction [OR = 1.43]. If dementia was excluded from the model, depression was additionally predicted by poor perception of health [OR = 2.09], impairment in instrumental activities of daily living [OR -1.47] and older ages of 70-< 80 years [OR -1.63] and > 80 years [OR -1.75]. Although not presenting as a complaint, depression in not uncommon among elderly people

Knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviours towards HIV testing and self-protection: a survey of Omani pregnant women

Routine HIV testing of all pregnant women in Oman has been introduced without prior knowledge of women's attitudes towards testing or their behaviour in the event of a positive test. This study recruited 1000 Omani pregnant women from antenatal clinics to explore their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards HIV testing and intended behaviours in the event of a positive test. Mother-to-child transmission was recognized by 86.6% of the women but only 21.0% knew that it was preventable and a few acknowledged the important role of antiviral drugs. Half of the women [51.9%] reported having been tested for HIV and 75.8% agreed about routine HIV testing for all pregnant women. A higher level of knowledge was significantly associated with a favourable intended behaviour related to voluntary testing, disclosure and seeking professional assistance in the event of a positive HIV test. The results are discussed in relation to opt-in and opt-out approaches to voluntary testing during pregnancy

Physical activity and perceived barriers among high-school students in Muscat, Oman

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2011 to study the patterns and determinants of physical activity among 439 secondary-school students in Muscat governorate based on a self-administered questionnaire. Half of the students [52.9%] were enrolled in physical education classes and 95.9% reported afterschool physical activities. The recommended level of physical activity [>/= 1680 MET minutes/week] was met by 23.9% of students, being significantly lower among girls [9.8%] than boys [38.8%]. More girls were in the stages of pre-contemplation [5.8%] and contemplation [26.7%] of adopting exercise while more boys were in the action [15.4%] and maintenance stages [36.0%]. Girls reported significantly more barriers to exercise, related to lack of energy, interest in other activities, lack of encouragement, worries about looks, and time constraints from academic responsibilities and family obligations. The full model logistic regression revealed that boys, 11th-grade students and attempts to regulate weight significantly predicted physical activity meeting the recommended levels.

Fever prevalence and management among three rural communities in the North West Zone, Somalia

Between March and August 2008 we undertook 2 cross-sectional surveys among 1375 residents of 3 randomly selected villages in the district of Gebiley in the North-West Zone, Somalia. We investigated for the presence of malaria infection and the period prevalence of self-reported fever 14 days prior to both surveys. All blood samples examined were negative for both species of Plasmodium. The period prevalence of 14-day fevers was 4.8% in March and 0.6% in August; the majority of fevers [84.4%] were associated with other symptoms including cough, running nose and sore throat; 48/64 cases had resolved by the day of interview [mean duration 5.4 days]. Only 18 [37.5%] fever cases were managed at a formal health care facility: 7 within 24 hours and 10 within 24-72 hours of onset. None of the fevers were investigated for malaria; they were treated with antibiotics, antipyretics and vitamins

Factors affecting the quality of life of hypertensive patients

Using the Hypertension Health Status Inventory and multivariate analysis, predictors of quality of life were determined for a r and om selection of 316 hypertensive patients. Controlling for the effects of demographic and socioeconomic factors and existing co-morbidity, a better quality of life was independently predicted by achieving a controlled blood pressure and absence of target organ complications. Neither the number of antihypertensive drugs received nor the dose frequency affected patients' quality of life. Presence of drug side-effects independently predicted a lower quality of life in the physical and emotional domains but not on aspects of daily living. The independent predictors explained 25%-30% of the variation in the quality of life of hypertensive patients. The study highlights the role of achieving blood pressure control to ensure a better quality of life for hypertensive patients

Tobacco cessation in a population over age 15 years: a community-based survey in Alexandria

A survey of 2120 adults in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the determinants and patterns of tobacco cessation among ever smokers. Ever smokers were 30.7% of respondents; only 3.5% had given up smoking [quit ratio of 11.4%]. The quit ratio was significantly lower for ex-daily smokers [7.5%] than for ex-occasional smokers [44.8%]. Among current smokers, 56.3% were between the contemplation and preparatory phases for quitting, whereas 25.1% were in the action phase of attempting to quit, for an average duration of 2.5 months, before relapsing. Health concerns were the motive for all ex-smokers and 95.0% of attempters, but craving for nicotine was the commonest reason for relapse. Tobacco cessation was predicted by older age of tobacco initiation, shorter duration of use, presence of health problems and a perception of the benefits of quitting

