Prevalence and associated factors of domestic violence among women attending primary healthcare centres in Kuwait: A cross-sectional study.

Domestic violence (DV) against women is a global problem. Its prevalence varies from region to region. Almost one-third of women are victims of DV worldwide. Various forms of violence against women have been identified, including physical, sexual, psychological, economic violence, and husband-controlling behaviour. The study was designed to estimate the prevalence of different types of DV among women attending primary healthcare (PHC) centres in Kuwait. We conducted a multicentre crosssectional study among married or previously married women aged 18 to 65 years, attending the selected PHC centres over 29 months (February 2017 to June 2019). The inclusion criteria were married or previously married women aged 18-65 years, while certain groups such as never-married females, severely ill individuals, and those refusing to participate were excluded. 337 A comprehensive questionnaire covering the general characteristics of the participating women, exposure to different types of domestic violence, family characteristics, and husband characteristics. 337 women (56.1%) out of 601 were exposed to one or more types of DV. By type of violence, 255 women (42.4%) were exposed to psychological violence, 211 (35.1%) were exposed to physical violence, 173 (28.8%) were exposed to sexual violence, and 249 (41.4%) were exposed to economic violence. Having controlling behaviours was a significant predictor of exposure to all types of DV (P-value < 0.001). DV is a hidden problem that is still under-reported in Kuwait. We conclude that health professionals in different healthcare settings in Kuwait should be encouraged to document DV cases and conduct comprehensive surveys to disclose the nature and extent of the problem.

La violence domestique (VF) contre les femmes est un problème mondial. Sa prévalence varie d'une région à l'autre. Près d'un tiers des femmes sont victimes de violence domestique dans le monde. Diverses formes de violence contre les femmes ont été identifiées, notamment la violence physique, sexuelle, psychologique, économique et le comportement de contrôle du mari. L'étude a été conçue pour estimer la prévalence de différents types de DV parmi les femmes fréquentant les centres de soins de santé primaires (SSP) au Koweït. Nous avons mené une étude transversale multicentrique auprès de femmes mariées ou déjà mariées âgées de 18 à 65 ans, fréquentant les centres de SSP sélectionnés pendant 29 mois (février 2017 à juin 2019). Les critères d'inclusion étaient les femmes mariées ou déjà mariées âgées de 18 à 65 ans, tandis que certains groupes tels que les femmes jamais mariées, les personnes gravement malades et celles refusant de participer ont été exclus. 337 Un questionnaire complet couvrant les caractéristiques générales des femmes participantes, l'exposition à différents types de violence domestique, les caractéristiques familiales et les caractéristiques du mari. 337 femmes (56,1%) sur 601 ont été exposées à un ou plusieurs types de DV. Par type de violence, 255 femmes (42,4%) ont été exposées à des violences psychologiques, 211 (35,1%) ont été exposées à des violences physiques, 173 (28,8%) ont été exposées à des violences sexuelles et 249 (41,4%) ont été exposées à des violences économiques. . Avoir des comportements de contrôle était un prédicteur significatif de l'exposition à tous les types de DV (valeur P <0,001). La VD est un problème caché qui est encore sous-estimé au Koweït. Nous concluons que les professionnels de la santé des différents établissements de soins au Koweït devraient être encouragés à documenter les cas de VD et à mener des enquêtes approfondies pour révéler la nature et l'étendue du problème.

Associations of depression and neuroticism with smoking behavior and motives among men in rural Qalyubia (Egypt).

PURPOSE: Smoking addiction is influenced by cultural and environmental factors and personality traits. We assessed the associations between neuroticism and depression and smoking behavior and motives among Egyptian adult men in rural Qalyubia Governorate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, we administered questionnaires to randomly selected 201, 278, and 120 adult men aged 18 years or above who were never, current, and former smokers, respectively. We used Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression (CES-D) scale, Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives scales to assess the associations between neuroticism, depression, and smoking risk. RESULTS: The mean CES-D and EPI scores were significantly higher among current smokers as compared with never smokers (P=0.02 and 0.006, respectively). The greatest risk for ever smoking was observed among those with both neuroticism and depression [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) were 1.98 (1.23-3.19); 2.56 (1.34-4.88); and 1.82 (1.10-3.03) for ever, former, and current smokers, respectively]. Both CES-D and EPI scores were associated with a variety of smoking motives and with the level of severity or intensity of nicotine dependence on FTND. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Neuroticism and depression were associated with smoking behavior and motives among Egyptians, and thus attention should be given to individual needs in designing and implementing smoking cessation interventions.

Occupational exposure to second hand smoke and respiratory and sensory symptoms: a cross-sectional survey of hospital workers in Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to Second Hand Smoke (SHS) has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, upper and lower respiratory tract diseases and an increased risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The majority of cases of mortality and morbidity is attributable to exposure of adults to SHS and is related to cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. In Egypt, comprehensive smoke-free laws exist, however, in many workplaces they are poorly enforced consequently exposing workers to the detrimental health hazards of SHS. We aimed at determination of workplace exposure to Second Hand Smoke (SHS) and its association with respiratory and sensory irritation symptoms in hospital workers in Port-said governorate in Egypt. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional face to face survey was conducted by the use of a standardised questionnaire among 415 adult hospital workers; representing 50% of all employees (81% response rate); recruited from 4 randomly selected general hospitals in Port-said governorate in Egypt. RESULTS: All hospitals employees reported exposure to SHS - on average 1.5 (SD = 2.5) hours of exposure per day. After controlling for potential confounders, exposure to SHS at work was significantly associated with an increased risk of wheezes (OR = 1.14, p < 0.01), shortness of breath (OR = 1.17, p < 0.01), phlegm (OR = 1.23, p < 0.01), running and irritated nose (OR = 1.14, p < 0.01) as well as a sore, scratchy throat (OR = 1.23). CONCLUSIONS: These findings point out that workplace exposure to SHS is evident in hospitals in Port-said governorate and that workers are adversely affected by exposure to it at work. This underlines the importance of rigorous enforcement of smoke-free policies to protect the workers' health in Egypt.

