Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy in some common hypopigmented skin diseases.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of cutaneous hypopigmentation can sometimes be challenging. Dermoscopy may play a role in identifying hypo or-depigmented dermatoses. The aim was to investigate which dermoscopic criteria represent potent indicators for the diagnosis of vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus, pityriasis alba, hypopigmented pityriasis versicolor, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF), lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and ash leaf hypopigmented macules of tuberous sclerosis, and evaluate their diagnostic accuracy. 168 individuals diagnosed with one of these hypopigmented disorders were evaluated for the presence or absence of predetermined dermoscopic criteria. Evaluation of dermatoscopic characteristics in each condition and analysis for sensitivity and specificity of dermatoscopic diagnosis in these hypopigmented lesions was performed. The starburst pattern, micro-koebnerization, and trichrome pattern were unique to vitiligo diagnosis. Vitiligo had higher comet-tail appearance, perifollicular pigmentation, and perilesional hyperpigmentation than other hypopigmented illnesses. Other hypopigmented lesions had greater incidence of amoeboid pattern, faint or diminished pigment network, islands of pigmentation, ill-defined boundaries, pseudopods, and widespread scaling than vitiligo. Finally, perifollicular scaling, comedo-like openings, blue-gray specks, and fibrotic regions excluded vitiligo. Dermoscopy can help identify common hypopigmented skin lesions and reduce the need for skin biopsy. Nevus depigmentosus, pityriasis alba and idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis were the top three hypopigmented dermatoses that could be diagnosed by dermoscopy with 100% sensitivity. Vitiligo was in the second rank (94.7%), followed by lichen sclerosis et atrophicus (93.3%) then hypopigmented MF at 81.2% sensitivity. Dermoscopy sensitivity was lowest in pityriasis versicolor and ash leaf macules of tuberous sclerosis (52.6% and 46.7%, respectively).

Colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer in Egypt: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines advocate for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in adults who are at risk by using direct visualization methods such as colonoscopy. However, in Egypt, there is a paucity of data regarding the current practice of colonoscopy screening. Moreover, more information is needed about the knowledge and attitudes of potential participants regarding the procedure and possible barriers that can limit their participation. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study using an interview-based survey of patients aged 45 years or above who presented to outpatient clinics of nine university hospitals throughout Egypt. Participants were surveyed to assess their compliance with CRC colonoscopy screening guidelines, their knowledge of and attitude towards colonoscopy screening, and their perspective on potential barriers to colonoscopy screening. RESULTS: A total of 1,453 participants responded to our survey in the nine study centers. Only a minority of participants (2.3%) were referred for CRC screening. Referral rates were higher among those who knew someone with a history of CRC (5.3% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001) or had a discussion with their physician about CRC (25.8% vs 0.7%, p < 0.001). Few responders (3.2%) had good knowledge regarding CRC screening. After introducing the concept of CRC screening to all participants, most patients (66.7%) showed a positive attitude towards having the procedure. Financial burden and fear of results were the two most frequently cited barriers to undergoing CRC screening (81.1%; and 60.1%, respecteively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the positive attitude, there is insufficient knowledge about CRC screening among eligible participants in Egypt. This has probably contributed to low compliance with current CRC screening guidelines and needs to be addressed at the national level.

A nomogram proposal for early prediction of intensive care unit admission in patients with acute antipsychotic poisoning.

Background: Early identification of antipsychotic poisoned patients who may have a potential risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission is crucial especially when resources are limited. Nomograms were previously used as a practical tool to predict prognosis and planning the treatment of some diseases including some poisoning conditions. However, they were not previously investigated in antipsychotic poisoning. Aim: The current study aimed to construct a nomogram to predict the need for ICU admission in acute antipsychotic poisoning. Patients and methods: This 2-year study included 140 patients acutely intoxicated with antipsychotics and admitted at Tanta University Poison Control Centre throughout July 2019 to June 2021. Personal and toxicological data, findings of clinical examination and electrocardiography, as well as, results of laboratory investigations at time of admission were recorded. According to the outcome, patients were divided into ICU-admitted and ICU-not admitted groups. Results: The results of this study provided a proposed nomogram that included five significant independent predictors for ICU admission in acute antipsychotic intoxications; the presence of seizures (OR: 31132.26[108.97-Inf]), corrected QT interval (OR: 1.04[1.01-1.09]), mean arterial blood pressure (OR: 0.83[0.70-0.92]), oxygen saturation (OR: 0.62[0.40 to 0.83)], and Glasgow Coma Scale (OR: 0.25 [0.06-0.56]). Conclusion: It could be concluded that the developed nomogram is a promising tool for easy and rapid decision making to predict the need for ICU admission in acute antipsychotic poisoning.

