Correlates and reproductive consequences of consanguinity in six Egyptian governorates.

This study aimed to explore some correlates and potential reproductive consequences of consanguinity. We analysed data for 8515 ever-married women aged 15-49 derived from a household survey conducted in 2017 in six governorates. The prevalence of consanguineous marriage was 35.9%. The odds (OR (95%CI)) of consanguinity were higher in rural southern governorates (3.68 (3.03-4.46)), with less than secondary education (1.55 (1.42-1.7)), with unemployment (1.74(1.48-2.04)) and in the lowest wealth quintile (3.09 (2.66-3.6)). After adjusting for residence, education, wealth, age at marriage and the number of children; the OR (95%CI) for spontaneous abortion and still births with consanguinity were 1.31 (1.09-1.59) and 1.63 (1.18-2.25) respectively. Consanguinity remains highly prevalent in Egypt especially in rural southern governorates. Women empowerment in terms of attaining higher education and employment may reduce the problem. Consanguinity appears to be associated with adverse reproductive outcomes including spontaneous abortion and still birth.

Perceived benefits and barriers towards exercise among healthcare providers in Ain Shams University Hospitals, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is considered a problem with great impact on morbidity and mortality. There is a necessity to combat this behavior through an assessment of barriers and benefits perceived by subjects. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to measure exercise intention, in addition to identifying physical exercise predictors, including perceived barriers and benefits among healthcare providers (HCPs) in Ain Shams University Hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample (n = 327) of healthcare providers (physicians and nurses) in Ain Shams University Hospitals in Cairo, Egypt, using anonymous self-administrated questionnaires and relevant scales. RESULTS: Out of 327 healthcare providers approached, 52.6% of them were males and the mean age of participants was (29.34 ± 7.84 years). Physical exercise was reported by 44.6% of participants. The most significant factors associated with physical exercise engagement were male gender, participants with lower body mass index (BMI), and those with higher perceived "life enhancement subscale" benefit score and lower perceived exercise milieu and physical exertion barriers subscale scores. Exercisers showed significantly higher total overall (benefits and barriers) score compared to non-exercisers. Physicians showed a significantly higher total score compared to nurses. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The prevalence of regular exercise is low and inversely related to the female gender, BMI, Exercise milieu, and Physical exertion barriers subscale scores, and directly related to life enhancement benefit subscale score. Health education program about the benefits and barriers of exercise is recommended to encourage healthcare personnel to follow a healthy lifestyle as a role model to their patients and to act as health promoters to them.

Prevalence of injuries among high school students in Eastern and Western parts of Cairo, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Injury is the leading cause of death and long term disability and a significant contributor to healthcare costs among children worldwide especially those aged 15-19 years. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of injuries among secondary school students in Cairo, Egypt and to explore the associated risk factors for sustaining injury. METHODOLOGY: A Cross-sectional study was conducted on secondary school students in eastern and western part of Cairo; self-administered questionnaire was used for assessing injuries sustained in previous 12 months and the associated risk factors for injury. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of injuries was 68.5%. Unintentional injuries were the most common injuries falls (50%) and burns (38.6%). Significant factors associated with sustaining injury were truancy, smoking, alcohol use, quarreling behavior, carrying weapon, threatened by weapon and verbal bullying. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high prevalence of injuries among high school students in Egypt which necessitates raising public awareness about the magnitude and burden of injuries among adolescents.