Interpersonal violence among female school adolescents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Female school adolescents as victims and perpetrators of violence, and predictors of violent behavior among them were investigated. A multistage stratified random sample of 1585 females was taken and data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: As victims home was the commonest site [32.8%] of exposure of adolescents to physical violence followed by school [9.3%]. Physical abuse by parents was reported by 17.4% of girls. Verbal and physical violence by teachers was inflicted on 36.2% and 6.0% of adolescents in the 12 months prior to the study. About one tenth of students were exposed to physical violence from their peers in the 30 days preceding the study. As violent perpetrators, one third of adolescents involved in a violent behavior and 14.6% initiated physical fight in school property in the 12 months preceding the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis pointed to 11 predictive variables for adolescents' violent behavior; the two most important predictors were related to school which are exposure to physical violence from peers [OR= 5.18; 95% CI 3.4- 7.89] and corporal punishment from teachers [OR= 4.36; 95% CI= 2.66- 7.14]. School-based prevention and intervention programs addressing modifiable violence predictors should be considered

Pattern of antimicrobial utilization among hospitalized patients in a general hospital

A retrospective study was conducted from January 2000 to December 2000. A total of 732 medical records was selected by a systematic random sample from the inpatient medical records of all departments of the General Hospital, Damanhour. Prescribing pattern was analyzed using WHO basic drug indicators. The average number of antimicrobials during hospital stay was 1.7 and 80.6% of all prescriptions contained at least one antimicrobial. About one fourth of the prescriptions entailed the repetition of the same antimicrobial group. The most frequently used antimicrobial groups were cephalosporins [42.7%], followed by penicillins [23.6%] and aminoglycosides [13.2%]. The majority [88.64%] of antimicrobials used were bactericidal. The average cost/patient for all antimicrobials during hospital stay was LE 82.78. Almost 70% of antimicrobials were prescribed as injections. Prophylactic use of antimicrobial was found in about two-thirds of the prescriptions. In the majority of cases [96.4%], antimicrobials were given without a bacteriological proof. After controlling confounding, the most important predictors of antimicrobials use were operative interference, longer duration of hospital stay [>1 week], younger age of the patient [less than 1 year] and paid treatment. Rational antimicrobial policy, infection control committees and educational programs for prescribers on a rational use of antimicrobial are recommended

Assessment of knowledge and practices of health workers regarding surveillance activities of adverse events following immunization and the cold chain system in Alexandria

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of health workers dealing with immunization services about the appropriate management of cold chain system. Their knowledge and practices concerning the surveillance activities of adverse events following immunizations [AEFIs] were also evaluated. A cross sectional study was conducted in all health offices providing immunization services in Alexandria. The required data were collected through an observational checklist and two interviewing questionnaires. This study concluded that the knowledge of health workers regarding immunization and cold chain is still low. The knowledge and practices regarding AEFIs is also poor. Extensive health education and training are needed to ensure that everyone involved in cold chain is familiar with all its facets. The study recommended provision with equipments, such as electric generators, solar refrigerators and cold chain monitors, which are considered important components for the safe storage of vaccine and successful immunization program

Part I: prevalence and some associated factors of childhood injuries in Alexandria

Unintentional injuries are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in Egypt. The present work was designed to determine the reported prevalence of injuries among children aged less than 6 years and some contributing epidemiological factors related to injuries. Accordingly, a cross-sectional study design was conducted at randomly selected MCH centers from the six administrative districts of Alexandria, yielding 311 mothers who were selected using the proportional allocation method. A predesigned questionnaire included: sociodemographic data and history of injuries among children aged less than 6 years during 12 months preceding the study. If injuries occurred, mothers were inquired about age, sex, birth order of the child, place, time, and cause of injury, in addition to place of treatment and the end result of injury. Items to assess mothers knowledge and practices related to childhood injuries were also inquired. Analysis of results revealed that the reported prevalence of childhood injuries was found to be 20.9%, with a male predominance in a ratio of 1.6:1. The highest prevalence [44.3%] of injuries occurred among the first child of the family. The majority of injuries occurred at home [72.7%], during day time [64.8%] and complete recovery was occurred [77.2%]. The highest prevalence of injuries was among children from West district [46.7%]. The most common causes of injuries were falls, cut wounds and burns [62.5%, 10.2% and 8.0% respectively]. After controlling for confoundings, using Stepwise Multiple Logistic Regression, injuries were significantly associated with decreased mean mothers' practice score [regarding childhood injuries] and increased number of children in the family [OR = 2.039; 95% C.I = 1.17-3.54 and 2.062; 95% C.I. = 1.12-3.79 respectively]. A major system for data collection and accident analysis should be established especially for children

