Children In Egypt Research Articles

Viral pathogens of acute gastroenteritis in Egyptian children: role of the parechovirus

Background and aimHuman parechovirus (HPeV) has emerged as a pathogen associated with acute gastroenteritis (AGE).AimTo detect the presence of HPeV in the stool samples from Egyptian children with AGE seeking care and the possibility of its co-infection with other enteric viruses.MethodologyOne hundred stool samples were collected from children attending Mansoura University Children's Hospital with AGE. HPeV and astrovirus were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). At the same time, detection of rotavirus antigen and norovirus was achieved by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and rapid immunochromatographic method, respectively.ResultsThe most frequently detected virus was rotavirus (39%), followed by norovirus (27%), HPeV (19%), and astrovirus (12%). Interestingly, the single infection with HPeV was 5%. Among the 19 HPeV positive samples, the co-infection of HPeV with other enteric viruses was detected in 9(43.9%) for rotavirus, 7(36.8%) for norovirus, 2(10.5%) for astrovirus, in 3(15.8%) for rotavirus and norovirus and 1(5.3%) for norovirus and astrovirus. Regarding the clinical presentation, there was no significant difference between children infected with HPeV alone and those infected with viruses other than HPeV alone; fever (p = 0.3), vomiting (p = 0.12), abdominal pain (p = 0.12), and grades of severity (P = 0.82). HPeV alone infected children were of mild severity (60%), and their main presenting symptom was fever (60%).ConclusionsDetection of HPeV as a single viral pathogen in the stool of some children with AGE showed that this virus could be a causative agent of AGE in Egyptian children. Therefore, HPeV could be included as one of the viruses screened for AGE diagnosis in children in Egypt.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in children in Northeast Egypt.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidia in humans worldwide, in addition to infecting a wide range of animals. However, there is limited information about this pathogen in children in Egypt. Here, we carried out a molecular epidemiological study of E. bieneusi in child care centers in three provinces in Egypt. Altogether, 585 fresh fecal samples were collected from children attending 18 child care centers in El-Dakahlia, El-Gharbia, and Damietta provinces in Northeast Egypt during March 2015 to April 2016. PCR and sequence analyses of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were used to detect and genotype E. bieneusi. Twenty-seven fecal samples (4.6%, 27/585) were positive for E. bieneusi. Five genotypes were identified, including type IV (n = 13), Peru8 (n = 9), Peru6 (n = 2), Peru11 (n = 2), and D (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the five genotypes of E. bieneusi detected in this study were clustered into zoonotic group 1. These data provide important information on the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in children in this country. Further epidemiological studies should be conducted to elucidate the role of zoonotic transmission in human E. bieneusi infections.

He Asossiation Of Prothrombin G20210 Gene Polymorphism And Risk of Thrombosis in B.Thalassemic Children in Egypt

he Asossiation Of Prothrombin G20210 Gene Polymorphism And Risk of Thrombosis in B.Thalassemic Children in Egypt

Quality-Quantity Tradeoff of Children in Egypt

Quality-Quantity Tradeoff of Children in Egypt

A study of risk factors contributing to the occurrence of excess weight with concurrent stunting in preschool children in Egypt

Background Many low-income to middle-income countries are facing the dual burden of undernutrition combined with overnutrition. The legacy of malnutrition, especially among preschool children, is a huge obstacle to overall national development, so the ultimate aim for all children is to be free of malnutrition in all forms. Aim To assess the prevalence of concurrent stunting and overweight/obesity (OW/OB) among preschool children in Itay Albarud City, El Beheira Governorate, Egypt, and to reveal risk factors associated with the condition. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 445 children aged less than 6 years in Itay Albarud, El Beheira, Egypt, during the academic year 2019/2020. Tools of the study were as follows: (a) a predesigned questionnaire containing sociodemographic data, feeding pattern, and health conditions of the child during infancy and childhood, and (b) weight and height measurement to calculate BMI for the child and parents. Results The prevalence of concurrent stunting and OW/OB was 2%. Concurrent stunting and OW/OB was more common in girls and children living in rural settlements (66.6%) than boys and urban ones (33.4%). Maternal age at child birth and nutritional status of mothers were also important factors contributing toward the condition. Conclusion This study showed a relatively high prevalence of concurrent stunting and OW/OB among preschool children (2%). Different factors seem to be predisposing to this problem, for example, sociodemographic factors, some acute and chronic diseases that affected the child, feeding pattern during infancy, and maternal nutritional status.

