ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Health coaching effectively improves hypertension self-care activities and the control of blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. Studies on the effects of health coaching on patients in primary care with uncontrolled hypertension in developing countries are limited. In this study, the effectiveness of health coaching on hypertension self-care and BP control was assessed in patients who have uncontrolled hypertension compared to standard care in Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our quasi-experimental study included control and intervention groups. The intervention group included 70 participants who received health coaching sessions (face-to-face and by telephone) besides the standard care, whereas the control group included 71 participants who only received the standard care. The study was conducted between July 2020 and November 2021. The participants were recruited from three primary healthcare settings in the Port Said Governorate. Personal and medical history, BP measurements, and hypertension self-care activity level effects (H-SCALE) were obtained. Paired-t-test was used to assess the changes in BP measurement, and H-SCALE score before and after receiving the health coaching. McNemar's test was used to assess changes in controlled BP and optimal hypertension self-care activities between control and health coached groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis assessed the predictors of better BP control. RESULTS: Health coaching resulted in more controlled BP (51.4%, P < 0.001) compared to the delivery of only usual care (11.3%, P = 0.008). The intervention showed a significant promotion in hypertension self-care activities, including medication usage (P < 0.001), low-salt diet (P < 0.001), and weight management (P < 0.001). The H-SCALE score mean change was the only predictor for BP control (odds ratio 1.057, P = 0.048) in the intervention group after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Intervention including traditional health coaching and phone calls is a beneficial modality for the promotion of hypertension self-care and improvement of BP control in primary care patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
ABSTRACT
With the deteriorating situation during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers and medical students posted in wards are also supposed to be at risk of getting infected. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, risk perception, and preventive behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate medical students in Egypt. This is a cross-sectional observational study using an anonymous online questionnaire. The survey was conducted through a link shared on social networking sites. Data were collected from 19 June 2020 to 26 June 2020. The medical students of Suez Canal University fulfilled the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study were included by using convenience and snowball sampling technique (283 students). The total related knowledge score was 80.9%. The majority (83%) feel that coronavirus infection is a life-threatening illness. About 86.9% of the students perceived a COVID-19-infected person as a serious threat to society. However, three-quarters of the students (76.3%) perceived risk of infection with COVID-19 during ward rotations. About 92% of the students are practicing preventive behaviors. Female senior students have higher percentages in regard to related knowledge and practicing preventive behaviors. Students who received education about Covid-19 and students perceived higher risk of infection were more adherent to preventive measures. There is a moderate correlation between related knowledge and practicing preventive behaviors. Medical students have good knowledge, practice preventive behaviors, and perceive risk of being infected. The direction to raise knowledge and awareness will enhance practicing preventive behaviors to control the disease.
ABSTRACT
The psychological impact of outbreaks on individuals includes an intense and wide range of psychiatric morbidities. People are likely to experience feelings as; worry about being infected or getting sick, increased self-blame, and helplessness. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and social support among Egyptian adults during the period of the pandemic. This is a cross-sectional observational study using an anonymous online questionnaire. The survey was conducted through a link shared on social networking sites. It was conducted from 2 May 2020 to 9 May 2020. The general populations of the Egyptian adults were included by using convenience and snowball sampling technique (510 adults). Impact Event scale mean 34.3 ± 15. About 211 (41.4%) suffered a severe impact. There was an increase in stress from work in 174 (34.1%), financial stress in 284 (55.7%), and stress from home in 320 (62.7%). Half of them felt horrified and helpless in 275 (53.9%), and 265 (52%) respectively, while 338 (66.3%) felt apprehensive. only 24.2% reported increased support from friends, while increased support from family members in 207 (40.6%). 46.5% shared their feelings with family members, while 176 (34.5%) shared with others. Caring for family members' feelings increased in 330 (64.7%). Age and rural residency were negative predictors for the impact of event score, while female gender or presence of chronic condition was a positive predictor for the impact of event score. Covid-19 pandemic has a great psychological impact on adult Egyptians and affected social support.
