Abstract

Background: Hypertension is commonly known as the "silent killer", its prevalence is highly variable worldwide and it's an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The increase of hypertension in the developing countries may be connected with the economic transition within those countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension among university students and the associated risk factors related to hypertension. Methods: The study used a comparative cross-sectional design. Data were collected from October 2013 to May 2014 at the student University Hostels in Port-Said and Damietta Cities. The sample included 2,029 university students. The data were collected by a structured interview questionnaire, which included data about nutritional lifestyle, stress, exercises, family history and smoking pattern. In addition, blood pressure and body mass index were measured. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 26.5% among students in Damietta University compared to 18.1% of students in Port-Said University. The Univariate analysis showed an association between hypertension and age, sex, body mass index (BMI), nutritional lifestyle, stress, physical activity, family history and smoking pattern (p < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between hypertension and the above stated factors. Conclusions and recommendations:The findings of the present study highlighted the prevalence of hypertension among students in Damietta University (26.5%), compared to 18.1% among students in Port Said university. The blood pressure values increased with associated risk factors (age, sex, body mass index, smoking, strss, physical activity and family history). The results of this study recommended that periodic screening and monitoring of students for hypertension should be incorporated into the entrance of the university physical examination, and university students health education on hypertension as a disease and its associated risk factors should be strengthened.

Background Palliative care is comprehensive supportive care addressing the suffering, pain, discomfort, symptoms, and stress of cancer and any serious life-threatening disease. It is a key part of care for our children living with cancer and is an important source of support for their families. The study aimed to assess the perception of pediatric oncology family care providers toward palliative care and its perceived barriers in Egypt. Method Total number of 500 oncology children's family care providers was recruited. A descriptive research design was utilized. Researchers used three tools as Structured Interview Questionnaire to assess the participants' knowledge and perceived barriers, Attitude toward palliative care Likert Scale, and Reported Practices Observational Checklist. The study was conducted in outpatient cancer clinics affiliated with El-Nasr governmental hospital located at Port Said governorate. Results 51.8% of the total oncology children's family care providers had sufficient knowledge, 78.6% had a positive attitude, while,76.8% of them had inappropriate Practice towards palliative care. Significance of results The pediatric oncology family care providers had sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude toward palliative care, but their practices were inappropriate. Also, the majority of participants identified Lack of family care providers training in pediatric palliative care and improper communication between the health team and family care providers as the main barriers to providing palliative care to children. Providing a palliative care training program for family caregivers through continuing professional development is highly recommended besides further research studies using large probability samples at different settings.

Background: Health risk behaviors are one of the most important aspects of human health. The aim of this study was to determine the health risk behaviors among Port Said University students and identify factors related to it. Setting: the study was carried out at all faculties of Port Said University. Sample: the sample size was 700 students stratified randomly selected. Research design: a cross sectional descriptive design was used. Data collection tools: Self administered a standardized questionnaire was used to collect data, it includes two parts part one includes socio demographic data, the second part includes: modified and tested version of National College Health Risk Behavior Surveillance System Questionnaire (NCHRBSS).Results: The results indicated that the majority of the studied students, 79.5% never or rarely wore a seat belt while driving, 6.3% of students had participated in physical fights, 10.9% of the students were planning suicide attempts, 3.0% were drug users,2.9% were alcohol consumers, 11.0% were smoked, and 6.3% of the student were sexually active. In addition, 45.5% of the students had unhealthy dietary habits, where 69.0% of them did not practice physical activities regularly. Conclusion: physical inactivity had been the most prevalent health risk behavior followed by, unhealthy dietary habits, then unintentional injuries. Recommendations: physical activity and nutritional programs should be carried to university student's healthy lifestyle behaviors.

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