Tobacco cessation in a population over age 15 years: a community-based survey in Alexandria.

A survey of 2120 adults in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the determinants and patterns of tobacco cessation among ever smokers. Ever smokers were 30.7% of respondents; only 3.5% had given up smoking (quit ratio of 11.4%). The quit ratio was significantly lower for ex-daily smokers (7.5%) than for ex-occasional smokers (44.8%). Among current smokers, 56.3% were between the contemplation and preparatory phases for quitting, whereas 25.1% were in the action phase of attempting to quit, for an average duration of 2.5 months, before relapsing. Health concerns were the motive for all ex-smokers and 95.0% of attempters, but craving for nicotine was the commonest reason for relapse. Tobacco cessation was predicted by older age of tobacco initiation, shorter duration of use, presence of health problems and a perception of the benefits of quitting.

Tobacco cessation in a population over age 15 years: a community-based survey in Alexandria

A survey of 2120 adults in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the determinants and patterns of tobacco cessation among ever smokers. Ever smokers were 30.7% of respondents; only 3.5% had given up smoking [quit ratio of 11.4%]. The quit ratio was significantly lower for ex-daily smokers [7.5%] than for ex-occasional smokers [44.8%]. Among current smokers, 56.3% were between the contemplation and preparatory phases for quitting, whereas 25.1% were in the action phase of attempting to quit, for an average duration of 2.5 months, before relapsing. Health concerns were the motive for all ex-smokers and 95.0% of attempters, but craving for nicotine was the commonest reason for relapse. Tobacco cessation was predicted by older age of tobacco initiation, shorter duration of use, presence of health problems and a perception of the benefits of quitting

Current and never smokers: differentials in characteristics, knowledge and perceptions.

A cross-sectional interview survey of tobacco use was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, comparing current smokers with never smokers. Among men, the risk of current tobacco use was significantly higher among married participants (OR = 1.74), especially those with low educational or occupational status. In contrast, although few women smoked, tobacco use was significantly higher among those holding a university degree (OR = 15.33). Never smokers were significantly more knowledgeable than current smokers about tobacco-related health hazards. Never smokers had significantly better perceptions of the danger of tobacco use, susceptibility to health-related hazards and the benefits of being tobacco-free. Multivariate analysis revealed that tobacco use is independently predicted by participants' sex, age and educational attainment as well as their perceptions.

Current and never smokers: differentials in characteristics, knowledge and perceptions

A cross-sectional interview survey of tobacco use was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, comparing current smokers with never smokers. Among men, the risk of current tobacco use was significantly higher among married participants [OR = 1.74], especially those with low educational or occupational status. In contrast, although few women smoked, tobacco use was significantly higher among those holding a university degree [OR = 15.33]. Never smokers were significantly more knowledgeable than current smokers about tobacco-related health hazards. Never smokers had significantly better perceptions of the danger of tobacco use, susceptibility to health-related hazards and the benefits of being tobacco-free. Multivariate analysis revealed that tobacco use is independently predicted by participants' sex, age and educational attainment as well as their perceptions

Prevalence of smoking and age of initiation in Alexandria, Egypt.

A cross-sectional survey on tobacco use in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, used an interview questionnaire based on World Health Organization guidelines. The study in 2000 included 2120 participants aged 15 to 86 years. More than a quarter (27.2%) were current smokers (25.5% daily smokers and 1.7% occasional smokers) and 3.5% were ex-smokers. Current smokers spent 23.1% of their family income on tobacco. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among men (48.5%) than women (1.5%) and the mean age of initiation of smoking was lower among men (18.1 years) than women (22.6 years). The high prevalence of tobacco use among men is of concern, so too is the likelihood that tobacco use will increase among women. Further research is needed into factors that prevent people from starting smoking and assist them stopping smoking.

Prevalence of smoking and age of initiation in Alexandria, Egypt

A cross-sectional survey on tobacco use in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, used an interview questionnaire based on World Health Organization guidelines. The study in 2000 included 2120 participants aged 15 to 86 years. More than a quarter [27.2%] were current smokers [25.5% daily smokers and 1.7% occasional smokers] and 3.5% were ex-smokers. Current smokers spent 23.1% of their family income on tobacco. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among men [48.5%] than women [1.5%] and the mean age of initiation of smoking was lower among men [18.1 years] than women [22.6 years].The high prevalence of tobacco use among men is of concern, so too is the likelihood that tobacco use will increase among women. Further research is needed into factors that prevent people from starting smoking and assist them stopping smoking

Sero-epidemiological study of measles after 15 years of compulsory vaccination in Alexandria, Egypt

Cases of measles among 165 vaccinated and unvaccinated children were studied and the level of measles antibody in 230 previously vaccinated children was determined. Associations between demographic factors and immunological response to vaccination were also investigated. Approximately 80% of the children with measles had been vaccinated; their cases had significantly lower rates of complication. Rural areas accounted for significantly higher numbers of unvaccinated cases. Vaccination status did not correspond to place of exposure, duration of prodrome or accuracy of preliminary diagnosis. The seropositivity rate among vaccinated children was 86.1% with no significant variation with age. We recommend a second dose of measles vaccine and maintaining high vaccine coverage

Epidemiological study of addicts admitted to Maamoura Psychiatric Hospital in Alexandria.

