American Journal of Public Health Research

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a growing problem among university students worldwide. There is lack of Egyptian national studies addressing this problem. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of PIU and its relation to psychological morbidity among Egyptian university students. A cross sectional study was carried out on 1656 university students from two Egyptian faculties randomly chosen following multistage random sampling methodology. Students were asked to fill a questionnaire including data about demographic factors, family and school-related factors and internet using activities. Young internet addiction test (YIAT) and the General health questionnaire (GHQ -12) were used to assess internet addiction and psychological morbidity. About 13% of the participants were problematic internet users. Prevalence of PIU was significantly higher among males, students from the theoretical college, students with higher parents education, students who use internet for more hours daily, more frequently, and who use it for socialization and entertainment purposes. A significantly positive correlation was found between YIAT scores and GHQ scores. This study showed a high prevalence of PIU among Egyptian university students which affects their psychological wellbeing. An intervention program focusing on related factors should be implemented to reduce this problem. Future researches addressing the relationship between PIU and psychological disorders should be carried out.

American Journal of Public Health Research. 2015, 3(5), 192-198. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-3-5-3
Pub. Date: October 15, 2015

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Food Anaphylaxis: Reported Cases in Russian Federation Children

by Natalia Vladislavovna Esakova, Marina Sergeevna Treneva, Tatyana Sergeevna Okuneva and Alexander Nikolaevich Pampura

Original Research

Background: Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Food allergy is one of the main causes of anaphylaxis in children. Anaphylaxis research in different populations across Europe is one of the unmet needs. The aim of this study is to evaluate typical clinical features, causes of food anaphylaxis and sensitization to food allergens in Russian Federation children admitted to the allergy department. Materials and methods: Allergy history of 80 children with food anaphylaxis was investigated and specific IgE concentration in serum was tested. Results: Total number of anaphylaxis episodes in 80 children was 158. Family allergy history was positive in 42 children. Food anaphylaxis episodes were associated more often with cow milk, fish or/and seafood, tree nuts. Cow milk was reliably more valid in children under 2 years of age than in older children, where tree nut and fruit anaphylaxis was more frequent. Specific IgE levels ≥ 0,35 кUA/l to food associated with anaphylaxis episodes were revealed in all children and varied largely. Specific IgE levels did not correlate with severity of anaphylaxis episodes.Clinical manifestations with skin/mucosa and respiratory system involvement were the most frequent (97,5% and 92% respectively). Cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems were involved in 33,5% of cases each. Conclusion: Cow milk, fish and/or seafood, tree nuts are the most often food associated with food anaphylaxis cases in Russian Federation children. Food triggers of anaphylaxis vary with age of children. Skin/mucosa and respiratory tract are often involved in food anaphylaxis episodes. Cardiovascular involvement increases with children’s age.

American Journal of Public Health Research. 2015, 3(5), 187-191. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-3-5-2
Pub. Date: September 18, 2015

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A Desktop Evaluation of the Potential Impact of Nanotechnology Applications in the Field of Environmental Health in a Developing Country

by Levani Naidoo and Emilie Joy Kistnasamy

Review Article

Nanotechnology is the latest addition to enhancing lifestyles of the human population. It also has an impact on the core parts that are vital to the well-being of humanity and its’ sustainability. Nanotechnology has been researched and is implemented in a number of countries at a commercialized level. However, in South Africa, nanotechnology is still being explored at grassroots with a few private industries implementing it. Based on research, the public health sector is expected to benefit the most from the application of nanotechnology. An environmental health practitioner plays a key role in ensuring the health and sustainability of the human population. The purpose of this desktop study is to generally explore the uses of nanotechnology in the Public Health sector with specificity to food, health and water remediation in the context of environmental health in South Africa and evaluate the possible impacts nanotechnology will have in the South African society. Proposed recommendations to be considered on how to address the use of nanotechnology in the current state of South Africa are made along with identifying the gaps in research in nanotechnology pertaining to South Africa.

American Journal of Public Health Research. 2015, 3(5), 182-186. DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-3-5-1
Pub. Date: September 14, 2015

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