Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increasing in Egypt. Because no national screening guidelines exist, developing an effective evidence-based screening intervention could lower rates by early detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions and polyps. This paper describes the development of a CRC screening intervention in Alexandria, Egypt using Intervention Mapping (IM). Materials and Methods: Between September 2019 and March 2020, the successive steps of the IM process were completed. Beginning with the needs assessment, we conducted a literature review, held focus groups with residents of Alexandria, and conducted interviews with local gastroenterologists and oncologists. Program objectives and target audience were determined before designing the program components and implementation plan. Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED theoretical model, predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling screening barriers were assessed. Finally, we developed a Standard Operating Procedures manual detailing aspects of the intervention and evaluation to serve as a model for an expanded screening program. Results: The needs assessment, e.g., literature review, seven focus groups (N=61 participants) and interviews (N=17 participants), indicated that barriers among residents included CRC knowledge deficits, fear/anxiety regarding testing, high cost, and lack of accessibility. Physicians believed CRC testing should only be performed for high risk individuals. Findings from each step of the process informed successive steps. Our final intervention consisted of training components for medical students (Health Champions) who would deliver the intervention to patients in primary care waiting rooms, providing short descriptions of CRC risks and screening, educational brochures, and distributing vouchers for no-cost guaiac fecal occult blood test kits. Health Champions would then follow up with the patients, providing results and referrals for no-cost colonoscopy testing for those with abnormal results. Conclusion: Utilizing the IM steps successfully led to development of a theory-based CRC screening intervention for Egypt. Next steps include the implementation of a feasibility pilot intervention.

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Background: Youth represent 21% of the Egyptian population; such proportion can create a leading demographic power for economic development and transition. However, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is exposed to more than usual stressors, adding a burden to their mental health and well-being. Aim: This study aims to understand the pandemic’s effect on youth’s mental health in Egypt to strengthen the intervention areas needed to tackle such issues. Methods: This observational, analytical, cross-sectional study employed internet platforms of Facebook & WhatsApp groups for a web-based survey that included 412 respondents between 15 and 30 years old. RESULTS The median age of the respondents was 22 years. At least 30% reported increased violence in the street and/or household, and 27.4% of the respondents have considered visiting a psychiatrist during the last period. Conclusion: It is evident that the current situation is unprecedented and challenging for everyone; however, some populations are more vulnerable than others. Thus, it’s important to support young people to ensure that the whole community can withstand the pandemic. The governments should support and mitigate some of the stresses that can be directly amended, like the education and job security concerns.

BACKGROUND The detrimental effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic have significantly changed the world's view on enacting policies. Egypt has adopted various protocols and measures to control the spread of its causative virus, SARS-CoV-2. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the public trust in decision-makers and help address possible gaps between the sources of information, theoretical guidelines, implementation, and the confidence of youth in response to the pandemic by the main actors involved. METHODS An online structured cross-sectional survey was conducted among Egyptian youth during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire collected variables, including socio-demographic characteristics, sources of information, and the respondent's confidence in these sources. RESULTS Out of 406 online respondents, males and females were equally represented, 41.8% and 58.6%, respectively. Ninety-five percent of the respondents received a university or postgraduate education, of which 63.5% were in the medical field, and 82.3% lived in rural areas. Over forty percent reported their source of information was T.V., and 30.3% relied on social media, despite most of the respondents being unconfident in both. In addition, 12.8% and 5.9%reported their source of information was the Ministry of Health and the WHO, respectively. Over seventy-seven percent of the respondents were concerned with the decisions taken by key actors in the pandemic situation, while 15% were neutral, and 5.4% were not concerned. CONCLUSIONS Infodemics is a substantial public health threat. Public health authorities and governments should take action to ensure comprehensive health information literacy and develop information technology strategies that promote access to evidence-based information.

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