Egyptian HCPs’ awareness, attitudes and practice to SHS exposure among pregnant women and children

Abstract Background and aims Around half of Egyptian pregnant non-smoking women and children are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS), which cause serious morbidities. Health care professionals (HCPs) are well placed to help reduce SHS exposure by encouraging avoiding SHS. This study aimed to explore risk-awareness, attitudes and practice of HCPs in relation to SHS exposure among pregnant women and children in Egypt. Methods Cross-sectional survey of HCPs working in public maternal and child health clinics in Assiut city, Egypt. The survey included questions on risk-awareness, attitudes and counselling practice. Descriptive and regression analysis was performed to explore factors associated with high risk-awareness, supportive attitudes, and good counselling practice. Results 367 HCPs participated in the survey with the majority being nurses (45%) and gynaecologists/obstetricians (21%). 12.5% of HCPs were smokers, and considerable proportion of HCPs reported being exposed to SHS at workplace (70.3%) and at home (51.7%). Just over half of all HCPs (55.9%) had high SHS risk awareness. Speciality, serving urban communities, and home SHS exposure were significantly associated with high-risk awareness. 52.9% of HCPs had supportive attitude towards preventing SHS exposure. Being female, serving rural communities, home SHS exposure were significantly associated with supportive attitudes. Only 51.8% of HCPs reported good counselling practice, which was explaining SHS hazards and advising to avoid it. Being female, serving rural communities, not exposed to SHS at home, and previous training on smoking cessation service were significantly associated with good counselling practice. Conclusions HCPs' awareness, attitudes and practice regarding the risks of SHS to pregnant women and children in Egypt are at low levels. Training is required for HCPs to improve their knowledge and skills and be able to help pregnant women and children to avoid SHS exposure and reduce consequent health burden. Key messages HCPs’ awareness and practice regarding risks of SHS to pregnant women/children in Egypt are inadequate. HCPs’ training is essential to help pregnant women/children to avoid SHS and reduce health burden.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated risk factors among preschool and school children in Egypt.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the major public health problems globally, particularly in developing countries like Egypt. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence and risk factors associated with IPIs among preschool and school children in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 996 randomly selected preschool and school-aged children in Gharbia governorate during January to April 2018. Stool specimens were examined for the presence of the parasite by direct smear and the formol-ether concentration methods. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 46.2%. Entamoeba histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most predominant parasites (12.7% per each). This is followed by Enterobius vermicularis (8.6%), Giardia lamblia (7.1%), Cryptosporidium parvum (1.5%), Heterophyes heterophyes (1.4%), Hymenolepis nana (0.7%), Hookworms (0.6%), Fasciola hepatica (0.5%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.4%). Infected children with no symptoms (26.8%) were significantly (P < 0.001) more frequent than those with medical complaint (19.4%). Socio-demographic predictors of IPIs were preschool age (OR = 4.9; P < 0.001; 95%CI 3.3–7.3), living in rural dwellings (OR = 1.96; P < 0.001; 95%CI 1.5–2.5), and belonging to a low-income family (OR = 4.7; P < 0.001; 95%CI 2.3–9.3). The absence of safe drinking water, lack of hand washing (after soil contact, or before meals, or after toilet usage), and eating unwashed vegetables were risk factors for IPIs in the study region (OR = 1.3–6.9, P < 0.001 –P = 0.05). Higher odds for exposure to potential zoonotic parasites were evident in children with pets in their homes for G. lambia and D. caninum (OR = 2.1–8.3; P = 0.02 –P = 0.04), children having household reared ruminants for C. parvum (OR = 10.4; P < 0.001), and children that play with stray animals for E. histolytica and Hookworm (OR = 1.8–6.3; P = 0.04 –P = 0.05)compared to other children with no animal contact. The present study highlights the importance of periodic screening and treatment of IPIs in children, deworming companion animals, and public education for effective prevention of IPIs in children in Egypt.

