bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Menstrual knowledge and practices amongst secondary school girls in lle lfe, Nigeria
Authors: Abioye-Kuteyi E.A. 
Published: September 2007

The menstrual knowledge and practices of 352 randomly selected healthy Nigerian schoolgirls were studied. 187 (53.1 %) had attained menarche. 40% of subjects were deficient in knowledge about menstruation. Although menstrual knowledge was higher in post-menarcheal girls, 10% of these were totally ignorant about menses and 84% were not psychologically prepared for the first menses. Girls' menstrual knowledge was positively associated with parental education. The major source of menstrual information was the family. Although more than half of the girls menstruated regularly, 66.3 %, used insanitary materials as menstrual absorbent. The mean duration of menstrual flow was 4.32 ± 1.15 days (mean ± SD) with a range of 3 - 7 days in 95.2% of the study population. There is an acute need for education and psychological preparation of girls for menstruation well ahead of menarche.
Home safety
Authors: Stewart Jill 
Published: September 2007

There are more accidents in the home than many other environments, yet there is no duty on local authorities to promote domes tic safety per se and the discretionary powers under the Home Safety Act 1961 are rarely used. The local authority remit in safe hous ing is therefore largely through housing enforcement and grant led activity. The main statutory controls available to local authori ties in addressing home safety are found under various Housing Acts, in particular the statutory standard of fitness for habitation, which can provide remedy for some, although not all, potential home accidents. There are many potential hazards in the home which current legislation fails to address. This is one reason why a new stan dard of assessing domestic conditions - the Housing Health and Safety Rating System- is currently being considered. This new sys tem seeks to change the current emphasis on a 'materials and construction specification' type approach to a system based on known domestic hazards and their reduction ('per formance specification') although there remains much debate around the subject. This paper considers the current and pro posed systems and other opportunities avail able to local authorities in addressing the major area of home safety.
A guide to HACCP and function catering
Authors: Worsfold D. 
Published: September 2007

Catering for large functions presents many potential problems associated with the advanced preparation and storage of large quantities of food which then must be safely transported, regenerated, displayed and served in venues that are often not designed for the purpose. A hygiene management system based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles will help ensure the food safety of catering functions. Hazards associated with different function ser vice styles were identified by questioning caterers and by observing catering functions. An approach to risk assessment of hazards was considered and controls recommended for use in function catering were given, together with appropriate monitoring tech niques. A simple format for documenting the HACCP system was provided. It was recommended that caterers evaluate existing prerequisite hygiene programmes (sanitation and pest control) to ensure that they support the HACCP system.
Pediculosis among Rural School children in Kelang, Selangor, Malaysia and their Susceptibility to Malathion, Carbaryl, Perigen and Kerosene
Authors: Sinniah B. , Shekhar Chandka , Ramphal L. , Senan P. 
Published: September 2007

A HIGH prevalence rate (41.5%) for head louse infestation has been recorded among rural school-children in Selangor, Malaysia. Distribu tion of the ecto-parasite among the three main ethnic groups (Indians 51.8%, Malays 42%, and Chinese 27.3%) was also studied. The prevalence rate de pended on the length of hair and sex of the person involved. Treatment with 0.2% and 0.5% Malathion resulted in immediate success rate of 79.2% and 91.5%. Treatment with Carbaryl resulted in an immediate success rate of 100% at dosages of 0.6% and above. Perigen applied at a dosage of 0.1% gave an immediate success rate of 97.6% whereas kerosene applied undiluted showed a success rate of 87.5%. No side reactions were recorded with any of the insecti cides used, with the exception of kerosene.
A Retrospective Estimate of Some Vital Statistics for British Indian Ocean Territory 1965-1973
Authors: Grainger C.R. 
Published: September 2007

FOR THE civilian population British Indian Ocean Territory had only a short existence from its found ing in 1965 to 1976 when three of the islands reverted to Seychelles sovereignty. Most of the civilian population had left the islands by early 1973. Social conditions on the islands were probably very similar to those existing on equivalent islands in other territories but because of limited administrative services there were no published statistics at the time. The analysis of birth and death certificates now in Seychelles allowed a retrospective estimate to be made of some of the vital statistics. The main causes of mortality and morbidity were diseases amenable to simple preventive measures which were not applied probably due to lack of knowledge on the part of the population of the islands. If at any time in the future a civilian population returns to the islands basic sanitation and hygiene should be given a high priority by the Administration.
Candidiasis In Nigerian Students
Authors: Elegre Isaac A. , Juba A. 
Published: September 2007

