Impact of an infection-control program on nurses' knowledge and attitude in pediatric intensive care units at Cairo University hospitals

Healthcare-associated infection is a prominent problem among patients in pediatric intensive care units [PICU] as it could result in significant morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and increase in medical care costs. The role of nurses is extremely important in preventing hazards and sequela of healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a health education program regarding infection-control measures on nurses' knowledge and attitude in PICUs at Cairo University hospitals. This was a pre-post test interventional study in which a convenient sample of 125 nurses was taken from the nursing staff in different PICUs at Cairo University hospitals. The study took place in three phases. In the first phase, the nursing staffs knowledge, attitude and practice concerning infection-control measures were tested using a self-administered pretested questionnaire and an observation checklist. The second phase included health education sessions in the form of powerpoint and video presentations; and in the third phase the nurses' knowledge and attitude on infection-control measures were reassessed. A significantly higher level of knowledge was revealed in the postintervention phase as compared with the preintervention phase with regards to the types of nosocomial infections [94.4 vs. 76.8%, P< 0.001], the at-risk groups for acquiring infection [95.2 vs. 86.4%, P= 0.035] and the measures applied to control nosocomial infections [89.6 vs. 68%, P<0.001]. Nurses in the postintervention phase had significantly more knowledge about the types of hand washing [99.2 vs. 91.2%, P=0.006]. A significantly higher percent of nurses in the postintervention phase knew the importance of avoiding recapping syringes [72.8 vs. 34.4%, P< 0.001] and believed that infection-control measures could protect them completely from acquiring infection [79.2 vs. 65.6%, P= 0.033]. Statistically significant higher total knowledge and attitude scores were revealed in the postintervention phase as compared with the preintervention one [P< 0,001]. The percentage practice score of observed units was the highest among nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Japanese Hospital [88%], whereas it was the lowest in the emergency pediatric unit [65%]. There is scope for improvement in knowledge and attitude after educational program was offered to the nursing staff. Educational training programs should be multidisciplinary interventions in the era of quality control to help healthcare workers realize the importance of basic infection-control measures in reducing pediatric morbidity and mortality and improving the quality of care

Saudi Arabia experience trial of fluvastatin [lescol R] in the treatment of hyperlipidemia

This study was carried out to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of fluvastatin as monotherapy in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia. This multicenter study started with 467 patients but only 315 subjects completed 12 weeks treatment. Patients followed a standard lipid-lowering diet for 3 weeks before entering and throughout the study. Every patient received fluvastatin 20 mg once daily with the evening meal for the first 6 weeks, from week 7 to week 12 the daily dose was changed to one capsule 40 mg daily in the evening. Results showed that the mean percent changes in lipid parameters between baseline and endpoint was as follows: LDL-C [-32.7%]; total cholesterol [-29.42%], triglycerides [-19.7%] and HDL-C [16.6%]. Meanwhile, the mean percent increase in liver enzymes between baseline and endpoint was 17.2% for ASAT and 20.3% for ALAT, respectively, but the mean values of both enzymes at the endpoint were within normal range. The most frequent side effects being gastrointestinal [4.3%] including dyspepsia, nausea, flatulence and diarrhea. In conclusion, fluvastatin as monotherapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia among Saudis was found to be safe, well tolerated and produced a significant improvement in the overall lipid parameters

Self-reported health complaints of elderly in residential homes

In Egypt elderly make about 7% of the population. Specially in urban areas there is a considerable change in family relations. Residential homes are relatively newly established institutions in Cairo and within the Egyptian culture. The aim of this study is to assess self reported health complaints of elderly in order to improve prevailing conditions. A sample of 76 elderly, making 10% of those living in residential homes, were interviewed to assess besides their characteristics also symptoms they suffer from and illness as well as other problems. Skeletal [56%], hypertension and social problems [41%] seem to be the most prevailing. Having an ailment is regarded as part of getting old. Beside the confidence of old people to be readjusted, education of the health team about geriatrics and community based integration of the elderly is needed

