Biomedical subjects

R M Youssef

Publications and source records attributed to R M Youssef.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

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.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Comprehensive health assessment of senior citizens in Al-Karak governorate, Jordan.

The health status, mental well-being and functional capacity of senior citizens was assessed in a community-based survey of people > or = 60 years in 2004. Analysis was performed using logistic and linear regression analyses. Of the 300 subjects enrolled (53.3% women), 74.4% were affected by chronic diseases, 24.3% were classified as depressed and 44.0% had a negative health perception. Dependence in instrumental activities of daily living (92.0%) was more frequent than dependence in basic activities (28.0%). Women were more likely to be depressed, and suffer memory impairment and limitation of functional capacity. Increase in depressive symptoms was independently predicted by increased age, living alone, poor functional capacity, memory impairment and negative perception of health. Low summary performance in instrumental and basic activities was independently predicted by increased age, lack of education, high number of reported symptoms, depression and memory impairment. Depression, poor functional capacity and memory impairment reinforced each other resulting in a state of dependency.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2005

Contraception use and probability of continuation: community-based survey of women in southern Jordan.

A community-based survey was conducted in October 2003 to investigate the determinants of contraception use and probability of 2 years continuation among ever married women of reproductive age in Karak, south Jordan. Of the 1109 participants, 61% were ever users of contraceptives in 1389 segments, median duration 24.0 months. The cumulative proportion of continuation was 92% at 6 months, 65% at 12 months and 42% at 24 months. Older age, longer duration of marriage, large number of surviving children and use of the intrauterine device independently predicted a longer duration of contraception use. Pregnancy planning (74%) was the most frequently stated reason for discontinuation. Family planning programmes should focus on reducing discontinuation and recommending methods with a higher probability of continuation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Duration and determinants of interbirth interval: community-based survey of women in southern Jordan.

The duration and determinants of interbirth intervals among women of reproductive age in Karak, Jordan were examined in October 2003. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 1109 ever-married women aged 15-49 years who contributed to 4349 interbirth intervals. Data were obtained by interview questionnaire and analysed with life table, Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. The median interbirth interval was 27.40 months. Longer interbirth interval was independently predicted by breastfeeding > or = 12 months, modern contraceptive use and pregnancy wastage; by more surviving children, presence of boys only or both boys and girls at the interval onset; by woman's higher education, older age and longer marriage; and by ideal spacing conforming with family planning norms. Concerted efforts to encourage modern contraceptive use, extend breastfeeding, promote small family size, address gender preferences and reinforce the minimum age at marriage should be made.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Violence among schoolchildren in Alexandria.

Violent behaviour among school students and its predictors were investigated. Selected children (2170) were requested to complete a self-administered questionnaire. Initiating violent assaults in the 18 months prior to the study was reported by 51.0% of boys and 20.9% of girls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis pointed to 16 predictive variables for violent behaviour; few were related to family background whereas the majority were related to the children themselves. Violent assaults were more likely to be initiated by boys and those who were dangerously daring and risk-takers, often fought verbally, threatened to attack others, were cruel to animals, disrupted class discipline, were truant from school or ran away from home and were disciplined by corporal punishment by their parents and their teachers. School-based prevention and intervention programmes addressing modifiable predictors should be considered.

Child↗

PubMed1999

Knowledge and perception of professionals towards school injuries.

