Hospitalizations for communicable diseases in a developing country: prevalence and trends-Monastir, Tunisia, 2002-2013.

Background: In spite of the epidemiological transition, communicable diseases remain a public health problem and represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the crude and standardized prevalence rates of hospitalizations for communicable disease (HCD) and to assess trends in HCD by age and sex at a university hospital in Tunisia over a period of 12 years (2002-2013).

Methods: All cases of HCD from 2002 to 2013 in the university hospital departments were included.

Rheumatic heart disease in a developing country: Incidence and trend (Monastir; Tunisia: 2000-2013).

Background: The penicillin therapy of β hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis has aided in the decrease of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in developing countries. Tunisia is an endemic area, however, and incidence of RHD is weakly documented. We aimed at establishing the standardized incidence rate (SIR) of RHD in Monastir governorate and at determining RHD prevalence among hospitalized patients in two cardiology departments.

[Determinants of risky sex practices among consultants of a Voluntary HIV counseling and testing Centre].

Background: Thirty years after the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), knowledge and practices must be improved.

Aim: Contribute to reducing the risk of virus transmission.

Methods: A study about the determinants of risky practices was conducted among the consultants of the Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Centre (VCTC) in Monastir University Hospital.

Predictors of smoking relapse in a cohort of adolescents and young adults in Monastir (Tunisia).

Background: Smoking prevalence in adolescents and young adults is substantially elevated in Tunisia. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effectiveness and associated factors in smoking cessation interventions among adolescents and young adults. This study aims at identifying the major factors leading to smoking relapse among adolescents and young adults in the region of Monastir, Tunisia.

Women's knowledge, attitudes and practice about breast cancer screening in the region of Monastir (Tunisia).

Breast cancer remains a worldwide public health problem. In Tunisia, it is considered to be the primary women's cancer and causes high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate female knowledge, attitudes and practice of breast cancer screening in the region of Monastir (Tunisia).

Trends in hospital morbidity among adults in the region of Monastir (Tunisia) between 1996 and 2007.

Aim: To study trends of hospital morbidity among adults in the region of Monastir during a period of 12 years (1996 - 2007).

Methods: We analyzed data from the morbidity database of the university hospital of Monastir (Tunisia) between 01/01/1996 and 31/12/2007. Data were drawn from the register of hospital morbidity implemented in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology since 1995.

[Chronological observation of the epidemiological characteristics of perinatal indicators in the Monastir health region (Tunisia) between 1994 and 2008].

In the Tunisian healthcare system, the mother-child pair is a key target of the national perinatal program established in 1990. The purpose of this study is to define the epidemiological profile and to study the chronological tendencies of the main perinatal care indicators in the region of Monastir. The paper is based on a population study involving all parturients who gave birth in Monastir public maternities over a period of 15 years (1 January 1994 to 31 December 2008).

[Epidemiological and chronological profile of the parturientes in the extreme ages in the monastir region between 1994 and 2003].

Background: Pregnancy outside 19 - 34 years interval is risk factors of the maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Tunisia, witch known an epidemiological transition, implanted the national program of perinatality since 1990 and one of its objectives is the surveillance of the high risk pregnancies.

Aim: The aim of this study is to draw up the epidemiological profile of the parturient in extreme ages in the region of Monastir and to study the chronological tendencies of the associated factors during a decade (1994 - 2003).