Nutritional factors affecting the menarcheal state of adolescent school girls in Alexandria

The nutritional status of adolescents plays a dominant role in determining the maturation status. The aim of the present work was to assess the mean age of menarche and the main nutritional factors affecting it. A cross-sectional study of 1606 girls was conducted in primary and preparatory schools in Alexandria. Every girl was subjected to anthropometric assessment including weight, height, mid upper arm circumference [MUAC], waist circumference, hip circumference and triceps skin-fold thickness. BMI and body fat percentage were calculated. A 24 hours diet recall method was used to assess the dietary intake. The mean age of menarche was 11.98 +/- 0.96years. The mean MUAC, triceps skin-fold thickness, waist circumference and hip circumference were significantly higher among menstruating girls as compared to non-menstruating. [p<0.01]. Only 7.5% of the females less than the 5th percentile of BMI [thinness] were menstruating, while the corresponding figure for those at or more than 85th percentile [overweight] was 65.6% and this was statistically significant [=102.8, P<0.001]. Girls who attained menstruation demonstrated a higher significant mean percent of body fat [43.40 +/- 10.0] as compared to non menstruating ones [35.41 +/- 7.87], [t=17.09, P<0.001]. The oldest age at menarche was noted when the protein, iron and caloric intake was less than 80% of the RDAs. However after adjustment of other variables direct relation was detected between age of girls and their age of menarche and those in private school had earlier age of menarche than those in governmental one. The nutritional status of the adolescents had a significant association with the onset of menstruation and the age at menarche

Newborn screening for certain treatable inborn errors of metabolism in Alexandria

As outlined in the Newborn Screening Task Force report published in August 2000, the newborn screening system is more than the just testing, but also involves follow up, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation. Newborn screening is aimed at early detection and intervention of treatable inborn errors of metabolism and also at establishing the incidence of these disorders. Specimens of dried blood spots were collected from infants born in Alexandria, attending 13 Health Offices in different Districts of Alexandria for BCG vaccination, and the tests were done in the Human Genetics Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University. The total number screened was 3000 infants, of them; one [0.033%] infant had hyperphenylalaninemia, one [0.033%] infant had classic galactosemia and 11 [0.37%] infants had high level of thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], on confirmatory test, 9 of them were found to be euthyroid

Iodine deficiency disorders among primary-school children in Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt

The prevalence of iodine deficiency in primary-school children in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate was assessed. A total of 2250 primary-school children aged 8-10 years were selected by a two-stage cluster sampling technique. The results revealed that the prevelance rate of goitre was 27.1% and it was significantly higher in females [29.2%] than males [25.1%]. The median urinary iodine level was 6.7 micro g/dl and 3.9 micro g/dl for grade 1 and grade 2 goitre respectively. It was concluded that iodine deficiency is a public health problem of moderate severity in primary-school children in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate. This necessitates an intervention programme through salt iodization

Assessment of the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among primary school children in Cairo

This study was done to assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency [ID] among primary schoolchildren in Cairo. A stratified random sampling technique covering the five geographic zones of Cairo was used. Data revealed that the goitre rate was 13.5%; being 10.8% among males and 16.2% among females. Prevalence among females was higher than that of males in all categories. Based on the data found by this study, it can be concluded that ID constitutes a mild public health problem among Cairo primary schoolchildren, and a salt iodization programme is highly recommended

case-control study of diet and gastrointestinal cancer in Alexandria

The present case control study is a trial to assess the nutrient intake of gastrointestinal cancer patients. It was carried on "40" gastrointestinal cancer patients and "40" age-sex-economic status matched controls, in Alexandria Main University Hospital. Controls were free from any gastrointestinal disorders. Dietary data collected revealed that total fat; total saturated fatty acids, the unsaturated oleic and energy intake recorded the highest significant differences in consumption between cases and controls in both males and females. In stomach cancer, vegetable fat and total fat were the two nutrients which recorded a significant higher difference in consumption between cases and controls. In colorectal cancer, total and animal fat and total energy were the nutrients which reported the highest association among other nutrients tested

case-control study of diet and gastrointestinal cancer in Alexandria Part I: Dietary pattern and food intake

