ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Population of South Sinai has suffered from negligence for many years. Solving educational problems of this population is the main concern nowadays. AIM: To assess academic achievement in primary school children in South Sinai in relation to intelligence and psychosocial profile. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 407 Bedouin and urban students randomly selected from twelve public primary schools in six cities in South Sinai. Intelligence was assessed using Goodenough-Harris test. The midyear Arabic language and Arithmetic scores were used to assess academic achievement. The teachers completed a Pediatric-Symptom Checklist for evaluation of children behaviour. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in academic achievement (P < 0.001), total psychosocial scores, (P < 0.05), and externalization (P < 0.05) was found between urban and Bedouin students with significant gender differences (P < 0.05). Highly significant positive correlations were observed between IQ percentile and mid-year Arabic language scores and Arithmetic scores (P < 0.001), and significant negative correlations with the total score of PSCL and its subscale scores (externalising, inattention, and internalising behaviour) (P < 0.001) among the students. CONCLUSION: Comorbid academic and psychosocial dysfunction in primary school children were observed in South Sinai. A national strategy to minimise the educational gap between Bedouin and urban areas should be implemented.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Few epidemiologic surveys have been carried out to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in the population of Egypt, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula. Thus, the necessity of such research in South Sinai is pressing. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of various skin diseases among children in South Sinai. METHODS: A community-based protocol was followed. The study included 2194 children of both genders, 18 years of age and younger, and in six different localities within South Sinai. Data were collected by taking a full history and by systemic and dermatologic clinical examination that included the site, severity, distribution, and extent of skin lesions if present. Subjects were surveyed at general morbidity consultations and campaign field visits. The study was conducted from August 2008 to August 2009. Data were tabulated and analyzed statistically using Pearson's chi-squared test. Differences were considered significant at a P-value of < 0.05. RESULTS: Findings revealed that 71.4% of the studied population had one or more skin diseases. The highest rate of prevalence applied to parasitic skin infestations (pediculosis capitis, 37.6%). Eczema or dermatitis were found in 25.8% of participants. Pityriasis alba occurred at a rate of 18.3% and seborrheic dermatitis at a rate of 6.7%. Xerosis was found in 11.8% of subjects, viral warts in 4.1%, photosensitivity in 4.1%, acne vulgaris in 2.6%, and fungal skin infections in 1.0%. Other skin diseases diagnosed in low numbers in the study children included impetigo, freckles, and scabies. Prevalences of vitiligo and psoriasis were very low (0.18% and 0.05%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Infective parasitic diseases are a major health problem, particularly among younger children and in subjects of low socioeconomic status.
