الفهرس 
AcknowledgmentOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 143 |  |  |
| | | from | 143 | | |
Abstract
Surveillance programmes for preschool children are valuable in ,ornoting the optimal health and development of children. Early Creening can identify a disorder and allows early intervention thus minimizing consequent disability or handicap. Developmental screening is performed to screen for developmental ~elays, to build parental confidence and competence, and to enhance the cnild’s overall well being. Developmental screening is a continuous: rrocess that should be performed routinely on all children during each C3!e by the family physician begins before conception and, l!1rough longitudinal involvement with the family, continues through out ilie child development had made it easier for the family physician to ~etect the presence of any risk factors in the family. The family physician nas a responsibility to monitor growth and development of each child and nnprove the health of children and families A primary health care practice serves as the patient’s first point of entry into the health care system and as the continuing focal point for all needed health care services, providing patients with ready access to Iheir own personal physician who provides comprehensive care with all i~aspects which are promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative. The aim of the present study was to study the role of the family ~hysician in early detection of some handicapping conditions among children under six years in Alexandria by: 1- Assessment of available resources for early detection of visual, hearing, speech, and orthopedic problems among children under six years registered in family medicine centers in Alexandria. 2- Assessment of the role of family physicians in the early detection of the above mentioned handicapping conditions To conduct the present study the following techniques were used: 1- A checklist was designed according to basic benefit package to assess the resources available for the early detection of some handicapping conditions (visual, hearing, speech and orthopedic problems). 2. Screening sheet was designed for early detection of the above mentioned handicapping conditions by using appropriate screening test for age. 3- Records’ review of the preschool children for detection of the above mentioned handicapping conditions and comparing of the recorded data with cases detected by the researcher. 4- A KAP interview questionnaire for the physicians to investigate their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice concermng the handicapping conditions of preschool children. Tire results of the present study could be summarized as follows: 1. The whole population coverage by the family medicine facilities was not yet established; it was the lowest in EI-SeiofFMC (24.6) and the highest in Gohn FMU as (68.8 )of the total population size. While the family physician to the family files ratio ranged between 1:600 in Abou-Kir FMC to 1:854in Khorshed FMU. 2. There were deficiencies in the percentage of family physicians trained in the screening of handicapping conditions in children as well as other trained personnel. 3. The ophthalmoscope and the Snellen charts were absent in the majority of the family medicine facilities. Also specific records and reports for handicap were not present. Health education was mainly directed towards the identification of mental retardation and congenital hypothyroidism with no sessions on visual or hearing conditions.