Dermatologic hazards among slaughterhouse workers

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of skin diseases especially viral warts among Egyptian slaughterhouse workers 535 subjects working at a manual and semiautomatic slaughterhouses and a meat manufactering factory [exposed and non-exposed to raw meat and meat products] as well as a control group of 322 persons working at a textile factory at Cairo area were dermatologically examined at the workplace. Results show that the prevalence of all skin diseases among exposed workers [52.17%] is significantly higher than either non-exposed [34.67%] or control [35.71%] groups. Infectious cutaneous papillomas [viral warts] represent the commonest skin disease among occupational exposed workers [27.61%]. This prevalence is significantly higher than both figures of non-exposed [13.33%] as well as control [4.66%] groups. Verruca vulgaris represent the commonest type of viral warts among examined workers. The use of protective gloves reduced significantly the prevalence of warts among examined workers meanwhile semi-automation of the processes, type of meat exposure, type of occupation have no significant effect on the prevalence of warts among examined slaughterhousemen

Specialization preference and attitude of medical students in Cairo within the primary health care context

This cross-sectional study investigates specialization preference of medical students in Cairo, Ain Shams and El-Azhar Medical Schools using a stratified systematic random sample of 428 students and house officers [199 females and 229 males]. They represent 5% of all second, fifth year students and house officers from all three universities. In addition 31 female students of El-Azhar were followed up to the final year and house officer year. The aim of the study is to compare students specialization preference with PHC needs. The questionnaire used comprised besides demographic data like age, sex, origin, maternal and paternal education and occupation also factors influencing the specialization preference like motive for choosing medical education, lecturer's personality, subject content, future location and setting intention. The distribution of specialization preference was found significantly different with educational year, sex, maternal education and occupation, father's occupation, socioeconomic standard, reason for choosing medical study and content attraction of the subject. Major subjects like surgery, medicine and gynaecology and obstetric were prefered significantly more by males, students with non-medical fathers, of lower SES, those who chose medicine for prestige and help of people, and who were attracted by the content of subject, while vice versa for pediatric and other specializations like cardiology, ophthalmology, clinical pathology and psychiatry among others. The follow-up study indicated that female students of El-Azhar tended to gynaecology and obstetric [from 32.3% to 42.1%] orienting themselves toward community needs being themselves to 34.1% from rural areas. The multiple regression analysis indicated that the best subset of variables influencing specialization preference are SES, maternal education, study reason, father occupation, sex, future setting and location. Students preferences are far from the PHC needs

role of pharmacies in the promotion of community health services

The role of pharmacies and their degree of utilization in lower and higher socio-economic area were identified. The function of 28 private pharmacies in different 'baladi' and 'afrangi' areas in Cairo were investigated and compared. Information which were gathered by questionnaire and observations and were analysed included the following items: ownership, services provided, working manpower, utilization rates, availability of service, prescription and method of drug purchase, factors and items most common for clients' resort, medicines and pharmaceutical supply. It was found that in 'baladi' areas pharmacies are more expected to diagnose simple cases and give treatment without prescription that in 'afrangi' areas. Diarrheal diseases management [ORS], common cold, bronchitis, rheumatic conditions, first aid measures and injections were the common causes and ailment for clients' resort to pharmacies. Antibiotics, vitamins, sedatives, diarrheal drugs and cosmetics were the items most purchased from the pharmacies

Serum copper in patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis

The body contains about 100 mg copper widely distributed in various organs with the highest concentration in the liver, brain and kidney. More than 95% of serum copper is bound to protein ceruloplasmin and the rest is bound to plasma albumin. In the liver, copper absorption and excretion, synthesis, and release of ceruloplasmin take place. It was found in this work that the peripheral serum copper concentration in schistosomal cases were significantly higher than that of controls

Immunoglobulins in leprosy

A study of IgG, IgA and IgM types of immunoglobulins was done in 36 leprotic patients together with 10 normal subjects. Estimation of the serum concentration levels of these immunoglobulins was done. Significant increase in the level of IgG was noticed in both polar types of Ieprosy, this was explained as a defensive humoral mechanism against leprotic antigens. At the same time the level of IgA was increased in all types of leprosy, while IgM level varies with the different types of leprosy as compared to controls