Waterpipe Smoking And The DRD2/ANKK1 Genotype.

BACKGROUND: Waterpipe smoking is increasingly a worldwide phenomenon. Few studies have been conducted on the epidemiology of waterpipe smoking behavior and its genetic determinants. A polymorphism (TaqI) in the 3' untranslated region of the dopamine receptor gene (DRD2), later localized to the neighboring ANKK1 gene, has been previously linked to cigarette smoking. Since all tobacco products share the ability of stimulating the dopaminergic reward system, variation in the DRD2 genotype might be associated with waterpipe smoking addiction. AIM: This study aims to explore genetic variations in DRD2 gene and waterpipe smoking, motives and addiction in Egyptian rural males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects (N=154) were selected from participants in a household smoking prevalence survey if they were adults, males, currently smoking waterpipe and not smoking cigarettes. Participants were interviewed about their smoking behaviors. Blood samples were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subjects were subsequently classified as either the A1 (presence of at least one A1 allele) or A2 group (A2 homozygotes). RESULTS: The prevalence of A1 genotype was 34.4 % in current waterpipe users, and was associated with the maximum duration before smokers experienced craving to smoke: after adjusting for age of smoking initiation, smoking for addictive motives, and average daily tobacco consumption, the A1 carriers were more likely to experience craving within a shorter duration after abstinence (the first 24 hours) compared to subjects with A2/A2 genotype (Odds ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18 - 6.23). In addition, the frequent visitors of shisha cafes were more likely to be younger, heavy smokers and carriers of A1 allele (OR, 2.52, 95% CI: 1.06-6.02). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This study revealed that the maximum duration before experiencing craving to smoke waterpipe and frequency of visiting cafés to smoke may be influenced by an inherited variations in the DRD2 genotype.

DRD2/ANKK1 TaqI polymorphism and smoking behavior of Egyptian male cigarette smokers.

Little is known about the genetic contribution to cigarette smoking and nicotine addiction in Egypt. The dopamine D2 receptor gene contains a TaqI repeat fragment length polymorphism creating two alleles with functional significance, DRD2*A1 and DRD2*A2. We investigated the relationship between these alleles and tobacco use in a study of 389 Egyptian male current smokers (mean age = 40 years; SD = 12). Participants were interviewed in 2004 on their smoking behaviors and quit attempts, and were given the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Blood samples were obtained and genotyped for DRD2 A1and A2 alleles. The frequencies of A1/A2, A1/A2, and A2/A2 genotypes were 6%, 29%, and 65%, respectively. We found no statistically significant association between genotype and age at onset of smoking, years of smoking, FTND score, or average number of cigarettes smoked per day. DRD2 genotype was associated with the number of cigarettes smoked in the past 48 hr (42.2 in A1 carriers vs. 37.6 in A2, p = .03), the previous quit duration (28% in A1 vs. 40% in A2 quit for more than 1 month, p = .05), and the depth of inhalation (82% in A1 vs. 72% in A2 inhaled the smoke deeply, p = .03). Logistic regression analysis including DRD2 genotype, FTND score, age at smoking initiation, marital status, and education as predictors showed that maximum duration of quit time was associated with FTND score (p = .003), DRD2 genotype (p = .01), marital status (p = .03), and age at smoking initiation (p = .04). These findings suggest a modest association between DRD2 genotype and quitting behavior in male cigarette smokers in Egypt.

Review on water pipe smoking.

Water-pipe smoking may lead to cancers, genetic damage, diseases of the lungs and other disease conditions. Many of the studies on these subjects are merely anecdotal or lack the necessary rigorous study design or the power needed to be certain of the results. Given the large number of people who smoke waterpipe and the fact that waterpipe smoking has become a fashionable trend in the Middle East and the Western world among the youth, it is essential to study the health effects of waterpipe smoking with renewed emphasis.

Impact of religious rulings (Fatwa) on smoking.

An interview survey was carried out in a rural village and two nearby schools in Qalyubia Governorate to assess the pattern of smoking and knowledge about religious ruling (Fatwa) and its impact on the quit attempts. Also, a similar survey was conducted in 6 Shisha cafés in Cairo. The results showed that the majority of respondents (81% among rural adults, 83.2% among Shisha café patrons, 73.3% among rural youth and 81.4% among rural students) knew about the Fatwa on smoking. Higher proportions of all participants thought that smoking is a sin (97.3% among rural adults, 80.8% among Shisha café patrons, 94.4% among rural youth and 98.4% among rural students). There was a significantly higher knowledge about Fatwa on smoking among men than women. This indicates a successful outreach program targeted mainly to men through mosques. Knowledge about Fatwa on smoking increased significantly with increased exposure to antismoking messages from religious leader. Knowledge about the Fatwa on smoking or belief that smoking is a sin had no significant effect on quit attempts. Our results point to the need for intensive efforts on the part of religious leaders to translate the current belief that smoking is a sin into quitting among smokers. Better results may be achieved through personal interactions in small groups rather than in mosque settings.