Mansoura District Research Articles

Screening intelligence of primary school children using 'draw-a-person test' in Mansoura district, Al Dakahlia Governorate

Objective The aim was to screen the intelligence level among primary school children using 'draw-a-person (DAP) test' in Dakahlia Governorate. Background For more than 100 years, clinicians and psychologists have studied children's drawing as a measure of one's cognitive ability. In 1926, Florence Goodenough developed a drawing test called the DAP test. The DAP test consists of having a child draw -a whole person on a piece of paper that is scored via a list of items that are commonly present in the drawings. It showed that a child's drawing is a reflection of one's intellectual skills and development. Participants and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1012 of apparently healthy primary school children aged from 6 to 12 years in Mansoura district, Dakahlia Governorat from October 2015 to February 2016. Mansoura district includes 157 primary schools, of which three schools are in the central area including 1006 students, 75 schools in Mansoura east administration including 23 439 students, and 80 schools in Mansoua west administration including 27 630 students. The total number of students chosen was 1012 distributed to 32 schools, out of which 20 schools were in rural areas and 10 schools were in urban areas. All of them are governmental primary schools. No language schools and none of them received specific qualified drawing lessons. Children with hearing loss or mental disability were not included as they have separate nonincluded schools. Some students with physical disability not affecting the test were included, for example polio. All students in the study were subjected to an adequate assessment of history, full clinical examination, socioeconomic level, school achievement, and also subjected to DAP test. Results The study showed that children with superior intelligence represented 10.9%, those with average intelligence 69.2%, and with borderline intellectual function 17.3%, and children with mild mental retardation 2.7%. Also positive correlations were found between intelligence quotient (IQ) levels and socioeconomic standards, school achievement, residence, and BMI. There was no correlation between IQ levels and children's sex. Conclusion IQ levels obtained by DAP test were positively correlated with socioeconomic standards, BMI, residence, and school achievement. No correlation was found between IQ levels and sex.

Prevalence and predictors of physical activity among community-dwelling older adults in Mansoura, Egypt

Introduction: Older people represent a growing proportion of the population who often suffer from multiple diseases and disabilities. Hence physical activity is required to maintain body function and strength. Aims: This study aims to describe the pattern of physical activity of community-dwelling older adults (60 years and more) and its associated factors in Mansoura, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in both urban and rural areas of Mansoura District, Egypt. Self-reported data were collected form a representative sample of 671 participants at their homes. International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form was used to assess physical activity. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of physical activity. P„T0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Results showed that 71.2% of participants had low physical activity level. Higher physical activity level was associated with male gender; normal weight; younger age; and current work with Adjusted Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) of 4.2(2.3-7.6); 3.1(1.8-5.3); 2.4(1.4-4.4); 2.8(1.8-4.2); respectively. The use of assistive devices, the presence cardiac disease, or musculoskeletal disease were associated with lower physical activity level with Adjusted Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) of 0.3(0.2-0.5), 0.3(0.2-0.6) and 0.3(0.2-0.5); respectively. Conclusion: These findings should draw attention of decision makers to the magnitude of the problem and might help them develop a tailored intervention to tackle physical inactivity.

Maternal work and exclusive breastfeeding in Mansoura, Egypt.

Working mothers face unique barriers to breastfeeding, despite the compelling evidence of its benefits. The aim of this study was to describe exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate of working mothers and associated factors. Cross-sectional study was carried out in Mansoura District, Egypt from 1 July to 31 December 2017 among working mothers attending health care facilities for vaccinating their infants aged 6 months. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering sociodemographic and occupational data; breastfeeding supportive workplace facilities; antenatal and natal care; infant's data; and EBF practice. EBF rate was 14.1%. Independent predictors were being still on work leave, return to work 4 months after childbirth, working as farmer/manual worker and in trades and business, and being self/family employed. EBF rate is low among working mothers. There is a need to extend maternity leave and provide promoting workplace facilities.