WABBED SPECIMENS from the following ana tomical sites - skin, nasal, oral, rectal and vaginal were examined for their concentration of Candida albicans and the relationship of each count to the anatomical sites, microscopy results, Polymorphonuclear leukocytes concentrations and candidiasis. A total of 1,000 specimens were analysed by wet mount, microscopy, and culture from undergraduate female students whose ages ranged between 18 and 30 years. It was observed that 45.5% of the total specimens was positive for Candida albicans using the cultural technique. There was a statistical significant difference P <0.05 in the isolation rate of the three identification techniques and the recovery of Candida albicans from the various anatomical sites. Vaginal specimens recorded the largest number of positive cultures with 136(30.0%) of the total 454 positive cultures. 128(94.1%) of the total positive vaginal specimens had counts in excess of 103 CFU/ml. A significant correllation (P<0.001) was noted among the concentration of yeast cells from the various anatomical sites. Furthermore, the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the concentration of yeast cells from the various body sites was statistically significant (P<0.001).
Occupational Health and Safety in a Newly Industrializing Country
Authors: Jinadu M.K. 
Published: September 2007

IN THIS case study, a four-year record review of notifi able industrial disease and accidents was undertaken in Oyo State of Nigeria with an objective of evaluating the administrative effectiveness of occupational health and safety programme in the country. Incidence rate of notifiable industrial accidents was quite high — 18.2/103 workers. The rate was higher in the construction workers — 20.1/103 — than in the manufacturing workers — 16.3/103. Yet, few of the accidents were notified and compensated for under the workmen's Compensation Act. The amount of financial compensation received by the few compensated workers was out of tune with socio-economic realities of the country. Throughout the period of the study not a single notifiable occupational disease was diagnosed and noti fied. Reasons were advanced for non-compliance with safety laws and ineffectiveness of the occupational health and safety system.
Training Public Health Engineers in Developing Countries
Authors: Diamant B.Z. 
Published: September 2007

THE SHORTAGE of public health engineers in the developing countries is the most acute and urgent among all other health disciplines. The inauguration of the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade 1981-1990 by the United Nations in November 1980, followed by a soaring demand for public health engineers, has further aggravated the situation. The conventional public health engineering training system, that is practised in almost all higher learning institutions, including those located in the Third World, consists of a graduate course in civil engineering, followed by a post-graduate course in public health engineering. This system that has been functioning quite satisfactorily in the developed countries, has failed to produce these required engineers in the developing countries. The appropriate training technology for public health en gineers, discussed in this paper, that has been successfully experienced in Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, can provide a sound solution for the acute shortage problem. This solution is based on the performance of the whole training at the graduate level only in a Department of Environmental Engineering, established in the Faculty of Engineering. Developing countries universities that provide engine ering studies, should adopt this solution in order to eliminate the long-term problem of acute shortage in public health engineers in these countries.
Health Status of Elderly in Hong Kong Sheltered Housing
Authors: Woo Jean , Ho S.C. , Teoh R. , Donnan S.P.B. , Vallance-Owen J. 
Published: September 2007

AMULTIDIMENSIONAL assessment including socioeconomic, functional, physical, mental, and dietary status of the elderly living in shel tered housing was undertaken, in order to formulate a policy to provide adequate primary health care aimed at improving the quality of life. Method of assessment consisted of questionnaires, physical examination, urine testing, anthropometric measurements, respirat ory function and blood tests. Four hundred and twenty- eight (96%) of the residents, all aged 60 and above, were interviewed. Improvement in the following areas were considered desirable: (1) Although sheltered housing with adequate health care support is a good arrangement for elderly with low income without relatives, adequate living space is necessary to avoid conflict among tenants; (2) Low cost or free health care services should be made more available to the elderly. The health visitor has an important role to play in ensuring that chronic diseases continued to be treated and in supervising such treatment; (3) Regular supervision of those with impaired mental function, and visits at intervals for those who are depressed should be arranged; (4) Dietary advice on increasing the consumption of calcium — containing foods and vitamin B com plex supplementation should be considered.
Height and Weight Comparison of Children in New Zealand and the United States
Authors: Jordan Thomas E. , Silva Phil A. 
Published: September 2007

HEIGHT AND weight data from two perinatal cohorts in the United States and in New Zealand are presented. All data were gathered as a part of prospective longitudinal inquiries known as the St. Louis Baby Study and the Dunedin Multi disciplinary Health and Development Study. Of note is the fact that inquiry has used individual children as the focus of inquiry, rather than group mem bership such as attending the same school or church. Excluded from analyses for the purpose of this report are children of non-European origin such as Maori or Black children. Data are reported metrically for height and weight and percentiles conform to international usage for the purpose of reporting. In general both groups of children are similar in initial height and weight, in the course of development at subsequent ages to 10 years, and also in the matter of increments in height and weight.
Farm Accidents in an Irish County
Authors: Doyle Y. , Moore A. 
Published: September 2007

