Sirte Journal of Medical Sciences

Awareness and Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Among Female Students and Graduates of Public Health Faculty: Opportunities for Prevention and Early Detection in Developing Countries

2025-01-12T17:44:03+00:00

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a preventable and treatable gynaecological disease. Preventive medicine plays an essential role in the reduction of CC morbidity and mortality rates. Healthcare workers in developing countries have not demonstrated a comprehensive awareness and knowledge of CC prevention and early detection.

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the awareness about CC and its risk factors and describe the level of knowledge for role of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection in CC and the use pap smear screening tests among female students and graduates at the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Benghazi, Libya.

Participants and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted during the period 14^th and 25^thof July 2024, targeting the female students and graduates of Public Health Faculty in Benghazi- Libya. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the faculty. Sample size was calculated to be 360 participants. Consents of participation were obtained.

The questionnaire was distributed to students (year one to year four and to the graduates) answers collected through Google form. We started analysis when the desired sample size reached nearly equal distributions between the four years students and the graduates. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: socio-demographic characteristics, (age, year of study, role at faculty (students or graduates), and marital status). The second part consisted of knowledge about CC causes, risk factors, awareness about HPV (sexually transmitted infection, types associated with CC and vaccination). Pap smear as screening test for early detection of cervical changes. Personal practice through asking about receiving HPV vaccination, enumerating the common barriers to implement CC prevention programs, SPSS version 27 was used

Pregnancy out comes after assisted reproductive technology (Derna / Libya)

2025-01-13T08:15:36+00:00

Background: Studies the outcome of pregnancy after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) pregnancies report heterogeneous results. Despite the success of ART to overcome infertility, concern is growing regarding both its safety and its effect on maternal and child health.

objective: The aim of this study is evaluation of pregnancy outcome (maternal and fetal) after ART.

Methods: A population-based birth prospective cross- section observational study was carried out among pregnant women by ART & expected to deliver in 2020 to 2022 at Al wahda hospital / Derna, maternal results included gravidity difficulties and weight gain during pregnancy.

Results: The study includ 100 pregnant women after ART. Adjusted examines displayed that, more than 90% of pregnancies were multiple pregnancy. The OHSS was positive in 45.0%. The majority of the patients (97.0%) had anemia during pregnancy. The cervical cerculage done in 46.0% of the pregnant women.

Conclusion: the major bad effect on the child-health results is owing mostly to the increase occurrence of several pregnancies and not because of ART.

Prevalence of Hernia in Sirte, Libya: A Literature Review and Comparison with Western Countries

2025-01-13T09:04:28+00:00

Inguinal hernias are the most prevalent in females, according to several sources in the western medical literature, followed by femoral and peri-umbilical hernias. However, our data in Sirte show that peri-umbilical hernias are the most common among females, with inguinal and femoral hernias lagging far behind. As a result, our Sirte data analysis differs significantly from those seen in journals and western medical texts. The article takes a critical approach on the causes behind the difference and explores the relevant literature.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among gastrointestinal patients in Hun City, Libya: A cross-sectional study

2025-01-13T09:24:25+00:00

Background:This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among patients attending Al-Masra'a Clinic in Hun city, Aljufra, Libya,from January 2021 to December 2023..

Methods:A total of 1,079 stool samples were collected from gastrointestinal patients. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were examined using light and dark ground microscopy, direct smear techniques with normal saline and Lugol’s iodine, and the formalin-ether concentration technique. Ziehl-Nielsen staining was used for microscopic differentiation of parasite developmental forms. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 24), with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests employed to identify significant associations.

Results:Intestinal parasites were detected in 13.3% (144/1,079) of the patients, with a significant difference (P=0.02). Males had a higher infection rate (68.75%) compared to females (31.25%), with a significant difference (P=0.04). The highest prevalence was observed in individuals under 20 years (48.6%), followed by the 20-40 age group (22.2%). Entamoeba histolytica was the most common parasite (73.61%), followed by Giardia lamblia (10.41%) and Entamoeba coli (7.63%). Co-infections were rare (6.25%). The prevalence of infections declined over the study period, from (11.6%) in 2021 to (7.4%) in 2023 (P=0.02). Rural areas had a significantly higher prevalence (84.02%) compared to urban areas (15.97%), with a significant difference (P=0.04).

