Background Consanguinity has been suggested as a risk factor for psychsoses in some Middle Eastern countries, but adequate control data are unavailable. Our recent studies in Egypt have shown elevated parental consanguinity rates among patients with bipolar I disorder (BP1), compared with controls. We have now extended our analyses to Schizophrenia (SZ) in the same population. Methods A case-control study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt (SZ, n = 75; controls, n = 126, and their available parents). The prevalence of consanguinity was estimated from family history data (‘self report’), followed by DNA analysis using short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs, n = 63) (‘DNA-based’ rates). Results Self reported consanguinity was significantly elevated among the patients (SZ: 46.6%, controls: 19.8%, OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.88, 6.64; p = 0.000058, 1 d.f.). These differences were confirmed using DNA based estimates for coefficients of inbreeding (inbreeding coefficients as means ± standard error, cases: 0.058 ± 0.007, controls: 0.022 ± 0.003). Conclusions Consanguinity rates are signifcantly elevated among Egyptian SZ patients in the Nile delta region. The associations are similar to those observed with BP1 in our earlier study. If replicated, the substantial risk associated with consanguinity raises public health concerns. They may also pave the way for gene mapping studies.

We aimed to contrast rates of consanguinity among patients with bipolar I disorder (BP1) and controls in a population with customary consanguineous marriages (i.e., marriage between related individuals). Consanguinity increases risk for numerous monogenic and polygenic diseases. Whether the risk for BP1 increases with consanguinity has not been investigated systematically. Two independent studies were conducted in Egypt: (1) Case–control study 93 patients with BP1, 90 screened adult control individuals, and available parents. The inbreeding coefficient/consanguinity rate was estimated in two ways: using 64 DNA polymorphisms (“DNA-based” rate); and from family history data (“self report”); (2) Epidemiological survey: total of 1,584 individuals were screened, from whom self-reported consanguinity data were obtained for identified BP1 cases (n=35) and 150 randomly selected, unaffected control individuals. DNA-based consanguinity rates showed significant case–control control differences (P=0.0039). Self-reported consanguinity rates were also elevated among BP1 patients in both samples (Study #1 OR=2.66, 95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.34, 5.29; Study #2: OR=4.64, 95% CI: 2.01, 10.34). In conclusion, two independent, systematic studies indicate increased consanguinity among Egyptian BP1 patients in the Nile delta region. Self-reported estimates of consanguinity are bolstered by DNA-based estimates, and both show significant case–control differences for BP1.

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Internet addiction prevails among students who uncontrollably immerse themselves in it as a way of escaping from their challenges and stressors which may negatively affect their quality of life. Aim of this study: to investigate the prevalence of internet addiction and its influence on quality of life among students of the technical institute of nursing, Mansoura University. Methods a descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to achieve the aim of this study. The present study was conducted at the Technical Institute of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt, a total of 341 students were recruited after considering ethical requirements. Three tools were used to collect the needed data; the socio-demographic characteristics, Young's internet addiction test (IAS) and Quality of life questionnaire (QOL). Results: 16.1% of the sample was considered addicted to the internet and 64.0% of participants had high quality of life. A highly statistically significant strong negative correlation between internet addiction and quality of life was reported (r=0.43, P<0.001). Conclusion: improper internet use negatively affects quality of life. Recommendation: a large scale further research should be conducted on large sample to investigate internet addiction among university students.

Objectives To develop Arabic versions of English language questionnaires to estimate morningness/eveningness and sleep variables. Methods We translated the Composite scale of morningness (CSM) and the Sleep Timing Questionnaire (STQ) [with added siesta questions] into Arabic; the Arabic versions were then back translated. The revised Arabic and the original English versions were next administered to bi-lingual Egyptians using a crossover design (n = 25). The Arabic versions of both scales were subsequently administered to an independent Egyptian sample (n = 79) and the siesta variables examined in relation to the CSM. Results Satisfactory correlations were present between the English and Arabic versions for total CSM scores (Spearman’s ρ=0.90, p < 0.001). All but one of the STQ variables were significantly correlated (Spearman’s ρ = 0.45 – 0.88, p < 0.05). In the Arabic version, the frequency of siesta naps per week was significantly correlated with the total CSM score, with evening types taking more naps (Spearman’s ρ = −0.23, p < 0.05). Conclusions Arabic versions of the STQ and CSM have been developed in Egypt, and are freely available. They can be used for behavioral research related to sleep and circadian function and can be adapted for use in other Arab speaking populations.