Consanguineous Marriage and Its Effect on Offspring Congenital Malformation: A Study among Palestinian Rural Community

Objective: Consanguineous marriage is a long-standing socially accepted practice among Palestinian population. It is proposed that consanguineous marriages increase the risk of congenital malformations and genetic disorders. This study aimed to determine the health consequences of consanguinity on congenital malformations in Yata rural population, Hebron, Palestine. Methods: A cross-sectional household-survey study was conducted on 500 married women. All the women were interviewed personally using a structured questionnaire. A family pedigree was constructed to study the type of consanguineous marriages. Results: The prevalence rate of consanguineous marriages in the present study was 61%, where first-cousin marriages representing 34.8% of all marriages. The genitourinary system was the most common malformation, where was reported by 17.4% of the 305 consanguineous married parents, and 15.2% of the 105 non-consanguineous married parents. The gastrointestinal system defects was the second most affected anatomical system in frequency in 6.2% of the 305 consanguineous married parents, and 13.3% of the 105 non-consanguineous married parents. Conclusion: The study revealed that consanguinity has adverse health consequences on offspring of consanguineous couples. There is a need for genetic counseling to increase the awareness of the health consequences of consanguineous marriages.The authors of this paper would like to thank the School of Public Health, Al Quds University in Palestine. As well as, the authors would like to thank both the all participants of this study, the field workers, the Municipality of Yatta, and the higher education ethical committee of Al Quds University

Knowledge of Palestinian University Women Employees About Heart Disease: Across-Sectional Study

Heart disease is the first leading cause of death and disability for women worldwide, yet the condition is largely preventable and few women perceive themselves at risk. Evidence in the literature supports diminished awareness of heart disease among women and limited data as to provider knowledge of the current guidelines for the prevention of heart disease in women. The purpose of this study was to examine the current knowledge levels, personal risk factors related to heart disease among selected university female employees, and to identify variables that best predict health-promoting behaviors among university female employees. A descriptive crosssectional research design was utilized. A stratified sample of 320 Palestinian university females aged 20-58 years completed a questionnaire developed by the researcher to assess their knowledge of heart disease and to assess the heart disease risk factors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The sample had an average knowledge score of 45.9% out of a maximum correct score of 100%. Results from data analysis revealed general knowledge of heart disease was relatively low. The risk factors prevalent among them included: hypertension (14.6%), diabetes (11.8%), dyslipidemia (11.1%), overweight (21.8%), smoking (19.6%), and physically inactive (55.4%). Conclusion: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Palestinians. In this study, Palestinian university women had poor knowledge of heart disease, and many reported having risk factors. Evaluation of baseline knowledge of heart disease and specific risk factors is helpful and can guide tailoring of health prevention strategies to be more effective. Early screening targeting the younger generation is also important to help detect the risk factors in their earliest stages. The screening results may also induce individuals to take action.The authors of this paper would like to thank the Faculty of Health Professions and the Department of Nursing, Al Quds University. As well as, the author is grateful to the study participants

Nursing and Midwifery Students Lived Experiences During Clinical Practice in Palestine

Clinical practice is an integral part of nursing curriculum of pre-registration nursing courses to actively engaging student nurses with knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for their future nursing profession and for the fulfillment of intended learning outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify nursing and midwifery students’ problems during clinical practice at the baccalaureate nursing program in Palestine. A descriptive cross-sectional study with proportionate sampling of 340 students was conducted. The study population was comprised of the second, third and fourth year students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing and midwifery programs. Research data were collected using a 45-item self-administered questionnaire. Prior to beginning the study written permission was obtained from the school administration and verbal consent from all participants. Research data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics by using SPSS version 23. The study findings showed that 85.2% of the students reported that the teaching staff were not with them during clinical practice, 83.3% that they were not able to transfer theoretic knowledge they had learned into practice, 72.7% that they were used to do tasks other than their primary patient care on the ward, 74.5% that the teaching staff was not able to establish cooperation with the hospital employees. Findings reveal that student nurses in Palestine meet a number of challenges in the clinical learning environment. Therefore, approaches that facilitate learning in clinical practice in beyond creating conducive clinical learning environment are essential