Improving the Efficiency of GF-120 Baits in Attracting BactroceraZonata by Adding Ammonium Compounds with Particular Emphasis on pH level

The peach fruit fly, Bactrocerazonata (Saunders) is a serious pest attacking a wide range of fruits. Field experiments were carried out, at Mansoura district, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt to evaluate the efficiency of di- ammonium phosphate, ammonium carbonate and ammonium acetate in enhancing GF-120, as insecticidal bait, for B. zonata based on their pH level under high and low population levels of B. zonata. Results showed that di-ammonium phosphate enhanced the attractiveness of GF-120 the most, followed by ammonium carbonate and ammonium acetate. Without adding any of the ammonium compounds to the GF-120 bait, the bait attracted the fewest B. zonata flies regardless of population levels. As the concentrations of ammonium compounds increased, the pH-level increased as well in the prepared GF-120 solutions, resulting in increased numbers of B. zonata flies captured. In contrast to males, females of B. zonata were more responsive to increase concentrations of the three ammonium compounds tested. Accordingly, all treatments attracted females more than males. The sex ratio (as number of attracted females per one male) was generally higher under low than high fly population levels.

Depression and its associated factors among elderly: A community-based study in Egypt

BackgroundDepression among the elderly constitutes a major public health concern that attracts worldwide attention. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among community dwelling elderly. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytic component was carried out in both urban and rural areas of Mansoura District during the period from October 1 to December 31, 2016. The target population is elderly aged 60 years or more of both genders. A total sample of 487 elderly was selected by systematic random sample from family files kept at Family Health Units. The response rate was 97.9%. ResultsThe overall prevalence of depression was 44.4%. Urban residence, insomnia, being a woman, life stressors, disturbed marital life, dependent old adults and absence of religiosity are the main independent predictors of depression among elder people. ConclusionsThis study provide an alarming signal for health professionals and health policy maker in Egypt for the need of a better recognition of depressive symptoms in elderly.

Mothers’ teething beliefs and treatment practices in Mansoura, Egypt

ObjectivesTo reveal mothers’ beliefs about signs and symptoms associated with teething and their treatment practices.Population and methodsA cross-sectional study done in Mansoura District on 457 mothers and their children with one or more erupted teeth. Mothers were interviewed during vaccination session at 25 chosen health facilities. Mothers were asked whether they agree or disagree about 24 signs and symptoms claimed to be associated with teething.ResultsOnly 1.8% reported no symptoms at the time of teething. Majority had correct knowledge related to bite fingers/objects (70.5%) and drooling (60.0%). Inaccurate knowledge was reported as gum rubbing (42.0%), gum swelling (47.0%), diarrhea (51.0%), fever (83.2%) and weight loss (46.0%). Only 16.8% of mothers have good knowledge about teething problems. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent predictors of good knowledge are higher education (AOR = 3.7), urban residence (AOR = 2.5) and having a first-born child (AOR = 5.5). Only 13.4% of mothers did not give any treatment for teething problems. Antipyretics and antibiotics were the most frequently given treatments (71.3%, and 24.3%; respectively).ConclusionsThe majorities of mothers had low knowledge about teething problems and gave unnecessary treatments.

Prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors among rural elderly: a community based study

Background: Insomnia is a common problem among older adults and can lead to several complications affecting the quality of life of elderly people.Aim: To estimate the prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors among community-dwelling elderly.Study design: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on 1059 elderly living in three villages affiliated to Mansoura District, Egypt. Data collected during an interview included: socio-demographic and clinical features, habits before sleeping, environmental factors that could affect sleeping, the geriatric depression scale and Athens insomnia scale. Logistic regression analysis was done to find out the independent predictors of insomnia.Results: The prevalence of insomnia was 62.1%. The logistic regression revealed that insomnia is less likely among elderly of 75 and more (AOR=0.3) compared to those aged 60-75 years. The risk of insomnia is high among those with depression (AOR=6.4 and 14.6 for mild and moderate/severe depression; respectively), fear of death (AOR=14.7), life stressors (AOR=7.1), presence of musculoskeletal disorders (AOR=5.6), respiratory disorders (AOR=4.5), worry about children (AOR=4.5) and cold bedroom (AOR=2.7).Conclusion: Slightly less than two-thirds of the studied subjects have insomnia, and most of the associated factors are preventable and/or controllable.Recommendations: According to the results of the present study, the following recommendations are suggested: Design educational program for elders to enhance sleep through emphasizing on the importance of sleep hygiene practice, behavioral and non-pharmacological interventions, and healthy lifestyle.

