/library/oar/handle/123456789/33785 2026-06-19T12:00:41Z 2026-06-19T12:00:41Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/43446 2020-11-12T11:37:42Z 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Vision screening in Maltese 3-year-old kindergarten children. Abstract: This study is an analysis of a pilot vision screening programme of 3 year-old children in Maltese State kindergarten centres. All children, prior to be admitted in the kindergarten of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Kalkara, Paola, Tarxien and St Lucia (N=367). accompanied by their parents were medically examined by the School Health Team. During this visit children were offered to participate in a visual acuity. picture matching test. The screener tool used is The Tokyo Metropolitan Vision Screening Test which is well tested on thousands of children in Japan. Initially. 41 % accepted to participate in this vision screening test. It was found that there was a significant direct relationship between participation and the age of the child (p= 0.00129, correlation coefficient = +0.46) with maximal co-operation occurring after the child is 3 years 1 month of age. In addition, there was a significant relationship between participation and family social class (p=0.016, O.R.=2.0. C.L=l.1 to 3.7) and a significant relationship with the level the mother's education. defined as completion or otherwise of secondary schooling (p=0.04, O.R.=2.0. C.I. 1.0 to 3.8). The acceptance rate of the screening test rose to 960/(' ~hen this was attempted in the . classroom setting with the help of individual kindergarten assistants. Combining the data of the two screening attempts and estimating the false negative cases' from a sample (n= 13) sent for a complete clinical ophthalmic examination. the following are the screener characteristics; Specificity = 96%, Sensitivity = 1000/(', Positive Predictive Value = 56%, and Negative Predictive Value = 100%. The Yield, that is the number of identified cases that benefited by treatment as a result of this screening process, amounted to 5%. Recommendations: If vision screening is to be done on 3-year-old children. 1. The screening test should be held in the classroom setting. 2. The kindergarten assistant preteaches children the matching concept 3. The child should be older than 3 years 1 month. Description: M.SC. PUBLIC HEALTH

1997-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/43382 2020-11-12T10:39:31Z 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Quality of life of survivors following treatment in the early neonatal period. Abstract: Intensive neonatal care has improved the survival rate of critically ill neonates. However there is growing concern about the long-term prospects of these survivors. The objectives of the study was to assess the quality of life of children aged 6 years, who in the early neonatal period required treatment at a special care unit. These children were compared with age matched controls who during the early neonatal period were not exposed to treatment at a special care unit. A retrospective cohort study was carried out with a study population of 413 of which 181 received treatment and 232 were not exposed. The quality of life was assessed subjectively by parents /carers of the study children using a postal questionnaire based on a multiattribute classification system. Eight domains were investigated : hearing, vision, speech, mobility, emotion, learning ability, self care, and pain. 67% of cases compared to 74% of controls had normal function in all eight domains. Chi squared analysis showed no significant difference between cases and controls on a global level of function. For individual attributes, cases had a significantly worse function in speech (P=0.034) and self care (P=0.006). When compared to female cases, males cases had a significantly worse overall function (P=0.004) and poorer function in speech and learning abilities. No significant difference was observed when outcome was assessed according to gestational age at birth and birth weight. This study was able to show that survivors of treatment in the early neonatal period have a favourable quality of life and a good functional outcome indicating an overall beneficial effect. Description: M.SC. PUBLIC HEALTH

1997-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/43117 2020-11-12T09:45:39Z 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Brucellosis in Malta : an improved strategy for control Abstract: A recent outbreak of human brucellosis stimulated considerable concern to the authorities regarding its control. The prevalence of brucellosis has generally declined. In spite of an intensive national veterinary testing and slaughtering programme the infection remains endemic in Malta. At least 232 cases of human infection and one death due to complications, were associated with the consumption. of raw fresh cheeselets The Ġbejniet are still traditionally made from unpasteurised milk. A revised course of action, which included the preparation of new legislation, was proposed and initiated by an ad hoc committee. This. paper deals with various aspects of human and animal brucellosis and approaches to its control. It includes an epidemiological study of the recent outbreak together with a review of similar experiences in other countries. Development of local strategy is outlined and discussed. Eradication of brucellosis in the Maltese Islands is an achievable goal. Although this outbreak has has been a source of socio-economic loss, it may well have been the turning point towards final disease eradication. Description: M.SC. PUBLIC HEALTH

1997-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/40601 2020-11-10T12:25:26Z 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Compliance with diptheria/tetanus/pertussis immunisation schedules Abstract: Objectives To compare the differences in compliance with the DTP/DT immunisation schedule in 1994, using the old schedule and in 1996, using the new schedule. To find out the reasons for non-adherence with the new schedule. Methodology 282 children, immunised in 1994 using the old schedule were compared with 277 children immunised in 1996 using the new schedule, in terms of compliance with the DTP I DT immunisation schedule. A standardised questionnaire was then sent to 248 mothers of the sampled children immunised in 1996, to compare them in terms of basic characteristics and to find out the possible reasons for their non-adherence with the immunisation schedule. Results Compliance was significantly higher with the new schedule than with the old one (Chi square = 9.71, P = 0.0078). Analysis of the questionnaires showed that having more children (t = 2.65, P = 0.0093) and having less access to a private car (Chi square = 6.28, P = 0.043) were significantly associated with non-adherence with the immunisation schedule. In general, the most common reason chosen for not vaccinating their child on time was because the child was unwell, mostly according to their doctor. Conclusion Lack of accessibility to immunisation services as well as fear to vaccinate their child because he I she was ill, have contributed to the nonadherence with the DTP I DT immunisation schedule in 1996. An educational campaign targeting both the parents and the medical profession and, improving access to vaccination could well improve compliance with childhood immunisation schedules. Description: M.SC. PUBLIC HEALTH

1997-01-01T00:00:00Z