Screening for hypertension among adults: community outreach in Cairo, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown alarming levels of hypertension among adults in the Middle East. The aim of our study is to measure the prevalence rate of hypertension among adults in Cairo (Egypt), identify possible risk factors for the development of hypertension and assess the rates of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension. METHODS: Cluster sampling was utilized and the fieldwork was conducted by 12 teams; each team consisted of a house officer, community worker and senior epidemiologist. A formulated questionnaire that addresses risk factors for hypertension was filled by all participants. Also, weight and height measurements were done to calculate the body mass index. Blood pressure measurement was done by calibrated sphygmomanometers. Blood pressure measurement was done twice, and a mean recording was calculated. A case which recorded both systolic blood pressure of ≥140 and diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 was considered hypertensive. RESULTS: The study included 774 adult residents of Al-Waily District (Western Zone of Cairo) in late 2011 and early 2012. The mean age of the study participants was 46.5 (SD 17.9) years. Female subjects constituted 67.1% of the studied sample. The prevalence rate of hypertension in our study was 16.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.9-19.3). The rate of hypertension was higher among females and three times higher among obese compared with normal or overweight adults. The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 11% (95% CI: 8.4-13.9), and uncontrolled hypertension was 30% (95% CI: 24.2-37). CONCLUSIONS: Community outreach campaigns should be conducted regularly in the future for early detection of hypertension cases and proper health education about hypertension and its dangerous consequences.

A measles and rubella (MR) catch-up vaccination campaign in an Egyptian University: vaccine uptake and knowledge and attitudes of students.

INTRODUCTION: In 2008, following a rubella epidemic, the Egyptian Ministry of Health implemented a Measles Rubella (MR) catch-up campaign, based on WHO recommendations for supplementary immunization activities to eliminate measles by 2010. The age group targeted was 10-20 years. This campaign was unique in Egypt as it was the first national vaccination campaign which included university students. AIM: To report uptake of MR vaccine and reasons for declining the vaccine among medical and non-medical students in the campaign and to assess the knowledge about the vaccine and the diseases. METHODS: The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage during the vaccination sessions, medical and other students (N=310) were given a questionnaire to assess their knowledge of the campaign and the vaccine. The second stage (N=341) was carried out when the campaign was completed to assess vaccine uptake among medical students. RESULTS: Posters displayed inside the university were reported to be the main source of information about the campaign. Students were generally poorly informed about both vaccine adverse effects, and contraindications although medical students tended to be better informed than other students. Overall 64.8% medical students accepted the vaccine with higher uptake among females than males (85.9 and 58.3% respectively). Non-compliant students had a significantly higher mean age. Almost half of students who did not accept the vaccine gave their reason as having little information about the vaccine (43.3%). CONCLUSION: The MR campaign in Ain Shams University may have been more successful with better use of health education messages.