Women In Alexandria Research Articles

Detection of toxoplasmosis in aborted women in Alexandria, Egypt using ELISA and PCR.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection that can be acquired through the ingestion of tissue cysts in poorly cooked meat, and/or oblivious intake of sporulated oocysts in cat faeces, and transplacental. The infection in pregnant women is mainly asymptomatic. It produces abortion or congenital infection. The present study aimed to test the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on placental tissues in comparison to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect infections with Toxoplasma gondii in aborted women presented to Al-Shatby Maternity Hospital, Alexandria University, Egypt. Specific Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM were detected in serum by ELISA. Placental tissues from each participant were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR amplification. It was found that overall seroprevalence was 73%, DNA was detected in placenta tissues by using PCR analysis in 46% of cases. {× 2 (p) 18.124(< 0.001)}. Toxoplasma IgG/IgM by ELISA was positive in 23% of the cases, 20% showed amplified DNA by PCR. Positive IgG without IgM was seen in 27% cases, only 2% of them were positive by PCR. Moreover, positive PCR among positive ELISA IgM aborted women was 21 of the 23 cases. Positive PCR was obtained in three seronegative women. Our results showed that PCR sensitivity was 58.90 specificity 88.89, positive predictive value was 93.48%, and negative predictive value 44.44%. Although ELISA assay is still the gold standard of diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, other diagnostic modalities are highly required particularly in those ELISA seronegative cases. PCR can be used as a sensitive and precise modality.

Knowledge and health beliefs of reproductive-age women in Alexandria about tetanus toxoid immunization

BackgroundMaternal neonatal tetanus is a substantial public health problem in many developing countries. In 2017, nearly, 30,848 newborns died of neonatal tetanus; thus, high immunization coverage remains a necessity. This study aims to assess knowledge and health beliefs of reproductive-age women in Alexandria about tetanus toxoid immunization.MethodsA cross-section survey of 700 females attending health offices in Alexandria was done using an interview questionnaire to collect data regarding women’s knowledge and beliefs about tetanus toxoid vaccine (TTV) and maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT). Nine health offices were selected using multi-stage random sampling.ResultsMost of studied women (83.6%) had poor knowledge of MNT and TTV. The highest percentage of women had low perception of susceptibility to MNT (48.0%), moderate perception of severity of MNT (57.4%) and barriers to TTV (58.9%), high perception of benefits of TTV (86.6%), and high self-efficacy in taking the vaccine (76.2%). Less than one-third of the sampled women (27.7%) were immune by (TT2+). Logistic regression models showed that the place of antenatal care, level of knowledge, perceived barriers, and socio-economic level were significant predictors of immunity status (p = 0.008, p = 0.032, p = 0.011, and p = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionWomen lacked information about MNT/TTV and may even have been discouraged by their private obstetricians from taking the vaccine. Perceived barriers to receiving tetanus toxoid vaccination were shown to be an important predictor of immunization behavior

Iodine Content in Commonly Consumed Egyptian Foods and Its Dietary Intake among Pregnant Women in Alexandria

Iodine Content in Commonly Consumed Egyptian Foods and Its Dietary Intake among Pregnant Women in Alexandria

Group B streptococcal carriage, antimicrobial susceptibility, and virulence related genes among pregnant women in Alexandria, Egypt

Background and aimGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) has emerged as a leading cause of illness and death among neonates. The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of recto-vaginal carriage of GBS among pregnant women at 35–37weeks, gestation, to describe GBS antimicrobial susceptibility profile and to investigate selected virulence genes by PCR. Subjects and methodsTwo-hundred pregnant women at 35–37weeks of gestation attending antenatal clinic at Al-Shatby University Hospital were enrolled in the study. Both vaginal and rectal swabs were collected from each subject. Swabs were inoculated onto CHROMagar™ StrepB and sheep blood agar plates. All GBS isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disc diffusion. Disc approximation test was performed to detect erythromycin resistance phenotype (MLSB). GBS virulence genes scpB, bac, bca, and rib were identified by PCR. ResultsAmong the 200 pregnant women, 53 (26.5%) were identified as GBS carriers. All carriers had vaginal colonization (100%), four (7.5%) had combined recto-vaginal colonization. None of the carriers had rectal colonization alone. All isolates (100%) were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefepime, vancomycin, and linezolid. On the other hand, 43.4%, 28.3%, 22.6%, and 15% of isolates were resistant to levofloxacin, azithromycin, erythromycin, and clindamycin respectively. Out of 12 erythromycin resistant isolates, six isolates had constitutive while two had inducible MLSB resistance. scpB was identified in 100%, rib in 79.2%, and bac in 35.8% of GBS isolates. None of the isolates possessed the bca gene. ConclusionIntroduction of GBS screening in Egyptian pregnant women is recommended. Penicillin or ampicillin is still the antibiotic of choice for intrapartum prophylaxis.

