From the editor
When we first published the journal we were planning to have an issue every four months, in the first year. Due to the large number of papers we have received and with pressure from our colleagues we have decided to issue Volume 2, one month early. The plan for next year is to have an issue every two months. We are happy to inform you, our readers, that the reviewing process of submitted papers is now fully developed with the list of reviewers increasing daily. 

The discipline of family medicine and its leaders have served as agents of change in the past. The MEJFM wants to take the leadership position in fundamentally altering and improving health care in the Middle-East.

This issue of the journal has a number of papers on smoking cessation. AL-Doghether MH discusses in his two research papers, behavioural and pharmacological interventions in smoking cessation efforts. He stressed that tobacco dependence is a chronic condition that usually requires repeated intervention and shows that interventions involving the individual, or a group or proactive telephone counselling are more effective than no intervention. He adds that there is a strong dose response between the intensity (number and length of sessions) of tobacco cessation counselling and its effectiveness. In his second paper he shows the beneficial effects of pharmacotherapies, including nicotine replacement therapy, anti-depressants and other drugs. He concludes that more intervention research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of other cessation methods such as acupuncture and hypnotherapy 
The accompanying paper on How to provide effective smoking advice - in less than a minute without offending the patient by Litt J provides the rational for GP involvement in assisting smokers to quit. The paper discusses the main barriers and gives practical tips for stopping smoking. The WONCA Ad Hoc Task Force on Tobacco Cessation is conducting an international Benchmarking Study of Family Medicine Organizations to identify activities in addressing tobacco cessation. The survey will help to develop an overview of the level of activity globally. 
The study by Dr Faisal Alnasir where he surveyed the knowledge of 1140 school teachers from BAHRAIN, re their knowledge of asthma. The study showed that Bahraini school teachers have only average or poor knowledge of asthma presentation and management. 

This issue also has a focus on women's health. In their review on exercise and pregnancy Abdulla A, and Abdulla F discuss physiological changes in pregnancy, hormonal changes and the benefits of exercise to pregnancy and labor. They concluded by recommending an 'exercise prescription', stressing that any exercise regimen should be individually structured to the patient; her goals, physical condition and general health.

Edirne T, Ersoy F, and Yaman H discuss the general health care of mothers in Turkey. They state: 'The health status of mothers in Turkey is below the desired level, although data showed some improvement in the last years'. This paper aims to review current data about mother health and studies designed to improve mother health in Turkey. 

A practical approach to women's health problems in Pakistan is discussed by Dr Manzoor Butt from Islamabad, Pakistan who works in general practice and who has a specific interest in the health of poor and rural women. Dr Butt's research and women's health programs highlight specific needs in areas where women have poor nutrition and little social interaction, resulting in specific needs which are often unmet.

In addition this issue feature a major interactive multimedia section on the gynaecological aspects of women's health, written by best selling women's health author, and a world leader in IVF, Professor Gabor Kovacs. The section includes interactive education and video of hysteroscopy and removal of ectopic pregnancy.

The paper by Al-Zuabi H, and Al-Suwayan MH discusses the role of Family Physicians in Managing Depression. They stress the fact that depression can be easily missed if the consulted physician is not alert to the tendency of somatisation in this disorder. Since the family physician plays an important role in the management of depression the physician should be clear about the diagnostic criteria, different modalities of treatment, importance of regular follow up and referral indications. Evaluating the severity of the illness and the suicidal risk is essential and can save lives. 

Progress of family medicine in Slovenia is presented by Janko Kersnik. He reviews the health care system of Slovenia adding that family medicine was recognised as a speciality in 1960. In November 1995 after a one year trial, the Department of Family Medicine was established at Ljubljana University and in autumn 2003 a Department of Family Medicine will be established at Maribor University as an integral part of the new Medical School. The professional position of the family physician has improved with salaries rising five-fold in the 1990's. Public opinion about the quality of the health care system, especially family practice, is encouraging.


Dr Albdulrazak Abyad,
Chief Editor