An Analytical Study of the Economic Condition of Jews in Fatimid Egypt

This study examines the economic conditions of Jews in Fatimid Egypt from the 10th to 12th centuries CE. Through an analysis of primary sources, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the economic and social factors that affected the Jewish community during this period. The study argues that while Jews in Fatimid Egypt enjoyed certain economic privileges such as their involvement in international trade networks and their exemption from some taxes, they also faced some social and political restrictions, including forced conversion and discriminatory laws in the era of some Fatimid rulers. Despite these challenges, the Jewish community in Fatimid Egypt demonstrated resilience and adaptability, developing a range of economic strategies to maintain their livelihoods and build social networks. These strategies included investment in trade and finance, engagement with the wider Muslim society, and the development of communal institutions. The study highlights the complexity of Jewish economic life in medieval Egypt, challenging simplistic assumptions about the economic conditions of minority groups in pre-modern societies.

The Influence of Depression on Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Hiv Infected Patients at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi

Aim: To determine the influence of depression on adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy among HIV-infected patients. Design: Cross-sectional survey Patients: One hundred and forty HIV-positive patients on treatment with Combination Antiretroviral Therapy selected from the out-patient department of Aga Khan University Hospital took part in the survey. Methodology: Every third patient who was eligible was assessed for adherence to antiretroviral therapy using The Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group follow up adherence questionnaire followed by screening for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Pharmacy data was then retrieved for the same patients and used to assess adherence by the medication possession ratio. The data was then analysed using SPSS and chi square was calculated for relationships between adherence and depression. Odds ratio was also calculated for the risk of depression in the non-adherent group compared to the adherent group. Results: Fifteen patients did not have any pharmacy data available. Sixty five patients had medication possession ratios of >95% indicating good adherence. Sixty patients had medication possession ratios <95% indicating sub-optimal and poor adherence.30% of non-adherent patients were found to have depressive symptoms as compared to 23% in the adherent group. Although this did not reach significant levels, patients who were non-adherent were 1.3 times more likely to be depressed. On multivariate analysis there was no significant association between depression and levels of adherence. There was however a significant association between cash payment for medication and higher viral loads (p= 0.029). Conclusion: This study did not show a significant association between depression and adherence to antiretroviral therapy.