Schistosomiasis reinfection and community compliance in a primary health care participatory research project in Menoufia, Egypt

This study aimed to train local primary health care teams on sound scientific techniques for schistosomiasis case-finding, recording, treatment and follow-up in the context of primary health care; involve local community members in designing and conducting epidemiological research on schistosomiasis and follow-up of positive cases in collaboration with primary health care teams; and assess the impact of this methodology on community compliance to laboratory testing and treatment, besides the impact on rates of prevalence, intensity, incidence and reinfection

Public awareness concerning HIV/AIDS in Alexandria

In order to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices [KAP] towards HIV/AIDS among the public in Alexandria, a cross-sectional study was conducted. A random sample of 354 individuals [205 males and 149 females] was selected from different public places, such as public markets and cafes, in some urban and rural places of Alexandria. Almost 86% of them heard about AIDS, 79% recognized its being a disease of immunodeficiency, and 71% acknowledged its viral etiology. Regarding clinical presentations, 40% mentioned loss of weight, 18-20% fever and diarrhoea, while 52.7% did not know. Only half the studied sample recognized that seropositive carrier state may represent a source of infection. Sex and blood transfusion were considered by 70 -79% of respondents as modes of AIDS transmission, while about 50% mentioned transplacental and contaminated syringes. About one third included breast feeding and 10.7% contaminated clothes as modes of transmission. Adherence to religious principles was emphasized by almost 80% of the sampled individuals as a method of prevention; followed by prevention of prostituion [73%], homosexuality [67%], blood screening [63%], and health education [59%]. Only one third recommended condom use for prevention, half of whom considered it against religious teachings and principles. A strong health education strategy addressed to the public is recommended: fostering religious beliefs; including a detailed, informative and clear message about specifics of the disease; and drawing on popular figures. Access to sound information and different related health services should always be maintained for the public