Bernadette Barbour

Knowledge and practice of university students in Lebanon regarding contraception.

We evaluated knowledge and practice of Lebanese university students regarding contraception in a cross-sectional, comparative study on students in public and private universities using an Arabic language self-administered questionnaire. We found low levels of knowledge of contraception. The majority of males (73.3%) and a few females (21.8%) declared previous sexual relations: the majority of males had used a condom (86.1%), but females had generally not used contraceptives (75.6%).

Waterpipe effects on pulmonary function and cardiovascular indices: a comparison to cigarette smoking in real life situation.

Abstract Introduction: Smoking is known to have physiological effects on biological systems. The purpose of this study is to evaluate acute and chronic effects on pulmonary functions and cardiovascular indices of waterpipe (WP) smoking in real life circumstances. Methods: Three groups were included in the study: non-smokers (N = 42), WP smokers (N = 42) and cigarette smokers (N = 48). A questionnaire was completed for each participant, in addition to pulmonary function [forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1), 6 s (FEV6), percentage of FEV1/FEV6], and cardiovascular [diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR)] measures, taken before and after smoking. Results: Mean values of FEV1, FEV6, FEV1/FEV6, DBP and SBP in WP and cigarette smokers were very close. However, WP smoking significantly increased HR compared to cigarette smokers (p = 0.007); duration of smoking, age at first WP and quantity of smoking affected pulmonary function and cardiovascular values. In the subgroup of WP smokers, DBP was acutely increased by a larger WP size (p = 0.011), while the FEV6 was acutely increased by a smaller WP size (p = 0.045). Conclusion: WP smoking affected the cardiovascular system more than cigarette smoking, while it had similar effects on pulmonary function.

Waterpipe dependence in university students and effect of normative beliefs: a cross-sectional study

Objectives The objective of this study was to measure the correlates, including normative beliefs, associated with waterpipe (WP) and cigarette smoking prevalence and dependence. Setting A cross-sectional study was carried out using a proportionate cluster sample of Lebanese students in 17 public and private universities. Participants Of the 4900 distributed questionnaires, 3384 (69.1%) were returned to the field worker. All available students during break times were approached, with no exclusion criteria. Primary and secondary outcome measures sociodemographic variables, detailed active and passive smoking, in addition to items of the tobacco dependence scales were all evaluated. Results Correlates to WP smoking were studying in a private university (adjusted OR, aOR=1.50 (1.26 to 1.79); p<0.001) and ever smoking cigarettes (aOR=1.80(1.44 to 2.26); p<0.001); friends’ and societal influence were found on smoking behaviour and dependence. Although the role of parents was not visible in decreasing the risk of smoking WP, their protective influence seemed more important on WP dependence (β=−1.09(−1.79 to −0.28); p<0.001), a behaviour that is considered more deleterious for health. Parents’ and friends’ disagreement with smoking had a protective effect on cigarette smoking and dependence (aOR<1; p<0.01), while thinking that idols and successful people smoke increased the risk of both cigarette smoking and dependence (aOR>1; p<0.01). Conclusions In conclusion, WP smoking and dependence are influenced by parents’ and friends’ opinions, and idols’ smoking status. Future research is necessary to further improve our understanding of motives for WP smoking and dependence.

Assessment of health risk behaviours among university students: a cross-sectional study in Lebanon

There are insufficient data concerning health risk behaviours of university students in the Middle East, particularly Lebanon. Our objective was to identify health risk factors among university students in Lebanon, focusing on preventable behaviours. A cross-sectional study was carried out, using a proportionate cluster sample of Lebanese students in public and private universities. A standardised questionnaire was distributed across university campuses. Data concerning socio-demographic characteristics, toxic substances consumption (including tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs), nutrition and sedentarity behaviours, in addition to sexual behaviours, were collected. Among 3384 participants, 20% were current cigarette smokers, while 23% were current waterpipe smokers and 33.5% declared consuming alcohol. Higher rates were found for smoking and alcohol consumption in private versus public universities (p < 0.001). Participants also reported a very low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, 31% of boys and 8.6% of girls declared having regular sexual activity; among them, 41% of boys and 26% of girls declared using a condom regularly. Substantial proportions of university students in Lebanon adopt risky behaviours for health, particularly in private universities. Health-promotion activities should be established to decrease the occurrence of these behaviours and prevent their future adverse health outcomes.