Effect of bronchial asthma education program on asthma control among adults at Mansoura district

BackgroundBronchial asthma is one of the most common causes for intensive care units visits and admission for medical seeks each year (Arts, 2013). Proper education programs for asthma are necessary to increase asthma knowledge and asthma control. Aim and objectivesThis study aimed to improve bronchial asthma control in all patients in family health care units. This study planned and implemented the bronchial asthma educational program and evaluated the level of asthma symptoms control after education program among adult asthmatic patients. Patients and methodsThe Short term intervention study was carried out at 7 accredited family health care units at Mansoura district from February 2016 to July 2016. Eighty-four patients (45 females and 39 males) chosen by systematic random technique and already diagnosed bronchial asthma, were included in this study. Intervention analysis were done consisting of sessions of education for each group of patients at their family health care unit. Asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) was obtained every 2weeks for 3months. ResultsThe study included 84 asthmatic patients their mean age was 37years old, (72.7%) had moderate asthma. The educational intervention significantly improved the level of asthma knowledge and level of asthma control (p<0.001), has led to fewer visits to the emergency room, hospitalization and referral to specialist (p<0.001). ConclusionAsthma education provided by the family physicians is needed to improve symptoms control and to increase the level of asthma knowledge in adult patients with mild to moderate asthma.

EFFECT OF N, P AND CU FERTILIZATION ON ONION YIELD, QUALITY AND NUTRIENTS UPTAKE

A pot experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University during the winter season of 2013/2014 to investigate the effect of phosphorus, nitrogen and copper fertilization on yield and nutrients uptake of onion (Allium cepa L.).The experiment was carried out in factorial experiment in complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications. The obtained results could be summarized as the following: - Fertilizing onion plants with the highest level of phosphorus fertilizer (100 kg P2O5 fed-1) produced the highest values of all studied characters in the season. - Application of the highest level of nitrogen fertilizer (150 kg N fed-1) produced the highest values of yield, quality and nutrients uptake characters of onion in the season. - Foliar spraying of onion plants with Cu at rate of 50 ppm significantly surpassed control treatment (without spraying with Cu) and produced the highest values of all studied characters in the season. It can be concluded that fertilizing onion plants with 100 kg P2O5 fed-1 and 150 kg N fed-1 in addition to foliar spraying with 50 ppm Cu in the form of CuSO4 at three times in order to maximizing its yield, quality and nutrients uptake under the environmental conditions of Mansoura district, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

FARM WORKERS KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING HAZARDS OF PESTICIDES

Background: Pesticides are major contaminant of our environment that is associated with higher risk of acute and chronic health effects. Pesticides are the most economical approach to control various pests. Farm workers are exposed to pesticides during handling. Most of farm workers have insufficient level of knowledge regarding pesticide use. They are seriously unaware of real pesticide risks. Identification of their knowledge, and practice would provide guidance for actions that increase their adherence to safe handling of pesticides. Aim of the study: To investigate the knowledge and practice of farm workers about pesticides hazards, and proper protection. Methods: Cross sectional design was used in this study. The study was conducted at 8 villages of Mansoura district at Dakahlia governorate. The sample size was 127 farm workers. Three structured interview sheets were used in data collection. Results: (58.2%) of the study group aged from 30 years to less than 50 years, and more than half of them were illiterate. Most of farm workers showed poor score level of knowledge related to pesticide effects; and preventive measures, as well as safe pesticides handling. Conclusion: In conclusion, the majority of farm workers are at serious risk due to heavy and unprotected exposure to pesticides. Their poor level of knowledge regarding pesticide hazards, exposure routes, and effects on human would play a crucial role in their unsafe handling of pesticides.

Knowledge, Attitude and Beliefs of Caregivers of Children below 2 Years of Age towards Immunization

Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitude and beliefs of children below 2 years' caregivers towards immunization in an Egyptian community, to detect of the underlying causes of vaccination delay, and to determine their satisfaction regarding aspects of care. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out on caregivers attending immunization setting in 5 urban and rural health facilities in Mansoura district, Egypt. They fill the questionnaire that asks about, Socio-demographic characteristics and different factors related to their attitude towards immunization. Results: The study included 1000 caregiver in the study. We found that no caregiver refused to immunize his children and 10% only delayed their immunization which was mainly due to deficient information about the importance of vaccination. Caregivers who delayed vaccines compared with caregivers who regularly vaccinated their children were Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(14): 2757-2767, 2014 2758 less likely to believe that vaccines are necessary to protect the health of children (91% vs. 99.3%, p<0.001), that their child might get a disease if they aren’t vaccinated(72% vs.83.3%, p<0.001), to read and watch stories about health (93% vs.100%, p<0.001), to agree with the statement, “vaccines are safe” (85% vs. 100%, p<0.001), to believe that they had a good relationship with their child’s health-care provider, (85% vs. 100%, p<0.001). At the same time, they reported lower satisfaction regarding different aspects of care except for insurances of proper vaccine administration. Conclusion: Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions. Uptake of vaccination services is dependent not only on the quality of these services but also on other factors including knowledge and attitude of the parents. In this study we found that no one refused to immunize his children and the frequency of delayed vaccination was 10%. This delay was mainly due to insufficient information about the importance of vaccination, child illness, negative knowledge about the vaccines and vaccine deficiency. Health education programs is needed to explain different vaccines related worry together with improving different aspects of care that enhances caregivers satisfaction.

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE, RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND SOME BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS ON PARASITOIDS PERFORMANCE AGSINST OLEANDER APHID, APHIS NERII BOYER DE FONSCOLOMBE (HOMOPTERA, APHIDIDAE)

The study was performed to declare the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the population density of Aphis nerii, and the parasitoids, Diaeretiella rapae and Aphidius sp. at two districts, Zagazig and Mansoura (Sharkia and Dakahlia Governorates, respectively) throughout two seasons, 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 on Difla plants. The results indicated a highly significant positive correlation between temperature and population density of A. nerii in the second seasons at the two districts, while relative humidity showed negative significant at Mansoura district in the last season. On the other hand, the data cleared highly significant correlation between temperature and D. rapae during the two seasons at the two districts. Results indicated a highly negative significant between temperature and Aphidius sp at Mansoura district during two seasons. A significant negative correlation was obtained between the two parasitoids, D. rapae & Aphidius sp and A. nerii during two seasons at two districts. The parasitoid, D. rapae accepted the stages of oleander aphid, A. nerii, with average number of mummies per female parasitoid 64.2. Results indicated insignificant effect on incubation period of eggs, larval and pupal durations between the two parasitoids, D. rapae and Aphidius sp., but the total developmental period of two parasitoids had a significant effect on A. nerii, the averages were 19.38±0.57 and 22.09±0.54 with D. rapae and Aphidius sp., respectively. The work showed that leaf -arrival time decreased with increasing host density. Meanwhile, the first sting-time, numbers of oviposition and mummies increased with increasing host density.

SURVEY THE NEUROPTEROUS PREDATORS AND THE RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF Chrysoperla carnea (STEPH.) AND Chrysopa septempunctata WESM. BY USING A LIGHT TRAP AT MANSOURA DISTRICT

A survey of certain neuropterous predators and the relative abundance of the important neuropterous predatory insects were studied by using a light trap during two successive years at Mansoura district. The obtained results recorded four neuropteruos predators trapped during the two years of study. These species belonging to two families : Chrysopidae and Myrmeleonidae. These predators were namely: Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) ; Chrysopa septempunctata Wesm.; Cueta variegata Klug. and Palpares cephalotes Klug. The dominant species was C. carnea during the two years of investigation. The data showed that C. carnea had six peaks in the first year and five peaks in the second year of study. These peaks were recorded in the fourth week of March; fourth week of April; first week of June; third week of July; third week of August and second week of October; while in the second year these peaks were recorded in the first week of April; first week of June , first week of July, first week of August and fourth week of September, respectively. The obtained data revealed that C. septempunctata had four peaks in the first years and three peaks in the second years. These peaks were recorded in the first week of June, third week of July, fourth week of August and second week of October, respectively in the first year, Meanwhile, these peaks were found in the second year of study, in the first week June, first week of July and fourth week of August. The statistical analysis assured that, there was a highly positive significant correlations between the biweekly catch of C. carnea and C. septempunctata and temperature parameters during the two years of study. While, the relative humidity parameters had insignificant effect on the population density of the two predators during the two years of investigations.

