Impact of Education Program about Family Planning among Yemeni Women on their “Knowledge and Attitude” in Sana’a city

A rapid population growth is a burden on the resources of many developing countries. Unregulated fertility, which contributes to such situations, compromises the economic development and political stability of these countries. Contraceptive use is the lowest in Yemen where about 1 out of 5 married women of reproductive age use contraception and only about 1 out of 10 married women use a modern method. The study conducted to evaluate the impact of implementing an educational program of family planning upon Yemeni women at Sana'a City. The study was Quasi-experimental research design. It was conducted in Al-Sabeen Hospital and Al-Olofi Center for Childhood and Motherhood which included a sample of one hundred and forty women, divided equally into two groups: study group and control group (seventy for each group). It included three tools; tool one a social demographic data and women’ knowledge about family planning. Tool two women’ attitude toward birth control. Tool three educational program about family planning. More than half of the control group (57.1%) whose age was between 30 years and less than 40 years and (40%) of studied group and (45.7 %) of the control group had preparatory education. The number of pregnancies was more than two fifth (41.4%) of the study group had three or more times while (58.6%) about two third for the control group. Unwanted pregnancy represented (64.3% and 57.1% respectively) of both study and control group. Women' knowledge had a poor score on pretest, improved  to good score on immediate post test, and  remaining good score with slight decrease on follow up test. Their attitudes score were slight positive attitudes on pretest, but increased on immediate post test, and on follow up test. There was highly statistically significant difference between the women’ knowledge about FP in pre, immediate post test and follow-up. Also, there was a highly statistically significant difference between women’ attitude in pre and immediate post test and follow-up test. Family planning program should involve men as well as women, design and implement a strategy to ensure all primary health care clinics provide counseling on FP. Keywords: Family planning, Control birth, Spacing, Contraception.

Home Care Offered by Family Caregivers to Preschool Children, Suffering From Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess family caregivers' knowledge & practice regarding home care (activities of daily living) offered to preschool children suffering from hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 50 family caregivers and their preschool children aged from three to less than six years, who are suffering from hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The study participants were recruited from rehabilitation centers, and rheumatic unit in Minia Governorate, Egypt. Family caregiver’s were interviewed face-to-face after agreeing to participate in the study. Data was collected by using two tools; a structural questionnaire and observational check list. Results reveled that more than two third (78 %) of family caregivers had an unaccepted level of knowledge regarding hemiplegic cerebral palsy and activities of daily living for their children. The majority (86 %) had unaccepted level of practice toward activities of daily living for their children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. There was a highly significant correlation between family caregivers' knowledge and practice (r =.567 at p = 0.000). Conclusion: the study reported a clear lack of knowledge about HCP & unaccepted level care from family’s caregivers to their children who suffer from HCP. In addition to the practice of family caregiver’s were poor in the most aspects of care to their children. Keywords: Family caregiver’s knowledge, practice, home care, hemiplegic cerebral palsy

In vitro Transdermal Permeation of Fenoterol Hydrobromide

The aim of this study was to determine if transdermal penetration of fenoterol, a β-agonist drug, could be enhanced and controlled by formulation modification and formulation of transdermal patches. Pre-formulation studies were performed to determine the feasibility of a transdermal dosage form of fenoterol. Penetration of fenoterol was determined using the hairless guinea pig skin with unjacketed Franz diffusion cell. Transdermal patches were formulated using drug in-adhesive technique. Several enhancers were investigated for fenoterol skin penetration. Transcutol–oleic acid co-solvent gives the highest drug flux among all tested liquid formulations. Pretreatment of the skin with oleic acid 2 h before patch application significantly increases drug diffusion. Cis-oleic acid gives best results compared to oleic acid. Azone derivative (1-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidinone) gives the highest drug diffusion amongst all tested enhancers. Results of this study show the feasibility of using fenoterol formulated in transdermal delivery system in the treatment of chronic asthma to improve patient compliance, bioavailability and reduce the inter-subject variability