Medical students' perceptions, experiences, and barriers towards research implementation at the faculty of medicine, Tanta university.

BACKGROUND: Research is essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. However, research capacity and output are low in low- and middle-income countries due to various challenges, including a lack of research training among medical students. Integrating research training into undergraduate medical curricula can help address this issue. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 among 462 undergraduate medical students at Tanta University, Egypt to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers toward conducting research. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Nearly half (49.8%) of the students had an acceptable level of knowledge about research concepts while over two-thirds (66.2%) had a positive attitude. The most common barriers were lack of funding, time, and training in research methods. Previous research training was reported by 66.7% of students, but less than half had participated in or presented research. Students in the competency-based program had significantly higher knowledge and more positive attitudes than those in the mainstream program. Knowledge level was positively correlated with attitude. CONCLUSION: While attitudes were generally positive, improvements are needed in research training and opportunities among undergraduate medical students at Tanta University to help address low research capacity challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Integration of formal research training into the curriculum may help increase knowledge and participation in research.

Profile and outcomes of acute poisoning in the toxicology treatment and control center at Tanta University Hospital, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Poisoning is a major health problem especially in developing countries and leads to high morbidity and mortality. AIM: To identify the profile of acute poisoning in the Toxicology Unit at Tanta University Hospital, Egypt (2017-2021). METHODS: A cross-sectional study using data extracted from medical records from beginning of January 2017 to end of December 2021. Data including demographic data, Glasgow coma scale, type of poisons, manner of poisoning, time of admission and discharge and state at discharge. RESULTS: This study included 9713 cases. Rodenticides represented the most frequent cause of poisoning among both males (30%) and females (27%). Pharmaceutical drugs, CNS abused pharmaceutical drugs, and chemicals represent the most common categories (24%, 22%, and 21%, respectively) among children (up to 12 years). Rodenticides and pharmaceutical drugs represent the highest categories among other age groups. Evening admissions represented 52% of cases. Glasgow coma scale was 15 among 86.3% of cases. Intentional poisoning was more common than accidental poisoning (58.6% and 34.7%, respectively). One half (52.2%) of the admitted cases were discharged within 24 hours of admission and 44.4% of them were discharged after 48-72 hours. Family request was the main reason of discharge of cases (70.3%), 15.7% were improved, 4% died. Mortality by rodenticide was 12.5%. CONCLUSION: Rodenticides, pharmaceutical and CNS abused pharmaceutical drugs were the most common categories of poisoning. Intentional poisoning was more common than accidental poisoning. Rodenticides were responsible for most deaths.

Parents' perception of COVID-19 risk of infection and intention to vaccinate their children.

Background: Parent's perception of the COVID-19 vaccines is very important to protect themselves and their children and achieve maximum effect of vaccination programs. Objective: Evaluate the perception and attitude of parents towards COVID-19 risk of infection and intentions to vaccinate their children. Method: Cross-sectional study including 1032 participants who have children aged from 5 to 18 years using a structured questionnaire. Results: Overall, 65.0% of participants or their family members suffered from comorbidities that poses them at risk for COVID-19 infection such as hypertension (25.1%) and diabetes mellitus (16.1%). The prevalence of tobacco smoking in the studied families was 36.9%. Among participants, 40.6% had a family member with history of confirmed COVID-19 infection. Nearly one-half of studied parents (48.2%) reported COVID-19 as a serious infection and the majority were worried about getting a family member infected (86.8%). Among participants 62.0% of male parents and 57.8% of female parents agreed that vaccine information is reliable. Participants reporting safety of COVID-19 vaccination represented 45.3%. If vaccine is available, 40.1% of parents intended to vaccinate their children. The main factors associated with the willingness to vaccinate children were vaccine is not suitable for children under 18 years (OR = 11.508), concern about vaccination safety (OR = 8.678), doubts about reliability of vaccine information (OR = 7.811) and ability of vaccine to prevent infection (OR = 5.766). Conclusion: Our study provides a brief insight about how parents think about COVID-19 vaccines and acceptance to vaccinate their children.