Palestinian Staff Nurses' Attitudes Toward Nursing Students

Clinical practice is a substantial part of the nursing curriculum aimed at actively engaging student nurses with the necessary skills needed for the nursing profession. Clinical nurses play an important role in this teaching learning process. The relationship between nursing student and staff member in the clinical area can either facilitate or hamper students' learning. However, negative attitudes of nurses threaten student progression and retention. The purpose of this study was to deepen understanding of staff nurses' attitudes toward nursing students within the context of clinical education in Palestine. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized in this study. The entire staff nurses of surgical, medical, emergency …. (n=350) employed at four hospitals (two private & two government) were selected proportionately. A self-administered questionnaire and a demographic tool designed by the researcher were used to collect data. Attitudes were measured using a five point Likert scale. The results demonstrated that attitude toward nursing students were neutral or slightly positive. Some nurses (50.6%) believed that nursing students are eager to learn and most (92.9%) have thought that nursing students respect staff nurses as practitioners. Findings also suggest student nurses believe staff nurses are a positive influence, essential in the development of professional socialization. Conclusion: Staff-student relationships are essential to the creation of positive clinical experiences. The author recommends that continued research of nurses who work with student nurses, as well as exploration of the nurse educator’s perspective, is needed.. Keywords: Attitudes, Staff Nurses, Nursing Students, Palestin

Knowledge of Palestinian University Women Employees About Heart Disease: Across-Sectional Study

Heart disease is the first leading cause of death and disability for women worldwide, yet the condition is largely preventable and few women perceive themselves at risk. Evidence in the literature supports diminished awareness of heart disease among women and limited data as to provider knowledge of the current guidelines for the prevention of heart disease in women. The purpose of this study was to examine the current knowledge levels, personal risk factors related to heart disease among selected university female employees, and to identify variables that best predict health-promoting behaviors among university female employees. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was utilized. A stratified sample of 320 Palestinian university females aged 20-58 years completed a questionnaire developed by the researcher to assess their knowledge of heart disease and to assess the heart disease risk factors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The sample had an average knowledge score of 45.9% out of a maximum correct score of 100%. Results from data analysis revealed general knowledge of heart disease was relatively low. The risk factors prevalent among them included: hypertension (14.6%), diabetes (11.8%), dyslipidemia (11.1%), overweight (21.8%), smoking (19.6%), and physically inactive (55.4%). Conclusion: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Palestinians. In this study, Palestinian university women had poor knowledge of heart disease, and many reported having risk factors. Evaluation of baseline knowledge of heart disease and specific risk factors is helpful and can guide tailoring of health prevention strategies to be more effective. Early screening targeting the younger generation is also important to help detect the risk factors in their earliest stages. The screening results may also induce individuals to take action. Keywords: Heart disease, Palestinian, Knowledge, University women, Risk factor

Palestinian Staff Nurses' Attitudes Toward Nursing Students

Clinical practice is a substantial part of the nursing curriculum aimed at actively engaging student nurses with the necessary skills needed for the nursing profession. Clinical nurses play an important role in this teaching learning process. The relationship between nursing student and staff member in the clinical area can either facilitate or hamper students' learning. However, negative attitudes of nurses threaten student progression and retention. The purpose of this study was to deepen understanding of staff nurses' attitudes toward nursing students within the context of clinical education in Palestine. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized in this study. The entire staff nurses of surgical, medical, emergency …. (n=350) employed at four hospitals (two private & two government) were selected proportionately. A self-administered questionnaire and a demographic tool designed by the researcher were used to collect data. Attitudes were measured using a five point Likert scale. The results demonstrated that attitude toward nursing students were neutral or slightly positive. Some nurses (50.6%) believed that nursing students are eager to learn and most (92.9%) have thought that nursing students respect staff nurses as practitioners. Findings also suggest student nurses believe staff nurses are a positive influence, essential in the development of professional socialization. Conclusion: Staff-student relationships are essential to the creation of positive clinical experiences. The author recommends that continued research of nurses who work with student nurses, as well as exploration of the nurse educator’s perspective, is needed

The Prevalence of Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle among Adolescents in Palestine

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior have been considered the most contributing predisposing factors for many chronic diseases. Regular Physical activity has the potential to attenuate the health and economic burden that Physical inactivity places on Palestinian society.The authors of this paper would like to thank the Department of Community Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia. As well as, the authors would like to thank both the all participants of this study, and the Palestinian Ministry of Education Board committee for their assistance during this study

