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

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

Correlates of age at natural menopause: a community-based study in Alexandria

Differences in the age at natural menopause were examined using a retrospective population sample of 289 naturally menopausal women. The mean age at natural menopause was 46.70 +/- 5.44 years. Earlier menopause occurred in women living in semiurban areas, divorced/separated and less educated women, and women who were younger at: first marriage, widowhood, divorce/separation and first or last full-term pregnancy. Later menopause occurred in women who had: irregular menstrual periods before 25 years, dysmenorrhoea and mid-cycle spotting. Duration of oral contraceptives use, weight and body mass index were significantly positively correlated with age at natural menopause. Multiple regression analyses indicated that age at last full-term pregnancy, residence, pattern of menstrual cessation and duration of oral contraceptive use were the significant predictors of the end of menstrual activity