Conclusion:The study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly in rural areas, to improve sanitation, health education, and access to healthcare. Enhanced water quality and hygiene practices are crucial to reducing the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in the region.

The Attitude and willingness towards COVID-19 Vaccine in healthcare workers in Sirte, Libya

2025-01-13T11:23:58+00:00

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the groups that were at the forefront of the Corona epidemic. Many of them became infected and sometimes died. Since they are among the most vulnerable to this epidemic, they were among those targeted for the Covid-19 vaccination. This an observational cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of health care workers at Ibn Sina Hospital in the city of Sirte regarding vaccination against the Coronavirus, and how demographic, professional, or other factors may be affected by differences in knowledge and attitudes related to acceptance of taking the Coronavirus vaccine. The study was targeted 155 participants (mean age 1.97, male 73 (47.1%), female 82 (52.9%). Those who agreed to take the vaccination were (77) and represented (49.7%). Those who did not agree to take the vaccination and answered no were (58) and represent (37.4%). There were (20) of those who were not interested and were hesitant about taking the vaccination or not, representing (12.9%) of the total number in this study.

Prevalence of UTI Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria in Type 2DM Cases at Khoums Diabetes Center in Al-khoums, Libya.

2025-01-13T12:04:32+00:00

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more frequent, more severe, and have worse outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These infections are also more commonly caused by resistant pathogens. Several factors, including immune system dysfunction, poor metabolic control, and incomplete bladder emptying due to autonomic neuropathy, may contribute to the increased risk of UTIs in these patients. A prospective study was carried out at Khoums Diabetes Center in Al-Khoms, Libya, from December 2022 to February 2023. The study included 170 participants, 140 of whom were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while 30 were non-diabetic (control group). Among the 140 urine samples from diabetic patients, 60 samples (42.9%) showed significant bacterial growth, while 80 samples (57.1%) showed no significant growth. When examining the relationship between liquid intake, socio-economic status, and Gram-negative bacterial species, the data was categorized by sex, age, weight, and employment. A higher percentage of females (84%) were affected compared to males (16%). The age group most affected was 46-55 years, comprising 35.5% of cases. Regarding employment, housewives were the most affected group, making up 67.8%, while laborers had the lowest incidence, with 0%. Improving the management of diabetes mellitus, along with the proper use of antibiotics selected based on sensitivity patterns, could help reduce the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prevent renal complications. The results highlighted the rise of highly resistant bacteria to most of the tested antimicrobials, urging physicians to adjust their treatment approaches based on antimicrobial susceptibility findings

Prevalence of Anaemia amongst non-pregnant women in Sirte at Ibn-Sina hospital over a period of ten years (2010-2020)

2025-01-14T19:03:38+00:00

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that in 2019, 30% (539 million) of non-pregnant women were affected by anemia, with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Anaemia remains a major public health concern in developing countries, as it can affect individuals at any stage of life. The symptoms of anaemia are non-specific and can lead to reduced physical work capacity and productivity.

The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of anaemia in non-pregnant women residing in Sirte City.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study that took place at Iben Sina Teaching Hospital in Sirte, Libya. The study included all case records of women above the age of 15 years who were admitted to the female medical ward at the hospital in the period between 2010 and 2020.

The data was examined using Microsoft Excel 2019 and presented in tables and graphs.

Results: The case records of 773 cases were reviewed and analyzed. The results revealed an estimated anemia (Hb <12g/dl) prevalence of 14.7% (114/773), the mean age of patients was 55 years and the mean Hb was 6.5 g/dl.

Conclusion:

The study showed that anaemia is prevalent in the admitted female population in the city of Sirte and a notable increase was noted in the last year of the study that could reflect capturing the real prevalence; this must be confirmed in subsequent studies that would also help in identifying risk factors and causes in this female population