Assessment of health habits among governmental school pupils

Children of school age form a vulnerable segment of the population that is undergoing developmental changes. The aims of this study were of two folds, to investigate health habits among governmental primary school children and to evaluate the role of school health nurse within the target population, as a beginning step to implement health promotion program for this age group. Four hundred 5th year students were chosen from four different schools, two in urban area [El-Haram District] and two in rural area [Nahia Village]. Also, ten school nurses [five from each area] were included. It is recommended to reteach and demonstrate sound health habits to primary school pupils, offer periodical in- service training programs for school nurses, to up-date their knowledge and to maintain proper link between school nurses, families and the community

Assessment of the elderly problems among the rural and urban population [a comparative study]

Aging is not really a health problem. It is a physiologic inactivity that increases the probability of health problems, which may have important social consequences. So, the aim of this study was to assess the physical, psychological and social promblems of the elderly population in the rural and urban areas [a comparative study]. The rural sample was chosen from El-Manawat Village, Giza Governorate [100 elderly] and the urban sample was selected from Fom-El-Khalig District, Cairo Governorate [100 elderly]. Both groups were chosen randomly and their socioeconomic characteristics were matched together. Questionnaires were used to collect data from participants through interviewing them at their homes. The study showed that there is no difference between pathologic health problems of both groups except for the cardiovascular problems. The most common health problems affecting both groups were found to be cardiovascular and skeleto-muscular problems. Another important finding was that the majority of both groups were unsatisfied with their lives. The expressed needs of the sample were money, attention of their sons and daughters and accessibility and availability of medical care. The study suggested to give higher priority to preventive programs and health education to the elderly people and their families