Background & Aim: It is important to identify modifiable causes of preterm delivery and low birth weight which are strong predictors of infants&apos later health status and survival. Research findings show that there are less low birth weight and preterm labors in the communities that have high intake of sea food. Consumption of Sea foods rich in w3 fatty acid can increase birth weight by prolonging gestation and reduce the risk of occurrence of preterm delivery.

Methods & Materials: In this prospective cohort study, samples (n=1200) were selected among pregnant women with different pattern of seafood intake at 16^th week of pregnancy receiving routine antenatal care in Gilan prenatal clinics. Subjects were selected by random sampling method. Women who had risk factors for preterm delivery or fish allergy were excluded. During 2004-2005 the pregnant women were visited monthly to determine their dietary habits (seafood intake). Infants&apos weight and mothers&apos gestational age were determined at the time of delivery. Data were collected by means of a validated self-determined questionnaire and a check- list.  Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical software package.

Results: Results showed that the per cent of term delivery (more than 37 gestational weeks) in women with more than 3 times, 1-3 times, and less than once sea food intake in a day is respectively 94.5%, 91%, and 91.5%. Moreover, birth weights more than 3000 gram in the neonates of these women were respectively 75.7%, 74.7%, and 71.2%. There was significant relationship between more than 3 times consumption of sea food in a month with gestational age (P<0.001) and birth weight (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Sea food consumption is effective in decreasing preterm delivery and low birth weight. Related nutritional educational programs for pregnant women are recommended.

Background & Aim: Working conditions in some professions particularly among health care providers result in exposure to various stressors in daily work life that can affect mental health status. Regarding specific conditions that midwives encountered in their workplace, this study investigates mental health status among midwives working in Tehran&aposs public hospitals and its related factors.

Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study all midwives working in Tehran&aposs public hospitals who had inclusion criteria (n=370) were studied. Data were gathered using GHQ-12 questionnaire and then were analyzed using chi-square statistical test.

Results: The results showed that 35.1% of subjects had not good mental health. Midwives&apos mental health was significantly related to their educational level (P<0.001), economic statue (P=0.04), marriage status (P<0.001) and shift work (P=0.02).

Conclusion: Regarding high prevalence of poor mental health status among midwives, it is recommended to investigate related occupational factors in order to improve working conditions of midwives working in hospitals.

Background & Objective: According to Iranian national statistics, every year 400 to 500 thousand unwanted pregnancies occur in Iran. The emergency contraceptive methods are easily accessible and affordable for the women of this region. Regarding the important role of health care providers in representing these methods, this study is to determine the knowledge and attitudes of these staff toward required contraceptive methods.

Methods & Materials: In this semi-experimental study, 216 health personnel working in south of Tehran health centers were randomly selected. Two 30- minute educational sessions were presented to the staff. The methods of education included face to face, and group discussion. At the end of each session a pamphlet was given to the staff. Data were gathered using a questionnaire before and 2-6 weeks after the education. Statistical analysis was carried out using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).

Results: The results showed that there were significant statistical differences between the knowledge and attitudes (P<0.001) of personnel about the emergency contraceptive methods before and after education. There was no significant relationship between demographic characteristics and attitudes of personnel. There was a significant relationship between sex (P<0.001), educational level (P<0.003), educational major (P<0.001), with knowledge after intervention.

Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes toward emergency contraceptive methods increased significantly after education. This finding reveals the importance of continuous education for health care staff such as midwives and physicians to facilitate successful guidance of their patients towards effective family planning.