BETWEEN 1977-87, 17 farm accident deaths were recorded in a county of population 52,379 in the north-east of Ireland. In 1986, a further 150 non-fatal cases were recorded in the county during a national survey of non-fatal farm accidents. Tractors were the commonest cause of fatal and non-fatal accidents and the latter were frequently serious. Although 63% of fatal, and 60% of non-fatal accidents occurred to farmers, 31% of fatal and 15% of non-fatal cases were farmer's children, and these were mainly under 12 years old. The commonest age group of fatal cases was between 1-15 years, and of non-fatal cases between 46-60 years. The latter age group is repre sentative of the national age group of Irish farmers. There were fewer than three deaths in this series which were beyond the control of the deceased or their gaurdian, and many non-fatal accidents were associated with risk taking by the deceased. The very low profile afforded farm safety at all levels in Ireland is inappro priate as there is no evidence that farm accidents have decreased either in number or severity in recent years. Examples of non-accidental deaths on the farm are presented to illustrate the need for personal alarm systems for the elderly farmer; furthermore, a 'dis tressed farmer' scheme run by farming interests is recommended for farmers whose social isolation and financial worries have become an unbearable burden to them.
Anthropometric Measurements in Rural School Children
Authors: Khan Asif Z. , Singh N.I. , Hasan S.B. , Sinha S.N. , Zaheer M. 
Published: September 2007

ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS of 1012 rural school-going children, selected ran domly, were performed. There were 776 males and 236 females in the age group of 5-15 years. The values of weight and height were recorded for every child in the study sample. Age and sex break-up was studied and compared with the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) standard. The comparison made separately for boys and girls showed that the values for both sexes and in all age groups were less than the ICMR standard. The majority (83.6%) of the children belonged to the middle and low social class according to the modified Prasad's classification. An inference is, therefore, drawn that rural school children of middle and low socio-economic status are shorter and lighter as com pared with even their own counterparts on whom the ICMR values are based. The state of health of school-going children in India is far from satisfactory despite the fact that school health programmes along with other nutritional pro grammes have been in operation for several decades. School-going children constitute a sizeable section of India's population, i.e. about 27%, which is easily accessible and also receptive. An early and convenient method of assessing nutri tional and socio-economic status of growing children is anthropometry. Physical growth, in terms of weight and height, is considered an important parameter reflecting the pattern of growth and development in a community. In the developing countries, the growing children by and large are depnved of good nutrition on account of their poor socio-economic status, ignorance and lack of health promotional facilities. This nutritio nal deprivation results in relative stunting of growth.
Prospects and Problems of Women Sanitarians Justifing Their Inclusion in the Environmental Health Profession: The Nigerian Situation
Authors: Emeharole P.O. 
Published: September 2007

THE HISTORY of the Nigerian political arena, has vindicated the great political impact made by Nigerian women. This Nigerian 'Women Impact Continuum' did not terminate with the achievement of political independence 30 years ago. The inclusion of Nigerian women in what was hitherto men's special profession has already begun to yield tremendous fruitful socio-economic development dividends. Con temporary Nigeria is witnessing the emergence of a spectrum of women achievers who have excelled in their various professions. Women in the Environmental Health Profession may not be an exception. The paper opines that if the current 'women impact continuum' permeates the Environmental Health Pro fession female sanitarians could justify their inclusion in the Profession, if: (i) there is strength in their number; (ii) the Federal Government grants the Environmental Health Profession a statutory Regula tory Board; (iii) Women Sanitarians are given oppor tunities for in-service training; and (iv) the women's wing of the Association is recognized and integrated into the National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS) of Nigeria and shown a sense of belonging by the Better Life Programme for Rural Women (BELPRW).
Pediculosis Pubis: A Surrogate Marker for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Authors: Opaneye A.A. , Jayaweera D.T. , Walzman M. , Wade A.A.H. 
Published: September 2007

A review of all the patients diagnosed to have Pediculosis pubis (P pubis) during a 2 year period 1989-1991 was carried out. They constituted the index group and were compared with 140 consecutive patients seen during the month of June 1990, who served as controls. Both groups were comparable with respect to age and use of modern contraception. Coexisting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were found in 37% of the index group. Incidence of STDs was 51 % among the controls. In the preceding 3 months, patients in the index group had significantly more sexual partners p < 0.005 . These findings emphasize the need to offer full STD screening and health education to sexually active people who present with P pubis.
New Trends of Postgraduate Education in Public Health in Slovakia (THE FIRST EXPERIENCES OF THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN BRATISLAVA)
Authors: Badalik L. , Paniakova M. , Farkasova D. , Kubjatkova A. 
Published: September 2007

