Publication of preventive and community medicine theses: Faculty of medicine of Tunis from 2012 to 2017.

AIM: to describe the publication rates of the theses in preventive and community medicine supported at the medical university of Tunis from 2012 to 2017 and to determine factors affecting their publication in scientific journals. METHODS: descriptive and retrospective study on defended theses in preventive and community medicine listed in the library of the medical university of Tunis. We considered as published thesis, works published as an article or as a published abstract. A multivariate analysis was performed to study the determinants of thesis publication. RESULTS: The study concerned 84 preventive and community medicine theses. Thirty theses were published (35.7%), including 19 theses (63.3%) as research papers, in scientific journals. Almost two-thirds (67.8%) of publications were in French. The publications were mainly submitted (22/56) in two journals: « Revue d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique ¼ and « La Tunisie Médicale ¼. The student's name was mentioned in 63.4% of published works. The determinants of publication in multivariate analysis were the the status of the thesard (p=0.001), the degree of the supervisor (p=0.038), and the formulation of recommendations (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: The proportion of publications from preventive and community medicine theses was relatively modest. This is why we must encourage more doctoral students and supervisors to participate in educational seminars on article writing, in order to enrich scientific production by improving the writing quality of their theses.

Acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine: a cross-sectional study in a Tunisian general hospital.

INTRODUCTION: the year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic that killed more than one million people. Several vaccines have been developed and vaccination campaigns started in December 2020. The objective of our study was to assess the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine by hospital staff. METHODS: cross-sectional study conducted on a representative sample drawn at random from the staff of the Military General Hospital of Tunis. Data was collected between August and September 2020 by a clinical psychologist. We studied the associations between the different characteristics of our population and the decision to accept or refuse vaccination against COVID-19. RESULTS: a total of 398 hospital staff agreed to answer our questionnaire. Our sample was composed of 9% (n=36) physicians, 0.9% (n=3) pharmacists, 41.3% (n=164) paramedics, 16.1% (n=64) cleaning staff and 32.7% (n=131) administrative staff. The rapid discovery of the vaccine was hoped by 97% (n=386). Vaccination was considered a means of collective protection by 84.7% (n=337). However, only 58% (n=231) agreed to be vaccinated by the COVID-19 vaccine. The main factors significantly associated with acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was previous influenza vaccination (aOR: 2.58, 95% CI 1.69-3.94; p=0.000). CONCLUSION: apprehension about vaccination does not appear to be sparing the future COVID-19 vaccine. Fear of vaccine side effects outweighs fear of the disease, even among hospital staff. To achieve vaccination coverage, several awareness and communication activities must be carried out.

Determinants of metabolic syndrome: a population survey at Bizerte military garrison in 2015-2017.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide major public health problem. In Tunisia, few studies have focused on MetS in general population and in military setting in particular. AIM: To determine the prevalence of the MetS in a military population at Bizerte garrison (Tunisia) and to identify its associated factors. METHODS: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted in Bizerte military garrison during the period 2015-2017. The study population was the active military persons who were presents during the time of the survey and assigned at the three main navy, air force and army units of Bizerte garrison. The adopted definition for the diagnosis of MetS was the International Diabetes Federation 2005 (IDF 2005). Multivariate analysis using a binary logistic regression model to identify independent factors to MetS (variable of interest) was performed. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0 Software. RESULTS: During the study period, 2500 active military were enrolled among them 2418 men. The mean age was 36.6 ± 9.1 years [20.0 - 59.0]. The prevalence of MetS was 17.7%. MetS was significantly higher among participants aged 40 and above, (23.8% vs 13.1%), single (21.6% vs 13.7%), diabetic (38.5% vs 15.5%), and assigned in the air force (23.1% vs 14.6%) compared to the rest of the study population. The independent factors identified in multivariate analysis were age, armed forces' affiliation and marital status. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS in our military population was relatively high despite of the medical criteria imposed before incorporation. Population and targeted approach are needed to prevent this scourge and to protect from the complications.

Exertional heat stroke: about 4 cases.

Exertional heat stroke is defined as hyperthermia associated with neurological signs related to intense physical activity performed in a hot environment. This is a medical emergency and life-threatening. In this study, we investigated four cases of exertional heat stroke hospitalized at the military hospital in Tunis (Tunisia) to describe the clinical, therapeutic and preventive characteristics and factors favoring this disease. Four young soldiers, 23 to 44 years older, have developed Exertional heat stroke after Intense and prolonged exercise. Exercises were performed in May and June, in high ambient temperature, high humidity and lack of wind. Three soldiers were in battle dress, a backpack and their weapon. Our four subjects had overweight, were not sufficiently trained and were highly motivated. Insufficient hydration and a diet rich in carbohydrates were noted. Upon hospitalization, patients were febrile and had neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders, rhabdomyolysis and hemoconcentration. The medical care consisted of a rehydration and oxygen.