Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related isolation measures have substantial adverse economic, social, and psychological consequences and expose children to increased risk of violence. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on violence against children in Egypt. Methods An online survey, in Arabic, was disseminated during the period from 9 to 13 April 2020, to parents of children who were up to 18 years old residing in Egypt, selected using a snowball sampling technique, during the period from 25 March to 8 April during the implementation of the nationwide compulsory isolation measures against COVID-19 (25 March to 8 April 2020). The survey covered three areas: socio-demographic data, psychological impact measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and violence against children during the past 2 weeks measured using a modified parent-report of a child abuse screening tool (ICAST-P) developed by the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Results Out of 1118 completed survey responses, 90.5% of children were subjected to violent discipline, 88.7% experienced psychological aggression, and 43.2% encountered severe physical punishment. Approximately 60% of respondents reported a moderate-to-severe psychological impact (IES-R scores ≥ 33), which was associated with a higher rate of violent discipline (OR: 9.3; 95% CI: 5.37–16.027; p < 0.001). Conclusions This is the first study in Egypt to provide evidence on the association of COVID-19 pandemic, its psychological impact, and increased rates of violence against children. Effective multilevel strategies are urgently required to protect children from violence and its catastrophic consequences during the continually evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: This study aims to assess COVID-19 related knowledge and practice among the Egyptians in Upper Egypt and to identify barriers that hinder adherence to these preventive measures.Design and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire. Data was collected from 21 to 30 August 2020, via both online survey and personal interviews using a non-probability self-nominated sample.Results: A total of 731 participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 32.1± 2.1 and 64.3% were females. The main sources of knowledge were, Internet and Social Media followed by TV then family and friends. More than 96% of the respondents knew the origin, nature, the main symptoms, and the modes of transmission of COVID-19, however, 37.6% of them thought that COVID-19 patients must develop symptoms. 75.8% and 73.6% of the participants respectively covered their nose and mouth during sneezing and washed their hands regularly, 65.4% wore masks in crowded places, while only 31.1% and 30% of them respectively avoided touching their faces or shaking hands with friends. Knowledge and practice were positively correlated and both were linked to younger age and higher education and the female gender was also a predictor of better practice. The most common perceived barriers to adherence to preventive measures were feeling uncomfortable, forgetfulness then financial causes.Conclusions: the study subjects were aware of COVID-19 and its preventive measures however adherence to some of these measures was not prevalent amongst them, indicating an urgent need of addressing and targeting barriers that hinder adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the future policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Egypt.

Background:The objective of antenatal care (ANC) services is to achieve a healthy pregnancy and clean and safe delivery and birth of a full-term healthy baby with further reduction of maternal and fetal mortality by providing comprehensive health care for women before and during pregnancy. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the utilization pattern of ANC services and its determinants among pregnant women in Sohag Governorate. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 955 pregnant women in their third trimesters who attended eight randomly selected maternal and child health (MCH) and primary healthcare centers of Sohag Governorate for antenatal care services in a duration of 6 months. Socio-demographic data, ANC knowledge, and data on the adequacy of utilization of ANC services were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: The mean knowledge score of the surveyed pregnant women was 3.1 ± 1.1, indicating fair knowledge. Overall, 76.5% of the surveyed women adequately utilized antenatal care services, and the predictors of proper utilization were urban residence, higher education and good knowledge regarding the importance of prenatal care services, and the utilization of the available services. Conclusion:Most of the study participants exhibited fair knowledge and adequate utilization of antenatal care services. Moreover, urban residence, higher education, good knowledge regarding the importance of prenatal care services, and utilization of available services are among the important factors that influence the utilization of antenatal services.