Relationship between sociodemographic, reproductive, and lifestyle factors and the severity of menopausal symptoms among Egyptian women in Alexandria.

During menopause, women often experience some symptoms which may affect their daily activities. Information about menopausal experiences among different racial and ethnic groups is important for healthcare personnel to provide appropriate and specific interventions. The aim of the present study was thus to determine the frequency and determinants of severity of menopausal symptoms among Egyptian women using the Menopause Rating Scale as a screening tool for identification of menopausal symptoms. A total of 540 women (aged 40-65 y) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Demographic information was collected, and the Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire was administered. Most frequently reported symptoms were joint and muscular discomfort (501, 92.8%) followed by urogenital symptoms (460, 85.2%). A significant association was found between the number of menopausal symptoms and working status of participants (r = 0.504, P = 0.005), number of children (r = 0.474, P = 0.042), and body mass index (r = 0.544, P = 0.006). Women who reported urogenital symptoms and self-perceived general health as poor were more frequently referred to a gynecologist for moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms. Participant-related information such as working status, which was shown to increase the frequency of psychological symptoms in our ethnic group, should be noted by the physician, and a suitable approach should be adopted to achieve better therapy outcomes. Counseling about the importance of maintaining an ideal body weight and exercise should be emphasized to reduce menopausal symptoms. Appropriate advice and support in improving the overall state of the postmenopausal women is essential.

Knowledge of osteoporosis among women in Alexandria (Egypt): A community based survey

Aim of the workThe current study was conducted in order to assess knowledge about osteoporosis (OP) among women aged more than 40years in Alexandria of Egypt as well as identifying its relation with other variables. Patients and methodsA cross sectional survey included 532 women aged at or more than 40years who lived in Alexandria governorate in Egypt was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire as well as the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ). ResultsThe mean age of studied women was 49.92±7.75years. The majority of them (95.1%) reported that they are familiar with OP and 77.1% perceive it as a serious disease and mass media was the main source of information regarding OP (54.2%) among them. The mean total score of the FOOQ was 11.3±3.6. It was significantly associated with the level of education and employment status (P=0.001 and 0.021 respectively). Regarding the total knowledge percent score, nearly one half of studied females (51.5%) achieved a percent score ranging from 50% to less than 75% and 18.8% of them obtained a score of 75% or higher. ConclusionsThe knowledge of OP among Alexandrian women could be considered moderate as regards its risk factors, preventive measures and consequences. Controlling the quality of health information provided through the mass media as well as motivating health care providers to play a role in providing information regarding OP is recommended.

Zinc status and dietary intake of pregnant women, Alexandria, Egypt

Deficiencies of protein, energy, and micronutrients are highly prevalent in developing countries and have major effects on pregnancy outcome. Low dietary intake is the most common reason for zinc deficiency. The present research is part of a larger double-blind randomized-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on the pregnancy outcome. The aim of the present study was to assess the zinc status and dietary intake of zinc and other macronutrients and micronutrients among pregnant women in Alexandria, Egypt. Participants were pregnant women attending two antenatal care centers that serve low-income and middle-income pregnant populations. A total of 1055 healthy pregnant women aged 20-45 years were assessed for eligibility. Of these, only 675 had serum zinc level below the median for the gestational age. They were assigned randomly to one of three parallel groups. Zinc supplements were provided from 16 weeks until delivery. A subsample of 100 women was assessed for their dietary intake. A questionnaire interview was used to collect basic socioeconomic and data on current pregnancy and labor. Dietary data were collected using the 24-h recall method and a food frequency questionnaire. The nutritive value of the daily diet was computed using the Egyptian food composition tables. The blood hemoglobin level, serum zinc level, and fasting blood sugar were determined. Zinc deficiency was detected among 53.5% of the sample. Dietary intake of zinc was low, representing 59.4, 59.4, and 62% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for the zinc group, zinc plus multivitamins, and the placebo group, respectively. The iron intake was below 50% of the RDA. Protein intake was less than 70% of the RDA. The mean intakes of fat were 191.97, 211.8, and 196.3 g/day for the three groups. The mean energy intake represented 51.1, 53.5, and 49.8% of the RDA. Except for carbohydrate intake, the dietary intake of all macronutrients and micronutrients was low. The lowest intake was of iron (below 50% of the RDA). Zinc and protein intake represented less than 70% of the RDA. The overall energy intake was around 50% of the RDA. Nutritional health education should be used as a preventive approach to allow the large sector of the low-income population to maximize the use of the limited resources in the best way. In women at high risk of zinc deficiency, zinc supplementation should be added to the routine supplements.

