Proactive measures in family practice: the approach and limitations in a chronic disease model

Chronic diseases form an important health problem facing the health system in Egypt. The family health model provides an integral approach to health problems including chronic diseases to provide the basic services which include both health and population interventions. The aim of this work was to improve the health of the Egyptian population and to decrease the burden of chronic illness. Specific objectives were to assess the present and potential role of family practice in prevention and control of priority chronic diseases and to develop a prototype for family practice services dealing with these diseases. The study was conducted in one of family health units, Kafr Ayoub rural health unit Belbeis district, Sharkeya governorate. The methodology followed a Systems Analysis [SA] approach. In addition an exit interview questionnaire was done with clients for assessment of satisfaction and orientation about family practice. Hypertension was the selected model of chronic diseases in this study. Results of basic clinical examination done by the Ministry of Health and Population health team was compared to the results of clinical examination done by the research team to assess the quality of initial examination. Cases of Diabetes Mellitus were similar whereas diagnosed cases of hypertension showed variation. A protocol for diagnosis and follow up was suggested and implemented in this unit during the study period. Health education messages were prepared by the study team. Health care providers were trained to implement health education sessions for clients and hypertensive patient as a starting model for health education within the family practice program. The main recommendation is to increase awareness about family practice and the importance of the family physician in detecting and follow up of chronic disease being the first gait to the health system in the country. The importance of cooperation between MOHP and the university was emphasized

Male role in reproductive health: assessment of some perceptions and behaviors among husbands and wives

Male involvement has been recognized as an essential element for any effective reproductive health strategy. Health planners especially in oriental communities need to find appropriate models for serving men reproductive health promotion of the whole family. However, information about male role in different cultural contexts is lacking. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the participants perception about selected reproductive health issues, as well as identification and acknowledgement of the positive traditional male practices along various reproductive phases. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in one of the Cairo Urban Health Centers among 253 married males and 149 married females. A detailed interview was designed to cover the participants’ knowledge and behaviors regarding the pubertal, postmenopausal changes, sexually transmitted infections and the males’ role in ANC. The results revealed that the participants’ perceptions were defective in a majority of the essential reproductive health issues. However, the male participants were found to be more knowledgeable than females. The study realized that the interest in male involvement in ANC is widespread among both male and female participants. Also, some positive male behaviors for the support of ANC practice were recognized in nearly two thirds of the study participants. The study recommended adopting innovative approaches to bridge the knowledge gap in reproductive health issues. Collection and dissemination of the best traditional practice could be used as a tool to increase male involvement for the sake of whole family

Concepts of some reproductive health issues related to family formation among female adolescents, their parents and nursing students in greater Cairo

Egypt currently has its largest cohort of youth Family formation patterns adopted by this cohort will largely contribute to the demographic profile of Egypt 2000 2020 [NPC. 2004]. This study was conducted to address the perceptions about some reproductive health issues concerning future family formation among different generations aiming to modify their behavior. A purposive sample of 211 secondary school Students was chosen from the three governorates of Greater Cairo and interviewed. Self-administrative questionnaires were given to 21 students from Nursing Faculty of Cairo University and to parents of 165 Cairo secondary school students in a single school. Results showed that most of the study group participants refused early marriage and defined its age range as < 18 years. Its disadvantages were more perceived than advantages. Awareness about premarital examination was found in the majority of all groups and readiness to perform it was also dominant. Religious polite husbands with suitable socio-economic level were considered ideal. Homogeneity of answers among generations reflects success of mass media as an educational tool. However, parents' opposition could be a major obstacle to perform PME

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs misuse: an epidemiological study in Misr El-Kadima District; Cairo, Egypt [2002-2003]

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, [NSAlDs] are the most commonly consumed Over the counter [OTC] preparations worldwide. In Egypt community based research to estimate problem of NSAlDs misuse is lacking. The current study Is a community based household survey to assess the problem of NSAIDs misuse, pattern of use as well as co morbidity associated with NSAIDs use. The current work is implemented in one of the heavily populated districts in Cairo [Misr El Kadema]. Multistage random sample was designed. A total of 352 households [i,e families] were included, the total number of individuals above 18 years mount to 1239. NSAIDs users represent 24.5% of this population. The majority of users are females [242 out of 300 i,e 80.67%], illiterate and housewives. Nearly three fourths of users have duration of use for three years or more. Nearly two thirds [65%] of the users use NSAIDs without physicians' prescription. Aspirin is the most commonly used drugs, headache represent the main cause of NSAIDs. Grade I nephropathy was detected in 10. 3% of the sub sample subjected to ultrasonography. Depression represent the commonest mental health problem among subjects assessed for mental health status. The study recommends development of national guidelines for NSAIDs use health education program to raise the awareness of the public about NSAIDs use should be implemented. This program should target high risk groups specially women and illiterate