Regional disparities in prevalence of obesity among school-aged children in Egypt: A country case study from The Eastern Mediterranean Region

Background: This study is a review of recent research conducted in Egypt on the problem of rising prevalence rates of obesity among school-aged children. Methods: The search was conducted in three phases. The key words used were obesity, overweight, school-aged children, and nutritional status specifically for Egyptians over the past decade (2010–2021). Online research sites and the libraries of the Egyptian universities of the eluc.org. websites were searched along with on-site visits to the libraries of thesis universities and other research institutes in Egypt, to obtain full research material. Finally, retrieved data were analyzed statistically. Results: The search identified 24 studies that covered 15 governorates and one national survey that covered 25 governorates. The prevalence of obesity in the pooled populations was 10.6%. Prevalence rates of obesity were highest in Lower Egypt (LE) (10.0%) and urban governorates (9.2%) compared to Upper Egypt (UE) governorates (6.3%, p&gt;0.05). Obesity in the children over 10 years was slightly higher among females in the urban (5.1%) and LE governorates (5.2%) compared to males (4.1 and 4.8%, respectively). However, it appeared higher in males (5.2%) compared to females (3.2%) in UE governorates (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Obesity in Egypt is rising and is related primarily to high consumption of unhealthy foods. Member states must take active steps to regulate marketing of unhealthy foods to children.

A review of the emerging pandemic of obesity in preschool children in Egypt: Exclusive breastfeeding is protective

Introduction: Early exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) without foods or formula milk (FM) is recommended for the first six months of life, for optimum growth and development. Aim: This study aims to review studies in Egypt on nutritional status of preschool children by type of feeding. Methods: A two staged study was done: First; research was obtained from the Egyptian university libraries consortium (www.eulc.edu) on overweight, obesity stunting, and wasting in preschool children. We filtered 18 thesis fitting the criteria of the study. Next, analysis was done to compare EBF versus FM. Results: Comparison of nutritional status of children aged 6–59 months among formula versus EBF was as follows: Overweight 5.4% versus 3.45%, obesity 13.8% versus 5.65%, stunting 21.6% versus 1.15%, and wasting 9.7% versus 0.85%, respectively. Obesity and overweight were higher in males, whereas stunting and wasting were higher in females irrespective of mode of feeding. Early and extended formula feeding, foods before 6 months of life, packed foods, canned drinks, and low activity are risk factors for obesity. Colostrum feeding, exclusive and longer duration of breastfeeding, healthy food intake, and fruits and vegetables are protective. Studies report that deficiency of micronutrients is common with obesity. Conclusions: Prolonged formula feeding and unhealthy food intake are risk factors for the emerging and growing problem of obesity. Policies and legislations are needed to encourage exclusive breastfeeding and control marketing of unhealthy foods.