Thymoquinone ameliorates acrylamide-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats: An experimental study

Background: Acrylamide (AA) is a carcinogenic compound that causes severe reproductive impairments and represents a high environmental risk factor. Thymoquinone (TQ) has a unique antioxidant activity and has been widely used as a protective agent against various types of toxicity. Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of TQ against AA-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 female albino rats (120-150 gr, 8-10 wk) were sorted into 4 groups, (n = 10/each), vehicle group (received a daily oral administration of 0.5 ml saline [9%]); AA group (received a daily oral administration with freshly prepared AA, 20 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days which is less than the lethal dose LD50 of AA in rats (20 mg/kg body weight); AA+TQ group (received a daily oral administration of TQ, 10 mg/kg body weight) after AA intoxication for 21 days, and TQ group (received a daily oral administration of TQ only, 10 mg/kg body weight) for 21 consecutive days. Reproductive hormones, carcinogenic biomarkers, and oxidative stress markers were measured. The histological assessment showed the protective effect of TQ against AA-induced ovarian injury. Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking approach were carried out to determine the binding affinity of TQ with cyclooxygenase 2. Results: TQ administration significantly enhanced the functional capacity of the ovary at hormones, oxidative biomarkers, and tumor markers at a significant level of p < 0.001. Besides, TQ protects the ovary of AA-treated rats from the severe degeneration effect. Conclusion: TQ showed a promising protective effect against AA-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats. Key words: Acrylamide, Thymoquinone, Rats, Oxidative stress, Cyclooxygenase 2, Inflammation

Medication adherence and its influencing factors in community-dwelling older adults with chronic illnesses in a rural area

Background & Aim: Older adults with chronic diseases are usually required to manage multiple medications and complex medication regimens. Medication adherence is crucial in older adults which is increasingly being recognized due to its potential to impact healthcare utilization and treatment efficacy. The current study aimed to assess medication adherence and its influencing factors in community-dwelling older adults with chronic illnesses in rural areas. ‎ Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study design was used to achieve the study aim. The study sample was composed of 310 older patients from a rural area in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Medication adherence was assessed by the Arabic version of the General Medication Adherence Scale. Association between medication adherence and older patients' characteristics was identified through the Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Logistic regression. Results: Among 310 older patients, 84.8% of them were non-adherent to their medications. Significant relationships were found between medication adherence and age, gender, educational level, marital status, and monthly income. Aging less than 70 years, female gender, sufficient income, fewer illnesses, and medication number were significant predictors for medication adherence. Conclusion: The current study findings revealed that most rural older adults with chronic illnesses were non-adherent to their medications, with many influencing factors such as age, gender, educational level, monthly income, and illnesses and medication number. So, the study recommends the importance of developing strategies to improve medication adherence in community-dwelling older adults in rural areas

CONTRACEPTIVE VAGINAL SUPPOSITORY CONTAINING nONOXYNOL-9 AND ZINC ACETATE SALT IN A CLINICAL TRIAL

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) is the most common active ingredient of spermicides. Spermicides containing N-9 are available in many forms, such as jelly, films, suppositories and foams. The two major problems reported on using N-9 spermicide were high failure and high irritation rates which were the main causes of its withdrawing from markets and as we know local methods of contraception (condoms and vaginal suppositories) have high acceptability especial in short term use. We tried to modify N-9 products in a new formula which is safe, and effective. The new preparation based on the addition of low concentrations of zinc acetate salt (Zn (OAC)2) to N-9 that reduce the irritation of mucous membranes on frequent use and increase the efficacy of N-9. The new preparation made in the form of vaginal foaming suppository.  It was tested in-vitro and in-vivo. The in-vitro results show a significant increase in efficacy of the combination (Zn (OAC)2 & N-9) than N-9 alone. Additionally, the in-vivo results indicated a significant decrease in failure and irritation rates in the combination than (N-9 alone) market suppository. Key words: Contraceptive, Nonoxynol-9, Zinc acetate, irritation and efficac