As injuries remain a threat to children everywhere including school, this study was undertaken to reveal the knowledge and perceptions of school physicians, nurses, teachers and social workers regarding school injuries. To accomplish this aim, all school-based clinics operated by a physician were identified. All physicians and nurses were included in this survey. In addition, a teacher or a social worker was randomly selected from the same school. They were requested to fill in a questionnaire to collect relevant information. Findings indicate that school injury is not perceived as a priority problem by all social workers and 68.5% of teachers. Moreover, its economic burden was not perceived by one third of physicians and nurses. Regarding associated risk factors, more than 80% of the surveyed professionals recognized nine out of the 16 stated factors as a risk for school injuries. However, less than 80% viewed that the risk of school injury is higher in technical schools, schools which include more than one educational stage as well as in the evening shift. Moreover, less than 80% of nurses recognized that a higher risk is associated with poorly kept school building, primary schools and methods of transportation. Furthermore, less than 80% of teachers recognized that boys are at a much higher risk of injuries. Surveyed professionals ranked increase supervision, continuous maintenance of school building as well as health education activities as priority preventive strategies. Mass media was the method of health education that received the highest priority while the least were pupils' activities and the organization of an injury prevention day. It can be concluded that, school professionals, exceptionally teachers and social workers need to be aware of the extent of school injuries and the risks associated with their occurrence. Such awareness is the key issue in ensuring the safety of children while they are at school. Moreover, it is indispensable for the planning and implementation of effective preventive strategies. They should also recognize that pupils' involvement is a highly effective mean of creating awareness about safety and to encourage them to take the responsibility of their safety as well as that of other pupils. Organized training programs directed to all personnel in the area of school injuries are deemed essential.

Accident Prevention↗

PubMed1998

Children experiencing violence. I: Parental use of corporal punishment.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to reveal the prevalence of corporal punishment in Alexandria and its' correlates with family background and child's behavior and characteristics. METHODS: A cross sectional survey targeting preparatory and secondary school children was conducted. The multistage random sample technique was adopted to select a representative sample of this population. Subjects were requested to complete a self-administered questionnaire to collect relevant information. Data were analyzed using the univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: This study revealed that more than one-third (37.47%) of children were disciplined physically in the form of beating and a few were also burned or tied. In 25.83% of them, this harsh discipline led to physical injuries of variable degrees of severity amounting to fractures, loss of consciousness, and permanent disability. Predictive family background for the use of corporal punishment were: living in an apartment shared with strangers; high crowding index; constant fights and quarrels between family members; lack of regular relation with relatives and acquaintance as well as an income insufficient to meet the family basic needs. Predictive child's characteristics and behavior included young age; disobedience; telling lies; destroying others' belongings; acting disrespectfully to parents; communicating poorly with their parents; running away from home; and poor school achievement, in addition to other determinants. CONCLUSION: A proportion of children are subjected to extreme physical brutality amounting to abuse in a disciplinary context. Parents' education and the establishment of effective parent-child communication are deemed essential to combat this phenomenon.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Children experiencing violence. II: Prevalence and determinants of corporal punishment in schools.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to reveal the prevalence and determinants of corporal punishment in preparatory (middle) and secondary (high) schools in Alexandria. METHODS: A cross sectional survey targeting preparatory and secondary school students enrolled in main stream public schools was conducted. The multistage random sample technique was adopted to select a priori estimated sample of this population. They were requested to fill a self administered questionnaire to collect relevant information. Data were analyzed using the univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A substantial proportion of boys (79.96%) and girls (61.53%) incurred physical punishment at the hand of their teachers. Teachers were using their hands, sticks, straps, shoes, and kicks to inflict such punishment without sparing a part of their students' body. Physical injuries were reported by a significantly higher percentage of boys (chi 2(1) = 12.26, p = .00046) the most common being bumps and contusions followed by wounds and fractures. Moreover, it was only among boys that serious injuries such as loss of consciousness and concussion were encountered. Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that corporal punishment was more likely to be used in preparatory schools and on boys. Such means of punishment were also predicted by students' undesirable behavior as well as their poor achievement in academic tasks. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that corporal punishment in school is used extensively to discipline students whose behavior doesn't conform with the desired standard of educational institutions. However, since it is no longer perceived as a method of discipline, other alternatives can be used providing that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills for its application.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Epidemiology of school injuries in Alexandria.

