Libyan Journal of Public Health Practices

Comparison of Integrated Pest Management Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among staff members of Four Major Hospitals in Benghazi

Fawzeia H. Elmhalli — 2024-12-15

Pests in the hospital environment pose a significant risk to the safety of patients and staff. While pesticides are commonly used to control pests, they can lead to additional problems. Therefore, alternative procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) have gained attention. This study aimed to assess hospital staff knowledge, practice, and attitudes regarding IPM in four major hospitals in Benghazi. A cross-sectional study used a questionnaire and checklist to collect the data from the participants. The results indicated that all hospitals showed low IPM knowledge and practiced widespread pesticide use. The Surgical and Emergency Hospital (SEH) demonstrated significantly higher IPM knowledge, practice, and attitude scores than the other three hospitals (p = 0.000), with a mean of 4.56, 2.61, and 10.94, respectively. All studied hospitals experienced pest infestations such as houseflies and roaches. These hospitals rely mainly on chemical control, employing 14 types of pesticides, including five restricted-use pesticides and seven that are banned. In addition, these chemicals can be used without proper supervision and by uncertified users with limited knowledge.

Stress, Anxiety, And Depression Among Dentists Three Years into The Pandemic

Sumeia Werfalli — 2024-12-15

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare workers globally, including the psychological wellbeing of dentists. To evaluate the effect of the early phase of the pandemic on the long-term psychological well-being of dentists, this study assessed dentists’ mental health outcomes at two time points, at fall 2020 (six months into the pandemic), and at winter 2023 (three years into the pandemic). Specifically measuring the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and potential associated risk factors. The study surveyed dentists in Libya who responded to the study questionnaire Specifically measuring the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and potential associated risk factors. The study surveyed dentists in Libya who responded the study questionnaire in fall 2020 (n = 67) and winter 2023 (n = 38). The survey included self-report measures assessing four mental health outcomes: depression, anxiety, and stress. The chi-square test was used to compare mental health outcome measures between fall and winter. The prevalence of self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress decreased between fall 2020 and winter 2023 (40% vs. 37%, p =0.27; 55% vs. 42%, p = 0.37; 97% vs. 71%, p = 0.11 respectively). These estimates were particularly higher among those with a history of psychiatric disorder. Three years into the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, poor mental health outcomes were highly prevalent among dentists. Further research is needed to assess contributing factors in this specific population. Dental syndicates should promote targeted programs and services aimed at improving dentists’ well-being.

Junk Food Consumption and Obesity Risk Among Students at Benghazi University: A Cross-Sectional Study

Salima Saad — 2024-12-15

Consumption of junk food is an environmental factor linked to obesity and may heighten the risk of obesity-related diseases, representing a significant public health issue. The study aim is to clarify the association between junk food consumption and obesity among students at Benghazi University and will also examine students' knowledge of the adverse effects of junk food consumption. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students in the medical colleges of the University of Benghazi from January 2024. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized, including socio-demographic data, patterns of junk food consumption, knowledge about Junk food, and weight and height measurements. A total of 354 students participated in the study, with 67.5% female and 32.5% male. The majority (84.4%) were less than 25 years old. Notably, 98.9% of students consume junk food. 39.5% of students reported consuming junk food once or twice a week. Knowledge assessment revealed that 47.7% had good knowledge, 26.3% had fair knowledge, and 26% had poor knowledge regarding junk food. Based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) classification, 52.8% of participants had a normal BMI, 26.3% were overweight, 13.6% were obese, and 7.3% were underweight. Increased weekly junk food consumption was observed, alongside a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among students, despite a majority having normal BMI. No significant association between junk food consumption and BMI was found. Students acknowledged junk food's negative effects but continued consumption due to emotional factors and taste preference.

Evaluation of the Association between Unhealthy Lifestyle and Colon Cancer among the Patients Treated in the Oncology Unit of Benghazi Medical Center

Heithum S. Baiu — 2024-12-15

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer around the world and is related to an unhealthy lifestyle. A retrospective case-control study, of 95 colorectal cancer patients and 95 matched controls investigated the association between lifestyle factors and colorectal cancer at Benghazi Medical Centre from June to July 2024. Data were collected via interviews and questionnaires. A binary logistic regression test was used to evaluate the relationship between each lifestyle variable and colon cancer. BMI was statistically significantly related to colon cancer (P = 0.045; odd ratio = 0.927, 95% CI (0.861 to 0.998)). Several dietary factors showed significant associations with colon cancer risk. Healthy diets were inversely associated (OR 0.379, P = 0.045), while vegetable consumption was positively associated (OR 4.619, P = 0.001). Red meat consumption also showed a positive association (OR 2.479, P = 0.042), whereas increased sugar consumption was inversely associated (daily: OR 0.243, P = 0.007; >daily: OR 0.222, P = 0.004). Adoption of health education interventions by health educators in Libya to promote healthy lifestyles is recommended. Future studies will be needed for further evaluation of the relationship between lifestyle factors and colorectal cancer in Libya.

Corpus Callosum Hematoma in a 4-Year-Old Child Following Road Traffic Accident. A Case Report

Hind Gazeti — 2024-12-15

A 4-year-old male child presented to the emergency department at Nawat Al Mustaqbal Hospital in Zawia City, following a head injury sustained in a road traffic accident (RTA). During the initial brain CT scan, a corpus callosum hematoma was detected in the interhemispheric fissure, initially thought to be a traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (tSAH). A follow-up brain CT conducted six hours later showed no additional abnormal findings. Subsequently, the patient was transferred to the surgical department for conservative treatment. Following a three-day improvement in his condition, he was discharged. Optimal management for corpus callosum hematoma includes good supportive care, careful clinical follow-up, and prompt recognition of delayed complications to achieve the best neurological outcome

The Critical Role of Mixed Methods Research in Public Health: Insights from Real-World Case Studies

Abdelfattah Elbarsha — 2024-12-15

Mixed methods that combine quantitative and qualitative elements of the approach afford a better capture of the intricacies of health-related issues than any single-method designs. In this review research, we explore the role and importance of mixed methods research in public health by examining how it has been applied in several real-world case studies. The review aims to demonstrate how the mixed methods approach provides an in-depth insight and understanding of public health interventions and their outcomes.

Four public health case studies were analyzed to determine the value of mixed methods. The review also goes further to compare the mixed-methods approach with one that is solely quantitative or qualitative. Mixed methods created enormous advantages by putting together statistical rigor with rich contextual insights. Mixed-methods studies can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced view of public health issues than single-method approaches. Mixed methods offered the capacity for in-depth analysis of both measurable outcomes and contextual factors due to their integrative nature with quantitative and qualitative data; hence, we found that complex studies regarding public health could not have been possible without such a method. In addition, the application of mixed methods increased the robustness of public health research by combining empirical data with the community's experiences.

Policy Brief: Better Data for Breast Cancer in Libya

Tariq Alferis — 2024-12-15

Breast cancer represents a growing health challenge in Libya, where data management gaps hinder effective diagnosis, treatment, and research efforts. This policy brief highlights the urgent need for a consolidated data framework to improve the quality and accessibility of breast cancer data across the country. Through standardized data collection protocols and a centralized database, healthcare professionals can better monitor trends, enabling early diagnosis and timely interventions. The proposed approach includes training healthcare personnel in data management best practices and establishing a multi-stakeholder steering committee to oversee data governance, privacy, and security. By addressing these issues, Libya can enhance breast cancer treatment outcomes, support evidence-based policymaking, and contribute to international research efforts. This initiative underscores the critical role of data-driven approaches in advancing public health and improving patient outcomes.