BACKGROUND:Beta thalassemia major is considered one of the serious health problems and the commonest hemoglobinopathy in Egypt that creates a burden not only on health system but also on the affected families and children who become vulnerable to emotional, social, psychological and behavioural problems.AIM:This study was designed to assess the psychosocial burden and the adaptive functioning in children with beta-thalassemia major.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:A group of 50 children with thalassemia major and 50 normal children matched for age and sex were included in a case-control study. Vineland Adaptive Functioning Scale was used to assess the adaptive functions; while the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSCL) was used to assess psychosocial morbidity.RESULTS:A group of 50 children aged 5-17 years old with thalassemia major, their mean age was 11.05 ± 3.8, showed a statistically significant lower total adaptive behaviour score and communication subscale score. All the mean values of adaptive behaviour for cases and controls were within the average values. Results from the PSCL revealed no significant difference between mean scores of children with thalassemia and controls. A score of attention domain was markedly higher in children with thalassemia. Internalising behaviour was the most dominant as it was detected in 10% of the patient group.CONCLUSION:Thalassemic patients had a relatively mild affection for adaptive and psychosocial functioning that can be explained by social and medical support they receive, which may increase their competence and psychological wellbeing.

BACKGROUND: Repeated blood transfusions and hemolysis in β-Thalassemia major children lead to iron overload in various organs, including the brain which may cause neurodegeneration. AIM: To evaluate intelligence quotient in children with β-thalassemia major and healthy counterparts and to assess risk factors that cause cognitive problems. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This case-control study was performed on 50 children aged 6-16 years old with β-thalassemia major as patients group and compared with 50 healthy children as a control group of matched age, sex, and social class. Cognitive functions were evaluated by using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Serum ferritin and iron were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: There were significantly lower mean performance and full-scale IQ scores of patients group in comparison with controls, whereas no significant differences between both groups as regards to a verbal IQ score. In thalassemic children, block design, comprehension and arithmetic were negatively correlated with age of disease onset, duration of illness and onset of chelation therapy. Serum iron and ferritin were negatively correlated with similarities and digit span. Serum iron levels were negatively correlated with performance IQ score. CONCLUSION: Children with β-thalassemia major need to receive more academic attention and cognitive assessment to improve their IQ.

BACKGROUND:Obesity and related morbidity increase in Egyptian women and their children. A better understanding of dietary and activity patterns is needed to reduce obesity prevalence.AIM:The present study aimed to assess dietary patterns and physical activity in Egyptian overweight and obese mothers and to explore its relationships with their children’s body mass index (BMI).SUBJECTS AND METHODS:This descriptive case-control study was conducted at the National Research Center. The study included a sample of 64 overweight and obese mothers and 75 children, compared with apparently healthy non-obese mothers and their children of matched age and social class. Tested questionnaires were used to collect information of the studied subjects.RESULTS:A statistically significantly higher incidence of unemployment, large family size was observed in overweight & obese women compared to controls (P < 0.05). Those women who consumed vegetables more than 3 times a week were less likely to be overweight or obese (P < 0.05). No significant association were detected between mothers’ physical activity, dietary behaviour variables and children’s BMI except for consuming beverages with added sugar (95%CI = 0.074-0.985, P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Improper dietary patterns, nonworking mothers and big family size are associated with obesity among Egyptian women. Emphasis should be given to increasing physical activity and encourage healthier diets among Egyptian mothers and their children.