This study was conducted to reveal the magnitude of school injuries in Alexandria, their epidemiological patterns and outcomes. All pupils attending the casualty department of Alexandria Students' Hospital during the scholastic year 1996-1997 with school injuries were included in this study. An interview questionnaire and a transfer sheet were used to collect relevant information. Data were analyzed and the 5% level was taken to judge the significance of the obtained results. During the study period, 3422 pupils sustained school injuries yielding a rate of 4.25 per 1000. This rate was significantly higher among boys (6.43 per 1000) as well as in secondary schools (8.11 per 1000). Most of these injuries occurred inside the school (72.0%). In relation to school activity, injuries occurred more frequently during breaks (28.1%), school trips (27.8%) and teaching sessions (25.6%). Falls were responsible for 52.3% of the injuries followed by struck by or against (25.2%), while 11.9% were due to road traffic accidents. The most commonly affected sites were the upper (46.2%) and lower (32.1%) limbs as well as the head and neck (16.6%). High proportions of the resulting injuries were minor, however, severe injuries namely, fractures (23.2%) and brain concussions (2.8%) were encountered. Significant differences were observed in this respect in relation to the pupils' gender and educational stage. Only 12.5% of the cases were hospitalized. All recovered completely except four cases of leg amputation and no deaths were recorded. School injuries appear to be a priority area for primary preventive activities. School personnel should receive safety rounds to recognize the potential environmental hazards. Stringent supervision is required in areas and during activities with high frequency of injuries. Moreover, safety education should be incorporated in the curriculum and activities involving school children.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed1998

Personal factors and working conditions as predictors of work injuries among industrial workers.

The purpose of this study was to determine the personal factors and working conditions that predict work injuries among industrial workers. To fulfill this aim, a case control study was conducted including 2003 industrial workers who sustained a work injury and an equal number of controls. All were subjected to an interview questionnaire to collect relevant information. Moreover, records were reviewed to obtain the medical history of enrolled workers. Data revealed that workers in the index and control groups are comparable in respect to their sociodemographic characteristics. The multivariate logistic regression analysis pointed out that safety training significantly reduces the risk of work accidents among industrial workers. On the other hand, work accidents are more likely to occur in the main working shift. Moreover, workers who suffer from chronic health problems calling for surgical treatment, as well as those who reported family problems, are more likely to experience work accidents. These workers should receive considerable attention to reduce the extent of work injuries. More importantly, safety-training programs are mandatory for accident prevention in industrial settings.

Accident Prevention↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Correlates of unintended pregnancy in Beheira governorate, Egypt.

This study looked at the frequency and determinants of unplanned births among women in Beheira governorate, Egypt, and the effects on antenatal and postnatal care sought by the mother for herself and her child. Unintended births comprised 23.6%; 13.8% were unwanted and 9.8% were mistimed. Contraceptive failure accounted for 28.8% of unintended pregnancies; 47.1% of women who reported unintended pregnancy were not using [corrected] contraception. Age, education and parity were predictors of unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptive use and maternal employment status predicted mistimed pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy was a barrier to antenatal care, but not to child care. Our findings suggest that family planning programmes should help women of reproductive age achieve spacing and fertility limits.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Patterns and determinants of treatment compliance among hypertensive patients.

Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of pharmacological and lifestyle compliance among hypertensive patients. Patients attending health insurance clinics for prescription refills were randomly selected and interviewed (n = 316). Blood pressure was controlled for 53.2% of patients but 25.9% were non-compliant with medication. Common barriers to compliance were: feelings of normal blood pressure, forgetfulness, drug holidays and drug side-effects. Patients were non-compliant with smoking cessation (43.6%), weight reduction (59.3%), and dietary salt (22.4%) and fat restriction (26.5%). Misconceptions about smoking cessation and costs of preparing special dishes were common. Independent predictors of compliance were: controlled blood pressure, diet modification, drug side-effects, and perceptions of management benefits and susceptibility to related complications.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

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.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

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.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Factors affecting the quality of life of hypertensive patients.

Using the Hypertension Health Status Inventory and multivariate analysis, predictors of quality of life were determined for a random selection of 316 hypertensive patients. Controlling for the effects of demographic and socioeconomic factors and existing co-morbidity, a better quality of life was independently predicted by achieving a controlled blood pressure and absence of target organ complications. Neither the number of antihypertensive drugs received nor the dose frequency affected patients' quality of life. Presence of drug side-effects independently predicted a lower quality of life in the physical and emotional domains but not on aspects of daily living. The independent predictors explained 25%-30% of the variation in the quality of life of hypertensive patients. The study highlights the role of achieving blood pressure control to ensure a better quality of life for hypertensive patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