Use of herbal medicines among pregnant women attending family health centers in Alexandria

Abstract Objective The aim of the study is to elucidate the use of herbal medicines in pregnant women and to explore patterns of herbal medication use including dietary supplements in pregnant women in Alexandria, Egypt. Methodology A cross sectional study of pregnant females was conducted in a family health center in Alexandria between March and June 2011 utilizing a sample of 300 pregnant women (100 pregnant women in each trimester). A specially designed self administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results The mean age of studied pregnant women was 26.9 ± 4.9 years. Only 27.3% of the studied pregnant women reported the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy while 89% reported the use of dietary supplements. The majority of pregnant women resorted to (family/friends) as primary source of information of herbal medicines (42.7% and 28%, respectively), while the majority of women using dietary supplements resorted to (physicians) as primary source of information (76%). 52.4% of the studied pregnant women reported that they use ginger during the 1st trimester of pregnancy while 51.6% reported that they use fenugreek during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. More than half of the studied pregnant women (64.6%) reported the efficacy of herbal medicines in relieving their complaints during pregnancy. Conclusion The use of herbal medicines during pregnancy in Alexandria was uncommon while the use of dietary supplements was very common. About three quarters of studied sample reported that the physician was the person to recommend dietary supplement usage while the physician was rarely cited as the person recommending herbal usage. The most common herbs used by pregnant women were aniseed, fenugreek, ginger, while the least used was peppermint. Ginger was found to be used by a significantly higher percentage of pregnant women in the first trimester; on the other hand, fenugreek was used by a significantly higher percentage of pregnant women in the third trimester. Recommendations Results of the following study suggest the following recommendations: General recommendations General health education for pregnant women about benefits and harms of herbal use during pregnancy in ante-natal care especially for herbs commonly used in Egypt. Specific recommendations A Care providers: Training of family physicians in the family health centers on the use of herbal medicines in pregnancy and possible effects on the fetus. B Pregnant women: Health education program directed toward pregnant women to increase their awareness about the effects of herbal medicines.

O2-3.2 Domestic violence against women in Alexandria, Egypt: a developing country perspective

<h3></h3> Domestic violence is the most common form of gender-based violence, considered a major contributor to physical and mental ill health of women. This study aimed at assessing prevalence and risk factors of domestic violence against married working women in Alexandria, Egypt. <h3>Methods</h3> A cross sectional study was conducted among 400 married working women attending Health Insurance Clinics in Alexandria, using a modified FVPF questionnaire. <h3>Results</h3> Overall prevalence of domestic violence was 67%, where psychological abuse was most common (48%) followed by physical violence (40%), sexual abuse (38%), financial abuse (30%). Out of the following studied significant factors (wife education, husband education, number of childern in the family, number of daughters in the family, positive history of cirumcision, wife9s exposure to physical violence during childhood, mother9s wife exposure to domestic violence, alcoholic husband, drug misuser husband, husband9s exposure to physical violence during childhood, easily tempered, depressed/frustrated, jealous husband, husband9s corrupt freinds, psychologically ill and introvert husband), only 4 were found to be positively and significantly related to domestic violence in stepwise logestic regression namely:husband9s exposure to physical violence during childhood (OR 6.1); depressed/frustrated (OR 3.5); positive history of cirumcision (OR 3.2); number of daughters in the family (OR 2.1). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Domestic violence against women is an important neglected public health problem in the Egyptian community that needs multidisciplinary approach to understand its causes and plan effective preventive measures. Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in addressing and treating victims of domestic violence.

Prevalence and characteristics of chronic pelvic pain among women in Alexandria, Egypt

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is widespread among women with a significant impact on their health. The nature and severity of pain varies between different women and areas. To estimate the prevalence CPP and associated dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia among women attending Family Health Centers in Alexandria, Egypt and to describe the nature and severity of pain as reported by women. A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 900 ever-married women aged (18-59) years attending three Family Health Centers in Alexandria, Egypt (2007-2008). Personal, social, reproductive, and medical data were collected using a modified Oxfordshire questionnaire. Severity of pain was assessed using both the Verbal Rating Scale and the Visual Analogue Scale. Prevalence of CPP was 26.6%, dysmenorrhea was 55.3%, and dyspareunia was 40.5%. The three types overlapped. Most women (92%) had CPP of intermittent type and 46.9% had this pain for more than 1 year (1-5 years). Pain was perceived as severe in approximately one third of them (32.2%). Their mean Visual Analog Scale for pain severity was 6.5±2.1. The most frequently mentioned types of pain were moderate cramping pain and moderate heaviness (40%). Factors that increase their pain were mainly full bladder, sexual intercourse, and loaded colon (60, 46.4, and 40%, respectively). Relieving factors were urination and sleep/rest (46.9 and 46.4%, respectively) and use of medications (40%). The three types of pain were highly prevalent and overlapping among the women studied. CPP was perceived as severe and intermittent by many women. Pelvic pain should receive greater attention both in public education and in clinical practice. Primary care physicians should be prepared to initiate pain management to alleviate women's stress and disability. Women should be educated regarding the importance of seeking medical treatment early.