Comprehensive health assessment of senior citizens in Al-Karak governorate, Jordan

The health status, mental well-being and functional capacity of senior citizens was assessed in a community-based survey of people > or = 60 years in 2004. Analysis was performed using logistic and linear regression analyses. Of the 300 subjects enrolled [53.3% women], 74.4% were affected by chronic diseases, 24.3% were classified as depressed and 44.0% had a negative health perception. Dependence in instrumental activities of daily living [92.0%] was more frequent than dependence in basic activities [28.0%]. Women were more likely to be depressed, and suffer memory impairment and limitation of functional capacity. Increase in depressive symptoms was independently predicted by increased age, living alone, poor functional capacity, memory impairment and negative perception of health. Low summary performance in instrumental and basic activities was independently predicted by increased age, lack of education, high number of reported symptoms, depression and memory impairment. Depression, poor functional capacity and memory impairment reinforced each other resulting in a state of dependency

Contraception use and probability of continuation: community-based survey of women in southern Jordan

A community-based survey was conducted in October 2003 to investigate the determinants of contraception use and probability of 2 years continuation among ever married women of reproductive age in Karak, south Jordan. Of the 1109 participants, 61% were ever users of contraceptives in 1389 segments, median duration 24.0 months. The cumulative proportion of continuation was 92% at 6 months, 65% at 12 months and 42% at 24 months. Older age, longer duration of marriage, large number of surviving children and use of the intrauterine device independently predicted a longer duration of contraception use. Pregnancy planning [74%] was the most frequently stated reason for discontinuation. Family planning programmes should focus on reducing discontinuation and recommending methods with a higher probability of continuation

Duration and determinants of interbirth interval: community-based survey of women in southern Jordan

The duration and determinants of interbirth intervals among women of reproductive age in Karak, Jordan were examined in October 2003. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 1109 ever-married women aged 15-49 years who contributed to 4349 interbirth intervals. Data were obtained by interview questionnaire and analysed with life table, Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. The median interbirth interval was 27.40 months. Longer interbirth interval was independently predicted by breastfeeding > or = 12 months, modern contraceptive use and pregnancy wastage; by more surviving children, presence of boys only or both boys and girls at the interval onset; by woman's higher education, older age and longer marriage; and by ideal spacing conforming with family planning norms. Concerted efforts to encourage modern contraceptive use, extend breastfeeding, promote small family size, address gender preferences and reinforce the minimum age at marriage should be made

Current and never smokers: differentials in characteristics, knowledge and perceptions

A cross-sectional interview survey of tobacco use was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, comparing current smokers with never smokers. Among men, the risk of current tobacco use was significantly higher among married participants [OR = 1.74], especially those with low educational or occupational status. In contrast, although few women smoked, tobacco use was significantly higher among those holding a university degree [OR = 15.33]. Never smokers were significantly more knowledgeable than current smokers about tobacco-related health hazards. Never smokers had significantly better perceptions of the danger of tobacco use, susceptibility to health-related hazards and the benefits of being tobacco-free. Multivariate analysis revealed that tobacco use is independently predicted by participants' sex, age and educational attainment as well as their perceptions

Correlates of unintended pregnancy in Beheira governorate, Egypt

This study looked at the frequency and determinants of unplanned births among women in Beheira governorate, Egypt, and the effects on antenatal and postnatal care sought by the mother for herself and her child. Unintended births comprised 23.6%; 13.8% were unwanted and 9.8% were mistimed. Contraceptive failure accounted for 28.8% of unintended pregnancies; 47.1% of women who reported unintended pregnancy were not using [corrected] contraception. Age, education and parity were predictors of unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptive use and maternal employment status predicted mistimed pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy was a barrier to antenatal care, but not to child care. Our findings suggest that family planning programmes should help women of reproductive age achieve spacing and fertility limits