Part II: mothers' knowledge and practices about childhood injuries in Alexandria

The protection of children from injury ultimately depends on the action of adults. Knowledge of risks of childhood injury does not ensure that parents will adequately protect their children, but such knowledge has been shown to be an essential precursor of changes in behavior. The present work was designed to assess mothers' knowledge and practices related to unintentional injuries among their children. A cross sectional study design was conducted at six randomly selected MCH centers from the six administrative districts of Alexandria. The total number of mothers was 311 selected using the proportional allocation method. A pre-designed questionnaire included: sociodemographic data, 29 items to assess mothers' knowledge [23 items close ended and 6 items open ended], 29 items to assess mothers' practices related to injuries' risk factors and prevention in addition to items about mothers' opinion. The results demonstrated that 88% of mothers were knowledgeable about indoor risk factors, just above half [53.0%] recognized the family as a risk factor. More than one-fourth [28.9%] of mothers had a satisfactory level of knowledge, 58.9% had fair level and 12.2% had a poor level. Preventive outdoor safety practices were reported by the majority of mothers [85.2%]. Only 16.8% of mothers had good level of practice, 64.6% had average level and 18.7% had poor level. Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression revealed that mothers' educational level and age at birth of the first child were significant predictors of their knowledge about childhood injuries. As regards mothers' practices, only mothers' knowledge was the predictor of their practice towards injury prevention. Injury prevention training programs targeting parents focusing on increasing awareness of the scope of the problem and helping to build positive attitudes and behaviors related to childhood injuries are recommended

Epidemiology of urinary tract disorders among children in Alexandria

Disorders affecting the urinary tract represent an important group of diseases which cause notable morbidity and mortality among children. Little, however, is known about the pattern and determinants of their occurrence among Egyptian children. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiologic characteristics and relative importance of this group of diseases among a group of Egyptian children below 12 years of age. The study was carried out over a period of six months [October 1[st], 1999 to end of March 2000]. It was designed as a hospital-based matched case control study. All patients presenting to Alexandria University Children's Hospital with any disorder of the urinary system were investigated. Diseases of kidney and urinary system were responsible for 6% of all hospital attendance during the study period. Almost one fourth of all cases were below 1 year of age. Approximately 60% were males with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Renal problems among children were associated with poor paternal and maternal education, low socioeconomic condition and drinking untreated water [OR = 1.8, 1.6, 1.6 and 2.4 respectively]. The most commonly encountered conditions were renal impairment [33.7%], nephrotic syndrome [24.4%], acute glomerulonephritis [19.7%] and urinary tract infections [UTI] [17%]. After controlling for possible confounders in Stepwise Multiple Logistic Regression, renal impairment was associated with sepsis, congenital anomalies and lack of medical care. As regards nephrotic syndrome, the number of males was almost twice that of females and approximately 75% of cases were above four years. Nephrotic syndrome was associated with residence in industrial areas. Glomerulonephritis was associated with presence of streptococcal sore throat or skin infection, low maternal education, high crowding index [>2 persons/room], insufficient income and low socio-economic condition. UTI was associated with urinary catheterization, anatomic abnormalities of urinary tract and systemic diseases [nephrotic syndrome and leukemia]. Diseases of the kidney and urinary tract represent a significant cause of morbidity among children. Urinary tract diseases were associated with low socioeconomic conditions, poor parental education and drinking untreated water. Early detection, prompt and adequate management of conditions that predispose to functional renal failure, especially dehydration and sepsis is recommended. Circumcision of young boys is a protective maneuver. If catheterization is indicated it should be conducted under strictly aseptic conditions

Nutritional anemia among school adolescents in Alexandria

This study was performed using across sectional approach aiming at estimating the prevalence and some determinants of nutritional anemia among school adolescents in Alexandria. The study included 983 adolescents selected using a multistage stratified random sample of students enrolled in preparatory and secondary schools in Alexandria. The sociodemographic characteristics and personal habits of the students were collected through an interviewing questionnaire. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were estimated. Stool analysis was also performed for the study sample. Weight and height of students were recorded and the dietary intake was assessed on a subsample of 202 students. The results revealed that the overall prevalence of anemia was 52.7% with a significant gender difference between boys and girls. Anemia has prevailed more among those who lived in rural areas [70.8%]. The mean intake of all nutrients [except protein and B2] was below the RDA for adolescents. Also, the mean dietary intake of anemic adolescents was much less than non- anemic. Anemic adolescents were found to be more stunted than the non-anemic. The logistic regression model revealed that girls, drinking tea, parasitic infestation and low socioeconomic status were the most significant determinants of anemia. A school based nutritional education program and iron supplementation are recommended