Introduction; during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) period, most of the countries were locked down and most of the hospitals established for COVID-19 patients only. The idea of telemedicine and online clinic was necessary and a good solution for patients who cannot reach or afraid from contacting corona virus carriers at cardiology clinics or hospitals. Aim of work; this study was conducted to assess the value of telemedicine in cardiac patients care and ease managing their chronic illness during COVID-19. Subject and Methods; A cross sectional study during the course of one month of tele monitoring (from 5 July to 4 August), we received 2003 alerts (phone calls and messages). We used to communicate with patients on time or shortly within 24 hours according to their complaints. Results; As regard onset of complaint, 14.4% were acute onset and 85.6% were gradual onset. Recommendation for admission for only 15.1% and 84.9% of patients advised to continue treatment at home with some changes in doses. Conclusion ;Telemedicine had a lot of economic and social benefits and it is a good solution especially in certain circumstances like the COVID-19 outbreak. It allows better follow-up, stimulation of self-management of the illness, improvement of quality of life, reduction of rehospitalization costs, and faster treatment in cardiac emergencies.

Background: Recently the growth of online learning programs has been driven by the progress of the internet and the information technology that improved the education. Due to advancement of the latest technology, online learning has arisen as a substitute complement to traditional teaching and learning. Objective(s):To determine factors affecting satisfaction of Sohag university students with online learning. Methods: Strachota's Online Satisfaction Survey was applied on 782 students from faculty of medicine, pharmacy and education to assess the satisfaction of students with online learning. It included five main parameters (student-content interaction, student-instructor interaction, studentstudent interaction, student-technology interaction, and general satisfaction). Results: Half of the studied students (50.3%) were not satisfied with online learning as a continuous method for education. Males were more satisfied (59.5%) than females (45%). Students living in urban areas (53%) were more satisfied than those of rural areas (45.8%) and students of faculty of medicine were more satisfied (54.4%) than faculties of pharmacy and education (40% & 48.6% respectively). The availability of computers and internet was significantly affecting the satisfaction of students with all parameters. Conclusion: Half of the studied students were not satisfied with online learning as a continuous method for education. The factors affecting the satisfaction of students with online learning were availability of computers and internet, male gender and urban residence.

Background: Faculty development (FD) is a core component of medical education, and needs assessment is central for planning effective FD programs. In the present study, we assessed the perceived development needs of medical faculty and the factors affecting these needs at an Egyptian medical school.Methods: This sequential mixed-methods research was conducted in 2019 at Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University (Egypt) using a triangulation approach for data collection: (1) web-based survey composed of 74 items about demographics and educational experiences, satisfaction with current FD programs, perceived development needs, delivery and scheduling preferences; (2) semi-structured interviews for in-depth understanding; and (3) secondary data.Results: A total of 434 out of 793 target faculty (54.7%) completed the survey. Participants in general perceived moderate to extreme need to all FD areas with the highest priorities given for discipline-specific and research domains. Awareness of teaching needs has increased among faculty in recent years. Perceived FD needs varied across career stage, and most participants preferred short interactive workshops; online methods are also desired. Compulsory participation in FD programs was a subject of high controversy. More than one-third of participants were interested in joining the newly established medical education department.Conclusions: Perceived FD needs are affected by accreditation standards, academic reward systems, and socioeconomic factors. The present study provides a transferrable model for conducting FD needs assessment, and the findings are important for planning effective and economically sound FD programs within the complex structure of today’s medical schools.

No abstract

Background: Intended and unintended injuries are considered the main causes of disability and death in children worldwide. Recognition of the patterns of children's injuries is critical for improving efficient protection schemes. Aim of the study: This study aims to outline the childhood injury pattern, mode, characteristics, causes, and consequences in patients aged less than 18 years. Method: A prospective study was carried out on patients aged 18 years and below admitted to the emergency department of Sohag University Hospital, in the period between January to June 2021. Data including age, sex, type of injury, mode of injury, and the effects of the injury on the body were collected. Results: 149 cases; 49 females (32.9%) and 100 males (67.1%) were identified. The most commonly affected age group (6-10) years. Intentional injuries were found in 36 cases (24.2%, with male to female ratio of 3:1), compared to nonintentional injuries appreciated in 113 cases (78.2%, with male to female ratio of 1.8:1). The most common etiology was violence applied by a person other than father and mother, either non-intentional or intentional, (45 cases), while the least etiology was animal bite (2 cases). The most common type of injury is contused wound (54 cases) while the least common is a firearm wound (5 cases). Conclusion: Most of the cases of our study were mild or moderate injury and mainly resulted from injury by a person other than father and mother (either non-intentional or intentional) followed by a motor car accident, while the least etiology was an animal bite.