The School of Public Health (SPH) in Bratislava was estab lished on 1 July 1991, as an organisational unit of the Post graduate Medical School, directly subordinated to the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic. The SPH performs both postgraduate and continuing education of specialists in indi vidual public health branches. It participates in the research activities within the field of public health. Our SPH is engaged in the network of European schools of public health, in association with the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER). In coordination with these schools, the SPH elaborates on a system of training Europe- wide a comparable qualification degree in Master of Public Health (MPH). In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the SPH also organises training courses and seminars with international participation. The SPH entered into the school year 1992/93 with its 5 departments and sub-departments in the following organi sational structure: 1. Department of Health Strategy with sub-departments: Health Legislation Health Education Health Sociology 2. Department of Medical Informatics 3. Department of Health Management 4. Department of Medical Education 5. Department of Preventive Medicine with sub-departments: Epidemiology Hygiene of Children and Adolescents Environmental Hygiene Nutrition Preventive Occupational Health Health Protection against Ionization
Whistle While You Work in the Health- related Professions?
Authors: Vinten Gerald 
Published: September 2007

The spate of correspondence and publicity, following the disciplining, and subsequent settlement in his favour, at an Industrial Tribunal, of Stockport Health Authority Charge Nurse Graham Pink, suggested that the urge to blow the whistle was at almost epidemic proportions in the NHS. It might have been surmised that the only device which kept this under control was the fear of discipline and perhaps dismissal. This fear has been increased by the contracts of employment of the NHS Trusts which have outlawed acts of whistleblowing. There are similar pressures for those working in other health-related professions, and in health and safety, and environmental protection. It is important to question whether such severe stric tures are in the public interest, or whether they are there to make the life of senior managers easier, or to make it possible to ensure that doctors, nurses, and other caring professionals and support staff, conform to budgetary con straints without resort to campaigning.
Surveillance of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in Slovakia
Authors: Badalík L. , Honzátková Z. , Krištúfek P. , Švejnochová M. , Paniaková M. 
Published: September 2007

The elimination of tuberculosis (TB) among cattle was claimed in Czecho-Slovakia in the middle of the sixties. Experiences from some countries which eliminated TB among cattle earlier than Czecho-Slovakia indicated a sporadic occurrence ofTB caused by M. bovis. A long-term investigation of the occurrence of this 'diminishing zoonosis' has been carried out by a special group of experts (epidemiologists, clinicians, bacteriologists, epizootiologists and veterinary surgeons) on the whole territory of Slovakia. During the period of years 1972-1990 there were discovered 68 new cases of TB in humans caused by M. bovis. This paper analyses the results of the epidemiological investiga tion of this group of patients from several aspects: eg age, sex, occupation and geographical distribution.
Typing of Proteus from Patients with Bacteriuria
Authors: Clarke Stuart C , McIntyre Michael 
Published: September 2007

Forty-five strains of Proteus mirabilis isolated from hospital in-patients, out patients and community patients with significant bacteriuria, were investigated to deter mine whether a predominant type was present using the Dienes test. Antimicrobial sus ceptibility patterns of the 45 strains of Proteus mirabilis were also determined. There were 38 different Dienes types which shows that there is no predominant type of Proteus amongst the isolates examined in this study. This suggests that there is no pre dominant type of Proteus mirabilis in the community and hospital acquired bacteriuria. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of an isolate was not a useful marker for typing because susceptibility patterns between different Dienes types were so similar.
Health risk behaviour of a medical student population
Authors: Pikó Bettina , Barabás Katalin , Markos Judit 
Published: September 2007

A pilot study of a cross-sectional nature was carried out to observe and describe the health risk behaviour of a medical student population. The participants (242) were drawn from the students of the University Medical School of Szeged, Hungary. The stu dents were aged 18-31 years (x = 23) and were randomly selected. The response rate was 73%. The project focussed on 4 harmful habits ranked in the following order of prevalence: excessive coffee drinking (35%), smoking (20.9%), regular alcohol use (6.8%) and illicit drug use (5.1%). The non-parametric (Chi-square) test showed significant differences between the higher and lower physical activity groups in terms of psychological well-being (p<0.05) and health behaviour changes (p<0.005). Harmful habits, however, were report ed more frequently by the higher physical activity group. Significant differences could be detected in terms of women's illicit drug use (p<0.05). Using the Mann-Whitney U-test, it was detected that those who performed more physical activities rated their health signif icantly higher (p<0.001). This study will be pursued in an expanded study with a larger sample and concentrate especially on the relationship of physical activity behaviour to harmful habits. Follow-up methods are also planned to study the medical student population over time, which should yield some greater insight into these relationships.