Adapting waterpipe-specific pictorial health warning labels to the Tunisian context using a mixed method approach.

BACKGROUND: Waterpipe (WP) use is rapidly increasing among young people worldwide due to the widespread misperception that it is safer than cigarette smoking. Health warning labels (HWLs) can effectively communicate tobacco-related health risks but have yet to be developed for WP. This study aimed to optimize and adapt a set of 16 pictorial WP-specific HWLs, developed by an international Delphi study, to the Tunisian context. HWLs were grouped into four themes: WP health risks, WP harm to others, WP-specific harms, and WP harm compared to cigarettes. METHODS: Using a mixed method approach, we conducted ten focus groups combined with a survey among young WP users and nonusers (N = 63; age 18-34 years). In the survey, participants rated the HWLs on several communication outcomes (e.g., reaction, harm perception, effectiveness) and were then instructed to view all HWLs in each theme and rank them in the order of overall perceived effectiveness, from the most to the least effective. Afterward, participants provided in-depth feedback on HWLs and avenues for improvement. Mean effectiveness rating scores and percentages of participants' top-ranked HWLs were calculated. Discussions were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: The top-ranked HWLs were those showing oral cancers, orally transmitted diseases, and a sick child. Focus group discussion illustrated that these selections were based on participants' reactions to the direct impact of WP on a person's physical appearance and evoking guilt over children's exposure to WP smoke. Suggestions for improvement highlighted the need to use the local dialect and more affirmative statements (e.g., avoiding "may" or "can"). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first in North Africa to attempt to advance HWLs policy as the World Health Organization recommended. The results of this study can be used as a basis for implementing WP-specific health messages in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Management of diabetics. Comparative study of two contrasting health structures.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of total Tunisian with Diabetes reached 15.5% in 2016. The objective of this study was to analyze diabetic's management in contrasted health care settings. METHODS: Mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative) with explanatory design was used in contrasted health care structures (a primary health center (PHC) and the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technologies (INNTA)). Interviews with health providers and patients were than condcuted in both centers to explain quantitative findings. RESULTS: Quality of care assessement was performed among 100 patients in the PHC and 96 in the hospital. Glycemic control was reached in less than 30 % of the cases in both centers. Although clinical evaluation was better in the PHC, conducting ECGs, measuring of HbA1c  and  LDL-Ch were far from being optimal. The qualitative study did supply some hypotheses explaining these gaps: treatments shortage and lack of laboratory assessments specifically pointed in PHC settings, potentially lower its attractiveness, thus compounding overcrowding and stressful working conditions in hospitals. These last points as well as poor communication and overloaded clinics in hospital were major sources of providers and patient dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: This study made it clear that primary health care is a cornerstone in diabetes management. However, it is crucial to strengthen primary health care centers by operational technical support (laboratory equipements and quality information system) as well building capacities of health professionals in information, education and communication.

Second Tunisian case of Anti -Tja mediated recurrent abortions.

The diagnosis and the treatment of rare phenotypes remain a problematic situation in many countries especially in Tunisia. Individuals with rare phenotype may develop clinically significant red cell antibodies directed against the high incidence Antigens they lack. A 35 years old patient was referred to our laboratory to explain a high incidence (twelve) of recurrent miscarriage during the first and second terms of pregnancy. This patient was grouped as O Rhesus: 1, -2, -3, 4, 5 K:-1. In her plasma we identified a pan-reactive anti-PP1PK antibody (anti-Tja) recognized to be responsible of spontaneous recurrent abortions. The red cell phenotype was P1 and Tja negative. More investigations concluded to the absence of auto and other allo-antibodies association. Therapeutic plasmapheresis from early stages was suggested for the future pregnancy to remove anti-public antibodies in order to maintain normal placenta functions. The Anti-Tja antibody, naturally occurring in patients with rare p phenotype, has the ability to induce recurrent spontaneous miscarriages and to cause immediate hemolytic transfusion reactions. Despite the absence of compatible donors in her family, this patient is not in an impasse situation because two donors with the same phenotype were identified when investigating a first case in 2013.