Capability of the Invasive Tree Prosopis glandulosa Torr. to Remediate Soil Treated with Sewage Sludge

Sewage sludge improves agricultural soil and plant growth, but there are hazards associated with its use, including high metal(loid) contents. An experimental study was conducted under greenhouse conditions to examine the effects of sewage sludge on growth of the invasive tree Prosopis glandulosa, as well as to determine its phytoremediation capacity. Plants were established and grown for seven months along a gradient of sewage sludge content. Plant traits, soil properties, and plant and soil concentrations of N, P, K, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, As, and Fe were recorded. The addition of sewage sludge led to a significant decrease in soil pH, and Ni, Co, and As concentrations, as well as an increase in soil organic matter and the concentrations of N, P, Cu, Zn, and Cr. Increasing sewage sludge content in the growth medium raised the total uptake of most metals by P. glandulosa plants due to higher biomass accumulation (taller plants with more leaves) and higher metal concentrations in the plant tissues. P. glandulosa concentrated more Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Fe in its below-ground biomass (BGB) than in its above-ground biomass (AGB). P. glandulosa concentrated Ni, Co, and As in both BGB and AGB. P. glandulosa has potential as a biotool for the phytoremediation of sewage sludges and sewage-amended soils in arid and semi-arid environments, with a potential accumulation capability for As in plant leaves

Relation Entre Les Facteurs Socio-Économiques Et L’anémie Au Cours De La Grossesse (Nouakchott – Mauritanie)

Anemia is one of the most common public health problems in the world, especially among pregnant women. The objective of our study is to describe the socio-demographic and epidemiological profile of anemic women. We conducted a prospective study in the maternity department of the CHEIKH ZAYED Hospital Center in Nouakchott, during the period from 2015 to 2016. In addition, 400 pregnant women are interviewed, including 49.75% (n=199) with anemia, of which 34.17% were under 24 years of age, 63.31% are white Moors and 90.45% are at home. As a result, Statistical analyzes show a significant relationship, between certain socio-economic factors (Age, provenence area, ethnic origin, household size) and anemia

A squamous cell carcinoma arising from scrotal epidermal cyst. A case report and review of 94 cases from the world literature

Epidermal cysts are a common benign skin abnormality, comprising 85–90% of all excised skin cysts. The term epidermal inclusion cyst refers specifically when the cyst resulted from the implantation of epidermal elements in the dermis. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common skin lesions; however, a malignant transformation of an epidermal cyst is very rare with incidence of 0.011–0.045%. Few cases of malignant transformation of an epidermal cyst have been reported in the literature so far. This paper presents a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a scrotal epidermal cyst

The Libyan Arabic version of the Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR)

The Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR) is a new parent/patient reported outcome measure that enables a thorough assessment of the disease status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We report the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the parent and patient versions of the JAMAR in the Libyan Arabic language. The reading comprehension of the questionnaire was tested in 10 JIA parents and patients. Each participating centre was asked to collect demographic, clinical data, and the JAMAR in 100 consecutive JIA patients or all consecutive patients seen in a 6-month period and to administer the JAMAR to 100 healthy children and their parents. The statistical validation phase explored descriptive statistics and the psychometric issues of the JAMAR: the 3 Likert assumptions, floor/ceiling effects, internal consistency, Cronbach\u2019s alpha, interscale correlations, test\u2013retest reliability, and construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity). A total of 100 JIA patients (22.0% systemic, 26.0% oligoarticular, 25.0% RF negative polyarthritis, and 27.0% other categories) and 100 healthy children, were enrolled in a paediatric rheumatology centre. The JAMAR components discriminated well healthy subjects from JIA patients. Notably, there is no significant difference between the healthy subjects and their affected peers in the school-related problems variable. All JAMAR components revealed satisfactory psychometric performances. In conclusion, the Libyan Arabic version of the JAMAR is a valid tool for the assessment of children with JIA and is suitable for use both in routine clinical practice and clinical research