Background Self-medication is defined as taking medications without the physician’s prescription. It is a worldwide public health problem, especially in countries with limited resources. Although self-medication can reduce waiting time and save money, it may carry some potential risks, e.g., antibiotic resistance or inappropriate management with subsequent complication. A limited number of self-medication studies have been conducted in Egypt. Objectives To determine the prevalence of self-medication practices and to identify the factors associated with self-medication Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 patients. The sample was randomly selected from those who attended the El-Mahsama family practice center, Ismailia, Egypt, from November 2018 to February 2019. The center is affiliated to the Suez Canal University and provides preventive and curative services to a rural community. The participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire including sociodemographic scale and self-medication knowledge and behavior. Data was analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistical methods. Results Frequency of self-medication among the study sample has reached 96%. More than half of the participants (53.6%) reported that the first reason behind using self-medication was cost saving. Meanwhile, the most prevalent conditions that make them use these medications by themselves were headaches (17%), aches and pain (other than headache) (39.2%), and fevers (11.8%). The most frequent self-administered drugs were analgesics (59.5%) and antibiotics (23.5%). Conclusion Prevalence of self-medication is high among all socioeconomic levels of patients attending the El-Mahsama family practice center, which serves a rural community in Ismailia governorate, Egypt.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functionalgastrointestinal condition, in which patients suffer from abdominal pain, bloating, and change in bowel habits. Some researchers examined the potential therapeutic role of vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) to alleviate symptoms of IBS, however, the outcomes of their studies werecontroversial. Objective: to assess the effect of vitamin D3 supplement on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Methods: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty patients with IBS attending the family practice center in El-Mahsama, Ismailia, Egypt were recruited, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study participants were allocated randomly into two groups, (1) the intervention and (2) the control group. The intervention group received 4000 IU of vitamin D3 orally and the control group received a placebo of edible paraffin orally. Both groups received their assigned treatment daily for 12 weeks. Irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity score (IBSSSS) was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: IBSSSS was significantly reduced in the intervention group (114.36 ± 67.36) after 12 weeks compared to the control group (292.13 ± 74.77) (p<0.001). Regarding IBSSSS difference, patients receiving vitamin D were found to have significantly higher score difference (-164.72 ± 67.77) than participants who took the placebo (-12.13 ± 50.78) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients suffering from IBS felt better and their gastrointestinal symptomsimproved after taking vitamin D3 supplementation.

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Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy. It is associated with maternal and fetal complications. Screening for GDM and its risk factors is essential for the early diagnosis and management. Aim: This study aimed to improve pregnancy outcomes through assessing the prevalence and predictors of GDM among pregnant females attending Fanara family practice center between the 24 th and the 28 th weeks of gestation. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 pregnant women. Non-probability consecutive sampling was applied to all patients who attended the antenatal care clinic in Fanara family practice center. The participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire including socio-demographic scale and risk factors assessment. They were also subjected to physical examination and investigations. Results: The prevalence of GDM among included participants was estimated to be 6%. Participants with GDM had a significantly higher mean maternal age compared to participants without GDM. The most common risk factors for GDM in the current study were family history of diabetes and prior history of abortion. Conclusion: Early detection of GDM and controlling of its risk factors are necessary for better maternal and fetal outcome.

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use among Arab immigrants in Denmark, in order to increase insight into the hidden practices of this ethnic group. Methods: In this study, 21 Arab immigrants in Denmark were interviewed in Arabic. A purposive strategic sample was recruited from mosques, a healthcare center and by snowballing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, then audiotaped and transcribed. The analysis was conducted according to Malterud’s principles for systematic text condensation and guidelines for qualitative research. Results: Different types of complementary and alternative medicine, referred to as Arabic and Islamic medicine, were used including dietary practices; spiritual healing and cupping therapy, which were mainly used for acute diseases, painful conditions and what so-called jinn-related diseases. Conclusions: Arabic and Islamic medicine is a special form of complementary and alternative medicine, used by some Arab immigrants, which appears to be deeply embedded in their health beliefs within cultural and religious contexts. Healthcare providers should be familiar with diverse health practices and beliefs in order to provide culturally sensitive care and improve the quality of care delivered to ethnic minority patients with different religious backgrounds.