Psychological distress in Lebanese young adults: constructing the screening tool ‘BDS-22’

This paper aimed at developing and validating a Lebanese adapted scale for psychological distress screening, since psychological health is becoming increasingly important and culturally validated assessing tools are essential in a developing country. The study was performed on three samples. Based on 22 items, a score was established and subsequently subjected to an exploratory factor analysis, leading to the determination of six factors, its structure was confirmed in a confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability and test-retest reproducibility were then measured, added to convergent and discriminant validities. Results were clinically validated on a sample of individuals with diagnosed clinical disease. The BDS-22 included six factors, reflecting: depressive symptoms, demotivation, psychosomatic symptoms, mood deterioration, intellectual inhibition and anxiety. Adequate internal consistency and test-retest reproducibility were stated, both factors and the total scale correlated adequately with SRQ-20, SF-36 (psychological component), GHQ-12, MHI-5 and WHO-5 scales. The BDS-22 was also able to distinguish between male and female psychological distress. Results were psychologically well-founded. However, this score would need a clinical cross-validation before turning into a useful tool for psychological distress evaluation, interpreted as precocious signs and symptoms of serious physical, psychological and social dysfunctions.

Maternity leave and experience of working mothers in Lebanon.

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 802 Lebanese mothers to evaluate effect of rapid return to work on their health and that of their child. Breastfeeding practices were also assessed. The duration of maternity leave was insufficient for 72.8% of the women. Rapid return to work could cause physical and psychological problems depending on the type of work. The average length of breastfeeding was 4.7 months and while the average desired length was 10.9 months. Breastfeeding depended on the duration of the maternity leave, the possibility of breaks for breastfeeding and the presence of nurseries at work. Urgent interventions are necessary to prolong maternity leave and promote breastfeeding among working women.

Attitudes towards and practice of sexuality among university students in Lebanon

Sexuality is still a taboo in Middle Eastern countries, and Lebanon is no exception. This studys objective was to evaluate attitudes towards sexuality and its practice among university students in Lebanon and assess their respective correlates. The cross-sectional study was carried out among students selected from seventeen universities across Lebanon. The participants received a self-administered standardized questionnaire that assessed their attitudes towards sexuality. It included questions on socio-demographic factors, risk-taking, risky behaviours and sexuality-related questions. Among 3384 students, 2700 (79.8%) answered the questions on sexuality. Around 15% had engaged in sexual activity, while 20% were regularly sexually active. Among males, 34.8% had never had sexual activity, 29.9% had tried it and 35.3% were regularly sexually active. Among females the results were respectively 85.1%, 5.3% and 9.6% (p<0.001). Only 36% regularly used condoms during their relationships. A liberal attitude towards sex, male sex, motives for risky behaviours, current cigarette smoking and problematic alcohol consumption were associated with sexual activity. Realizing that risky behaviours are dangerous, health concerns related to sexual relationships and a liberal attitude towards sex were associated with regular condom use. However, being bothered by condoms and female sex were inversely associated with condom use. Finally, participants who had motives for, and those who felt excited about risky behaviours, and those reporting current cigarette and waterpipe smoking and problematic alcohol consumption (β=0.600; p=0.002) embraced a more liberal attitude towards sex. Conversely, females (β=-7.58; p<0.001) and individuals who considered risky behaviours as dangerous reported an unfavourable attitude towards sexuality. A substantial proportion of Lebanese university students have regular sexual activity, but a low percentage use condoms for protection. Interventions are required among males in particular in view of these attitude and behavioural changes towards sexuality.

Continuing Education of Nurses in Lebanon: Evaluation and Unmet Needs.

In the nursing profession it is necessary for a nurse to engage in continuing education to keep up to date. In Lebanon efforts to establish such continuing education are being made. However, a cross-sectional study conducted on a representative sample of 254 nurses found that 60 per cent attend an insufficient number of continuing education sessions per year. Attendees are mainly older, married senior nurses with long professional experience; they evaluated the aspects of these sessions positively, but denied that they made any constructive difference to the evolution of their careers. It is clear that the objectives of continuing education need to be clarified for nurses; to this end, prospects for promotion would be welcome to further motivate attendees.