The status of pediatric cardiology at a tertiary center in Lebanon.

Problem: Cardiac disease, both congenital and acquired, contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in children.

Methods: This article describes the status of pediatric cardiology at the Children's Heart Center in the American University of Beirut Medical Center. It addresses the available clinical services as well as the research and educational activities that are present at a tertiary center in Lebanon, a developing country with a population of 4 million.

Prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among Lebanese adolescents.

Objective: Studies on allergic diseases remain scarce in Lebanon. The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence and characteristics of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among Lebanese school children.

Methods: The study was cross-sectional in design performed on a convenient sample of 3,115 students (13-14 yr) selected from 13 schools in 5 Lebanese provinces.

Determinants of university students physical exercise: a study from Lebanon.

Background: Studies to assess the patterns of physical exercise among University students in Lebanon are lacking. The current study looks at the prevalence of physical exercise among university students in Beirut and predictors of performing physical exercise.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a proportionate random sample of university students selected from five major universities were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire related to physical exercise, demographic, scholastic, and health risk behavioral characteristics.