Study of Xmn-I polymorphism in β-thalassemic children in Egypt

Background β-thalassemia (βT) has a wide spectrum of clinical severity that may be attributed to the wide variations in βT gene mutations. β-Globin mutations with the Xmn-I site might be associated with elevated fetal hemoglobin levels, which in turn may affect the severity of βT phenotype. Aim To investigate the frequency of Xmn-I polymorphism (−158 C&gt;T) among Egyptian children with βT, and to examine the relationship between Xmn-I polymorphism and βT phenotypes. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 112 βT patients (55 males and 57 females) with a mean age of 8.34±3.71 years (2–16 years). Laboratory investigations included complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, β-globin mutation, identification of Xmn-I polymorphism by two methods: PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism and amplification refractory mutation system. Results All patients (76 with βT major and 36 with βT intermedia) were negative for the Xmn-I SNP whether in homozygous (+/+) or heterozygous (+/−) state. Conclusion This study demonstrated that Xmn-I polymorphism was not detected in the studied patients and this supports the low frequency of this polymorphism in other Egyptian studies.

ASSESSMENT OF SENSORY INTEGRATIVE FUNCTION OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN In Egypt

ABSTRACT In elementary school children, the normally developed integrative function may be affected influencing the learning process, peer relationships, social interactions, and behaviors. This study was conducted to assess sensory integrative function in elementary school children in Egypt. Five hundred and twenty-three elementary school children without any neurological or developmental problems, ages from 5 to 10 years of both sexes, participated in this study. They were selected from different elementary schools in Giza, Egypt. Sensory integrative function was assessed by the sensory profile caregiver questionnaire. The findings revealed that, in the registration quadrant, 210 (40.2%) children were in the typical performance range. While in the seeking quadrant, 168 (32.1%) children were in typical performance range. Also, in the sensitivity quadrant, there were 267 (51.1%) in the typical performance range. Finally, in the avoiding quadrant, there were 303 (57.9%) in typical performance range. In all sections and quadrants, the scores of Egyptian children were lower than the scores of the American children except for the visual processing section which was higher. There was a statistically significant decrease in all sections and quadrants of the sensory profile in Egyptian and the American children except for the visual processing section which was significantly higher. However, all the sections and quadrants are considered to be within the typical performance range except for the visual processing section, the vestibular processing section, the modulation of visual input affecting emotional responses and activity level section, emotional/ social responses section, registration quadrant, and seeking quadrant, which may be due to social or environmental differences. Therefore, further studies with a national representative sample and with specific disability groups are needed to further validate the clinical use of the Sensory Profile in Egypt.

Etiology of diarrheal disease among children under 5 years in Egypt: a high incidence of human bocavirus

BackgroundHuman bocavirus (HBoV) is globally distributed and associated with respiratory and enteric infections. Limited data are available about the incidence of HBoV in Egyptian children. We aimed to investigate the association of HBoV genotypes in children with diarrheal disease and also to determine the possibility of HBoV co-infections with other human enteric pathogens.MethodsA total of 102 stool samples were collected from children under five years old with diarrhea. Samples were analyzed for the presence of HBoV by real-time PCR. HBoV positive samples were tested for adenovirus (AdV), rotavirus (RoV), parasitic helminths, and enteric protozoa.ResultsHBoV was detected in 58% of examined cases. HBoV-3 was the most prevalent genotype observed (44%; 45 of 102), followed by HBoV-2/4 (33%; 34 of 102) and HBoV-1 (30%; 31 of 102). Although the incidence of HBoV was higher in males (66.6%; 34 of 51) than females (49%; 25 of 51), the analysis showed no significant difference for HBoV between genders. The average HBoV concentrations were 5.3 × 104 GC/g in males and 1.03 × 105 GC/g in females. Among the HBoV-positive samples, the single infection of HBoV was 52.5% (31/59), while the co-infections with multiple viruses were found in 1.7% (1/59) for HBoV and AdV, 33.9% (20/59) for HBoV and RoV, and 11.9% (7/59) for HBoV, and RoV and AdV. No co-infection with parasitic helminths or enteric protozoa was found.ConclusionsThe single infection of HBoV in some children suffering from acute gastroenteritis indicated that HBoV could be the main etiologic agent of the disease. The study highlights the high incidence of HBoVs genotypes with remarkable multiple co-infections in the pre-school children in Egypt.