The Prevalence of Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle among Adolescents in Palestine

Keywords: Abstract physical activity; sedentary lifestyle; school students; risk behavior; Palestine Introduction Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior have been considered the most contributing predisposing factors for many chronic diseases. Regular Physical activity has the potential to attenuate the health and economic burden that Physical inactivity places on Palestinian society. Objective The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of physical activity in Palestinian adolescents and to identify associated socio-demographic and behavioral variables. Methods This data is part of the 2011 descriptive cross-sectional study used the Global SchoolBased Health Survey in Palestine. The sample was 720 adolescents (363 boys and 357 girls) aged 13-17 years, in grade 7 through 11 at four public schools. STATA version 11 was used to describe the data and to compare the association between genders. Results Although 53.89 % of students reported engaging in some physical activity, only 9.86% (11.57% of males and 8.12% of females) of the sample met recommended guidelines. Overall 35.42% had spent three or more hours per day doing sitting activities, with significant difference by gender, 54.90 % for Males and 52.89% for females. Conclusions The prevalence of physical activity among Palestinian adolescents was very low. The vast majority of students did not meet public health recommended amounts of physical activity. These findings require immediate action, and efforts should be made to increase levels of physical activity through developing a school-based health education intervention to improve sport practice among school students in Palestine

Effect of Erythropoietin on Haematological Parameters in Chronic Renal Failure Patients Undergoing Dialysis in Malaysia

Background: The worldwide rise in the number of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Chronic Renal Failure is a major health problem resulting in considerable increase in mortality and morbidity, decreased quality of life and heavy cost of therapies. . Objective: This study aims to evaluate the haematological parameters and iron status during monitoring of Chronic Renal Failure patients and to study the effects of subcutaneously and intravenously administered erythropoietin (EPO) in treating anaemia in Chronic Renal Failure patients. Methods: A retrospective record review study was conducted among the CRF patients treated at Hospital Pulau Pinang between 2005 and 2009. A total of 45 patients were randomly selected by using simple random sampling. The parameters were taken one to two weeks prior to EPO treatment and at 1 month and 3 months after EPO therapy was started. Data analyses were performed by using paired t test and independent t test via SPSS Version. 18.0.0. Results: After one month post-EPO, there was a significant difference of mean serum iron between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and haemodialysis groups where the mean value of serum iron was higher in CAPD group. After three months post-EPO, there were significant differences of mean white blood cells and serum iron between the two groups. Conclusions: Chronic renal failure patients undergoing dialysis responded to EPO treatment and subcutaneous EPO administration appeared to give more favourable results compared to intravenous EPO.The authors of this study wish to thank the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, for thier giving us perminssion to conduct in this study and health staff of the Hospital Pulau Pinang, for their assistance during this study period. We would like to send our deepest thanks to all the partcipants who partcipated in this study

Knowledge Workers in the Information Society : Evidence from Finland

Although cardiovascular diseases (CVD) typically occur in middle age or later, the initiating behaviors for the development of CVD begins in childhood and continued into adulthood.CVD is estimated to cause 40% of all mortalities in Palestine. CVD will continue to be a leading cause of death to the young generation unless they have knowledge regarding CVD and the risk factors for developing this disease and having the knowledge to encounter it. Individuals with higher levels of health knowledge may perform healthier behaviors at greater frequency than individuals who are less informed. Unfortunately, Studies reporting the knowledge of CVD risk factors among Palestinian college students are lacking. Hence, this study was performed to assess the level of knowledge regarding CVD undergraduate university students. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 2nd through 5th year college students of the health campus in Al-Quds University, in Palestine. A self-administered survey was distributed to a proportionate sample of 300 undergraduates students from nursing, midwifery, medicine, pharmacy, and others courses at Al-Quds University by using pre validated Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) developed by Wagner et al. (2005).Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The sample had an average knowledge score of 63.3% out of a maximum correct score of 100%. Results from data analysis revealed overall knowledge of CVD risk factors was relatively fair. Our study elucidates that CVDs are not perceived as major risk by college population, which could turn into insufficient preventative practices and suboptimal patient outcomes. There is an urgent need to establish more wide-spread and effective educational interventions, which should be sensitive to the perceptions, attitudes, and abilities of targeted individuals. Heart disease awareness campaigns for college students, to increase the preventive actions and adoption of healthy lifestyles are essential