THE EFFICACY OF SOME VOLATILE OIL EXTRACTS AS OLFACTORY STIMULI TO THE FRUIT FLIES, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) AND Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera : Tephritidae)

The experiments were carried out in guava orchard at Mansoura district, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Eight different plant oil extracts [olive, orange, peppermint, basil, clove (Egyptian & French), parsley and black cumin] were bioassayed as attractants for the tephritids, B. zonata and C. capitata males and females. B. zonata males and females as well as C. capitata females showed no response to all the tested oils. C. capitata males exhibited a significantly positive response to French and Egyptian clove oils; while it had no response to olive, basil, parsley and black cumin oils. The residual effectiveness of Egyptian and French clove oils were lost after nine days of exposure. Comparative study between prepared (local) and imported methyl eugenol was evaluated for 72 successive days. Statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences between the local and imported methyl eugenol after 6, 12 and 18 days only. So, the local methyl eugenol traps may be used as a valuable tool in monitoring B. zonata. The attractiveness of B. zonata males to felt and plant fibers blocks (with different thickness) saturated with methyl eugenol was evaluated. The felt blocks captured the highest number of B. zonata males in comparison with those of plant fibers. The efficiency of plant fiber blocks was significantly affected by block thickness; while felt blocks did not affected by thickness.

Population density of cereal aphids parasitoids and their rolein suppressing cereal aphids on wheat plantations at Mansoura district

Experiments were carried out in wheat fields of Economic Entomology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura‐University, during two successive seasons 1997 and 1998. The cereal aphids, Schizaphis graminum (Rond.), Sitobion avenae (Fabr.), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch.) are the serious pests of the wheat crop at Mansoura district. Four hymenopterous parasitoid species, namely Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luz., Aphidius matricariae Hal., Praon gallicum Hal. and Aphidius rhopalosiphi De Stefani, were recorded as primary parasitoids on the cereal aphid species. The numbers and ratios of these species were as follows: A. uzbekistanicus 516 individuals (40.8%) in 1997 and 488 individuals (44.2%) in 1998, A. matricariae 350 individuals (27.6%) in 1997 and 286 individuals (25.9%) in 1998, Praon gallicum 231 individuals (18.3%) in 1997 and 192 individuals (17.4%) in 1998, A. rhopalosiphi 168 individuals (13.3%) in 1997 and 139 individuals (12.6%) in 1998. The dominant aphid parasitoids species among them was A. uzbekistanicus during the two seasons of study.

Efficiency of Scutellista cyanea Motsch. (Hym., Pteromalidae) and Tetrastichus cetoplastae (Gir.) (Hym., Eulophidae) in population suppression of Ceroplastes rusci L (Hom., Coccidae)

AbstractStudies on the relationship between the population fluctuations of the wax scale, C. rusci L., and its parasites on quince trees were carried out in the Mansoura district for a whole year starting April, 1993 until March, 1994. Two annual generations of C. rusci were recorded, the summer one from April to September and the winter one from September to the next April. The two hymenopterous parasites, C. cyanea Motsch. (Pteromalidae) and Tetrastichus ceroplastae (Gir.) (Eulophidae) emerged from C. rusci. The highest monthly percentages of parasitism with S. cyanea (15.6%) and T. ceroplastae (30%) were recorded in September and November, respectively. The rate of parasitism induced by the two parasites together reached its peak (33.4%) in September. The results assured the important role of these parasites as biotic mortality factors against the populations of C. rusci in Egypt.

Adaptation of Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) (Col., Coccinellidae) to Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas) (Hom., Margrodidae) as compared with Icerya purchasi Mask

AbstractThe Coccinellid beetle, Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant), was introduced into Egypt in 1902 to control Icerya purchasi Mask. Developmental stages of R. cardinalis have been found to be associated with populations of Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas) on Ficus nitida trees in the Mansoura district of Egypt. The present work throws more light on the adaptation of this predator when feeding on Icerya aegyptiaca as compared with feeding on I. purchasi. Choice of prey type was found to have a marked effect on egg coloration but appears to have no effect on hatching success or incubation period. The development of R. cardinalis larvae when reared in culture on I. aegyptiaca was significantly faster than that fed on I. purchasi. The fecundity of R. cardinalis females was not affected by the prey type consumed as adults, and although the longevity of males and females was shorter in association with I. purchasi, this difference was not significant. The results indicate that R. cardinalis is well adapted to I. aegyptiaca in Egypt.