The present case-control study was an effort to construct the dietary profile of gastrointestinal cancer patients. It was carried out on 40 gastrointestinal cancer patients and 40 age-sex-economic status matched controls, in Alexandria Main University Hospital. Controls were free from any gastrointestinal hospital. Controls were free from any gastrointestinal disorders. Dietary data collected revealed that cancer patients, both males and females ate more foods than their controls especially so in foods of animal origin. Colon and rectum cancer patients consumed significantly higher amounts form animal fats, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fruits and margarine. In gastric cancer, vegetable fats and oils followed by vegetables, fruits, eggs and margarine were the foods which recorded the significant difference in consumption between cases and controls. Fish was the only animal food which did not yield any difference in its intake between cases and controls. Controls ate higher amounts from starchy tubers and pulses than gastric or colorectal cancer patients. Stomach cancer patients preferred ingestion of salted foods and pickles

Maternal beliefs and practices in feeding infants and young children during sickness Part II: Beliefs and practices during diarrhea and vomiting

Proper feeding is an important element in the manipulation of the diarrheal child. This study was done to assess the maternal practices and beliefs in feeding infants and young children during diarrhea and vomiting, in both rural and urban communities. The study revealed that maternal practices and beliefs causing them differed significantly in the rural and urban sectors. However, the feeding pattern was generally good both in rural and different socioeconomic level urban sectors. This relatively unexpected good level of maternal practice noticed in rural and low socioeconomic level urban mothers could be attributed to the distinguished role played by health personnel in MCH Centers

Dietary habits and nutrition intake of breast cancer patients

As the second leading cause of death in the United States, cancer is a major public health problem today. Cancer incidence varies world-wide and tends to change with environmental factors, with the possibility that diet and nutrition may play a role in this regard. This retrospective study is an effort to reconstruct the breast cancer patients past diet. It was conducted on "50" breast cancer patients and "40" age-matched controls, free from any breast lumps. They were taken from the surgical departments of Alexandria Main University Hospital and Medical Research Institute. Through a questionnaire data were collected on socioeconomic condition, biological features, food habits and dietary history. Data revealed a lack of association between educational level, working status, biologic features and breast cancer. Results demonstrated firmly that breast cancer patients were consuming diets significantly higher in all macro-nutrients especially vegetable and total fat and total energy. Only animal protein consumption failed to record a significant association. Regarding the fatty acid nature of the consumed fats, the saturated and unsaturated fatty acid content of the patients diet was significantly higher than that of controls. Data also showed that cancer patients were generally eating more than controls. The difference in consumption was significantly higher in energy producing foods [carbohydrate and fat-rich foods]

Maternal beliefs and practices in feeding infants and young children during sickness: part I, beliefs and practices during fevers

Proper feeding is recognized as an important element in the management of the sick child. This study was done to assess the maternal practices and beliefs in feeding infants and young children during infections, in both rural and urban communities. It was conducted on "2000" mothers representing the rural and the three different socioeconomical levels of the urban sector. The study revealed that maternal practices and beliefs in feeding children during infections [fevers and measles] differed significantly in the rural and urban sectors. The majority of urban mothers, especially those with high socioeconomic levels, followed the sound practices and were holding the correct beliefs. However, malpractices were prevalent among rural and low SEL urban mothers, where a minority of them kept their children on watery gruels low in protein for prolonged periods, especially so in measles

Nutritional status of preschool children attending day care centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The nutritional status of 246 preschool children aged 2-5 years attending day care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Data revealed that children were retarded in their physical growth compared with the reference standard measurements. Wasting [acute under nutrition] was highest [10.4%] at 2 years of age, while stunting [chronic under nutrition] was highest [32.3%] at 4 years of age. Mild-moderate under nutrition ranged between 42.2% and 53.7% being highest at the age of 2 years. No cases with severe under nutrition were encountered

present status of fish farming in Egypt and factors influencing fish farm production

