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

epidemiological study of hepatitis b and c among adults attending primary health care centers in Benha city

In Egypt, hepatitis B Virus [HBV] and hepatitis C virus [HCV] have been shown to be endemic. This work was conducted on 300 adults [152 females and 148 males] aged from 18 - 65 years. The sample was selected from cases attending primary health care centers in Benha city during the period from July, 1994 to August 1995. Blood Samples were taken to detect some hepatitis markers using ELISA technique. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibodies and hepatitis C antibodies among the studied Sample were 5.7%, 28.7% and 27% respectively. Seropositivity of HCV anti bodies is more likely to occur; among age group > 25 years, married, and male individuals Medical and paramedical personnels showed significant higher percentages of carrying HBs antibodies. Also, results suggest that bilharzial and diabetic patients are more susceptible to acquire. HCV infection. HCV antibodies were significantly higher among individuals with positive history of blood transfusion and long - term treatment by injection, fifty percent of previously vaccinated persons had antibodies against hepatitis B virus Suitable recommendations were included