Children are victims of industrialization and commercialization of early feeding practices: A review of obesity in preschool children in Egypt

Introduction: Obesity Is Global Problem Which Begins From Early Childhood. Early Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) without foods or Milk Formula (MF) before 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for two years are optimal feeding practices. Aim: To review studies conducted to assess the nutritional status of preschool children with a focus on obesity and stunting and their association with EBF vs MF feeding. Methods: We used online search engines of the Egyptian university libraries consortium (www.eulc.edu) to search for studies on overweight, obesity stunting and wasting in preschool children. We identified 919 theses that were filtered to 32 studies then to 18 theses fitting the criteria of the study. Analysis of the pooled data was done for the studies with children who were EBF (2 studies) vs children who were exposed to MF (16 studies) by age and sex. Findings: Pooled analysis for children aged 6-59 months among MF vs. EBF studies as follows: overweight 5.4% vs. 3.45%, obesity 13.8% vs. 5.65%, stunting 21.6% vs. 1.15% and wasting 9.7% vs. 0.85% respectively. Obesity and overweight were higher in males in both studies, whereas stunting and wasting were higher in females in both studies (ages 0-72 months). Early and extended MF feeding, foods before 6 months of life, chips and canned drinks were prominent risk factors for obesity. Large family size was associated with obesity and short birth interval with stunting. Colostrum feeding, longer duration of breastfeeding, fruits and vegetables were protective. Obese children showed clinical signs of anemia, vitamin A and D deficiency, severe asthma and developmental delay. Conclusions: Obesity and MF feeding beyond 6 months and well into 5 years of age threaten child health. Policies and legislations are needed to control, counter and monitor marketing tactics supported by guiding messages. Keywords: Obesity; overweight; stunting; wasting; fast foods; breastfeeding; birth spacing; child development; infancy; preschool children; anthropometry; growth.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and related isolation measures on violence against children in Egypt

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related isolation measures have substantial adverse economic, social, and psychological consequences and expose children to increased risk of violence. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on violence against children in Egypt.MethodsAn online survey, in Arabic, was disseminated during the period from 9 to 13 April 2020, to parents of children who were up to 18 years old residing in Egypt, selected using a snowball sampling technique, during the period from 25 March to 8 April during the implementation of the nationwide compulsory isolation measures against COVID-19 (25 March to 8 April 2020). The survey covered three areas: socio-demographic data, psychological impact measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and violence against children during the past 2 weeks measured using a modified parent-report of a child abuse screening tool (ICAST-P) developed by the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.ResultsOut of 1118 completed survey responses, 90.5% of children were subjected to violent discipline, 88.7% experienced psychological aggression, and 43.2% encountered severe physical punishment. Approximately 60% of respondents reported a moderate-to-severe psychological impact (IES-R scores ≥ 33), which was associated with a higher rate of violent discipline (OR: 9.3; 95% CI: 5.37–16.027; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis is the first study in Egypt to provide evidence on the association of COVID-19 pandemic, its psychological impact, and increased rates of violence against children. Effective multilevel strategies are urgently required to protect children from violence and its catastrophic consequences during the continually evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Validation of an Arabic listening inventory for the Education of Deaf Children in Egypt

ABSTRACT The academic achievement of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students depends on the interaction of many factors, including student and family characteristics and experiences inside and outside school. Several questionnaires have previously been designed for evaluating the listening skills of deaf English-speaking children in school environments. This study's objective was to validate an Arabic questionnaire to evaluate deaf Egyptian Arabic-speaking children's listening skills. The Arabic questionnaire for listening skills in the school environment was adapted by translating items from an English questionnaire into Arabic. The questionnaire was administered to 70 Arabic-speaking Egyptian children 7–12 years, including 30 children with typical hearing, 30 deaf children fitted with hearing aids, and ten deaf children with cochlear implants. Typical hearing children demonstrated the best performance with a non-significant difference between children who use cochlear implants and hearing aids. The degree of hearing loss and language therapy duration were the best predictors of deaf Egyptian children's listening skills. The adapted Arabic questionnaire is a valid and reliable functional assessment tool that can be used to evaluate and monitor Arabic-speaking deaf students’ listening skills in the school environment.