Antecedentes: La percepción de los padres sobre las vacunas contra el COVID-19 es muy importante para protegerse a sí mismos y a sus hijos y lograr el máximo efecto de los programas de vacunación. Objetivo: Evaluar la percepción y actitud de los padres hacia el riesgo de infección por COVID-19 y las intenciones de vacunar a sus hijos. Método: Estudio transversal que incluyó a 1032 participantes que tenían hijos de 5 a 18 años mediante un cuestionario estructurado. Resultados: En general, el 65,0% de los participantes o sus familiares padecieron comorbilidades que los ponen en riesgo de infección por COVID-19, como hipertensión (25,1%) y diabetes mellitus (16,1%). La prevalencia de tabaquismo en las familias estudiadas fue del 36,9%. Entre los participantes, el 40,6% tenía un familiar con antecedentes de infección confirmada por COVID-19. Casi la mitad de los padres estudiados (48,2%) informaron que la COVID-19 era una infección grave y la mayoría estaba preocupada por la posibilidad de que un miembro de la familia se infectara (86,8%). Entre los participantes, el 62,0% de los padres varones y el 57,8% de las mujeres acordaron que la información sobre las vacunas es confiable. Los participantes que informaron sobre la seguridad de la vacunación contra la COVID-19 representaron el 45,3%. Si la vacuna está disponible, el 40,1% de los padres tenía la intención de vacunar a sus hijos. Los principales factores asociados al deseo de vacunar a los niños fueron la vacuna no apta para menores de 18 años (OR = 11.508), preocupación por la seguridad vacunal (OR = 8.678), dudas sobre la confiabilidad de la información vacunal (OR = 7.811) y capacidad de vacuna para prevenir la infección (OR = 5.766). Conclusión: Nuestro estudio proporciona una breve perspectiva sobre cómo piensan los padres sobre las vacunas contra el COVID-19 y la aceptación de vacunar a sus hijos.

Perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 vaccines' side effects among healthcare workers at an Egyptian University Hospital: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A safe and effective vaccine is the ultimate key to mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine acceptance is influenced by various factors, including perceptions about the vaccine's safety and side effects. The side effects vary depending on the type of the vaccine, but they are mainly mild, local, temporary, and self-limiting. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Tanta University Hospitals, including 1246 healthcare workers who received either the first or the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, selected via a systematic random sampling technique using a self-administered structured validated questionnaire for data collection from November 2021 to January 2022. Qualitative data were presented as frequencies and percentages and analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of one or more side effects was 91.3%. Among participants, about two-thirds believed in vaccine safety and its necessity (65.4% and 63.6%, respectively). Significantly more participants (46.9%) were concerned about AstraZeneca thrombotic complications than other vaccine types. The top five side effects reported by participants were injection site pain (64.8%), sense of fatigue (57.1%), headache (49.9%), muscle pain (48.7%), and fever (46.5). Most of the side effects were significantly higher among participants vaccinated with AstraZeneca. Side effects impacted work capacity of 23.4%, which was significantly higher among participants who received AstraZeneca (33.6%). CONCLUSION: Participants had a good level of belief in vaccination safety and necessity. Healthcare workers who got the AstraZeneca vaccination reported more adverse effects than other vaccines. Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pains, and fever were the most frequently reported side effects. More research on vaccination safety is needed to understand the long-term adverse effects of vaccinations better, improve the public trust, and accelerate vaccine adoption.

Proximal Femoral Plate, Intramedullary Nail Fixation Versus Hip Arthroplasty for Unstable Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture in the Elderly: A Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple operative modalities are available for management of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures. This meta-analysis was conducted to find out if there is superiority of surgical fixation by proximal femoral plate or surgical fixation by intramedullary nail over hip arthroplasty for management of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly. METHODS: A search for relevant studies that published from January 2000 to November 2018 through the electronic literature database of Cochrane library, Medline, Trip Database and Wiley online library. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies including 14 prospective RCTs, and five retrospective studies. This meta-analysis showed that nail group had shorter operative time than plate group (P < 0.0001), and less blood loss than the plate and arthroplasty groups (P < 0.0001), cut-out was higher in nail group than the plate group (P < 0.0001), mortality rate was higher in hip arthroplasty compared to other groups (P < 0.0001), Harris hip score within 6 months of the operation was higher in the arthroplasty group compared with the nail and plate groups, while within 1 year of the operation, nail group had higher Harris hip score than arthroplasty group (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggested that the intramedullary nail fixation method is a preferred method for management of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly over hip arthroplasty and proximal femoral plate fixation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00426-1.