This study was undertaken to reveal the epidemiologic characteristics of addicts, the various types of drugs used and the factors behind drug seeking behavior, as well as the outcome of treatment. Patients admitted for treatment to Maamoura Psychiatric Hospital in the period from July 1995 to January 1996 formed the sample of the present study. All were subjected to an interview questionnaire to collect the relevant data. Their personality dimensions were assessed using the standardized arabic version of the Eysenck Personality Inventory (form A). During the study period, 92 patients were admitted to Maamoura Hospital for treatment. Compared to population figures, drug addiction was found to be a problem of educated, single men. Moreover, those subjects scored significantly higher on the Neuroticism and Extraversion personality subscales. Just more than one third (38.04%) sought the drug between 15 and 20 years of age and for an average duration of 12 years. Curiosity to experience the effects of the drug (66.30%), frustration (27.17%) and spending leisure time (21.74%) were the most frequently reported pushing forces behind such behavior. A little over a quarter of addicts (28.26%) were single drug users and 46.15% were current users of tranquilizers, while heroin was currently used by 66.66% of multiple drug users (71.74%). This was in addition to a number of pharmaceutical products including antitussives, antidepressants and antirheumatics. Only 55.43% of patients were previously admitted for in-hospital treatment and 54.90% of them completed the treatment regimen. Out of the latter, 82.14% abstained from drug intake for an average duration of 11.65 months, however, in 69.57% of instances, their psychological dependency was behind the relapse. This study highlighted the personality dimensions and motives behind drug seeking behavior, the various pharmaceutical products used, as well as the treatment effects and outcome. These findings call for the organization of educational and social support services, as well as the provision of relapse prevention program in addition to the effective control over the sale of addictive pharmaceutical products.

Comparative study of mothers' knowledge of children immunization before and after mass media.

Past experience about immunization programs calls for continuous monitoring of a healthy attitude among users towards vaccination. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of health education messages (mass media) on knowledge and practice of mothers as regards compulsory vaccination schedule. Data were collected from 250 females attending MCH centers during the first half of 1991 for either vaccinating their children or receiving antenatal care (exposed group). These data were compared to the data collected from a group of mothers before implementation of the intense mass media campaign on immunization (1983), (non-exposed group). There was a significant increase in the mean score of knowledge among the exposed mothers. The mass media messages became the main source of information among the majority of the exposed group. Females utilizing mass media as their main source of information were largely having a satisfactory level of knowledge. This study recommends enforcement of mass media educational campaigns on childhood immunization as well as reconsideration paid to the nature and content of messages.

PIP: The effect of health education messages in mass media on the knowledge and practice of mothers regarding compulsory vaccination was assessed during the 1st half of 1991. 250 mothers attending MCH centers for vaccinating their children during 1983 comprised Group I those not exposed to mass media. 150 mothers attending MCH centers for vaccinating their children during 1991 made up Group II those exposed to mass media. Group III consisted of 100 primigravidae attending the same MCH centers for antenatal care in 1991 who were exposed to mass media. Questions were administered on education of mothers, sources of information about the compulsory schedule, seriousness of the disease, vulnerability of children to the immunizable conditions, names of the vaccines, timing of vaccination, and the effectiveness of vaccines. In scoring knowledge levels scores of 50%, 75%, and 100% were taken as the upper limits of unsatisfactory, satisfactory, and very good knowledge, respectively. The mean scores of knowledge were: 43.6% + 16.0, 65.7% _ 12.8, and 57.0% + 16.1 for groups I, II and III, respectively. Mass media changed its rank from last in group I (2.8%) to 1st in group II (74.0%), and vice versa, as regards health workers (86.0%) and 12.0% in group I and II, respectively). Family members and neighbors improved slightly: 11.2% and 14.0% in groups I and II, respectively. The mean score of knowledge increased with higher levels of education in group I, II, and III. The group with unsatisfactory knowledge had the highest percentage of completion of immunization schedule in both groups I and II (62.9% and 100.0%, respectively). Mothers with satisfactory knowledge among those completing the schedule were significantly higher in Group II (87.9%) than in Group I (46.2%). 73.5% of mothers in Group II had very good knowledge and completed the schedule compared to 60% in Group I.