Development of a Decision-Making Approach for Mass Deworming Campaigns on Intestinal Parasites among Primary School Children in Egypt

Intestinal parasitic infections are widespread and cause considerable morbidity. Although mortality from such infections is low, most intestinal parasitic infections interfere with nutrition, growth, development and cognitive progress of children, in addition to interference with productivity and quality of life of adults.&#x0D; &#x0D; Study Aim: Reduction of intestinal parasites prevalence among primary school children.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: this is a three-phased study;&#x0D; &#x0D; Desk review on current prevention and control methods including mass deworming in the light of global guidelines.&#x0D; Cross-sectional field study on 522 school children from 8 Governorates, and interviews with 168 members of the health team running the deworming campaign at these Governorates in 2017.&#x0D; Development of decision making approach to guide future consideration of mass deworming campaigns&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Results:&#x0D; National mass deworming campaigns were effective in reducing prevalence of intestinal worms among primary school children in Egypt, and provided a nationwide awareness on the issue. However, unless these campaigns are combined with sustainable measures of clean drinking water, sewage disposal in schools and households the success of these campaigns in reducing intestinal worms' prevalence will be transient.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion and Recommendations:&#x0D; The national mass deworming campaigns ranged an alarm bell in the community about dangers of intestinal parasites. However, it's recommended to include other susceptible groups like preschool children, adolescent girls and women of childbearing age while focusing the deworming only on infected individuals. It's also recommended to convert the deworming campaigns into a program to ensure sustainability of resources and continuous monitoring and evaluation of intestinal parasitic burden among populations at risk.&#x0D; &#x0D; Key Words:&#x0D; Intestinal Parasites – Primary School Children – Mass Deworming Campaigns – Egypt

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Anemic School-Age Children in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study

AbstractAnemia and Helicobacter pylori infection in school-age children are important public health problems. The association between H. pylori infection and the development of anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, has been previously studied and until now it is still a matter of argument. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and H. pylori infection among school-age children and to find the association between H. pylori infection and anemia in school-age children. We conducted this population-based cross-sectional study in six Egyptian primary schools over a 12-month-period, including 1,200 students from all grades who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The study participants were subjected to the following: medical history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations included complete blood count and H. pylori antigen in stool, and according to the level of hemoglobin (Hb), we divided the students into two groups; the anemic group with Hb level &lt;11.5 g/dL and nonanemic group with Hb level ≥11.5 g/dL, and the serum ferritin levels were measured only for the anemic group as the best indicator for iron status. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 25%. The overall prevalence of anemia was 13.25%, of which hypochromic microcytic anemia represented 87.4% of the anemic group, and the mean ferritin level in the anemic group was 18.56 ± 9.96 ng/mL. The prevalence of anemia among H. pylori-infected patients (62.3%) was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) higher than in noninfected children (37.7%). In the anemic group, the mean ferritin level in H. pylori-infected children was significantly lower than the mean level in the noninfected children (p &lt;0.001). Furthermore, the anemic group had a significantly higher incidence of H. pylori infection and a lower age (p &lt;0.001) in comparison with the nonanemic group. The dominant type of anemia in H. pylori-infected children was the microcytic hypochromic anemia, with a significantly higher incidence in comparison to other types of anemia (p &lt;0.001). The findings of this study demonstrate a significant association between H. pylori infection and anemia in school-aged children, especially iron deficiency anemia, as the incidence of H. pylori infection was greater in anemic children than in non-anemic children.