Patterns and determinants of treatment compliance among hypertensive patients

Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of pharmacological and lifestyle compliance among hypertensive patients. Patients attending health insurance clinics for prescription refills were randomly selected and interviewed [n = 316]. Blood pressure was controlled for 53.2% of patients but 25.9% were non-compliant with medication. Common barriers to compliance were: feelings of normal blood pressure, forgetfulness, drug holidays and drug side-effects. Patients were non-compliant with smoking cessation [43.6%], weight reduction [59.3%], and dietary salt [22.4%] and fat restriction [26.5%]. Misconceptions about smoking cessation and costs of preparing special dishes were common. Independent predictors of compliance were: controlled blood pressure, diet modification, drug side-effects, and perceptions of management benefits and susceptibility to related complications

Prevalence of smoking and age of initiation in Alexandria, Egypt

A cross-sectional survey on tobacco use in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, used an interview questionnaire based on World Health Organization guidelines. The study in 2000 included 2120 participants aged 15 to 86 years. More than a quarter [27.2%] were current smokers [25.5% daily smokers and 1.7% occasional smokers] and 3.5% were ex-smokers. Current smokers spent 23.1% of their family income on tobacco. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among men [48.5%] than women [1.5%] and the mean age of initiation of smoking was lower among men [18.1 years] than women [22.6 years].The high prevalence of tobacco use among men is of concern, so too is the likelihood that tobacco use will increase among women. Further research is needed into factors that prevent people from starting smoking and assist them stopping smoking

Violence among schoolchildren in Alexandria

Violent behaviour among school students and its predictors were investigated. Selected children [2170] were requested to complete a self-administered questionnaire. Initiating violent assaults in the 18 months prior to the study was reported by 51.0% of boys and 20.9% of girls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis pointed to 16 predictive variables for violent behaviour; few were related to family background whereas the majority were related to the children themselves. Violent assaults were more likely to be initiated by boys and those who were dangerously daring and risk-takers, often fought verbally, threatened to attack others, were cruel to animals, disrupted class discipline, were truant from school or ran away from home and were disciplined by corporal punishment by their parents and their teachers. School-based prevention and intervention programmes addressing modifiable predictors should be considered

Child abuse and neglect: its perception by those who work with children

School physicians, social workers and teachers were evaluated to assess their perceptions of child maltreatment, knowledge of its predictors, ability to identify indicators of abuse and neglect, and their reporting intentions. Of these, school physicians had a significantly higher perception and showed greater capability of identifying indicators of maltreatment and better reporting intentions. However, the knowledge of all professionals regarding predictors of child maltreatment was deficient: only two factors, marital and family problems and parental psychoactive substance abuse, were recognized by more than 80% of them. A training programme for professionals working with children is recommended. Such a programme should also motivate professionals to report cases. Policy-makers should consider legislation mandating the reporting of cases of maltreatment and ensuring sufficient protection to the reporters

Child abuse and neglect: mothers' behaviour and perceptions

Mothers' behaviour relating to child maltreatment, their perceptions of such behaviour and its correlates to parents' characteristics and family background were investigated. Women with at least one child under 18 years were targeted and given an interview questionnaire. A high proportion of mothers reported maltreatment behaviour that constituted emotional [69.0%] and physical [57.1%] abuse as well as neglecting the child's safety [43.8%], education [46.1%] and medical care [53.3%]. Mothers tended to perceive neglectful behaviour rather than abusive behaviour as child maltreatment. Child maltreatment was significantly associated with parents' level of education, father's occupation, mother's working status, financial problems, mother's age at the birth of the first child, number of offspring, crowding index and maternal perceptions of maltreatment

Evaluation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] in serodiagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

A total of 45 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and 45 healthy individuals were subjected to chest examination, radiography and ELISA tests for IgA and IgG antibodies. Sputum smear and culture were performed for all tuberculous patients. Evaluated against clinical and radiological diagnosis, ELISA's specificity exceeded 90% in detecting specific IgA and IgG antibodies. The parallel application of ELISA and microscopic examination of sputum yielded 80% sensitivity compared with clinical and radiological examination and 100% sensitivity compared with culture. ELISA alone can be used in ruling out pulmonary tuberculosis but not in diagnosing the disease. However, coupled with microscopic examination, it can be used instead of culture to provide positive diagnosis within 24 hours