Sexual harassment: perception and experience among female college students of Kafrelsheikh University.

BACKGROUND: Increasing concerns are rising over women and adolescence in Arabic societies generally, and in Egyptian society specifically. OBJECTIVES: To identify the profile and reasons of the problem of sexual harassments among female college students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including randomly selected 976 female students from different faculties of Kafrelsheikh University using a predesigned questionnaire sheet. RESULTS: The main perceived concept of sexual harassment was touching body (63.9%) followed by uncomfortable behaviors by the assault (51.8%). Among urban students, 47.1% reported frequent sexual harassment as compared to 26.5% among rural students. The main motives to harassment were absence of sanctions (42.8%) followed by masculine culture. Absence of punishment ranked first (54.1%) as one of reasons for the phenomenon of harassments in the community followed by wrong concepts about women (46%). The main reaction to harassment was feeling bad and wishing to act (32.9%) followed by feeling bad but helpless (26.0%). Only 25.5% reported taking proper action. Experience of harassment was significantly more reported by urban students compared to rural ones (12.6% and 4.1%, respectively (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Sexual harassment is not uncommon from of violence especially in urban areas mainly due to absence of sanctions and majority did not have capacity to take proper actions.

Prognostic scoring system of laparoscopic splenectomy in children with benign hematological diseases, a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) gained popularity during the last years among pediatric surgeons. Benign hematological diseases represent the main indications of that procedure. There are some score systems of difficulty of the technique. Most of them are for adult patients. The aim is to develop a prognostic score system of LS in children with benign hematological diseases. METHODS: LS was performed in all children with benign hematological diseases. The children were operated in lateral decubitus position. The control of pedicle was achieved using bipolar sealing devices, polymer clips or endoscopic linear stablers. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed. Children were divided into two groups A and B according to the onset of complications. RESULTS: 137 successive children were operated. The mean age of patients was 8.7 (4-15) years. The main indications of LS were thalassemia, spherocytosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and sickle cell anemia (SCA). The mean length of splenic axis in thalassemia and spherocytosis cases was15.6 ± 2.3 cm. The mean amount of estimated blood loss (EABL) was 149 ± 43.2 ml in group A while it was 185 ± 44.4 ml in group B. The mean operative time in group A was 75.5 ± 22.5 min while it was 89.2 ± 20.6 min in group B. CONCLUSION: the development of prognostic score of LS in children with benign hematological diseases can predict children who are more susceptible for complications. It helps to minimize these complications and improve the outcome of LS.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Medical Students Toward the Novel Coronavirus Disease.

BACKGROUND: Medical students are vulnerable to infection by the coronavirus. Their awareness of the disease is crucial for their safety and for the management of the epidemic by spreading supportive information in their communities. The aim of this study was to assess coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices among Egyptian medical students. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from the beginning of April to June 2020; a total of 439 undergraduate medical students (1st to 6th academic years) were assessed using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 33 questions, including 5 items regarding socio-demographic features, 23 items concerning COVID-19 related knowledge, 2 items regarding attitude, and 3 items related to preventive measures. RESULTS: We observed an acceptable level of knowledge (74.3%) among the sample studied. Preclinical and female students were significantly more optimistic as 69.1% expected successful control of COVID-19, and 48.9% predicted that Egypt will win the fight against COVID-19. The majority of participants reported wearing a facemask in public places as a preventive measure (56.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Egyptian medical students had an acceptable level of knowledge, positive attitude, and good practices of preventive measures regarding the COVID-19 virus. There is no significant difference in almost all items of knowledge, attitude, and practices in relation to gender or academic grade.

Work environment characteristics as determinants of work to family conflict among working females, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Positive work environment is the corner stone for control and relief of work to family conflict (WFC). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence work-family spillovers and to study the relations between them and work environment characteristics among full-time female employees at Tanta University Medical Campus. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried among female employees working in the five faculties that are present at Tanta University Medical Campus. A total of 442 female workers were recruited. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including personal characteristics, work-related data, and home responsibilities. Job characteristics scales, work to family, and family to work spillovers scales were used to study their correlation. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 39.87 ± 10.07 years. Approximately half of participants had moderate degrees of both positive and negative work to family and family to work spillovers. Significant positive correlation was detected between skills discretion and both of positive work to family and family to work spillovers (r = 0.361, r = 0.288, P = 0. 0.001, respectively); similar relations were reported regarding decision authority, coworkers' support, and supervisors' support. The negative work to family and family to work spillovers significantly increased by increasing in work demands (r = 0. 0.315, r = 0.218, P = 0. 0.001, respectively). Significant and negative correlations were found between each of skills discretion and supervisors' support scales and the negative impact of family to work spillover (r = - 0.130; P = 0.006, r = - 0.167; P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of both positive and negative work to family and family to work spillovers was relatively high. Significant relations were detected between work-family spillovers and work environment characteristics regarding skills discretion, work demands, decision authority, coworkers, and supervisors' support.