Four governorates [Behaira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Daqahlia and Sharqia] were chosen to conduct this study. From each a sample of "20" fish farms was randomly selected. Data were collected on the following points: location and site of fish farm; area in fed.; average depth in cm; annual fish production, kg/fed; use of supplementary feeding [extensive or intensive farms] and the stocking density [fry/fed]. Data showed that a total area of about 50,000 fed is utilized for fish pond culture, operated by both governmental and private sectors. Governmental farms were managed under the technical supervision of scientific experts- where all the construction parameters and farming standards and techniques are followed. In private farms a little consideration was given to these points. The annual fish production amounted to 386 kg/fed. This is considered a lower catch compared to that in many other countries of the world. Annual fish production was positively associated with the water depth of the fish pond, with addition of fertilizers and use of supplementary feeding and with stocking rate - where production was highest in normally stocked farms. No significant relation could be demonstrated between fish production and the area of fish pond due to lack of consideration of fish farming techniques. In conclusion, the present status of fish pond farming in Egypt is quite promising despite certain drawbacks in the current application of this technology. To do its role in food security programs the present rate of fish production should be increased from 400 kg/ fed/ year to 600 kg/fed/year to 800 kg/fed and one ton/ fed/year respectively. The present area available should be increased to 295,000 fed, then to 409, 833 fed and again to 567, 508 fed in the years 1985, 1990 and 2000, according to the expected increase in the Egyptian population

Infant feeding and weaning practices in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The infant feeding and weaning patterns of 175 Saudi Arabian children from good socioeconomic status was obtained through interviewing their mothers. Data revealed that 91.4% of children were breast fed [11.4% exclusively breast fed + 80.0% supplemented breast feeding] and 8.6% were artificially fed. Breast feeding continued for more than two years. About 74% of the children were still breast fed in their second year of life. The mean age of complete weaning was 16.4 months. Supplementary feeding started early where 53.1% of children were first given their food supplement in the age period of 3-5 months. Two third of mothers were experiencing the correct practices in feeding and weaning their infants

relationship between the nutritional state of lactating mothers and that of their infants

The relationship between the nutritional state of 150 apparently healthy lactating mothers and their breast-fed infants was studied. Maternal nutritional state was assessed in terms of height and weight measurement and dietary intake adequacy. Infant nutritional state was assessed in terms of anthropometric measurements. Data showed that the nutritional state of both mothers and their infants was satisfactory. All infant nutritional indices were significantly correlated with maternal dietary adequacy. Infant. body weight, height and head circumference showed stronger correlations than the rest of the measurements. Infant body height was associated more with maternal dietary protein while body weight was more strongly associated with maternal dietary energy, indicating that body height is more a function of proteins and body weight is more a function of energy. From the data presented in this study it can be concluded, that the general nutrition and health of breast-fed infants is strongly influenced by the state of nutrition of their mothers. Accordingly, improvement of the nutritional state of lactating mothers will be accompanied by improvement in health and growth of infants. Extra food for lactating mothers to increase breast milk volume is cheaper than breast milk substitutes for infants

Present nutritional status of lactating mothers in Alexandria

The nutritional status of 160 lactating mothers from poor socioeconomic setting in Alexandria - was assessed. The assessment included examination for the clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies, anthropometry, haemoglobin determination and dietary intake study. Findings showed that the prevalence of nutritional deficiency signs was generally high and that signs suggestive of vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin iodine and iron deficiency were more prevailing. 74% of mothers were anaemic with haemoglobin levels less than 12gm%. The diet consumed was poor both qualitatively and quantitatively-being deficient in all nutrients [except thiamin]. The mean daily intake of calcium, vitamin A and riboflavin fell below 50% of the recommendations, while that of niacin and energy was below 80% of the recommendation. Iron consumption covered 81% of the requirement and that of protein 92% of it. This calls for better ante and post-natal care, nutrition education and family planning services