Improved in Vitro Fertilization Outcomes after Treatment of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Infertile Women

To assess the effect of treatment of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism on infertility outcome. Between April 1, 2006, and April 22, 2007, we conducted a prospective, randomized trial in infertile women with subclinical hypothyroidism who elected to undergo in vitro at the Shatby University Hospital for Women in Alexandria, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: treatment group (group A) and placebo group (group B). Male-factor infertility was ruled out. One month before the assisted reproduction technology procedure, group A underwent levothyroxine treatment with a dosage of 50 to 100 mcg daily, while group B started placebo. All patients underwent controlled ovarian stimulation. Patients who achieved pregnancy were followed up throughout their pregnancy until delivery. Levothyroxine treatment and placebo were maintained throughout pregnancy in group A and group B, respectively. Mean thyrotropin value was significantly lower in group A than in group B (1.1 ± 0.3 mIU/L vs 4.9 ± 0.7 mIU/mL, respectively). Mean number of retrieved oocytes was similar in both groups (6.19 ± 0.74 [group A] vs 6.08 ± 0.79 [group B]). Miscarriage rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B (9% vs 13%, respectively), and the clinical pregnancy rate and delivery rate were significantly higher in group A than in group B (35% and 10% vs 26% and 3%, respectively), indicating that the quality, not the quantity, of retrieved oocytes was more important. These preliminary data suggest that levothyroxine supplementation should be recommended to achieve clinical pregnancies in women with subclinical hypothyroidism who are undergoing in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Food Safety Knowledge among some Women in Alexandria

Food Safety Knowledge among some Women in Alexandria

Jaundice among Pregnant Women in Alexandria – Egypt: A Descriptive Study

Jaundice among Pregnant Women in Alexandria – Egypt: A Descriptive Study

Assessment of Unmet Need for Family Planning among Women in Alexandria City

Despite the Family Planing Program’s success, many married women in the reproductive age are defined as having an unmet need for family planning. The concept of unmet need points to the gab between women’s reproductive intentions and their contraceptive behavior. This study was carried out to estimate the level of unmet need for family planning among currently married women in Alexandria. Moreover, it aimed at providing the profile of women with unmet need for family planning [FP] and to find out the various reasons why women who would prefer to avoid pregnancy do not use contraception. For achieving these aims, the cross sectional approach was used as a research methodology where the target population was the currently married fecund women in the reproductive period [15-49 years]. The cluster sampling technique was used and a sample size of 840 currently married women were selected from 30 clusters, i.e., 28 women within each cluster. Data were collected using a specially designed interview questionnaire during the period from beginning of February 2000 till the end of July 2001. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 9. The results of this study revealed that women with unmet need for family planning services constituted 24.3% of the studied women. About half of this unmet need [11.9%] represents a desire to space the next birth, and the remaining 12.4% represents an interest in limiting births. However, need for better contraception was encountered among 2.3% of the studied women; they experience pregnancy while using contraceptive method, i.e., method failure. On the other hand, women in need for FP services, however met, constituted 62.1% of all studied women [49.5% for limiting their family size and 12.6% for spacing]. Therefore, at the time of the study, the total demand for FP comprised 88.7% of the studied women and 70.0% of the total demand for FP services was satisfied. The highest percent of total unmet need for FP services [38.8%] was encountered among women aged 25-29 years that declined thereafter to reach 7.7% among the eldest studied women aged 45-49 years. The reverse holds true regarding the total met need. When the purpose of need for FP services was considered, the youngest women had the highest percent of need for spacing birth whether met [43.3%] or unmet [26.9%]. Unmet need for limiting birth was highly presented among women aged 30-34 years [18.9%]. An inverse relationship was observed between number of children the women had and the percent of unmet need whether for spacing births, limiting births, or altogether. Health concerns were the most commonly given reasons for unmet need [53.9%]. Little perceived risk of pregnancy ranked the second reason [29.9%]. Opposition to use of contraceptive due to either the women’s own attitudes or that of her husband, was the reason cited by 16.2% of women with unmet need for family planning. From the present study, the followings are recommended: improvement of the family planning concept, improving the existing family planning services to minimize the negative attitude towards contraception and motivate women to put their fertility desire into action, and strengthening the Information Education Communication [IEC] activities. Mass media play on important role in combating circulating rumors in the community. Personal communication and counseling are important for changing attitude towards contraception that will have a substantial impact on both initial and continual acceptability of contraceptive methods.

