https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/35558 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:54:33 GMT 2026-04-24T07:54:33Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22182 Title: The opinion of family physicians on their working conditions in the Turkish health care system Authors: Ugur, A. Abstract: In Turkey, family practice residency programs have run since 1985 and there are approximately 800 family physicians and 400 residents today. Family physicians work either in the public or private sectors, but the relative percentages are uncertain. In the public sector they are mostly detailed to the Health Centres, Centres for Mother and Child Care and Family Planning, inpatient health care centres, hospitals of the Turkish Minis- try of Health and the health care centres of the other ministries (1). There is not sufficient information about the working cGHQitions of family..physicians in Turkey (2). There is a need for qualified primary health care physicians in Turkey, but on the other hand, family physicians are seeking a more appropriate working environment. Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22182 2002-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22181 Title: Getting to grips with Urticaria Authors: Scerri, Lawrence Abstract: Urticaria is indeed a common dermatological affliction, which imparts a considerable degree of distress on the sufferer. Its clinical spectrum comprises urticarial wea ls (superficial dermal swellings), angio-oedema (deeper swellings), and the dreaded but fortunately rare anaphylaxis. Acute urticaria (lasting up to 6 weeks) is commoner in children, whereas chronic urticaria (which lasts anything from 6 weeks to several years) is commoner in adults. The underlying key patho- physiological event is the degranulation of mast cells and basophils, leading to the release of multiple mediators, the most important of which being histamine. Cellular degranulation may be triggered off either via an immunulogical process (IgE mediated) or directly (non- immunological). The released histamine binds to cutaneous histamine receptors producing the swelling, erythema, and itch. The aim of treatment is simply to suppress the symptoms until the disease process burns out. Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22181 2002-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22130 Title: An Anthrax epidemic in the Maltese Islands Authors: Savona-Ventura, Charles Abstract: Bacillus anthracis has during 2001 hit the international headlines through its use in the U.S.A. by terrorists. The bacillum, which causes the disease known as Anthrax, is an excellent weapon to the terrorist's criminal mind since the micro-organism is particularly resistant to environmental changes, withstanding dry heat, and persisting for years in dry earth. Since the infection has become a rare entity in most developed countries, an outbreak of cases particularly in low risk individuals is easily identified with terrorist action. The uncertainty arising from any terrorist action, together with the fear of being exposed to a potentially lethal infection, easily results in fear, alarm and panic in the developed world thus achieving the terrorist's primary scope. Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22130 2002-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22127 Title: Tightening Tobacco control legislation in Malta : a national health promotion initiative on smoking Authors: Sammut, Mario R. Abstract: Introduction: In Malta, individual smokers, doctors and the adult general public are recognising the ill effects of smoking, and are seeking to do stng adults and, more importantly, to trigger off a similar reduction among adolescents, with a consequent protection against disease and death. Method: Local initiatives against smoking were compared to the WHO - World Health Organisation's Ten-Point Programme for Successful To- bacco Control, to a WHO model law for comprehensive tobacco control, and to European Union directives and resolutions. Results: While procedures involving health education , smoking cessation, prof- essionals' smoke-free example, and fiscal policies are all being implemented, Maltese tobacco control laws and regulations are still deficient. Conclusion: A health prom- otion strategy of tightening tobacco control legislation needs to be introduced in Malta forthwith . This includes strict enforcement, more severe penalties, banning of sales to adolescents and in places frequented by them , the prohibition of smoking in enclosed public places, a total ban on advertising and sponsorship, and the introduction of maximum tar-yield levels and conspicuous and effective health warnings on all tobacco products. An overall priority is the setting- up of a coordinating tobacco control authority to effectively manage all efforts to stem the tobacco epidemic. Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22127 2002-06-01T00:00:00Z