Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de santé de la Méditerranée orientale = al-Majallah al-ṣiḥḥīyah li-sharq al-mutawassiṭ
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East. Mediterr. Health J. · Sep 2005
Adherence to universal precautions among laboratory personnel in Lebanon.
To evaluate the present situation and plan future directions with regard to implementation of universal precautions in laboratories testing blood samples, we carried out a national cross sectional study in 2003 on a representative sample of laboratories in Lebanon. We compared the results with those of a 1993 study. ⋯ Disposal of needles and syringes had improved greatly but disposal of blood-contaminated material had not. Given the risks of improper practice, a policy of universal precautions is essential and regular training should be carried out so that staff know and practise the universal precautions and correct laboratory procedures.
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East. Mediterr. Health J. · Jul 2005
Randomized Controlled TrialValue and pregnancy outcome of external cephalic version.
To determine the efficacy and pregnancy outcome of external cephalic version at > or = 37 weeks gestation, 90 women with a singleton breech fetus in King Hussein Medical Centre who had the procedure were compared with 102 women in a control group in whom the procedure was not attempted. External cephalic version was successfully performed on 59 fetuses (64%). ⋯ Version was more successful in multiparous than nulliparous women. External cephalic version was effective in reducing the number of caesarean deliveries in term breech infant in different obstetric settings, with no major neonatal adverse outcome.
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East. Mediterr. Health J. · Jul 2005
Reducing maternal mortality in the eastern Mediterranean region.
Current efforts in some countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region are still insufficient to achieve the fifth Millennium Development Goal on improving maternal health. Strong commitment, intensive efforts and effective national policies and strategies are now urgently required in order to translate vision into action. Such efforts and plans should target the strengthening of health systems, the expansion in the coverage of effective integrated interventions, and the recognition of the essential role of individuals, families and communities in making pregnancy safer. This article provides a background on the current situation of maternal health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, including underlying causes and contributing factors, and describes strategic directions aimed at accelerating the reduction of maternal mortality in the Region and moving closer to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
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East. Mediterr. Health J. · Jul 2005
Maternal health in the eastern Mediterranean region of the World Health Organization.
Globally, progress in improving the survival and well-being of mothers has been slow, and this holds true for the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Thus at the current pace, it is unlikely that the Millennium Development Goal related improving maternal health will be achieved in the Region by the year 2015. This paper outlines the factors contributing to maternal mortality and poor health in the Region and the challenges faced. The action needed to redress the situation and improve maternal health, and hence achieve the fourth Millennium Development Goal, is presented.
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East. Mediterr. Health J. · Jan 2005
Epidemiology of dysmenorrhoea among adolescent students in Mansoura, Egypt.
To examine the prevalence, determinants, impact and treatment practices of dysmenorrhoea, we studied 664 female students in secondary schools in urban and rural areas. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. About 75% of the students experienced dysmenorrhoea (mild 55.3%, moderate 30.0%, severe 14.8%). ⋯ Fatigue, headache, backache and dizziness were the commonest associated symptoms. No limitation of activities was reported by 47.4% of student with dysmenorrhoea, but this was significantly more reported by students with severe dysmenorrhoea. Significant predictors of dysmenorrhoea were older age, irregular or long cycle and heavy bleeding.