Vaccine hesitancy: Beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination among Egyptian medical students.

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy poses serious challenges for achieving coverage for population immunity. It is necessary to achieve high COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rates and medical students' coverage as future health care providers. The study aimed to explore the level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and determine the factors and barriers that may affect vaccination decision-making. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students in Tanta and Kafrelsheikh Universities, Egypt. Data collection was done via an online questionnaire during January 2021 from 2133 students. RESULTS: The majority of the participant students (90.5%) perceived the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, 46% had vaccination hesitancy, and an equal percentage (6%) either definitely accepted or refused the vaccine. Most of the students had concerns regarding the vaccine's adverse effects (96.8%) and ineffectiveness (93.2%). The most confirmed barriers of COVID-19 vaccination were deficient data regarding the vaccine's adverse effects (potential 74.17% and unknown 56.31%) and insufficient information regarding the vaccine itself (72.76%). CONCLUSION: The government, health authority decision-makers, medical experts, and universities in Egypt need to work together and make efforts to reduce hesitancy and raise awareness about vaccinations, consequently improving the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Health disorders and safety measures among workers in Tanta Flax and Oil Company, Egypt.

Flax industry has an adverse effect on health status of exposed workers especially in developing countries with lack of appropriate safety measures to identify the health hazards, health disorders among workers in flax and oil company, and to assess the applied safety measures in the factory. A cross sectional study was conducted in Tanta Flax and Oil Company in Egypt. The company includes eight factories which are divided into four departments according to the manufacturing end products. The study was conducted from August 2018 to December 2019 on 353 workers out of 400 workers. An interview questionnaire and clinical medical examination were done to assess the health status of exposed workers. Check list from occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) standards was filled by researcher to check safety measures in work place environment. Respiratory manifestations were detected in 65% of the examined workers in flax manufacturing departments while allergic manifestations were more obvious in formaldehyde factory department. Approximately one quarter of workers complained that personal protective equipment's are not available. Regarding the mask for dust, nearly half (44.5%) of the workers rarely used them, and only 7.1% always use them. Byssinosis was obvious among workers in flax manufacturing and particle board manufacturing department with statistically significant differences between the four departments, in which 36.9% and 24.1% of workers in these two departments suffered from chest tightness, respectively. The safety measures were inadequate in flax manufacturing departments and to somewhat sufficient in formaldehyde factory department. Most of exposed workers had inadequate health status due to lack of standard safety measures. Therefore, periodic medical examination should be done regularly with investigation of pulmonary functions of exposed workers with application of high level of safety measure standards in the work place environment.

Job satisfaction among physicians in secondary and tertiary medical care levels.

To identify level of job satisfaction among physicians at secondary and tertiary care levels. Random sample of 450 secondary and 523 tertiary care physicians filled in structured questionnaire about job satisfaction. Among secondary care physicians, 37.4% had extra work compared with 16.1% of tertiary care workers. More than 87% of both groups reported exposure to work-related violence. Physicians reported somewhat satisfaction for general work condition, promotion and financial aspects, work activities, and total satisfaction score with significant differences between studied groups. Significantly higher tertiary care physicians reported satisfaction with relationship in work and supervision at work compared with secondary care workers. Job satisfaction was significantly affected by age in years, number of shifts per month, years of experience, gender, being single or ever married, and having extra work. There is moderate level of satisfaction with significant differences in relation to level of care.

Tramadol abuse among workers in an industrial city in mid-Nile Delta region, Egypt.