COVID-19 Quarantine Measures and Its Impact on Pattern of Life of School Children

Background: Although the physical effects of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic have become largely known, the psychological effects are still unknown. Objective: to investigate physical and psychological impact of quarantine measures among school children in Egypt. Methodology: This study investigated the impact of lockdown measures on eating, sleeping, mood and behavior of school children using online survey. Results: Total participants were 1507, aged between 6 to 14 years, private schools’ students represented 60% of responders. 96.4% had changes in sleeping pattern, 77.8% had changes in eating pattern, 21.7% showed worries about general health condition, 70.5% had mood and behavioral changes especially aggressive behavior and finally, 37.3% had problems in concentration and focusing. Sociodemographic factors significantly affected sleeping of children during quarantine. Males were more affected considering bed time, 77.8 % of those returned to bed wetting were girls, the most affected age group was 8 -10 years old , urban residents and the first ordered child were the most affected. Changes of eating pattern were more common among females, within the age group 8-10 years, first ordered child of families with sufficient monthly income. Those having one or both of his/her parents is a health care worker were significantly affected and had more worries about health. Finally, sex was the only factor affecting behavioral changes (male more than females). Conclusion: COVID-19 has a notable impact on eating, sleeping patterns as well as mood and behavior of the children.

Determinants of severe physical disciplinary practices against children in Egypt

BackgroundAlthough nearly 43 % of Egyptian children aged less than 14 years had ever experienced severe physical violent punishment at home, no previous studies identified the predictors of the practice in Egypt. ObjectiveThis research aims at identifying the determinants of the use of any severe violent physical practice to discipline children. Participants and settingThe latest national Egyptian Demographic and Health Survey is the main source of data. The caregivers of 13024 children were interviewed. MethodsA binary logistic regression model is developed to identify the determinants of the use of severe physical disciplinary practices. ResultsResults show that children whose parents believe that physical punishment is necessary to discipline children are more likely to experience severe violence (OR = 3.3). Children in the preprimary stage have a high odds ratio of experiencing a severe violent punishment compared to those in preparatory and secondary stages (OR = 3.5). Children whose mothers have experienced domestic physical violence are more likely to be subject to severe physical violence (OR = 1.6 for husband violence, and 1.4 for parents/siblings violence). Children living in Urban Lower Egypt are approximately twice likely as children living in urban governorates to be subject to severe physical violence. Children living in the poorest households are the most likely to experience severe physical violence. ConclusionSevere violent disciplinary practice inside the home is common in Egypt. The findings urge for activating Egyptian Child Law and implementing continuous training programs for parents on positive parenting.

Characterization of biofilm formation, pyocyanin production, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms in drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from children in Egypt

Children can be exposed to more bacterial infections, which has become of importance, especially when bacteria resist many of the antibiotics used today. Twelve Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were collected and identified. Antibiotic sensitivity testing, biofilm formation, and pyocyanin production were evaluated. A cluster analysis was performed. Phenotypic and genotypic detection of efflux pump activity and Metallo-β Lactamase (MβLs) resistance mechanisms were studied. A marked resistance (100%) resulted toward antibiotics including cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, and meropenem. Imipenem and amikacin antibiotics showed sensitivity percentages of 41.7 and 33.3, respectively. 66.7% were able to form a biofilm at which they were categorized as moderate (25%) and weak (41.7%). Phenotypically, 41.67% of the isolates were MBL metallo-β-lactamase-positive, but genotypically, blaVIM gene was detected only in one isolate, while blaIMP was not detected in any isolate. MexR and MexZ genes were detected in all isolates (100%). NfxB gene and MexT gene were found in 27.27% and 45.45% of isolates, respectively. All the efflux genes were found collectively in three isolates. This study highlights the occurrence of antibiotic resistance, besides the production of important virulence factors (biofilm formation and pyocyanin production). Also, the gene occurrence of antibiotic resistance mechanisms was reported among our P. aeruginosa. This virulent bacterial behavior is alarming which needs attention to the way we use antibiotics.