Pattern of Utilization of Antenatal Care Services among Teenage Pregnant Women in Alexandria

Pattern of Utilization of Antenatal Care Services among Teenage Pregnant Women in Alexandria

Health‐related concerns and experiences of employed perimenopausal women in Alexandria, Egypt

Our purpose in conducting this descriptive study was to assess the health-related concerns and experiences of a sample of employed perimenopausal women in Alexandria, Egypt. In addition, we explored their help-seeking behavior and their perception of symptoms. We interviewed two hundred working women ages 40-60 years, 42% of whom were nurses, using a semistructured interview form as well as Koos's list of symptoms. The commonly mentioned concerns, in order of frequency, were chronic headaches, chronic fatigue, transportation and phone communication problems, financial problems, job dissatisfaction, backaches, hypertension, kidney disease and gall bladder disease, gastritis/indigestion, menstrual disturbances, arthritis, AIDS, and hepatitis B. With respect to the problems experienced by the women in the past 6 months, there was a high self-reported prevalence of headaches, fatigue, transportation and communication problems, backaches, job dissatisfaction, dissatisfaction with health insurance, financial problems, menstrual disturbances, gastritis/indigestion, gall bladder disease, anxiety, disturbed sleep, and hypertension. Women attempted to manage their problems mainly by taking over-the-counter drugs and self-prescribing (75.5%), doing nothing or using traditional remedies (56.5%), and going to a doctor or health insurance office (40%). Symptoms perceived by the majority of the women as not needing medical attention included loss of appetite, persistent backache, bleeding gums, chronic fatigue, persistent headaches, and loss of weight. The influence of education and occupation on women's perceptions and practices is discussed.

Women and technology in ancient Alexandria: Maria and Hypatia

Synopsis Since earliest times women have been important contributors to the advancement of technology, but we know very little about the work of specific women in antiquity. This paper reviews our knowledge of the technological innovations made by two women in Alexandria—Maria the Jewess and Hypatia. Their inventions may be the earliest technological work that can be ascribed to individual women. Maria probably lived in the first century. She was one of the founders of both theoretical and experimental alchemy. She is credited with the invention of laboratory apparatus that remain basic tools of the modern chemist. Hypatia (370–415) is better known for her mathematical work, but her designs for scientific instruments are of interest as examples of the technological work of ancient women. Her death marked the end of Greek science.

Beliefs and customs regarding breast feeding among Egyptian women in Alexandria

In Egypt, since the days of the Pharaohs, breast feeding has been the chosen method of infant nutrition. Until recently this was true in most developing countries. Now, with the influx of new ideas from the more developed countries of the world, there is a growing tendency to substitute artificial feeding. Often the results are disastrous. In order to use artificial feeding methods it is necessary to have certain minimal conditions. These include a literate population, an efficient waste disposal system, a source of clean milk or the money to purchase supplies and the availability of milk substitutes or dried milk. These conditions do not yet exist in Egypt, nor indeed in most developing countries. Consequently, the breast feeding of infants must be encouraged, simply for safety, even if one disregards the many other possible values. Fortunately, there are strong cultural factors in Egypt which promote the practice of breast feeding. From ancient days Egyptian women have breast fed their children for long periods of time, up to 3 yr. This practice was considered so important that the papyri contain prescriptions designed to help them. Children are depicted on the walls of the temples and tombs of ancient Egypt being suckled by goddesses and Greek chroniclers commented on the good care given to children in this country (Ghalioungui, 1973). Later, as the Moslem religion grew powerful .in Egypt, their view that breast feeding for two years is the birthright of every infant became an important part of Egyptian belief. These traditions, in combination with the natural love of the Egyptian people for little children, conspire to perpetuate the continuation of breast feeding as the most prevalent method of infant nutrition. Midwives and obstetrics nurses, because of their opportunities for patient teaching, can play a large part4n encouraging and supporting this custom. In order to do this, the nurse should be aware of the beliefs of her patients and prepared to guide them toward good lactation practices. This means that the nurse must understand the physiologic principles *The authors wish to express their appreciation to Project HOPE (The People-to-People Health Foundation,