Computerized surveillance of schistosomiasis, El-Minya governorate model

The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive medical information network. This objective can be achieved through developing a national questionnaire, using the international classification of diseases by WHO, ICD-9, maintaining high validity of data internally and externally: Immediate access time, higher accuracy, and minimum error. In developing the new system, the investigators are guided by a relevant automated system for diseases surveillance by CDC in U.S.A. The results indicated that the prevalence of Schistosomiasis hematobium was different among different health districts, as well as among different school grades. The lowest rate was recorded among first grade [6.8%] and the highest was among fifth grade [10.2%] in both sexes. Also, the figures showed a matching pattern between the availability of schools, health units, and prevalence of disease. It was concluded that this preliminary report showed the potential of the new Schistosomiasis electronic surveillance system model in El-Menia Governorate. Also, it showed its limitations as regarding lack of information of Schistosomiasis mansoni because either the information is not available or not reliable. However, the new experience acquired from the El- Menia model can be used to exp and the system to other governorates

Some epidemiological aspects of various rheumatic diseases in El-Minya governorate

This study was carried out in Damaris Village, in Menia Governorate, during the period from February 1990 to January 1991, in order to identify the prevalence of different rheumatic diseases in Menia Governorate. The total population of the village [4625] was surveyed by house to house survey, but only those complaining of joint pains lasting at least a month were examined in details clinically, radiologically, laboratorily and with special tests. The results revealed that the prevalence of rheumatic diseases was 14.4 per 100 individuals, it was higher in females [19.9] than in males [9.2] [P <0.05]. The highest prevalence was among age group 60 + [40.4 per 100] in both sexes. The commonest rheumatic disease was osteoarthritis and the least was collagen disease. The mean time of rheumatic diseases was lower in females [43.6] than in males [50.06]