Tramadol abuse is an increasingly alarming phenomenon among Egyptian Community especially among workers and drivers. Study profile and factors affecting tramadol abuse among industrial workers in Mid-Nile Delta Region. A cross sectional study among minibus drivers, construction and textile industries workers. From each target group 300 males were chosen randomly. The total sample size was 900 persons. Interview questionnaire was used for data collection. Diagnosis of tramadol abuse was according DSM-5 Criteria. Intake of tramadol was high among construction workers (92.3%) followed by bus drivers (53.0%) and lastly textile workers (25.3%). The main source of tramadol was friends (45.4%) followed by drug dealers (16.6%). The main reason of abuse was to improve mood (54.3%) followed by relief of pain and help to continue work (37.3%). Tramadol is prevalent among industrial workers due to different reasons related to the work load and stressful events. Ever intake of tramadol was high among construction workers followed by bus drivers and lastly textile workers. Drug testing for workers in workplace is a must to ensure community safety.

Perception and practices of tobacco smoking among medical students in the Nile Delta, Egypt.

This study was conducted to identify medical students' perception and practices towards tobacco smoking, as well as to identify factors affecting their adoption to smoking habit, among medical students in the Nile Delta. From December 2014 to February 2015, a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the four faculties of medicine in the Nile Delta. A total of 1715 students were targeted from the 2nd to 6th academic years to represent different levels of knowledge, awareness, and the influence of medical education on their attitude towards smoking. 5.6 and 1.2% of the students reported being smokers and ex-smokers, respectively, with a higher prevalence among 6th-year students, 40% of them reported to be involved with substance abuse. In general, medical students had positive antismoking attitude. The prevalence of smoking among medicine students was not high. However, there is a need to address smoking cessation programs during their study.

Physical hazard safety awareness among healthcare workers in Tanta university hospitals, Egypt.

Hospital workers are exposed to many occupational hazards that may threaten their health and safety. Physical hazards encountered in hospital working environment include temperature, illumination, noise, electrical injuries, and radiation. To assess the awareness of healthcare workers (HCWs) about physical hazards in Tanta university hospitals, this cross-sectional study included 401 HCWs (physicians, nurses, technicians, and workers) from seven departments (general surgery, orthopedics, radiology, ophthalmology, kitchen, incinerator, and laundry). Data were collected through interview questionnaire to assess six types of physical hazards (noise, electric hazards, temperature, radiation, fire, and lighting,). Most of the physicians (63.7%) were aware of the level of noise. All physicians, nurses, technicians, and majority of workers reported that hearing protective devices were not available, and all HCWs reported that periodic hearing examination was not performed. Most of the nurses (75.2%) and workers (68.5%) did not attended emergency training, and more than two thirds of all HCWs were not briefed about emergency evacuation. Most HCWs were not given appropriate radiation safety training before starting work (88% of workers, 73.7% of nurses, 65.7% of physicians, and 68.3% of technicians). The majority of physicians, nurses, and technicians (70.5, 65.4, and 53.7%) denied regular environmental monitoring for radiation level inside work place. Health education programs on health and safety issues regarding physical hazards should be mandatory to all healthcare workers to improve their awareness and protect them from undue exposures they may face due to lack of adequate awareness and knowledge. There is urgent need of expanding the occupational healthcare services in Egypt to cover all the employees as indicated by the international recommendations and the Egyptian Constitution, legislation, and community necessity.

Assessing of policies and practices for occupational exposure to blood-borne viral infections in Tanta University Hospitals, Egypt.

One of the best ways to investigate and improve the effectiveness of polices for prevention and control of infections is through systematic and rigorous evaluation of the structural, functional, and practical elements of these polices. To assess the policies for managing occupational exposure to blood-borne viral infections in Tanta University Hospitals. A cross-sectional survey was carried out. A checklist was used to collect data related to the hospital policy regarding occupational exposure to blood-borne viral infections which was filled by direct personal interviews with the members of infection control (IC) committee of Tanta University Hospitals where the percentage of those in compliance with specific occupational management policies were reported. All studied participants reported lack of access to written infection control manual and only 14.3 % reported that infection control policies and procedures are updated yearly. Only 32.5 % of studied healthcare workers (HCWs) were not aware by the availability of a needle injury clinic. Only 28.6 % of the members of IC committee reported that pre-placement screening of HCWs for baseline blood tests for HBV, HCV, or HIV was conducted; however, periodic screening for these infections was not conducted as reported by all of the members. Among the members of IC committee, 57.1 % recorded availability of post-exposure evaluation. Only 42.8 % of the members of IC committee reported ensuring HCWs' confidentiality when reporting their exposure incidents. Both exposure management policies and practices were not aligning with the national guidelines.