RESUMO
UNLABELLED: This study aimed at describing the problem of Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) in Saudi Arabia and it impact on the working population in terms of lost productivity. Registry review for Data on road traffic injuries and deaths were collected for the period of 1997 to 2002, and compared to population census during the same period. Potential Productive Years of Life Lost (PPYLL) was calculated. The total number of deaths due to RTIs was 21905 deaths and the total PPYLL due to RTIs was 459820.81. In all age groups, the losses in males were 1.91 to 8.52 times greater than in females, these differences were statistically significant. Males showed an increasing trend of PPYLL for 20 - 29, 10 - 19, 40 - 49 and 30 - 39 years age groups as ordered in descending order and increasing trend of PPYLL for 20 - 29 and 30 - 39 years age groups in females as ordered in descending order. The increasing trend was more expressive in males. PPYLL average was 76636.8 years annually in the productive years of life on years 1997 to 2002, with about 26.46% increase in 2002. CONCLUSION: RTIs is a major health problem affecting all age groups, working population are more vulnerable due to commuting. Losses in productive years are more prominent and serious in productive age groups.
RESUMO
UNLABELLED: The aim of this work was to assess HIV/AIDS perceptions and risky behaviors of adults living in squatter areas in order to take decisions about the relevant messages and health education methods that should be used to prevent HIV transmission in the studied communities. Two methods were used to collect data in this cross sectional study, focus group discussion and structured interview. The study was carried out in six squatter areas in Cairo, four of them located in west Cairo and two in east Cairo. RESULTS: 237 community members and community leaders shared in the study, 44.7% were males and 55.3% females, 64.1% were married and 34% single. Community members represented two-thirds of the sample while one-third were community leaders. Participants expressed strong eagerness to know more about HIV/AIDS. Poor knowledge and misconception about HIV/AIDS was remarkable. The study revealed several misconceptions regarding modes of transmission and preventive measures that could be used to protect oneself from HIV/AIDS. Heterosexual extramarital relationships and i.v. drug transmission were the HIV/AIDS risky behaviors considered to be prevalent in these communities. AIDS risky behaviors appear to be more prevalent in the four squatter areas in west Cairo than in the two squatter areas located in east Cairo. Adolescents were considered at high risk of contracting AIDS because of the risky behaviors they practice. Social non-acceptance of females who practice HIV/AIDS risky behaviors is much stronger than non-acceptance of males who practice the same risky behaviors. TV movies were the main source of information about HIV/AIDS. Parents played no role in providing adolescents with information about AIDS. The possible role of teachers in HIV/AIDS education is unclear because of the negative attitude of people towards teachers.
