Farmers / Families practices regarding agricultural pesticides and the associated self reported toxicity symptoms

Farmers and farm families are dangerously exposed to a of variety agricultural pesticides on a daily basis. Many studies showed that third world countries have registered very high incidences of pesticide poisoning, and other pesticide-related health Farming is a risky business. Farmers and farm families are dangerously exposed to variety problems mainly due to improper handling, use, and methods of storage. Therefore, the aim of the study was to inestigate farmers/families practices regarding agriculture pesticide and their associated self-reported toxicity symptoms at Shubramani village Giza Governorate. A descriptive correlative design was utilized and a convenient sample of 200 farmers was selected from 4 geographical sectors at the Village, the duration of their usage to pesticides ranged from 2 to 60 years [mean 15.2 +/- 10.02]. The mean age of sprayers among the families was 43.8 +/- 13.2. A meeting interview was used for filling in a standardized culturally adapted structured interviewing questionnaire based on United States Environmental Protection Agency The questionnaire consisted of five main questions parts [socio-demographic data, home environment and medical history and the self reported toxicity symptoms associated with agriculture pesticides use, farmers/families attitudes, farmers'/familiesi practices, other questions pertinent to the study]. Farmers/families were exposed to agriculture pesticides in the year before the study conducted were 58%,also it was found negative correlation between the number of exposure to agriculture pesticides and each number of agronomists visits, instruction given to farmers and total practices score [r=0.27,r=0.27 and r= 0.20 respectively]. Result revealed that as long as there is an increase in the attitude score, there will be an increase in the practice score among families [r= 0.37, P=0.000]. This investigation enumerates some of the local factors which will improve the utility and relevance of risk reduction programs targeted toward pesticide using farmers and other farm family members. Replication of this study is recommended to generalize the data

Symptoms associated with pre menstrual syndrome a prospective study among Egyptian women

Premenstrual Syndrom[PMS] is a disorder characterized by a set of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms in a significant number of women. Infact, out of the estimated 40 million sufferers, more than five million require medical treatment. Purposes of this study were to:[a]assess Egyptian women's physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms associated with premenstrual cycle and, [b]explore the relation between these symptomatology and selected sociodemographic variables. A descriptive-correlation design was utilized to study the phenomena under investigation. The study sample was convenient in nature and included 492 women. Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire [MDQ], and sociodemographic and obestetric history, data form were used to collect data pertinent to the study. The results of the study evidenced that PMS was experienced almost by all the studied sample, the physical symptoms earned the hieghest level this was followed by psychological and behavioural symptoms respectively. The most common physical complaints were muscles weakness, tachycardia, nausea and vomting. Mood changes, depression, and anxiety on the other hand were the most common psychological symptoms. The majority of women also complained of behavioral changes mainly in form of less performance of their work and incorrect judgment. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relation between women's age, level of education, and marital status with the premenstrual symptoms. The study implicated the importance of threading PMS through women's health programes and reproductive health programes. Further research on the impact of cultural values and beliefs on pain perception was highly recomended

training program for the school nurses on child abuse

Child abuse is a serious problem that has deleterious effects on school aged children as social and mental maladjustment. The school nurse has special opportunities to detect situations of distress in children because of her contact with the children themselves, teachers and families. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess school nurses' knowledge and practice regarding child abuse and then evaluate the effect of a training program for school nurses on child abuse. A quasi- experimental research design was utilized in this study. The study was conducted at the main office at the health affairs directorate in the Beni-Swiff Governorate where the school nurses are supposed to be present for their monthly meeting. All school nurses attending the monthly meeting at the time of data collection were included in this study [106 nurses]. A questionnaire sheet, developed by the researchers, was used for data collection. A significant improvement in all areas of knowledge was observed after implementation of die program. It was concluded that this study provides valuable information about what school nurses need to know as well as considers to improve their approach to the problem. Activities directed towards raising awareness of school nurse to the problem are urged. School nurses should be prepared to be counselors to conduct counseling to families and children with psychosocial problems